Restorative Dentistry

Dental Crown and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are a fixed solution to missing or damaged teeth. This restorative procedure uses prosthetic devices to return your smile to its natural state. A crown is used when the tooth structure is damaged or fractured. A bridge is used when one or more teeth are missing.

What is a crown?

A crown is basically a manufactured tooth. It’s generally made of porcelain or ceramic that can be colour and texture-matched to your existing teeth. A crown can also be made of gold alloys for improved strength when replacing a back tooth. Often a metal crown will have porcelain bonded to the exterior to give it strength and a natural look.

How is a crown fitted?

Crowns are used when an existing tooth is damaged, fractured or weakened. The tooth is filed down and reshaped into a smaller size. Any decay is removed and the tooth structure is restored to support the crown. The crown fits like a cap over the newly shaped tooth and is cemented into position.

What is a bridge?

A bridge is a prosthetic appliance that replaces missing teeth. Bridges are usually made of porcelain fused to metal in order to achieve both strength and a natural look.

How is a bridge fitted?

A bridge consists of false teeth rigidly attached between two crowns. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for these crowns and the bridge is cemented into place. In some cases, it’s possible to use implants to replace the missing teeth rather than using the existing teeth. Once a bridge is cemented into position, it looks and works just like natural teeth.

When is a crown or bridge required?

Crowns and bridges are used to repair a number of different dental problems.
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A crown can be used when:

A tooth is fractured or damaged
Too much decay has weakened a tooth
A tooth is severely discoloured
A tooth is misshapen
A dental bridge needs an anchor

A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. It is also a possible solution when dentures are unstable, uncomfortable or aesthetically displeasing.To find out if you’re a suitable candidate for a crown or bridge, it’s essential that you are assessed by a dentist. Once you explain to your dentist the result you would like to achieve, they will be able to tell you exactly what is, and is not, possible in your situation.

Crown and bridge care

Once your crown or bridge is fitted, it’s important to maintain a regular and effective routine of oral hygiene. Brush and floss two to three times a day, taking extra care to floss around your crown. This will help avoid decay where the crown and the tooth join. Avoid sticky foods such as toffee and lollies, and do not use your teeth inappropriately – chewing pens, crunching ice, gnawing fingernails, etc.A dental floss threader, which looks like a small bendy brush, can be used to clean under your bridge. There are also water jets on the market that will help keep your bridge clean. Whether you have a crown or a bridge, the most important thing is to regularly visit your dentist for a checkup and clean. This way problems can be detected early, allowing them to be corrected before they become painful and expensive.

How long will a bridge or crown last?

How long your crown and bridge lasts depends on the effectiveness and regularity of your dental hygiene routine. As a general rule, they last between 7-15 years but longer periods are certainly possible with outstanding oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are restorations added to the front surface of the tooth in order to correct discolouration, minor misalignment, chips or cracks. They are also used to reduce gaps between teeth and build up worn teeth to restore a natural-looking smile.

What are veneers?

There are two types of veneers – porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers look a little like fake fingernails and are designed to be bonded to the front of the tooth. Each veneer is custom-made to a particular tooth and they look and feel very natural.

Composite resin veneers are applied one layer at a time to slowly cover the existing tooth. Each layer is shaped and cured by your dentist until the final result is achieved.

How are veneers applied?

The dentist prepares the tooth, which may require some buffing of the enamel surface, to allow for the thickness of the veneer to sit flush on the tooth’s surface. Occasionally, a local anesthetic is used during this part of the process.

Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit the tooth and these are placed in position to check shape and colour. After ensuring everything is correct, the tooth is cleaned with chemicals and the veneer is cemented into place.

Composite resin veneers are sculpted onto the tooth by your dentist and cured with light to harden each layer. When the final shape and colour is achieved, the surface is polished to give the veneer a natural look. After your veneers are applied

It can take a little time to get used to the new shape and size of your teeth. However, you will soon adjust to your new veneers and your teeth will feel completely natural. Simply brush and floss your teeth as normal. Two weeks after the veneers are fitted, another appointment with the dentist is highly recommended.

Can I get veneers?

Most people are suitable candidates for dental veneers but it must be remembered that it’s a cosmetic process, not an orthodontic solution. Veneers will not correct badly misaligned teeth, overbites or underbites.

Veneers also need healthy teeth on which to attach. Any decay or gum disease must be treated prior to the attachment of veneers.

If you suffer from teeth grinding, called bruxism, then veneers are not a suitable option. Persistent teeth grinding can cause veneers to chip, break or even detach completely from the tooth.

Veneers can be the cosmetic solution for:

Gaps between teeth
Broken, chipped or cracked teeth
Badly stained or coloured teeth
Crooked or irregularly shaped teeth
Obvious, aesthetically-displeasing fillings.

An appointment with your dentist is required to check your suitability and to discuss treatment options.

Porcelain or composite resin?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of veneers. Porcelain veneers are very durable and they look very life-like and natural and are resistant to staining. However, if they crack or chip, the whole veneer must be replaced.

Porcelain veneers also need to be manufactured off-site and can take a few weeks to complete. Composite resin veneers can be added to your existing teeth in one visit. Any chips or cracks to composite resin veneers can be repaired and are cheaper than porcelain veneers.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers will last about 10 years and possibly much longer. It’s all about maintaining consistent and effective oral hygiene. A visit to the dentist for a check-up and clean must be scheduled at least twice a year. Most importantly, only use your teeth for eating food – don’t chew pens, crunch ice, or rip open plastic bags with them!

Have a realistic expectation

While veneers are a dramatic improvement to a number of dental problems, it’s important to remember that they are not natural teeth. Small imperfections, discolorations and variations can happen to all veneers over time, but this is not something to obsess about. In fact, it’s these small faults that can make your veneers look even more natural and give you a life-like smile.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay, infection or trauma. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
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Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be extracted. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly to replace.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Reasons for root canal treatment:

Common causes for the need of root canal treatment.

Decay has reached the tooth pulp
(the living tissue inside the tooth)
Decay has reached the tooth pulp
(the living tissue inside the tooth)
Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth
or at the root tip
Injury or trauma to the tooth

An appointment with your dentist is required to check your suitability and to discuss treatment options.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

Any chips or cracks to composite resin veneers can be repaired and are cheaper than porcelain veneers.

An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Severe toothache pain
Sometimes no symptoms are present
Swelling and/or tenderness

What does root canal treatment involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, the tooth is isolated using a rubber dam. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary dressing/filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually, a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

Teeth Bleaching / Whitening

With a brighter smile from our teeth whitening treatments you’ll feel and look great and make a memorable impression every time you smile. With our advanced Zoom™ tooth whitening system you could benefit from a whiter, brighter smile in less than an hour.

Can Yellow Teeth Be Whitened?

Tooth discoloration can be treated with scaling and polishing, bleaching (whitening) products, and restorations such as porcelain veneers and dental bonding. The method of tooth whitening that will work best for your needs can be determined during your consultation appointment.

Types of Tooth Stains

There are two types of tooth stains:

Stains above the enamel (extrinsic)
Stains below the enamel (intrinsic)

Extrinsic stains are caused by habits such as tobacco use, frequent consumption of coloured food and beverages, soft drinks, sports drinks, inadequate brushing, and infrequent dental visits. Under many circumstances, surface stains can be lightened, at least to an extent, through professional cleaning.

Topical Tooth Whitening Addresses Extrinsic Staining

Intrinsic stains may be a result of the aging process. They may also be caused by external factors such as fluorosis, tetracycline and doxycycline, and mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine. They are located below the enamel of the teeth, thus these stains may not respond to topical bleaching. Deep stains – those that occur beneath the enamel of the teeth – can still be treated and may even respond well to teeth whitening treatment

We offer in-office teeth whitening:

Zoom! Laser Teeth Whitening - Zoom! is the safe and effective laser whitening treatment that our cosmetic dentists use for in-office teeth whitening. With Zoom!, we can lighten your teeth several shades over the course of just one office visit.

Is Teeth Whitening Bad for Your Teeth?

Teeth whitening is not bad for your teeth. The bleaching process can, however, cause temporary tooth sensitivity.

How Long Does it Take to Whiten Teeth?

Chairside, in-office teeth whitening takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Am I a Good Tooth Whitening Candidate?

If your teeth are stained, you may be the ideal teeth whitening candidate. However, stained or discoloured teeth alone are not the only consideration.

Good teeth whitening candidates should be:-

Free of gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth infection
Unhappy with the appearance of his or her smile
Willing to take steps to maintain results

Good candidates for teeth whitening should also have stains that can be removed with topical bleaching. Intrinsic stains, particularly those caused by fluorosis and antibiotics can be incredibly resistant to tooth whitening. In fact, topical bleaching may enhance these stains as surrounding enamel is lightened. If you have tooth staining that is unlikely to respond to a topical bleach, we will discuss additional options such as:

Porcelain Veneers:- Placed over the front of teeth veneers to restore a bright and flawless appearance to teeth that are impacted by a number of cosmetic imperfections, including deep stains.

A beautiful smile

We’re focused on providing you with massive value.

Whiter brighter teeth
Fast, easy and convenient
Long lasting
Low sensitivity
Proven to be safe and effective
Performed by a Dental Professional

Dentures & Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance, to replace missing teeth. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, but it also prevents other teeth from shifting.

A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks.

During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.