Six Simple Ways to Heal Tooth Decay and Reverse Cavities

Like most people, when you discover you have a cavity or pain in your teeth, the first thing you do is make an appointment with your dentist as you think that fillings are the only way to fix cavities. However, what most people fail to realize is that tooth decay and cavities can be reversed and fillings aren’t the only option available.

This article will explain the basic principles behind how you can heal cavities naturally and prevent tooth decay.

  1. Change your diet and reduce your sugar intake. Studies in the British Medical Journal suggest that a change in diet can actually reverse tooth decay. Easy adjustments can be made to your diet immediately like:
    • Consuming more calcium rich foods (i.e. kale, collards, broccoli rabe and dairy) which can help strengthen your bones and teeth.
    • Avoid drinking pop, juice and drinks with high carbonation as the sugars cause excessive plaque and tartar build up which may result in cavities.
  2. If you want to protect your teeth from early decay or heal existing tooth decay, include the following steps in your oral care routine.
    • Brush your teeth at least twice a day ensuring you reach all the surfaces, crevices, pockets and corners.
    • Floss at least once daily. This helps remove any remaining food from underneath your gums and prevents bacteria from forming.
    • Use mouthwash; it has antibacterial properties and helps you get rid of any remaining bacteria in your mouth.
  3. Add vitamins and supplements to your diet. Micro nutrients are essential to bone health and keep inflammation under control to prevent or reverse cavities. Certain vitamins help produce saliva which helps to prevent bacteria from staying on your teeth and certain vitamins make your teeth a lot stronger. Foods that help promote salivation include bananas, Brussels sprouts, and peas. Vitamins you should consume include Vitamin B, D, magnesium and iron. If you’re not interested in taking supplements, eat whole grain foods and seafood (i.e. salmon, canned tuna and sardines are all great sources of vitamin D).
  4. Eat foods with natural probiotics. Because bad bacteria associated with infection look for places to hide in the small areas between the teeth, consuming probiotics helps to offset the acidic pH. Foods rich in probiotics include kombucha, kefir and fermented foods like kimchee and sauerkraut. These foods stimulate the production of healthy bacteria in the mouth needed to prevent plaque buildup and dental decay.
  5. Be aware of the pH values in the foods/drink you consume. Imbalanced pH levels can create an environment for bacteria to thrive. Drinks such as coffee create pH imbalances (like some citrus fruits and sugars), and act as the perfect environment for harbouring infectious oral bacteria. If you’re a daily coffee drinker and suffering from tooth decay, a great alternative to coffee is green tea as it contains a polyphenol (known as catechins) which acts as a powerful antioxidant and has several anti-inflammatory properties which hinder the growth of harmful bacteria and improves oral health.
  6. Develop a new oral care regime. Have you heard of a technique called oil pulling? Oil pulling is believed to create a soap like cleansing on teeth with moisturizing and antiseptic capabilities. It consists of swishing an oil (i.e. sesame, sunflower or coconut oil) for about 10-20 minutes in the mouth to reduce plaque buildup. It’s important that you don’t swallow the oil and to brush your teeth afterwards. Oil pulling has been shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis in one month’s time.

Remember, if a cavity has already struck, a trip to the dentist may not be avoidable. However, you can limit the damage by following these simple steps and paying a little extra attention to your pearly whites.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Dentist or Oral Surgeon? What Specialist is Best for You?

When you visit the dentist, you often meet many staff members, each of whom is responsible for one or more aspects of your oral health care. When choosing a dental professional to provide a specific service, however, many patients may not understand the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon. It is an important distinction that could affect the outcome of your dental procedure.

Role of a dentist:

Dentists are responsible for maintaining good oral health and are aware of your entire oral health history. What you can expect when visiting the dentist is a thorough cleaning with a dental hygienist, a full dental exam (where they will inspect your teeth, gums and probe between the gum lines looking for decay or deep pockets), scaling (a procedure used to remove extremely stubborn build up), oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, x-rays to look for any problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye and sealants (if applicable to your child). If your dentist notices any abnormalities (i.e. gum disease or extremely deep pockets between your teeth and gums) they will refer you to an oral/maxillofacial surgeon who will examine these issues further.

Role of an oral surgeon:

If your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon, it does not necessarily mean you have a challenging case to treat…it simply means there is a specialized surgeon who can adequately treat your case better than a general practitioner.  Oral and maxillofacial surgeons focus on treating problems related to the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws. You might need oral surgery for something as common as dental implants or for the treatment of a tumours or cysts in your jaw.

Here are some reasons why you may need to visit an oral surgeon:

  1. Dental Implants: As an alternative to dentures, you would see an oral surgeon if you wanted implants to replace any broken or missing teeth.
  2. Impacted teeth: If your teeth are impacted or fully below the gum line, you would need to see an oral surgeon who will administer a general anesthetic who will cut into the jaw line to remove the teeth.
  3. Cracked or fractured teeth: If you have teeth that are already cracked or fractured and are likely to break more during the extraction, you would see an oral surgeon who is trained in the delicate procedure of removing cracked or fractured teeth.
  4. Complications during extractions:  If your tooth has complex roots or develops cracks, an oral surgeon may be called in to minimize discomfort and the risk for further complications.
  5. Sufferers from dental anxiety: Regardless of the physical situation with your tooth, some patients prefer to be asleep for an extraction if they suffer from dental anxiety or a fear of going to the dentist. In this case, an oral surgeon is needed to administer general anesthesia.

Getting teeth removed and deciding whether to get a dental implant procedure is a big step. We recommend talking with your dentist first. Your dentist can assess your situation and recommend the oral surgeon or dental specialist that is most suited for you.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Pediatric Dentist Recommendations for Children’s Oral Health

Good oral health is important for everyone, even for babies and young children. However, good oral health is not only about caring for your child’s teeth, it is also about  educating them and yourself about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene starting at a very young age. Also, because a lot of people are afraid of the dentist, it is best to see a pediatric dentist who specializes in working with young children so that your child’s first dental experience is a positive one.

Here are some recommendations from pediatric dentists on how to keep your child’s mouth as healthy as possible:

Start an oral regime early

Despite great advancements in decay prevention, one in four children still develop signs of tooth decay before they start school. In fact, did you know even babies can develop tooth decay if good feeding habits aren’t practiced? From an early age, if proper dental regimes aren’t implemented, your child could develop something called bottle mouth. This is when the sugars from the milk and juices stay on the teeth and gums. In severe cases of this, once the permanent teeth have actually grown in, they may have to be removed if bottle mouth isn’t treated or addressed. In older children, reports show that at least half of all kids have cavities. This is why dental care and education should start as soon as your child is born. Even before their teeth start to develop, pediatric dentists say to run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria. After your child develops their first tooth (within the first six months to a year), using an infant toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a rice grain). The Canadian Dental Association recommends that kids have their first dental exam between the ages of 1 and 2. These visits can help find problems early and help kids get used to visiting the dentist so they’ll have less fear about going as they get older. These appointments are important for parents as well. Your child’s pediatric dentist will provide information about proper brushing and flossing techniques for your child.

Use sealants to protect teeth

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S., using thin protective coatings on teeth in children may help prevent tooth decay  in the molars which start sprouting at about the age of six. According to the Canadian Dental Association about 23 percent of children do suffer from tooth decay; however, only one in three children receive sealants on their teeth. By using sealants you’re drastically reducing the risk of tooth decay…so it’s best to consult your pediatric dentist to find out more.

Instill habits of brushing and flossing daily

Good dental hygiene and practices are not something that’s innate; it has to be taught in order for your children to have an effective oral regime. Colgate recommends that once your child’s teeth begin to touch you should introduce them to flossing. And always remember to brush your child’s teeth a minimum of twice daily and change the toothbrush quarterly (about four times a year) to ensure their best dental health.

Maintain proper eating habits and avoid sugars

At every age, a healthy diet is essential to healthy teeth and gums. A well-balanced diet of whole foods (including grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products) will provide all the nutrients you need. Avoid giving your children sugary drinks, including soft drinks and fruit drinks. These pose a special threat to teeth as they raise acid levels and can erode enamel.

It’s never too early to teach your kids proper oral hygiene techniques or check cavities and other dental problems.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Does Red Wine Really Improve Your Oral Health?

If you’re a red wine drinker, you may already know about the health benefits of having a glass of wine daily. However, new research has found yet another piece of evidence why you should keep on enjoying wine! These recent studies now reveal that red wine may be just as important to your dental health and wellness as flossing, brushing and regular teeth cleaning.

Summary of the research:

Researchers from seven different universities and public health departments in Spain found that red wine (as well as coffee, tea, cider, raspberries, blueberries and cranberries) can be good for your oral health and wellness. The antioxidants in these foods (i.e. grape seeds, stems) contain micro nutrient compounds called polyphenols that can fend off harmful bacteria in your teeth and gums, mitigating the risk of tooth decay and gum disease as well as prevent and/or reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, certain neurological diseases and cardiovascular degeneration.

What did the research reveal?

The study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, looked to see if there were any effects on bacteria that stick to teeth and gums when consuming red wine polyphenols, grape seeds and red wine extracts. Working with cells that replicated gum tissue, the scientists were able to identify that two wine polyphenols (caffeic and p-coumaric acids), acted as key cells in reducing the chances of bacteria sticking to the teeth.

How do polyphenols reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease?

Every day, millions of bacteria (that lead to plaque and tarter build up as well as cavities) grow on the surface of your teeth and gums. The studies found that the compounds in red wines, coffee and berries are able to prevent bacteria from sticking to gums (and are even more effective when coupled with an oral probiotic) as these compounds are like shields, and block the molecules formed by the bacteria.  As the research is still in its stages of infancy, it is best to not over indulge in drinking wine quite yet as the research that was conducted was only done on simulated gums (not real teeth) and the authors acknowledge that further research needs to be conducted on what actually prevents the bacteria from sticking (as opposed to just blocking the bacteria).

Caveat: While red wine and these foods are proven to help prevent bacteria, it’s best to consume these foods and beverages in moderation as they heavily stain your teeth and in some cases can increase your chances of oral cancer and gum disease. It is important to keep up with your oral regimen of brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

 

Dental Implant Options

One of the major concerns around dental implants is the cost associated with them. To help you make an informed decision that is best for your oral health, it is important you understand that you many have other options in situations where a dental implant might be used…options that might be less expensive and more appropriate to your specific situation.

Gum Disease Treatment:

If your gums are receding and there has been bone loss around the tooth, that doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll lose your tooth and require a tooth replacement. With gum disease treatment, there are three cheaper procedures that your dentists/periodontist may be able to do to reduce your chances of needing implants.

  • Gum Grafts: In this procedure, gum tissue is taken from your palate or from another source and used to cover the exposed roots of one or more teeth. Covering exposed roots helps reduce sensitivity and protects your roots from decay, while stopping gums from further recession and bone loss.
  • Pocket Reduction: This includes folding back the gum tissue around the infected tooth so your dentist or periodontist can remove infectious bacteria and smooth areas of damaged bone, allowing the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone.
  • Regenerative Procedures: During this type of treatment, your dentist or periodontist will eliminate bacteria and then place either natural or synthetic bone in the area along with tissue-stimulating proteins to help your body effectively regrow bone and tissue.

If after consulting your dentist, you find that these treatment alternatives work, ensure to book more checkups and cleaning appointments to keep on top of your periodontal health and drastically reduce your need for implants.

Root Canal Therapy:

While dental implants are used to replace teeth if your teeth have little to no remaining structure to them, root canals are designed to save your existing teeth. Like gum disease, it really depends on how severe your infection is (as there are instances when the infection has damaged the tooth to the point where it cannot be saved). Your natural teeth are your best option for having optimal oral health. If you are using root canal therapy as an alternative to dental implants, your dentist will remove the infected or inflamed pulp inside your tooth and then restore the tooth with a dental crown. Your natural smile is maintained. With proper care, a tooth that undergoes a root canal can last a lifetime.

Dental Bridges:

If you can’t save the tooth either with gum disease treatment or root canal therapy, you can often get a dental bridge that will perform the same function. With a dental bridge, the replacement tooth is supported by dental crowns on teeth next to the missing tooth. Dental bridges are fixed, meaning they are not loose and won’t slip out. You can maintain your existing diet and they can look as good as dental implants. There are three options for bridges as an alternative to dental implants:

  • Tooth-supported fixed bridges: uses healthy adjacent teeth to attach and support the bridge.
  • Removable partial/complete dentures: this denture sits on top of the gums where the missing teeth were and need to be taken out for cleaning your teeth.
  • Resin bonded bridges: also known as a Maryland bridge, this is used for replacing your front teeth and is affixed to your healthy adjacent teeth with wings on each side.

If the damage to your tooth is extensive and one of these three alternatives is not a long-lasting solution, then your dental professional may recommend extraction and implant dentistry. When you visit one of our dentists, they will provide you with all available options. At Altima, several of our clinics offer a range of implant dentistry options and have a team of dental professionals.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

Are you tired of your teeth looking dull and discoloured? Perhaps you have an event coming up and you need your teeth to be pearly white. Many people have asked whether there are differences between take-home teeth whitening kits and in-chair laser treatment. At all of our clinics, we offer a variety of whitening options as well as information about take home and professional teeth whitening. However, understanding your options prior to treatment will help you make a better informed decision.

Professional teeth whitening: 

Having your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist produces faster and more reliable results compared to doing it yourself. This is because  in-chair treatments use a higher concentration of peroxide in the whitening gel and should be applied by a dental professional.

At the procedure, before applying the whitening gel, your dentist will clean and scale your teeth to remove excess plaque and other food particles. A rubber dam will be placed in your mouth to protect your gums and other soft tissues against irritation, and to make sure you don’t swallow the gel. Your dentist will then carefully apply the bleaching gel to the surfaces of your teeth, which is activated by an LED light. The treatment takes about an hour and is carried out in stages, giving your dentist the chance to check its progress and to decide when your teeth have reached the desired shade.

At-home teeth whitening: 

You’ll still need to see your dentist for an oral examination and teeth cleaning before using a take-home whitening kit, as the presence of plaque or underlying oral health conditions will affect the results. In some cases tooth sensitivity may be so high that you may not be a candidate for whitening… so it’s always best to do ask your dentist prior to booking an appointment. In some cases your dentist will also take impressions of your teeth, which are used to make custom-fit trays, or they may provide you with more generic kits that do not contain custom fit trays. (i.e. Opalescence).  These trays should be filled with the whitening gel provided and placed over your teeth for one hour per day or for as long as your dentist recommends. Your teeth will usually reach their desired level of whiteness in around two weeks.

What options are best for you?

This really depends on your needs, schedule, and budget. Both options provide great results, but if you experience high levels of tooth sensitivity, take-home kits might be a better option as the levels of peroxide and other bleaching agents are lower, you manage how much gel you use and how often you apply the gel. However, if you’re interested in quick results, our in-office whitening is a perfect option because the appointment is relatively quick and with our flexible financing options we make sure obtaining a beautiful smile is affordable.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Three Key Questions to Ask About Invisalign Treatments

Since the inception of clear aligners, Invisalign® has quickly revolutionized the world of orthodontics. Now, there are other options available to straighten your teeth besides metal brackets. Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist to investigate your options between braces or aligners or have general questions, this is an important decision that will affect your quality of life and finances. This is why choosing a (or being referred to a reliable) dentist you trust with excellent reviews specific to Invisalign experience is important in your decision. Other questions to ask are:  What’s involved in that first visit? How long is the treatment period? What will day and night be like throughout the treatment? Will you need to visit the dentist regularly throughout treatment and how often?

We’ve answered all your questions below.

What Happens on my Consultation?

Before you go on your first visit, take the free smile assessment before your consultation on Invisalign’s site to determine if you’re even a candidate. While Invisalign can be useful in treating gaps, under and over bites, crowding and other issues, it is not ideal for every case. More severe cases of malocclusion would still require traditional braces or alternative treatments. However, by visiting your dentist, your official consultation will really help determine if Invisalign is right for you. On your visit, ask all the questions you need (i.e. cost, is this the best option for me, etc).

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign aligners are almost invisible; they include no metal, are made from BPA-free clear plastic, and are custom made for your teeth. Your specialist will use x-rays, pictures, and impressions to create a precise 3-D image of your teeth and to configure your aligner trays accordingly. This process will gradually shift your teeth into place. Every two weeks, you will receive a new set of aligners, slowly moving your teeth towards their ideal positions. As opposed to metal brackets that are affixed to your teeth, the Invisalign process produces the best results when it’s worn for 20-22 hours every day, meaning that the aligners should be worn all day and night with the exception of meals and brushing your teeth. As it is a new piece of hardware in your mouth, you may need to spend a few days adjusting to speaking.

What is the cost of Invisalign?

Both braces and invisalign are expensive procedures, but invisalign is slightly more expensive, with the average cost ranging between $3,500 and $8,000. The large variance in price is determined by how complex your bite is, the duration of your treatment, and your coverage options from your benefits/insurance provider (if applicable). Your orthodontist will be able to give you a more accurate cost.

Are you interested in Invisalign and a consultation? It is an expensive procedure. This is why we offer financing options for all of our patients, if you are under-insured or have no insurance at all. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

What are the Different Types of Dentists?

There are many types of dentists and deciding what type of dentist you need may be confusing. From fixing misaligned teeth to performing complicated oral surgery, there are many types of dentists who will help you achieve the best oral health.

Curious about what other types of dentists there are? We’ve compiled a list of the types of dentists and dental specialists.

General Dentists

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider and has one primary goal: to help you maintain a healthy smile. Dentists diagnose and treat minor to moderate dental conditions and perform extractions, gum care, bridges, crowns, and fillings to help you improve your overall health.

Endodontists

Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy (procedures, involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth). Patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth. This type of specialist performs root canal procedures on patients which involve removing unhealthy pulp at the bottom of the tooth, filling the space and then sealing it. This procedure can save teeth that would otherwise have to be removed.

Orthodontists

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who works to prevent, diagnose and treat facial and dental irregularities in the jaw and its structures such as malocclusions (bad bites). You would visit the orthodontist to identify if/when braces (or other options like Invisalign®) are needed. This dentist specializes in corrective retainers and appliances to improve your bite and smile.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

This type of dentist is responsible for any type of surgeries that involve the mouth, jaw, or face  such as removal of wisdom teeth and placement of dental implants. Typically, you will see an oral/maxillofacial surgeon if you have suffered trauma to your face, jaw, or mouth, if you suffer from cysts or tumours, or if If you wish to receive dental implants.

Oral Pathologist

An oral pathologist is a specialist who studies the different causes of diseases that occur in the mouth and the diseases that change the jaw, lip, teeth, and cheek structures. You would visit an oral pathologist if you have abnormal colouration in your gums (they should be pink), and growths on an x-ray. These specialists will often biopsy areas of concern and have them tested to determine the underlying disease or condition.

Paediatric Dentist or Pedodontists

A paediatric dentist (or pedodontist) specializes in dental care for infants and children. Paediatric dentists perform dental procedures that are similar to general dentists. However, because of their specialized training, they are equipped to handle many difficult behavioural situations and treat many types of patients, including infants, young children, and adolescents.

Periodontist

A periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the soft tissues within the mouth, including the bones and gums and are experts in the area of oral inflammation. You would visit a periodontist whenever you feel like your gums are sensitive or you notice bleeding. This dentist would diagnose and treat both gingivitis and periodontitis.

Prosthodontist

A prosthodontist specializes in the replacement of missing teeth or the repair of your natural teeth. This specialist will make use of caps and crowns to correct any areas of concern within the patient’s mouth. A prosthodontist is also involved in the dental implant process and can work with patients who experience any type of head and neck issues.

At Altima Dental, we provide a range of services, from general to cosmetic dentistry. Several of our clinics offer general dentistry and more specialized services all under one roof saving you from having to make an extra trip elsewhere.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Five Reasons to Brush Your Tongue

Your mouth is one of the places most prone to bacteria because it’s dark, warm and wet, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to live and feed off of leftover food particles. In fact, there are billions of bacteria living in your mouth right now on your teeth and tongue. This is why we provide the main reasons to brush your tongue and its importance, because reducing the amount of bacteria that lives in your mouth will help you to achieve oral health.

Why should you brush your tongue?

Reasons to brush your tongue:

  • The majority of the bacteria in your mouth lives and breeds on your tongue’s rough surface. Although brushing your teeth eliminates bacteria sticking to your teeth, the bacteria on your brush is transferred to your teeth with your saliva in just a few hours.
  • It prevents bad breath.

How to brush your tongue?

Colgate recommends starting at the back of your tongue working your way towards the opening of your mouth, gently brushing the entire top surface with a complete rinse of water. As an alternative/or for a more thorough cleaning, use a tongue scraper. Sold at most drugstores, this is usually made of soft, flexible plastic and gently peels the thin mucus-based layer of debris from the tongue. Don’t scrape too hard as this may break your tongue’s surface and will cause it to bleed.

Here are five reasons why brushing your tongue is important for your overall oral health:

  1. It removes harmful odour-causing build-up. The human tongue is a large organ that acts as a hosts most for most of the bacteria. Brushing your tongue on a regular basis means you can effectively eliminate odour-causing germs that accumulate on the tongue and cause halitosis.
  2. It reduces the risk of periodontal disease. Bacteria buildup on your tongue can lead to gum disease and other illnesses that spread throughout the body. If it’s not treated, the inflammation can advance to periodontal disease (when your gums become infected due to deep pockets between your teeth and gums).
  3. It enhances taste. By brushing your tongue and removing the build-up of plaque will remove dull taste buds and you’ll be able really taste and enjoy your food.
  4. It reduces your risk of oral thrush. Oral thrush is an infection caused most commonly by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. When the bacteria levels in your mouth build up in excessive amounts, white patches will appear on your tongue. An antifungal medication can cure it, and regular tongue brushing should keep it from returning.
  5. It boosts your immunity levels and digestive health. The tongue is part of the first line of defence in your immune system. Scraping or brushing your tongue prevents toxins from being absorbed into your body which in turn will boost your overall immune function.

If you’re not brushing your tongue on a regular basis, remember, this is a very important part of your oral regime and a very easy addition. If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Five New Technologies in Dentistry

Gone are the days when dental offices were just boring, drab spaces with over sized machines. With new innovations and technology within the field, dentistry is constantly evolving and changing to best suit patient needs.

If you’re wondering what dental technologies you’ll find in dentist offices in the coming year, check out these five innovations.

Cavity detection through lasers

Normally, your hygienist pokes around your mouth with an exploration tool to search for cavities. While this has been a regular element of checkups for a century or more, lasers can now do the job. A diode laser improve efficiency and eliminate discomfort in a number dental procedures, including filling cavities, reducing tooth sensitivity, getting rid of tumors, and whitening. Each time you visit, they can check for further decay, recommend fillings without having to do so much “exploring” and can effectively eliminate any form of bacteria during the procedure to avoid any further complications or problems.

High-tech x-rays

While digital x-rays are not too new to the dental industry (it’s been around in the 80s) they’ve become the preferred choice from  radiography based x-rays. The benefits to clinicians is that the radiation levels are 90 percent lower with the new technology and x-rays can arrive on screens in a second making the whole review process more efficient. The information is stored on computers and you can access it within a few clicks. It’s also and it’s a much cheaper than radiography; x-rays can be taken quickly and reviewed quickly, expediting your time in the office.

Shorter visits with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technology

Older technology meant that if you needed a crown, your dentist would take a mould and build a temporary replacement. In the meantime, the lab would create a new and permanent crown to fit over your prepared tooth. Using CAD technology, your tooth will be photographed and then prepared for a crown. The machine can create the crown in the office without all of the complicated work of hand molding and sculpting.

Thinner Veneers

Veneers are moldings that cover the front part of a crooked or unattractive tooth. Before this technology advanced, they were very thick to be able to withstand wear and tear. However, advancements in technology allows for the creation of thinner veneers. Teeth will remain just as well protected while keeping the original tooth intact.

Fillings and Bond Material

Bonding and filling materials are to be made of high-quality, medical-grade, industrial-strength adhesives and fillers. With technological improvements,  your tooth colour can be easily matched, making the repaired tooth fit with the rest of your teeth as well as the plastic resin used today lasts longer than previously used materials and comes in a wide range of shades.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.