VENEERS

Teeth that are chipped, cracked, worn, spaced unevenly, crowded, or severely stained can be transformed with porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front surface of your anterior (front) teeth. Placing custom veneers requires a high degree of technical skill and attention to cosmetic detail. The result is a natural, scintillating smile.

Will they look like normal teeth?

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

How durable are porcelain veneers?

With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade. Refraining from using your veneers as tools to open and cut things will prolong their life, and if accidental breakage or damage occurs, it is usually possible to replace only the veneer involved.
 

BONDING

Bonding is used to restore teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or misarranged. In some cases, it's used as an alternative to veneers.

How does it work?

The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed, and polished to a natural appearance. The procedure can usually be done in just one visit.

Considerations

The bonding procedure can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth and often can be completed in a single office visit. However, the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, and is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth.
 

WHITENING

Achieving the beautiful, brilliant smile you want may be as simple as whitening. It's safe, effective, and the results can be dazzling.

Whitening removes stains caused by smoking; drinking cola, coffee, tea, red wine; aging, or chemical damage to teeth.


'Chair-side' bleaching is a procedure whereby the dentist applies a hydrogen peroxide solution to the targeted teeth and will then apply a Intense Blue light to accelerate the process. Special care is taken to protect the gums and surrounding tissues while the procedure is in progress. This procedure may be repeated until the desired shade is achieved.

A home whitening system may be prescribed. An impression is taken of your mouth for a mouthguard. You will be supplied with a gel that is placed in the mouthguard to hold the bleaching agent against your teeth. It is very important to follow home care instructions carefully and not exceed the time when leaving the bleach on the teeth. It is equally important to see your dentist regularly so he or she may track your progress and assess your treatment.

Considerations

The results of tooth whitening can be quite spectacular; however, if you have an anterior white filling or a crown, the bleaching process will affect the colour of the natural tooth but not the restorations. If your teeth are severely stained then veneers may be more appropriate. That is why if you are considering whitening your teeth, you should discuss this with your dentist to determine which method will suit your needs.

Is this harmful to my teeth in any way?

No. We understand your dental needs and protect your oral health. Over the counter bleaching agents can cause harm to the gums and teeth, if not used properly. Tooth whitening should always be prescribed and supervised by your dentist. Whitening will not compromise the existing structure of your tooth enamel. Prescribed products have been subject to a multitude of studies for more than a decade and are proven very safe.

What is Zoom! tooth whitening?
Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.

What causes tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective or some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment.

Do many people whiten their teeth?
More people than you might imagine. A bright, sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Is whitening safe?
Yes, extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

How long do the results last?
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily with Zoom! Whitening Toothpaste, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! take-home gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.

Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Zoom!
Yes! Consulting your dental professional is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Plus, over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. Zoom! is clinically proven to whiten your teeth an average of six shades in one hour or six shades in just one weekend.* Only a dentist can get your teeth this white, this fast.

How does the Zoom! In-Office System work?
The Zoom! light-activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the Hydrogen Peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 33% or more, giving an average improvement of six shades*.

What does a patient experience during the Zoom! In-Office procedure?
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Many actually fall asleep. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.

Are there any side effects?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.

How is exposure to the Zoom! light controlled?
The Zoom! procedure requires that all soft tissue in and around the mouth be protected. The clinician is required to monitor the procedure to insure any exposed skin or tissue is isolated and protected. Protective eyewear is required during the procedure. Light sensitive individuals including those undergoing PUVA (Psoralen+UV Radiation) therapy or other photo-chemotherapy, as well as patients with melanoma, should not undergo the Zoom! In-Office procedure. Also patients taking any light sensitive drugs or substances, whether over-the-counter, prescription or homeopathic, should consult their primary physician prior to procedure. Anyone who is not eligible for Zoom! In-Office for these reasons may be an excellent candidate for Zoom! Take-Home.

How long does Zoom! In-Office Whitening take?
The complete procedure takes just over two hours. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching. A five minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure (a cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! Whitening session).

How does the Zoom! Take-Home System work?
Zoom! utilizes a breakthrough dual barrel chemistry that is engineered to accelerate whitening efficacy in two unique ways. First, it utilizes a breakthrough surfactant technology for improved gel penetration. Second, it helps to control the activation of Hydrogen Peroxide. This innovative formula creates an activation matrix that helps regulate the release of oxygen for optimal results. A recent study showed that the Zoom! Take-Home System delivers an average of four shades* after three applications.

How long does Zoom! Take-Home Whitening take?
The Zoom! take-home gel is designed to be worn between four and eight hours per application. Your dental professional will advise you on how long you should wear each application. A recent study showed that you can achieve an average improvement of four shades* after just three nights of use. However, individual results may vary. Your dental professional will help you determine how many applications are right for you.

How is the Zoom! Take-Home System different from the Zoom! In-Office System?
The main difference between the two systems is that you use the Zoom! Take-Home System in the convenience of your own home over a few nights. The Zoom! In-Office System is performed entirely in the office.

* Individual results may vary.

INLAY / ONLAY

When more than half of the tooth's biting surface is damaged, we may use an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin.

The inlay or onlay pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Porcelain is the material of choice due to its color and strength, which matches the natural color of your teeth.

How are they applied?

Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist, and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.

At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. The inlay or onlay is then bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.

Considerations

Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. Inlays and onlays are bonded directly to the tooth using special high-strength resins can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can potentially last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.

PORCELAIN FILLINGS

Old unsightly silver fillings can now be replaced with esthetic filling materials such as resins and porcelain. This type of restoration matches your natural tooth colour and is aesthetically pleasing.

IMPLANTS

What are Implants?

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are tiny titanium posts, which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration, which occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are changing the way people live allowing them to rediscover comfort and confidence while eating, speaking, and laughing.

Procedure

Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures or temporary crowns and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. The dentist can then begin making your new teeth. First, an impression is taken. Then, posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are placed over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life. Contact us for your complimentary consultation

Endodontic Therapy

Endodontic Therapy - Natural teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Even if one of your teeth becomes injured or diseased, it can often be saved through a dental procedure known as endodontic therapy.
Years ago, when the interior pulp of a tooth became damaged or diseased, the only solution was to extract the tooth. Now, it is often possible to save such teeth through endodontic treatment, more commonly known as root canal therapy. With proper care, teeth that have been saved through root canal therapy can last as long as your remaining natural teeth, as long as the tooth is properly restored afterwards by your dentist.
 

Invisible Braces

Invisalign™

Invisalign can give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted and no one can tell you're wearing them. They are removable and virtually invisible. The Invisalign ™ System is a series of clear orthodontic appliances, called aligners that allow you to straighten your teeth without having to wear traditional braces. Each pair of aligners in the series is worn in two-week increments. This moves the teeth in small steps to the desired final position.
 

The Invisalign System is an alternative to braces for patients who have full adult dentition and complete jaw growth, and it is effective on a broad range of cases. Our doctors can determine if you are a good candidate during an initial exam.
 

Crown Restorations
 

Crown Restorations - a restoration that covers or caps a tooth to improve its appearance and restore its function.

LUMINEERS

LUMINEERS® Porcelain Veneers Makes Painful Veneers Unnecessary

LUMINEERS® BY CERINATE® are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. We can apply these contact lens-thin “smile shapers” to teeth without any grinding or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.

LUMINEERS are contact lens-thin and are placed over existing teeth without having to remove painful tooth structure (unlike traditional veneers.) LUMINEERS is the painless, permanent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth.

In just 2-3 visits, you can have a custom-made smile that is clinically proven to last over 20 years - and it is completely reversible since your natural tooth structure is still intact! Get your perfect smile today!