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General Questions

Orthodontic Treatment (Braces)

Dentures

Cosmetics

Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

General Questions

How often should I get a dental checkup? 
How can I protect my smile?
Can I improve my smile?
Do people lose their teeth as they get older?
Why are my teeth sensitive?
How can I decrease tooth sensitivity?
Do I need to floss regularly?
Are metal fillings safe?
Can I replace ugly metal fillings?
Should I get a bridge or an implant?


How often should I get a dental checkup? 
You should get regular dental checkup, at least once every 6 months. This will help you keep your teeth healthy and detect any potential problems.

How can I protect my smile? 
You can protect your smile with few healthy habits.
1- Eat well balanced meals from the five major groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy.
2- Eat sugary foods with meals, instead of between meals. Your mouth produces more saliva during meals, this helps to reduce the effects of acid and rinse food from your mouth.
3- Limit between-meals snacks and "junk foods". If you get hungry, snacks on nutritious foods. Chew sugarless gum afterwards as it increases saliva production helping reduce the effects of acids.
4- Brush and floss. Tooth and gum diseases result from the plaque buildup which can be removed by
frequent brushing and flossing in areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
5- Visit your dentist regularly. Dental checkups and regular teeth cleanings will protect your oral health and help you keep your teeth for as long as you need them.

Can I improve my smile? 
Yes! Your dentist can reshape your teeth, close gaps, restore worn or short teeth, alter the length of your teeth, and more. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, caps, crowns, veneers, braces, partials, dentures, etc.

Do people lose their teeth as they get older? 
It used to be commonly believed that as you get older you naturally lose your teeth. We now know that’s not true. By following easy steps, to maintain oral healthy and regularly visiting your dentist, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Why are my teeth sensitive? 
When the hard enamel around your teeth is worn down or your gums have receded, teeth can become sensitive, by: consuming hot or cold food or beverages, touching your teeth, or exposing them to cold air. Changes in temperature cause teeth to expand or contract- and your teeth can develop microscopic cracks allowing these sensations to reach the nerves of your teeth. This can cause pain and even affect the way your breathing, eating and drinking habits.

How can I decrease tooth sensitivity?
You can reduce sensitivity by using a desensitizing toothpaste, applying sealants and other desensitizing and filling materials including fluoride- and decreasing your intake of acid-containing foods by using a soft bristled toothbrush.

Do I need to floss regularly? 
Brushing teeth removes plaque, food particles and bacteria from all the surfaces of your teeth, except in between your teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas. Flossing will help clean these areas, preventing damage to your gums, teeth and bones. We recommend daily flossing, especially before bed.

Are metal fillings safe? 
By the standard of the American Dental Association (ADA), metal (Amalgam) fillings are safe fillings. However, there are several reasons to choose tooth-colored (composite) fillings instead, including appearance, the bonding of composite to tooth helps strengthen that tooth, and the procesess of putting composite fillings includes less preparation (tooth grinding) than it does for amalgam fillings.

Can I replace ugly metal fillings?
Absolutely! More and more people these days choose tooth-colored composite restorations. It naturally blends with the tooth making the final result very attractive.

Should I get a bridge or an implant? 
When discussing options to replace missing teeth, we will always offer multiple possible solutions.The biggest benefit of an implant is that it does not require preparation of the adjacent teeth. An implant looks and works like a natural tooth. However, implant restoration often requires 4-5 month of waiting before it can be restored. A bridge can be made much faster. Usually it takes two appointments 2 weeks apart. However, at least two adjacent teeth have to be prepared for crowns.

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Orthodontic Treatment (Braces)

Why is Orthodontics important?
My teeth are crooked. Do I need to fix them?
When should my child first visit a clinic for such treatment?
How long will treatment be? 
Am I ever too old to get braces?
How much will it cost? 

Why is Orthodontics important? 
Orthodontic treatment is about shaping beautiful smiles, improving self-image, and maintaining good dental health. Without treatment orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, speech impairments, or tooth loss.  

My teeth are crooked. Do I need to fix them?
Not only misaligned (crooked) teeth affect personal appearance, they may influence gum and bone health. If teeth in the front area of the mouth are overlapping, it will create and unfavorable condition for gums and bone. There are several methods of correcting misaligned teeth: traditional braces, clear aligners (like Invisalign, ClearCorrect, Essix etc) and removable appliances. We can discuss these methods during exam or during FREE consultation.

When should my child first visit a clinic for such treatment? 
Every child should have an evaluation by the age of 7. With early detection, any problems are easier to correct.

How long will treatment be? 
The treatment length will vary for each patient. The time depends upon the difficulty of the treatment needed, the development of the patients teeth and jaw, and the cooperation of the patient. Treatment can range from one to three years. 

Am I ever too old to get braces?
A healthy smile is a quality that is beneficial to anyone at any age.

How much will it cost? 
The cost varies upon the treatment length and severity of the problem. We offer several payment options…

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Dentures

W hat is the difference between conventional dentures and immediate dentures?
What is an over-denture?
What will dentures feel like?
Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my dentures?
Must I do anything special to care for my mouth?
Will my dentures need to be replaced?
How often should I schedule dentures check ups?
Will dentures me look different? 
Will dentures change how I speak?
Will I be able to eat with my dentures?
How long should I wear my dentures?
Should I use a denture adhesive?
How do I take care of my dentures?

What is the difference between conventional dentures and immediate dentures?
Complete dentures are called “conventional” or “immediate” according to when they are made and when they are inserted into mouth.  Conventional dentures are made and inserted after the removal of the remaining teeth and the tissues have healed. Healing may take several months. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. An advantage of mmediately dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.
However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly.

What is an over-denture?
An over-denture is one that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth that have been prepared by the dentist. The prepared teeth provide stability and support for the denture. Your dentist can determine if an over-denture would be suitable for you.

What will dentures feel like?
New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish. One or more follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.

Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my dentures?
You can seriously damage your dentures and harm your health by trying to adjust or repair your dentures. A denture that is not made to fit properly can cause irritation and sores.

Must I do anything special to care for my mouth?
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important for maintaining a healthy mouth.

Will my dentures need to be replaced?
Over time, dentures will need to be relined, remade or re-based due to normal wear. To make a re-based denture, the dentist uses the existing denture teeth and makes a new denture base. Your dentist will advise you how often to visit. Regular dental checkups are important. The dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue to fit properly. The dentist also examines your mouth for signs of oral diseases including cancer.

How often should I schedule dentures check ups?
The tissue of your mouth is constantly changing and can be affected by many variables. Your general health, weight, tension, nutrition, blood pressure, strength 
of your bite, medication you’re taking; all of these, and more, can influence the fit and the comfort of your dentures. Your mouth and dentures should be checked at least once a year in order to monitor and correct any changes which may have taken place. With proper periodic care your dentures should remain serviceable for 5 – 7 years.

Will dentures me look different?
Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile.

Will dentures change how I speak?
Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures “click” while you’re talking, speak slower. You may find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile. Re-positioning the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If a speaking problem persists, consult your dentist.

Will I be able to eat with my dentures?
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet. Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard food and sharp-edged bone or shells.

How long should I wear my dentures?
Your dentist will provide instructions about how long dentures should be kept in place. During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them the most of the time, including while you sleep. After the initial adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove the dentures before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and promotes oral health. Generally, it is not desirable that the tissues be constantly covered by denture material.

Should I use a denture adhesive?
A denture adhesive should not be used for a prolonged period. Dentures are made to fit securely. When a denture feels loose it may require relining. A poor-fitting denture may cause irritation and possible sores. Although an adhesive may be used for a short time until you are able to visit your dentist, prolonged use is not usually recommended, except for special situations.

How do I take care of my dentures?
Dentures are very delicate and may break if dropped even a few inches. Stand over a folder towel or a basin of water when handling dentures. When you are not wearing them, store your dentures away from children and pets.
Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing helps prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and helps your mouth stay healthy. It’s best to use a brush designed for cleaning dentures. A toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used. Avoid using hard – bristled brushes that can damage dentures. Your dentist can recommend a denture cleanser. Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dish-washing liquid, which are both acceptable for cleaning dentures.
Avoid using other powdered household cleansers, which may be too abrasive. The first step in cleaning dentures is to thoroughly rinse away loose food particles. Moisten the brush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage. Dentures may lose their shape if they are allowed to dry out. When they are not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. Your dentist can recommend the best method. Never place dentures in hot water, which could cause them to warp. Ultrasonic cleansers are also used to care for dentures. However, using an ultrasonic cleaner does not replace a thorough daily brushing. Dentures have been around for many years. Today, dentures are of better quality and more comfortable than ever before. Replacing missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and your appearance. A complete denture, also called a full denture, replaces all the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips.
Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person appear older. And by replacing missing teeth, dentures improve a person’s ability to speak and to eat.




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Cosmetics

What is bonding? 
What is bleaching?
What are porcelain Veneers?
What are porcelain Crowns?

What is bonding?
Bonding is a tooth colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used as a tooth colored fillings for small cavities and broken or chipped surfaces. Additionally, it can be used to close spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape.

What is bleaching?
Bleaching, one of the most common dental procedures, gives you teeth a whiter shade.It can be done two different ways: 1} The dentist provides trays and gel to apply in the comfort of one's own home for 30 minutes a day over 2-3 days until the desired shade is reached. 2) Completed in the dental chair by the dentist and takes about an hour.

What are porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of custom designed porcelain that are bonded onto your teeth to improve and enhanced your smile.

What are porcelain Crowns?
A crown is a fixed restoration. Porcelain crowns covers the whole teeth that has a extensive caries or they have to be reshape, teeth has to be prepare and shaped, impressions are then made and sent to the lab technicians who will complete the crowns, at a second appointment crowns will be cemented onto the teeth, they will replace the shade, length and shape that we need to improve your health and smile.



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Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

What is bad breath?
How do I control bad breath?
What is gum disease?
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
What is bad breath?
What are the treatments of gum disease? 

What is bad breath?
Is a bad odor, in most causes originates from the gums and tongue. Bad breath is cause by poor oral hygiene, but can also be caused by retained food particles or gum disease.
How do I control bad breath?
Proper brushing including brushing the tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth will remove bacteria and food
particles. Flossing the teeth eliminates accumulated bacteria, plaque and food that may be trapped between teeth.
What is gum disease?
Gum or periodontal disease describes bacterial growth and production of factors that gradually destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. Gum disease begins with plaque, which always forming on your teeth, when accumulates to excessive levels, it can harden into a substance called tartar or calculus, in as little as 24 hours. Tartar is so tightly bound to teeth that it can be removed only during professional cleaning.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
The gum or periodontal disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Then one day, on a visit to your dentist, you might be told that you have chronic gum disease and that you may be at risk of losing your teeth
Symptoms:
. gums that bleed during and after brushing.
. red, swollen or tender gums.
. persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
. receding gums.
. formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums.
. loose or shifting teeth.
. changes in the way teeth fit together on biting, or in the fit of partial dentures.
Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. Some people have gum disease only around certain teeth, such as those in the back of the mouth, which they can not see. Only a dentist can recognize and determine the progression of the gum.

What are the treatments of gum disease?
The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exist and to halt progression of the disease.
Treatment options involve home care that includes healthy eating and proper brushing and flossing, non-
surgical therapy that controls the growth of harmful bacteria and, in more advance cases of disease, surgery to restore supportive tissues.  When gingivitis or gum disease is left untreated, it can advance to periodontists. At this point, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth (recede) and form pockets.
These small spaces between teeth and gums may collect debris and can become infected. The body immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.
As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.  At this point, there is no longer an anchor for the teeth, they become progressively looser, and the ultimate outcome is tooth loss. See gum disease progression photo s.

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