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Dentist on Ridgeway in Coquitlam BC>straight teeth
porcelain veneers burnaby
FAQ
September 21, 20170

Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers

What happens to my teeth after veneers, and will I ever get cavities? The integrity of veneered teeth is only marginally compromised, and the veneer is bonded to the existing teeth. There is no higher incidence of decay provided the veneers are properly cared for as previously mentioned with regular flossing and brushing with toothpaste. In general, it is good dental advice to keep your sugar consumption low and confined to meal times to prevent decay.

How long will porcelain veneers last? They can last from seven to twenty years. While the veneer itself is inert and non-living, the tooth or teeth to which they are attached and the surrounding gum tissues are living and may change. For example, gum line shrinkage may expose or reveal root surfaces. If a veneer comes off it can generally be rebonded. If it chips it can sometimes be rebonded or otherwise replaced.

How Do I Choose a Dentist for Porcelain Veneers? As with any elective procedure, the most important factor in choosing a doctor is experience. While any dentist can offer porcelain veneers, not all have additional training in cosmetics. This is where things can get tricky and research (before and after pictures) becomes even more important.

Do Porcelain Veneers Look Fake? Individual results vary, but the goal is for the porcelain veneers to look and feel like a person’s own teeth, only better. To avoid the too-straight, too-white appearance that many associate with obvious veneers, intentional imperfections like slight rotation, subtle discoloration, and grooves can be made to imitate natural flaws.

A successful case is the result of great teamwork between a dentist and lab technician. The dentist must design the case for long-term success and the ceramist must create custom works of art to give a beautiful and natural look. Cosmetics is not taught in dental school, so it’s important to find a dentist that has extra training and certification showing this education. Experience counts.”

Can Veneers Be Removed? Because some tooth structure and enamel are removed prior to placing veneers, this is considered an irreversible treatment. Veneers may be replaced, but removing them for good will leave your teeth permanently scarred, at high risk for damage, and unhealthy looking.

What are the advantages of porcelain veneers over other types of cosmetic dental bonding procedures? Porcelain veneers are superior to other types of cosmetic dental bonding procedures in several ways:

  • Veneers look very life-like
  • Veneers are highly stained resistant
  • Since porcelain is a ceramic, stain-producing products such as coffee, tea, and red wine will roll right off the surface of your teeth. This means after your porcelain veneers are placed, you don’t have to worry about making changes to your lifestyle to accommodate your beautiful teeth.

If my teeth are reshaped for veneers or crowns, what will they look like? Will they be sensitive? Generally, cemented restorations, such as crowns or veneers (see the procedure section), will require two visits: one to shape the teeth and one to cement the restorations to the teeth. Between visits, your dentist can place attractive provisional restorations to help prevent sensitivity, allow limited function, and provide a nice smile. These temporaries are designed to be in your mouth for a limited time, but should be comfortable and natural looking until your new smile is completed.

Do porcelain veneers stain with normal things like tea, coffee and wine? Porcelain veneers should never stain; however; if your teeth have a propensity to stain you should try to avoid or minimize the behaviours that lead to staining and look after them as recommended above with normal hygiene and maintenance procedures.

How do I get veneers to match my other teeth? This concern will be addressed by your dental professional. Most people get their veneers in a whiter shade than their natural teeth and then under tooth whitening to create a matching esthetic.

How do I take care of my veneers? Once applied to your teeth, porcelain veneers should be treated just like your natural teeth. Don’t miss your twice-annual visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning and dental exam. And be sure to brush and floss daily to clean your teeth properly. There is no special treatment needed to care for your veneers.

invisalign dentist
FAQ
September 19, 20170

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

What are aligners made of, and what do they look like? The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.

How do the aligners straighten teeth? Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force but also the timing of the force application. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.

Is Invisalign really effective? More than 3 million patients have been treated with Invisalign worldwide with great success. The aligners move teeth just as effectively as traditional metal and wire braces.

What are the other primary benefits of Invisalign comparing to Traditional Braces? Invisalign aligners are removable and you can eat whatever you want. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.

Avoid Pain and Irritation. The metal wires in traditional braces are notorious for causing pain, discomfort, and mouth sores. And since the treatment is long-term, patients are forced to live in discomfort for months. Invisalign straighteners are made of smooth plastic that is carefully molded to your teeth for a comfortable, pain-free fit. Some people might experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.

Visit the Dentist Less Often. Traditional braces require frequent visits to the dentist for tightening and correction. And since they compromise your oral health, you might also need more cleanings and intensive treatments. Patients who choose Invisalign straighteners instead typically only need to see a dentist every four to six weeks. That is an easy commitment to fit into a busy schedule.

How much does Invisalign cost? We know cost is a big question for anyone considering orthodontic work. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. However, as with other medical treatments, only your Invisalign-trained doctor can determine the cost, based on your specific needs. Other factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you are in treatment, where you live, and additional factors determined by your dentist or orthodontist. Also, check your dental insurance plan—Invisalign treatment is covered by many dental insurance policies. And many doctors can offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans as well.

Can I go to any dental for treatment with Invisalign? While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training to become qualified and proficient in the various requirements for treating patients before treatments will be accepted from their office. More than 82,000 dentists and orthodontists worldwide are already trained to treat patients using Invisalign.

Will Invisalign still work if I am an adult/older? Many adults are choosing to get their smiles into alignment – in fact, nearly one-quarter of our orthodontic patients are adults! While traditional braces are becoming more accepted for both adults and kids, Invisalign is a great option for adults who may not want the full “braces” experience and would prefer a lower-profile, nearly invisible option.

What if I’ve had braces, veneers, bridgework or have other special dental conditions will Invisalign aligners work with them? Please consult with your dentist about any special orthodontic cases, such as veneers, braces.

Can I just wear the aligners while I sleep? No. The aligners must be in place a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective.

Can I smoke while wearing the aligners? Smoking is discouraged while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become stained or discoloured.

What is the best way to clean my aligners? The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

What happens after the Invisalign treatment is completed? Is there a retainer necessary? Wearing a retainer after any orthodontic treatment is an important step because it keeps teeth stable in their new positions. If you want your teeth to remain in their ideal position, it is best to wear a retainer as directed by an Invisalign Provider. In many cases, your last aligner will be your temporary retainer, until your retention option is determined. Your Invisalign Provider can advise you on long-term retention options.

Will Invisalign really work for Me? To find out if you’re an Invisalign candidate, first make an appointment with your dentist on the website. In addition to determining if your particular dental problem can be fixed with Invisalign, you need to assess your lifestyle to determine if Invisalign will work for you. When you select traditional braces, they remain in your mouth 24 hours a day, but Invisalign is removable for eating, brushing and flossing. You still need to wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them when absolutely necessary. Wearing them only while you sleep is not enough. If you tend to lose things or are forgetful, Invisalign might not be as effective for you.

dentist invisalign burnaby
Cosmetic Dentistry
August 31, 20170

Invisalign

invisalign by burnaby dentist

Invisalign is one of the most popular dental solutions of the past two decades; it is basically braces without the hassle of metal wires. Composed of removable aligners made of durable, crafted acrylic, Invisalign provides a comfortable and invisible alternative to traditional braces. In addition, the duration of an Invisalign treatment is, on average, around 12 months. This is a huge step above metal braces, which sometimes take years to properly readjust a patient’s teeth.

When wearing Invisalign for the first time, you’ll notice it doesn’t fit perfectly. This is because it has yet to conform to the shape of your teeth. Each arrangement for an aligner is a two-week process. Each aligner you put into your mouth will not fit right at first because it has been shaped to fit your teeth at the end of the two-week adjustment period. In this way, you can see the progress of each arrangement as you are then given the next aligner that is shaped to fit your mouth two weeks later. This process can continue 10, 20, or possibly 30 times, but the total amount of tooth movement that can be accomplished is substantial.

Reasons for Invisalign

  1. Not having metal braces is preferable
  2. Teeth are twisted or crooked
  3. Little or no confidence in smile
  4. Crowding, Overbite, Underbite, etc
  5. Spacing or gaps in between teeth

Thinking about changing your smile and appearance? Book an Invisalign consultation with one of our highly trained cosmetic dentist professionals. We will be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you have.

Dentist on Ridgeway: Everything About Invisalign

Remember, when considering Invisalign or any other clear aligners, it is important to understand that the aligners alone will not fix your teeth. Invisalign is just a tool in the hands of an experienced dentist. Only experienced dentist can successfully treat cases with Invisalign. Your dentist, and not Invisalign, is responsible for any good or bad outcomes and your satisfaction. That applies only to those cases where the patient complies with the dentist’s instructions. The treatment success depends not just on a dentist but on the patient’s compliance as well. Without due diligence, Invisalign is not a good choice for you.

At Dentist on Ridgeway in Coquitlam, BC, we’ve placed over hundreds of Invisalign aligners. Call our dental office to schedule a time that’s most convenient for you. All our consultations are free of charge and we will only recommend Invisalign if we think it will benefit you.

We will always discuss the retention protocol after the treatment. Remember, it is not about making your teeth straight, it is about keeping them straight for a long time. You do not want to waste your hard earned money and have crowded and misaligned teeth only a few months after treatment is completed.

Permanent retainers, in most cases, are better than removable retainers. We will make sure retainer prices are included in the total to avoid any surprises.

We will also make sure refinement prices are included in the total. If you do need some braces during the treatment, which sometimes are necessary with Invisalign for the best results, we make sure you do not have to pay extra.

If you need a second opinion, please come and bring any records you have to discuss your concerns and questions. Or you can use online services to obtain a second opinion without leaving your home. If you were ever told by your general dentist that you are not a good candidate for treatment with clear aligners, visit our Dentist on Ridgeway in Coquitlam, BC to gain more knowledge and peace of mind. Remember, there is nothing to lose, just gain.

Most of our patients’ questions are answered in the comprehensive FAQ section found below. You can also read about testimonials from our current and past patients about their feelings on the treatment. Have a question that has not been answered? Give us a call or take a look at our forums. The forums are a great place to communicate with patients or ask questions. To begin your Invisalign journey, give Dentist on Ridgeway a call at our Coquitlam, BC location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

1. What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?

The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.

2. How do the aligners straighten teeth?

Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, a process that is mapped out in advance by your dentist, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the force application. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.

3. Is Invisalign really effective?

More than 3 million patients have been treated with Invisalign worldwide with great success. The aligners move teeth just as effectively as traditional metal and wire braces. We have never had a patient who wasn’t satisfied with our Invisalign treatment!

4. What are the other primary benefits of Invisalign comparing to Traditional Braces?

Invisalign aligners are removable and you can eat whatever you want. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.

Avoid Pain and Irritation: The metal wires in traditional braces are notorious for causing pain, discomfort, and mouth sores. And since the treatment is long-term, patients are forced to live in discomfort for months. Invisalign straighteners are made of smooth plastic that is carefully molded to your teeth for a comfortable, pain-free fit. Some people might experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.

Visit the Dentist Less Often: Traditional braces requires frequent visits to the dentist for tightening and correction. And since they compromise your oral health, you might also need more cleanings and intensive treatments. Patients who choose Invisalign straighteners instead typically only need to see a dentist every four to six weeks. That is an easy commitment to fit into a busy schedule.

5. How much does Invisalign cost?

We know cost is a big question for anyone considering Invisalign work. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. However, as with other medical treatments, only your Invisalign-trained dentist can determine the cost, based on your specific needs. Other factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you are in treatment, if you live in Vancouver or Coquitlam, and additional factors determined by your dentist. Also, check your dental insurance plan—Invisalign treatment is covered by many dental insurance policies. And our dentists can offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans as well.

6. Can I go to any dental for treatment with invisalign?

While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training to become qualified and proficient in the various requirements for treating patients before treatments will be accepted from their office.

Our Coquitlam Dental Office has 3 dentist with special training in the Invisalign procedure.

7. Will Invisalign still work if I am an adult/older?

Many adults are choosing to get their smiles into alignment – in fact, nearly one-quarter of our orthodontic patients are adults! While traditional braces are becoming more accepted for both adults and kids, Invisalign is a great option for adults who may not want the full “braces” experience and would prefer a lower-profile, nearly invisible option.

8. What if I’ve had braces, veneers, bridgework or have other special dental conditions will Invisalign aligners work with them?

It’s possible. Please consult with one of our dentists about any special orthodontic cases, such as veneers, braces.

9. Can I just wear the aligners while I sleep?

No. The aligners must be in place a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective.

10. Can I smoke while wearing the aligners?

Smoking is discouraged while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become stained or discoloured, which will increase the changes of your teeth staining.

11. What is the best way to clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

12. What happen after the invisalign treatment is completed? Is there a retainer necessary?

Wearing a retainer after any orthodontic treatment is an important step, because it keeps teeth stable in their new positions. If you want your teeth to remain in their ideal position, it is best to wear a retainer as directed by an Invisalign Provider. In many cases your last aligner will be your temporary retainer, until your retention option is determined. Your Invisalign Provider can advise you on longer term retention options.

13. Will invisalign really work for Me?

To find out if you’re an Invisalign candidate, first make an appointment with one of our highly trained dentists at Dentist on Ridgeway in Coquitlam, BC. In addition to determining if your particular dental problem can be fixed with Invisalign, our dentists need to assess your lifestyle to determine if Invisalign will work for you. When you select traditional braces, they remain in your mouth 24 hours a day, but Invisalign is removable for eating, brushing and flossing. You still need to wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them when absolutely necessary. Wearing them only while you sleep is not enough. If you tend to lose things or are forgetful, Invisalign might not be as effective for you.