Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ Kamloops

Q. What causes tooth discoloration?

A. As we age, so does the enamel in our teeth and so it may dull, stain, or lose some of its shine. There are other contributing factors to discoloration of course. Tobacco products, dark colored beverages such as cola, coffee, tea, red wine, and even some medications can cause the teeth to dull in color. Genetics and excessive fluoride consumption may also be influential factors to tooth discoloration. Tooth whitening is a fast and easy solution to removing stains and discoloration within the teeth. Check out our tooth whitening section to learn more about what options are available to you.

Q. Does tooth whitening have any side effects?

A. During the tooth whitening process, your dentist will be sure to take the utmost care as to prevent discomfort or irritation. Your gum tissue will be guarded with a rubber shield so that the teeth remain isolated. In addition, the bleach used in tooth whitening is approved by the ADA/CDA to ensure that the products used are not only effective but safe as well. It is normal to experience some sensitivity following the procedure. Any discomfort you may feel will subside in a few days.

Q. Does tooth whitening work for everyone?

A. No. Some cases in which tooth discoloration is severe, whitening may not provide the results necessary for a radiant white smile. However, other options for these cases are available such as composite bonding or dental veneers.

Q. What advice would you give for patients considering dental veneers?

A. Well, patients thinking about getting veneers should consider first the result they expect and consult their dentist to ensure that their expectations are achievable.

Dental veneers are very thinly fabricated restorations. In addition, they are somewhat transparent in order to achieve the most natural results possible. In cases where discoloration may be an issue, your Kamloops dentist may suggest tooth whitening prior to the application of veneers to prevent discoloration from remaining visible. Also all esthetic dental restorations must match the coloration of the remaining natural teeth for a radiant looking smile. In some cases the dental veneers are texturized to blend in with the remaining natural teeth.

Q. How do I choose the right cosmetic dentist?

A. Most dental offices will be able to provide you with before and after photos of patients who have already undergone the procedure you are just now looking into. You can also ask questions as to how the procedure is performed and the particular strategies of the dentist to achieve the best results.

Q. What cosmetic dentistry procedures are available to restore missing teeth?

A. Ultimately, dentures are not considered to be cosmetic dentistry, as teeth are necessary for functional and health purposes as well as esthetics. Patients with missing teeth, or even no teeth, may benefit from one of the following several options. Consult your Kamloopsdentist to find out which procedure is best suited for you.

• Dental bridge
• Dental implant
• Dental crown
• All-on-4
• Full/Partial dentures
• Full mouth reconstruction

Q. What about sedation dentistry?

A. Patients who experience anxiety or fear of dental procedures are often great candidates for sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to maintain your oral health without the unwanted stress. Sedation dentistry is also a great option for patients undergoing extensive procedures as they do not feel the chair time. For example, a patient may only remember the entire appointment being a few minutes when in fact, it may have taken hours. Some qualifying factors for patients opting for sedation are current state of health and medical history, the type of procedure, and whether sedation is indeed an available option at your Kamloops dental office. To learn more about sedation dentistry, check out our sedation dentistry section to learn more.

Q. Why are smokers sometimes refused for cosmetic procedures?

A. Patients who smoke are at high risk for periodontal disease, loss of bone structure, leukoplakia, salivary gland inflammation, as well as lung, throat and oral cancer. Smoking is a dominant cause of tooth loss and so patients who smoke require an additional set of considerations while undergoing any procedure whether cosmetic or not. For example, the success of dental implants resides in the ability of the implant to become fused with the bone. The effects of smoking will significantly decrease the chances of success in such a procedure. The health of gum tissue is also at risk and may prevent the success of other dental procedures. Tooth whitening is not advised for smoking patients are whitening simply removes existing stains and will not prevent the re-formation. Patients who smoke will not experience long lasting results from tooth whitening as the teeth will continue to be stained by their consumption of tobacco.

Q. Can children get dental implants?

A. Dental implants are only successful when fused to the bone structure. The jaw bone growth is not complete in children and usually is not fully developed until adolescence. If the implant is placed and the bone growth has not been completed, the implant may shift or cause more severe problems. A ‘space maintainer’ may be used for children who have lost teeth before the bone growth completion to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting. The space maintainer will be removed once, the bone growth has completed and properly restored with an implant or bridge.

Q. What options are available for smile makeover?

A. During your consultation, your cosmetic dentist will determine will procedures are best suited for your needs to achieve the results you desire. You dentist must first examine the state of your dental health to ensure that any potential problems are addressed and taken care of. Your smile makeover may consist of a combination of tooth whitening, crowns, gingival sculpting, composite bonding, inlays/onlays etc. depending on the case requirements advised by your Kamloops dentist.

Q. I’m not happy with the size and shape of my teeth, but I’m not interested in dental veneers is there any other option available?

A. Yes. Patients who don’t like the size, shape, contours of their teeth and don’t want veneers can opt for composite bonding. Unlike veneers, composite bonding does not involve the possibility of sacrificing tooth structure. Composite bonding is a more conservative approach which uses a tooth colored resin to improve the overall esthetic appearance of teeth and because the procedure is less extensive, it is also considerably less costly. Consult your Kamloops dentist to see if composite bonding is right for you.

Q. What cosmetic dentistry procedures are available to children and adolescents?

A. Depending on your child’s particular case, there are a number of cosmetic procedures available to improve self-esteem and boost confidence. Some adolescents may have severely discolored teeth resulting from certain medications which can be corrected with tooth whitening. Teeth that have been fractured, cracked or chipped as a result from sports or injury can be restored with composite bonding or veneers depending on the child’s age. Composite bonding may also be used to correct gaps and spaces between teeth even after braces. If you notice your child is self-conscious about his/her smile, schedule a consultation with your Kamloops dentist to find out what options are available to give your child the beautiful smile they’ve always wanted.