COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Not so long ago, patients had very few choices in correcting their imperfect smiles. Orthodontic treatment could correct crooked teeth, but not much could be done about teeth that were chipped, oddly shaped or discolored other than covering them with crowns, a procedure that requires a significant reduction of healthy tooth structure. Today, there are several effective, fast and minimally invasive options for improving the appearance of teeth.

WHAT IS COSMETIC BONDING?

Cosmetic bonding is a procedure that uses composite resin, the same tooth-colored material used for fillings, to alter the shape or color of a tooth. It is placed on the tooth in its soft, liquid form and then hardened.

WHAT COSMETIC ISSUES CAN BONDING CORRECT?

Bonding can help close gaps between teeth, repair chipped teeth or reshape teeth that are too small or irregularly shaped. The procedure can also cover deep-set stains, cracks or pits on tooth surfaces.

HOW IS THE BONDING PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

Bonding is a simple procedure that can be performed in just one visit to your dentist. First, the composite resin material is colored to match your natural teeth. Next, your dentist will place the material, which resembles putty, onto your tooth and mold it into an aesthetically pleasing shape. After the resin is hardened under a special light, your dentist will shape and buff the hard material with a polishing tool until your repaired tooth has the same enamel-like sheen as your other teeth. This procedure can often be done although some patients have issues down the road with the filling material discoloring and staining so it may not be a long-term option for you.

WHAT ARE VENEERS?

A veneer is a thin, durable shell made of porcelain that your dentist bonds to the front of a tooth. Veneers can be used to correct the same types of issues as bonding, including broken, discolored, misshapen or widely spaced teeth. They can also be placed over slightly crooked or overlapping teeth to create the appearance of straight teeth, something that normally takes a year or more using braces. They are also meant to last a lot longer than cosmetic bonding.

HOW ARE VENEERS PLACED?

Veneer placement begins with your dentist gently buffing away a small portion of the enamel on the teeth being treated. This is done to create room for the porcelain veneers. Next, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth, which he or she will send to a dental lab so that a skilled technician can create your restorations according to the size, color and shape specifications that you have chosen. You may be given temporary veneers to wear while your permanent ones are being constructed. When the veneers have returned from the dental lab, your dentist will affix them to your teeth with a strong bonding material.

INVISALIGN

WHAT IS INVISALIGN ?

Invisalign in Edmonton AB For patients who want to enjoy the many benefits of straighter teeth without having to wear uncomfortable metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is an ideal alternative to traditional braces. The process involves the use of a series of clear trays that are worn for a few weeks at a time. Over time, these trays gently and effectively move the teeth until they are perfectly aligned.

NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW

One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is that no one even needs to know that you are wearing them. The aligners used are made out of clear plastic that visibly disappears once positioned on the teeth. Teenagers that are worried about braces distracting from their appearance can smile without fear the entire time their teeth are being pulled into alignment.

BRACES CAN LIMIT CERTAIN FOODS

Braces can also limit the types of foods that can be eaten. Things like sticky candy or popcorn are completely off limits when you are wearing braces. Invisalign allows for the freedom to eat anything you like because they are completely removable. While the aligners are off, you can also brush and floss your teeth without braces getting in the way.

INVISALIGN OFFERS FLEXIBILITY

Finally, many teenagers love the flexibility that Invisalign offers. Braces can sometimes interfere with sports or playing a musical instrument. No such worries with Invisalign! They can often be worn while participating in almost any activity or they can be quickly removed if necessary.

INVISALIGN VS. BRACES

Choosing between Invisalign treatment and braces can be a difficult and complex decision. Each treatment type has specific pro and cons. Traditional braces are most effective at treating very crooked teeth and tend to be less expensive. On the other hand, Invisalign can help to straighten teeth quickly while helping patients avoid feeling self-conscious about wearing visible metal brackets or wires. Making a decision in the debate between Invisalign vs. braces is best made in consultation with your orthodontist and by carefully evaluating your priorities and budget.

INVISALIGN COST

Enjoying the convenience and appearance of Invisalign can be surprisingly affordable. The total Invisalign cost of treatment varies widely by patient depending upon the difficulty of the case and how long the treatment will last. To increase the affordability of Invisalign treatment, many patients are able to take advantage of orthodontic coverage in dental insurance plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and convenient payment plans.

INVISALIGN BEFORE AND AFTER

The results achieved by Invisalign treatment can be dramatic. Invisalign before and after photos show a marked improvement in the appearance of crooked teeth and demonstrate the effectiveness of Invisalign in creating healthier, more beautiful smiles.

In-Office Whitening: Zoom! Teeth Whitening

Most patients wish to have a whiter, brighter smile. Many factors can affect the colour of your teeth, including what you eat and drink, and your age, and your habits. Our teeth are made up of tiny pores that allow staining agents like coffee or red wine to soak in over time, causing our smiles brightness to fade. Core Dental Group offers a variety of options for teeth whitening, to best suit your needs.

In office, whitening refers to whitening that is completed in the dental office. Core Dental Group offers Zoom! Whitening, in which an advanced LED light is used to remove even the toughest of stains. This lamp increases the effectiveness of the whitening gel, which will be applied by a professional to ensure that sensitivity is minimal and results are consistently beautiful. In approximately 2 hours, you can expect to see results 3-8 shades whiter. The process is relaxing and safe, with variable intensity settings to ensure your comfort.

It is important to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy before going forward with Zoom! Whitening. After an examination, your lips and gums will be isolated with a special material to protect those areas from being lightened and to reduce sensitivity in the mouth. The whitening gel will then be applied to the teeth in conjunction with the Zoom! Light. The light aids the gel to break down stains on your teeth. After each application, you will see the instant results, leaving the office with a whiter and brighter smile in one session!

Take Home Custom Whitening Trays:

Custom trays for at home whitening are another option to achieve beautiful whitening results. With take home trays, you will come into the office to have impressions taken of your smile, which we will use to create custom fitted trays for your upper and lower teeth. These trays are fit to your teeth to keep the powerful professional whitening gel on your teeth and to protect your gums. These whitening trays are recommended to be worn for about an hour each day, or at night while you sleep. These can be worn until the desired results are met, or as sensitivity allows. Most people see results within the first several days. Take home trays offer patients a convenient method of whitening and can be used to apply touch ups as required.

SpaDent Whitening:

Spa Dent Whitening is another option we offer for take home whitening. With this method, the tray with professional whitening and LED light are combined, allowing for quick results at home. A small amount of whitening solution is placed in the tray. This solution, in combination with the LED light, causes oxidization of the stains, resulting in brighter and whiter teeth. Spa Dent provides visible whitening in just 20 minutes! Most people see results within the first several days. Spa Dent Whitening offers patients a convenient method of whitening, and can be used to apply touch ups as required.