Invisalign teeth aligners do a similar job to braces, without the metal brackets and food restrictions. The clear plastic trays fit tightly over your teeth, adjusting the jaw or teeth as needed over time. The trays can be taken out before you eat, allowing you to eat whatever foods you desire. Invisalign tends to be more comfortable than traditional braces and are an excellent alternative to braces for teens and adults who want to avoid unsightly metal in their mouth.

When an overbite is caused by a misalignment of the lower teeth or crowding of the lower teeth, a dentist can use Invisalign to slowly move the teeth into the correct position. This will correct both the cosmetic issues of overcrowding and the overbite itself. The time it takes to correct an overbite with Invisalign may vary for each patient.

An overbite or overjet can also be caused by flaring of the upper teeth. Flaring occurs when the upper teeth protrude out toward the lips, instead of pointing down toward the lower teeth. This can cause the upper teeth to cover the lower teeth. A dentist can use Invisalign to return the upper teeth to a straight up-down position, significantly reducing the overbite.

Along with improving the cosmetic and aesthetic issues associated with an overbite, Invisalign can also lead to improved oral health. Crowded, crooked, flared or otherwise badly aligned teeth can make it difficult to brush or floss properly. Once the issues are corrected with Invisalign, the patient can floss and brush with ease around each tooth, improving health and preventing future issues.

For more information on how Invisalign can benefit your smile, call our team at Georgian Dental, serving Orillia Ontario, at 1-888-739-2975 to schedule a consultation.

What To Do When You Break a Tooth

If you fall, are struck in the mouth, or experience a mouth injury due to a car accident or other situation, assessing the state of your teeth is important. Check to see if any teeth are loose or appear to be broken. If a tooth is loose or has been completely knocked out, it’s very important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Preserve the tooth by placing it in a cup of warm water or milk and take it with you. In some cases, the dentist can successfully restore the tooth to the socket.

If a tooth is just chipped or cracked, there is no need to save the broken pieces. The tooth will have to be reconstructed with dental bonding, veneers, or a dental crown.

Options for Repairing Chipped or Broken Teeth

When your tooth is chipped or broken, there are several options for restoration. These include:

• Veneers
• Crowns
• Dental bonding

Each of these options uses a different approach to restore your tooth to its original appearance. Some are more suitable to minor damage, while others are successful in restoring severely damaged teeth.

Dental bonding uses a composite resin to reshape chipped teeth to their original outlines. With veneers, a porcelain shell is placed over the front of the tooth to cover pitting, chipping, or cracks. Both these procedures are relatively noninvasive. Crowns are used for more severe damage, and cover the entire tooth. More invasive than either bonding or veneers, a crown requires extensive reshaping of the tooth. Our dentist will assess the damage and determine the best type of reconstruction for your individual needs.

To find out which treatment option is best for your chipped or broken tooth, call Georgian Dental in Barrie ON today for a consultation.

How Sedation Dentistry Works

Unlike general anesthesia, sedation dentistry places you into an extremely relaxed state. You are completely aware during your dental visit, and there is no loss of memory afterward. Time seems to go more quickly than normal, and even complex and involved procedures can be performed with ease.

In general, there are two main types of sedation dentistry. One type consists of your dentist using a sedative pill. The alternative is your sedation dentist using nitrous oxide. Both methods produce a calm, relaxed experience for the patient. With nitrous oxide, however, there is no need to wait for the sedative to take effect. It also wears off quickly after the work is complete, so in most cases you can drive yourself home after nitrous oxide treatment. A sedative pill takes longer to clear your system, so if you receive this treatment, you should arrange for someone to pick you up from the office.

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?

There are many reasons to choose sedation dentistry. It is particularly helpful for people who experience higher than usual anxiety when visiting the dentist. If you have had bad experiences with the dentist in the past, you might be anxious even when you go for a cleaning or check up. You might also have avoided the dentist for a long time and need to have more than one procedure done, such as a few fillings, deep cleanings, or crowns. Sedation dentistry makes it much easier for your dentist to perform multiple procedures in one visit, since you are very relaxed during the work.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, or require complex or multiple procedures, consider sedation dentistry. It can change your dental visit from an ordeal to a relaxing few hours in the dental chair. Call the Barrie ON office of Drs. Crosby and Tan at 1.888.739.2975 for questions regarding sedation dentistry.

When a small portion of the tooth is affected, a simple filling may be the solution. When a larger portion of the tooth is involved, a dental crown is recommended.

Your dentist may suggest dental crowns to restore the teeth after root canal treatments, large fillings, or extensive fractures. Dental crowns may also be recommended to improve the appearance of the natural teeth.

A dental crown completely caps or covers the tooth, enabling your dentist to restore both the function and the appearance of the tooth. Most often, your dentist will select a high grade of porcelain or ceramic for your new crown. These materials are incredibly strong, able to tolerate changes in moisture and temperature. They can also withstand the significant forces associated with biting.

Esthetically, dental crowns are an ideal solution because they can be customized to reflect the beauty of a natural tooth. With a texture similar to natural enamel, crowns are smooth and comfortable in the mouth. The exact shade and shape of the crown can be selected according to your dentist’s specifications.

Virtually any cosmetic flaw can be concealed with a dental crown. Teeth that are discolored, have unsightly fillings, or are broken down can be completely reconstructed with a dental crown. The plan for your treatment can also be customized. A single crown can be used as needed, or multiple crowns can be used to achieve a comprehensive result.

When designed by an experienced dentist, your crown will blend seamlessly with the neighboring teeth and last for many years. You’ll learn to smile brightly and chew with confidence.

Improve the appearance of your natural teeth and strengthen your smile. Schedule a professional consultation with our experienced Barrie dental team to explore the benefits of dental crowns today.

A natural tooth is designed to stand independently of the other teeth. Supported only by the relationship between the tooth root and the jaw bone, a natural tooth must be extremely strong. As a result, the teeth are able to generate a substantial amount of force for chewing and biting. In terms of appearance, a natural tooth is composed of a tooth root and a crown. The root portion is firmly seated in the jaw bone, and the crown is the portion that is visible above the gumline. 

Dental implants share many of these same characteristics, allowing them to look and feel very similar to natural teeth.

Dental implants are fused to the jaw bone with the help of an artificial tooth root. This root, made from a specially prepared metal called titanium, is extremely compatible with the human body. When the bone becomes integrated with the titanium tooth root, the bond is permanent and durable.

The crown or biting surface of the tooth can be customized to resemble the neighboring teeth. Typically, a porcelain tooth-colored crown is recommended. The size, shape, and shade of the crown can be selected on an individual basis for each patient.

Ultimately, a dental implant is an artificial tooth that can stand independently, just like a natural tooth. Your implant can withstand the forces of chewing and biting. Compared to other tooth replacement choices, dental implants require the least amount of maintenance and can be brushed and flossed normally. There will never be a need for adhesives, special brushes, or floss threaders.

Your implant dentist can determine if dental implants are the best choice for you. Call Georgian Dental, serving Barrie ON, at 1-888-739-2975 for an appointment today to discuss the possibilities of your future with dental implants.

If your anxiety is so severe that it keeps you out of the dentist’s office, though, you may be jeopardizing your health. Fortunately, there are choices for everyone from a slightly skittish patient to a totally terrified one. Sedation treatments can make your visit to the dentist a comfortable one.

A sedation dentist specializes in treating such anxious patients, using medication to put those patients at ease during the visit.

With this technique, a sedation dentist uses anti-anxiety medications to help patients achieve a state of deep relaxation. Although sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” that’s a misnomer. Patients actually remain awake and able to cooperate with the dentist even while under sedation.

In this way, sedation is safer than the primary alternative of general anesthesia, which renders patients unconscious.

The sedative medications can be delivered using a variety of methods. Intravenous sedation takes effect practically instantaneously, and patients are monitored throughout the process

Nitrous oxide, a gas that is inhaled, is another alternative. Patients relax quickly using this method, too.

Sedatives are now available in pill form, as well, which appeals to patients who prefer to take their medications in a more conventional manner.

Patients may have more of a delay in experiencing the benefits of orally administered sedatives, though. If you choose this option, it’s important to plan accordingly to ensure that the sedative takes effect before your treatment begins.

In addition to preparing for the sedation method that will be used, it’s important to plan for the after effects, too. Patients recover from sedation more quickly than from general anesthesia, but they should still arrange to have a responsible adult escort them home after the appointment.

Don’t let your fear prevent you from getting dental care any longer. Oral health is essential to overall health, so contact our Barrie office and explore sedation dentistry as a vehicle for keeping your mouth in good shape.

Patients who choose dental implants for tooth replacement typically will not need to make many adjustments to their daily oral hygiene routines. Little special care is necessary for dental implants.

In planning the implant placement procedure, patients should work with the implant dentist to prepare to care for their dental implants after they are in place. The foundation of this plan should be twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. 

The mechanics of brushing and flossing implants are identical to those of biological teeth. Dental implants preserve the patient’s access to the gumline, so it’s possible to floss around them. Other tooth replacement alternatives, like bridges, require the patient to use a floss threader to get underneath the appliance.

Some patients may also choose to add an antibacterial mouthwash to the mix. When uncontrolled, oral bacteria present an even greater concern for dental implant patients, as those bacteria can attack the gums and the underlying jawbone, potentially compromising the implants.

In addition to sticking to a home oral hygiene routine, patients should also continue to visit their general dentists for routine cleanings and check-ups. This step also helps to keep bacteria in check and gives the dentist an opportunity to identify any problems in an early stage.

Some implant patients choose to see the dentist more often than the recommended six-month interval to make sure that their mouths remain clean and free of bacteria buildup.

When having their teeth cleaned, patients should notify the hygienist of the locations of the dental implants, in case the hygienist wants to use special instruments in the vicinity of the implants.

In choosing dental implants, patients make an investment in both dollars and time. To achieve the best long-term outcomes, patients should dedicate themselves to adequate home oral hygiene routines and make regular appointments with their dentist.

Contact our office serving Orillia Ontario at 888-739-2975 to schedule your consultation.

Though you may have realized the importance of tooth replacement, it is also important to make a wise choice in restoring your smile. Few treatment options can boast a proven track record of more benefits than risks. There are drawbacks and shortcomings associated with traditional solutions such as dentures, partials, and bridges which require that patients “settle” for a less than ideal result.

Today, you have more options. It is possible to achieve the smile that you desire without having to make unnecessary and inconvenient changes to your lifestyle. Take a moment to consider the option of dental implants in Barrie, and learn why they have quickly become the natural option for tooth replacement.

Although it may seem that dental implants are the hot, new “thing” in dentistry, your implant dentist can assure you that this trend has been quietly gaining momentum for more than 50 years. Unprecedented research, clinical trials, and patient testimonies have proven that dental implants are the very best tooth replacement solution for almost all patients.

Implants are designed to mimic the appearance and function of your natural teeth. The implant post, made from a surgical grade of titanium, becomes permanently integrated with your jaw bone and is as strong as your natural tooth root. Supported only by the underlying bone, this artificial root can endure daily biting and chewing forces.

For many patients, the most exciting part of the implant process is the appearance of the finished result. A dental crown can be affixed to the implant post to restore the space left by the missing tooth. Other, custom restorations such as dentures, partials, and bridges can also be connected to the implant when there are multiple missing teeth.

No matter the number of missing teeth, the final result is a complete and natural-looking smile that feels strong and comfortable. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that implants are the “natural” choice. Contact Georgian Dental at 1-888-739-2975 to reserve your appointment today.

Invisalign, as an alternative to metal braces, brackets, and wires, has enabled many patients to realize the benefits of orthodontics. By utilizing a series of clear, removable aligners, your dentist can gently move the teeth towards their proper position. This treatment is much more discreet that the traditional method, since the aligners are barely noticeable to those around you. 

To determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign in Barrie, a complete dental examination is best. It is helpful, however, to be familiar with the wide range of conditions that can be successfully treated with the use of Invisalign technology.

Crowded and crooked teeth can be effectively repositioned using Invisalign aligners. Your dentist will need to obtain dental impressions of your teeth to be submitted to the Invisalign headquarters as the first phase of your treatment. The impressions will be used to create 3D models of your teeth and to develop customized aligners. These models are critical to the planning of your treatment and will help your dentist to estimate your approximate treatment time.

This same technology can be used to close undesirable spaces between the teeth. A series of aligners will be created to carefully and gently guide your teeth into place. Each set of aligners will be worn for approximately two weeks before moving to the next set.

Other, more technical dental conditions can also be corrected with the use of Invisalign technology. Patients who have been diagnosed with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or overjet can typically be considered as candidates for the Invisalign procedure. Patients who are interested in limited or minor corrections in their bite are also great Invisalign candidates.

Contact our experienced dental team today to schedule your consultation and discover the new smile that awaits you with Invisalign.

By heeding your dentist’s instructions and reinforcing these instructions at home, you can help to eliminate future discomfort and improve your child’s health.

Establishing a regular pattern of brushing and flossing is an important part of your child’s oral hygiene routine. Teaching your child the importance of removing plaque bacteria and food particles can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. Brushing with a soft toothbrush and an age-appropriate toothpaste should be encouraged upon rising in the morning, between meals, and before bed each evening.

Offering a healthy diet can also prevent or reduce the risk of tooth decay. Carbohydrates from both natural and artificial sugars can contribute to tooth decay. It is important to understand that even natural sugars, such as those found in unsweetened fruit juices and milk, can cause cavities. Other carbohydrates, such as breads, pastas, and crackers, can also break down into fuel for acid-causing bacteria.

In the dental office, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments to prevent cavities. Fluoride is available in most municipal water sources, most toothpaste brands, and in the form of mouthrinses and supplements. This form of low-concentrated fluoride is appropriate for daily use, but a stronger, more concentrated fluoride treatment is recommended periodically in the dental office. Fluoride helps to strengthen and remineralize weakened enamel as well as reverse some of the earliest signs of tooth decay.

Dental sealants are a preventative coating placed on the biting surfaces of the molar teeth to reduce the risk of decay. The biting surface of the back molars is a common location for cavities, and the grooves and pits on the top of the teeth can make cleaning difficult. Sealing these surfaces with a safe, clear material is a conservative and frequently recommended method of prevention.

Although cavities are a common dental disease, they can be prevented with proper care at home and in the dental office. To schedule your child’s dental visit, call our Barrie ON office at 1.888.739.2975 for your appointment.