Dr. Steven Cload's Calgary Dentistry Blog
Dentistry Blog
Archive for November, 2011
Advantages and disadvantages of veneers.
Friday, November 18th, 2011
Veneers are, without a doubt, modern dentistry’s best way to replicate nature. That is always the goal of cosmetic dentistry- to replicate nature, not try to improve upon it. Porcelain veneers are not the only option for changing one’s smile but are commonly used when a patient wants to gain a lot of control of their smile (change color, size, shape, etc).
The advantages to porcelain veneers are:
- Aesthetics: Porcelain is our most ‘natural’ looking enamel replacement material because it replicates many of the same properties as enamel. For example, enamel has a property called translucency (where light can enter and be reflected back out). Porcelain has that same characteristic and can be varied by the master ceramist to blend with the surrounding teeth.
- Durability: Porcelain veneers are bonded to the underlying tooth structure. Because of this, there is a chemical adhesion to the tooth and the veneer on a microscopic level. Done correctly and precisely, this bonded procedure can last upwards of 2o years.
- Lack of staining: Unlike bonding or natural teeth, porcelain veneers do not really stain because of the material (essentially a glass ceramic). Additionally, porcelain veneers are glazed in an oven as the final process in their fabrication so this prevents (or minimizes) staining.
- Strength: Besides using metal in your mouth, porcelain systems today are the strongest materials we have.
Nothing in dentistry is perfect though. There are some disadvantages associated with porcelain veneers:
- Cost: Porcelain veneers are expensive. Veneers range in quality across the board, just like most products we buy. For example, just like in automobiles, you may want to buy a sub-compact car or a high-end luxury sedan. Porcelain veneers are typically no different in that you get what you pay for. The price they can range from is $700 – $2000 per tooth. This does not mean that you can’t get quality at $700 nor does it guarantee a $2000 veneer is going to be perfect. This is why it is so important to look at the “before and after” results of the dentist you are considering to make sure they’re qualified to meet your expectations.
- Invasive: Porcelain veneers are typically more invasive to the enamel than other options (for example, tooth bonding is less invasive.) Even at a minimal thickness of 0.3mm, without a little tooth reduction, the tooth could appear bulky. There are situations, though, where the tooth does not require any reduction (i.e. drilling).
- Not stronger than enamel: It’s a myth that porcelain is good for people who have chipped or broken their teeth through grinding (or chewing ice, etc). Porcelain is not stronger than enamel. So basically anything that could chip or break a natural tooth will do the same to porcelain. In many instances, we mandate a night-guard in our cases to ensure protection on your investment.
Porcelain veneers can be a great investment, if they are the right option for you. Contact our office for a free consultation and find out if porcelain veneers are right for you!
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Is Flossing Important?
Monday, November 7th, 2011
Flossing is an important step in any proper dental hygiene routine. Many people skip flossing under the assumption that brushing alone is adequate to remove food and plaque from their teeth. However, avoiding this necessary step will result in an increased risk for gum disease and tooth decay, which may result in invasive and avoidable dental procedures.
Why Flossing Matters
Your tooth brush is incapable of removing food and buildup from between your teeth. Small particles of food that cannot be seen remain in between your teeth even after you brush. Left in place, these particles along with plaque buildup combine to slowly eat away your tooth enamel.
Plaque is a natural byproduct of every food and beverage you consume. Plaque takes a mere 24 hours to turn into tartar, which is not only harder to remove, but it serves to secure bacteria onto your teeth. Providing a protective shell for bacteria, they can begin deteriorating your tooth enamel, leading to decay and infection. Only flossing can remove plaque and food from in between your teeth before it has a chance to turn into tartar and becomes a serious dental concern.
Flossing is a simple process that takes less than two minutes a day. During your biannual visits to our Calgary, Alberta office, one of our experienced dental hygienists will discuss proper flossing with you to help make this important daily practice that much easier.
If you live in or around Calgary, Alberta and would like to learn more about proper dental hygiene, please contact Dr. Steven Cload to Southcentre Dental Clinic to schedule an appointment today.
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Osteoporosis and Dentistry
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
Menopause becomes part of a woman’s life. Many women worry about osteoporosis and will visit their doctor for treatment options to prevent that from occurring.
There have been many forms of medication in the past that were prescribed for these bone conditions. For the last decade or so, the major drug of choice has been some form of Bisphosphonates drug. Examples include Floramax, Boniva, Actonel, Didronel, and Reclast. Some of these drugs are also used to treat other bone diseases like Paget’s Disease, as well as some forms of cancer. These drugs do wonders for maintaining the bone levels of women in their postmenopausal years.
However, there are always side effects with any drug we take and it is important to know those serious side effects, especially on medication that is taken on a daily basis for long periods of time.
Bisphosphonates are no different. The drugs work by affecting the bone cells, called osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which means they slow or stop the natural process that dissolves bone tissue, resulting in maintained or increased bone density. So why is all this important for your mouth and jaws?
For those who take the Bisphosphonates, there is a risk of what is called osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a condition in which the bone is dying. For patients who take the pill form, it is important to understand that based on the information currently available, the risk for developing bone osteonecrosis is low. Preventing osteonecrosis of the jaw is very important to dentists when treating patients during oral surgery, tooth extractions, gum and bone disease, dental implants, and root canals. The best form of treatment is prevention. You are likely at low risk, but it is important for us to know you are on these medications so we can make sure you maintain a good clean bill of dental health. So, when your dentist asks if you are on any new medications, let them know.
If you think you will be on a Bisphosphonates drug in the near future, or if you already are on one, give us a call so we can do a thorough dental examination and treat any conditions you may have early, to avoid any need to worry about osteonecrosis of the bone.
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