Questions and Answers

A: There can be many answers to your question and the short description of your condition makes it difficult to know which to present.

The relationship of your upper teeth to your lower teeth should always be considered before "adding" anything. Two types of material can be used to remodel teeth (lengthen, widen, etc...), Composite and Porcelain. Both give you the natural look for maximum aesthetics.

In the case of your teeth having been worn down through grinding actions of tooth to tooth, or chewing food or habits of chewing objects there are ways of rebuilding the teeth. This scenario generally presents with some function problems with the jaw joints, which requires a thorough diagnosis before initiating any aesthetic dental work.

Another case is abnormalities in the growth of your upper jaw causing a condition where the top front teeth do not contact the lower front teeth when you bite together, which can prevent you from showing your teeth when you smile. To correct this in an adult requires extensive diagnostic procedures best performed by a Specialist, which your dentist can refer you to.

Schedule a visit with your dentist who can explain the individual features of your mouth, and offer a treatment that will best match your expectations.

A: There are many reasons for bleeding gums, most are related to periodontal disease which can be treated by your dentist or in some cases he or she may refer you to a gum specialist who is known as a Periodontist. Bleeding gums may also be a sign of other illnesses some of which are quite serious - so it is important to find out what the reason is as soon as possible. The first person that you should contact is your dentist or if you haven't got a regular dentist, a full listing can be found through our web site by clicking on find-a-dentist.

A: It is inappropriate to give you a quote on dental treatment as dental fees vary from dental practice to dental practice.

Implant treatment is carried out by General Dentists, Prosthodontists, Oral Surgeons and Periodontists. Implant treatment will most likely involve a team approach involving at least two of these listed professionals. Your dentist, if not involved in implant treatment, can refer you to the specialist(s) best suited for your needs.

Implant treatment can give you a permanent fixed solution, but it is important to understand that it is not always the best treatment for everyone who seeks it.

A: There is no such thing as a cosmetic dentist, all dentists perform cosmetic dentistry although some are more successful than others. Tooth whitening or bleaching, is performed by numerous dentists. Cost will depend on what needs to be done. You could try asking your friends which dentist they go to and find a friend who is happy with their cosmetic results and contact their dentist accordingly. Or, you can use the find-a-dentist section on this website to find a dentist in your local area. A few phone calls will ensure you find a dentist who can perform the cosmetics you require.

A: The best means of keeping your teeth clean is to see your dentist or dental hygienist on a regular basis - generally every 6 months for most adults - and provide a daily routine of toothbrushing and flossing with awareness of your diet to avoid sugary and acidic foods that can cause the teeth to breakdown. The most likely outcome of not looking after your teeth is that you will lose them due to extensive decay of the teeth or the destruction of the supporting bone and gum tissue from periodontal disease (gum disease). The choice is always yours.

Oral hygiene instructions with recommendations for specific oral hygiene products for your condition(s) is one of the main services of dental professionals. Your mouth is unique and your needs may be quite different than the needs of those around you.Assessing your dental needs requires an overall view of your medical status and behavioral patterns.

A: Your condition, by your description, warrants immediate attention by a dentist - preferably by a Periodontist. The Periodontist is a Specialist dentist with expertise in treating afflictions of the gum tissue and your supportiing bone structure. Your supporting bone that holds your teeth in their position will recede along with receding gum tissue, so if you wait too long you will risk losing your teeth.

A: You should see a dentist to check what damage has been done. If you just leave it, there may be no further problems, but on the other hand it may break further, decay or even split. You could end up by losing the tooth.

A: We are not a dental clinic and therefore do not give out quotes on dental treatment. You are at liberty to query costs from any dental practice you speak with. You must keep in mind that quotes made over the phone without a clinical examination are only estimates. Your mouth is unique and so is the treatment provided for it.

Firstly, you should establish a general dentist in your area. The general dentist will then advise you on the need for orthodontic care (appliances, braces, etc...). Orthodontists are specialist dentists in the field of braces, removable and fixed appliances, maxillofacial procedures, etc. Some general dentist also do these procedures amongst the variety of their practice.

Your age dictates a favorable timing for orthodontic work. As we mature, our bone becomes more dense, making tooth repositioning more difficult and lengthy.

A: We are not a dental clinic and therefore do not give out quotes on dental treatment. You are at liberty to query costs from any dental practice you speak with. You must keep in mind that quotes made over the phone without a clinical examination are only estimates. Your mouth is unique and so is the treatment provided for it.

Individual x-rays of the teeth involved will be necessary to determine a long-term prognosis. "Dead, Black teeth~ are susceptible to on-going infection/deterioration and fracture. If the dentist feels there is no disease activity occuring at these teeth, a treatment recommendation may involve full porcelain crowns (caps). This treatment provides an increase in strength plus an aesthetic resolution. Alternative treatments may involve porcelain veneers or composite resin.

If the dentist feels there IS disease activity occuring at these teeth, treatment may involve an initial step of a Root Canal Treatment. There is a potential that extractions are required. Replacement of the teeth can be treated with fixed implants, fixed bridgework or a removal denture.

The place to start is with a thorough dental examination by a dentist.

A: Your dentist or dental hygienist can assist you in obtaining and maintaining a healthy mouth by providing a thorough cleaning and examination to detect the specific cause of your bad breath. Causes can be from an overgrowth of bacteria (gingivitis or periodontal disease), drainage from sinuses, eyes, and throat, gastric reflux (acids from the stomach), untreated decay, reduced saliva flow, medications, alcohol (including the alcohol found in mouthwashes), smoking, diet, etc... Prevention starts with finding the source.