Queensbay Dental Surgery

Most people nowadays desire a younger, more rejuvenated look. This includes our mouths because our teeth are the first thing people see when we speak or smile. A healthy smile projects an aura of health to others. At Queensbay Dental Surgery we have at hand many treatment modalities to not only give you a great looking smile but one that will make you feel better overall. Improving your general appearance, self-confidence, employment and social opportunities are just a few of the most immediate benefits you'll experience once you've selected our practice.

A smile makeover incorporates several different techniques to accomplish a stunning smile. What options you choose depend on your individual needs and goals. The process of improving the appearance of the smile can be achieved through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, composite bonding, crowns and bridges.

Veneer

A perfect smile has never been more accessible. Veneers offer the total package: In just two visits, veneers will make your smile whiter, straighter and shapelier.

What is a veneer?

Veneer, ia a wafer-thin shell of tooth-colored material that is bonded onto the front side of teeth, very much as a false fingernail fits over a nail. Veneer can improve the color, shape and position of tooth. Veneer is routinely used by dentists as a way to make cosmetic changes for tooth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned.

How many types of veneers are there?

There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer, composite and porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly bonded, and a porcelain veneer is indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory, and later bonded to the tooth, typically using a resin cement.

How long will it take?

For a composite veneer, one visit is all we need. As for porcelain veneer, it takes at least two visits: the first to prepare the tooth and to match the shade, and the second to fit it. Before bonding it in place, your dentist will show you the veneer on your tooth to make sure you are happy with it. Bonding a veneer in place is done with a special adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth.

How long will a veneer last?

Veneers should last for many years, but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can, if you bite on unneccesary hard objects (such as ice cubes, crab shell, chicken bones, soda cans,pencils etc. You will be surprised how people utilise their teeth!) Small chips can be repaired with resin, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.

Crown

What is a crown?

Crown refers to the restoration of teeth using materials that are fabricated by indirect methods which are cemented into place. A crown is used to completely cover a tooth. It is usually indicated in broken teeth, crooked or jagged teeth, teeth with stains or gaps, root-treated tooth and to cover the top part of dental implant.

How long can a crown lasts?

On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and whether your avoid habits such as grinding or clenching, chewing ice, biting fingernails or any hard material (can, pencil etc.)

Are there many types of crown?

Permanent crowns can be made from all metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal or all ceramic. Currently we use Emax by Ivoclar and Procera Zirconia for all ceramic crowns. Empress II fits very well to the tooth structure as they are more precise. They are also strong, beautiful, and remarkably bio-compatible. Unlike all porcelain crowns, which tend to wear opposing teeth more than usual, Empress is very gentle on your other natural teeth. Zirconia is a very tough ceramic material, which can be made incredibly thin. The extra strength provided can withstand the mastication force of posterior teeth better. Both Zirconia and Empress II will not show a black line at the gums the way a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown can.

Bridge

Missing teeth can cause shifting of the teeth resulting in a bad bite, temporomandibular joint disorder, speech problems an increased risk for periodontitis and a greater chance of tooth decay. Dental bridges are one option for filling the empty space. In fact it is a better choice over false teeth (denture) because they not only resembles your natural teeth, but they are also fixed to your natural teeth, hence omitting the embarasssing experience like dentures falling out during speaking, eating or even sneezing.

What is a dental bridge?

The dental bridge procedure utilizes a false tooth (called a pontic) and fuses it between two dental crowns to “bridge” the empty space. This will prevent your other teeth from shifting and compromising your oral health. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.

How long do bridges last?

While bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.