PROCEDURES

Why replace amalgam fillings?

Old metal/mercury fillings weaken teeth because they are not bonded into place. Inevitably they crack otherwise healthy teeth. Newer, long lasting enhanced plastic or porcelain fillings are a very effective, attractive replacement for old metal fillings.

Veneers

A veneer is a strong, thin, porcelain shell that is bonded to a tooth. Generally, a veneer covers only the front and top of a tooth. Veneers can be used to improve your smile by closing spaces, straightening crooked teeth, whitening dark teeth and strengthening chipped teeth.

Crowns/Onlays

The best way to repair a tooth is dependant on many factors. Things such as the size of any existing fillings, the size and position of decay, fractures or cracks and whether a tooth has had a root canal, all go into determining the best, long term solution to restore a tooth.

Small fillings can often be replaced with new white fillings. Teeth with larger fillings or with decay present can be restored with either an inlay/onlay or a crown depending on the factors mentioned above.

Onlays are enhanced plastic or porcelain fillings that are made outside of your mouth, by a dental lab. These tooth colored materials are bonded in place and are much stronger than traditional white fillings.

Crowns are restorations that cover your entire tooth. They can be made of enhanced plastic, porcelain, porcelain over metal or metal. No matter the material, they fit over your tooth like a thimble on your finger, strengthening it. They can also be used to correct crooked teeth, fill spaces or change tooth color. A small amount of tooth structure usually would be removed in order to make room for the crown to fit onto your tooth. After preparing a tooth for either an onlay or a crown, a temporary restoration will be placed, that is worn for 10 days to 2 weeks while your restoration is made by our dental lab. Once bonded in place, onalys and crowns are very strong and long lasting.

Do you want to Zoom!?

The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System is a scientifically advanced, patent pending, tooth whitening procedure. It's safe, effective and fast, very fast. In less than 3 hours your teeth will become dramatically white. Zoom! Chairside Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results.

Get ready to Zoom!

The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System will make your teeth dramatically whiter in less than 3 hours. The procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gum, leaving only your teeth exposed. The Zoom! clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel, which was designed to be used with a specially designed light. The Zoom! light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discolouration. With the proper care your smile will sparkle for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Zoom! tooth whitening?

A: Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discolouration of enamel and dentin.

Q: What causes tooth discolouration?

A: There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discolouration.

Q: Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

A: Almost Anyone. However, treatments may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam. Including a shade assessment.

Q: Is whitening safe?

A: Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 16 years of age or pregnant or lactating women.

How long do the results last?

A: By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch ups with bleaching trays and gel.

Q: How does the Zoom! In-Office system work?

A: The Zoom! light activated whitening gel's active ingredients is hydrogen peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching coloured substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of eight shades.

Q: What does a patient experience during the Zoom! In-Office Procedure?

A: During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.

Q: Are there any side effects?

A: Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. The Zoom! light generates minimal heat which is the usual source of discomfort. On rare occasions, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate.

A Note of Assurance

Tooth whitening is a well established procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Hydrogen Peroxide, the active agent in Zoom!, has been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue.

The whitening process is effective on most discoloured teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, are more difficult to whiten. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth.

If you have any questions, please ask your dental professional. Maximize your smile using the Zoom! Whitening System.

Before

After

Dr Brian Schow is proud to be a member of lvidocs.com

101 506 71st Ave SW Calgary AB