Teeth Whitening 101

Teeth Whitening 101

Teeth whitening treatments are a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth and increase your overall confidence. For many people, stained or yellow teeth can lead to lower self-esteem, making them hesitant to smile in photos or uncomfortable in social situations. At Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa, our dentists and dental hygienists believe that everyone should feel confident in their smile, which is why we offer both in-clinic and take-home teeth whitening treatments for all of our patients. Contact us today to book an appointment, or continue reading to learn more about our teeth whitening options!

What Causes Stained Teeth?

Of course, one of the most natural teeth whitening methods is to abstain from eating foods that cause your teeth to yellow in the first place, and to incorporate more foods that whiten teeth into your diet. Some of the main foods that stain teeth are coffee, black tea, soda, red and white wine, citrus fruits, dark berries, candy, and tomatoes. If you are wondering how to whiten teeth naturally, try using a straw to enjoy teeth staining drinks, as this minimizes the contact they have with your pearly whites. When it comes to foods that stain teeth, try to cut back on the sweets and make sure to balance tooth staining fruits and veggies with ones that have the opposite effect. Some examples of teeth whitening foods are strawberries, apples, pineapples, celery, and cheese.

Aside from sugary and acidic foods and beverages, smoking cigarettes is another main contributor to yellowing teeth. The carcinogenic chemicals found in cigarettes and chewing tobacco bind to the teeth, attacking the tooth enamel and degrading the integrity of your teeth. Not only does this lead to tooth decay, unhealthy gums, and a heightened risk of oral cancer, but these chemicals also cause the teeth to become discoloured and less attractive. If you are a smoker and are looking to whiten your teeth, the first step is to quit smoking. Trust us, your teeth, gums, and entire body will thank you later.

In-Clinic Teeth Whitening Treatments

Now that you know some of the main foods and substances that cause the teeth to yellow, it’s time to explore other options when it comes to teeth whitening. Often, patients who are insecure about the colour of their teeth prefer to leave teeth whitening to the professionals, as this is quicker, safer, and produces far better results than you would get at home with baking soda, teeth whitening strips, and other home teeth whitening products. At our dental clinic in Downtown Ottawa, our dentists and dental hygienists are trained in professional teeth whitening treatments, and we are more than happy to whiten your teeth for you.

At Constitution Dental, our teeth whitening solution gives you beautiful, white teeth in just one appointment. Our dentists have the tools and technology to whiten teeth up to nine shades in one hour, making this a worthwhile option for patients who have a special event coming up and want to whiten their teeth quickly. In fact, just one teeth whitening treatment at our local dental clinic equates to hours of teeth whitening at home.

The process is simple — we’ll clean your teeth, apply a teeth whitening gel, and shine a special LED light on them. Then, we wait until your teeth have reached your desired result. This may be done in three 15-minute segments to give you a rest and reduce any tooth sensitivity, and we’ll check in with you along the way to determine when your teeth reach your preferred shade. We pride ourselves on maintaining a comfortable environment for all of our patients, so we’ll provide music to help the time pass as you anticipate the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to learn more about our teeth whitening gel and LED teeth whitening lights, or schedule a teeth whitening treatment at our Ottawa dental office online!

Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

While our in-clinic teeth whitening treatments are quick and easy, we also realize that many patients prefer to do teeth whitening at home from the comfort of their bed or sofa. That’s why we offer take-home teeth whitening kits for patients, which include teeth whitening gel and a teeth whitening tray. Simply follow the instructions in the teeth whitening kit and mold the tray to fit your teeth snugly, then add a bit of teeth whitening gel to the tray before putting it in your mouth. It is important to read the directions and follow them carefully, as using too much gel can result in gum irritation and gel seeping into your mouth, which can be dangerous.

These at-home teeth whitening trays are meant to be worn every night for a period of two weeks, or as long as it takes to reach your desired result. For some patients, this only takes seven days or so, whereas other patients might find themselves using the treatment every night for the full two weeks. No matter what your end goal may be, it is important to follow instructions and not leave the gel on too long, as this can cause tooth sensitivity and irritated gums. If all goes well, you should be able to reach your desired result within two weeks of nightly use.

Teeth Whitening Benefits

Teeth whitening is one of the most common dental treatments offered by cosmetic dentists, as it has many benefits for patients who are dealing with stained teeth. As previously mentioned, white teeth are a source of confidence for many people, which increases their self-esteem and self-image. Teeth whitening treatments also enhance your appearance, as your teeth are one of the first things people notice when you talk, laugh, and smile.

Aside from the aesthetic benefits of teeth whitening treatments, they are also effective and produce long-lasting results when done correctly. An in-clinic teeth whitening may last up to a few years, depending on your oral hygiene habits and the foods you consume on a regular basis. The results of home teeth whitening treatments typically don’t last as long, but this varies from person to person. Often, the decision comes down to teeth whitening cost, with people who are looking for a short-term solution choosing teeth whitening at home. Though in-clinic teeth whitening treatments are pricier, the results are more prominent, immediate, and long-lasting.

Invest In Your Smile With Teeth Whitening In Downtown Ottawa

No matter which teeth whitening solution you choose, any step toward a brighter, whiter smile is a step toward a happier you. If you are interested in trying a teeth whitening treatment, pick up a teeth whitening kit at our dental clinic, or book an appointment online with our dentists at Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa!

What Are Dental Crowns?

What Are Dental Crowns?

If you’ve had extensive dental work done in the past, you probably have a few metal crowns to show for it. Thanks to technological advancements in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, dentists are now able to offer porcelain and ceramic dental crowns, which are a far more attractive option for patients who have extensive tooth damage and still want a beautiful white smile. But what exactly is the purpose of dental crowns?

The Purpose Of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are used to “cap” teeth that have undergone dental restoration, whether that be a root canal procedure or a tooth that has been cracked, broken apart, or severely worn down. In these cases, the purpose of dental crowns is to cover up and protect the natural tooth, which would otherwise be susceptible to additional fractures and/or further tooth decay.After a root canal, for example, your dentist will place a white tooth crown over your natural tooth, which would otherwise become weak and brittle over time. The same goes for instances where the natural teeth are severely damaged or decayed but can still be saved — dental crowns are one option to consider if you want to restore the functionality of your teeth and avoid getting dental implants or dentures down the road.

Dental crowns are also used to cover up and hold several types of dental restorations in place, including dental bridges and dental implants. At Constitution Dental, we only resort to tooth extraction if the natural tooth can’t be saved, as is often the case for patients with extreme tooth decay. If you have teeth that need to be extracted, or you already have one or more missing teeth, our dentists might recommend dental implants or an implant-supported restoration, such as a dental bridge.

Also known as “denture implants,” dental bridges are implemented when a patient is missing one or more of their natural teeth. A dental implant is placed where the missing tooth was, and it is then restored, or “capped,” with a dental implant that looks exactly like a healthy, natural tooth. Edentulous patients (patients who are missing all of their teeth on one or both arches in the mouth) can also benefit from dental restoration in the form of full dental implants. Essentially, this means that titanium posts are inserted where the missing teeth once were, then the tooth implants are restored with a white dental crown. The end result is a brand new smile that is both beautiful and functional.

How Are Dental Crowns Placed?

If you are about to have a restorative dental procedure done, you’ll likely have to make two appointments at your local dental clinic. This is because dental crowns are placed in two separate sessions, with the first one being a temporary crown, and the second one being the permanent crown that was created in a dental lab.

During your first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth by grinding it down so it’ll fit on top of the natural tooth. Any existing tooth decay is also removed during this phase, as you won’t want bacteria building up and eating away at the tooth underneath the dental crown. Then, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth, which will act as the model for the permanent dental crown. Finally, they’ll cap the tooth with a temporary dental crown, which you’ll have for just a week or two until the permanent crown is ready.

When you visit your family dentist for your second appointment, they’ll replace the temporary crown with the permanent one, making any necessary adjustments before permanently securing it to the natural tooth. Before you know it, you’ll be able to talk, eat, and chew normally again, and no one will know you have a dental crown!

Visit Our Dental Clinic In Downtown Ottawa

If you need to schedule a restorative dentistry procedure that involves dental crowns, such as dental implants or implant-supported restorations, contact our team at Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa. We would be more than happy to set up an appointment!

Things To Consider Before Getting Dental Implants

Things To Consider Before Getting Dental Implants

Modern dental technology has made it possible for patients to get permanent solutions for their missing or decaying teeth, including dental implants, dental bridges, and other implant-supported dental restorations. Dentures are no longer the only option, nor are they the best choice for patients who want to regain some functionality of their bite. That said, dental implants and implant-supported restorations are permanent, so there are several things to consider before making the decision to undergo dental implant surgery.

Dental Implants Are Permanent

As previously mentioned, dental implants are permanent, so there’s no going back once you’ve had oral surgery. Dental implants are made of titanium posts that screw into the jawbone, which grows around them and “sets” them in place. The great thing about dental implants and implant-supported restorations is that they stimulate the jawbone, encouraging regrowth in areas that would otherwise become weak and brittle due to the absence of a natural tooth. It’s kind of like having a new set of adult teeth that is just as strong, functional, and beautiful!

Dental Implants Require Oral Surgery

Of course, none of this would be possible without surgery. If you are thinking about getting dental implants or a dental bridge, you’ll need to be prepared to be sedated and operated on for several hours, with the duration of the surgery depending on how many dental implants you are receiving. Patients who are having all of their teeth removed and replaced with dental implants can expect for their surgery to last anywhere from six to eight hours or more, whereas patients who are getting a dental bridge secured with a few dental implants will have a shorter procedure.

Not only that, but you’ll also have to take into account the recovery period. Again, this varies by patient, as some people’s bodies heal faster than others. Nevertheless, you’ll still need to take some time off work to recover after your dental implant surgery, as well as make adjustments to your daily routine until you can chew and speak normally. Dental implant patients will be prescribed medication to ease the pain during their recovery, and they will need to stick to soft foods for a few days to a week after surgery. Additional appointments will also be needed to switch out temporary dental crowns on the implants or to check in and make sure things are healing properly.

Dental Implants Cost Money

The cost of dental implants is another factor to consider if you’re trying to decide between dental implants, a dental bridge, dentures, or another kind of tooth replacement. Dental implants cost more than most other restorative dental procedures, though they are the best in terms of functionality and appearance. You can’t put a price on good oral health, and dental implants give you a second chance at having a strong, healthy mouth. If you have questions about the price of dental implants and whether or not your dental insurance covers this type of oral surgery, feel free to reach out to our team at Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa for more information.

Dental Bridges Explained

Dental Bridges Explained

Edentulous patients have lots of options when it comes to tooth replacement: dentures, dental implants, and dental bridges are the most popular. However, each of these fake tooth prosthetics comes with its own pros and cons, so it’s important to fully understand them before choosing one option over the others. Dental bridges are a restorative dental application that not many people know about, so we’re dedicating this blog post to a brief explanation of what dental bridges are and why they’re a good tooth replacement option.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are synonymous with fixed partial dentures, meaning they’re a permanent dental restoration that requires oral surgery. A dental bridge is made up of one or more dental implants that are secured to the surrounding teeth with white dental crowns. The dental implants contain strong titanium posts, which are screwed into the jawbone, and the dental crowns fit over the surrounding teeth to provide a “bridge” holding the dental implant in place. The end result is a permanent tooth replacement that allows you to chew and speak normally.

Who Can Benefit?

Dental bridges are made for dental patients who are missing one or more adjacent teeth, not all of them. In order for a dental bridge to be successful, there must be healthy teeth surrounding the missing tooth so that the crowns can help hold the dental implant in place. The other option for these patients is a removable partial denture with metal clasps, which doesn’t offer as much stability. For people who are missing all their teeth, full dental implants and complete removable dentures are the best options.

What Are The Benefits?

When it comes to dental restorations, tooth extraction is usually your dentist’s last resort because missing teeth cause a host of problems for the surrounding teeth. Plus, it’s better to restore your natural teeth than it is to extract and replace them altogether. That being said, the second best thing to a natural tooth is a fake tooth replacement that screws into the jawbone in order to fill the space and prevent the other teeth from shifting.

Not only that but replacing a missing tooth with an implant-supported restoration helps to minimize jawbone resorption or the weakening of the jawbone due to a missing tooth. Both dental bridges and dental implants facilitate jawbone regrowth in patients with missing teeth, as the bone adapts and grows around the titanium post to create a secure dental restoration. Because of this, patients with dental implants and dental bridges regain significantly more functionality than those with dentures.

Ask Our Dentists About Dental Bridges

If you are missing one or more teeth, it is imperative that you visit your dental clinic immediately. As previously mentioned, missing teeth result in the surrounding teeth shifting out of their optimal position, creating further dental problems. Contact us today with further questions about dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures, or book an appointment online at Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa. Our dentists would be more than happy to discuss our tooth replacement options with you and help you decide which prosthetic is best.

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