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Click on the below questions to view the answers to some of the
more frequently asked questions.
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Silver fillings are too visible, what
are my other options?
Natural tooth-colored fillings have become widely accepted
and are used in place of silver fillings. There are even studies
that show that in some cases, use of certain tooth-colored
materials can strengthen a tooth, making it a better choice than
the metallic predecessor - amalgam. Two basic types of
tooth-colored restorations are used: composite and ceramic.
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What is a bridge?
A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, which
is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by
a missing tooth. Two crowns holding it in place are attached onto
your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known as a
fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more
missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as
you might do with removable partial dentures.
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What is the difference between
a bridge and a partial?
Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A
bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some
cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the
teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually
more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.
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What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are a restorative dentistry option designed
to replace missing teeth. Implant dentistry involves embedding a
screw or post in to the bone, creating a stable base for a
prosthetic tooth. When properly performed, dental implants can
achieve the look and feel of natural teeth. It is the closest
thing to getting your natural tooth back.
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What are sealants?
A dental sealant (also called a pit and fissure sealant) is
a plastic, professionally-applied material that is put on the
chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants
provide a physical barrier so that cavity-causing bacteria cannot
invade the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
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How can I whiten my
smile?
Teeth whitening, or teeth bleaching, is a cosmetic dentistry
procedure designed to remove stains and discolorations as well as
lighten the teeth. The level of bleaching that can be achieved
will depend on the level of discoloration of the teeth and what
types of stains are present. Teeth that are brown or yellow due to
coffee, tea or smoking will generally lighten more than teeth that
are gray due to stains within the teeth.
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How often should I have a
professional dental exam and cleaning?
The American Dental Association recommends that you see your
dentist and/or dental hygienist every 6 months. However, some
people require this service more often due to their periodontal
condition.
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