Causes of Gap Teeth

A gap (also known as a diastema) between the top front incisors is one of the most common cosmetic problems people want dentists’ help with. At Riverwalk Dental in Calgary, we’re happy to help patients with their smiles, but depending on a gap’s cause, different treatments may be appropriate.

If the teeth are otherwise in good alignment and there’s just a small gap, veneers may be the quickest solution. They are artificial fronts for teeth that can be made in a slightly different size than the underlying tooth, closing the space. It is more common for teeth to be somewhat misaligned, in which case the Invisalign orthodontic treatment we offer may be preferable. Invisalign cannot be used for major realignment, but it is a good option for people seeking cosmetic changes.

Gaps that are caused by serious jaw issues, such as an overbite, may require a more specialized approach. Even if orthodontic work is completed successfully, there may be an underlying cause that has to be dealt with. Some people have overbites because anxiety causes them to suck their thumbs. Others involuntarily thrust their tongues forward when they swallow, in which case they will need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor. It is also possible that the strip of connective tissue between the upper lip and the jaw, the labial frenum, is too thick, in which case an oral surgeon will have to cut some of it away.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

White Spot Lesions

Patients may be confused by the appearance of white spots on their teeth. Do they mean something good or bad about the state of their mouths? At Riverwalk Dental in Calgary, we want patients to understand when their oral health is in danger, so this week’s blog post is about incipient lesions, also known as white spot lesions.

White spots are the earliest signs of tooth decay. When enamel, the hard substance that makes up the outside of teeth, is eroded, it looks white and chalky. Dentists know that if a person has glazed-looking upper back teeth, it is a sign that they are suffering from chronic acid reflux. Elsewhere in the mouth, acid exposure is probably being caused by bacterial infections. As bacteria eat, they produce acid, which gets stuck in plaque. Damage to enamel is the result.

A white spot can form in as few as thirty days, and if they’re not taken care of, they will lead to more decay. Better brushing can remove a developing infection. Some places to pay especially close attention to are the gum line, the sides of teeth, and the area surrounding orthodontic brackets. Once decay is stopped, the teeth may remineralize naturally or can be treated with veneers.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Cosmetic Dental Services

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that is aimed at creating a positive change in your teeth and to your smile. If you have a grin that embarrasses you due to missing teeth, tooth discoloration, or teeth that are chipped or cracked, our doctors at Riverwalk Dental offer a variety of treatment options to aesthetically restore your smile while improving its overall function.

From subtle changes to major repairs, our dentists can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. These procedures include, but are not limited to, whitening, dental bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and reshaping and contouring. These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems as well, such as your bite. If you’re not sure which procedure may be right for you, we are here to answer all of your questions. The condition of your teeth and your desired result often indicate the best procedure for you.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains

Riverwalk Dental provides patients with tooth whitening treatments, but which kind of treatment is appropriate depends on the nature of the stain. If a stain is on the outside of the tooth or just slightly below the surface, it is called an extrinsic stain. But a stain could also be caused by damage to the pulp of the tooth, in which case it is called an intrinsic stain, and treating it could be more complicated.

Any kind of stain can be masked with a veneer or bonding. Since extrinsic stains are acquired from exposure to tar or dark liquids, dentists usually simply bleach them, but that won’t work on an intrinsic stain. Furthermore, damaged dental pulp might indicate a continuing infection which would threaten the patient’s health and comfort. Other possible causes include an excessive amount of fluoride exposure and the use of certain antibiotics, but we’ll need to use our imaging systems to determine whether a root canal or replacement of the crown is necessary. If there is no ongoing threat to the patient’s health, concealing the stain may be all that is required.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.

 

Veneers

Veneers are among the most sought-after cosmetic restoration and are one of our specialties at Riverwalk Dental. They can be thought of as shields for the teeth which, by covering the fronts and tips, are able to mask chips, stains, and slight misalignments.

While previous generations of veneers required significant tooth reshaping, those of the Lumineers brand are thin enough to require very little change to the natural teeth. Once a patient’s teeth have been cleaned and smoothed, we will take a scan of them from which we can use software to design the custom-fitted shells. After being milled, the veneers can be cemented onto the patient’s teeth.

Being made out of porcelain, veneers have a very similar color to natural teeth, and Dr. Chen will consult with the patient to make sure the color is satisfactory. They are still vulnerable to decay and discoloration, so patients will have to maintain their oral hygiene. But they also create an immediate and lasting improvement in the teeth’s appearance and can somewhat improve bite function when being used to fill small chips and gaps.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.