The average lifespan of dental fillings can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, such the size of the filling, the material used, the forces the restoration is subjected to, and your home-care and professional care regimen.

Silver Fillings

Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, are very strong and highly durable. On average, silver fillings can last between 10-15 years. Despite having a substantial lifespan, many patients prefer white fillings over amalgam fillings, as amalgam fillings can be highly visible and not as aesthetically pleasing. There is also a growing concern around the mercury levels that are associated with silver fillings.

White Fillings

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are typically desired for their appearance, as they blend in well with the the surrounding tooth structure and can look very natural. The typical lifespan for white fillings is between 7-10 years, but they can even last up to 15 years as well.

These are some general parameters around the average longevity of fillings. The exact lifespan of your fillings, however, will depend on various other factors, such as your overall oral health and behavioural habits such as teeth grinding. The best way to ensure that your fillings are still in proper condition is to see your dental healthcare professional regularly

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This option uses a series of clear aligner trays used to push your teeth in to a more ideal position. Each aligner tray is used for 2-4 weeks, pushing your teeth ever so slightly before moving on to the next tray.

Invisalign is an increasingly popular option for orthodontic treatment. It is particularly popular among adults, as the aligners are nearly invisible and can even be removed to eat. In regards to the amount of time Invisalign treatment takes to complete, the most reliable answer is “it depends”.

Typical cases take between 12-24 months, depending on the severity of the misalignment, as well as factors such as:

• How crowded the teeth are
• What distance the teeth need to move for the desired outcomes
• The pace of the teeth’s movement

Depending on these factors, treatment can even be as short as 6 months. Another key factor is whether you adhere to the guidelines of wearing the aligners for 22-23 hours per day. If you don’t consistently follow this guideline then treatment won’t be as effective and may be prolonged.

Typical cases take somewhere between 12-24 months depending on the severity of the misalignment.

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If for some reason a tooth is lost, there are 3 main ways of replacing missing teeth:

• The first category of tooth replacement is a denture. They are custom made removable appliances to replace one or more missing teeth. They can be made entirely of acrylic or have a cast metal frame with acrylic added to the frame. Full dentures are used when all the teeth in an arch are missing. Partial dentures are used when some healthy teeth still remain.
• The second option for tooth replacement is a bridge. This too is a custom-made lab solution. It holds on to the tooth/teeth in front of the space and the tooth/teeth behind the space, thus bridging the gap. It can be made of various types of metal or porcelain or a combination of the two (porcelain fused to metal). It is cemented in over the top of the prepared adjacent teeth. This a fixed, that is to say, non-removable option.
• And lastly, there are dental implants. This man-made root option is currently the closest thing to nature that dentistry can provide. They can look and feel like your own teeth.

Professional teeth cleaning is only one part of the preventive maintenance required for optimal oral heath.The other part, is what you do at home. A few things about home care;Home care consists of Brushing 2 X / day (preferably with a rechargeable electric toothbrush),  Flossing 1 X / day and keeping your tongue clean. These are the basics.

Professional care is often referred to as getting your teeth cleaned. The interval between professional care visits varies from one individual to the next. Dentists and Hygienists rely on clinical exams, a proper set of X-rays and the measuring of the gum tissuearound your teeth ( done annually for most adults) to determine what interval would be most appropriate for youfor optimal oral health.

The goal of preventive maintenance is to remove Plaque, Tartar and Stain.

Plaque is a combination of food debris, saliva and bacteria.It is the soft white build-up we see on our teeth when we don’t brush.If it gets under your gums or between your teeth where the bristles of your toothbrush (manual or electric) can’t reach it will solidify with minerals in your saliva and turn into tartar (also called calculus; not the math kind, even though it’s spelled the same).

Once tartar adheres to the side of your tooth, you can brush 10 X per day and you will not be able to get it off at home.So, although both you and your hygienist are trying to remove the plaque, tartar and stain, realistically you can only remove the plaque. You will have to see your dental professional to remove the tartar and stain.

What is typically done at a typical professional care visit?

1. Removing Plaque, Tartar & Stain
   In this first step of the cleaning process, the hygienist will remove the plaque, tartar and stain using specially designed hand instruments and possibly an ultrasonic instrument that vibrates and sprays water to remove any tenacious build up. You may hear or feel scraping sounds during this process which is completely normal. It is not damaging your tooth in any way.
   
2. Cleaning with a gritty compound:
   The hygienist will then polish your teeth using a professional electric brush and gritty-textured paste. It’s typical to hear a grinding sound while your teeth are being polished – although this is normal. This step will give your teeth a deep cleaning and leave them smooth and shiny.
   
3. Flossing
   Similar to how you would floss at home, the hygienist will get in and thoroughly floss your teeth to remove any additional leftover debris. During this step, you may also be asked about your flossing habits, and be given tips on how to floss more effectively and how to improving your flossing routine.
   
4. Fluoride Treatment:
   Lastly, sometimes Fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth.   This is done to help re-mineralize  the outer layer of your tooth (called enamel).  It can be applied in the form of a rinse, paste or paint on gel.

The best insurance for optimal oral health is brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, keeping your tongue cleanand making sure nothing gets in the way of seeing your dental professional at regular intervals appropriate to meet your needs. 

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There are many different types of teeth whitening techniques, all of which have their pros and cons. Some people choose to have their teeth whitened at the dentist, whilst others whiten their teeth themselves. But which one is better for the overall result? Dentists suggest that if your teeth are in perfect condition then at at-home whitener may be the best option for you. On the other hand, in-office procedures may be more effective if your teeth are prone to irritation. Here is a breakdown of each option.  

In-Office Procedures

The most common in-office procedure makes use of specially tailored trays. These trays are moulded around your teeth and fitted with a whitening solution to ensure the perfect fit. As the procedure is supervised by a professional, the whitening solution used is stronger than the solution found in many home kits. Often, a light or heat source may also be used to speed up the whitening process.

In general, whitening procedures done in office offer more pronounced results and can improve the shade of yellowed teeth as much as 4 shades or more. However, the procedure is more expensive than home kits because it is supervised by a healthcare professional.

It’s important to note, a side effect of using powerful whitening solution is teeth sensitivity that may last for a few days.

If you do not have the time or budget to do in-office whitening, you can have custom whitening trays made for you that you can use at home with whitening solution, and this option can offer excellent results as well.

At-Home Products

When it comes to at-home procedures, you have a wide array of products to choose from. Here are some options.

Whitening Rinses: These are extremely easy to use. Simply swirl the rinse around your mouth for a minute. As the whitening product comes into contact with your teeth, your teeth will begin to brighten. These are commonly used to prevent staining after your teeth have been whitened. 

Whitening Toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes are specially formulated to remove surface strains whilst brushing your teeth. Whilst this can improve the whiteness of your teeth, it can also cause mild teeth sensitivity among users. 

Whitening Trays: These trays are specially filled with a gel that fits over your teeth. Whilst they can whiten your teeth quickly, the solution may cause some irritation to gums and some mild teeth sensitivity as well.

These methods are great for achieving a whiter smile, though they vary in price, time commitment, and potential sensitivities. In order to decide which is best for you, we advise seeing your dentist for a regular examination, as they will be able to provide you with the professional advice that you require to get your teeth as white as possible. 

Electric Toothbrushes

Overall, electric toothbrushes can do a highly effective cleaning job, as they can provide anywhere from 6,000 to 30,000 strokes per minute. A robust meta-analysis has found that using an electric toothbrush reduced plaque and gingivitis at least as effective as manual brushing and that specifically, ionic toothbrushes statistically significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis.

Despite the fact that electric toothbrushes provide a higher number of strokes and may be more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis, it’s still critical to allocate the entire recommended two minutes to brush. In some cases, this increased efficiency can result in poorer brushing habits, as some individuals may think that the electric toothbrush will do everything for them, and they may not make the effort to brush thoroughly and clean every individual tooth properly. 

Electric toothbrushes can be of great help for people with dexterity or mobility problems, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities such as arthritis and carpal tunnel. They can help get in and around places that would otherwise be hard for them to brush.

However, the increased flexibility in movement and relying on automatic strokes can have a negative side too. A lot of people using electric toothbrushes can find it difficult to control the pressure and vigor of the toothbrush, making it problematic for people with gum issues or sensitivity. People with sensitivity or gum issues often may find using an electric toothbrush to be uncomfortable or even painful.

Another key difference between electric and manual toothbrushes is in how engaging they are to use. If you or your child have issues with getting yourself to brush regularly, then you may benefit from an electric toothbrush, as they are often perceived as being much more engaging and enticing to use. A lot of higher-end models also come with built-in timers, which help to ensure that you are brushing for the full recommended two minutes. 

In regards to price, electric toothbrushes are almost always more expensive. They also have a much wider range in price point, as lower-end models can cost as low as under $20, whereas higher-end models can go for as much as a few hundred dollars. You also have to consider the cost of the brush heads also, which you have to change on a regular basis. Depending on the toothbrush and the type & quantity of brush heads that you buy, over a longer timeframe, the total cost of the electric toothbrush may be comparable to that of a manual toothbrush, so it’s important to evaluate the options that are available.

Given that an electric toothbrush can last a much longer time than a manual toothbrush, it can result in producing less waste in the long run than manual brushes. Generally, replacing just the brush heads produces less waste than having to replace the entire toothbrush.

Lastly, due to their bulkiness, electric toothbrushes are seen as the less desirable option for traveling. If the brush is charged or recharged using a standard power outlet, you may also have difficulty charging it you’re traveling without a reliable power source. As a result, a common practice for electric toothbrush users is to use a manual toothbrush while traveling.

Manual Toothbrushes

Using manual toothbrushes is a tried and tested way of reliably brushing teeth and reducing plaque and gingivitis. 

Depending on the brush, manual toothbrushes can be very versatile and offer many different options. Although electric toothbrushes may be seen as more sophisticated, coming in various varieties that offer oscillating, pulsating, and cupping technologies, manual toothbrushes also come in a variety of styles, heads, and bristles. 

The primary benefit of manual toothbrushes is their cost. They are generally much more affordable than electric toothbrushes, and as a result, are much more accessible for most individuals. Most dental practices also give out toothbrushes following regular visits, making it much easier to access them. Being much more cost-effective also allows patients to replace them at the recommended intervals, as well as replace them if they are damaged or lost. Due to the cost savings, it’s also easier to purchase a higher quality manual toothbrush with more features, than to purchase a high-end electric toothbrush.

Manual toothbrushes are also very versatile, as they are typically smaller in size. This makes them a preferred option to take when traveling, as they are more compact and don’t require any additional hardware, such as batteries or charging units.

Although electric toothbrushes are generally safe for children to use, it may be a good idea to get them started with a manual toothbrush. This will teach them to be thorough with their brushing, as well as to develop their dexterity in order to learn to brush effectively and efficiently.

Summary

In summary, both electric and manual toothbrushes can be very effective in attaining the positive benefits of regular brushing. Regardless of the type of toothbrush, the most important factor is the person brushing, as the positive effects of brushing are most reliably experienced when you brush thoroughly and for the recommended rates and duration, at two times a day for two minutes each time.

Set an example

The best way to encourage a behaviour is by leading through example. Turn brushing into family time by brushing alongside with your child. This will give them added validation that brushing is indeed very important, and it will allow for additional time together. In addition, brushing together allows you to ensure that they are brushing for the recommended duration (2 minutes, twice a day), and can help ensure that you’re getting your required brushing as well.

Get them practicing from an early age

Set the practice before they are even old enough to brush themselves, so that the habit stays entrenched in their minds. A good way to do this is to have them practice brushing either on a toy or have them try it on you. Make sure to provide additional feedback to build a positive association with brushing – such as by commenting on how good brushing is for you or the toy, or how good & healthy it makes you feel.

Set up a reward structure

Positive reinforcement is a tried and tested way of fostering desired behavioural patterns. Reward your child for maintaining their good brushing habits by offering a small prize or reward.

A good way to execute this is by setting up a weekly “report card”. This entails having you or the child cross off a chart each time they brush for a full two minutes. At the end of the week, if they’ve consistently brushed each day for two minutes, you can reward them with a small gift. You can even add additional points if your child has taken the initiative upon themselves to brush during their usual times without having to be prompted.

One important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that the reward is reasonable and not too big. This is so that the reward is just an additional bonus the child’s good behaviour, rather than having them brush only for the sake of the prize.

Set up a regular schedule

A lot of times, unless strictly supervised, children may simply forget to brush when they have to. In order to develop a consistent routine, you can set up parameters as to when they should regularly brush. This would typically be immediately after breakfast, after bathing, or right before their bedtime ritual. Pairing brushing time with other regular daily rituals or tasks will provide them the necessary cues, so that they don’t accidentally forget.

Expand their imaginations

One way to get your child more engaged in brushing is to create a story or narrative out of it. For example, you can make a story about them going out and defending themselves from imaginary “sugar bugs”, which they defeat by brushing. Another story you can make up is having them “explore the universe”, with the toothbrush being the vessel. There are no limits to how creative you can get, although it’s important to ensure that they are brushing thoroughly and for the recommended duration.

Decorate the bathroom with images related to brushing

The bathroom should be recognized for all of the functions it serves – brushing being one of them. One good way to reinforce the idea that the bathroom is the place for brushing is by decorating it with cartoons and pictures related to brushing. You can even make it into an arts and crafts activity, by getting your child to create drawings of characters brushing, which you can then post up on the mirror or walls.

Acknowledge them after brushing

Another reliable way to reinforce positive behaviour is by acknowledging or praising it. After they finish up their brushing routine, you can acknowledge them by giving a high five, or by providing other fun or quirky comments.

Switch up the toothpaste

If your child finds brushing their teeth repetitive, you can make the experience more dynamic and exciting by occasionally switching up their toothpaste. There are a lot of different toothpaste flavours that you can try out, just make sure that it’s suitable for them and fulfills all of the necessary criteria.

Get them involved in purchasing supplies

Get them more involved in brushing by having them pick out their brushes or toothpaste. You can make an ongoing ritual out of going to the store together when it’s time to restock, and have them pick out the toothbrush that they like the most. 

Liven up the mood

You can make the experience more exciting by playing music while they brush. Find something fun and uplifting that they like, and play it during their brushing routine. This can also help you gauge time, to ensure that they’re brushing for the full two minutes.

Sleep apnea often causes you to wake up several times during the night, and you may not even be consciously aware of each time you wake up. As a result of this, the condition causes significant disturbances to sleep, which then can have a profound negative effect on your physical and mental state when you’re awake.

The most reliable indicators that you may be affected by sleep apnea reveal themselves when you’re asleep. These symptoms include:

• Loud and frequent snoring
• Silent pauses in breathing
• Choking or gasping sounds
• Insomnia

As mentioned, however, due to the interruptions that the condition causes to sleeping patterns, you will also experience other symptoms during the day, which are commonly associated with having insufficient or low quality sleep. These symptoms include:

• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Decreased sexual desire
• Irritability

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek out a professional assessment & diagnosis. Sleep apnea can be managed, primarily with the aid of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, so it’s important to diagnose the condition, and if sleep apnea is diagnose, begin treatment as soon as possible.

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Periodontitis often progresses while showing very subtle symptoms, so it’s very important to know what the warning signs are so that treatment can be obtained right away.

Warning signs of periodontal disease

There are general symptoms that may suggest that you may be experiencing an onset of gum disease. These include:

• Gums bleeding when brushing teeth
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Formation of pockets between teeth and gums
• Receding gums
• Chronic pattern of bad breath

It’s very important to note that these are symptoms that are associated with periodontitis. For a definitive diagnosis, it’s important to get thoroughly screened by a dental professional.

Causes of periodontal disease

In order to take preventative measures against periodontitis, you need to know what the main causes are, as a lot of the causal factors are related to behavioural or lifestyle patterns that can be corrected. Some of the causes of periodontitis include:

• Poor oral hygiene habits (ex. not brushing and flossing on a regular basis)
• Bad lifestyle habits (ex. smoking)
• Health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV
• Medications that limit saliva flow
• Certain medications that can cause abnormal gum tissue growth (such as certain anticonvulsant medications)
• Family / genetic predispositions

These are just general guidelines to identify potential symptoms of periodontitis, and to understand the key causes of the condition. As with any oral condition, it’s imperative to get thoroughly examined by a dental professional, in order to get a definitive diagnosis and specific treatment options.

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When the crowns are put into place, they fully encase the visible portion of the tooth, helping to transform its appearance and function significantly.

What are the uses / benefits of dental crowns?

• To improve a tooth’s appearance
• To protect or cover a weak or decaying tooth
• To create a natural appearance of the teeth
• To restore a tooth’s function
• To cover discolored teeth

Dental crowns are one of the most effective ways to improve the appearance and function of teeth, although there are other options available, such as onlays. Consult with your dentist to explore all of the different options available for teeth restoration.

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