FAQ
This page includes some common questions that patients often ask their dentist. If you would like more information about any topic or would like to schedule a dental examination, please contact us.
| Cosmetic Dentistry Whitening Periodontal (Gums) Halitosis (Bad Breath) |
Orthodontics Tooth Replacement Other Treatments Tips for Getting the Smile You Want |
How can I find out how I will look after cosmetic dental treatment?
Better Image Dentistry offers advanced computer imaging to help you picture what your smile will look like after cosmetic dental improvements.
Is there a good book about cosmetic dentistry available?
Dr. Fairweather recommends Change Your Smile (Quintessence Publishing Company, 800-621-0387). This book is an excellent source of consumer information on every phase of cosmetic dentistry.
My teeth look yellow. How can I make them whiter?
The first step to a whiter, brighter smile is a “prophy jet” cleaning using baking soda spray, followed by tooth polishing to remove superficial stains. This will help your dentist evaluate the type and amount of “real” discoloration present in your teeth. Then, a two-step, in-office bleaching technique using BriteSmile is combined with a matrix home bleach for the safest, quickest way to whiter teeth. To maintain your new tooth color, Dr. Fairweather recommends that you follow up with your dentist after the initial whitening procedure.
I have dark stains on my teeth. What can I do?
To determine the best methods for removing dark stains from your teeth, start with a consultation with Dr. Fairweather. He will examine your teeth and help you to make the best choice for your specific condition. Your whitening options include a good cleaning in the dental office with the "prophy jet" using baking soda spray, as well as in-office bleaching using BriteSmile combined with matrix home bleaching. Your old fillings can also be replaced with tooth-colored bonded restorations and/or porcelain laminate veneers.
My old fillings in the front have turned dark. Can they be bleached?
Bonding and composite resin fillings cannot be bleached. Instead, your dentist can polish your fillings or redo the surface of your fillings. Otherwise, it may be time to replace your old fillings with newer bonding or porcelain laminates for longer-lasting results. Remember: fillings should only be replaced after bleaching in order to match the new, improved color of your own natural tooth.
How long does tooth bleaching last?
The effects of tooth whitening can vary from person to person. How long your bleaching lasts depends on many factors, including your diet, the original color of your teeth, and how well each individual tooth absorbs the bleaching products.
Is there more than one way to bleach my teeth?
There are several options for achieving a whiter smile with bleaching. In the dentist’s office, your teeth can be bleached with an external light source. At home, you can use matrix bleaching or a nightguard with a carbamide peroxide gel; these techniques will also bleach teeth, but not as quickly. For the best results, Dr. Fairweather recommends a combination of in-office treatment followed by at-home bleaching.
I have one dark tooth in the front. Will at-home bleaching make it lighter?
External bleaching may not help to whiten your tooth. If the tooth has had the nerve removed (root canal treatment), internal bleaching may be the best solution. If not, other options include using bonding, a porcelain veneer, or a cap to mask the dark tooth.
I have been smoking for years – can my teeth be whiter?
Teeth that have been stained from smoking can be whitened using BriteSmile in conjunction with at-home bleaching. However, smokers may need to use at-home whitening gel more often than non-smokers to maintain the improvement.
Does a special whitening toothpaste really lighten teeth?
Most "whitening toothpastes" remove some surface stains, but they will not bleach the teeth as effectively as bleaching gels or solutions that contain the bleaching agent carbamide peroxide. Even if the toothpaste does contain some bleaching chemicals, the length of time in which the paste is in contact with the teeth is insignificant compared with using a bleaching solution and a form-fitted matrix or having an in-office treatment. These toothpastes may also contain harmful abrasives that can wear away your tooth structure over time.
I have a "gummy" smile. Is there anything I can do to improve it?
Dr. Fairweather can improve your smile using cosmetic gum raising and/or tissue sculpting. Sometimes orthodontics and orthognathic surgery can also help. To find out about all your options and make the best choice, start with a consultation with Dr. Fairweather.
My gums have shrunk, making my teeth look larger. Is there anything I can do to improve my smile?
If your gums have receded, a gum graft may be used to cover sensitive roots and stop the downward progression of your gums. Dr. Fairweather can also recommend new techniques that offer little discomfort and great results. Your treatment plan may also include bonding or other restorative treatment.
What is causing the dark line on my tooth at the gum line?
A dark line at the gum line of your tooth may be caused by a metal margin on a crown or a dark root. At Better Image Dentistry, we offer crowns with porcelain margins and all-ceramic crowns. Visit Dr. Fairweather to determine the exact cause and best solution for your specific condition.
My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is this normal?
Bleeding gums are not a normal condition. To find out the cause of your bleeding gums and develop an effective treatment plan, start with a visit to Better Image Dentistry. We will perform a thorough soft tissue evaluation including x-rays, with a prophylaxis (cleaning) and instructions for homecare. Bleeding gums can be an early indication of gingivitis or periodontal disease and may require conventional gum surgery. Dr. Fairweather can recommend the most effective treatment plan for your specific condition.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Most insurance covers two cleanings per year, but most patients need a professional dental cleaning every three to four months. Decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria in a colony that takes about eight to 10 weeks to become destructive. It must be removed or broken up within this base period to minimize the risk of dental problems.
Why do I need to have dental X-rays? Won't they cause cancer?
X-rays help your dentist to see a variety of dental conditions that cannot be seen during a visual exam, including bone loss, tooth decay, impacted teeth, some tumors, and cysts. At Better Image Dentistry, we use digital X-rays to reduce your radiation exposure by 50% and provide excellent diagnostic quality.
My son chews tobacco. Can this cause cancer?
People who chew tobacco are at an even higher risk for cancer than people who smoke cigarettes because of the concentration of the tobacco. Chewing tobacco is a high-risk cancer producer. Better Image Dentistry encourages all our patients to have an oral cancer screening including the VELscope oral cancer detection system.
My crown in the front doesn't match my teeth – it looks fake. What can I do to correct this?
On of the most greatest challenges in dentistry is to match a single front tooth. Depending on your particular condition, bonding or porcelain laminates may be best solution. This type of restoration requires great skill and artistry on the part of both the dentist and the ceramist. At Better Image Dentistry, Dr. Fairweather works closely with our ceramist using digital photography. He may also recommend that you visit the lab to obtain a custom match.
What is a cap? What is a crown?
“Cap” and “crown” both describe the same thing: a protective cover for a tooth, part of a tooth, or a dental implant. To create this protective cover, the entire tooth surface is reduced and usually replaced with artificial material such as porcelain or porcelain bonded to metal.
I've lost a tooth. What can I do?
At Better Image Dentistry, we offer several options for restoring your smile after the loss of a tooth, including:
1. A removable appliance
2. A fixed bridge
3. An implant and crown
What's the difference between bonding and porcelain laminate veneers?
Bonding is the process by which your dentist places a tooth-colored plastic (composite) resin material on your teeth, sculpts it to the desired shape, and then hardens it with a special high-intensity light. Bonding can be done in one visit, with little tooth reduction. Porcelain laminate veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to teeth to improve their color, shape and/or length. Porcelain laminate veneers can mask dark stains better – with less long-term chipping – than bonding. They are made by a ceramist and do not stain, offering greater choice in color, shape, and vitality. Porcelain laminate veneers require only two office visits.
What's the difference in cost between bonding and veneers?
On average, the cost of bonding is approximately 30% to 50% of the cost of veneers or crowns. We recommend that you review the fee range and the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure with Dr. Fairweather. Please contact us for more information.
How long should I expect my bonding treatment or porcelain laminate veneers to last?
Bonding usually lasts from 3 to 8 years. Porcelain laminate veneers can last from 4 to twelve years or more.
Why should I spend a lot of money on a root canal? Why not just pull the tooth?
Although the up-front cost of a root canal can seem high, it is actually very cost-effective over the long term. Losing a tooth can lead to losing even more teeth. By saving the tooth with a root canal, your dentist can help maintain the proper space between your teeth, keep other teeth from shifting, and eliminate the need for a bridge or implant and crown.
I have so many dental problems, sometimes I think I should just pull out all my teeth and get dentures. Is this a good idea?
Depending on your particular condition, dentures may be a good treatment option. For many denture patients, dental implants are an ideal choice. Wearing a denture comfortably requires sufficient retention. When teeth are pulled, bone is invariably lost and will continue to reabsorb and shrink back. This can result in loose, poorly fitting dentures which require repeated remaking and never function as well as natural teeth. Your eating, speech and other oral functions can be severely compromised. Dr. Fairweather can anchor your denture and add stability by using dental implants. In most cases, even if the roots cannot be saved, you can enjoy long-lasting teeth that function well and look great.
I have a space between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?
At Better Image Dentistry, we can provide a treatment plan to correct the gap in your teeth and restore your smile. This may include one or more of the following treatment options:
1. Orthodontics (multiple visits)
2. Bonding (one visit)
3. Porcelain laminate veneers (two visits)
4. Crowns (two visits)
My teeth are too small. Is there any for me to have bigger teeth?
At Better Image Dentistry, we can increase the size of your teeth – and improve the appearance of your smile – using composite resin bonding, porcelain laminate veneers, or full crowns. We invite you to contact us for a consultation with Dr. Fairweather, including esthetic computer imaging to see how you could look with longer and/or wider teeth.
My canine teeth are too pointed and make me look like a vampire! What can I do?
Dr. Fairweather can use cosmetic contouring or reshaping to improve the appearance of your teeth.
My teeth are uneven. What can I do?
There are many options for correcting an uneven smile, including cosmetic contouring, porcelain laminate veneers, orthodontics, bonding, and crowns.
Some of my teeth are broken, chipped, and cracked. What are my options?
Dr. Fairweather can use translumination or an intraoral camera (digital dental photography) to determine the extent of the damage to your teeth. He can then design a treatment plan for you which may include bonding, porcelain laminate veneers, and/or porcelain crowns.
I have dark silver fillings. Can they be made tooth-colored?
Yes. Possible tooth-colored replacement choices include:
1. Composite (plastic) resin bonding
2. Porcelain inlay/onlay
3. Porcelain crowns
My teeth stick out in front. Are braces my only option?
Although braces may be the best choice for you, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Fairweather to explore all the options for treating your specific condition. Possible alternative to braces include:
1. Cosmetic contouring
2. Bonding
3. Porcelain laminate veneers
4. Crowns
My teeth don't show when I smile. Can I do anything to change this?
In most cases, orthodontics may be required to bring your teeth down into a position where they will show when you smile. In some cases, Dr. Fairweather may also suggest orthognathic surgery. He may also recommend bonding, porcelain laminate veneers, or full crowns as a possible compromise.
What can I do about bad breath?
Bad breath may be caused by your teeth or gums, but more often it is a result of bacteria colonizing on the back of your tongue. Tongue scrapers and the treatment of periodontal disease can help remove the bacteria that cause these odors.
I'm in my 50’s. Am I too old for braces?
No! Many adults choose tooth-colored ceramic braces, which blend in with your natural teeth. A removable appliance may also be an option for your particular condition. Orthodontics is usually the most cost-effective treatment because it corrects the cosmetic problem while retaining your natural teeth. Keep in mind that restorative treatment always has a limited "life expectancy,” so you may have to pursue additional treatments in the future.
My chin recedes. Is there anything that can improve my appearance other than a chin implant?
Orthodontics is a good place to start. In most cases, treatment must be coordinated with an orthognathically trained oral surgeon who may perform orthognathic surgery (jaw advancement). At Better Image Dentistry, we recommend that you consult with a team of professionals that includes an orthodontist, an oral surgeon, and a restorative dentist. Please contact us for more information about your treatment options.
My teeth are loose. What can I do to correct this?
At Better Image Dentistry, we recommend that you start with a teeth cleaning (prophylaxis), full mouth X-rays, and periodontal probing to determine why they are loose. Dr. Fairweather may also suggest a consultation with a periodontist to help determine the cause of your loose teeth and develop a plan to treat the condition.
My denture makes me look old and it doesn't fit well. What can I do?
The first step is to arrange for a cosmetic evaluation with Dr. Fairweather. He will evaluate your lipline (smileline) and show you his recommended correction using computer imaging – so you can be sure you will like the look of your new dentures.
What exactly are dental implants?
Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth. After your dentist places the titanium implant, it will osseointegrate (biologically bind) to the bone. A full crown is placed on top of the implant. The result is a natural-looking, secure tooth replacement.
How long have dental implants been around?
The current cylinder type of titanium implant has been used for more than three decades. Implants were invented in 1957 in Stockholm, Sweden. Implants were tested in the 1960's and later introduced in Europe and the United States in the 1970's and early 1980's. Dental implants provide an excellent option for people with missing teeth. Dr. Fairweather has been performing restorations with dental implants for almost 20 years.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Implants are a highly successful method of tooth restoration, with a 95-98% success rate in the lower jaw and an 86-92% success rate in the upper jaw. They have a low potential for infection and will not be rejected by the body. However, dental implants must be maintained with proper oral hygiene and frequent dental exams and cleanings.
How long do dental implants last?
Reports suggest that dental implants can last for 35 years or longer. Once they have successfully integrated with the surrounding bone, implants have about the same long-term potential as natural teeth (if they are maintained and cared for properly).
How can I find out if I am a good candidate for dental implants?
Dr. Fairweather can evaluate your condition using diagnostic records and a CT scan (a 3-dimensional type of X-ray that accurately measures the amount of bone remaining to anchor the implants) to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
My dentist told me I've lost bone in my jaw. Will it re-grow?
In many cases, your lost bone can be restored by augmenting bony ridges. Even places where there is no bone can be significantly improved using guided bone regeneration or bone grafts. Dr. Fairweather can evaluate your specific condition and determine if you are a candidate for these procedures. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.
My jaw looks a lot like Jay Leno's jaw. Can I do anything to make it less prominent?
This condition is known as mandibular prognathism. Orthognathic surgery can be very effective in correcting it.
Is there anything I can do to stop my jaw from locking, popping, creaking or clicking?
In some cases, no treatment may be required. Dr. Fairweather can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best options for you.
My smile is crooked. How can I straighten it out?
Orthodontics is usually the best way to correct a crooked smile. However, you may be able to achieve a straighter smile with an alternative method using restorative treatment with bonding, laminating, or full crowns. Dr. Fairweather can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best options for you.
- Before having any cosmetic dental treatment, ask your dentist to show you how your new smile will look so you can be sure you will like the result. Better Image Dentistry offers advanced computer imaging to help you picture what your smile will look like after cosmetic dental improvements.|
- Ask your dentist to explain the life expectancy and advantages and disadvantages of each potential solution to your dental problem. Dr. Fairweather will provide detailed information about the treatment options for your specific situation and answer any questions you may have.
- Work with your dentist to develop a plan for improving your entire smile, rather than settling for a “one tooth at a time” strategy. At Better Image Dentistry, Dr. Fairweather will take a holistic approach to your treatment by starting with a detailed face and smile analysis and then developing a detailed treatment plan.
- Before having any dental treatment, discuss how conservative you want your tooth preparations to be. Some dental techniques (e.g., crowns) require almost complete tooth removal, while even porcelain laminates may involve almost total enamel removal. Dr. Fairweather will discuss your tooth preparations with you before performing any procedures to help you understand exactly what is involved.
- Make sure your dentist uses advanced diagnostic technology to make a comprehensive functional and cosmetic evaluation of your condition before developing a treatment plan for you. For example, by using an intraoral camera, Dr. Fairweather can show you an enlarged image of your teeth that reveals any defects that might lead to tooth fractures and/or tooth loss. At Better Image Dentistry, we also offer laser detection technology (DIAGNOdent) that helps find and predict cavities before they are visible during a dental exam.
- Check with your local Better Business Bureau to make sure the dentist you are considering for your smile makeover have a good record of pleasing patients.
- Avoid surprises! At Better Image Dentistry, we will make everything clear in advance, including the details of your treatment plan, the extent of any tooth reduction, any surgery required, the advantages and disadvantages of each potential treatment option, and our fees. It is important that you ask questions to ensure that you fully understand your treatment plan and your options.
- Don’t hesitate to get a second – or even third – opinion. By visiting other dental offices and learning about what they have to offer, you can make sure that you are choosing the right one for you. You can also compare different analyses of your treatment plan from different dentists. Don’t give up until you have the smile you’ve always wanted!