Under the supervision of a dentist, it is perfectly safe to whiten teeth. Individuals who definitely should not whiten their teeth are children, pregnant women or women who are breast feeding.

In addition to regular cleanings (bi-annual or tri-annual) here are some ways to minimize teeth discoloration: 1. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables. They are abrasive and in a sense scrub your teeth. 2. Brush your teeth immediately after eating potentially staining foods. If brushing is not possible, try to rinse your mouth thoroughly. 3. Use a straw when drinking high stain potential beverages. The straw will allow the liquid to bypass your front teeth completely. 4. Do NOT brush too strenuously. Over time you will expose the yellowish/bluish dentin which is underneath your enamel.

In addition to aging, many things especially what we eat and drink affect tooth color. Culprits include berries, red wine, tea, coffee, cranberry juice, soy sauce and soda pop.

Not all teeth that have had “root canals” need crowns. If a crown is indicated, it is generally because the restoration(filling) on the tooth is too large and it will probably fracture under normal function. Also, after a tooth has had a root canal, it becomes more brittle because there is no longer a blood supply to the tooth. This brittle nature could predispose the tooth to fracture. A crown would help to alleviate this problem.

One should only have their silver fillings replaced as needed. The reasons for replacement are if there are signs of tooth decay underneath the filling or if the filling has broken. Very rarely does someone have an authentic allergy to silver fillings. Individuals who feel they do have an allergy should speak with their dentist.

The two main differences between white and silver fillings are their composition and their esthetics. There is a very small segment of the population that has an authentic allergy to mercury. For this reason, silver fillings would be contraindicated as mercury is found in them. White fillings are made of a composite resin. The second difference is esthetics. The white fillings are tooth coloured and as such, are more pleasing to the eye than the silver fillings. When mentioning silver fillings, we actually mean the amalgam ones, that contain mercury. We are an amalgam/mercury free Dental Clinic. We use only composite, tooth colored fillings, or custom made porcelain, or gold inlays or onlays.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Dental implants are more conservative and tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin laminates of porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth. The veneers allow the dentist to change the colour and/or the shape of the teeth. They are the best in cosmetic dentistry.

Dentures are a removable set of teeth or partial set of teeth that need to be removed and cared for in a special manner. They can often feel bulky and are difficult to get used to. Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth that can be cared for just like natural teeth.

Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth, they are permanent, you can eat the foods you want without any fear of embarrassment, and they procedure is very successful and fairly inexpensive.

Your dentist may be able to perform implants in their own office based on their training. If not, they will recommend you to an implantologist, cosmetic dentist, or another specialist that will perform the procedure. Dr.George Batgidis, at Pasadora Family Dental Centre, is a distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics, and a Fellow of the Postgraduate Program of Oral Implantology and Biomaterials from the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in New York. He is resident on island.

The price of your dental implants will vary based on the level of experience of your doctor, how many implants you are having placed, amount of insurance coverage, and more. Schedule a consultation with us to determine a price for your implants and a financing plan if necessary.

No. A local anesthetic will be given before the procedure so that you do not feel any pain. If you have anxiety or fear you should discuss sedation options with your dentist.

When cared for properly, implants should last a lifetime. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to the success of your implant.

You should take him/her in by the time he celebrates his/her first birthday although we recommend expecting mothers receive their first consultation during pregnancy to discuss prevention techniques such as nutrition and dietary recommendations that will help with their babies development of healthy teeth. First visits are mostly about getting children used to the dentist’s chair and educating parents about how to care for baby’s teeth. If your child has transitioned from the bottle to cup and doesn’t snack or drink in the middle of the night, you get a one-year pass, until age 2. That’s when the standard every-six-month dental visit recommendation kicks into gear. When your child is between ages 4 and 6, expect your dentist to take a first set of X-rays to check for cavities lurking between the teeth. Prevention is the name of the game between ages 6 and 12, when baby teeth give way to permanent teeth. Your child’s dentist will probably suggest a sealant, a plastic resin that bonds to teeth’s chewing surfaces, between ages 7 and 9. Cavity-prone molars are the most likely site for treatment. The resin keeps cavity-causing bacteria from getting into the grooves and valleys of teeth. Also, when your child is around age 7, his/her dentist will likely suggest an orthodontic evaluation. Most kids will wait until their early teens for braces, but orthodontics is about modifying jaw growth, so identifying skeletal causes of crooked teeth early helps ensure a beautiful smile later on.

The first dental visit can be a scary experience for any child. It’s important to prepare your child to reduce any potential fear and anxiety. There are a number of techniques to help your child deal with the fear and anxiety caused by a first dental visit. 1. Talk to your child. Start by talking to your child about going to the dentist. Many children fear the dentist and they’ve never even had their first trip to the dentist’s chair. Open up a dialogue about the dentist with your child days before that first appointment. That way, he/she is not blindsided by the appointment and then expected to conquer those fears in just a few minutes. 2. Use Printables. Fun dental printables can explain to your kids what they can expect in a non-scary way. You can find word searches, coloring pages and other printables to explain good oral hygiene and why we go to the dentist on the internet. While your child is working on the printables, it’s a good time for you to tell her all about that first appointment she’ll soon have. 3. Take a Trial Run. Talk with your child’s dentist ahead of time to see if that first trip can be a trial run. In other words, instead of a full teeth cleaning, the dentist may just get him/her ready for future appointments by letting him/her get used to sitting in the chair, looking at in his/her mouth and brushing teeth with a regular toothbrush while talking to him/her about good oral hygiene. 4. Play Dentist at Home. Take turns playing dentist at home. Pretend to give him/her a full checkup by looking into his/her mouth. Let him/her watch with a hand mirror as you brush his/her teeth. Talk him/her through the process. Then it’s your turn. Then let him/her be the dentist. 5. Choose a Children’s Dentist. Many general dentistry offices accept children as patients, not just adults. But your child may be more comfortable at a children’s dentist. Let him/her know he/she can play with toys and other kids in the waiting area while he/she waits to see the dentist.

Health and eating habits during pregnancy are very important not only for the overall physical development of the fetus but also for the development of its teeth The most important risk factor for the decay of infancy in your child’s mouth is the presence of active caries in your mouth. This is because the decay is a bacterial inflammation which can be spread to the toddler from you. All family members should keep their teeth clean (regular brushing, interdental brush or floss daily). Studies have shown that if you take care of your teeth during pregnancy, there is a reduced chance of premature birth and low birth weight. Expecting mothers should try to visit a dentist at the beginning of their pregnancy. Health and eating habits during pregnancy are very important not only for the overall physical development of the fetus but also for the development of its teeth. By taking care of your teeth you are in turn taking care of your child’s health and teeth. The bones and not your teeth are a good source of calcium for the growing bones and teeth of your baby. It is a myth, with no scientific basis, that the baby steals calcium from the mother and so “spoils” her teeth. Your diet should include meat, milk, dairy products, fruit, vegetables and starchy foods. You should not drink alcohol or smoke. Pregnant women have a tendency to eat treats at intervals of meals. These dishes usually contain high amounts of sugar, which is a factor of tooth destruction.

During pregnancy, there is secretion of many different hormones. A hormonal disorder can cause pain, swelling or even bleeding gums for the pregnant. This is a problem associated with pregnancy and ends with its completion. Such a situation can be improved by systematic brushing and flossing.

One serious type of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to sweetened liquids such as milk (including breast milk), fruit juices, formula etc. Sweet liquid pools around the child’s teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. In case that you give the baby a ‘’comforter’’ at bedtime make sure it contains only water as any other sweet drink can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. If your child won’t fall asleep without the bottle and its usual beverage, gradually dilute the bottle’s contents with water over a period of two to three weeks. When you finish your baby’s feeding, wipe its gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place the child’s head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor making sure you can check into the child’s mouth easily.

It is crucial to maintain the health of primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and in various cases do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important for: appropriate chewing and eating, provide space for the permanent teeth and guide them into the right place, permit the normal development of the jaw muscles and bones, affect the development of teeth, offer an attractive appearance

It is important to start daily brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts. A small amount (pea size) of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow it. By age 4 or 5, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day with parental supervision until about age 7 to ensure they are doing a thorough job.

Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. Many toothpastes, and/or tooth polishes, however, can damage young smiles. They contain harsh chemicals that can wear away young tooth enamel. When searching for a toothpaste for your child make sure to choose one that is recommended by your dentist or ADA. It is important that children spit out toothpaste after brushing to avoid getting too much fluoride. If too much fluoride is ingested, a condition known as fluorosis can occur. If your child is too young or unable to spit out toothpaste, provide them with a toothpaste free of fluoride , use no toothpaste, or use only a small amount of toothpaste (pea size).

Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and remaining food particles that are both combined to the creation of cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from gums and teeth. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. It can cause “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” . Older children should brush their teeth at least twice a day. You should also try and reduce the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your children. We recommend six month visits to the pediatric dentist beginning at your child’s first birthday. Regular visits will ensure a lifetime of perfect dental health for your child. Also protective sealants or home fluoride treatments for your child can help prevent cavities.

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, and subsequently protects the decay-prone areas of the teeth.

Assess whether the thumbsucking is a problem Thumbsucking is a normal, natural behavior for many children, and is something they do to comfort themselves and alleviate anxiety. Generally, it will not need correction if it does not continue past 2-4 years of age; most children will give it up before starting kindergarten. However, if you notice any of the following, it might be a problem. It’s causing dental problem. Thumbsucking can sometimes affect a child’s bite, the alignment of their teeth, or the way the roof of their mouth develops. It’s causing medical problem. Persistent thumbsucking can cause the skin on the thumb to shrivel, crack, or chap. It can prevent the nail from growing properly, or even cause infections under and around the nail bed. Watch for triggers. Many children suck their thumb only at certain times, like when they are falling asleep or riding in the car. Others do it for comfort when they’re hurt or upset. In many cases, they might not even be aware that they are sucking their thumb. Learning your child’s triggers can offer clues as to the best method for helping them stop. Ignore it. Children often use behaviors like thumbsucking to get attention from adults; they can also become battlegrounds for power struggles between parents and children. The more you talk about or call attention to the behavior, the more your child will do it. If you suspect this is the case, try to ignore the thumbsucking for a period of time. Give it about a month, and see what happens. Your child may stop sucking their thumb on their own. Use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to encourage behavior change in children. Give verbal praise to your child for not sucking their thumb. You could also set up a simple reward system. Put a sticker on the calendar for every day your child does not suck their thumb. At the end of a week with no thumbsucking, give your child a small reward or prize – an extra bedtime story or a small toy. At the end of a month, offer a larger reward, perhaps a special outing. Gradually extend the length of time required to earn rewards. Cover the thumb. A thumb that is covered will not feel or taste the same as a bare thumb, and this is often enough to stop many children’s thumbsucking. Try a band aid, a finger cot, a small finger puppet, or a thumb guard. If thumbsucking occurs mainly at night, try putting a mitten or a sock over the hand.

Many mouth and dental injuries can be prevented by taking the following steps: • Have regular dental checkups. If your gums and teeth are healthy, you are more likely to recover from an injury quickly and completely. Use a seat belt to prevent or reduce injuries to the mouth during a motor vehicle accident. Always place your child in a child car seat to prevent injuries. • Wear a mouth guard while participating in sports • Wear a helmet and face guard in sports during which a face, mouth, or head injury could occur. • If you wear an orthodontic appliance, such as a retainer or headgear, follow your orthodontist’s instructions about proper wear and care of it. Learn as much about your orthodontic appliance as you can. • Remove headgear and wear a protective mouth guard when playing sports. • Remove headgear before engaging in rough play. • Do not eat foods that are hard, chewy, crunchy, or sticky. • Do not pick at or pull on your braces. • Use orthodontic wax to protect the inside of your mouth from poking wires. • Store the appliance in the case provided by your orthodontist. • If you grind your teeth, ask us if we recommend a mouth guard. • If you have seizures or other medical problems that may increase your risk of falls, ask your doctor if and when he or she recommends that you use a helmet and face guard to protect your head and mouth. More steps to prevent mouth and dental injuries in young children include the following: • Be aware of your child’s chance of falling, and take steps to prevent falls. • When your toddler is using a bottle or Sippy cup, have him or her stay seated. Don’t allow your child to walk or run with any objects in his or her mouth. • Never leave a baby unattended in high places, such as on a tabletop, in a crib with the sides down, or even on a bed or sofa. • Do not leave a baby unattended in any infant seat or “sitting” toy, such as a swing, walker, saucer, or jumper. Use all the safety straps provided. • Be gentle when placing a bottle or spoon in a baby’s or child’s mouth. An object that is jammed into the mouth can tear the skin between the lips and gums or under the tongue (frenulum). • If your child has protruding teeth, have them examined by a dentist. Protruding teeth are more likely to be injured.

Early examination(5-7 years of age) allows the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems and to plan an appropriate treatment schedule. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing or make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Early treatment may also achieve results that are not possible once the face and jaws have stopped growing. In most cases, orthodontic treatment is commenced as soon as the last baby tooth has been shed. This usually occurs in the early teens. In some cases, it is an advantage to start just before the last baby teeth are shed. In the past, orthodontic treatment was generally restricted to children. However, the basic process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age and orthodontic treatment is also successful for adults.

Most orthodontic problems (malocclusions) are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth, and some jaw growth problems. Other malocclusions are acquired as a result of thumb- or fingersucking, dental disease, accidents, the early or late loss of baby (primary) teeth, or other causes.

Orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better, and decreases the risk of future, and potentially costly dental problems. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. A malocclusion can cause tooth enamel to wear abnormally, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment, many problems simply become worse.

The AAO recommends that your child get a check-up with an orthodontist at the first recognition of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age 7. By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to determine whether an orthodontic problem exists or is developing. Putting off a check-up with an orthodontist until a child has lost all baby teeth could be a disservice. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found early. A check-up no later than age 7 gives your orthodontist the opportunity to recommend the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. If early treatment is in order, the orthodontist may be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Yes. Age is not a consideration when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved successfully at any age. Orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better, and decreases the risk of future dental problems regardless of age.

Thanks to the variety of appliances (such as clear aligners and various bracket types) used by orthodontists, adults may be able to inconspicuously achieve the great smile they want. Many of today’s treatment options are designed to minimize the appearance of the appliance and better fit an adult lifestyle. Ask your orthodontist about treatment options that are appropriate for you.

Certainly. You can do almost anything during orthodontic treatment — sing, play a musical instrument, dine out, kiss, and even have your picture taken. Some temporary adjustments will be necessary, but if you’re like the vast majority of adult patients, you’ll adapt quickly.

A consultation with an orthodontist will determine if you can benefit from treatment. After carefully analyzing the nature of your orthodontic problem, your orthodontist can recommend how you can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Orthodontic treatment is a partnership between the patient and the orthodontist. The orthodontist provides custom-made fixed or removable appliances that use gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. Your job is to follow the orthodontist’s instructions, keep scheduled orthodontic appointments and maintain excellent oral hygiene so you achieve your best results. You will also need to see your primary care dentist as recommended.

Orthodontic treatment averages less than two years, but can range from one to three years. When “active” treatment ends, retainers are prescribed for most patients to keep teeth in their new positions.

Whether you are planning to replace missing teeth or not, you may benefit from a consultation with an orthodontist. If replacements for missing teeth are planned, an orthodontist can help keep the necessary space open. If no replacements are planned, an orthodontist may be able to stabilize your teeth so that shifting does not occur or is minimized. Your orthodontist will work with your dentist or dental specialist to achieve the best result.

Advances in today's orthodontic materials mean patients see the orthodontist only about once every six weeks during active treatment.

New techniques and materials today have made orthodontic treatment more comfortable than ever. Discomfort, if any, is shortlived and can be managed using over-the-counter analgesics.

Your orthodontist will need to consult with your dentist and/or periodontist about the health of your gums. If you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment, you will continue regular visits with your dentist and/or periodontist. For many patients, proper tooth alignment can contribute to healthy gums.

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity and length of treatment. At Pasadora Family Dental Centre, we will be glad to discuss fees with you before treatment begins. Many patients find that orthodontic treatment is more affordable today than ever. We offer a variety of convenient payment plans. Employers may offer dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits, and/or the option to set aside pre-tax dollars in a flexible spending account or other health savings account.

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. They receive an additional three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Only those who successfully complete this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), like Dr Don Machen, at Pasadora Family Dental Centre. In addition Dr Don is also Professor of Orthodontics in Universities in USA.

Tell the dentist about your fears. This information will help the dentist determine how to best manage and address those fears. By letting the dentist know exactly why the experience is difficult for you, you will have more control in the examination chair. Talk to the dentist about stopping if you feel uncomfortable. Many dentists said they establish a signal to “stop” with their patients. This puts you in control of the procedure and alerts the dentist if you’re uncomfortable or need to take a break during the appointment. Visit the dentist regularly to prevent problems. For fearful patients, just going for a regular check-up can be nerve-wracking, but the more you go to the dentist for routine cleanings, the more likely you are to avoid larger problems that result in extensive procedures. Remember that dental procedures have greatly improved. Modern dentistry offers new methods and treatment options to make you feel comfortable. Ask Questions. Dentists will explain the entire procedure to you beforehand, as well as walk you through step-by-step while the procedure is being performed. If you are unsure of something ask questions. You always have the right to fully understand the work being done on your teeth.

Breathe deeply and try to relax. Some dentists recommend practicing relaxation techniques before and during the appointment. Other dentists find that listening to music, or scheduling an appointment first thing in the morning, before the stresses of the day add up, also help patients to relax. Consider additional medication to relax. Many dentists recommend nitrous oxide, sedation or anti-anxiety medicine for extremely nervous patients. Pasadora Family Dental Centre offers these options to help you get through the visit. Take your time. Dentists are happy to go slow with nervous patients. If possible, make sure your first visit is a simple one, such as a cleaning. This will help you build your relationship with the dentist before going in for a more difficult procedure.

Most children and adults should get a regular dental cleaning and check up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check ups more than twice a year. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check up. Going to your regular check ups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy as well as detect any early problems such as gum disease, oral cancer and cavities. The best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis.

One should always come in for regular cleanings to ensure good oral health. At your regular cleaning appointment, your dentist will check for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer and any other concerns you might have.

Proper brushing takes at least two minutes that's right, 120 seconds! Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows: Step 1: Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth Step 2: Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth Step 3: Clean the chewing surfaces Step 4: For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline. Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes. Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Most dentist support that a soft-bristled brush is more suitable for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. Moreover, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, especially for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. It is a priority to find the appropriate toothbrush.

You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first. It is also very important to change toothbrushes after you’ve had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.

One should only have their silver fillings replaced as needed. The reasons for replacement are if there are signs of tooth decay underneath the filling or if the filling has broken. Very rarely does someone have an authentic allergy to silver fillings. Individuals who feel they do have an allergy should speak with their dentist.

The two main differences between white and silver fillings are their composition and their esthetics. There is a very small segment of the population that has an authentic allergy to mercury. For this reason, silver fillings would be contraindicated as mercury is found in them. White fillings are made of a composite resin. The second difference is esthetics. The white fillings are tooth coloured and as such, are more pleasing to the eye than the silver fillings. When mentioning silver fillings, we actually mean the amalgam ones, that contain mercury. We are an amalgam/mercury free Dental Clinic. We use only composite, tooth colored fillings, or custom made porcelain, or gold inlays or onlays.

TMJ disorders refer to pain, discomfort, or tenderness in or around the temporomandibular joints. Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include tenderness or pain in the face, jaw pain, ear pain, neck pain, stiffness in the jaw, chewing discomfort, difficulty chewing, headaches, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, locking of the jaw, painful clicking of the jaw, and teeth that don't come together properly when eating or chewing. It is important to note that some clicking of the jaw is normal and that other problems can cause facial pain, such as sinus, headaches, and earaches. Pasadora Family Dental Centre's newest on the market Cone Beam Digital X-ray has numerous excellent programs for taking and analyzing detailed TMJ scans.