Cosmetic Dentistry is the blend of science of dentistry with the art of form and shape for enhanced oral health, functional support, esthetics and beauty. Cosmetic dentistry emerged in the 1980’s as and built the foundation of today’s teeth whitening, bonding and smile and jaw design. Cosmetic dentistry focuses the applications on appearance- related dental procedures.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Sudbury, Val Caron, Hanmer, Minnow Lake, Chelmsford, Azilda, Dowling, Lavack, Garson, Falconbridge, Skead or Capreol, please email or call Dr. Martic’s Dentistry Office today to arrange your personal cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Martic. No matter what your dental concern, Dr. Martic will educate you on your best options to meet your needs.

The mission of dentistry is to try to help patients maintain and restore their original teeth in good health for as long as is possible.

Both dentists and denturists can make dentures to replace missing teeth, therefore many patients are not sure who to first consult with; a dentist or denturist. To understand the answer to this question, we should start with definitions of each position and area of responsibility and accreditation.

Definitions:

A Denturist (in Canada and U.S.) is a certified dental technician and a member of the oral health care team who provides an oral health examination, takes impressions of the surrounding oral tissues, constructs and delivers removable oral prosthesis (dentures to replace all teeth when no teeth are present and partial dentures to replace teeth when some natural teeth are still present) directly to the patient.

A Denturist, unfortunately is not qualified to diagnose any problems on teeth or perform any form of treatment to any teeth or gum tissues. While they are still capable of making excellent dentures in some situations, the inability to diagnose and treat many conditions limits their ability to make dentures in certain situations. In these situations, the patient would need to first consult a dentist.

A Dentist (in Canada and the U.S.) is also known as a ‘dental surgeon’, and a qualified health care practitioner that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

A Dentist is qualified to diagnose and administer all dental treatments including dentures. A dentist can determine which teeth are healthy enough to be saved, and which teeth can be used to anchor and hold partial dentures. Dentists can also repair teeth to prepare them to support a partial denture, and remove any teeth which are not salvageable, with the goal of providing the patient with the best long-term prognosis for their teeth and dentures.

So in the end, both a dentist and a denturist really have the same goal in mind: taking care of your oral health and making sure you have a great smile. While only the dentist can prepare the foundation for the fabrication of successful dentures, both dentist and denturist can be excellent at providing the final phase of tooth replacement which is the fabrication of the final denture. The choice between the two is really up to you the patient and what your goals are in terms of maintaining some of your existing teeth.

A crown, which is also referred to as a cap, is a permanent cover that your dentist makes for a heavily restored tooth or for a tooth that has had root canal treatment. Left with just a filling, this tooth may crack at some point and have to be extracted, because there isn’t enough of the remaining tooth structure to support it. A crown can also be used to cover a broken tooth or to give it a new and improved appearance.

A crown preserves the central part of the tooth and provides a strengthening cover and strong chewing surface. Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, or a porcelain and metal mix.

Crowns are bonded to the teeth that they cover with a strong and durable cement-they seldom fall off. When done by qualified and experienced dentists, crowns are very stable. If your crown does come off you should contact your dentist immediately, before the exposed tooth suffers any further damage.

This term refers both to the material used for bonding teeth, and to the procedure of bonding. Dental bonding material is a composite resin substance, made to match natural teeth. It’s used:

• To fill cavities.
• To close up small gaps between teeth.
• To enlarge or modify the shape of a tooth.
• To repair cracks or chips in a tooth.

Bonding is a way of preserving as much as possible of the natural tooth, and hiding any imperfections. The tooth surface is first sculpted or buffed to better accept the bonding material, and a special liquid is applied. The bonding material is then applied and molded to the correct shape. A special light then hardens it. It is long lasting, and matches your natural tooth color. See before and after photos.

Dental veneers are very thin ceramic shells, or wafers, which are permanently attached to the front of your teeth. They are used to repair large missing segments of teeth, or to provide a smile makeover by changing the shape and colour of teeth. They have gorgeous esthetics and excellent durability.

Made from dental porcelain, which is a glass-like substance, and translucent like natural tooth enamel, veneers look like natural teeth with a life-like shiny gleam. If your teeth have visible defects such as cracks, chips, stains, or gaps, dental veneers can cover them. On its own, dental porcelain is brittle, but after it has been bonded to your teeth it is very strong, durable and stain-resistant. Once cemented onto the teeth, veneers become part of those teeth and can be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth, by brushing and flossing daily. See before and after photos.

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone. After a healing period this implant can replace a single tooth or, when multiple teeth are missing it can replace many teeth when combined with other implants.
Implants can also be used to stabilize a removeable denture (called overdenture). When enough implants are placed they can support and entire arch of teeth with a fixed denture (not removed daily).

It is done with local anesthetic and, on occasion, light sedation. Your dentist uses a careful surgical technique to form the correct space in the gum and bone tissue and places the implant where it is in contact with bone.

After 3 to 4 months of healing, the implants can be used to hold a tooth or denture.

Most people are potential candidates. Placing implants requires that there be enough bone thickness and depth for the implant to fit into. If there is not enough bone, it can be grown predictably with bone grafting techniques.
In some instances, some patients do not have enough bone to place implants and are not candidates for bone grafting procedures (certain illnesses etc). In these situations, lesser alternative treatments must be considered.
An assessment by the dentist is required to determine who is and who is not a candidate.

When properly done, implants can last decades. They have an excellent track record for long term success and even have some significant advantages over teeth, such as not being able to develop cavities on implant teeth. Implants are also less prone to gum disease (periodontitis) than natural teeth.
Nevertheless, while problems are rare, nothing is completely immune to them. An informed discussion with the dentist is needed to fully assess and discuss all of the risks and benefits.

Diligent dental hygiene will lengthen the implant’s life. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to prevent any deterioration of the bone. Bone loss around the implant, when it becomes advanced, can destroy the integrity of the implant and necessitate its removal.

To help maintain the implant in a healthy environment, warm salt water rinses, on a daily basis, are recommended. See before and after photos.

Every 3-4 months is ideal, depending on whether your mouth is healthy or if gum disease is present. Even when we practice good dental hygiene it is almost impossible to remove all traces of plaque. The remaining plaque, when combined with calcium that naturally occurs in our saliva, can harden into tartar. Once this occurs, brushing and flossing alone cannot remove the tartar.

The dental hygienist removes that hard tartar along with any stains that brushing has not removed. Finally, it includes polishing with a special paste to give your teeth clean, smooth surfaces and a new start on the next interval of daily care between re-care visits.

Yes. If you notice changes in your oral health or a change in your teeth, gums or jaw, please make an appointment with your dentist. You need regular check-ups, especially if you’ve had some cosmetic dental work done. A thorough dentist like Dr. Martic will assess your dental status at every check-up. At Martic Dentistry you can expect the following at your appointments:

• Check for early signs of oral cancer.
• Check the condition of all teeth and fillings.
• Check the fit of dentures.
• Diagnosis and treatment options for any conditions found.
• Answers to any of your questions.

By visiting your dentist on a routine basis, you will optimize the longevity of your teeth and continue to be proactive with respect to your oral and overall health and well-being.

At Martic Dentistry, we work with you to provide the affordable care you need. While many patients have dental benefits through company health plans, some forms of dental work may not be covered. Before any treatment is started, we assist you with your dental insurance to determine the benefits available. You have our word, there won’t be any financial surprises.

Whatever dental care you may require, we sit down in advance to discuss your treatment plan, the shared costs, the direct costs, and ways to cover any uninsured expenses.

We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Interac. Martic Dentistry submits your claim form directly to your insurance carrier for direct reimbursement.