Frequently asked questions

Adults believe that orthodontics only apply to adolescents. But make no mistake, orthodontics has no age! In adulthood, orthodontics allows for the realignment of teeth. This being the case, it is even possible to eliminate a chewing problem that causes pain. If you are an adult, you must meet certain conditions in order to receive orthodontic treatments: you must have healthy or restored teeth, gums that are in good shape, and rigorous oral hygiene discipline. It may be that orthodontics will not rectify all your teeth if they are very worn or if an illness of the jaw causes some difficulties such as headaches. We must sometimes call upon other disciplines in order to optimize results. The situation must first be evaluated by an orthodontist.

Dental pain is one of our main concerns. Today, thanks to the progress accomplished in the medical materials and drug fields, the treatments are a lot more comfortable, according to our own patients. Once a treatment plan has been decided upon, don’t worry: we will be able to answer all your questions related to discomfort and pain control. Don’t put off your cosmetic dentistry treatments till later because you fear pain, especially if this care is necessary to the longevity of your teeth. Give us a chance to show you what today’s cosmetic dentistry can offer you! At Spa dentaire Laurier, our absolute priority is you, the patient. We sleep better at night if you do too! We use all sorts of different techniques to help you relax and even to find your stay with us relaxing. We adapt our solutions to your specific needs and sedation preferences. Call us and ask to speak to one of our treatment consultants: they will gladly address all your concerns. Lots of people wait until their teeth cause them pain before addressing the issue. This must be avoided at all cost, not only to conserve optimal health, but also for your wallet!

Grey fillings or “amalgams” were the restoration method of choice for many years because of their low cost, ease of installation, and relative durability and solidity. On the other hand, in the last few years, their use has progressively gone down for many reasons, namely because of persistent concerns regarding their eventual harmful effects on health and the development of new cosmetic solutions. Amalgams contain mercury. However, scientists have been unable to unequivocally declare the toxicity of grey fillings. On the other hand, it is undeniable that the use of mercury by dentists can have a detrimental effect on the environment. From a strictly cosmetic point of view, it’s certain that the metallic colour cannot be confused with the teeth’s natural colour. This is particularly concerning when the front teeth are involved. Amalgams have paradoxical properties: grey fillings can last a long time, they can weaken the dental structure over time since they corrode and the internal pressure exerted in the tooth ends up fracturing it. The replacement of old and deficient grey fillings can take different forms depending on the level of restoration to execute: this can range from white fillings to porcelain veneers and to porcelain crowns.

A radiant white smile is often associated with an attractive general appearance. Unfortunately, a brilliant smile can be hard to maintain. There are many reasons why teeth get stained or discoloured. Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, or soda, are more likely to stain teeth. Certain types of medications may also stain teeth. For example, the antibiotic tetracycline was widely used to treat certain illnesses. One of the major side effects of this drug was an accentuated discolouration of teeth. The stains caused by tetracycline are grey or dark brown and are impossible to eliminate without professional help. Smokers teeth almost always have a greyish tint. Medications, lifestyle habits, trauma, and diet are a few of the factors that may affect the teeth’s colour. The recommended solutions depend on the colouration’s intensity. These vary from good dental health habits to composite or porcelain veneers, to whitening toothpastes or a professional teeth whitening treatment.

Tooth pain can take the form of throbbing sensations, dull pain, or intense and regular twinging in or around a tooth. The pain can vary in its intensity and go from mild discomfort to unsupportable sensation. The source of this pain may be, for example, a nerve irritation in the tooth’s root, a dental cavity, an infection of the dental pulp or a root fracture. It may also be due to infection of the gums and bone, or inflammation around the wisdom teeth. There exist natural home remedies to treat pain, but it is essential that you consult a dentist for evaluating and treating the source of the pain. When left untreated, the cavities may continue to progress and effect a progressively larger zone. Dental infections can also become more serious, to the point of necessitating additional treatments, while the gums may become very swollen and painful.

Given the hyperacidity of soft drinks and their elevated sugar level, they can, in the case of excessive consumption, cause the demineralization of your teeth and thus, dental erosion. Moderate consumption will not generally cause any such problems. We recommend that you discuss this with your dentist.

No, no and no! On the other hand, brushing the wrong way may prematurely wear teeth and gums. If you still have doubts about how to correctly brush your teeth, ask your hygienist. It is always good to be reminded.

No, not at all. These products destroy the proteins that colour the tooth and not the structure of the tooth itself. Teeth may be more sensitive in the short term, but will become less sensitive as time goes on.