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Crowns

A Crown/Cap is the portion of a tooth above the gum line that is covered by enamel. The artificial cap can be made of porcelain, composite, or metal and is cemented on top of the damaged tooth. Porcelain is the most popular choice because it is tooth colored and resembles your natural teeth. Much like fillings, crowns are highly durable and will last you many years, but they may need to be replaced in the future.

Typical reasons for a crown include: a tooth that has had a root canal, decayed teeth, fractured or large fillings, broken teeth, or for cosmetic enhancement.

We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth. Where damage to a person’s teeth is extreme and may be beyond repair, we can use porcelain or porcelain “pasted-on-gold” crowns to make the smile appear like new. This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe dental problems, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make for people using this technology. These treatments are used for a long-lasting correction of major dental problems. It is usual for these treatments to last for 20 to 30 years

Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal.On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth.

Bridges

A bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are a stationary (non-removable) dental prosthesis fixed to teeth, adjacent to a space. They are cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants to replace one or more missing teeth. These are also called a fixed partial denture. Just like fillings, there are many types of bridges and you and your dental team will discuss the best options for your case. The most popular bridge is made of porcelain because it most resembles your natural teeth. They are very durable and will last you many years, but like other dental restorations they may need to be replaced. Bridges are chosen to fill in spaces of missing teeth, to help restore your smile, as an alternative to removable dentures, or to help retain normal chewing and speaking. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges) or they can be removable (removable bridge).

Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it is difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.

The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, the doctor will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.

Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either a precious or non-precious metal.

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Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they have been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedure. Tooth whitening also known as bleaching lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Whitening is among the most requested cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look. According to the FDA whitening helps to restore your tooth color to your natural teeth and bleaching help to whiten it beyond the natural color.

Whitening is not a one-time procedure. It will need to be repeated from time to time if you want to maintain the brighter color.

An impression is taken to make a specialized mouth guard mouth guard or stent to hold the bleaching solution against the teeth. The material is used each night for about three to four hours for a week or two. By the end of this time, significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, this bleaching technology allows us to promise improvements in yellowing, aging, or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be more appropriate.

There are two main types of whitening procedures. Non-vital whitening is done on a tooth that has had root-canal treatment and no longer has a live nerve. Vital whitening is performed on teeth that have live nerves.

Non-Vital Whitening

Vital whitening may not improve the appearance of a tooth that has had root-canal treatment because the stain is coming from the inside of the tooth. If this is the case, your dentist will use a different procedure that whitens the tooth from the inside. He or she will place a whitening agent inside the tooth and put a temporary filling over it. The tooth will be left this way for several days. You may need this done only once, or it can be repeated until the tooth reaches the desired shade.

Vital Whitening

The most common type of vital tooth whitening uses a gel-like whitening solution that is applied directly to the tooth surface. This product contains some form of hydrogen peroxide.

Tooth whitening can be done in the hospital. In-office whitening allows your dentist to use a more powerful whitening gel. A specialized light or laser activates the gel and allows bleaching to happen faster.

In-office whitening usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. You will need one to three appointments. The number will depend upon the method used, how severe your stains are and how white you want your teeth to be. Different types of stains respond differently to the treatment.

First, your dentist will apply a substance that covers and protects the gums around the teeth. Then, the whitening agent, usually hydrogen peroxide, will be placed on the teeth.

Some whitening agents are activated by a laser light, special lights or by the heat from these lights. After the whitening agent is applied, the dentist will shine the light on your teeth. If your teeth are badly discolored, your dentist may suggest that you continue the bleaching process at home for a few days or weeks.

For in-home whitening, your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and will make custom mouthpieces to fit you. The mouthpiece needs to fit well. A close fit helps the whitening agent remain in contact with your teeth.At home, you will fill each mouthpiece with a whitening gel your dentist provides. You will wear the mouthpiece for several hours every day. Many people achieve the amount of whitening they want within a week or two. However, you may need to wear the mouthpiece for four weeks or longer.

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Restore not only the form and function on your mouth, but the natural beauty of your smile. Dental implants provide a discreet, secure base for prosthetic teeth that can stand up to any food. They are a permanent alternative to dentures.

The procedure starts with an anesthetic and a sedative, and once you are comfortable, we insert a titanium anchor into your jawbone. This provides a solid, secure base for your new, custom manufactured crown. The crown is then cemented to the anchor to complete the process.

Implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. They fill in not only the empty space between teeth, but also in the jaw to help prevent bone loss that can occur after teeth fall out. Unlike dentures, dental implants can be taken care of just like your natural teeth — brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist every 6 months.

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Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy): Root canal therapy is necessary when a tooth is infected and will not heal on its own. Symptoms include pain when biting and chewing, sensitivity with hot and cold, and constant aching and discomfort. A lot of people are intimidated when they hear the word “root canal”, but at our office there is no need to be afraid. Most general dentists will refer you to an Endodontic specialist, and in some complex cases we may need to refer you to an Endodontic too, but the majority of the time we can take care of this problem for you. This will save you time and extra doctor’s visits. When a tooth becomes badly decayed or infected, a root canal is performed to save it. If the tooth isn’t treated, the surrounding tissue will get infected and abscesses will form. We start with an x-ray to see the size and shape of the root canals, and determine if there is any infection in the surrounding bone. After anesthesia, we place a rubber ring around your tooth to keep it dry, and create an access hole to begin removing the pulp and decayed nerve tissue. Once the tooth is clean, we seal and fill it with a sealer paste and a rubber compound, putting a filling in the access hole. 

Root Canal Procedure: The root canal system is composed of nerves and blood vessels that supply nutrients and feeling to the tooth itself. These structures are housed in a small chamber, or canal, within the tooth. When these structures are disrupted due to infection or trauma, they must be removed; the canal area is then cleaned and sealed.

Symptoms or signs that a root canal is needed: severe pain, sensitivity to cold and hot, abscess, and in some cases no symptoms at all exist.

Depending on the severity of your case, you may require a crown to protect the tooth. This will prevent it from breaking, and restore it to full function. Regardless of whether you get a crown or other restoration following the root canal, you should brush and floss regularly. See us every six months for a cleaning and exam.

Our goal is to keep you pain free while retaining your perfect smile that makes your happiness completely yours! If you are having these kinds of problems or are in a lot of pain, then come to Viva Dent for a checkup so we can see what kind of treatment might be needed.

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We are dedicated to the art and science of transforming not only the appearance of your smile, but also your overall oral health. Cosmetic dentistry can improve your self image, particularly if you have damaged or discolored teeth. Even simple procedures such as bleaching or bonding can be real confidence-boosters.

Unlike general or restorative dentistry, cosmetic dental procedures are done electively to improve the appearance of your smile. We use natural looking; tooth-colored materials and advances in technology allow us to perform our cosmetic dentistry services on-site, so the procedures are comfortable and convenient for you.

There are many cosmetic options, depending on what you need to have done. For example:

 

  • Stained or discolored teeth: The enamel that covers the teeth can get stained. The underlying tooth structure (the dentin) also can get yellow over time. Bleaching is an option for healthy teeth.

 

  • Chips or rough spots: These can be filled with a tooth-colored material called composite resin. This material can be chosen to match the color of your teeth. Once it's smoothed and polished, it will look virtually the same as the surrounding area.

 

  • Cavities or cracks: Traditional amalgam fillings work fine in the back of the mouth. However, most people don't want to reveal a "metal mouth" when they smile. Silver amalgam also contains mercury. This can be toxic to the nervous system. However, leakage of mercury into the mouth is believed to be very low. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not found any reason to limit the use of amalgam. But many dentists and patients prefer not to use silver amalgam. An alternative is to use tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made of a plastic material similar to that used to repair chips or cracks. Some white fillings (direct composites) are pressed into the cavity and cured (hardened) with a special high-intensity blue light. Others are made in a laboratory and then cemented in place. These include special composites and porcelain fillings called inlays and onlays. Laboratory-made composites and porcelain fillings cost much more than amalgam fillings, but are much more attractive. They are about the same cost as gold fillings. Gold fillings are less appealing today because of their appearance. However, they are very strong and long lasting.

 

  • Uneven teeth: it is not uncommon for a tooth to be slightly longer or have a different shape than its neighbors. With a procedure called recontouring, your dentist can reshape the tooth so that it's a better match.

 

  • Gaps between the teeth: Small gaps can be closed by applying composite material between the teeth. For large gaps or other surface flaws, your dentist may recommend veneers. Veneers are among the most costly cosmetic procedures. They are permanently bonded to the fronts of the teeth. This gives them an entirely new appearance. Veneers are made from ultra-thin shells of porcelain that are matched to your exact tooth color. Your dentist also may refer you to an orthodontist to correct your gaps. Some people like or don't mind a gap. Others are very aware of it and want it closed. You and your dentist can determine the best treatment option. In some cases, the best option is no treatment. In others, it may be bonding, veneers or braces.

 

  • Broken or crooked teeth: If a tooth has been badly broken or is structurally weak, you may need a crown. Today, crowns on front teeth are made of tooth-colored porcelain. It can appear very life-like. The crown may be all porcelain, or, more typically, porcelain with metal inside that fits over the tooth. Both types of crowns offer excellent results. Your choice depends on your bite (occlusion) and what you and your dentist prefer.

 

Cosmetic procedures vary in technique and cost. Before you start a treatment plan, consider all the options and make an educated decision. Remember, these procedures cannot be reversed.

Cosmetic Dentistry includes:

  • Porcelain laminates
  • Bleaching
  • Bonding
  • Replacing amalgam (silver) fillings with white fillings

About Viva Dent

Vivadent is one of the leading Dental Clinics in Maldives. The clinic was established in 2012 to adhere to the highest standards in safety, hygiene and customer service in Dentistry.

Dr. Satheesh BDS

Dr. Rajkumar MDS (Orthodontist)