Calgary Doctors

What Type of Retainer Should I Use After Closing my 5mm Diastema with Invisalign?

What Type of Retainer Should I Use After Closing my 5mm Diastema with Invisalign?

I prefer to use the retainers supplied by Invisalign called Vivera Retainers.  They send you four new sets over the course of a year which should be plenty.  Of course, how well they work depends on whether you are diligent in wearing them.  Another option would be to bond a wire on the back of the teeth but you need to make sure there is room to do so when you bite together.  A wire is harder to keep clean but it is there all the time so you don't need to always remember to wear your retainer. 

Gordon Chee, DDS

Calgary Cosmetic Dentist

Are There Food Restrictions After Professional Teeth Whitening?

Are dark foods or acidic foods not recommended after a professional teeth whitening? Is this the same guideline for using whitening strips at home?

Immediately after professional whitening, your teeth are a little more prone to picking up stain.  I would stay away from dark staining food and drink such as beets, red wine, curries, dark berries etc.  This would be the same for whitestrips.  After a week or two, you can go back to your normal diet but just know that the more staining foods you have, the more frequently that you will need whitening touch ups in the future. 

Gordon Chee, DDS

Calgary Cosmetic Dentist

Porcelain Veneer Gap Issue

Hello, My front tooth is slightly black, so I'm considering a porcelain veneer to improve it esthetically. My dentist suggested that since the black tooth is slightly larger than its neighbour tooth, placing a porcelain veneer only on that tooth would create an unaesthetic gap between the two front teeth. therefore, he suggested two porcelain veneers on both front teeth. Is it a known challenge for you dentists? Thanks you, Alon

Hi Alon,

This could be good advice.  Is the black tooth a natural tooth or is there already a restoration on it?  Usually a dark tooth could mean that the nerve inside the tooth has died possibly due to past trauma to it.  It is important to have your dentist x-ray and test the tooth to see if a root canal is needed.  If the dark tooth is indeed larger than the other front tooth, then his advice is probably sound.  Colour match may be a challenge depending on how dark the tooth is since porcelain veneers are slightly translucent.  Expect some possible trial and error to get the colour exactly perfect.  

Thanks,

Dr. Gordon Chee

Aesthetic Dental Studio

Calgary, Alberta

Gordon Chee, DDS

Calgary Cosmetic Dentist