Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary focus of providing patients with treatment options that create beautiful smiles in an affordable and efficient way. They recognize that patients desire the look of straight teeth and great arch form – but are not always naturally blessed with a great smile. That’s why these NE Calgary General Dentists turn to Damon Clear Orthodontic Brackets to help them achieve amazing treatment results in limited dental appointments. Damon Braces are a trusted orthodontic bracketing system(s) were designed by an Orthodontist – Dr. Dwight Damon – and today’s clear bracket option allows patients to straighten their teeth with minimal change to their daily appearance.
– but is esthetically pleasing due to its ‘clear’ appearance that literally blends right in so a person’s confidence to attend work functions and school events never lessens and image-conscious individuals can still participate in activities. Along with the bracket strength Damon Clear Orthodontics still allow arch wires to move through the passive self-ligating brackets – meaning that treatment time is still efficient, discomfort is kept to a minimum, and treatment results are never compromised.
NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental chose to use this orthodontic system due to its efficiency and ease of wear for patients. The system allows arch wires to move smoothly and freely through brackets, reducing friction that can cause an increase in inflammation and discomfort in some orthodontic cases. When inflammation is reduced, teeth can concentrate on moving to the desired location in the mouth, and bone can easily regenerate around the tooth to ensure that it stays in its new position long-term. Patient’s oral hygiene tends to be easier to maintain during orthodontic treatment due to the ease of cleaning around these brackets – there are no elastics around these brackets – so brushing and flossing can still be performed with minimal stress, making sure that when braces come off teeth are straight and healthy.
During orthodontic treatment it is important to maintain regular cleanings with your hygienist to keep teeth and gums in good condition. Wearing braces doesn’t mean you can skip routine dental care – so if you’re in need of a check-up and cleaning, contact Discover Dental today.

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Tired of hearing ‘there’s a cavity’ every time you take your child to the dentist?  NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental have some quick and easy tips that help eliminate the development of decay and keep everyone smiling.

General Dentists at Discover Dental want parents to know that childhood dental decay can be avoided when certain healthy habits are developed early.  Habits like daily brushing and flossing, limited exposure to sugary and acidic food, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and visiting your Calgary Dentist for regular cleanings and exams all play a huge part in protecting teeth and oral health.   Children who eat large amounts of simple carbohydrates (processed food), sugary treats and drinks, and fail to brush and floss their teeth daily will be at risk for developing cavities and loosing teeth to dental decay.  But the risk for tooth decay can be reduced dramatically when the following steps are followed:

1. Daily Brushing and Flossing is the foundation of a healthy mouth and teeth regardless of age and dietary habits.

2.     Eat a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and lean protein.

3.     Avoid eating high sugar and acidic food in between meals. Sodas (including diet) are highly acidic and contribute to the erosion of enamel.

4.     It’s ok to have some treats with a meal – but don’t snack on high sugar foods throughout the day – the longer sugar is on tooth surfaces the greater risk of decay starting.

5.     Drink water after a meal or snacking, as water returns the PH of the mouth to a neutral level.

6.     See your NE Calgary Dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.  Early detection of any soft spots on enamel can be treated to prevent a cavity from forming.  And don’t refuse x-rays at every appointment, as this is the only way your dentist will be able to diagnose any issues that are occurring in between teeth.

For more information regarding the health of your child’s teeth contact Discover Dental today 403.285.0222

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This is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth.
This is the way we brush our teeth, early in the morning.

It may be a nursery rhyme dating back to the early eighteen hundreds, but this cute little ditty has saved many a child from a toothless smile.  Even our ancestors valued the importance of maintaining and preserving the health of baby teeth – and went to great lengths to conjure up any form of encouragement to make sure little ones brushed diligently.  Times may have moved on – and the birth of the electric toothbrush has made brushing time less stressful and more effective – but the underlying message remains the same – baby teeth (or deciduous teeth) play an important role in the development of healthy adult teeth, arch formation, speech, and overall oral health.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge are passionate about informing patients about the importance of keeping baby teeth healthy and for the desired amount of time.  Acknowledging that some people may view baby teeth as expendable as a set of permanent (adult teeth) are waiting to erupt – the reality is that baby teeth play a vital role in the healthy development of adult teeth, effective chewing, and the formation of words (speech).  And though the Tooth Fairy may make the odd visit to a child’s pillow – regular visits by this fantasy creature is not the goal.

NE General Dentists at Discover Dental go on to explain that early loss of baby teeth; due to decay or trauma, causes the undeveloped adult tooth to erupt prematurely and/or not in the desired position due to space being lost by the early loss of the baby tooth.  Tooth decay is the number one cause of premature loss of baby teeth – but can be easily prevented by maintaining great home care, eating a healthy balanced diet, and ensuring your child visits a Calgary Dentist regularly for routine exams and cleaning.  Regular visits to a NE Calgary Dentist provide an opportunity for any dental concerns to be detected early and treated swiftly.  Allowing a Dentist in Calgary to take x-rays also increases the chance for decay to be diagnosed in its early stages – and for the tooth to be saved.

Dentists in NE Calgary at Discover Dental want every child to have a healthy smile and encourage parents to schedule an appointment for their child to have an exam and cleaning.  Call today 403.285.0222

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NE Calgary Dentists – Dr’s Dhesi, Dhillon, Minhas and Chattha – make it a priority to share tips on how to keep your oral health in tip-top condition.  Obviously, visiting a Calgary Dentist regularly is a great start to maintaining healthy teeth and gums – but what about other influences like food choices – which foods help to keep your teeth shining bright, and which foods contribute to tooth decay and premature tooth loss?

When your nutrition is lacking your entire immune system is affected – leading to vulnerability to develop disorders such as periodontal disease.  Recent studies have discovered the correlation between systemic health and oral health; with conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease being directly affected by the condition of a person’s oral health.  Can you believe that there may be more bacteria in the mouth then people on earth!! Yikes – that’s motivation to go brush your teeth.  And though the large amount of bacteria found in an individual’s mouth seems alarming – not all of the bacteria is harmful.  Some bacteria is healthy and essential to destroying other harmful bacteria – the concern is when the balance between healthy and bad bacteria is lost – and lack of effective home care, dental cleanings, and good nutritional choices all contribute to raising the level of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Lack of good nutrition impacts every cell in the body – including teeth and gums – and bad food choices that are loaded with sugars and starch contributes to the formation of plaque and inflammation in the mouth.  When you eat starchy food you’re not just satisfying your own hunger pangs but the cravings of bacteria living in your mouth.  And when you have a late night snack sugary snack and then jump in to bed without brushing your teeth (you wouldn’t do that) the acid that is produced by plaque (bacteria), to break down the sugar on the teeth, eats away at enamel and weakens teeth.   Plaque also releases toxins that contribute to the destruction of gum tissue and bone – so brushing and flossing regularly along with eating less starchy, sugary food, and avoiding sugary drinks, is the first line of defense in keeping your mouth healthy.

Calgary General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary want you to make smart food choices not just for your dental health, but your overall health.  So, what should you be snacking on to keep your teeth healthy?  How about loading up on fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and yoghurt, sugar-free gum, and drink plenty of water or green tea.  Green tea is rich in polyphenols – an antioxidant – which helps to break down bad bacteria in the mouth.

Discover Dental welcomes new patients and invites you to contact the office to schedule an appointment – 403.285.0222

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NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge want to explain the importance x-rays play in maintaining dental health.  For some of us it seems easy to decline x-rays when we go to the dentist.  We just want them to ‘look’ at the sore tooth, inflamed gum, or annoying sore on the inside of our cheek.  Well when you think about it, we’d never get away with that if we went to a medical doctor and asked them to just ‘look’ at our symptoms.  We often agree to blood tests and other forms of diagnosing from our medical doctor – so why are we so reluctant to agree to dental x-rays?

Some people use the excuse that dental x-rays emit high amounts of radiation.  That just isn’t true. Most progressive dental offices in Calgary take digital x-rays – technology that reduces the amount of radiation that traditional x-rays emit by up to 90%.  To explain it in terms of sun exposure – one full day in the sun equates to roughly twenty dental x-rays.  That’s an awful lot of x-rays, as the average adult has just four x-rays taken on an annual basis – so one day in the sun is the same as five years’ worth of dental x-rays – so pretty minimal exposure to radiation per x-ray.

Now that we’ve explained just how safe dental x-rays are – let’s go on to share the many benefits there are to having routine x-rays taken by your dental provider. Your NE Calgary Dentist will recommend dental x-rays so that tissue that is not visible to the eye can be viewed and examined for health.  Teeth are supported by bone – but bone is not visible to your dentist during a routine check-up exam – so an x-ray is taken to make sure that bone and other dental tissues below the gum level are healthy.  Interproximal areas – or areas in-between teeth – are also not visible to the dentist, especially in adult patients when teeth are larger and tend to butt up against one another.  Taking an x-ray allows your Calgary Dentist to view the area in-between teeth and will show any areas when decay is starting.  Being able to detect dental decay in its early stages will help avoid more involved and costly treatment down the road – so the benefit of early detection far outweighs the cost of the x-ray.

Dental x-rays are used to diagnose dental abscesses, tumours, abnormal jaw growth, and normal eruption of adult teeth in young patients.  By refusing dental x-rays you are limiting your dentist’s ability to make a full and accurate diagnosis.  Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental understand patients’ concerns regarding the need for dental x-rays and welcome your questions to discuss the many advantages x-rays offer.  Discover Dental is welcoming new patients and is happy to address any concerns you may have regarding your dental health.  Call today 403.285.0222

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Making an appointment to see your NE Calgary Dentist may be the best thing you can do for your entire health – not just your dental health.  It’s no secret that the health of the mouth reveals the overall health of the body – and many a disease and condition has been first discovered by your Calgary Dentist.  Delaying or putting-off seeing your NE Calgary Dentist for a check-up exam is not only compromising your dental health – but your entire system.

More and more studies are making the correlation between the health of the mouth and the health of the body as a whole.  We’ve discussed in past blogs the link between gum health and heart disease – but if you missed the previous post here’s a re-cap.  According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease (also called heart disease). And that other dental concerns such as, gum disease (gingivitis), dental decay, and missing teeth were as reliable of a predictor of heart disease as cholesterol levels. Epidemiologists go on to explain that patients who present with higher blood levels of certain disease causing bacteria in the mouth were more likely to have atherosclerosis of the carotoid artery – potentially leading to a stroke.

What’s the connection between gingivitis and heart disease and stroke? – well experts know that bacteria present in the mouth can enter the blood stream through the gums – and these bacteria stick to the fatty deposits in arteries, adding to the blockages. Inflamed gums may also be a sign that inflammation is occurring in other parts of the body – such as arteries.  Regardless of which came first, the obstructed arteries, or the periodontal disease – both conditions play off one another, so it’s imperative to take control of your dental health – thereby improving your overall health.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge also explain that seeing your Calgary Dentist for regular check-ups can ensure that you are being checked for early signs of oral cancer, fungal infections like candidiasis, halitosis (bad breath), canker and cold sores (that may be linked to a suppressed immune system) and other potential health issues that may be present.   And although this routine exam may be tempting to skip – making regular dental exams is just the first step in keeping both your dental health and complete health in tip-top shape.

Call this NE Calgary Dental office today and make an appointment to see one of Discover Dental’s experienced dentists today – you won’t be disappointed. 403.285.0222

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NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental are excited to share the many benefits of teeth whitening.

Stained Teeth in Calgary
For some patients their teeth are stained due to taking certain medications, such as Tetracycline.  As much as a patient may try to whiten their teeth with toothpaste, due to the nature of the stain – it’s beyond the surface of the tooth – a stronger bleaching option is required to lighten the staining.  Even teeth that have been exposed to a little too much coffee and red wine benefits from the fast and effective whitening a Home Bleaching Kit provides.
Teeth Whitening in Calgary is one of them most sought after cosmetic procedures.  The result can be dramatic – whitening teeth several shades – and providing the perfect pre-treatment step in preparation for replacing existing Crowns, Bridges and White Fillings.  As the whitening solution only works on tooth enamel – existing dentistry will not lighten in colour – so keep this in mind before committing to any type of teeth whitening application.

Teeth Whitening can be an effective option for patients in Calgary whose teeth have Fluorosis – this is where teeth have a mottled appearance due to exposure to too much Fluoride during tooth development.  This condition does not respond to regular cleanings with your hygienist, as the staining is within the tooth structure.  Bleaching the teeth will lighten the non-mottled parts of teeth – creating a uniform appearance.

NE Calgary Dentists see great results when patients who have naturally yellow teeth whiten their teeth.  Not everyone is born with bright white teeth – and like other aspects of aging, teeth tend to darken as we age.  But no one has to be stuck with dark, yellow teeth.  In just one hour a day – usually two thirty minute sessions – patients can whiten their teeth several shades in just a matter of weeks.  The ease of using a Home Teeth Whitening Kit allows patients to create a more youthful appearance in the comfort of their home.

How Easy is Teeth Whitening in Calgary?
Dentists at Discover Dental in Calgary can have you smiling brightly in just a couple of appointments.  An impression is taken of your teeth at the first appointment – then custom top and bottom trays are fabricated to fit your teeth perfectly.  It’s important that bleaching trays fit correctly so that all teeth benefit from the bleaching effect – customization is lacking with store bought products so the end result will not be as dramatic.  At your second appointment your NE Calgary dentist will have you try your new bleaching trays in to ensure proper fit.  You will be given instructions on how to apply the bleaching gel and how long to keep the teeth whitening solution in.  Sometimes patients will experience some tooth sensitivity when whitening their teeth.  This is a normal side effect of the bleaching effect – and it lets us know that the whitening solution is working.

Dentists at Discover Dental are excited to help patients achieve the best smile they can and welcome your enquiries regarding Teeth Whitening in Calgary or any other Cosmetic Dental procedure.  Options are available to whiten and brighten dark, stained, yellow teeth.  Call today to discover how these NE Calgary Dentists can help.

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The history of the Sunshine Gala was recently mentioned in an article by CTV:

“For five years, Sofia Kanjee, little “Sofia Sunshine”, was the light of her family’s life. In April 2009, tragedy struck and the family found themselves rushing her to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Sadly, despite the excellent care she received, Sofia did not survive. To celebrate the warmth and love that Sofia brought to this world, the Kanjee family created Sunshine Gala, an annual event that is attended by hundreds of guests. One hundred percent of all funds raised at this event are directed to the Sofia Kanjee Sunshine Fund, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation in support of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.”

To learn more about supporting the Sunshine Gala, click here

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Adult Orthodontic treatment in Calgary can be an easy, comfortable, almost invisible option, when utilizing the many advantages of Invisalign. Invisalign® in Calgary is turned to as a viable orthodontic system for adults (and teens) who are seeking a bracket free alternative.

Can Anyone Wear Invisalign® in Calgary?
Any stigma that was once associated with wearing orthodontic brackets has long gone.  It’s clear that the benefits of seeking orthodontic treatment far outweigh any esthetic negativity that was once associated with orthodontic care.  Orthodontic treatment goes far beyond straightening teeth – as it’s addressing other dental issues such as jaw pain, chewing difficulties, abnormal wear on teeth and speech concerns.  Whether an individual is fourteen or forty – orthodontic treatment in Calgary is used to address more than just crooked teeth. But the good news is that Invisalign’s® clear aligners do not require the use of brackets and are considered ‘nearly invisible’ – making Invisalign® a great option for an adult with a busy social and work life.  Once you’ve had a consultation with your NE Calgary General Dentist or Orthodontist your orthodontic treatment can be diagnosed and the option of wearing Invisalign® can be discussed.

General Dentists in Calgary providing Invisalign® treatment have participated in continuing education so they are skilled in diagnosing and treating appropriate cases with Invisalign®.  General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary offer Invisalign® to adult patients who would benefit from the clear aligners.  Invisalign® offers a convenient solution for adult orthodontic care due to the lack of attention they draw to teeth.  The subtlety of Invisalign® allows adult patients to go about their day with confidence – while taking comfort in knowing that their bite is being improved.  Invisalign’s modern removable customized aligners gently and gradually move teeth in to better position by applying force.  As treatment progresses the patient wears a new aligner – changing aligners approximately every two weeks – until the desired treatment goal is reached.

Invisalign’s® Technology
Invisalign® providers in Calgary have modern technology at their fingertips which utilizes 3D imaging to create an impression of a patient’s teeth. Using this 3D technology during the consultation a patient is able to view how their teeth will move during the various stages of treatment.  Invisalign® aligners are custom-made to the 3D imaging – there’s no one size fits all approach – only customization that focuses on each individual case.

Seeing Your Calgary Dentist During Invisalign® Treatment
Patients who wear Invisalign aligners will change aligners approximately every two weeks.  It’s important that the patient see their Calgary Invisalign® provider every six weeks so that it can be confirmed that the overall treatment plan is on schedule and correct tooth alignment is occurring. Compliance with the treatment plan is essential to the success of treatment – so taking aligners out only happens at meal times and for brushing and flossing.  Maintaining regular dental cleanings during Invisalign® treatment will ensure that your new smile is not only beautifully straight but shining bright as well.  NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental welcome new patients and are happy to explain the many benefits Invisalign® offers adult patients who are motivated to correct tooth alignment.  Call this NE Calgary Dental office today and make a consultation to discover more about Invisalign®.

The post For Adult Orthodontics in Calgary – Ask About Invisalign appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

NE Calgary Dentists who provide Cosmetic Dentistry

Calgary Dentists would agree that veneers are often an option for patients who want to correct crooked teeth, lighten dark/stained teeth and to lengthen or shorten front teeth.  The minimal, non-invasive – method for placing porcelain veneers means that hardly any of a patient’s natural tooth structure is removed so sensitivity is not an issue – in fact some patients turn to the option of dental veneers to help reduce sensitivity due to gum recession. Though dental veneers can be ultra-thin – strength is not a concern due to the nature of the material.  Biting in to your favourite food doesn’t have to be a concern – and no food groups need be avoided.

Dental Veneers in Calgary can be placed to enhance a smile and boost a patient’s self-confidence.  Porcelain Veneers are often used to correct:

• Uneven or Crooked Teeth
• Tetracycline Stained Teeth
• Yellow Teeth That Don’t Respond To Bleaching
• Worn Teeth That Require Lengthening
• Teeth That Are Contributing To A Bad Bite

The longevity of porcelain veneers is approximately 10 – 15 years (when cared for correctly) and are maintained just like natural teeth.  Seeing your NE Calgary Dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings doesn’t change when you’ve had veneers placed – you floss and brush every day – just as normal and just like all dentistry, the more you take care of it the longer it lasts. Resistant to staining, you can still enjoy a cup of tea or coffee without worrying about harming the porcelain.  Any stains that may appear over time are easily polished out during a dental cleaning.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental explain that the main advantage of getting porcelain veneers is that they look natural – and can add subtle or dramatic improvements to a person’s smile.  If you’ve been wondering how you could straighten that one crooked tooth or lighten dark, stained teeth – porcelain veneers might be the perfect cosmetic dental solution for you.  Call Discover Dental today and find out more about the many advantages of dental veneers.

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