How often should I see a dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year. Dental and gum disease has been linked to a myriad of afflictions including but not limited to; heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which means your oral health can influence your overall health.

What should I expect during my dental appointment?

One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, make fast and convenient digital X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After we review your dental profile, we will discuss our findings with you. Should you require additional treatment, we will explore the options available and their cost and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any concerns and answer any questions you may have.

How do digital x-rays (radiographs) work?

A sensor is placed in the mouth, and a computer generates an image. This takes approximately 30 seconds as opposed to the general 4-6 minute wait time for images taken on dental film. The digital x-ray is viewed on the computer in the room and is a full screen image making it easier to see. Digital x-rays provide us with invaluable information about your oral and dental health and they are eco-friendly as they do not require chemicals to develop them like the old film x-rays.

Are digital x-rays safe?

While radiographic equipment does produce radiation (and depends on that radiation to function properly); modern advances in technology are continually reducing the amount of radiation that is produced. In fact, studies have shown that the amount of radiation produced by these machines is not significantly higher than other “normal” sources of radiation that we are exposed to on perhaps a daily basis, such as televisions and airplanes. Compared to the old x-rays, digital radiographs reduce a patient’s radiation exposure by up to 80 percent!

What can you do if I feel anxious?

Some people feel anxious about their dental appointments. If you are one of those people, we recommend you avoid stimulants like sugar and caffeine before your appointment. We will talk with you and address any concerns you have before we begin any treatment. We also have a variety of sedation techniques available from nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to oral sedation, I.V. sedation, and general anesthesia. We want you to feel comfortable.For more information on Sedation Dentistry.

What if I have a dental emergency?

Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you into our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. We are open 7 days a week. If our office is closed then you should go to the hospital.

Can I bring my child to King Ritson Dental Clinic?

Of course! We are a very child-friendly office with amenities that kids love such as TV’s in every room, a children’s play area, X-Box and PlayStation, treasure chest, headsets with ipods, and a 150-gallon aquarium. We also have orthodontists on staff who can monitor your child’s oral development and recommend orthodontic treatment if necessary.

At what age should my child have his/her first dental visit?

We recommend that your child have his/her first dental visit no later than by age 3. Earlier visits, however, can provide us good opportunities to monitor your child’s dental development and/or give helpful advice on early dental treatment and oral hygiene for infants and toddlers.

What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing/bottle feeding. It happens when a child regularly goes to sleep while breast-feeding or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle. Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. He/she should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

Can the dentist whiten my teeth?

There are several methods available for bleaching the teeth. Zoom2! bleaching is done in our office. One session generally lasts one and a half to two hours, and you can read, watch TV or listen to music and relax during the treatment. We also offer Zoom Weekender for at home bleaching. We make an impression of your teeth and create a bleaching tray that fits your bite. You fill the bleaching tray with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it for approximately 20 minutes during the day. This at-home bleaching process takes 3 or 4 days.

What is periodontal disease, and am I at risk of developing it?

The term “periodontal” simply means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is mainly attributed to the bacteria in dental plaque, which causes the gums to become inflamed and infected. Other factors, such as smoking or tobacco use, poor nutrition, stress or pregnancy, may put you at risk of developing gum disease.

What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?

Bonding and veneers are great ways to solve these issues. Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.

The CEREC system has revolutionized the dental field by meeting the needs of our patients in a more convenient manner. Gone are the days where the patient must return for multiple visits to complete a restoration. CEREC Technology allows us to design, fabricate and place a ceramic restoration in just one visit! Also, with this new system, the need for temporaries or impressions has been eliminated. Using Cerec technology, we can save more of the healthy tooth structure in our patients while giving them beautiful, tooth-colored restorations that are metal-free and durable. Contact us for more information about Cerec restorations.

What are LUMINEERS®?

LUMINEERS® by Cerinate® are porcelain veneers that can be made as thin as a contact lens. They are placed over existing teeth without drilling or requiring the removal of tooth structure. LUMINEERS are a permanent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth. They are almost as natural as your real teeth and are clinically proven to last up to 20 years.

ORTHODONTICS & INVISALIGN™

Would you like to have a straighter smile?

King Ritson Dental Clinic offers a variety of orthodontic treatments to help you achieve the straight smile you’ve always wanted
Treatment options offered include Invisalign™, clear brackets, lingual brackets (behind the teeth), retainers and temporary anchoring devices (TAD’s)

For additional information about orthodontics options and treatments, see below.

ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN

When is the best time to begin orthodontics?

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. An initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or by age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. An orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances of an incredible smile.

What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?

Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Preserving space for unerupted teeth
Reducing the need for tooth removal
Reducing treatment time with braces

Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile – it creates a healthier you.

Treatments

ORTHODONTICS FOR ADULTS

Never ‘Too Old’ for Braces

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore, your new smile can begin today. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different patient needs. These treatments include Invisalign clear aligners, translucent braces, hidden braces and of course traditional metal braces.

Why Braces, Why Now?

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces, hidden braces or transparent aligners.

During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs, including an outline of the treatment plan, expected length of time for treatment and the approximate cost.

A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset – their smile.

FIXED APPLIANCES

Fixed appliances are either metal, translucent or hidden braces and are the ideal choice for a complex or more complicated treatment plan. This is because they can facilitate the desired tooth movement in the most efficient and predictable manner.

How Long Will I Need to Wear Braces?

Treatment time varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the problem to be fixed. Typical treatment plans last anywhere from 1 – 3 years, however during your consultation the orthodontist will give you an approximate timeline for your treatment plan.

How Often Will I need to Visit the Orthodontist?

Depending on the treatment choice, and the severity of the problem to be fixed, your orthodontist will likely ask you to visit every 1 – 3 months. This will be necessary to adjust the tensions in your treatment and ensure adequate tooth movement.

TRADITIONAL BRACES

Traditional metal braces have been the treatment of choice for orthodontic problems. They have been around for years and are the most popular treatment choice as they are affordable while remaining durable.

Metal braces have brackets that are cemented to the front of each tooth and look like small squares. These brackets are joined together by a wire which is held in place with elastics. Elastics come in a variety of colors, including clear so you can ‘decorate’ your braces if you wish.

TRANSLUCENT BRACES

Translucent Braces are very similar to traditional metal braces. Instead of a metal bracket, they use a translucent (clear) bracket for a more aesthetically pleasing look. The brackets are cemented to each tooth and are joined by a metal wire. Translucent brackets allow for a more aesthetically appealing look while maintaining the treatment capabilities of traditional metal braces. Translucent braces are more susceptible to breakage and therefore must be well taken care of. It is also necessary to avoid excessively hard foods.

HARMONY LINGUAL (INSIDE OR HIDDEN) BRACES

Hidden braces are very similar to traditional braces, however, they are applied to the backside of the teeth, rather than the front. They are hidden from view so they are an aesthetically pleasing treatment choice. The drawback of Lingual braces is that they are often an expensive treatment choice. They are not for everyone since they can be difficult to get used to because they can impair speech and get in the way or cause damage to the tongue.

INVISALIGN

Invisalign® straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It’s virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth.

Contact Us!

Are you interested in one of our many treatment options? If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at (289) 275-4050 or by completing our form below! We will have someone get back to you shortly.

We are open 6 days a week (closed Sundays), including evenings, with ample free parking.