Your teeth are important. You only get two sets and you’ve allocated time to make them better everyday for most of your life. They can be the first thing people notice and your oral health is linked to your overall health.

So if you’re planning to have some form of procedure done on your teeth you shouldn’t be afraid to ask your dentist questions. Anything that costs money and has a large influence in life of your teeth should be questioned.

You can of course ask anything you want, but if you want to know what you should keep an eye out for we’ll give you some topics to bring up and also the reason they are important.

How long have you practised dentistry?    
A dentist with a large amount of experience is normally good. But this does not mean you should turn away all dentists as it’s not an indicator of their work, it just serves as a means of seeing that they do have experience and they have been in the business for a long time.

Are you board certified and licensed?
Dentists should be licensed by your province, or city. This proves that they have passed the national exam.

What type of dentistry do you specialize in?
Although not all dentists specialize in something, some do take an additional two years of training to become so. If needs be you can refine your dentist search to those who are specialized in what you are looking for.

Which procedure would be best for me?
There’s never a problem that only has a specific fix, usually there’s multiple-each with different pros and cons. If this is your first time meeting, this question is a great gateway into your preferences and oral health. Including any issues you may have like sensitivity or nervousness. The dentist should also consider your price range and how long the desired effects will last for.

What are the pros and cons to each procedure that can be taken?
It’s important to have as much information on any procedure that can be taken to fix your problem,  you should be looking at for the price, risks, how long it takes and how many treatments/visits would be needed.

What are the potential risks or complications?
Any decent medical professional will tell you about any potential problem that could occur. It’s not only a good judge of character but vital information.

How will pain be handled in this procedure if there is any?
Mosts dentists have multiple ways of dealing with pain, so it’s essential that you know ahead of time what you’ll be administered as well as the effects.  This question should also be followed with what kind of pain might there be post procedure and how it will be treated.

What will happen in the case of an emergency?
Although it’s highly unlikely that an emergency will occur, it’s a good question to see how well the dentist is trained in that type of situation, as well as his staff.

How is the payment handled?

Depending on the treatment as well as your insurance, the procedure could cost a fair bit. You are entitled to know all of your options when it comes to paying for it. You should ask about any incentives they might have for paying up front, or how to keep costs on the minimal.

We always recommend having a chat with your dentist before proceeding with anything. It helps you stay in the know, be confident about what’s being done and helps you make the right choice about your dentist.

Call Kerrisdale General and Cosmetic Dentistry to book  your appointment.

In existence for over 30 years, dental veneers are still not commonly understood or utilized by many dental patients in Vancouver.

While most people have heard of whitening teeth with bleach treatments, they are not aware that they are being exposed to the bleaching alternative almost daily. In fact, dental veneers are worn by actors, models and professionals and play a huge roll in the cosmetic dentistry industry.

“Dental veneers do more than just make your smile look beautiful, they can also help fix for biting problems, help fill in gaps between teeth, or straighten overlapping teeth.”

Dental veneers are similar to acrylic fingernails, where a replacement is shaped and placed on the natural nail. Veneers are made of a thin layer of custom-made porcelain or composite material, which are then placed over the natural tooth.

However, unlike an acrylic nail, veneers are incredibly tough. Patients with dental veneers are still able to bite into carrots, eat fudge, or enjoy anything else they would normally. Dental veneers are completely sealed against the natural tooth, lasting for several years without regular maintenance.

While professional teeth whitening may have a few limitations, veneers are used to solve a variety of oral health issues. Bleaching is typically used only to lighten teeth, without the ability to change the position, size or shape of teeth.

Dental veneers do more than just make your smile look beautiful, they can also help fix for biting problems, help fill in gaps between teeth, or straighten overlapping teeth.

Dental veneers also allow you to keep much of your natural tooth, which is always ideal. Veneers are custom-made to cover just the front and biting surface of your teeth, which leaves the back area untouched.

Don’t forget, if you are interested in any cosmetic dentistry solutions from 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, it is incredibly important to maintain proper oral health.

For more information on dental veneers, or to book an appointment at our Vancouver dental clinic, contact us today!

Halloween is on the horizon and your health partners at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre want to help you protect your kids from something even scarier than zombies, ghosts and goblins this Halloween. There’s something even more bone-chilling called tooth decay!

We all remember the joys of trick-or-treating, and coming home to unload our sugary spoils and eat candy until our tummies ached. Parents are in the scariest position at Halloween, predicting the cavities, temper tantrums and hyperactivity that will result from the copious candy intake by their youngsters.

The best way to avoid any of these truly tricky consequences in the aftermath of Halloween is not to consume any candy at all. However, we know that’s highly unlikely and that’s why your experts at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre have created a Halloween candy guide to help protect your kids from tooth decay and thereby ensure their optimal oral health for life.

Below is a listing from most harmful to the safest treats your kids should be choosing from their trick-or-treat bag:

Sour Power – Sour candies are the absolute worst in that studies have revealed that the acids in sour candies are so destructive because they dissolve enamel on contact!

Hardly Harmless – Hard candy needs to be sucked on for an extended period of time and very chewy candies are harmful in that they get stuck between the teeth. Both hard and chewy candy allow bacteria to wreak havoc on your child’s teeth for a much longer period of time.

Resist Raisins – Don’t be fooled by their natural derivative. Raisins easily damage dental work because they are very sticky and do not mix well with fillings, braces or retainers.

Candy Bars Get Four Stars – While we can’t say candy bars are good for your oral health, they are less harmful because they are eaten quickly allowing less time for the sugar to damage with acid.

Dissolve Your Worry – Powder candy is fairly safe as the sugar dissolves quickly and makes little contact with the teeth.

Eat Two or Three if They’re Sugar Free – As obvious as it seems, sugar-free candy is the most highly recommended Halloween treat for your children’s teeth. You can even prevent cavities by chewing sugar free gum! Sugar free gum promotes increased saliva which neutralizes harmful bacteria.

If your little monsters will be in need a routine dental cleaning after Halloween give us a call and book an appointment today!

Cosmetic Dentistry has become increasingly more accepted for patients thanks to popular reality shows that focus on dramatic smile makeovers. Dental patients in Vancouver are beginning to understand how easy it is to create their ideal smile with the available cosmetic dentistry solutions.

“Cosmetic Dentistry in Vancouver, BC has come a long way in providing smile correction. Dental patients can benefit greatly by taking advantage of gummy smile treatment and other cosmetic dentistry solutions.”

We are often asked questions about what a cosmetic dentist can accomplish at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, and many patients are surprised at all the smile correction solutions we provide.

One popular cosmetic procedure is “gummy smile” treatment or correction. A gummy smile occurs when a large section of gums appear when the patient smiles or laughs. In some cases, there will be more gum area visible than teeth.

Patients complain about their “gummy smile” because they seem to resemble an adolescent, with prominent gums and small teeth. Generally, this smile comes from genetics, which causes the typical gum development to stop early, leaving teeth shorter than they should be.

A gummy smile correction can be treated in a few different ways. First, patients with less severe or moderate gum problems can be treated by lifting the gums and utilizing dental veneers. This “gum-lift”, similar to a face-lift, sculpts the gums to a natural height, allowing veneers to be affixed to the teeth to allow for a beautiful, new smile.

Second, for severe gum disproportion, treatment can include the physical breaking and repositioning of the upper jaw. This can require a healing time of up to two months and the jaw will be wired shut.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Vancouver has come a long way in providing smile correction. Patients at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre are able to benefit greatly by taking advantage of gummy smile treatment and other cosmetic dentistry solutions.

For more information on cosmetic dentistry in Vancouver  or to book an appointment, contact the expert team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre.

“Always consider the options available and the gravity of your situation before phoning any local emergency dental clinic.”

Emergency situations occur all the time in Vancouver. Medical emergencies are typically treated in emergency room facilities at the hospital, but how about emergency dental treatment?

If you have ever experienced a broken or knocked out tooth, you know that treatment is needed IMMEDIATELY. However, if a patient is not covered by dental insurance or cannot see a dentist, often they resort to taking emergency dental measures. It is important to understand what is an important dental emergency, and what can wait for a few hours or days.

Examples of “Not as Serious” Dental Emergencies:

• Lost fillings
• Chipped tooth
• Wisdom teeth issues
• Toothache
• Root Canal problems
• Loose Crowns
• Mouth Ulcers

With these problems, you will be able to wait until a time when you can make an appointment with us at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre. Take some painkillers in order to experience temporary relief.

Examples of “Serious” Dental Emergencies:

• Severe, unstoppable bleeding
• Swelling in the face or neck
• Dislocated, broken or fractured jaw
• Loss of consciousness
• Infections

In these cases, emergency dental treatment is required. These injuries may commonly occur in sporting accidents, car crashes, or children and should be taken immediately to an emergency dental facility.

These serious dental emergencies are also the only problems that require a visit to the emergency dental room. Always consider the options available and the gravity of your situation before phoning any local emergency dental clinic.

Contact us today to learn more about what to do in the case of a dental emergency.

Many patients at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre are still confused about the relatively new Invisalign technology, we are frequently asked: Does Invisalign work? Is Invisalign for adults or teenagers? What are hidden braces?

“Invisalign can help you fix crowding, spacing issues, crossbites, overbites and underbites. Soon, you will have a beautiful, healthy and straight smile!”

Today, more and more teenagers and adults are being introduced to the innovative Invisalign technology. Patients who are seeking an invisible, aesthetic treatment for crooked teeth are looking for a alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment.

How does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign utilizes an innovative, 3-D computer imaging system, which works to create a complete, customized treatment plan for each patient. You will be able to see your initial position of your teeth, along with the final preferred position.

From there, the team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre work to create a series of custom-made aligners, which work to move teeth gradually over a two-to-three week period. After this set, the aligner will be replaced until you reach the desired teeth position.

Why should I invest in Invisalign?

More and more adults and teenagers are choosing Invisalign over traditional braces for a variety of reasons. Due to the fact that Invisalign is removable, you are able to eat or drink whatever you like during treatment. In addition, patients are able to brush and floss teeth without trouble, allowing for better oral health.

So, does Invisalign work?

Yes! Invisalign can work for you to correct a wide range of dental or orthodontic problems. At 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre we can help you fix crowding, spacing issues, crossbites, overbites and underbites. Soon, you will have a beautiful, healthy and straight smile!

To learn more about Invisalign options from 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre contact us today.

With the speed of today’s world, dental patients want instant results. How can you get a bright smile quickly, painlessly and easily?

“Have an upcoming wedding, job interview or important party to attend? Snap on Teeth are the quick, inexpensive and non-invasive way to instantly create a “Hollywood Smile”.”

Introducing, Snap on Teeth—the cosmetic dentistry solution custom designed to fit directly over teeth in order to create a beautiful new smile.

Have an upcoming wedding, job interview or important party to attend? Snap on Teeth are the quick, inexpensive and non-invasive way to instantly create a “Hollywood Smile”.

This quick fix is a great idea for patients who are curious about cosmetic dentistry, but do not wish to commit just yet. 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre is able to determine whether or not you will be able to endure permanent cosmetic dental treatments, such as veneers or Zoom! Whitening, as well as provide patients with a preview of what a permanent cosmetic dental solution will look like.

Snap on Teeth are not an ideal solution for everybody; patients with protrusive or removable teeth may not be good candidates. Additionally, always remember that Snap on Teeth are temporary, and may require replacement.

Be sure to discuss your ideal smile with a cosmetic dentistry expert at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre before committing to any permanent solutions.

Contact us at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre to book an appointment or to learn more about Snap on Teeth.

These days, CEOs aren’t fretting over their fine lines, but are more interested in the state of their smile. Executive Esthetic Dentistry is cosmetic dentistry for executives at a high-level, but differs from what a model or actor would pursue when it comes to their teeth. Here at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver, we can offer you dental procedures that will give you the smile you deserve to help achieve your work and business goals.

In a recent Forbes magazine article, executive smile makeovers were a prominent feature. Even though these types of makeover aren’t all that trendy, they are getting more media attention in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures. Having a smile you can be proud of gives you the self-confidence you need to succeed in the business world.

Executives also want a natural smile which will work to make them look younger. Business is turning into a more competitive field worldwide which has even Japanese executives turning to cosmetic dentistry. Even though everyone is unique, achieving a great executive esthetic smile has common threads that people share.

Many executives like being at the center of everything, but they seem to be more subtle when choosing a new smile. The look executives lean towards is natural and youthful–a step above their actual smile. With advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures from 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, your smile will help you appear younger, and give a more professional appearance when dealing with clients or prospective clients.

Because corporation presidents and CEO’s are generally older, teeth bleaching alone is not effective enough. Stains have become implanted on the tooth after being built up over the years and cannot be whitened. Executive restorations for patients at our dental clinic in Vancouver are more successful when veneers or crowns are used. These cosmetic dentistry procedures be utilized depending on how much healthy tooth a patient has and whatever their desired outcome may be.

One great thing about cosmetic dentistry is the ability for dentists to make each procedure individual and customized for every unique patient. A unique smile makeover is possible because of recent advancements in dentist technique and smile design, dental materials used, and laboratory expertise.

Whatever your smile makeover aspirations, 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver can help you create the smile you’ve been looking for. Give us a call today to make an appointment.

It has come across our attention at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre that many aging patients are concerned about losing teeth as they grow older. The truth of the matter is that there is no reason for senior citizens to lose their teeth other than because of oral disease.

Your perfect smile can last you a lifetime, if you take proper care of it.

The aging generation is now one of the fastest growing populations in North America. Most dental professionals are seeing that these citizens are keeping their teeth healthy, allowing for a natural smile with no need of dental implants or dentures.

However, a natural smile that lasts a lifetime is only possible with proper oral health care—which typically requires an annual visit to the team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre.

“We have found that seniors take longer breaks from visiting the dentist,” says Dr. Abbas Tejani, “it seems as if they stop caring because they don’t think their oral hygiene matters anymore.”

Proper oral health care is essential for older people for a multitude of reasons. One of which is dry mouth, which slows down the production of saliva. Often seen in elderly patients, dry mouth can be harmful because saliva helps to prevent tooth decay by washing away food particles and eliminating acids. Luckily, a dentist can fix dry mouth.

Senior citizens should also remember to maintain a regiment of daily flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Elderly people are likely to get cavities where older fillings have broken or where receding gums have left unprotected surfaces.

In addition, for elderly patients to maintain optimal oral health, snacks with sugars and starch should be eliminated.

Keep your smile healthy and complete with proper oral care! Take some time to contact us at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre for a check-up and cleaning today.

"One of the leading causes of cavities is from carbonated beverages; which not only result in cavities but also increase obesity in today’s teenager."

With teenagers eating an increased amount of fast food and carbonated beverages to keep up with their busy lifestyle, family dental clinics are witnessing a generation inflicting serious damage to their oral and overall health.

A poor diet that consists of sugary treats and fast food can result in premature loss of tooth enamel, resulting in a weaker tooth structure. Due to this, it is especially important that teenagers try to maintain a healthy diet.

One of the leading causes of cavities is from carbonated beverages; which not only result in cavities but also increase obesity in today’s teenager.

The citric, tartaric, carbonic and phosphoric acids that come from pop can often lead to the breakdown of tooth enamel, naturally leading to cavities or tooth decay.

In order to actively prevent cavities from occurring, teenagers and parents need to decrease the amount of sugar-filled pop consumed. In addition, regular checkups and cleanings need to be scheduled at your local family dental clinic to ensure optimal oral health.

Contact 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre today to book an appointment or to learn more about cavity prevention for teenagers.