Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, we are always pleased to welcome new patients to our practice. If you are ready to schedule an appointment, please call us at (604) 876-5032 or email us using our convenient online contact form.

How should you prepare as a new patient for your first visit to a dentist? It’s really simple! Here are a few straightforward steps to help you transition smoothly into your relationship with a new dental practice:

• Collect any previous dental and medical records you have.
• Note all of your allergies and any medications you’re taking.
• Arrive early to complete necessary paperwork.
• Inform the dentist of dental anxiety so they can tailor treatments to ensure your peace of mind.

What to Expect the First Time at a New Dental Office

The first visit to a new dentist usually serves as an introduction between you and your new dental team. After the initial paperwork, the dentist will examine your teeth, gums, bite alignment, jawbone, and neck. They will often also take full-mouth x-rays to get a comprehensive snapshot of your oral health.

They will then discuss any findings with you, answer any questions, recommend any necessary treatments, and provide tips for optimal at-home care.

Proper preparation for your first visit to a new dental office in East Vancouver is vital in building a relationship that ensures a strong, healthy bite and a lifetime of confident, radiant smiles!

A Top-Quality Preventive Care Dentist in East Vancouver, BC

If you’re a new patient in East Vancouver and looking to build a relationship with a top-quality dental team, contact Dr. Jason Liu and the friendly and knowledgeable team at Alta Dental Studio to schedule an appointment!

At Alta Dental Studio, we want to see patients get the dental treatment they need and want, which is why your affordable dentist in Vancouver accepts all insurance types. We are also always happy to reach out to your carrier to make sure that a specific treatment or procedure is covered in the fine print and let you know if there will be fees. It is our goal always to let you know if there are personal costs before starting any treatment.

If you require treatment that is not part of your coverage or dental plan, it is up to you to decide whether you want to go forward with treatment. Because we want you to get the care you need, we do accept Affirm. Affirm has a high approval rate and allows you to break up your dental costs over a period of time. 

We are in line with the British Columbia Dental Association, but we understand that fees and coverage vary. We can help you determine what is and is not covered based on your specific plan. 

Contact Our Vancouver Dental Office for More on Affordable Dentistry

If you have questions about your benefits, we encourage you to reach out to a team member. We are always eager to help our patients get the dentistry they need through their coverage. 

You will find Alta Dental Studio located on Kingsway in Vancouver’s East Side near Victoria Street. Some nearby landmarks are T&T Supermarket, Kensington Gardens, General Brock Park, Kensington Park, Slocan Park, and Trout Lake Community Center.

Our dental practice has served Vancouver residents since the 1980s and we welcome patients of all ages, including children. Our dentists and team are kind and compassionate, and they combine their knowledge and expertise to provide our patients with comprehensive dental services that make it simple to get all of your dental care in one convenient location.

Custom Dental Treatments 

We know that every patient has different dental needs and concerns, so we customize your care based on what is important to you and what you need most. You won't find a cookie-cutter approach to dentistry at Alta Dental Studio. Instead, we take time to get to know you and your health history so we can understand and help you achieve your smile goals.

We also offer weekday and Saturday appointments from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm to make it easy for you to fit dentistry into your hectic schedule without much disruption.

Contact Our East Vancouver Dental Office

Call our Vancouver dental office today if you're interested in learning more about us, or you would like to schedule your next appointment.

Dental plans that many employers offer are meant to assist you in paying for your dental treatment. Insurance companies who provide the dental plans are called benefit carriers.

Benefit carriers reimburse your treatment depending on the level of coverage that your employer determines. When you visit our Vancouver dental clinic, it is our role to develop a treatment plan based on your unique oral health needs. However, you may require different treatment than what’s covered by your dental plan, and it is your right to choose whether or not you want to proceed.

Our helpful team will be happy to get in touch with your benefits carrier to find out if they cover the treatment we recommend. You are responsible for paying the portion that's not covered, and at Alta Dental Studio, we offer payment plans and financing options to help. If you are uninsured and cannot afford to pay your entire bill at once, we will help you find a financing arrangement that allows you to get the essential care you need for a healthy smile.

Reach Out to Our East Vancouver Dental Clinic

We don’t want anyone to forgo dental care for financial reasons. Please call our office at (604) 876-5032, and a helpful member of our team will be happy to assist you.

Not all dentists offer BOTOX®, but our clinic is happy to provide this service for our patients. BOTOX has many practical uses across medicine and dentistry, but we concentrate on facial aesthetics in our Vancouver clinic.

When it comes to the maxillofacial region, dentists are experts. So, who better to provide your BOTOX treatment?

BOTOX in Vancouver

BOTOX is derived from a known toxin, but it has been used for decades in patient care. The amount or concentration used in dentistry and medicine is negligible and does not invade body systems or cause problems for patients. Additionally, we ensure that you’re a suitable candidate for BOTOX before starting work.

For facial aesthetics, BOTOX works by relaxing facial muscles, allowing the skin to lay smoothly over the bone structure and tissues, thereby reducing or easing fine lines and wrinkles. BOTOX does not freeze the muscles but temporarily eases them into a more slack or relaxed construct.

Your dentist will let you know what to expect with BOTOX therapy.

Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist in Vancouver

To learn more about BOTOX or to arrange a consultation with the dentist, give us a call today. And always reach out if you have any questions.

Our dental team is happy to offer financing through Affirm.

BOTOX® in Vancouver, BC, can last for about four months. However, this varies by patient. Your dentist will discuss the timeframe based on your unique case. And we can schedule you for a follow-up treatment based on your specific goals.

In our dental office, we offer BOTOX therapy for facial rejuvenation. It is a way to relax fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. A consultation lets us know whether BOTOX is suitable for your needs. Your consultation includes a health history and a list of any current medications.

How BOTOX in Vancouver Works

If you’re a suitable candidate for BOTOX, your dentist administers it below the skin using a thin needle. This will feel more like a mild sting than a poke or injection. Through the strategic administration of BOTOX, we can help rejuvenate your facial appearance by relaxing the muscles closest to the surface of your skin. Contrary to myths, BOTOX does not freeze your facial muscles.

Contact Your Vancouver Dentist Today

BOTOX is fantastic on its own but can also be part of a makeover that includes cosmetic dentistry, treatments like veneers and teeth whitening. To learn more or arrange a consultation with our cosmetic dentist, reach out today to a helpful team member.

We are happy to work with Affirm financing.

You will find Alta Dental Studio located on Kingsway in Vancouver’s East Side near Victoria Street. Some nearby landmarks are T&T Supermarket, Kensington Gardens, General Brock Park, Kensington Park, Slocan Park, and Trout Lake Community Center.

Our dental practice has served Vancouver residents since the 1980s and we welcome patients of all ages, including children. Our dentists and team are kind and compassionate, and they combine their knowledge and expertise to provide our patients with comprehensive dental services that make it simple to get all of your dental care in one convenient location.

Custom Dental Treatments 

We know that every patient has different dental needs and concerns, so we customize your care based on what is important to you and what you need most. You won't find a cookie-cutter approach to dentistry at Alta Dental Studio. Instead, we take time to get to know you and your health history so we can understand and help you achieve your smile goals.

We also offer weekday and Saturday appointments from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm to make it easy for you to fit dentistry into your hectic schedule without much disruption.

Contact Our East Vancouver Dental Office

Call our Vancouver dental office today if you're interested in learning more about us, or you would like to schedule your next appointment.

Since there are so many influencing factors, there isn’t a set price for sedation dentistry.

The cost of these calming services will largely depend on which type of sedation you’re interested in and how much of it you’ll need. Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of sedation dentistry.

Convenient Financing

We’re also proud to offer low- to no-interest financing through Affirm. These third-party companies can help you break up the cost of your treatment into affordable payments.

When administered by an experienced and highly trained sedation dentist like Dr. Liu, sedation dentistry is considered safe. Additionally, we closely monitor you during treatment as an extra precaution, using the same equipment found in a hospital setting. We’ll be monitoring your respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure to ensure a safe treatment.

Of course, our IV sedation treatment starts with a comprehensive screening appointment, which includes:

• A careful evaluation of your current health
• A careful review of past health issues
• A complete list of past and present diagnoses
• A complete list of medications

Why Choose IV Sedation in Vancouver, BC?

If you’re undergoing invasive or lengthy treatment, IV sedation can make the appointment seem quicker. Also, if you have a strong gag reflex or dental phobia, IV sedation can help you get the care you need without the stress.

It’s important to note that some patients are not good candidates for this level of sedation, including:

• Patients with specific health issues, such as a heart condition
• Patients taking certain medications that can’t be stopped before IV sedation
• Patients who have shown a particular allergy or reaction to sedation in the past

Contact Your Dentist in Vancouver, BC

To learn more about IV sedation or to schedule a consultation, please call us today at (604) 876-5032.

If you use IV sedation, you must have a friend or family member who can drive you home from your appointment.

Thankfully, nearly everyone can benefit from some form of sedation dentistry. However, it may not be a good option in specific scenarios. We’ll carefully review your screening exam results, medical history, and list of medications to determine if you’re a good candidate.

When You Shouldn't Choose Dental Sedation

There are a few medical conditions that can make sedation dentistry risky, such as:

• Pregnancy
• Respiratory issues
• Kidney or liver problems
• Thyroid disorders
• Allergies

Patients can also develop a tolerance to certain antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications that could impact the efficacy of dental sedation. Sometimes, mixing medications with the medicine used in IV sedation can also cause reactions or problems for patients. 

Understanding IV Sedation Dentistry in Vancouver

At Alta Dental Studio, we're happy to offer IV sedation for our patients. During IV sedation, medication is delivered intravenously and can be adjusted as needed throughout your procedures. A licensed professional closely monitors your vital signs and heart rate the entire time to ensure your comfort and safety. 

Contact Your Vancouver Sedation Dentist

If you'd like to learn more about IV sedation, talk with a team member at Alta Dental Studio by calling (604) 876-5032 or request an appointment online. 

Many patients who experience dental anxiety wonder if sedation dentistry will actually put them to sleep during their procedures. The answer depends on the type of sedation used. In most cases, however, you’ll remain awake, just deeply relaxed. At Alta Dental Studio, our sedation dentist in East Vancouver focuses on keeping you calm and comfortable without fully putting you under.

What to Expect During Sedation Dentistry

When you receive sedation, medication is given orally, through inhalation, or intravenously. These medications ease anxiety, dull sensations, and help time pass more quickly, while keeping you alert and able to respond to instructions and communicate with your dentist.

Why It May Feel Like You Were Asleep

Sedation can cause drowsiness and may result in temporary memory loss of the appointment. This is why many patients, even though they were technically conscious, believe they were asleep during their procedures.

Will I Be Completely Unconscious?

General anesthesia is the only sedation method that renders patients completely unconscious. It is not typically used for routine dental care, which employs safer and lighter options, for comfort without full unconsciousness.

Can I Fall Asleep During the Procedure?

Yes. Some patients feel so relaxed that they naturally fall asleep. If that happens, your sedation dentist in Vancouver will gently wake you if needed.

Comfortable Dental Care with Sedation in East Vancouver

If you’re in East Vancouver and want to learn more about Alta Dental Studio and the measures we take to ensure every patient’s relaxation and comfort, please contact Dr. Jason Liu and our friendly, caring team to schedule a consultation.

An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants in the jawbone. Unlike regular dentures that rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants, which provide greater stability and support. The implants help keep the overdenture securely in place, yet it can still be removed for cleaning.

What Are the Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures in Vancouver?

Implant-supported dentures can be made for both the upper and lower jaws, but are most commonly used in the lower jaw, where traditional dentures are less stable.

They offer a number of benefits, including:

• Improved comfort — Implant dentures don't rely on suction to stay in place and can be more comfortable for patients to wear. 
• Excellent stability — There's no movement or slippage with implant dentures.
• Enhanced chewing ability — It's easier to chew and eat with dentures that are stable and don't move or slip during chewing. 
• Prevention of bone loss — Implant dentures keep the bone healthy and stable, preventing the bone loss that often occurs with tooth loss.

It's important to have a thorough evaluation with a dentist to determine if implant-supported dentures are the best option for you. These dentures require a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone to support the implants. If you lack a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure, additional procedures like bone grafting may be required to rebuild the jawbone for proper implant and denture support.

Contact Dental Studio 

Do you have questions about dentures or implant-supported dentures? We're here to help! Contact our team at (604) 876-5032 for more information about dentures in Vancouver. 

Whitening strips are made of flexible plastic material coated in a whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. You place the strip over your teeth––usually, one for each of the upper and lower teeth––and the gel permeates the teeth to remove stains.

Whitening strips do not provide instant results, so you will likely need to do several whitening sessions––though this depends on the extent of discoloration and your whitening goals. Though whitening strips seem more cost-effective than professional take-home or in-office whitening, there are some downsides:

Overall Safety and Effectiveness 

Most whitening strips are safe for your teeth, but if they contain chlorine dioxide, be aware. This substance is the same one used to disinfect swimming pools and can destroy your enamel. Professional teeth whitening, whether at home provided by your dentist or in the dental chair, is the best way to ensure safe and effective results. 

An Uneven Whitening Job 

Even if you are careful and precise with whitening strips, you won’t be able to cover every nook and cranny like you can with a customized treatment provided by your dentist. The strips will inevitably miss small spaces or crevasses in your smile, resulting in an uneven whitening job. 

The Dangers of Gum Problems 

Whitening strips contain bleaching agents that are harsh enough to damage your mouth’s soft tissues, especially your gums. To avoid irritation or chemical burns, you must carefully place the whitening strips, avoiding your gums as much as possible. 

Potential Tooth Sensitivity and Damage

If you use whitening strips, do so in moderation and ask your dentist for suggestions. Overusing whitening strips will cause tooth sensitivity over time, and they can permanently damage your enamel and dentin. Enamel doesn’t grow back, so once it’s gone, it leaves your tooth’s nerves vulnerable to decay, disease, and sensitivity.

Safe and Effective Professional Teeth Whitening in Vancouver, BC

Teeth whitening strips are a short-term solution to brighten your smile before a special occasion or event. However, please consider seeing a dentist for safe, effective, and long-term whitening. Delta Dental Studio provides professional teeth whitening to help you reach your aesthetic goals while caring for your oral health needs. Our team looks forward to helping you attain a brighter, whiter smile! 

We invite you to contact us today to book a consultation with our Vancouver dentists. 

A dental filling is a common, non-invasive restorative treatment used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or minor fractures. Traditionally, fillings were made of silver amalgam, which is durable but more visible and prone to expanding or contracting with temperature changes. Today, many patients opt for a more modern alternative: tooth-coloured composite fillings.

What Are Tooth-Coloured Fillings?

Tooth-coloured fillings are made from a durable blend of plastic and fine glass particles. This resin-based material is applied directly to the cavity, sculpted to match your natural tooth shape, and hardened with a curing light. Because they bond directly to the enamel, these fillings preserve more of your healthy tooth and reduce the risk of future cracking or leakage.

Composite fillings are ideal for treating small to mid-sized cavities, replacing old silver fillings, or even repairing chipped or worn teeth. They blend seamlessly with your smile, offering a natural appearance along with reliable protection. Patients also appreciate that these fillings are mercury-free, making them a safer option for those with medical sensitivities.

Seamless Smile Restoration with Tooth-Coloured Fillings in East Vancouver

If you’re in East Vancouver and want to learn more about tooth-coloured fillings and whether they’re right for your smile, contact Dr. Jason Liu and the friendly Alta Dental Studio team to schedule a consultation!

There are several cosmetic treatments to fix chipped and worn-down teeth, depending on the condition of your teeth and the severity of the damage.

For a small chip or slightly worn-down tooth, we may recommend dental bonding (composite filling) to reconstruct the tooth.

For more severe cracks, significant wear, and breaks, your tooth may require other, more substantial treatments, such as:

• A Dental Crown
• An Onlay or Onlay
• A Dental Veneer
• Extraction and Dental Implant Placement

It’s important to consider tooth replacement when a tooth cannot be saved. This helps prevent bone loss and shifting teeth, which can lead to oral health complications later.

Our team will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

How a Consultation with Your Vancouver, BC, Dentist Can Help

A consultation with the dentist enables us to assess your tooth and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The dentist can also outline all the potential treatment options and explain their merits and drawbacks, helping you make an informed decision about your care.

For Tooth Restoration in Vancouver, We Welcome Your Call

A complete smile promotes optimal oral health and may help you feel more comfortable. To learn more or book a consultation with our dentist, please call us today.

We offer various options for cosmetic dentistry in East Vancouver to give you a better smile, including:

• Teeth Whitening: We lighten your teeth safely by several shades.
• Dental Veneers: Conceal a wide range of imperfections, including gummy smiles and short teeth.
• Dental Bonding: An inexpensive way to hide tooth imperfections.
• Dental Bridges: Close the gap in your smile with a custom dental bridge.
• Dental Crowns: Custom dental crowns hide most tooth flaws to the gumline.
• Dental Implants: Still the gold standard in tooth replacement. 
• Invisalign® Clear Aligners: Straighten your teeth without brackets and wires. 
• Smile Makeover: Using two or more options, your dentist can transform your smile through cosmetic dentistry.

Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Your cosmetic dentist has scheduled a consultation for you to visit our dental office. This consultation determines your candidacy and informs you about what to expect during treatment. We'll answer your questions, address your concerns, break down the treatment costs, and learn more about your smile goals. 

If you proceed with cosmetic dentistry, your dentist will plan your treatment, working within a timeline that fits your schedule.

Book Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation Today

Contact our dental office today to learn more or schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in East Vancouver. 

Dental coverage varies among insurance. Some cosmetic procedures are covered by certain insurance plans, but not all will be.  It is best to review with your insurance provider and address your concern. Our helpful team will be happy to get in touch with your insurance providers to find out if they cover the cosmetic treatments, and to what extent.

A dental crown is considered a permanent procedure because your dentist will alter your natural tooth structure to place your crown. 

Our dentists will design your tooth crown to fit over your remaining tooth, but it replaces your whole tooth while protecting your root. Made from ceramic porcelain that is both durable and aesthetic to match your smile, you'll enjoy all the functions of eating and chewing that you had before your tooth was damaged.

A crown is ideal for restoring a tooth that has sustained more decay or a bigger fracture than what a filling can repair.

Crown Process at Alta Dental Studio

It will typically require two appointments to restore your tooth with a dental crown in Vancouver. During your first visit, our dentists take impressions of your tooth with 3-D imaging and prepare it for its final restoration. We will also make a temporary crown for you to wear while a dental lab is crafting your permanent crown.

When your porcelain crown is ready, you'll return to Alta Dental Studio to have your final restoration placed. Our dentists adjust your new crown to ensure that your bite is functioning correctly, and then you're all set to enjoy your new tooth.

Contact Our East Vancouver Dental Clinic

If you have questions about dental crowns in Vancouver or need to schedule your next appointment, contact us at (604) 876-5032 for more information.

Depending on the circumstances, a broken dental crown may or may not be salvageable. If the break or fracture is minimal, your Vancouver dentist might be able to repair your crown. 

However, if the crown is cracked or chipped, it may be time to consider a new restoration for your smile. Your dentist at Alta Dental Studio might recommend a new crown to protect your tooth better. 

How to Protect Your Dental Crown

Just like your natural teeth, crowns do wear and can break down over time. Avoiding biting into hard foods like apples, carrots, or crusty bread can help protect both your natural teeth and crowns from fractures. Crowns are also susceptible to chewy foods like steak or taffy that could pull them off your tooth.

Wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep can also guard your restorations against damage.

An excellent home care routine can also protect your teeth from tooth decay and other damage. Bacteria is capable of sneaking underneath your crown and causing cavities and other damage inside your tooth if you're not diligent about a consistent brushing and flossing routine.

Contact Our East Vancouver Clinic

If you're having trouble with a current dental restoration like a tooth crown or filling, your dentist in Vancouver is here to help. Contact Alta Dental Studio today at (604) 876-5032 to schedule an appointment.

Caring for a dental bridge is essential to preserving its longevity and protecting your surrounding teeth. Like natural teeth, a dental bridge can accumulate plaque, food debris, and bacteria. As a result, daily hygiene and regular professional attention are necessary to achieve optimal longevity and a lasting bridge, thereby avoiding avoidable complications.

Bridge Care Tips

To keep your dental bridge in top shape:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the areas where the bridge meets your gums.
• Use a floss threader or specialized floss to clean under pontics (false teeth) and between your bridge.
• Use interdental brushes or water flossers to access hard-to-reach spaces around the abutment teeth and under the bridge.
• Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacterial buildup and maintain healthy gums.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams to ensure proper bridge fit, the well-being of adjacent teeth, and your overall oral health.

When to Contact Your Dentist

If you experience any of the following, schedule an appointment promptly:

• The bridge feels loose or wobbly.
• Pain, swelling, or persistent sensitivity around the bridge.
• Discoloration, foul odour, or increased plaque accumulation.
• Food frequently becomes trapped in the margin despite regular professional cleanings.

By staying proactive with care and monitoring, your dental bridge can serve you well for many years.

Smile Restoration with Dental Bridges in East Vancouver

If you’re considering dental restorations in Vancouver and want to learn more about rejuvenating your smile and bite with a dental bridge, contact Dr. Jason Liu and the outstanding team here at Alta Dental Studio to schedule a consultation!

When you're getting a dental crown in Vancouver for the first time, you may have many questions. What is the process like? How long does it take? Does getting a crown hurt?

We're going to answer those questions here so you'll know exactly what to expect when it's time for your procedure.

Why You Might Need a Dental Crown

Your dentist will typically recommend a crown for a tooth in these situations:

• It's broken and decayed beyond what filling can repair
• To strengthen a tooth treated with a root canal
• If an old filling has broken down and can no longer support your tooth
• As a cosmetic restoration

The Five-Step Process of Getting a Crown in Vancouver

Your dental crown will require approximately two appointments with your Vancouver dentist and will take about two or three weeks to complete.

Preparing Your Tooth

During your first crown appointment, your dentist will first numb the area around your tooth to ensure that you don't feel any discomfort during your procedure. Then they reshape your damaged tooth so your new restoration will fit snugly over the top.

Taking Impressions for Your New Crown

Next, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth used to create your new porcelain crown. If you've had a crown in the past, you may remember the uncomfortable and messy impressions dentists used for crowns. These days, the good news is that your dentists at Alta Dental Sudio use digital impressions, which utilize 3-D imaging and eliminate the need for the goopy impressions used in the past.

Creating a Temporary Crown

Once we take impressions, it's time to protect your remaining tooth structure with a temporary crown. You'll wear this until you return to get your final porcelain crown seated.

Crafting Your Crown at the Dental Lab

Your dentist in Vancouver relies on a trusted dental laboratory to handcraft your crown to their exact specifications. This process takes two to three weeks to complete.

Permanently Placing Your Dental Crown

Once the dental lab completes your restoration, you'll return to Alta Dental Studio to have it permanently placed. During this visit, your dentist will seat your crown and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your crown fits and functions properly.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Crown

After your crown is permanently seated, it is ready for you to begin chewing, eating, and smiling with confidence. With that said, your crown does require care, just like your natural teeth, to ensure its longevity.

Even though your crown won't be susceptible to tooth decay, daily brushing and flossing will help keep your new tooth clean, so bacteria doesn't enter your tooth below its surface. You should be able to gently floss around your crown, being careful not to pull it off inadvertently.

Also, like your natural tooth, you should be careful about the foods you eat. Avoid sticky and chewy foods that could pull your crown off of your tooth. And don't bite into hard pieces of bread, fruits, or vegetables that could fracture or break your crown.

Regular visits to your dentist every six months for teeth cleanings and checkups will also protect the health of your crown.

If you have additional questions about tooth crowns in Vancouver or any other dental procedure you might need, don't hesitate to contact Alta Dental Studio at (604) 876-5032 for more information.

At Alta Dental Studio, our dentists usually provide several replacement options for patients with missing tooth. Bridges and implants are both reliable solutions, but have their own pros and cons for our patients to consider. The biggest difference between the two procedures is how new teeth are held in place. 

Dental Implants in East Vancouver

Dental implants are individually placed into gum and serves as an artificial root, anchoring the replacement tooth in place. This also helps prevent bone loss and preserves jaw structure in the long run just like how your natural teeth do. An implant can be cared for just like any natural tooth. It also does not require removal of potentially healthy structure form the neighboring teeth to support it. A considerable time span is needed to complete the procedure. In such cases your doctor can place a temporary tooth in the empty space while you heal.

Dental Bridges

In comparison, a bridge provides a replacement tooth by using teeth on either side of the missing tooth for support. They can generally be completed in a week. Teeth adjacent to the missing teeth will need to be reduced, which may compromise the healthy tooth structure. Since a bridge does not replace the missing root structure, you are at an increased risk of bone loss over time. Also, keeping a bridge clean requires frequent cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup.

Every patient is different. Schedule a consultation appointment at Alta Dental Studio. Our experienced dentists will work with you to identify the best option for your tooth, your long-term oral health, and your budget.

Bridges and dentures are both common alternatives to dental implants for replacing one or more missing teeth. Depending on the number of teeth missing, where the missing teeth are in your month, and the condition of your teeth, our dentist may suggest fixed dental bridges, partial or complete dentures.

A bridge is a permanent fixed dental prosthetic, in which healthy and strong adjacent teeth are used to attach and support the dental bridge. A denture is a removable dental prosthetic that sit on top of gums where the missing teeth were.

An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants in the jawbone. Unlike regular dentures that rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants, which provide greater stability and support. The implants help keep the overdenture securely in place, yet it can still be removed for cleaning.

What Are the Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures in Vancouver?

Implant-supported dentures can be made for both the upper and lower jaws, but are most commonly used in the lower jaw, where traditional dentures are less stable.

They offer a number of benefits, including:

• Improved comfort — Implant dentures don't rely on suction to stay in place and can be more comfortable for patients to wear. 
• Excellent stability — There's no movement or slippage with implant dentures.
• Enhanced chewing ability — It's easier to chew and eat with dentures that are stable and don't move or slip during chewing. 
• Prevention of bone loss — Implant dentures keep the bone healthy and stable, preventing the bone loss that often occurs with tooth loss.

It's important to have a thorough evaluation with a dentist to determine if implant-supported dentures are the best option for you. These dentures require a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone to support the implants. If you lack a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure, additional procedures like bone grafting may be required to rebuild the jawbone for proper implant and denture support.

Contact Dental Studio 

Do you have questions about dentures or implant-supported dentures? We're here to help! Contact our team at (604) 876-5032 for more information about dentures in Vancouver. 

Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution to tooth loss, with proper placement and care. However, certain factors can influence their lifespan, including:

1.  Oral Hygiene: Maintaining oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing plays a vital role in preserving the health of the implant and the surrounding tissues.
2. Regular Dental Check ups: Regular check ups and cleanings are essential for ensuring the long term success of the implant.
3. Lifestyle Choices: Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can reduce the lifespan of implants by affecting the gum and bone structures surrounding them.
4. Overall Health: Conditions such as diabetes or diseases that affect bone and gum healing may also affect the longevity of an implant.
5. Material and design: Advancements in both the materials used and the design of implants have also played a significant role in improving their durability.

Implant Care

With proper maintenance, the implant screw can last a lifetime. However, the crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear. Regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene practices can help extend the lifespan of your entire dental implant structure.

Dental implant treatment requires a number of visits over several months. The whole process may take from three to nine months, depending on the complexity of your treatment and how well you heal.

First, a record of CT scan, impressions, and photos are taken of the jaw and interested area to evaluate bone, gum tissue, and space available for a dental implant. Once the implant is placed, there is a healing period from three to six months. Once the implant is integrated with your body, the artificial teeth or implant crowns are then securely attached to the implant, functioning just like any natural teeth.

At Alta Dental Studio, our dentists usually provide several replacement options for patients with missing tooth. Bridges and implants are both reliable solutions, but have their own pros and cons for our patients to consider. The biggest difference between the two procedures is how new teeth are held in place. 

Dental Implants in East Vancouver

Dental implants are individually placed into gum and serves as an artificial root, anchoring the replacement tooth in place. This also helps prevent bone loss and preserves jaw structure in the long run just like how your natural teeth do. An implant can be cared for just like any natural tooth. It also does not require removal of potentially healthy structure form the neighboring teeth to support it. A considerable time span is needed to complete the procedure. In such cases your doctor can place a temporary tooth in the empty space while you heal.

Dental Bridges

In comparison, a bridge provides a replacement tooth by using teeth on either side of the missing tooth for support. They can generally be completed in a week. Teeth adjacent to the missing teeth will need to be reduced, which may compromise the healthy tooth structure. Since a bridge does not replace the missing root structure, you are at an increased risk of bone loss over time. Also, keeping a bridge clean requires frequent cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup.

Every patient is different. Schedule a consultation appointment at Alta Dental Studio. Our experienced dentists will work with you to identify the best option for your tooth, your long-term oral health, and your budget.

Dental implant serves as an artificial root, anchoring the replace tooth in place to prevent bone shrinkage and preserve surrounding tissue. An artificial tooth attached to your implant will function and look naturally. Dental implants are very strong and last many years.

An immediate dental implant refers to a procedure where an implant is placed in the jawbone immediately after a tooth extraction, as opposed to the traditional approach that requires a waiting period for the area to heal before placing the implant.

Immediate Dental Implants in East Vancouver

Here's a general overview of how immediate dental implants work:

1. Extraction: The damaged or decayed tooth is removed.
2. Implant Placement: Immediately after the extraction, a dental implant is inserted into the socket where the extracted tooth was located.
3. Temporary Crown: In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed on the implant during the appointment. This temporary crown helps to maintain the space and gum shape while allowing time for the implant to properly integrate with the bone.
4. Healing: The implant then gradually integrated with the bone through a process known as osseointegration, which typically takes 3-6 months.
5. Permanent Restoration: After successful osseointegration and full healing, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent crown.

Benefits of Immediate Dental Implants

Immediate implants have a significant benefit of reducing the overall treatment time by combining tooth extraction and implant placement in one procedure. This method can also help preserve the structure of the jawbone and gum tissue, leading to improved results.

However, immediate dental implants may not be suitable for every patient. The decision to opt for this procedure depends on several factors such as the amount of remaining bone, the absence of infection, and the general health and lifestyle habits of the patient, such as smoking, which can impede the healing process. It is recommended to seek advice from a professional to determine whether immediate dental implantation is a viable treatment option.

According to an American College of Prosthodontists article, almost 180 million North Americans are missing at least one of their teeth. A missing tooth can feel uncomfortable and even embarrassing sometimes. But did you know that a missing tooth can have a big impact on your oral health? It leads to bone loss around the area, and changes the jaw structure and muscles over time. The adjacent teeth can also shift and drift out of place, leading to a change in your bite, potential gum disease, and possible tooth decay. Fortunately, our dentists have received special training on the latest techniques and technology to replace missing teeth. After a specialized exam, our dentists will work to help you find a solution that matches your needs.

When the tooth has been missing for a long time, dental implants may not be a suitable option as the bone has receded so have the gum tissues. If this is the case, bone grafting may help with supporting and securing the implant in place. The rule of thumb is to act quickly to replace the missing teeth.

If you see visible damage to your teeth or experience pain, which may indicate an underlying dental problem, call our office to schedule an appointment. You may need emergency dental care if you are suffering the following: loss of a tooth, a crack or fracture to a tooth, loose teeth, serious mouth infection or dental abscess, severe pain, swelling or bleeding that develops soon after a dental procedure, and loss of a filling or crown.

Reach Our To Your East Vancouver Emergency Dentists

Contact our office at (604)-876-5032. Our gentle and caring doctors and staff will be here to provide you with the best dental care solution and get the relief you need.

At Alta Dental Studio, patients are our top priority. We understand that some oral health emergencies cannot wait until the next day and require immediate care. Our dental team will do everything we can to bring you in as soon as possible to make you feel at ease and be less panicked about the emergency situation. Alta Dental Studio offers same-day emergency appointments.

Contact Our East Vancouver Dental Office

Call the office right away to schedule your appointments, and make a note of which tooth is hurting, how long it has been hurting, and how the tooth reacts to cold or hot foods or drinks or to pressure. The more details you provide, the better we can assist you. 

A chipped tooth can be painful and harmful to your oral health. An untreated chipped or broken tooth can lead to nerve exposure or damage, sensitivity, and cuts on your tongue or lips. It's also more vulnerable to tooth decay and infection, which can spread throughout the tooth or mouth and even result in losing a tooth if not promptly treated. 

If you have a chipped tooth, please contact your emergency dentist Dr. Jason Liu at Alta Dental. Dr. Liu can relieve your pain, repair your tooth, and provide personalized, comprehensive treatment. 

In the meantime, we recommend:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories as directed.
• Cover the tooth's sharp or jagged edges with sugarless chewing gum or dental wax to prevent cutting your lips, inside of your cheeks, or tongue. 
• Only eat soft foods and avoid biting down on the tooth. 

Restorative Dentistry in Vancouver, BC 

Treatment for broken, fractured, or chipped teeth depends on the severity of the damage and location in the mouth. Our dental team can provide you with the thorough and prompt treatment you need to restore your smile's function, comfort, and aesthetics. Some treatments for damaged teeth include dental fillings, bonding, crowns, veneers, and root canal therapy. 

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, we invite you to contact our Vancouver dental clinic at your earliest convenience.

Invisalign is not typically painful but can make a person’s teeth feel sore. Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment, so when you first wear your aligners, your teeth may feel them exerting slight pressure. This same temporary soreness occurs when a dentist tightens or adjusts traditional braces. 

While Invisalign clear aligner trays are smooth plastic, they still reposition your teeth into alignment with carefully applied tension. Discomfort from your new clear aligners may last for a few days.

Patients wear a new set of Invisalign aligners every two weeks, so each time you start wearing a new set, you may expect some degree of short-term discomfort. Over time, your teeth get accustomed to the aligners, and the soreness eventually subsides. 

If you experience persistent pain during treatment, we welcome your call. Dr. Jason Liu and our team can assess your situation and offer treatment for your discomfort. 

Invisalign in East Vancouver, BC 

Do you have crooked, overlapping, or gapped teeth? If so, Invisalign clear aligners may be the solution for your smile. Invisalign clear aligners are an innovative alternative to traditional metal braces that can improve your smile’s alignment. If you’re interested in Invisalign, we invite you to contact our Vancouver dental clinic today. 

Wearing traditional braces isn’t the only way to achieve a beautiful smile and straight teeth. Transforming your smile has never been so easy with the help of Invisalign. Invisalign is a series of clear, thin, and nearly invisible alignment trays that are custom-fitted to effectively re-align your teeth over time. Invisalign is typically used for patients with mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues. The length of the treatment depends on your specific orthodontic condition.

Free Invisalign Consultation in East Vancouver

Come in for a free consultation! Our team will take measurements of your teeth and gums and will provide you with treatment options that best suit your oral condition.  

The answer to this question differs for every patient. Depending on your specific needs, treatment with Invisalign in Vancouver can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, and sometimes even less in some cases.

Invisalign can correct teeth that overlap, have spaces between them, or are crooked. Invisible braces can also correct small bite misalignment concerns like:

• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite

If you are dealing with more complicated bite concerns, our dentists may recommend traditional braces or other treatment forms to help you achieve your smile goals.

Invisalign Consultatin in East Vancouver

The best way to determine how long your particular case may take is to schedule an evaluation with one of the dentists at Alta Dental Studio. After a thorough examination, and taking some photos and x-rays of your teeth, they will be able to tell you if invisible braces in Vancouver is the right treatment for you, and give you an estimate of how long it will take.

Cost is also determined by the length and complexity of your case. So our team will review your treatment expense as well as your payment options during your evaluation.

If you're ready to move forward with a straighter, more beautiful smile, we encourage you to contact Alta Dental Studio today at (604) 876-5032 to schedule your evaluation.

Researches show that crooked teeth have big impacts on one’s social life and how they are perceived by others. Most often, people with crooked teeth feel insecure and lack of confidence, so they stop smiling. It is also very difficult to achieve best oral hygiene or to maintain optimal oral health as the surfaces of crooked teeth are hard to clean. If left untreated, one with crooked teeth are likely to experience gum bleeding and receding, cavities and even more.

At Alta Dental Studio, you can pinpoint what you would like to change about the appearance of your teeth. Our dentists will provide several solutions to help you achieve your goals, and to fully grasp the benefits of the treatment that will have not only on your mouth, but your overall health and confidence.

Veneers in Vancouver, BC, are versatile cosmetic restorations that can conceal most tooth flaws. Depending on your goals, you can choose to treat one tooth or several.

A dental veneer is a thin shell of strong porcelain fixed to the forward-facing tooth surface. Like dental enamel, it reflects light and blends easily with surrounding teeth.

To cement your porcelain dental veneer, the dentist must remove some enamel to ensure a non-bulky and natural-looking finish. Removing enamel means you must consider your veneers permanent and replace them if they are lost or damaged.

Composite bonding is like veneers but may not conceal as many aesthetic issues or enjoy the same longevity.

Dental Issues Veneers Can Hide

Veneers can conceal a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including:

• Short or worn-down teeth
• Gummy appearing smiles
• Slight misalignment
• Discolouration
• Small spaces between teeth
• Unusually shaped teeth

Your dentist consults with you to ensure veneers are suitable for you, will correct your cosmetic flaws, and help you achieve your smile goals.

Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist in Vancouver, BC

Call us today for more information about our cosmetic dentistry options, including dental veneers. If you’re ready to book a consultation, a friendly team member is standing by to help.

We determine the frequency of dental visits based on your individual oral health needs. By seeing you on a routine basis, we can catch problems when they are still small and easy to treat.

Six months is an appropriate interval for many people to maintain a healthy smile, but we may suggest more frequent cleanings and exams based on your needs. The way you care for your teeth and gums, how fast tartar builds up on your teeth, and the type of problems you experience all help determine how often you should have dental exams and cleanings.  

How Regular Dental Cleanings Help Your Oral Health

Seeing us at regular intervals allows us to find and treat problems before they cause discomfort and result in an emergency trip to the dentist. During these appointments, we use technology like digital x-rays to give us a highly detailed view of what’s happening inside your teeth. Not only do they help us diagnose small problems, but the x-rays also become part of your permanent patient record so we can refer to them as needed in the future.

Our hygienist will look for signs of gum disease and provide a thorough cleaning. If you show signs of gum disease, they will recommend a treatment plan to restore your oral health.

If you think it’s time for your next exam and cleaning, please call Alta Dental Studio to arrange an appointment.

Hormone and eating habit changes are the big factors for developing gum disease and cavities during pregnancy. If you experience discomfort in your gums, such as any pain, swelling, or bleeding, make sure you visit your dentist and don’t leave the condition untreated. Poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for the mother and baby.

Gum Disease

Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, gingivitis or gum inflammation may occur and aggravate, resulting in red, swollen, and sometimes bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not taken care of, the infected gums may recede over time, the bones that support the teeth can be lost, and the teeth can become loose and may eventually have to be extracted. Periodontal disease during pregnancy may also lead to undesirable pregnancy outcomes such as pre-term birth and a low-birth-weight baby. These babies are prone to have developmental problems, asthma, ear infections, and are at increased risk of infant death.

Cavities

Pregnant women may also be prone to cavities as a result of changes in their eating habits. Without proper oral hygiene, cavity-causing bacteria can feed on food residues on the teeth, resulting in plaque and eventually cavities. If cavities are left untreated, and the oral hygiene is poorly practiced, these cavity-causing bacteria can be transmitted from the mother to their developing babies and can lead to early childhood cavities.

The frequency of dental X-rays is determined by your oral health. If your teeth are healthy and you haven’t experienced any dental problems recently, you probably won’t need an X-ray at every appointment. However, patients whose dental situation is not as stable or who are being monitored by our doctors may require X-rays more frequently.

Safety of Dental X-rays

At Alta Dental Studio, we understand the concerns many of our patients have about radiation exposure. You should know that a set of four bitewing x-rays exposes you to no more radiation than you naturally receive every day from the environment. However, we assure you that your safety and comfort are our priorities, so we offer state-of-the-art digital X-rays that reduce your exposure by as much as 80 percent compared to film X-rays.

How We Utilize Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are a vital diagnostic tool that we use to prevent minor problems from becoming major problems. If we recommend X-rays, our doctors will explain why they’re necessary and how they will benefit your treatment. We never recommend X-rays without a good reason, and if you ever have concerns, please let us know so we can address them.

Cavity-causing bacteria can be passed to your child through saliva. Though the babies may not have teeth growing out of the gums at the beginning, they are likely to develop cavities later if the bacteria reside in their mouth.

Continue caring of your own oral health is still very important.

• Continue with good oral hygiene practices at home. Brush at least twice a day and floss everyday.
• Use fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse to prevent tooth decay.
• Regular dental check-ups and cleaning. Don’t leave cavities and periodontal (gum and bone) disease untreated.
• Avoid sharing toothbrushes or spoons with your baby.

At-Home Oral Health Tips

Practicing good dental care early helps your baby eat and speak clearly. Poor oral hygiene and poor eating habits can increase the risk of developing cavities in early childhood, which may affect the underlying adult teeth.

• Practice good daily dental care on your baby by cleaning and checking the teeth and mouth everyday.
  • Cleaning: Gently clean your baby's mouth using a soft baby toothbrush or wet face cloth. When baby teeth begin to erupt, use a toothbrush with a grain of rice size fluoride toothpaste. Brush your child's teeth twice a day, in the morning and especially at bedtime. Once your child turns 3 year old, brush your child’s teeth using a "pea-sized" amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft child's toothbrush. Fluoride toothpaste used in these amounts is considered safe and effective against tooth decay.
  • Checking: Lift the lip to see along the gum line. Look for white or brown spots which may be early signs of tooth decay.
• Limit sugary foods such as juice, sticky foods, and sugary snacks.
• Introduce your baby to using a lidless cup with water between 6 and 9 months of age.
• Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Rinse after meals and snacks.
• Visit your dentist within 6 months after your child's first tooth appears or when they are about 1 year old.

Here are some tips for you to maintain good oral health during pregnancy.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brush or thoroughly rinse your mouth with water or fluoride mouth rinse after meals and snacks.
• Use fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse to prevent tooth decay.
• Floss your teeth every day before bedtime
• Eat a variety of healthy foods everyday based on Canada’s food guide. Get enough calcium and vitamin D for you and the fetus to a stronger teeth and bone development. Limit sweet foods.
• Regular dental check-ups and cleaning are needed during pregnancy. Any pain, swelling or infection in the mouth should be treated right away. Make sure your dentist or dental hygienist is aware of your pregnancy before any treatments, x-rays, local anesthetics, and prescriptions.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, parents are encouraged to bring their child for an assessment within six months of first tooth eruption but no later than one year of age. If you wonder why your little one needs to see us so early, the reason is that baby teeth play a significant role in keeping maintaining their oral health.

Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth are placeholders that leave room in your child’s jaw for permanent teeth to erupt properly. They also help them learn how to speak clearly and navigate solid foods. If a baby tooth is lost too soon because of decay or infection, neighbouring teeth start to drift into the open space. When the permanent tooth is ready to emerge, it may come in at an odd angle because there’s not enough space for it to erupt properly. This can lead to orthodontic issues as your child grows.

At-Home Oral Health Tips

It’s a good idea to start early at home by cleaning your infant’s gums with a damp cloth. This routine helps to keep your child’s gums clean, but it also helps them get accustomed to the idea that taking care of their teeth is important. Once they have their first tooth, continue brushing with a soft toothbrush. Limit the number of sweets they consume and help them learn how to make on healthy food choices from the very beginning.

Call Our East Vancouver Dental Office

If it’s time for your child’s first visit, please call Alta Dental Studio to arrange an appointment. We love working with children and can’t wait to meet your little one!

At Alta Dental Studio, you will receive detailed post-operation instructions and home-care guidelines after root canal treatments. It’s also important to carefully follow the instructions for medications if prescribed. Some tenderness and soreness in the area of treatment after procedures are normal. In situations where the crown of the tooth is heavily damaged or decayed, a root canal treatment may include rebuilding the tooth interior with composite and a crown to restore it to optimal appearance and function.

After your procedure, you should wait until the numbness in your mouth wears off before eating. Don’t chew or bite down on the treated tooth until it is fully restored by your dentist. Take care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, regular checkups and cleanings to maintain your teeth for lifetime. 

You may need root canal when the nerve or pulp of the tooth becomes infected and inflamed due to dental decay, a cracked or broken tooth, or an injury to the tooth. The most common symptoms are mild to severe toothache, with teeth sensitivity to pressure, hot or cold foods or drinks. The purpose of the treatment is to completely remove the infected nerve and pulp and, seal up the tooth, and restore it to natural function.

Contact Our East Vancouver Dental Office

Call our Alta Dental team to schedule your appointment, and make a note of which tooth is hurting, how long it’s been hurting, and how the tooth reacts to cold or hot foods or drinks or to pressures. After a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth, our dentists will provide treatment options best suit your needs

Whitening strips are made of flexible plastic material coated in a whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. You place the strip over your teeth––usually, one for each of the upper and lower teeth––and the gel permeates the teeth to remove stains.

Whitening strips do not provide instant results, so you will likely need to do several whitening sessions––though this depends on the extent of discoloration and your whitening goals. Though whitening strips seem more cost-effective than professional take-home or in-office whitening, there are some downsides:

Overall Safety and Effectiveness 

Most whitening strips are safe for your teeth, but if they contain chlorine dioxide, be aware. This substance is the same one used to disinfect swimming pools and can destroy your enamel. Professional teeth whitening, whether at home provided by your dentist or in the dental chair, is the best way to ensure safe and effective results. 

An Uneven Whitening Job 

Even if you are careful and precise with whitening strips, you won’t be able to cover every nook and cranny like you can with a customized treatment provided by your dentist. The strips will inevitably miss small spaces or crevasses in your smile, resulting in an uneven whitening job. 

The Dangers of Gum Problems 

Whitening strips contain bleaching agents that are harsh enough to damage your mouth’s soft tissues, especially your gums. To avoid irritation or chemical burns, you must carefully place the whitening strips, avoiding your gums as much as possible. 

Potential Tooth Sensitivity and Damage

If you use whitening strips, do so in moderation and ask your dentist for suggestions. Overusing whitening strips will cause tooth sensitivity over time, and they can permanently damage your enamel and dentin. Enamel doesn’t grow back, so once it’s gone, it leaves your tooth’s nerves vulnerable to decay, disease, and sensitivity.

Safe and Effective Professional Teeth Whitening in Vancouver, BC

Teeth whitening strips are a short-term solution to brighten your smile before a special occasion or event. However, please consider seeing a dentist for safe, effective, and long-term whitening. Delta Dental Studio provides professional teeth whitening to help you reach your aesthetic goals while caring for your oral health needs. Our team looks forward to helping you attain a brighter, whiter smile! 

We invite you to contact us today to book a consultation with our Vancouver dentists. 

Have you felt like your smile may not be as bright as you'd like it to be? Do your teeth appear more yellow than they once were? The good news for those seeking a brighter smile through teeth whitening in Vancouver is that the procedure is indeed safe for your tooth enamel.

The active ingredients in high-strength bleaching gels, typically either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, penetrate tooth enamel to reach discoloured molecules. These ingredients then break down the bonds holding those molecules together, so teeth appear whiter again. 

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Today's teeth whitening gels also contain ingredients to help reduce tooth sensitivity, which can sometimes be a side effect of bleaching your teeth. Your Vancouver dentists also provide custom teeth whitening options that help protect your gums and soft tissues from the irritation of bleaching gel. Custom teeth whitening trays leave no room for bleaching gel to escape and harm your gums.

Teeth Whitening in East Vancouver

If you are interested in teeth bleaching in Vancouver, we encourage you to contact Alta Dental Studio today at (604) 876-5032 to learn more about your options. We offer both in-office treatments and take-home teeth whitening kits that are extremely effective and will have you smiling your brightest smile in no time.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, there are two main categories for teeth whitening products – surface whiteners and bleaches. Surface whiteners, such as teeth whitening toothpastes or chewing gums, are less likely to cause tooth wear, but the effectiveness of these products is limited to surface stains. In contrast, bleaches are capable of altering the colours of the tooth itself, but bleaching should be done professionally under a dentist’s care for safe and effective results as the responsiveness to a bleaching treatment will depend on nature of the stains and the dental treatments you have received before such as fillings, root canals, crowns and so on.

Professional Teeth Whitening in East Vancouver

At Alta Dental Studio, we use Pola whitening products because we have found them to produce the brightest, most consistent results. Pola whitening products contain the fastest bleach available to safely whiten teeth at a neutral pH to protect your teeth and gums.

Tooth brightness or the degree of lustre depends on several factors, but there are culprits when it comes to tooth stains. Below, we explore what to avoid to keep your teeth bright. 

Common Reasons for Tooth Stains and Discolouration

• Age
• Genetics
• Trauma
• Poor Oral Hygiene
• Lack of Dental Care
• Specific Medications
• Tobacco Use

Foods and Drinks to Avoid Or Limit

Avoiding or limiting your intake of the following foods and drinks may help prevent further tooth discolouration:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Dark Sodas
• Wines
• Tobacco
• Bright Sauces
• Bright Berries

How Professional Teeth Whitening in East Vancouver Can Help

A brighter smile may mean professional teeth whitening. Our dental office is pleased to offer in-office teeth whitening and a convenient take-home option. 

Both systems can effectively lift away stubborn tooth stains and help restore a whiter, brighter smile. 

Your cosmetic dentist in East Vancouver will evaluate your teeth and gums to ensure that professional teeth whitening is safe and will eliminate or reduce your tooth discolouration. We'll also answer your questions and discuss costs. 

Trust Your Teeth Whitening to the Professionals

Trust your teeth whitening treatment to the dentist to ensure safety. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic options, including professional teeth whitening, or to book a consultation with the dentist

Determining whether or not you need to get your wisdom teeth removed usually involves assessing your symptoms, conducting an examination, and taking X-rays. Here are some key indicators and steps in this assessment;

1. Pain or Discomfort:
   One of the signs that your wisdom teeth may require removal is experiencing pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth, which can sometimes radiate toward the ear.
2. Swelling or Tenderness:
   Swollen gums at the back of your mouth or tenderness while chewing or biting can indicate issues with your wisdom teeth.
3. Jaw Problems:
   Difficulty in opening your mouth, stiffness, or swelling in the jaw could be signs of impacted wisdom teeth.
4. Gum Infection:
   If you see redness, swelling, or bleeding gums near your back teeth, or notice a taste or smell, it may indicate an infection related to your wisdom teeth.
5. Cyst Formation:
   In some cases, fluid-filled sacs known as cysts can form around teeth. If left untreated, these cysts can cause harm to the adjacent teeth, jawbone, and nerves.
6. Crowding:
   Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on teeth, leading to crowding or misalignment issues.
7. Regular checkups and X-rays:
   Dentists can often detect issues with wisdom teeth during routine examinations, even before any symptoms arise. X-rays can reveal impacted teeth, determine their angle of eruption, and identify any harm to neighbouring teeth.
8. Consultation with a dental professional:
   If your regular check-ups indicate possible problems or you experience any symptoms, your dentist will assess if extraction is necessary. This assessment is crucial as not all wisdom teeth require removal.

It is important to remember that some people may not have any symptoms regarding their wisdom teeth. However, it might still be necessary to remove them as a preventive measure against future issues. Regular dental check-ups are crucial in monitoring the health and development of wisdom teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that are unable to emerge or grow properly due to lack of space. They can become trapped in the jawbone or gums, leading to pain and infection.

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the back of your mouth. They typically appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, but only some get them.

Extraction is a common procedure, and is performed with local anesthesia. We also offer a procedure called platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which is a natural aid to accelerate the healing process. After procedure, we will provide post-operative instructions and medication (if needed), to help manage discomfort.

The difficulty of extraction depends on many factors such as access, impaction, tooth anatomy, surrounding bone quality, patient’s age, and presence of infection. Simple extractions are done to virgin teeth that are visible in the mouth. A surgical extraction commonly requires an incision to gain access to the tooth or section of the tooth itself for minimal invasive extraction.

The tooth may need extraction if the tooth is badly damaged, traumatized, infected, or due to tooth crowding. For children, they have primary teeth and sometimes extraction is necessary to allow the adult (permanent) teeth to come out.

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third set of molars, often require extraction for various reasons. These reasons include:

1. Impaction:
   Wisdom teeth are commonly impacted, which means they cannot fully emerge through the gums. This can occur due to a lack of space in the jaw or misalignment of the teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
2. Infection and Gum Disease:
   Wisdom teeth that only partially erupt can create pockets in the gums where bacteria can accumulate. This can lead to infection, gum disease, or cysts, which can damage adjacent teeth and jawbone if left untreated.
3. Difficulty Cleaning:
   Wisdom teeth that have partially emerged are often difficult to clean effectively. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath due to the accumulation of food particles and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Pain and Discomfort:
   As wisdom teeth grow and push against other teeth, they can cause significant pain and discomfort. This can affect your overall quality of life and may lead to further dental issues.
5. Overcrowding:
   When wisdom teeth do emerge, they can cause overcrowding in the mouth. This can disrupt the alignment of your other teeth, potentially undoing years of orthodontic work or leading to a need for orthodontic treatment.
6. Preventive Care:
   In some cases, dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth even if they're not currently causing problems. This preventive approach can avoid potential future complications, especially since problems with wisdom teeth often arise later in life when they can be more difficult to treat.

It's important to consult with a dental professional to determine the best course of action for wisdom teeth. Each case is unique, and not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help your dentist monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and advise you on whether extraction is necessary. Call our East Vancouver dental clinic to book a consultation.

If you’re having a tooth extraction, it may be straightforward or surgical. A tooth not encroaching on others and having a straight path to extraction may be considered a simple procedure. But an impacted tooth, or one that is near the roots of neighbouring teeth, may require a surgical approach.

In either case, we ensure the treatment area is numb before starting work. Some patients opt for dental sedation in Vancouver for complex extractions or if they feel anxious.

Driving Yourself Home

In some cases, it’s okay to drive yourself home after a tooth extraction. However, if you opt for sedation dentistry, you must arrange transportation with a friend or loved one.

We use IV sedation, which relaxes patients almost to the point of sleep. This feeling does not go away immediately, so we encourage no driving on the day of treatment and no critical life decisions. Instead, it would be best if you had someone drive you home so you can spend the remainder of the day resting.

For Tooth Extractions in Vancouver, Contact Us

If you need a tooth extraction, you can count on a gentle approach to treatment. Our team is here to make the experience as relaxing as possible.

Contact our dental office today to arrange a consultation for extraction or sedation dentistry.