How Invisalign Moves Teeth

At Flossophy Dental, our doctors want you to have the healthiest smile achievably possible, and sometimes that may require straightening your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, the Invisalign straightening method includes no irritating brackets in the mouth; however, they do have attachments known as “bumps.” These bumps assist the aligners in moving the teeth to where they need to be once the treatment plan is completed.

These “bumps” are small tooth-colored dots of dental bonding (white filling material) that are placed on specific locations on specific teeth. They may be rectangular, square, circular, or triangular in shape. The shape and orientation of a button is dictated by the purpose it serves, such as tooth rotation, translation, intrusion or extrusion. These attachments assist with the process, as well as how they’re placed and what they look like. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, discreetly advancing you to the next stage of your treatment.

If you are searching to straighten your smile, give us a call to discuss your orthodontic treatment options. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

Here at Flossophy Dental, our staff appreciates feedback from our customers because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Douglas H. for leaving us this five-star review, but we would like to thank him for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“I was made most welcome at the clinic today on my first visit. I was a walk-in patient and explained I was in pain and was ushered in immediately. Dr. Linda Lee was exceptional with a very caring attitude that put me at ease the minute I met her. She explained the procedure about to happen and was very gentle and carried out the treatment in a wonderful manner. I highly recommend this clinic and every one of the staff was fantastic in their approach.”

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Bright Smile Benefits

Teeth stain for many reasons, including your food and drink choices, oral hygiene, and medication use. Teeth stain occurs on the surface of the tooth (extrinsic stains) or below the tooth enamel (intrinsic stains) and some people develop both types. Keeping our teeth their whitest is a lot harder than it sounds which is why our doctors at Flossophy Dental offers a teeth whitening service that can provide you with life-changing benefits.

Let’s face it, not all of us are gifted with a perfect set of teeth that sparkle from their whiteness. Not only does being able to show the world your pearly whites give you more self-confidence, but it projects an outward appearance of healthiness that others are attracted to. Whiter teeth are associated with a healthier lifestyle – when people have a brighter smile, they tend to smile more often and are less self-conscious while interacting with people. In addition, one of the biggest advantages of teeth whitening is that it does not have any harmful side effects on your teeth.

If you think you may benefit from teeth whitening services, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Dental Abscesses

When a tooth persistently throbs and keeps you up at night with pain, it could be more worrisome than a simple tooth ache. An abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. It occurs when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, dies and becomes inflamed after being left untreated. If an abscessed tooth has you bothered, one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental can usually resolve the problem with endodontic therapy.

The abscess itself is a pocket of pus that’s caused by a bacterial infection. The most common symptom is an ache in the bone around the tooth, but you may also experience pain when chewing. Other causes of a tooth abscess are trauma to the tooth, such as when broken or chipped, and periodontal disease. The goals of treatment for an abscessed tooth include strategies to eliminate the infection, preserve the tooth, and prevent further complications.

If you have a sore in your mouth that is causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Characteristics of a Cavity

Cavities are just about as common as a cold and although they mostly occur in children, adults need to be aware of them too. It isn’t unusual for bacteria to be found in your mouth, however, when bacteria mixes with acid, food pieces and saliva in the mouth it creates a sticky substance called plaque. The acids in plaque damage the enamel covering your teeth, and create holes in the tooth called cavities. Although our doctors at Flossophy Dental offer a variety of filling options for cavities, we would prefer you avoid them altogether.

Developing cavities is a process and they just don’t appear overnight. In the early stages, tooth decay can be stopped. The best way to prevent cavities is by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth and the best way to do this is by brushing and flossing daily. Cavities caught in the very early stages can be reversed, however, caries that have destroyed enamel cannot. It is important to schedule a professional cleaning with our doctors every six months to reduce your risk of tooth decay.

If you suspect you have a cavity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of treatment. When this happens, our doctors at Flossophy Dental are here to help.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force, or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you have questions about dental implants, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

General Dentistry Defined

General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. They can treat you and your entire family and care for your overall health. Dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. When looking for exceptional and quality general dentistry services, look no further than Flossophy Dental.  

Instead of specializing in just one area of dentistry, general dentists, such as our doctors, provide plenty of different services for you and your family, such as: cosmetic procedures, crowns and bridges, dental implants, dentures, gum disease treatment, home care instruction, root canal therapy, teeth cleanings and many more.

If your dental appointment is long overdue, give us a call! To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Occlusal Adjustments for Misaligned Teeth

Our teeth and jaws work so well because they are (ideally) lined up to exert the right amount of pressure on each other and chew through food. When the jaw is not lined up, the teeth do not clash together in the correct spots. This can cause several problems that need to be corrected for a healthy and functional mouth. At Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, we are able to perform an occlusal adjustment to correct this issue.

Misaligned teeth can cause several issues.

• Difficulty biting into and chewing foods


• Worn down teeth


• Damage to teeth like chips and fractures


• Jaw and facial muscle pain

An occlusal adjustment is a simple and quick procedure to even out the alignment of the teeth. It creates a bite that lines up perfectly so there are no areas that meet before the rest. A dental drill with a filing stone is used to file areas of the teeth after a scan is taken of the mouth. The scan uses advanced technology to pick up on areas that need adjustments. After the adjustments are made, the patient should be able to close their mouths and bite down evenly. Chewing motions become normalized and any excess pain or pressure from the misalignment will disappear.

If you feel that your bite is not even, schedule an appointment with us for a consultation. To set up your appointment at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call our office at (780) 306-9333 or visit our website, www.flossophydental.ca. 

How to Keep Your Teeth Bright

Nice, white teeth can be a huge confidence booster, although it is sometimes difficult to keep teeth bright. At Flossophy Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening. In addition to setting up an appointment with us, check out some lifestyle tips to keep your smile bright!

First, you want to avoid foods and drinks that are dark in color such as wine, coffee, and cranberries. If you cannot pass over these foods because they are a favorite, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth after you eat them. It is also helpful to drink dark drinks through a straw to minimize the contact the liquid has with your teeth.

Brushing and flossing three times per day is great for keeping away sticky plaque that can hold in stains. Try to brush thirty minutes after each meal (any sooner can actually harm enamel). It may be tempting to skip flossing, but it is actually very important for keeping away staining!

You will also want to stay away from the home-whitening recipes you find. For instance, baking soda is a popular method for whitening, but it is very abrasive. It can wear down your enamel causing darkened teeth and cavities!

To find out more about the professional whitening options we have here in our Edmonton, AB office, do not hesitate to contact us. To set up an appointment with Flossophy Dental, call us at (780) 306-9333 or visit our website, www.flossophydental.ca. 

Protect Teeth with Fluoride

Fluoride is commonly called nature’s cavity fighter and there’s a good reason for this. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the entire tooth surface more resistant to acid attacks from the bacteria that live in the plaque on your teeth. Fluoride also promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before a cavity forms in the tooth. Here at Flossophy Dental, we can provide patients with fluoride treatments to help them protect their pearly whites.

Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, foods, and several minerals. When present at the right level, fluoride in drinking water has two beneficial effects: preventing tooth decay and contributing to healthy bones. The type of fluoride we utilize at our practice is called topical fluoride. Topical fluoride is applied directly to and absorbed by the surface of the teeth. It may be applied as a foam or gel after a professional cleaning and can additionally be found in personal oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses.

If you think you may benefit from fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Implant-Retained Dentures with Mini Implants

Ill-fitting dentures can be uncomfortable, loose, and they can make you want to hide your smile. That is why here at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, we offer implant-retained dentures. These dentures are stabilized in the mouth using mini dental implants, so they stay put and slow down bone degeneration.

Implant-retained dentures create a strong and stable base for dentures. The implants are inserted into the bone sockets, so the dentures will not only be solid, but bone degeneration is slowed down. This means that the dentures will fit well for a long time. In addition, many dentures are able to be made to fit them, so a patient will most likely be able to keep their current dentures.

To create this stable base, we insert four to six mini dental implants along the upper or lower gumline. Since the mini implants are about half the size of traditional-sized implants, there is no surgical procedure needed. This means the dentures are often able to be clipped in during the same day.

The dentures are made to easily clip in so that patients can take them in and out on their own. You will no longer have to worry about your dentures moving around when you eat, smile, talk, or laugh.

If you are looking for dentures you can feel confident in, implant-retained dentures may be what you need. To schedule an appointment with Flossophy Dental, call our Edmonton, AB office at (780) 306-9333 or visit our website, www.flossophydental.ca. 

Avoid These Bad Habits While Wearing Braces

Braces are meant to make your teeth healthy and straight; however, bad habits can hinder the ability of the braces. It can cause breakage or even slow down the straightening process. At Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, we want all of our patients to be aware of how to protect their teeth while wearing braces. Keep reading for tips!

Biting Non-Food Objects

When it comes to wearing braces, most people know they should stay away from hard foods like raw carrots and popcorn. This rule also goes for non-food objects like fingernails, pens, and water bottles. The pressure from biting could pop off a bracket, damage the wire, or slow down the ability of the braces. Stick to just biting braces-friendly food!

 

Opening Things with Your Teeth

A habit many of us have is opening things with our teeth. Packages, tape, and even pop cans are among the common things teeth are used to open. This can have the same effect as biting hard objects; it increases the wrong kind of pressure on the braces and your sensitive teeth.

 

Chewing Ice

Those who have a habit of chewing their ice after their drink is finished should just let it melt. In addition to causing pressure on the braces, chewing ice can also wear down enamel on teeth and cause damage to already-sensitive teeth. Just let the ice melt!

 

Pop and Other Sugary Drinks

Those who have daily pops, juices, or other high-sugar drinks should be aware that braces create tons of new hiding places for sugar and bacteria. You do not want to have your braces taken off only to find out you have a bunch of cavities. Stick to water mostly and rinse your mouth after drinking anything else.

 

To learn more about the orthodontic options we have here, be sure to contact us! To schedule an appointment with Flossophy Dental in our Edmonton, AB dental practice, call (780) 306-9333 or visit our website, www.flossophydental.ca. 

Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease

If you have a stubborn case of gum disease, our doctors at Flossophy Dental may recommend a procedure called dental scaling. This type of treatment removes plaque and tartar from your teeth in addition to helping your gums regain their optimal health. The scaling process is usually done in conjunction with a procedure known as root planing. The scaling and root planing technique is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe.

Root planing and scaling are done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have tartar on them. The scaling process occurs with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments, or both. Our doctors at Flossophy Dental will start this procedure with a thorough examination before the device is used to eliminate the plaque bacteria. Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of gum tissue. One of our doctors will then scale the root surface to smooth out rough target areas, eliminating plaque and biofilm development. If your gum tissue is sensitive, local anesthesia can be administered to numb the tissue.

If you suspect you are in the first stages of gum disease, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Flossing with Traditional Braces

As our doctors at Flossophy Dental will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. Therefore, we thought we would share some tips with you for flossing effectively.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Habits That Cause Tender Teeth

If you avoid eating cold foods or drinking hot beverages because your teeth are a little tender, it may be time to do some oral care habit reflecting. If you have sensitive teeth, our doctors at Flossophy Dental may recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatments to decrease sensitivity. Sometimes the solution is simply breaking bad habits. If you catch yourself performing any of the following habits, do your best to break them.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


•  You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will leave you in pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Three Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing a few obvious signs, but the primary symptom is spotting blood in the sink after you brush or floss. There are three stages of gum disease that you need to be aware of: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. It is important to practice proper oral hygiene on a daily basis to avoid the condition altogether and you should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with our doctors at Flossophy Dental twice a year to keep your gums healthy.

The three stages of gum disease are: 

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth is officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Tips to Show off Your Smile

Here at Flossophy Dental, we realize that keeping teeth their whitest is a lot harder than it sounds. After all, with the coffee, wine and other foods that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance sometimes leaves them a little lackluster. Teeth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color, if you would like. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, here are some tips that will help you show off the charming smile you already have.

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you wish to enhance the appearance of your smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Beat Bad Breath

It’s easy to smell bad breath on others but it’s hard to smell your own. Bad breath odor is usually caused by a group of anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria that breed beneath the surface of the tongue and often in the throat and tonsil area. These bacteria occur naturally in your oral environment and are supposed to be there because they assist your digestion by breaking down proteins into amino acids. Here at Flossophy Dental, our doctors can help you develop a treatment plan to eliminate this self-conscious problem.

By developing the right habits, you can be effective at preventing bad breath. Some of these habits include, but are not limited to brushing your teeth twice a day, brushing or scraping your tongue, floss your teeth, use an antibacterial mouthwash, chewing sugar-free gum, quitting smoking, and scheduling a dental checkup twice a year.  If you have persistent bad breath, it helps to keep a diary of the foods you eat and to list any medicines that you are taking.

If you have bad breath, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Dental Emergencies

Our doctors at Flossophy Dental are the ones you should call if you have a dental emergency. We understand that accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should never be ignored. Whether at home or traveling, the following tips may come in handy until you can get to our dental practice.

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you have a dental emergency, please contact us immediately. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

Reasons for Tooth Extractions

At Flossophy Dental, we understand that permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, that isn’t always the case. For instance, when a tooth becomes damaged beyond repair, an extraction typically becomes necessary. We’d like you to know that before one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental ever considers extraction, every effort will be made to repair and restore your tooth first.

Aside from wisdom teeth removal, other reasons for extractions may include:

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


• Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.