Crowns

A crown is used to cover a tooth and bring it back to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are placed when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are also used to support a large filling when there isn't enough of the tooth remaining.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, and to improve a smile. Highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an esthetically pleasing natural appearance.

Bleaching

Everybody loves a bright white smile. If you would like to brighten your smile, ask Dr. Archambault what treatment is best for you! There are 3 types of bleaching. Over the counter products have improved lately. We recommend them for teenagers and those who have slightly yellow teeth.

For most people, at home bleaching with custom made bleaching trays works best. We use the Opalescence bleaching system by Ultradent Inc. Applying the gel to the tray and wearing it for one hour for a day for 2 weeks will noticeably whiten teeth.

In office bleaching takes about 90 minutes and involves placing a stronger gel on the teeth after they are isolated, for those who want fast, noticeable whitening done in the office. We do make bleaching trays and ask patients to use the at home gel for 3 days after their in office bleaching procedure. NOTE: Research has shown the at home bleaching done with custom trays lightens teeth equally to using the zoom bleaching light.

Deep Cleaning

When plaque or tartar stay on your teeth for long periods of time the bacteria begins to irritate the gums making them bleed more easily. When your teeth bleed easily while brushing or flossing this is an early sign of gingivitis or gum disease. If nothing is done about this, the inflamation will form a periodontal pocket.

Our team will do a deep-cleaning of your teeth and gums by scaling and polishing them. Deep cleaning gets rid of the pockets and allows your gums to heal.

Bridges

Dental bridges like dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. A fixed dental bridge is a false tooth which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The false tooth is held into place by the crowns on the two adjacent teeth. The advantages of having a bridge include speed (can usually be done in a relatively short time), cosmetics (can be matched to adjacent teeth) and comfort (the bridge is cemented and is not removable).

Lauging Gas

Laughing Gas, or Nitrous Oxide is used to help you relax during your dental procedure. Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen are administered through a nose inhaler. Many patients that are fearful of the dentist can have laughing gas to help them relax.

Bonding

Dental Bonding is a procedure that is used to fill gaps, cracks, or broken teeth. Bonding can also be done to reshape/recolor your smile. During the procedure the dentist will use a composite resin along with a special light that makes the resin bond to your tooth.

Nite Guards

A nite guard is a hard acrylic mouthpiece that is custom made to fit your upper or lower teeth. It is also called a biteplate. Niteguards are beneficial to patients who exhibit excessive wear on any of their teeth and/or those who have tension, pain, or soreness in their jaw muscles when they wake up. These signs and symptoms are found in patients who clench or grind their teeth. Remarkably, patients can have large amounts of wear and not even be aware they are clenching or grinding.

The idea behind the niteguard is related to the muscles that move the lower jaw. When the appliance is in place, the lower jaw is guided into a position that does not allow the muscles contract with their full force. In fact, muscle to contraction is reduced by as much at 75%. Many patients who get niteguards report better sleep and fewer headaches. What about the “boil and bite” soft niteguards found at the drugstore? These do act as a barrier between the teeth but their flexibility does not allow the desired effect on the jaw muscles. Soft niteguards are good for playing sports or for growing teenagers, but have very little effectiveness in relieving symptoms from clenching and grinding.

White Fillings

Composite fillings are tooth colored fillings that are very durable, and are made to match the color of your natural tooth. These materials are more technique sensitive than other types of fillings and take somewhat longer to place. Once they are placed they are fully set so you can chew as soon as the novocaine wears off. Or you can chew even before the novocaine wears off if you want to look a little silly and drool everywhere, your choice!

Digital X-rays

By using digital technology, Dr. Archambault is able to see your x-rays immediately and to enlarge or manipulate your x-rays to better determine the correct treatment for you. Digital X-ray sensors are also more comfortable for the patient than the conventional x-ray film. Radiation exposure is reduced greatly. For example, there is a 90% reduction in radiation for panorex (full mouth) x-rays. The quality, speed, comfort and safety of digital x-rays are well known.