Replace missing teeth with a removable or fixed solution on teeth, but cheaper.

THIS TREATMENT IS FOR YOU IF…

You need to replace several teeth.

What are prosthetics?

Dental prostheses are devices created to measure for the patient to restore the loss of one or several teeth and thus recover dental functionality and aesthetics.

The dental technician prepares them following the instructions of the dentist, who is the only one who is qualified and empowered to place the prostheses on the patient. They can be made with acrylic, porcelain, and various other metals.

What types of prosthetics exist?

Depending on their location in the mouth and whether they are fixed or removable, the prosthesis is classified as:

• Removable prosthetics. They can be partial or complete.
• Fixed prosthetics on teeth.
• Prosthetics on dental implants. Which in turn, can also be fixed or removable.

Removable prosthetics

They are those that the patient himself can remove to wash them. Depending on the teeth that need to be replaced, removable dentures can be partial or complete.

• Partial removable dentures. They are those that are used when the patient retains some of his original teeth, and the others are replaced by prostheses. Three types are distinguished:

1. Resin prosthetics. Manufactured only in this material and are mainly supported by the gum.
2. Dental skeletal prostheses. Metal alloy structure with a combination of resin that is fixed to the gum and adjacent teeth by means of metal hooks that transmit greater pressure to the teeth that support it.
3. Valplast or flexite prosthesis. Composed of biocompatible nylon that provide an ideal degree of flexibility and stability.

• Complete removable prostheses. They are those that are placed when the patient does not retain or cannot retain any teeth, so the prosthesis replaces all the teeth in the arch. They cover the upper palate for better retention, and occupy the entire bony crest.

Fixed prosthetics on teeth

Fixed prostheses are those that the patient cannot remove, not even to sanitize them, the dentist being the only one who should do it. They are anchored on the teeth adjacent to the absence, so they must first be carved to make room for the crown that will be placed on them later, this is the only disadvantage.

Advantages of prosthetics

The placement of prostheses to restore lost or damaged teeth has numerous benefits, both aesthetic and health. They stand out among them:

• Recover the lost smile. The restoration of the teeth with a prosthesis allows to recover the aesthetics and the smile.
• Improved self-esteem. Recovering the smile usually gives the patient more confidence, allowing them to establish better social and work relationships.
• Better chewing. By recovering the teeth, the chewing function that is usually affected by damaged teeth is also recovered. With chewing, digestion is therefore improved and with it general health.
• Prevent tooth mobility. Recovering the teeth closes the space that the adjacent teeth can occupy, avoiding having to resort to other treatments such as orthodontics.
• Pronunciation improvement. The diction improves when all the teeth are recovered, since the tongue and the movements of the mouth are more natural and some sounds such as those of the letters t and d require the teeth for their pronunciation.
• Better oral hygiene. Having all the teeth facilitates the hygiene of both the teeth themselves and the entire mouth, avoiding other related problems such as halitosis.

Phases of prosthesis treatment

The stages of prosthesis treatment depend on the type of prosthesis of each patient. In the case of using a prosthesis on dental implants, the procedure will first require a detailed study before the surgical intervention to place the implants. However, they all have several phases in common.

These are the phases that all prosthesis treatment shares:

1. Study of the patient. Whether the prostheses are placed on the teeth, mucous membranes or on an implant, the first step will always be an analysis by a specialist of the state of the patient’s mouth. This study will serve to check the health of the mouth and the feasibility of the treatment to be carried out.
2. Preparation of the mouth. Depending on the type of prosthesis that is going to be placed on the patient, the preparation will be different. When the prosthesis is placed on the teeth, these may need to be carved for the correct placement of the prosthesis. When placed on implants, the surgical procedure of an implant treatment will have to be performed first.
3. Preparation of the new teeth in the laboratory. The prostheses, in most cases, are manufactured by a dental technician under the instructions of the dentist who will adapt and place them. The prostheses are always personalized, so it is essential that the dentist requests them from the laboratory tailored to the patient.
4. Placement of the prosthesis. Once the mouth is prepared, the prostheses will be placed. As explained in the section on types of prostheses, this phase will depend on whether it is fixed or removable, partial or complete, or whether it is placed on the teeth or on implants.
5. Maintenance and sanitation. In order for the new teeth to remain in good condition, it will be very important to properly clean and care for them. When they are removable prostheses, this can be done by the patient himself, while if they are fixed, the specialist must do it. In any case, it will always be very important to maintain good oral hygiene habits.

Caries is the most common oral disease in our society, so fillings are a very common treatment.

In fact, it is estimated that it affects 90% of the world’s population, both children and adults.

And, given this prevalence, it is also very possible that you have ever had to undergo the procedure to treat it: the dental filling.

At this point, it should be remembered that caries is a destruction of tooth tissues that occurs for two main reasons.

On the one hand, it is due to the intake of acids and sugars contained in food and drinks.

On the other hand, it is a consequence of poor oral hygiene, either due to insufficient tooth brushing or errors in the brushing technique.

If we take into account the two reasons why caries develops, it is not uncommon for there to be a high prevalence of this disease among the population.

If tooth decay is not treated early with a filling, it will destroy the tooth structure and require a more complex procedure: a root canal.

What is a dental filling?

The filling – whose technical name is ” filling ” – is a treatment typical of the specialty of Conservative Dentistry that serves to repair a damaged tooth.

This procedure consists of removing caries from a tooth so that this disease does not progress and affect the nerve of the tooth, which would result in having to perform endodontics or root canal treatment.

In the next point we will detail the steps that this process consists of.

How is a filling made?

A dental filling is a simple and relatively quick treatment, which takes approximately 40 or 50 minutes to complete.

In our clinic, we carry it out in the following way:

1. Anaesthesia

Before starting the procedure, the dentist applies local anaesthesia in cases that require it.

In other words, this technique is used when the caries is very advanced and affects the dentin, which is the deepest part of the tooth and where the nerve endings are found.

2. Tooth decay cleaning

The dentist removes the carious tissue from the tooth.

By removing the part of the tooth that is not healthy, it leaves a cavity that must be filled later.

3. Cavity filling

To fill the gap left after cleaning the caries, we generally use composite.

Once the dentist has finished filling the cavity, they apply light so that the material hardens.

4. Polishing and occlusion adjustment

Once we have carried out the previous step, we polish the filling and perform a bite test.

In this way, we ensure that the aesthetic and functional result is optimal.

What type of dental filling is best?

Depending on the filling material used to fill the tooth, there are two types of dental fillings:

Metal

The so-called metal dental fillings are those made of silver amalgam.

Their main advantage over other types of seals is that they are very durable, since they have an estimated duration of 30 years.

However, this material has the drawback of being unaesthetic since the silver amalgam stands out a lot against the natural white of the tooth.

Therefore, it can be said that amalgam has fallen into disuse .

Resin or composite

Resin or composite dental fillings are the ones that are most commonly performed today.

This is because said material has the advantage of being much more aesthetic than any other based on metals.

That is, the composite imitates the original white colour of the tooth.

However, its main disadvantage is that it has a shorter duration.

Given this, the most appropriate thing is for the patient to maintain good oral hygiene at home and to visit the dentist at least once a year.

In this way, the dentist will be able to check the old filling and replace it when deterioration is noticed.

As a final note regarding materials, we will say that gold has also been widely used for years to make fillings.

Although it is very durable and resistant, it is no longer used because it is very expensive, and its colour does not resemble that of the tooth.

Do dental fillings hurt?

Depending on the depth of the dental caries that we need to treat, that is, if it affects the dentin, it is sometimes necessary to apply local anaesthesia.

With this technique, we will prevent the patient from feeling pain during the procedure.

In the event that the caries does not affect the dentin, we will not apply local anaesthesia.

If we do not apply anaesthesia, it is possible that the patient feels some slight discomfort during the process, although these will be very bearable.

On the other hand, it is also possible that after the dental filling the patient feels sensitivity when eating very hot or cold foods and even when brushing their teeth.

This sensation may persist for 3 or 4 days.

However, if the sensitivity – which should always be temporary – does not stop after a week, it is necessary to return to the dentist who performed the treatment.

This way you can examine the seal and determine if there is a problem.

What does a dental cleaning consist of?

No matter how well you brush or floss, there are always hard-to-reach areas. A dental cleaning can help you have really clean teeth.

Gum disease is often caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria . The best way to eliminate it is by brushing your teeth twice a day. However, no matter how well you clean your teeth, there will always be hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to keep clean. Bacterial plaque can accumulate in these areas and become mineralized, forming a hard deposit known as calculus or tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing. If not removed, more plaque can build up around the teeth or even under the gums, leading to progression of gum disease.

To reduce the risk of gum disease or to prevent it from getting worse, your dentist may recommend that you have a dental cleaning to get your teeth really clean.

What does a dental cleaning do and why is it important?

While daily teeth cleaning at home is essential to fighting tooth decay and gum disease, it’s not enough to keep your mouth healthy. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, smooth tooth surfaces, and polish teeth to remove minor stains.

Even if you brush and floss daily, you can still have a buildup that leads to plaque that hardens into dental calculus, commonly known as tartar. That buildup affects more than your teeth; It can cause inflammation and even infection in the gums. Gum disease has been linked to many other health problems, including diabetes and heart disease!

When you get your teeth cleaned every six months, your dental team can identify potential oral health issues before they become problematic. They can detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems, such as cancer.

What to expect?

Either your dentist or a dental hygienist can do the cleaning.

The first phase of “scaling” involves removing plaque and tartar deposits. An ultrasonic tool is often used to remove most of the tartar, and then other hand tools are used to scrape away any leftovers.

The next phase is to polish the teeth so that the surface is really smooth. Although polishing removes stains and leaves teeth smooth and shiny, it is not just a cosmetic procedure. It also smoothes small imperfections and roughness of the tooth to prevent plaque from adhering to them.

Your dentist will advise you how often you need to have your teeth cleaned. It is important to remember that a professional cleaning is a complement to a good oral health routine and can never replace brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Frequently asked questions

When do i need a dental cleaning?

Generally and as a basis, an annual review must be done, in which the need for dental cleaning is usually very common.

There are patients who do not need it, but it is important to do it when there is a clear accumulation of tartar, which is generally seen on the back of the lower teeth.

Also, when we notice excessive bleeding when brushing or spontaneous bleeding. Therefore, there are patients who need 2 cleanings a year and others who can spend more than a year without having to do it.

Is there a problem if i do more cleanings than necessary?

In principle there is no serious problem, but if it is completely unnecessary, it is better not to do it. When the ultrasound device vibrates on the tooth, it can generate microcracks on the tooth enamel and increase the porosity of the tooth. And with it can increase the presence of stains on the enamel.

Will dental cleaning make my teeth whiter?

The answer is clear, no. Cleaning will leave the teeth clean, that is, it will remove stains and tartar, but the colour of the tooth is generated by the intrinsic colour of the dentin, therefore with a cleaning it is invariable.

What is the difference between “curettage” and dental cleaning?

The so-called “curettage” tries to remove the subgingival calculus, that is, under the gum, so it is always convenient to do it under local anaesthesia, cleaning is usually done without anaesthesia, unless the person has hypersensitivity.

In short, dental cleaning is necessary for the elimination of tartar deposited on the teeth and in this way maintain the health of the gums in order to avoid loss of tooth support.

Returns luminosity to your teeth and recovers its natural colour.

THIS TREATMENT IS FOR YOU IF…

You want to recover the white of your teeth.

What is whitening?

Tooth whitening is a treatment whose objective is to lighten the colour of the teeth, eliminating stains and discoloration. It is the most popular of aesthetic dental treatments.

Bleaching is more effective on extrinsic or superficial stains. To keep the colour brighter, the treatment should be repeated eventually, as it is not a one-time treatment.

Some habits can cause the whitening to start to fade. Smoking, in addition to drinking foods and drinks with dyes, can be factors that accelerate this process.

If these harmful habits are avoided and the maintenance recommended by the specialists is followed, it is possible that another whitening treatment is not needed in the following 6 or 12 months.

What types of whitening exist?

There are different ways to classify the types of whitening. It can be done according to the type of teeth, according to the place where the whitening is performed or according to the technology used.

If the differentiation is made based on the type of teeth, it must be taken into account that the teeth can be vital or non-vital. What does this mean? The difference is based on where the tooth stain is coming from. If the stain is external, vital teeth will be whitened, while if the whitening is done from the inside, non-vital teeth will be considered whitening.

Vital teeth whitening

It is the most common tooth whitening procedure. It is performed by applying a gel directly on the surface of the tooth and it is a treatment that can be performed both in the office and at home.

The gel that is used contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide, and can be applied more effectively in the dental clinic, since the percentage of product is higher and a specialized light is used that allows whitening to act faster.

The whitening treatment on vital teeth in consultation usually lasts from 30 to 90 minutes and is carried out in several sessions. The number of appointments will depend on the method used, the intensity of the stains and the level of whitening desired.

Non-vital teeth whitening

This treatment consists of whitening the teeth from the inside. It is performed when vital whitening may not have an effect, because the stains come from inside the tooth.

In this case, the whitener will be placed inside the tooth and a temporary filling will be used. The whitening will remain inside for several days. It will need to be changed occasionally until the tooth reaches the desired shade of white.

In the case of vital teeth whitening, a division can be made based on the light technique used. The light activates the molecules of the gel used to whiten teeth, increasing the whitening effect. This light can be of two types: laser or LED.

LED whitening

It is a very effective procedure, which consists of activating the molecules of the whitening gel with the blue light emitted by the LED lamp. Three to four photoactivation sessions are needed, which can be scheduled in a single appointment if a faster effect is sought. The result of this whitening can be very long lasting if good oral hygiene is maintained.

Advantages of whitening

Tooth whitening is the most common treatment. One of the reasons for this is that it has numerous aesthetic and mental advantages. Some of the most outstanding advantages are:

• Whiter smile. The smile is one of the most outstanding features in the appearance of a person. Having a whiter smile can positively influence yourself, improving mood and confidence, and also other people, who may perceive you as a more confident and trustworthy person.
• Improves confidence. Having whiter teeth is a key factor in improving self-esteem. Socially, having a healthy mouth and smile is a highly valued factor, so having white teeth can give more confidence and self-assurance.
• Helps improve hygiene. Tooth whitening treatment requires maintaining good oral hygiene once the treatment is done. In addition, a person who wants to whiten is, in general, a person who cares about their oral health.
• Fast results. Teeth whitening treatment requires three to four sessions, but can be done in a single appointment. Unlike many dental treatments, the results of teeth whitening are very fast.

• painless process. Most dental treatments involve some discomfort for patients, both in the clinic and, sometimes, in the days after. Whitening is a procedure that does not cause discomfort to the recipient.

Phases of the whitening treatment

Teeth whitening is a quick and easy treatment, and can be done in the clinic or at home. The phases of the same will depend on where the treatment is carried out, but they are very similar.

Bleaching on vital teeth in clinic: When performed in the clinic, whitening will consist of two phases.

1. First, the dental professional will apply a substancethat covers and protects the gums around the teeth. Later, he will place a whitening gel on them, which will later have to be activated with a light to be effective.
2. If the bleach needs to be activated, an LED or laser lamp will be placedduring the determined treatment time. The treatment may require several sessions, but can be carried out in a single appointment.

Whitening at home: In the case of wanting to whiten at home, it will be possible using splints that fit the teeth and in which the whitening gel will be placed. This treatment must be prescribed by a dentist. The phases of this type of treatment are:

1. First of all, the professional will take impressions of the upper and lower arches and will make custom-made splints that will adapt perfectly to the teeth, so that the whitening agent is in contact with them.
2. Once the splints are available,the whitening gel will be placed inside the splints and the splints will need to be worn for several hours every day.

Combined whitening: This treatment combines two procedures: the first, in the clinic and under the supervision of a specialist, and the second in the patient’s own home.

Take care of your gums, recover the health of your mouth and avoid gingivitis.

THIS TREATMENT IS FOR YOU IF…

You have gum problems, such as inflammation or bleeding.

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diseases that affect the supporting structures of the teeth. These include the gums, the periodontium, which is the set of tissues that support the tooth, and the alveolar bone, which is the one that houses and supports the teeth in the alveoli.

Periodontal treatments are performed to prevent or cure receding gums, bone loss, and prevent tooth loss. They also serve to remove dental tartar and prevent bleeding gums.

Periodontics can include treatments for different types of diseases, which can range from the mildest, such as gingivitis, to the most severe, such as periodontitis. A periodontist will be the dentist who treats these diseases.

Periodontitis is an infection of the gums that damages the tissues and destroys the bone that supports the teeth. In addition, it can cause teeth to loosen and lead to tooth loss.

Gingivitis and periodontitis

The main periodontal diseases that we find are gingivitis and periodontitis:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without loss of supporting bone. The main cause is poor oral hygiene and therefore the presence of bacteria.

Periodontitis

In contrast, periodontitis involves alveolar bone loss, and may be associated with other factors (besides poor hygiene), such as hormonal and genetic factors.

Main causative factor: Bacteria

The main factor causing gum disease is bacteria. In the mouth there are many types of bacteria and many of them are harmful to the tissues that support the tooth. They are deposited forming bacterial plaque (between the tooth and the gum). The severity of gum injuries depends on the susceptibility of each individual, which is determined by genetics. However, genetic predisposition alone is not enough to cause periodontitis, the presence of bacteria is needed.

Periodontitis is the most important cause of tooth loss and hence its importance within the diseases of the mouth.

The manifestations of periodontal disease can be redness, inflammation and bleeding of the gums, especially when brushing. They can also cause bad breath, tooth mobility and recession in the gums. We recommend that as soon as you have any of these symptoms you come to consult us and decide on the treatment in each case.

What types of periodontics are there?

Periodontics is a branch from which various treatments derive depending on the severity and type of the patient’s disease. Periodontic treatments performed include:

• Non-surgical periodontal treatments.
• Surgical periodontal treatments.
• Periodontal plastic surgery treatments.
• Regenerative procedures to recover lost soft and hard tissues.

Non-surgical periodontal treatments

Among the periodontal treatments that do not require surgery, the most common is scaling and root planing or curettage. It consists of careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar accumulated in the periodontal pockets.

When this treatment cannot be done routinely, because the depth of the periodontal pockets is excessive and makes daily oral hygiene impossible, the treatment will require surgical reduction of the periodontal pockets in addition to cleaning.

Surgical periodontal treatments

Some periodontal treatments require surgical intervention. Among them is that of gum recession. A gum graft repairs the gum defect and prevents further recession and bone loss. It is a treatment that also reduces dental sensitivity and improves aesthetics.

In some cases, the gum covers a lot of the teeth. It is when a surgical treatment is performed consisting of lengthening the dental crown, removing excess gum and exposing more of the crown of the teeth.

In general, there is a wide variety of treatments to keep your gums and teeth healthy, both surgical and non-surgical. However, they all require routine oral hygiene maintenance at home and regular check-ups in the clinic to achieve the desired results.

To carry out this correct hygiene, it is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, in the morning and at night, in addition to flossing once a day. In addition, it is advisable to have a cleaning at the dentist at least once or twice a year.

Advantages of periodontics

Although most dental treatments have aesthetic improvement as their main benefit, periodontics is a treatment that mainly reduces health effects as well as aesthetic ones.

The main advantages of periodontal treatments are:

• Prevention of tooth loss.
• Prevention of loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth.
• Elimination of accumulated tartar.
• Reduction of halitosis when it is related to tartar bacteria.
• Reduction of the mobility of the teeth, in turn preventing the need for other treatments such as orthodontics.
• Reduction of bleeding gums.
• Extend the time of natural teeth and their functionality.

To achieve these benefits it is necessary, in addition to proper treatment, to maintain proper dental hygiene and visit the dentist regularly.

Phases of periodontal treatment

On many occasions, people who have diseases that require periodontal treatment are unaware of it. This is the case of gingivitis, a reversible inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth, which is usually painless and has very mild symptoms.

Gingivitis can be prevented and reversed with good oral hygiene and with the help of professionals such as dentists and hygienists, who can remove existing tartar that causes gum irritation. Oral health habits such as brushing, flossing and mouthwashing can help prevent tartar buildup and therefore gingivitis.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Therefore, healthy habits as well as regular visits to the dentist can improve the chances of successful treatment.

If it reaches the point of having periodontitis, treatment will be done to clean the pockets around the teeth and prevent damage to the surrounding bone. When periodontitis is not very advanced, minimally invasive treatments are performed:

• Scaling and root planing. To remove tartar and bacteria from the surface of the teeth and from under the gums. It is performed using manual instruments such as curettes or by means of an ultrasonic device or a laser.

When periodontitis is advanced, it may be necessary to treat it with surgery. Some of these treatments are:

• flap surgery
• soft tissue grafts
• bone grafts
• Guided tissue regeneration

These techniques allow you to remove tartar more effectively and replace lost soft (gums) and hard (bone) tissues.

The phases of treatment, therefore, depend on the evolution of the disease. It can be completely prevented and reversed in its initial phase, without even reaching gingivitis. The more advanced the disease, the more invasive the treatment necessary for its cure.

Correct the position of the teeth to have a beautiful smile and improve the way you chew.

THIS TREATMENT IS FOR YOU IF…

You want to align your teeth or improve your bite, whether you are a child or an adult.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that studies, prevents and corrects dental problems such as deviation in the position of the teeth, crowding or diastemas (spaces between the teeth), the shape of dental arches or bite problems, to restore balance between the form and function of the mouth, also improving facial aesthetics.

In addition, orthodontics faces major problems such as the correction of alterations in the mandible, the upper jaw or even the face, and especially functional chewing disorders.

Types of orthodontics

There are different types of orthodontics depending on the technique and material used. The choice is usually motivated by aesthetics and price, but it also depends on the needs of each patient.

There are three main types of orthodontic treatment: invisible orthodontics, lingual orthodontics, and braces. The latter, in turn, are distinguished between different types depending on the material used.

Invisible braces

It is a set of transparent splints that are individually adjusted to each of the teeth. They are invisible to the naked eye and more comfortable, since the movement on the teeth is smoother. They can be removed for brushing teeth, making it easier to maintain good hygiene.

Lingual orthodontics

In this treatment the brackets are placed behind the teeth, so they are invisible from the outside. They are custom made for each patient. Although they are placed behind the teeth, they do not hinder speech or chewing. It is the most aesthetic solution among orthodontics.

Brackets

They are a set of pieces joined by an arch that adhere to the front of the teeth. There are different types of brackets depending on the materials used:

Metal braces

Made of steel, they are strong and resist rust and moisture very well. They are the classic and most common among children and adolescents. They are the cheapest and achieve excellent results, although they are the least aesthetic. The rest of the brackets are considered aesthetic.

Ceramic braces

They are opaque white, much more aesthetic than the metallic ones, and with the same functionality. They do not stain over time, which is an advantage over resin ones.

Sapphire brackets

Also transparent, which makes them practically invisible and very discreet. Due to their structure, they make the colour of the tooth transparent and do not stain or change colour. The placement of the teeth is as efficient as in the rest of the brackets.

Metal self-ligating brackets

Unlike conventional brackets, self-ligating brackets avoid the use of elastic bands to attach them to the archwire. Instead, self-ligators use a clip mechanism that creates less friction.

Aesthetic self-ligating brackets

For a better appearance, self-ligating brackets can also be ceramic. Ceramics are more discreet and allow the colour of the teeth to show through, which makes them offer a better aesthetic appearance.

Advantages of orthodontics

In addition to the known aesthetic advantages that motivate orthodontic treatment, there are other very important advantages related to the functionality of the mouth and the health of the patient.

• Improves digestion, as a result of improving the bite when chewing.
• Avoid headaches and earaches, often related to the position of our mouth and the temporomandibular joint.
• Avoid contractures in the neck and back when fitting the teeth.
• Prevents tooth wear thanks to the best fit.
• Prevents oral problems such as periodontitis.
• Improves oral hygiene, by correcting gaps or crowding of teeth, brushing can be more efficient and prevent problems such as cavities or infections.
• It improves the development of the mouth when orthodontics is performed on children, which prevents harmful habits that can deform the position of the teeth.
• It improves the smile aesthetically, which will help to have a better self-esteem and gain security in social relationships.

Phases of orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment consists of 5 phases that begins with the study of the patient’s situation and ends with the placement of retainers once the orthodontics has been removed. The five stages are as follows:

1. Orthodontic study. Through X-rays, photographs and cephalometrics, a totally personalized treatment is planned, recommending the orthodontics that best suits the patient.
2. Orthodontic placement. Once planned, orthodontics is placed, and daily habits and practices are recommended for its correct maintenance.
3. Periodic reviews. They will serve to assess the progress of orthodontics and to adjust the elements for greater efficiency. The periodicity will depend on the treatment, which can last between 6 months and 3 years.
4. Orthodontic removal. Once the objectives are achieved, the elements will be removed and a clean-up will be carried out.
5. Placement of retainers. Once the orthodontics is removed, the ligaments of the teeth have to assimilate the change, so retainers are placed continuously for the first 3 months and then partially.

Some patients also choose to have teeth whitening after the treatment is finished.

Endodontics is a treatment for severely infected or decayed teeth caused by part of the nerve of the tooth. The treatment consists of repairing and saving the teeth by removing the dental pulp, and then cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth. Dental pulp is the tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Carrying out endodontic treatment on teeth in this state corrects infected and abscessed teeth, which are infections characterized by inflammation and accumulation of pus. It is also necessary when the teeth have already reached this point. The causes for which these infections occur can be cavities, cracks or fractures, or repetitive dental procedures on the teeth.

Some of the most common symptoms that may suggest the need for a root canal are:

• Pain
• Long-term sensitivity to heat or cold
• Sensitivity when chewing and touch
• Gum swelling and discoloration

Also, in some cases, the patient may not have symptoms.

The pulp is necessary during the growth and development of the teeth. Once the tooth is already mature, it can survive without it, thanks to the tissues that surround it. For its part, the nerve is not important for the health of the tooth, so not having it will not affect its daily functioning.

What types of endodontics are there?

To classify endodontics, it is important to keep in mind that not all teeth have the same number of roots or root canals. In the roots of the teeth is where these root canals are located. Every tooth has at least one, but teeth often have several. Depending on the teeth to be treated, endodontics are classified as single-root, double-root, and multi-root.

Single root endodontics

They are endodontic procedures that are performed on teeth with a single root canal. Teeth such as the central and lateral incisors, the mandibular first and second premolars, and the maxillary and mandibular canines usually have only one root and thus one root canal.

Biradicular endodontics

These are procedures performed on teeth with two root canals. Teeth such as maxillary second premolars often have two root canals, even though they only have one root.

Multiradicular endodontics

They are endodontics performed on those teeth that have three or more root canals. The upper and lower molars usually have four root canals, since they usually have two canals in their mesial root.

Although most teeth usually have the number of root canals described in each of the types, all teeth can have anatomical variations. It is important that the dentist locates and treats all root canals to ensure a successful endodontic treatment.

Advantages of endodontics

A root canal is a treatment that allows to cure or heal an original tooth that has an infection or decay. The treatment is carried out quickly and with hardly any pain, and has multiple advantages for the patient who decides to undergo it. Both short and long term. The main advantages of a root canal are:

• Avoid the extraction of a natural tooth. Endodontic treatment saves and repairs severely decomposed or infected teeth, allowing the patient to keep their original tooth.
• Avoid halitosis and other consequences. Infected teeth can cause consequences beyond the damage to the tooth itself, such as halitosis. Recovering an infected tooth is not only beneficial for that tooth, but for the health of the mouth as a whole.
• It is a painless treatment. Endodontics is a treatment that hardly causes pain to the patient during the process. Current technology makes it a painless, fast and safe treatment. In fact, the pain is usually there before the treatment is carried out, since the infections and decomposition caused by caries are usually annoying.
• Regain chewing without discomfort. Damaged teeth can be sensitive to hot or cold foods and also to the touch or chewing of certain foods. Endodontic treatment allows you to eat normally again when the tooth is fully recovered.
• Prevents more expensive dental treatments. A decayed tooth can result in movement of the adjacent teeth. Therefore, with an endodontic treatment that restores the health of a tooth, the need for more expensive treatments such as orthodontics in the future can also be prevented.

Phases of endodontic treatment

Endodontics is a treatment that consists of healing a severely infected tooth. The treatment consists of five phases that begins with an X-ray and diagnosis of the patient’s condition, and ends once the tooth is already restored. These are the 5 phases of a root canal:

1. Radiography and diagnosis. The first step of an endodontics is to perform an X-ray that will help assess the possible involvement of the pulp or the nerve of the tooth. This x-ray allows the dentist to make a diagnosis, who will decide which treatment is appropriate.
2. Local anaesthesia. The endodontic process begins with the application of a local anaesthetic to numb the area. In addition, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to prevent saliva or blood from entering while the root canal is performed.
3. Pulp extraction. To access the nerve and pulp chamber, the tooth is drilled. The pulp, bacteria, and decomposed nerve tissue are removed from the tooth. Next, the sides of the root canals are scraped and filed. Once done, the remains are removed with chlorhexidine or sodium hypochlorite.
4. Root sealing. With the tooth completely clean and disinfected, the ducts are sealed. A special sealing paste and gutta-percha, a rubbery compound, are placed in the root canal of the tooth.
5. Restoration of the tooth. Usually, teeth that need a root canal also have a fracture or extensive decay. It is often necessary to place a crown, post, or other restoration to protect the tooth and fully restore it. Both for its masticatory functions and aesthetically.

VENEERS

Improve the appearance of your teeth with porcelain or composite sheets that mimic the shape and colour of natural teeth.

THIS TREATMENT IS FOR YOU IF…

You want to have a movie smile.

What are veneers?

Veneers are a treatment to improve the appearance of the teeth. It consists of placing porcelain sheets on the front face of the teeth, improving their aesthetic appearance. Veneers give a better appearance in colour and shape to the teeth. In addition, they can also occupy the spaces that are formed with the deterioration of the gums.

The people who usually opt for a veneer treatment are those who want to improve their aesthetic image, especially the colour, shape and position of the teeth. However, not all people are suitable for this type of treatment. A professional should examine your case to make sure you can use them.

Veneers aesthetically help problems derived from pyorrhea or periodontitis, but they are not a health treatment to cure these diseases.

Typically, patients who can undergo veneer treatment are those in good general oral health. It is important to have healthy teeth and gums. It is also important to have enough tooth enamel. Without it, the veneer will not have good retention.

What types of veneers are there?

Veneers are thin sheets that are placed on the front face of the teeth to improve their appearance, and can be made of two different materials: porcelain and composite.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers, when using this material, have the advantage that they resist stains very well. In addition, porcelain looks very similar to natural teeth when they are healthy and white. This also makes them reflect light much like the original teeth.

In addition, porcelain veneers can correct problems such as tooth wear, as well as cover chipped or broken teeth. They can also cover reconstructed teeth with resin that have become discoloured.

Composite veneers

Composite veneers, a material made from various composite resins, have the advantage that they are reversible. The previous work with the teeth is minimal, so it does not alter them permanently. For this reason, the material can be removed and replaced.

On the other hand, they have the disadvantage that they do not imitate tooth enamel as well as porcelain ones. In addition, as the resin is a porous material, they can stain and are susceptible to chipping or fractures. Although its treatment is much faster and less invasive than porcelain.

Advantages of veneers

Veneers are a treatment that mainly has aesthetic purposes. However, keep in mind that they cannot solve all of them. Depending on the objective, it may be necessary to resort to treatments such as whitening or orthodontics. The advantages and problems that veneer treatment solves are:

• Whiter smile. Veneers can hide severely stained teeth, even those where whitening treatment may not be fully effective.
• Recover the natural appearance of your teeth. In treatments with porcelain veneers, the teeth recover their original colour, and the reflection of light is practically the same as that of natural teeth.
• Recover the shape of your teeth. One of the advantages of veneers is that they can hide small imperfections such as chips, cracks or small fractures in the teeth.
• Minimally invasive treatment. Unlike most dental treatments, veneers are a treatment with which the patient will notice very little discomfort, especially in composite veneers.
• A single treatment for several problems. The veneers allow to solve several coexisting problems. With a single treatment, different difficulties such as slightly crooked, chipped or stained teeth can be solved.

Veneers treatment phases

The treatment of veneers, which are usually made of porcelain, is carried out in five phases that include everything from diagnosis and treatment planning to the placement of the veneers and their final cleaning.

1. First of all, to carry out a veneer treatment,a diagnosis is made and then a treatment planning.

In this first phase, the patient’s help is also needed, since he has to be the one who tells the dentist exactly what he wants to achieve with the treatment.

During this process, the dentist will examine the patient’s teeth to ensure that they are suitable for treatment and if it is more appropriate to perform it with porcelain or composite veneers. Also, the dentist will study the implications and possible limitations of it.

2. Second, the tooth to be treated will be prepared. This preparation consists of removing part of the enamel from the tooth surface. This removed portion will need to match the amount of veneer thickness that will be added to the tooth.
3. Third, impressions will be taken. These impressions are sent to a laboratory
4. The fourth step is to place the impressions of the finished veneers. In order to do so, the tooth must be prepared, in a process that consists of cleaning, polishing and engraving the tooth. With this process, it is possible to create a rough surface that allows a strong bonding process between the tooth and the veneer using a special cement.
5. The fifth and final step will be to adjust this placement. To do this, any excess of the special cement used will be removed. Also, once placed, the bite will be evaluated and, if necessary, any final adjustments will be made.

As in most dental treatments, it is essential that the patient maintain good dental hygiene. In the case of veneers, they are placed on the surface of the natural teeth, so it is vital to keep them healthy.

To do this, the patient will have to follow the commonly recommended hygiene practices, such as maintaining good brushing on a regular basis, using dental floss and periodically visiting the dentist.