Dr. Ami Barakat

Cosmetic, General and Neuromuscular Dentistry

Archive for July, 2011

Advantages of Dental Implants

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Although teeth are meant to last a lifetime, injury, disease and improper care can take their toll. Sometimes, replacement teeth, such as dental implants, are necessary to retain your ability to chew, talk and have the confidence that comes with a great smile.

Should you choose dental implants? Ottawa cosmetic dentist, Dr. Ami Barakat of Dentistry@Main in Ottawa, Ontario can help you make sense of your options and guide you through the decision process to achieve the best outcome.

Dentures

Dentures are a traditional method for tooth replacement. Although modern dental technology offers the tools to create dentures that fit well, many patients still have issues with denture pain, slippage and discomfort. Dentures may also require a more restrictive diet and use of adhesives to keep your dentures in place.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing natural teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are not removable, but actually attach to jaw bone.

Dental implants are a popular option for permanent tooth restoration, because implants:

Look, feel and function naturally
Do not destroy adjacent teeth
Do not slip like dentures
Are more comfortable than dentures
Offer improved oral health
Are highly durable with proper care

If dental implants sound like the solution to your missing teeth or denture issues, please contact Dr. Barakat at Dentistry@Main, serving Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario.

Posted in Dental Implants | Comments Off

Tooth Whitening and Age

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

In most cases, young teeth are white, strong and resilient. As we age, our teeth age too, displaying signs of wear and tear, stains, yellowing and reduced luster. Drinking coffee or wine, eating staining foods like blueberries, and habits such as smoking all contribute to the aging and yellowing of our teeth. Brushing and flossing faithfully along with regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings can help, but age will still take its toll.

Most people who notice these changes want to restore the white, bright smile of younger days, and turn to various tooth whitening methods. It is common to begin your quest for a brighter smile by using an over-the-counter project, such as whitening strips. While these products can offer temporary improvement, results are lost when treatment stops. Generally, this is the point at which you will decide you need professional tooth whitening.

Tooth Whitening at the Dentist’s Office

At Dentistry@Main, in Ottawa, Ontario, Dr. Ami Barakat offers the PolaOffice+ procedure, available only at professional dental offices. This procedure requires that Dr. Barakat first place a protective barrier between your teeth and gums to shield sensitive tissue. Dr. Barakat has treatments available to bring instant relief if irritation should occur, and protect the gums from damage.

So, whether you want to maintain your teeth’s natural gleam or bleach out decades of caffeine, tooth whitening is a safe and quick way to brighten your smile. In fact, most people can achieve a smile makeover within the timeframe of a regular lunch hour.

To schedule your mouth’s makeover, contact Dr. Barakat at Dentistry@Main, serving Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario.

Posted in Teeth Whitening | Comments Off

Is Tooth Whitening Unhealthy?

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

You would love a whiter smile, but you may have wondered, “Is tooth whitening unhealthy?”

When performed correctly using the latest dental technology and under the care and guidance of a highly-trained dental professional like Dr. Ami Barakat, tooth whitening is safe. Over the counter remedies may seem like a better option, but whitening strips and gels are not strong enough to bring lost-lasting whitening results, and may cause sensitivity or an allergic reaction to the formula.

PolaOffice+ Tooth Whitening

Conversely, the PolaOffice+ formula used by Dr. Barakat offers a higher concentration of tooth whitening agents. Additionally, Dr. Barakat offers tools and training to ensure your safety. For example, he will apply a gel-like barrier between your gum tissue and teeth to protect you from irritation during the bleaching process. And, on the off-chance your gums should become sensitive, Dr. Barakat has the skill and training to know how to provide instant relief and avoidance of unhealthy side effects.

Overnight Tooth Whitening Success

Today’s tooth whitening with PolaOffice+ can literally be a lunch-hour smile makeover. In as little as one hour, Dr. Barakat can use the advanced PolaOffice+ system to effectively whiten your teeth several shades. Before & After pictures will prove just how far you’ve come in a short time.

Don’t take chances with over the counter whitening strips and gels. The health of your teeth and the beauty of your smile are uniquely yours. Trust their care to the experts.

Please contact Dr. Barakat at Dentistry@Main, serving Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario, to schedule your private, free teeth whitening consultation.