Dr. Ami Barakat

Cosmetic, General and Neuromuscular Dentistry

Archive for the ‘Porcelain Veneers’ Category

Options for Fixing a Broken Tooth

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

There are many ways to break a tooth. It can happen when you bite down on a hard substance, by sustaining a blow to the mouth, or by taking a nasty fall where you land on your face. Unfortunately, a broken tooth can lead to a great deal of pain and if not treated promptly, serious oral health issues down the road. If you have a broken tooth, it is crucial that you get it fixed immediately to prevent more expensive and extensive dental work in the future.

Dentistry at Main offers several options to fix your broken tooth. Depending on the nature of your injury, our Kanata dentists may recommend one of the following treatments:

  • Dental fillings – Dental fillings are an excellent option if the break only affected the outer part of your tooth. Dr. Barakat will place the filling material in your tooth to close up any gaps caused by the fracture. We only use tooth-coloured fillings, so your restoration will match the color of your natural teeth.
  • Dental bonding – Dental bonding can be used to build back up a broken tooth. Dr. Barakat will place the bonding material on your tooth and mold it into the desired shape. A special light will be used to harden the material on your tooth.
  • Dental crowns – For teeth that have sustained more serious damage, Dr. Barakat may recommend a dental crown. Your crown will be placed on top of your broken tooth to cover the damage and prevent further injury. Dentistry at Main only uses porcelain crowns, which will blend in seamlessly with your smile.
  • Porcelain veneers – If you have broken a front tooth, porcelain veneers can be bonded to the surface of the tooth to make it look whole again.
  • Root canal – If your broken tooth is serious enough to have damaged the nerves, you may need a root canal to remove the damaged nerves and abscessed pulp. A dental crown will then be placed on top of your tooth to protect it from additional damage.

Please contact Dentistry at Main today to schedule your initial consultation. We serve patients in Kanata, Ottawa, and Stittsville, Ontario.

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Repairing a Chipped Tooth

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Your tooth enamel is one of the hardest structures in your body, and it provides a great deal of protection to your teeth. But even with this hard exterior layer, it is possible to chip a tooth. Biting down on something hard, receiving a blow to the face, or falling and hitting your face on the ground can easily result in a chipped tooth.

It is important to repair a chipped tooth as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If left untreated, your chipped tooth can become infected, and you may require more extensive dental work to save the tooth.

At Dentistry at Main, we offer a variety of treatments to repair your chipped tooth. Our Kanata dentists will recommend one of the following procedures:

  • Dental bonding – Dental bonding is an excellent treatment to repair a small chip in your tooth. Dr. Barakat will apply a small amount of composite bonding material to your tooth to cover up the chip and rebuild the tooth. A special light is then used to harden the material.
  • Dental crowns – Dental crowns are an ideal solution to repair larger chips or cracks in your tooth. Dr. Barakat can cover the chipped tooth with a porcelain crown to protect it from further damage. Your dental crown will look just like your natural teeth, so no one will even notice the restoration.
  • Porcelain veneers – Dr. Barakat can apply porcelain veneers to the front surface of your teeth to cover up any chips. Your veneers can be customized to match the color and shape of your neighboring teeth so that they blend in seamlessly with your smile.

Please contact Dentistry at Main today to schedule your initial consultation. We serve patients in Kanata, Ottawa, and Stittsville, Ontario.

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How to Fix Crooked Teeth

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

If you have crooked or misaligned teeth that bother you when you look in the mirror, our Kanata cosmetic dentistry team can help. After examining your teeth, Dr. Barakat will recommend the procedure he believes would best fit your needs. In most cases, the best option for correcting mild or moderately crooked teeth is porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are sometimes called “instant orthodontics” because of their ability to transform the shape and appearance of your smile without the need for a lengthy braces treatment. These thin, custom-made porcelain shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to cover imperfections and straighten your smile line. The porcelain is designed to replicate the translucent appearance of enamel, giving veneers a beautiful, natural aesthetic.

If you have severely crooked teeth, Dr. Barakat may recommend Invisalign®. A popular alternative to braces, Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable teeth aligners to gradually move your crooked teeth back into proper alignment. The average Invisalign® treatment process lasts up to a year, but for many patients, the results are more than worth the time and effort.

If you live in the Kanata, Stittsville, or Ottawa areas of Ontario and would like more information about fixing crooked teeth with cosmetic dentistry, please contact Kanata dentist Dr. Ami Barakat today to schedule your initial consultation.

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Why is Porcelain Used for Porcelain Veneers?

Monday, March 28th, 2011

Why is porcelain the material of choice for crafting veneers?  Porcelain is luminescent and durable, offering the qualities of strength and beauty so desired in today’s smile makeover.

Porcelain veneer durability is similar to the enamel of your natural teeth.  While porcelain will wear down over time, when adhered properly to the front surface of teeth, you can eat and drink with confidence, knowing porcelain veneers last 10or 15 years or more with good oral care.

In addition to excellent esthetic results, porcelain veneers serve a functional purpose. Veneers protect the surface of a tooth damaged by decay. In some instances, porcelain veneers are a good replacement for dental crowns, and offer less elimination of tooth enamel than is necessary when preparing the tooth for a crown.

Dental veneers can be made from either porcelain or resin composite materials. Resin is not as stain resistant as porcelain and does not mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth as well as porcelain. On the other hand, resin veneers are thinner, requiring less removal of tooth surface prior to placement.

Over the past few decades, dental technology has advanced greatly, to achieve truly natural-looking restorations. Today, there is no reason why every person can’t have the most beautiful, most functional smile.

Dr. Ami Barakat, an Ottawa cosmetic dentist with advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), offers the education, passion, experience and aesthetic excellence necessary for achieving amazing smile reconstruction.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers, please contact Dentistry @ Main today to schedule your initial consultation. Dentistry @ Main serves patients in Ottawa, Kanata and Stittsville, Ontario.

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Maintaining Porcelain Veneers

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Maintaining porcelain veneers isn’t difficult with careful dental hygiene.  However, porcelain veneers are not indestructible. Veneers cover only the visible surfaces of your front teeth.  The back and sides of your teeth are still exposed to cavity-causing plaque.

When you meet with Dr. Ami Barakat to discuss your smile makeover options, he will go over all the things you need to know to keep your porcelain veneers looking great for 10, 15, or more years.

The Dentist Knows Best

Since your first dental visit, your dentist has advised flossing and brushing every day.  These instructions don’t change because you now have porcelain veneers.  If you want your beautiful new smile to last, take good care of your oral health.

Brushing and flossing are only the first steps. A healthy diet is crucial to healthy teeth and gums as well.

Although porcelain veneers are very durable, they can be susceptible to chipping and breaking.  Don’t chew on hard objects, like ice cubes, pencil tips or paper clips, or use your teeth the pop the tops of soda bottles. When eating hard foods like apples, avoid undue stress on your veneers by cutting the food into small slices.

Veneers should last ten to fifteen years with excellent oral care and regular visits with Dr. Barakat, who offers the most advanced techniques and technologies to ensure your natural teeth and veneers stay white and beautiful.

To schedule a consultation, please contact Dr. Ami Barakat at Dentistry @ Main, serving the communities of Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario.

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Smile Makeovers and Porcelain Veneers

Monday, March 21st, 2011

How would you like a more attractive, whiter smile in just a few days?  Many patients of Ottawa cosmetic dentist Dr. Ami Barakat have said yes to this opportunity for a smile makeover that can literally change your life.

A smile makeover uses a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures, which may include:

After a thorough examination and consultation, Dr. Barakat will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.  The current health of your teeth and your desired results play a part in the final treatment decision.

The goal of a smile makeover is to correct flaws primarily in the front teeth, since they are the most visible. Dr Barakat will evaluate:

  • Tooth size, shape and color
  • Gum line
  • Missing teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Misaligned teeth

Because your teeth and smile are so central to your appearance, you may feel and look like a different person after your smile makeover. Some patients have discovered better relationships with others and enhanced job opportunities, all because of a smile makeover.

Dentistry @ Main is proud to support the efforts of Dr. Barakat in using only the finest quality materials, cutting edge techniques, and advanced technology to ensure the best results.

Please contact Dentistry @ Main today, serving Ottawa, Stittsville, and Kanata, Ontario, to learn more about your smile makeover options.

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Choosing the Right Dentist for Porcelain Veneers

Monday, January 17th, 2011

Ready to choose a cosmetic dentist but overwhelmed with so many choices? Evaluating the services, training and education of a cosmetic dentist will help you determine who is best qualified to suit your needs.

Training, Education and Technology

Your cosmetic dentist’s training is one of the most important factors. His or her educational background should go far beyond any minimums required to obtain a dental license. You see, every dentist must complete a graduate program at an accredited dental school, but not every dentist is passionate about cosmetic dentistry. In fact, many general dentists believe they have completed their training once graduation has taken place.

What should you ask about? Unusual cases faced during residency, advanced training in  cosmetic  and neuromuscular dentistry, number of patients treated using the same procedures recommended for you…these are just a few of the questions to help you evaluate your cosmetic dentist.

You may also wish to view the dentist’s Before & After Gallery, to learn more about the results you can expect to achieve.

Ask also about the types of technology being used. Some of today’s best cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry treatments include:

  • CEREC machine, for creating dental restorations in one office visit
  • Digital x-rays, offering panoramic views and less exposure to radiation
  • Soft tissue lasers for gum recontouring and periodontal treatments.
  • TENs machine and K7 technology for treating TMJ/TMD

Ottawa cosmetic dentist Dr. Ami Barakat offers general, cosmetic and neuromuscular dental treatments designed for your comfort and safety, as well as incredible results.

To learn more about Dr. Barakat or to schedule a consultation, please contact Dentistry @ Main, serving Stittsville, Ottawa, and Kanata in Ontario.


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Dental Hygiene and Porcelain Veneers

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Porcelain veneers are a great solution to dental imperfections. Many Hollywood stars and other public figures seen flashing brilliant smiles probably weren’t blessed with perfect teeth.  Those pearly whites are likely porcelain veneers, combined with other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin coverings for the visible surfaces of your front teeth.  Although porcelain veneers resist staining, and can hide flaws like chips and teeth misalignment, having veneers will not prevent tooth decay. This is a common misconception, and may prevent you from taking good care of your teeth. Even with porcelain veneers, brushing and flossing regularly is a must.  The spaces in between your teeth, behind your teeth and along your back teeth are your natural enamel that porcelain veneers won’t cover. These areas are susceptible to plaque development and tooth decay.

Don’t forget to visit your cosmetic dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning too.

Once porcelain veneers have been applied to your teeth, you will be pleasantly surprised about how natural and comfortable they feel. You should know that porcelain veneers are not indestructible, though. Protect your investment in your beautiful smile by avoiding hard foods and overly sticky foods. Rather than biting into a whole apple, slice the apple before eating. Avoid, or stop, bad habits, such as chewing your fingernails, biting the ends of pencils, or grinding your teeth. If night time teeth grinding is a problem, Dr. Barakat can discuss the value of a custom-fitted night guard.

Please contact our Ottawa general dentist today to learn more about caring for your teeth, at Dentistry @ Main, serving Ottawa, Stittsville, and Kanata, Ontario.

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Teeth Whitening and Porcelain Veneers

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Are your teeth discolored after years of smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages and wine, and eating berries or other tooth-staining foods?  If so, you may have discovered over-the-counter tooth whitening products won’t give you the dazzling white smile you dream of.

What can you do?

PolaOffice In-Office Whitening

In-office teeth whitening administrated by a dental professional offers excellent results. At Dentistry @ Main, Dr. Ami Barakat uses the PolaOffice + in-office teeth whitening system, a simple procedure that can be completed on your lunch hour.

The patented PolaOffice + gel combination brightens teeth surfaces for about fifteen minutes. Over a one-hour period, this process is repeated three times. The PolaOffice + system ensures whiter teeth…perhaps eight to twelve shades brighter than your pre-whitened teeth.

PolaDay At-Home Whitening

Many patients appreciate in-office teeth whitening because of the immediate results. However, some patients still prefer the at-home teeth whitening method. For these patients, Dr. Barakat offers PolaDay at-home whitening treatments which use a tray whitening system. Trays are created from impressions of your upper and lower teeth. A small amount of gel is added to the trays and worn for the prescribed amount of time. Dr. Barakat may recommend a higher or lower concentration of whitening gel to achieve your best results.

Which teeth whitening system is right for you? A thorough consultation with Dr. Ami Barakat is the only way to know.

Please contact Dentistry @ Main today to discuss your tooth whitening needs. We create whiter smiles for the communities of Stittsville, Ottawa, and Kanata, Ontario.

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Porcelain Veneers vs. Crowns

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Both porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers offer unique advantages that make them good choices for creating a more pleasing smile. Both, however, have their limitations.

All dental crowns, whether crafted from porcelain or ceramic, improve the appearance and function of damaged teeth. Crowns, which are sometimes called “caps”, cover the entire surface of the tooth, protecting it from further damage, strengthening a weak tooth and eliminating discomfort.

For badly damaged teeth with large areas of tooth decay or large fillings, dental crowns are often the most effective treatment option. In addition to treating a damaged tooth, a crown may serve to anchor a dental bridge or cap a dental implant post.

Crowns are made of ceramic, metal, or porcelain fused to metal. Dr. Ami Barakat will advise you as to which type of crown is best for you. Generally, porcelain crowns are stronger and more closely resemble your natural teeth. Ceramic crowns are another good choice when working to achieve a natural beautiful smile. However, a large portion of enamel must be removed to make room for the dental material.

If you have old metal crowns, you may wish to replace them with crowns made of today’s newer, strong cosmetic dental materials. Typically, dental crowns must be replaced every 10-15 years.

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain affixed to the front and biting edges of the teeth to change size, shape, alignment and color of your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers for correct teeth which are discolored, gapped, broken, cracked, chipped or crooked.

Veneers are growing in popularity among cosmetic dentists. One reason for the growing popularity of dental crowns is that very small amounts of enamel must be removed from the tooth. The most knowledgeable dentists understand each patient is different, and a cookie-cutter solution won’t work for everyone. Your unique occlusion (bite), tooth damage, and periodontal (gum) condition can affect whether veneers or crowns are right for you.

Please contact our Ottawa cosmetic dentist to schedule a complete dental examination at Dentistry @ Main, serving Ottawa, Stittsville, and Kanata, Ontario.

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