Dental crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that are used to replace or restore damaged or missing teeth. Crowns – also known as caps – are fixed over the surfaces of natural tooth structures or dental implants. Bridges are used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are anchored in place by the natural teeth or crowns nearest the empty space. Both crowns and bridges are non-removable and must be cemented in place by a licensed dentist. Patients who get crown or bridges to restore their smiles achieve both the function and appearance of natural, healthy teeth.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Did you know…

that the Etruscan civilization were the first to use crowns as a means of restoring damaged teeth? In fact, the materials they used – ivory, gold, and bones – were still the standard in dentistry as recently as the 20th century, when porcelain crowns were first invented. Today, crowns and bridges are customized specifically for the patient’s bite and can usually be placed in as little as one or two dental visits. With proper cleaning and regular dental check-ups, crowns and bridges can last many years, or even a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a crown or bridge right for me?

If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown may be right for you. If your tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures, a bridge may be the solution for you. Schedule an office consultation with Drs. Lewis and David Morrison to determine whether you could benefit from crowns or bridges.

What should I expect when I have my crown or bridge placed?

If you are a candidate for a crown or bridge, your teeth will be reduced to ensure a proper fit. An impression will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the crown or bridge. If you are choosing porcelain prosthesis, its color will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. If a dental lab is making your crown or bridge, Morrison Dental Care will fit you with a temporary restoration until the permanent one is ready for placement.

Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?

Your teeth will need time to heal following the crown and bridge placement process, so it is normal for you to experience some sensitivity – especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your restorations, though this is usually manageable with ibuprofen and should subside within a few days.

 

Morrison Dental Care serves the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Waterford and Mechanicville. Call us at (518)371-3400 or for you convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form to arrange your consultation.

Composite fillings – also known as tooth-colored fillings – are dental restorations designed to be inconspicuous and natural in appearance. They blend well with the teeth and appear more natural than amalgam fillings, which are darker and more easily seen by other people. Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically bond to the teeth. They can be used to fill in decayed areas of the teeth, as well as to help repair chipped or broken teeth. Most dentists use composite restorations to treat the teeth closest to the front of the mouth, as they are more noticeable when patients smile. However, advancements in dental technology and the composition of composite fillings have made it possible for Auburn dentists to also use tooth-colored fillings on molars, which receive more wear than other teeth.

Did you know…

that composite fillings allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure? This is because composite materials chemically bond to the surface of the tooth like an adhesive. The process takes slightly longer to complete than traditional amalgam fillings, but patients can preserve more of the natural portion of the teeth while enjoying a restoration that is discreet and understated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for tooth-colored fillings?

If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling. Schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are right for you.

What should I expect if my dentist decides a composite filling is right for me?

During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.

 What type of post-treatment care is required after getting a composite filling?

Composite fillings are cured with light at your dentist’s office. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.

Dentures are an effective and affordable way of replacing missing teeth. Composed of a durable plastic resin and sometimes porcelain, both partial and full dentures can be fabricated to look and feel natural. Today’s dentures are custom-fit to make it possible to eat foods with confidence and speak articulately. Depending on the patient’s preferences and budget, dentures can be crafted for maximum comfort and fracture resistance backed up by limited warranties.

Did you know…

that more than 60 percent of American adults are missing one or more teeth? Approximately 10 percent are missing all of their teeth – requiring a prosthetic solution that will restore function and aesthetics to their smiles. Many of those dental patients choose partial or full dentures to replace missing teeth. In fact, it is estimated that 35 million Americans currently wear partial or full dentures – a number that is only expected to rise as baby boomers begin to reach retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for dentures?

You may be a candidate for dentures if you are missing one or more teeth and are in need of an affordable prosthetic solution. Most denture wearers find that partial and full dentures can restore much of their original tooth function – not to mention create a beautiful, natural-looking smile. To find out if dentures are right for you, schedule a consultation with Drs. Lewis and David Morrison of Morrison Dental Care today!

What should I expect when being fit for dentures?

If you have any decayed or damaged teeth that need to be removed, they will be extracted before Drs. Lewis and David Morrison take a mold of your remaining gum structure, as well as the roof of your mouth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab for denture fabrication. When the completed dentures are completed, you will return to Morrison Dental Care for a final fitting.

Will I need to follow any special instructions to care for my new dentures?

Yes. Dentures are removable prosthetics that will need to be cleaned and brushed daily. You should also brush your gums daily to prevent infections caused by bacteria. Your dentures should be kept in water when they aren’t in use to prevent them from warping. Keep in mind that it may take some time to adjust to dentures as you learn how to use the muscles in your cheeks and tongue to keep them in place. But over time, you should begin to feel more comfortable with your new prosthetics.

 

Morrison Dental Care serves the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Waterford and Mechanicville. Call us at (518)371-3400 or for you convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form to arrange your consultation.

 

Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth with badly infected roots. The pulp is the living portion of the tooth that extends into the root and contains nerve endings and tissues. When it becomes infected, patients can experience pain, swelling, and even total tooth loss unless treated. Root canals remove the damaged parts of the tooth and the infected root. In some cases, an antibiotic is prescribed to help prevent further infection within the tooth. The organic portion of the tooth that remains may be restored using a cap or crown that provides a natural appearance and normal tooth function.

Many patients associate root canals with pain and discomfort.

But local anesthetics and advancements in modern dentistry have made root canals highly tolerable procedures that are often no more uncomfortable than a standard filling. Upon completion, a restored tooth that has undergone a root canal will blend in with surrounding teeth and be virtually undetectable to the average eye. More than 9 out of 10 root canal procedures are successful, and most treatments last many years or even a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for a root canal?

You could be a candidate for a root canal if decay or damage has allowed bacteria to infect the pulp inside your tooth. A root canal could also be the right treatment for you if you prefer to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible instead of extracting both the healthy and diseased portions of your tooth. For more information about root canals and whether they are right for you, schedule a dental exam and consultation at Morrison Dental Care today!

What should I expect during my root canal treatment?

If you decide to undergo a root canal, the first step in your procedure will involve a local anesthetic. Once your tooth root is numb, Drs. Lewis and David Morrison will remove the  diseased portion of your tooth pulp and potentially treat the tooth for possible bacterial infections. The tooth will then be sealed and filled before being restored with a crown.

What type of post-treatment care is required after a root canal?

It is normal for teeth to become inflamed after a root canal, potentially causing sensitivity for the first several days following treatment. However, normal brushing and flossing habits can be resumed immediately after treatment and restoration is complete.

 

Morrison Dental Care serves the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Waterford and Mechanicville. Call us at (518)371-3400 or for you convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form to arrange your consultation.

At Morrison Dental Care, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the most comfortable dental care. As a result, we utilize the digital technology of the Itero scanner rather than the traditional impression method. Not only does Itero eliminate the use of gooey impression material and trays, but it allows Drs. Lewis and David Morrison to take a 3-D digital scan of the patient’s teeth and bite, make adjustments in real time, and transmits the file to the laboratory for processing. In short, Itero allows for a more comfortable and accurate impression method that also yields faster results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect during my Itero treatment?

The Itero scanner is a hand-held wand that will be placed in your mouth and moved throughout to obtain the needed views and pictures. These collective images are then rendered into a single, digital image depicting your teeth and soft tissue structures.

What procedures are Itero used for?

Itero can be used for a variety of reasons, but it is most helpful in Invisalign, restoration, and orthodontic treatments. In the case of Invisalign, Itero obtains accurate images that can be digitally manipulated to show the end result. The aligners needed to obtain this result can be quickly and easily produced, meaning treatment is faster and more precise. For restorations, the comprehensive images offered by Itero allows Drs. Lewis and David Morrison to make the best decision regarding treatment and execution. Finally, Itero shows an overview of your bite that is crucial when deciding on orthodontic treatment.

Morrison Dental Care serves the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Waterford, and Mechanicville. Call us at (518)371-3400 or for your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form to arrange your consultation.

Provisional restorations are often used during complex restorative dental procedures to serve as temporary prosthetic replacements while patients wait for a permanent restoration. Provisional restorations allow patients to tryout the look and feel of the final prosthetic, and make any necessary changes before the final fabrication and fitting. Unlike temporary prosthetics of the past, modern provisional restorations are highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Today’s temporaries are composed of a quality acrylic resin that mimics the look and feel of permanent metal or ceramic restorations. At Morrison Dental Care, we will provide you with provisional restorations while you wait for your permanent restoration.

Did you know…

Provisional restorations are a primary component of smile reconstructions. In addition to serving cosmetic purposes for patients with missing or damaged teeth, dental temporaries provide the following functions:

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need a provisional restoration during the course of my dental treatment?

You may need a provisional restoration if you are preparing to get a new crown, bridge, veneers, dental implants or some other permanent restoration. Temporaries may be put in place to ensure you are pleased with the aesthetics and fit of your new prosthetic. You may also be fit for a provisional restoration while you wait for a dental lab to finalize your permanent ones.

What should I expect when being fit for a dental temporary?

Temporaries are constructed in a dental laboratory using impressions and digital images of your teeth. The lab will produce a ‘wax-up’ that you will approve before the temporaries are fabricated. Drs. Lewis and David Morrison will prepare your teeth for the provisional restorations and temporarily attach them to your teeth, where they will remain until you are ready for your permanent restorations.

Will I need to follow any special guidelines after receiving my temporary restoration?

You may need to wear your temporaries for just a few days or for several months depending on the type of dental reconstruction you are undergoing. Temporaries formed in place of crowns or veneers may only need to be worn for a few days to a few weeks, whereas dental implant and full-mouth reconstruction patients will need to wear provisional restorations for several months while the gums heal and the implants fuse with surrounding bone. Keep in mind that provisional restorations are less durable than permanent ones and are placed using provisional cement. Because it is possible for them to shift or become damaged, you should be careful to follow Drs. Lewis and David Morrison’s guidelines for caring for your temporaries – including using good oral hygiene, abiding by dietary restrictions, and using protective mouth gear during sports or high impact activity.

 

Morrison Dental Care serves the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Waterford and Mechanicville. Call us at (518)371-3400 or for you convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form to arrange your consultation.

 

Partial Dentures

Like a bridge, partial dentures rest on surrounding teeth to fill in the gaps where one or more teeth are missing. But unlike a bridge, partial dentures are fully removable by the wearer. Partials are affordable alternatives to other types of dental prosthetics and are custom-made to blend in with each patient’s natural teeth. It takes a little time to adapt to new partials, but many people find that they reclaim much of their original function and aesthetics with partial dentures in place.

Did you know?

Partial dentures require gentle care and frequent cleaning. Once you get your new partial dentures, you’ll need to:

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for partial dentures?

You may be a candidate for partial dentures if you have one or more missing teeth, and the space they once filled is surrounded by other teeth or permanent restorations. To find out more about whether partial dentures are right for you, schedule a consultation with Drs. Lewis and David Morrison of Morrison Dental Care today!

What should I expect when being fit for partial dentures?

If you decide to get a partial denture, you’ll need to visit Drs. Lewis and David Morrison to have metal clasps attached to your surrounding teeth and an impression made of the area your partial will fill. The impression will be sent to a dental lab, where a technician will fabricate a custom denture that includes a gum-colored base that will fit securely over your gums. A metal framework will be used to attach your new partial to the clasps on your natural teeth to ensure a secure fit.

Will I need to follow any special oral health instructions after receiving my partials?

Yes. Good oral health is still important – even if you have a few missing teeth. In addition to caring for your new dental prosthetic, you’ll also need to brush your gums and tongue twice daily to stimulate circulation and remove bacteria that could cause gum disease. Continue visiting Morrison Dental Care twice yearly for exams and cleanings, and be sure to bring your partial dentures along to each visit. After a few years, you may find that your partial needs to be rebased to better fit the changes to the bone structure in your mouth.

Removable Dentures

Dentures are removable tooth prosthetics designed to look and function like natural teeth. For thousands of years, some form of denture has been used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, although today’s dentures are much more advanced and easier to care for. Most dentures are composed of replacement teeth attached to plastic bases that take on the appearance of the gums. They are used to compensate for one or more missing teeth, and are available as partials and complete sets of teeth. Many dental patients elect dentures for tooth replacement if they are not candidates for dental implants or are otherwise looking for a tooth replacement option that is more affordable and budget-friendly.

Caring for Your Dentures

Your dentures are custom designed to fit your smile, but did you know that improperly caring for them can cause them to become distorted? Most removable dentures must maintain moisture to retain their shape. Be sure to wash them after eating, gently clean them once daily, and allow them to soak overnight in a denture soaking solution. This will keep your dentures clean and free of stains, which ultimately helps your smile look its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am a candidate for removable dentures?

If you are missing one or more teeth and thinking of getting dentures, you will first need a professional consultation with Drs. Lewis and David Morrison. During this time, you can explore your tooth prosthetic options, ask questions, and make a decision as to whether dentures are right for you.

What should I expect when being fitted for dentures?

Your gums must first be prepared before you can begin wearing dentures. If you need one or more teeth removed, the process could take several months while you wait for your gums to heal from the extractions. An impression will then be taken of your gums and the supporting bones beneath the gum, which will be used to fabricate a complete or partial denture in a dental lab.

Will I need to follow any special after-care instructions?

Once your dentures are ready, you can begin wearing them on a daily basis. Expect the first few weeks to be an adjustment period, during which time you will adapt to the feel of your new dentures, as well as learn how to manipulate your tongue and cheek muscles to keep them in place. You may also experience slight irritation or soreness from the initial denture wear although this should subside after a few days or weeks.

 

Morrison Dental Care serves the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Waterford and Mechanicville. Call us at (518)371-3400 or for you convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form to arrange your consultation.

 

Invisalign

Invisalign is a groundbreaking approach to straightening your teeth without the use of traditional braces, providing a great alternative for both adolescents and adults. Instead of clunky brackets and rigid wires, Invisalign uses clear aligner trays that are custom-designed to manipulate your teeth into position. With Invisalign aligners, you can avoid the painful sores that often accompany braces and instead enjoy the ease of simply wearing your aligner every day.

These aligners are much more convenient than traditional braces. For starters, they are completely removable and can be taken out during meals, and while brushing and flossing your teeth. This means no special “braces diet” and no food getting annoyingly trapped in between brackets. This also means your mouth will stay much cleaner and you will not have to add time to your daily dental routine.

Invisalign works by using a series of progressive aligners that gradually manipulate your teeth into an optimal position over the course of approximately 8-18 months. It allows you to straighten your teeth almost effortlessly and requires less follow up appointments than traditional braces. Since Invisalign has little interference on your professional life and image, it is the quintessential choice for adults wanting to straighten their teeth.

Invisalign helps you look good during treatment and even better after treatment. It is a proven solution for crowded or gapped teeth, and can even be used to correct teeth after treatment with traditional braces.

Morrison Dental Care also offers Propel Orthodontics’ acceleration devices that compliment your orthodontic treatment by priming the bone to speed up movement. By either activating the bone or wearing a vibrating appliance for only five to ten minutes a day, we can reduce discomfort, enhance clear aligner fit, accelerate tooth movement, and increase the rate of orthodontic retention following treatment. If you are interested in expediting your Invisalign treatment through the use of Propel, schedule a consultation with Dr. David Morrison today!

The choice is as clear as the aligners themselves–choose Invisalign treatment with Morrison Dental Care today!

If you need teeth straightening, there is only one clear choice: Morrison Dental Care with Dr. David Morrison. We serve the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Waterford, and Mechanicville. Call us today at (518)371-3400 or use our online Request an Appointment form to schedule a consultation and learn more about teeth straightening!

Dental veneers – also known as laminates – are used to cosmetically enhance the appearance of one or more teeth. Veneers are very thin, porcelain or resin shells that are customized for a desirable color and shape. They are bonded to the surface of the teeth to reshape broken, misshapen or irregular teeth, as well as provide a solution for discolored teeth that do not respond to traditional whitening treatments. Patients with veneers typically achieve a natural tooth appearance that is well-tolerated by the gums and also resistant to future stains.

Did you know…

that dental veneers are a conservative way of completely making over your smile? In fact, veneers are a go-to cosmetic procedure that has become popular with celebrities who want a brighter and more symmetrical smile. Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff and Ben Affleck are just some of Hollywood’s elite who have seen a cosmetic dentist for laminates. Fortunately, affordability and accessibility make it easy for anyone to get dental veneers – including patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for dental veneers or laminates?

Dental veneers may be right for you if you are looking for an alternative to crowns and caps. Veneers can help you if you have gaps between your teeth or teeth that are broken, chipped, irregularly shaped or misaligned. To find out more about whether dental veneers are right for you, contact Morrison Dental Care to schedule a No Charge Consultation.

What should I expect when I get my dental veneers?

Before dental veneers can be placed on the teeth, the surface of the teeth must be prepared for bonding. After administering a local anesthetic, Drs. Lewis and David Morrison will buff away approximately half a millimeter from the surface of the teeth. You’ll then bite into a mold that will be used to form your veneers in a dental lab. When the veneers are ready, you’ll be asked to return to have them fitted, bonded and adjusted for shape and color.

Will I need to follow any post-treatment care instructions?

There is no special care required for dental veneers, and normal brushing and flossing can be resumed immediately. Because veneers are usually placed over the course of two appointments, it is normal to experience some sensitivity between the first and second visit when the teeth have been reduced in preparation for bonding.

 

Morrison Dental Care serves the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Waterford and Mechanicville. Call us at (518)371-3400 or for you convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form to arrange your consultation.

Teeth whitening procedures are used to brighten the appearance of a patient’s smile – sometimes by as many as 5 to 10 shades in a single session. According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular aesthetic dental treatments among patients throughout the country. Furthermore, the ADA considers teeth whitening to be one of the safest treatments available since it does not damage tooth enamel. Morrison Dental Care offers professional teeth whitening services that can be performed in our office or prescribed for take-home use by our patients. In comparison to over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments, professional whitening uses stronger whitening agents that deliver faster and more effective results.

Did you know…

that the teeth naturally darken as we age? Furthermore, certain foods, beverages, medications and habits can contribute to a darker, yellowed, or stained smile. However, it is possible to erase years of stains in a single professional whitening session and sustain those results for many years with proper maintenance. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, professional whitening is best maintained by a combination of good oral care and take-home whitening treatments as recommended by your dentist.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

You may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you are experiencing discoloration, but otherwise have healthy teeth and healthy gums. Schedule a consultation with Drs. Lewis and David Morrison to find out if tooth whitening could be right for you. Some patients, such as those who are pregnant or sensitive to whitening agents, may not be candidates for professional whitening.

What Should I Expect When I Get My Teeth Whitened?

Teeth whitening consists of a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth, with all debris carefully removed. Your gums will also be adequately protected before applying a whitening agent to the surface of your teeth. The product will be activated and left on the teeth for several minutes before being washed off with water. Your results will vary according to the natural shade of your teeth and degree of discoloration, but it is normal for patients to experience a lightening of several shades in a single visit.

What Type of Post-Treatment Care is Required After Having My Teeth Whitened?

It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity following a professional whitening treatment. You may be instructed to avoid consuming highly pigmented beverages for at least 24 hours to prevent the teeth from becoming stained again. Examples include tea, coffee and wine. Depending on your results and long-term teeth whitening goals, you may also be sent home from your procedure with an at-home whitening kit for later use.

 

Morrison Dental Care serves the communities of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Waterford and Mechanicville. Call us at (518)371-3400 or for you convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form to arrange your consultation.