Articles and news

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On this page we have put at your disposal some articles and news to read that might interest you. Much like a magazine in the field of dentistry, we will keep this page updated by adding content that can help you enrich your knowledge of oral hygiene and the field in general.

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Articles

for pleasure

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Article

Why are dental aesthetics so important?

Because the smile is a real social vector. Being one of the first things we present to the outside world, it influences how others perceive us. [...]

Pourquoi l’esthétique dentaire est-elle si importante ?

Because the smile is a real social vector. Being one of the first things we present to the outside world, it influences how others perceive us. In short, it has an impact on the image we project in all spheres of life: professional, romantic, friendly, athletic, etc., and even on physical and mental health.

Aesthetics has always been an integral part of dentistry, even though our universe is primarily aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating oral conditions. It should be noted, however, that since the 1990s, the cosmetic component has become increasingly important. Not only is this an inherent part of any procedure, dental aesthetics is now a discipline in itself.

But what is this practice scope and why is the pretty smile so popular?

What is a beautiful smile?

This facial expression is so important that it has been the subject of several serious studies. Among others, in 2017 scientists published Dynamic properties of successful smiles . This research shows that a pleasant smile should have the following properties:

  • Not too wide
  • Little exposed dentition
  • Slightly asymmetrical

Therefore, a beautiful smile should only reveal the upper incisors and should be genuine and not plastic. To do this, we avoid symmetry and we make sure that the color of the tooth matches the whole face: complexion, eyes, hair.

Obviously, many other criteria must be taken into consideration. This is where our artistic sense and our medical objectivity come into play. Because beauty is subjective and differs from person to person.

Therapeutic dental solutions to consider

Technological developments now allow us to correct the appearance of teeth in the long term while preserving a maximum of healthy tooth structure.

At Dr. Susan Biner's clinic, we have established a 3-step procedure to properly assess your needs, your expectations and the solutions necessary for your metamorphosis.

Your treatment protocol could include one or more procedures, such as:

  • Tooth whitening
  • Veneer installation
  • Crown placement
  • Orthodontics with Invisalign®
  • Gum graft

As professionals in the medical sector, it is our duty to accompany you towards an optimal oral condition which will give you lightness and well-being. With objectivity, we will guide you towards your perfect smile, according to your needs and your attributes.

Dare to contact our team and request your free consultation in cosmetic dentistry.
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Article

Do you know sleep apnea?

No, it's not the fatigue you feel after snorkeling! Sleep apnea is a disease that can have a serious effect on your general health. [...]

Do you know sleep apnea?

NO, this is not the fatigue felt after snorkeling! Sleep apnea is a disease that can have a serious impact on your overall health.

YES, snoring is on the list of symptoms to watch out for. But who snores does not necessarily suffer from this nocturnal disorder.

Explanations to better understand when this muffled noise threatens well-being.

Purring or noise, understanding snoring

Throwing in the night is nothing new. A large part of the population snores, occasionally or chronically. Typically, the characteristic snoring noise occurs when the air space is too small. On inspiration, the air pushes on the tissues, creates a vibration and produces the vibrato that we know. Various morphological conditions can explain the narrowness of the passage: narrow nose or deformed ducts, large tonsils, long uvula, etc.

There are also external and temporary factors that cause snoring, such as sleeping on your back, congestion, allergies, alcohol consumption, and taking certain medications or muscle relaxants. Indeed, these last two elements tend to soften the muscles and consequently to amplify the noise.

When snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea

Apnea is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The breath can remain suspended for tens of seconds, and interruptions can occur several times per hour. Therefore, it is the brain that sends us an alarm signal to start breathing again. It's been a few restful nights!

The phenomenon occurs due to the relaxation of the muscles and the sagging of the soft tissues around the throat. This results in narrowing, and eventually obstruction, of the airways. Since there is air resistance against the passage, snoring is obviously a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

But there are other signs that can indicate that you have OSA. Because make no mistake: a freediver is not necessarily a snorer.

Symptoms of OSA

Sleep apnea manifests itself at night as well as during the day. Here are some signs to watch for and share with your dentist and doctor on your next visit.

In Morpheus's arms, there is obviously snoring, but there is also:

  • Repeated respiratory arrest
  • Restlessness and night sweats
  • Micro-awakenings and insomnia
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • And more.

These restless nights naturally have repercussions during the day:
• Headache upon waking up
• Fatigue / drowsiness
• Irritability
• Decreased concentration, memory loss

Did you know that certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol or depression, can also increase the risk of developing OSA?

Consequences and solutions to freediving

A disturbed and deficient sleep can have many consequences. These repercussions are felt as much at the social level as on physical and mental health.

The stress this condition causes on the body can lead to long-term complications. These can manifest as serious illnesses such as high blood pressure or various heart problems.

All in all, sleep apnea has a direct impact on quality of life as well as length of life. So, if you think you have sleep apnea, talk to your dentist!

They will take you for a screening test in a few minutes and can determine your level of risk. If sleep apnea is suspected, we will refer you to a sleep medicine specialist (ENT or pulmonologist) for a diagnosis. This will allow you to benefit from an adapted treatment and to find peace of mind.

This will help your pulmonologist to tell you if the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is right for you. If your apnea is mild to moderate, the first-line treatment is a mandibular advancement device. This device adapted and designed by your dentist effectively treats snoring as well as mild to moderate apnea.

It is very important to understand that in order to have a device to treat sleep apnea or snoring, you MUST have a diagnosis from a sleep doctor. The treatment especially of snoring should not be done without diagnosis.

Also, only a dentist (doctorate in dentistry) specialized in sleep can make you a mandibular advancement device! Teething consequences can be very serious if these treatments are done by individuals without the necessary skills.

We are proud to tell you that Dr. Biner is a member of the American Association of Sleep Medicine and has completed her Mastery 1-2 and 3.

Our site and our staff provide information on snoring, sleep apnea and the mandibular advancement device.

Don't hesitate to ask us any questions.

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Article

Halitosis or persistent bad breath

Halitosis is more than bad breath in the morning. It is a foul and unwanted odor that bothers the person who has it and his interlocutors. [...]

Halitosis or persistent bad breath

Halitosis is much more than bad morning breath. It’s a persistent unpleasant odour that causes discomfort both to the sufferer and to the people around them.

Luckily, bad breath can be treated if we address the causes of the condition.

Two types of bad breath

One type of bad breath is caused by dryness of the mucous membranes in the mouth. This condition is due to a decrease in saliva production, particularly during sleep. This is known as occasional bad breath. Unpleasant odours caused when certain foods are digested also fall under the category of occasional bad breath.

Persistent bad breath is a chronic condition. It may be caused by an oral health issue or other types of medical condition.

Those at greater risk of developing halitosis include sufferers of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia), the elderly and people living with certain medical conditions like diabetes or metabolic disorders.

What causes bad breath?

Oral health-related causes
  • Inadequate dental hygiene
  • Diseases such as gingivitis, cavities and infections
  • Chronic dry mouth (xerostomia)
  • Mouth breathing
  • Respiratory tract infections like rhinitis and tonsillitis
External causes
  • Eating pungent foods like garlic, onions or spices
  • Certain medications (narcotics and pain medications, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory
    drugs)
  • Inadequate chewing
  • Hormonal changes in women (ovulation, pregnancy)
  • Smoking
  • Other medical conditions (systemic disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer, etc.)

How to treat bad breath

If you think you might be suffering from bad breath, try these tips:

  • Rinse your mouth with water and baking soda
  • Chew peppermint or chlorophyll gum
  • Drink mint tea
  • Use a store-bought mouthwash that fights bad breath

Solutions and prevention

Most bad breath caused by oral health issues can be prevented by drinking plenty of water, eating healthy, maintaining good dental hygiene and getting regular check-ups at the dentist.

You can also try to stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum or eating citrus fruit.

Here are some other tried-and-tested tips for freshening your breath:

  • Drink green tea
  • Eat a banana
  • Chew on parsley
  • Suck on a clove or cinnamon stick

Halitosis does not affect everyone equally. Thus, some individuals have better natural defences against bacteria than others. Therefore, it’s important to take preventive action and receive adequate oral health care.

Finally, another good reason to mention concerns about bad breath to your dentist is that it might be symptomatic of a medical condition that requires attention.

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Article

Why is tooth alignment so important?

The beauty of a smile is a daily topic. Healthy teeth not only boost self-esteem and self-confidence, they are also a reflection of health. And the best [...]

How important are straight teeth?

A beautiful smile never goes out of style. Having healthy teeth boosts confidence and self- esteem, and reflects good overall health. And when it comes to looking your best, there’s nothing better than a straight set of teeth.

Aligned teeth reduce disease risk

Straight teeth are easier to brush than uneven, overlapping teeth that create hidden and hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. That makes it easier to get rid of the plaque and food debris that build up throughout the day.

Plaque is a pale biofilm composed of bacteria, food particles and saliva that forms on the surface of your teeth. It takes about 24 hours for plaque to colonize tooth surfaces, and it will continue to build up if it isn’t removed. Within a few days, it can calcify and turn into tartar.

With regular brushing, straight, well-aligned teeth are less susceptible to cavities, tartar and gum disease including gingivitis, which are all caused by plaque.

The true face of malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to problems associated with your bite. Essentially, malocclusion is an incorrect relation between the upper and lower sets of teeth. Sometimes, several teeth may protrude forward. For people with these conditions, a simple fall can cause teeth to chip or fracture.

Malocclusion can be caused by genetic or environmental factors, and it can have serious consequences:

  • Abnormal tooth wear
  • Chewing difficulties
  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
  • Disruption of normal tooth or jaw development

The importance of oral health for overall health

Healthy and well-functioning teeth have a positive impact on overall health. If you’re able to chew well, you’ll be able to eat a more varied diet and digest food more effectively.

Besides improving tooth function, treating malocclusion can have a positive impact on:

  • Sleep (snoring, sleep apnea)
  • Digestion
  • Speech and articulation
  • Breathing
  • Facial aesthetics (teeth, lips, jaw)
  • The treatment of certain diseases
  • Physical and mental well-being

The human body is a complex structure in which all parts are interconnected. The mouth is no
exception.

Corrective orthodontics for a healthy and attractive smile

Orthodontic treatments are available for a wide range of dental-facial anomalies in patients of all ages.

Current options include:

  • Invisalign invisible aligners
  • Lingual braces
  • Self-ligating braces (elastic-free)
  • Ceramic braces
  • Traditional braces

It’s natural to want straight, well-aligned teeth. Before reading this article, you may have been motivated primarily by cosmetic concerns, but now you know more about the problems associated with malocclusion. Please contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation.

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Article

Gum diseases | How do they affect your health?

Gum diseases, also known as periodontal diseases, often develops unnoticed over time. Left undiscovered or inadequately treated, it can cause or aggravate additional health problems. [...]

How does gum disease affect overall health?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, often develops unnoticed over time. Left undiscovered or inadequately treated, it can cause or aggravate additional health problems. The Ordre des dentistes du Québec estimates that three-quarters of adults will suffer from some form of gum disease during their lifetime. In fact, gum disease is the second-most common oral condition among adults, after cavities.

The periodontium (the structure that supports the teeth) is composed of several tissues including the gingiva, the part of the jaw where the dental root attaches, the substance that covers and protects this structure, a protective ligament, nerves, and blood vessels.

Clearly, keeping the periodontium intact is important!

Plaque and tartar among the culprits

Plaque, a biofilm or mass of bacteria that accumulates on teeth, can calcify and form tartar. If this process isn’t stopped in time, the effect on teeth can be devastating.

Since plaque and tartar don’t always cause pain, they often go unnoticed. However, there are signs to look out for, like redness and swelling around the gums, sensitivity or bleeding during brushing, bad breath, and moving teeth.

The main factors contributing to gum disease are:

  • Inadequate dental hygiene
  • A compromised immune system due to a thyroid disorder, diabetes, pregnancy, leukemia,
    etc
  • Hereditary factors
  • Smoking, which restricts blood flow to the gums and can alter the bacterial composition
    of the mouth as well as the body’s immune resistance to bacteria associated with
    periodontal diseases
  • Certain medications

When multiple risk factors are present, gum disease can progress more quickly.

Aspects of health affected by gum disease

Various studies have found links between gum disease and other conditions.

Here are some of the health conditions that may be caused or aggravated by gum disease if it is left untreated (for example, by failing to maintain proper dental hygiene or avoiding regular dental check-ups).

  • Greater risk of heart disease
  • Potential for lung infection due to inhaled bacteria caused by plaque and tartar
  • Higher risk of death due to a heart attack
  • Blood clots caused by bacteria in the mouth. These may be a contributing factor in
    atherosclerosis, a narrowing of arteries that can obstruct blood flow
  • There is a strong link between gum disease, tooth loss and osteoporosis (reduced bone
    mass)
  • Pregnant women with gum disease are 7.5 times more likely to have a premature or
    underweight baby

Links between periodontal health and diabetes:

  • Gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood glucose levels
  • Persons with diabetes are at greater risk of developing gum disease
  • Bleeding gums, the loss of bone mass and deep spaces (periodontal pockets) between the teeth and gums can indicate the onset of diabetes

For a healthy mouth and healthy body, prevention is key

A good daily dental hygiene routine is the best form of prevention. We also recommend that you see your dentist regularly, especially if you have difficulty managing your diabetes or reaching certain areas of your mouth. This will allow your dentist to diagnose and treat gum disease before it becomes serious.

Talk to an experienced dental health professional and find out how you can maintain or improve your oral health and overall well-being.

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Article

Cavity-fighting foods to include in your diet

Certain foods promote the development of tooth decay, such as sugar and modified starches. Good basic oral hygiene begins with an effective brushing technique [...]

Cavity-fighting foods to include in your diet

Good oral hygiene starts with an effective tooth brushing technique. You should spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth, at least twice a day. But brushing isn’t your only ally for keeping your smile cavity-free.

Did you know that certain foods can help prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel?

Milk and cheese

Milk contains a number of nutrients that are essential for bone and tooth health, including calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and lactose (a natural sugar).

Hard cheese contains both calcium and phosphorus, which help keep teeth and enamel strong, as well as proteins that help prevent the bacteria from accumulating on the surface of teeth. Hard cheese also stimulates saliva flow, which helps neutralize pH levels in the oral cavity.

While dairy products are great for protecting your oral health, go easy on soft cheeses, flavored yogurts, and sweetened milk, which offer fewer tooth-friendly benefits.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds contain fat, protein and fiber. Like milk and cheese, they contain significant amounts of phosphorus and calcium, as well as vitamins and minerals that help maintain good dental health. The dietary fiber in nuts and seeds stimulates saliva flow during chewing, which is an excellent way to protect tooth enamel. Be careful to avoid nuts covered in sweeteners like honey, agave nectar or maple syrup, as these ingredients can offset the benefits of eating nuts. If you enjoy eating fruits and nuts together, save the nuts for last because they can help neutralize the acidity produced by the sugar in the fruit.

Fruits

Fruits are more acidic than other types of food, but they aren’t as damaging to teeth as juice or water with lots of lemons. Instead of fruit juice, choose fresh fruit with the peel on. As we’ve already seen, chewing stimulates saliva production. If you have a weakness for dried or stewed fruit or fruit bars, it’s a wise idea to brush your teeth immediately after consuming these foods.

Did you know...
Cranberries are rich in bacteria-fighting antioxidants (thanks to flavonoids), but they’re also effective cavity fighters. Like cheese, cranberries help prevent bacteria from sticking to the surface of teeth.

Cocoa

Chocolate contains polyphenols, molecules that play a key role in cavity prevention. It also contains bacteria-inhibiting tannins as well as fluorine and phosphates. But in order to be beneficial for teeth, chocolate must contain at least 70% pure cacao. Consume in moderation and brush immediately after eating.

Tea

Tea leaves, especially in the form of green tea, are chock-full of nutrients including polyphenols and fluorine. Together, they reduce plaque and strengthen tooth enamel. To get the most nutritional benefit from this antioxidant-rich beverage, let the tea steep for 20 minutes in water with a temperature of 90°C. Naturally, you’ll get the most cavity-fighting benefits from your tea if you enjoy it without sugar or sweetener.

Here are some other foods that are great for preventing cavities:

  • Wild salmon
  • Dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao)
  • Raw carrots
  • Kale

If you have questions about how your diet affects your dental health, talk to your dentist. Your bright smile is worth it!

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News

to stay on the lookout

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News

A new location to serve you better

We found our new location just three blocks from our former clinic. With a sleek, modern design, contemporary materials and attractive colors, I didn’t need any more convincing [...]

A new location to serve you better

We found our new location just three blocks from our former clinic. With a sleek, modern design, contemporary materials and attractive colors, I didn’t need any more convincing: I instantly knew this was where I wanted my dental clinic to be!

Situated behind Saint-Eustache Hospital near Autoroute 640, the new clinic is just a short walk from our former location.

Patients are my top priority

Your comfort is important to me. That’s why I offer personalized dental care that is adapted to your specific needs. I’ve always strived to be an active listener and to develop trusting relationships with all my patients.

But I wanted to offer you even more. That’s why our new clinic was designed with your comfort and wellbeing in mind. It features high ceilings, large windows and brand new equipment including:

  • Comfortable chairs
  • Custom-made dental furniture
  • A sterilization unit
  • Advanced instruments
  • Cutting-edge technological equipment
  • Digital X-rays

I wanted to make the clinic a place where patients would feel at ease. The clinic is bright and airy, while hints of turquoise-blue on the walls and exposed beams give the space a relaxing, “seaside” feel.

The beams aren’t just pretty, they also serve an important structural function. The entire building frame is made of wood, significantly reducing its ecological footprint. The advanced architecture behind this space reflects my clinic’s commitment to innovation.

An enhanced dental care experience

Relocating our business is just one of the many things we’ve done to improve our offer. The new space will enable us to go the extra mile and considerably enhance your dental care
experience.

While redesigning our space, we took the opportunity to acquire proven, cutting-edge technology like TRIOS intraoral scanners. We will continue offering our patients high- quality dental care and services, including the latest innovations.

Stop by my new, modern and family-friendly clinic and experience the friendly and relaxing atmosphere for yourself. My team is as committed as ever to ensuring you have a pleasant visit.

 

See you soon, Dr Susan Biner

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