EXPERT
Kyle Hornby
Dentist
At Enamel Republic (formerly Danube Dental Clinic), our Kitchener Dental Team has been providing award-winning Family and Emergency Dentistry in Kitchener-Waterloo for 40 years. Our Dental Office is located in the heart of Downtown Kitchener and we are proud to be owned by a local family that is serious about supporting the community. We have built a longstanding tradition of providing transparent care that is conservative and based on minimal intervention.
Our Kitchener Dentist keeps it simple: we only recommend treatment when it is absolutely necessary for keeping your teeth and gums in proper function. No fluff. No unnecessary extras. In an era of crafty marketing and high-pressure salesmanship, we take the opposite approach: full transparency, complete information, and unwavering support regardless of the treatment you choose. Rest assured, the Patient-First model of dental care is alive and well in Downtown Kitchener. That's the Enamel Republic difference!
Our Kitchener Dentist keeps it simple: we only recommend treatment when it is absolutely necessary for keeping your teeth and gums in proper function. No fluff. No unnecessary extras. In an era of crafty marketing and high-pressure salesmanship, we take the opposite approach: full transparency, complete information, and unwavering support regardless of the treatment you choose. Rest assured, the Patient-First model of dental care is alive and well in Downtown Kitchener. That's the Enamel Republic difference!
12 years
Experience
Kyle Hornby
- Kitchener, ON
- University of Western Ontario
- Accepting new patients
If I Use a Waterpik Do I Still Need to Floss?
Hi, I'm Kyle Hornby and I'm a Kitchener Dentist. I operate a dental clinic that has been a staple in Downtown Kitchener since 1977. Every week I write about 2-3 dental issues...
How to Keep Your Dental Implant Forever!
Ok, so dental implants. . . what are they and why are they so popular? Here are what I think are some pretty good answers to those questions. A dental implant includes a surgical...
Can a crown cause gum irritation?
A dental crown can cause gum irritation under certain circumstances. In the first circumstance, if the edge of the crown (whether gold, cast metal, porcelain or zirconia) finishes READ MORE
A dental crown can cause gum irritation under certain circumstances.
In the first circumstance, if the edge of the crown (whether gold, cast metal, porcelain or zirconia) finishes or terminates too far under the gums, you may experience chronic inflammation, soreness and possibly bleeding.
This can also happen if the crown is poorly adapted to your tooth. For example, if the transition between the crown and natural tooth structure is not smooth (i.e. the crown forms a ledge hanging out over the gums), you'll trap more dental plaque against the gums. Typically, this will also cause gum inflammation and bleeding.
Lastly, there may be nickel or other metals in a crown alloy and some individuals might experience a chronic allergic reaction to these metals. This can result in gum inflammation or a persistent "itchy" sensation.
In the first circumstance, if the edge of the crown (whether gold, cast metal, porcelain or zirconia) finishes or terminates too far under the gums, you may experience chronic inflammation, soreness and possibly bleeding.
This can also happen if the crown is poorly adapted to your tooth. For example, if the transition between the crown and natural tooth structure is not smooth (i.e. the crown forms a ledge hanging out over the gums), you'll trap more dental plaque against the gums. Typically, this will also cause gum inflammation and bleeding.
Lastly, there may be nickel or other metals in a crown alloy and some individuals might experience a chronic allergic reaction to these metals. This can result in gum inflammation or a persistent "itchy" sensation.
Are teeth bridges permanent?
When talking about dental bridges, I prefer to describe them as being fixed. This means that they're cemented or bonded in place and you can't remove them. Ideally, they are READ MORE
When talking about dental bridges, I prefer to describe them as being fixed. This means that they're cemented or bonded in place and you can't remove them. Ideally, they are permanent but their success depends on many factors including home care, brushing, flossing (not doing enough of these things can lead to dental decay around bridges), other habits like clenching and grinding (which can chip or break a dental bridge).
So, bridges can require repair or replacement in some circumstances meaning that they're not always permanent.
I'd like to think that good longevity on a bridge is 20-30 years, but it's always best to discuss this with your treating dentist as a dental bridge can be a significant financial investment.
So, bridges can require repair or replacement in some circumstances meaning that they're not always permanent.
I'd like to think that good longevity on a bridge is 20-30 years, but it's always best to discuss this with your treating dentist as a dental bridge can be a significant financial investment.
Can you get veneers on bottom teeth?
Theoretically, it is possible to veneer your bottom teeth. I would recommend against using porcelain veneers because a) porcelain is very abrasive against tooth enamel and b) READ MORE
Theoretically, it is possible to veneer your bottom teeth. I would recommend against using porcelain veneers because a) porcelain is very abrasive against tooth enamel and b) the veneered surfaces on lower anteriors would make contact on the inner surfaces of your upper front teeth.
Generally, you can expect a lot of wear and attrition of your enamel if you place veneers on your lower incisors.
In contrast, the outer veneered surface on upper incisors does not make contact with lower front teeth. Thus, there is no risk of accelerated enamel wear or attrition.
Generally, you can expect a lot of wear and attrition of your enamel if you place veneers on your lower incisors.
In contrast, the outer veneered surface on upper incisors does not make contact with lower front teeth. Thus, there is no risk of accelerated enamel wear or attrition.
Do I need a root canal to get a crown?
A root canal treatment is indicated to remove bacteria causing infection within your tooth. It can also be necessary when there is unremitting pain in your tooth as a result of READ MORE
A root canal treatment is indicated to remove bacteria causing infection within your tooth. It can also be necessary when there is unremitting pain in your tooth as a result of a deep cavity or dental filling.
In some cases, a Dentist will recommend root canal treatment prior to a crown to enable access for placing a post in the root system. This post supports and anchors the crown in cases where there isn't much natural tooth structure left above the gum line.
In cases, however, where no post is to be placed prior to crown placement or where a tooth is asymptomatic and is not infected, root canal therapy would not typically be required prior to placement of a dental crown.
In some cases, a Dentist will recommend root canal treatment prior to a crown to enable access for placing a post in the root system. This post supports and anchors the crown in cases where there isn't much natural tooth structure left above the gum line.
In cases, however, where no post is to be placed prior to crown placement or where a tooth is asymptomatic and is not infected, root canal therapy would not typically be required prior to placement of a dental crown.
Can you use mouthwash with dentures?
Mouthwash won't affect the acrylic on your dentures. As a best practice, it's a good idea to remove your dentures when you swish through with mouthwash so that you can clear it READ MORE
Mouthwash won't affect the acrylic on your dentures. As a best practice, it's a good idea to remove your dentures when you swish through with mouthwash so that you can clear it all before putting the dentures back in.
Ideally, it's best to avoid having small reservoirs of mouthrinse collect and sit between your gums and a denture. It can compromise suction and, also, it can be unhealthy for your gums to be in prolonged contact with the ingredients in mouthrinse products.
Ideally, it's best to avoid having small reservoirs of mouthrinse collect and sit between your gums and a denture. It can compromise suction and, also, it can be unhealthy for your gums to be in prolonged contact with the ingredients in mouthrinse products.
What helps gum graft pain?
Post-grafting pain is inflammatory in nature. The best thing to combat this pain is NSAID medication like Ibuprofen, Alleve, or Motrin. Your dentist or periodontist will typically READ MORE
Post-grafting pain is inflammatory in nature. The best thing to combat this pain is NSAID medication like Ibuprofen, Alleve, or Motrin. Your dentist or periodontist will typically provide a prescription for such medication. Narcotic analgesics are not typically necessary and can pose risks if taken for longer post-operative stretches (i.e. 1-2 weeks).
Should partial dentures hurt?
Partial dentures may be uncomfortable for the first month while your gums get used to the friction from contact with the denture. Teeth may be sore due to pressure from the denture READ MORE
Partial dentures may be uncomfortable for the first month while your gums get used to the friction from contact with the denture. Teeth may be sore due to pressure from the denture and this most commonly occurs with teeth that are anchoring your denture through a metal clasp attachment. It's best to consult your Dentist or Denturist about a regimen for gradually easing into the use of your new denture - this will maximize the adaptation of teeth and gums and minimize discomfort!
Can you clean under a dental bridge?
To get under a dental bridge for adquate cleaning, use a Waterpik for powerful irrigation. You can also use a thin plastic floss threader to manipulate floss under your bridge READ MORE
To get under a dental bridge for adquate cleaning, use a Waterpik for powerful irrigation. You can also use a thin plastic floss threader to manipulate floss under your bridge tooth to clean tighter spaces that you might not be able to adequately irrigate.
Can a tooth bridge cause gum pain?
A dental bridge can cause gum pain if the pontic or "bridge tooth/teeth" are pushing on the gums too hard. Also, if there is excess hardened cement under the bridge that might READ MORE
A dental bridge can cause gum pain if the pontic or "bridge tooth/teeth" are pushing on the gums too hard.
Also, if there is excess hardened cement under the bridge that might not have rinsed out at the cementation or delivery appointment, this can cause pain as well.
Also, if there is excess hardened cement under the bridge that might not have rinsed out at the cementation or delivery appointment, this can cause pain as well.
How can I keep food from getting under my partial denture?
Sometimes getting food stuck under the edges of a partial denture is inevitable. However, it's often due to gaps between the appliance and your gums. In these cases, relining READ MORE
Sometimes getting food stuck under the edges of a partial denture is inevitable. However, it's often due to gaps between the appliance and your gums. In these cases, relining the underside of the denture to better adapt it to your gums will seal gaps and eliminate food impaction.
Ask your Dentist or Denturist about relining your denture as it can be a fairly inexpensive way to improve fit and reduce the likelihood of getting food stuck underneath it.
Ask your Dentist or Denturist about relining your denture as it can be a fairly inexpensive way to improve fit and reduce the likelihood of getting food stuck underneath it.
Can I straighten my teeth in 2 months?
If you have 1 or 2 teeth that you'd like to re-position slightly, then you may be looking at a 2-month Invisalign case. Typically, however, if you have crowded teeth or are looking READ MORE
If you have 1 or 2 teeth that you'd like to re-position slightly, then you may be looking at a 2-month Invisalign case. Typically, however, if you have crowded teeth or are looking to fix a large overjet or underbite, you'll be looking at longer than 2 months.
When teeth are moved too rapidly, you can interfere with gum and bone support and you can even harm the teeth themselves. Orthodontic tooth movement relies on slow progress to ensure dental health and proper physiology are intact throughout treatment.
As a reference point, typical straightening cases take 12-24 months.
When teeth are moved too rapidly, you can interfere with gum and bone support and you can even harm the teeth themselves. Orthodontic tooth movement relies on slow progress to ensure dental health and proper physiology are intact throughout treatment.
As a reference point, typical straightening cases take 12-24 months.
How do you maintain a dental bridge?
To keep a dental bridge clean, you'll want to brush and floss around it diligently, in the same way you'd care for your natural teeth. The one difference is that you cannot floss READ MORE
To keep a dental bridge clean, you'll want to brush and floss around it diligently, in the same way you'd care for your natural teeth. The one difference is that you cannot floss around the bridge tooth (pontic) as the bridge is a continuous, fused unit.
To clean underneath a bridge tooth, you have 2 options: you can either rinse/irrigate under the bridge tooth with a Waterpik or you an use a plastic floss threader (available at local pharmacies) to work dental floss between the bridge tooth and gum tissues.
Both techniques will allow you to remove dental plaque (a possible source of tooth decay and bridge failure) from around your beautiful dental bridge!
To clean underneath a bridge tooth, you have 2 options: you can either rinse/irrigate under the bridge tooth with a Waterpik or you an use a plastic floss threader (available at local pharmacies) to work dental floss between the bridge tooth and gum tissues.
Both techniques will allow you to remove dental plaque (a possible source of tooth decay and bridge failure) from around your beautiful dental bridge!
Can you put a dental bridge on an implant?
Yes, placing a bridge on dental implants is very predictable with high success rates. You will want to make sure that your Dentist manages changes in your bite over time as it READ MORE
Yes, placing a bridge on dental implants is very predictable with high success rates. You will want to make sure that your Dentist manages changes in your bite over time as it can affect your implant bridge. You'll also want to have regular dental cleanings and checkups to increase the likelihood of long-term treatment success.
How soon after tooth extraction can you get a bridge?
It's generally good practice to wait at least 3 months after tooth extraction to have your bridge made. This allows your gums and jaw bone to stabilize and provide a predictable READ MORE
It's generally good practice to wait at least 3 months after tooth extraction to have your bridge made. This allows your gums and jaw bone to stabilize and provide a predictable shape. You will be placing the bridge in an area that is not likely to change shape significantly after delivery or cementation. If you place the bridge immediately after tooth extraction, you run the risk of gums changing shape as your extraction site heals. This can mean the bridge could eventually be poorly adapted to the gum tissues upon which it rests.
Do gums grow over the dental bridge?
It is uncommon for gum tissue to grow over the artificial surface of a dental bridge. Your gums can rebound after treatment and appear to be a little higher on the dental bridge READ MORE
It is uncommon for gum tissue to grow over the artificial surface of a dental bridge. Your gums can rebound after treatment and appear to be a little higher on the dental bridge itself but you won't grow or attach over the new bridge.
How long does it take to recover from a dental crown?
When your dentist prepares your tooth for a dental crown, they will shave about 1mm of enamel and dentin from around your tooth. This "prepping" of your tooth can cause some post-appointment READ MORE
When your dentist prepares your tooth for a dental crown, they will shave about 1mm of enamel and dentin from around your tooth. This "prepping" of your tooth can cause some post-appointment sensitivity. Your tooth may be a little achy or sensitive to temperature extremes for 3-4 days post-appointment.
Can loose-fitting dentures cause gum pain?
Loose-fitting dentures can certainly cause gum pain. A loose denture will shift around more and even rock sometimes during eating and all of this movement creates tissue friction READ MORE
Loose-fitting dentures can certainly cause gum pain. A loose denture will shift around more and even rock sometimes during eating and all of this movement creates tissue friction and even trauma. The friction can irritate the gums over time leading to inflammation and pain. Soft denture liners and tissue conditioners are available and they can deliver some cushioning between an ill-fitting denture and the gums to provide relief. Ultimately, you may need to have your existing denture fit improved with a hard reline or you might need a new denture.
What can you eat with Invisalign?
It's a best practice to remove your Invisalign aligners when eating. This is so that they don't get damaged and also so that you don't get dental plaque and food bits in your aligner. READ MORE
It's a best practice to remove your Invisalign aligners when eating. This is so that they don't get damaged and also so that you don't get dental plaque and food bits in your aligner. If dental plaque is under your aligner and compressed against your teeth, you could develop cavities very rapidly. Even with your aligners out, you'll want to avoid hard and firm foods like popcorn kernels, hard candy, nuts, granola, and even carrots. Invisalign requires button attachments that are bonded to your teeth during treatment. These can chip and break off when you bite through harder foods.
What is the cheapest way to replace a missing tooth?
When replacing teeth, removable solutions cost far less compared to fixed or "non-removable" solutions. A single-tooth denture, or "flipper", can typically be made for $200 - $400. READ MORE
When replacing teeth, removable solutions cost far less compared to fixed or "non-removable" solutions. A single-tooth denture, or "flipper", can typically be made for $200 - $400. This denture is functional and you can eat with it in place. Another alternative costs about $100 and is called an "Esthetic Essix". This is a clear plastic retainer that anchors on all your teeth in the dental arch where you've lost your tooth. The lost tooth is "filled in" on the Essix to give the appearance that your tooth is still in place. Importantly, you must take this kind of appliance out when eating as it can break easily.
Are lingual braces painful?
Any Orthodontic technique used to move teeth can cause discomfort. When appliances are tightened to produce tooth movement (whether it be standard braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign), READ MORE
Any Orthodontic technique used to move teeth can cause discomfort. When appliances are tightened to produce tooth movement (whether it be standard braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign), there is typically a 2-3 day period where teeth are "achey" or tender. Lingual braces are also more likely to cause irritation and ulceration of your tongue which can be quite painful.
