Special occasions like class reunions and weddings where photos are going to be taken are important. You will want to look your best, especially when you look back on the photos in years to come. When you look in your mirror, are you noticing that your smile seems less than its best? Could your look use some refreshing?
As time passes, our smiles age. Whether you realize it or not, your teeth are discoloring a little bit every day. Discoloration can come from the food we consume, such as blueberries, beets, blackberries, balsamic vinegar or soy sauce. Drinking tea, red wine, coffee or dark soda can also affect the brightness of your smile. Smoking leaves teeth looking yellow and dingy.
As well as discoloring, our teeth slowly wear away. The outer, whiter layer of enamel will thin with age, revealing the yellower layer of dentin underneath. The length of a tooth is also reduced with age as teeth wear away with natural, everyday use. Short, discolored teeth send a signal of old age whether we intend them to or not.
Composite bonding, porcelain or composite resin veneers and dental crowns can help you achieve a brighter, whiter, more even smile. Veneers can even correct gaps and hide chipped or malformed teeth. Dental implants can be an excellent solution to a missing tooth. A smile that is badly misaligned might require braces or some other kind of orthodontia to achieve optimal results.
Toronto dentist Dr. Cruz can work with you to determine what steps should be taken to address your particular smile concerns and rejuvenate your smile, making you look younger and more refreshed. You will begin to see the positive responses from people who will be able to see you at your youthful best, allowing you to be your most confident, most comfortable self. The changes you make now can change your smile for years to come.
Does your smile need some work? Have you wondered if dental veneers are right for you? You may look at celebrities on television and think, I’d like to have that smile, but something is holding you back.
There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding dental veneers such as:
- Your natural teeth will be ground away to unsightly nubs in order to make room for the placement of the dental veneer.
- Your veneers will break easily, pop off, or discolor.
- Your veneers will cause your teeth to become painfully sensitive and the veneers will be uncomfortable.
- Your teeth will be so obviously artificial or naturally white, everyone will know.
Many of these issues were actually true in the past, when the technology of dental veneers was in its infancy; however, due to advancements in materials, methodology and technology, most of these issues are no longer valid at all. Veneers today share the following facts:
- Some of your natural tooth is worn away in order to accommodate the veneer’s thin wafer shape and to appear natural; however, that amount is extremely small. Veneers are so thin now that less than one millimeter of your tooth’s enamel needs to be ground down, a thickness of a contact lens.
- Veneers, especially those made from porcelain, are extremely durable and can be more stain resistant than natural teeth. Bonding agents are so improved that your veneer could last for decades.
- While temporary veneers (worn while your permanent veneers are being crafted in the lab) might cause some sensitivity, the permanent veneers will be pain-free.
- Veneers can be made from materials that are translucent and light-reflecting in ways that make them appear completely natural. You and your dentist will control the shade of white, so you can be comfortable with their appearance.
Talk to Toronto dentist Dr. Cruz today to learn about the advances that have been made in dental veneers and get all the facts you need to move forward with your best, brightest smile.
You may have heard horror stories of root canal procedures and the pain they produce. If your dentist has recommended root canal therapy for a damaged or decayed tooth, you will be happy to learn root canal pain is a myth. Modern dental technology and sedation techniques make root canal treatment no more painful than having a cavity filled. The best news is you can not only expect a painless procedure, but you can also expect to feel better than ever afterwards.
The pain you feel when a tooth becomes inflamed is caused by an infection. Root canal therapy is performed to eliminate the infected area, hence eliminating the pain. During the procedure, your dental professional will use a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. Some type of sedation may be recommended to calm your nerves and anxiety about the procedure.
You can expect some slight sensitivity of your gums during recovery, and there may be some mild soreness when chewing. This is more common for teeth that are abscessed before the root canal procedure. Avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth for a few days, and take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate any mild discomfort during recovery.
If you have a painful toothache, don’t let myths about root canal therapy deter you from seeking much needed treatment. Talk to your dental professional about the realities of a root canal procedure so you can soon be on your way to a healthier, pain-free mouth.
Root canal dentist in Toronto
An oral surgery procedure may be required for a variety of reasons including:
• Removing impacted or diseased teeth
• Placing dental implants
• Treating facial trauma
• Evaluating and treating pathologic conditions
• Diagnosing and treating facial pain disorders
• Performing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery
• Performing corrective jaw surgery
Should you find yourself in need of oral surgery for any reason, it is always best to know what to expect and how to prepare in order to recuperate effectively. While it is recommended that you consult with your oral surgeon for specific pre-surgery guidelines, these are some basic suggestions for oral surgery preparation that will help you with a speedy recovery. Most oral surgery procedures are outpatient and require general or local anesthesia. With doctor’s approval, you will mostly likely be able to return home shortly after surgery.
To prepare the day before surgery, you should:
• Arrange transportation to and from the procedure so that you will not be driving while still recovering from the effects of anesthesia.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Check with your dental professional to determine if longer fasting hours are necessary. If you are diabetic, you should eat breakfast.
• Take any prescription medications the night before and morning of surgery with a small sip of water.
• Ask a friend or family member to check on you periodically post-surgery.
• Stock up on chewable, soft foods that won’t irritate your healing gums during recovery.
Again, be sure to consult with your Toronto oral surgeon Dr Cruz prior to the procedure about any specific preparatory guidelines and follow them carefully. With proper preparation and aftercare, you will be on your way to a successful oral surgery recuperation.
Are you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, but don’t want to deal with the hassle and time required for at-home whitening treatments? Laser teeth whitening treatments administered by a qualified dental professional may be the solution for you to achieve a bright, new smile.
Laser teeth whitening is a professional teeth whitening treatment which utilizes a hydrogen peroxide based gel that is applied to teeth, followed by a special LED light that actives the gel. Oxygen molecules found in the gel will penetrate the tooth structure to remove the stain. The laser actives the gel and speeds up the chemical reaction causing the color change. The use of the light minimizes the treatment time to under one hour.
Traditional bleaching methods required many hours in the dental chair, and often cause pain and inflammation. Unlike traditional bleaching, lasers can target specific areas. Thanks to the laser’s effect on the gel, patients no longer need to keep irritating bleach on their teeth for an extended amount of time. Laser teeth whitening is considered one of the safest and easiest cosmetic dental procedures available.
Results of teeth whitening vary from one patient to another, but you can expect your teeth to lighten 5-10 shades in just one visit. Your dental professional will conduct an examination prior to whitening treatment to determine the shade of your natural teeth and the extent of their staining. They may also suggest undergoing a thorough dental cleaning before the procedure to improve your whitening results.
Contact dentist Dr. Cruz to find out if you are a good candidate for professional teeth whitening. In as little as an hour, you could be on your way to a brighter, whiter smile!
Does your smile have dark stains and imperfections that are unattractive? Your dentist may suggest a procedure such as porcelain veneers. Veneers are shell-like tooth faces typically made of porcelain that are bonded directly onto areas of your teeth that have been shaved down. Lumineers are a particular type of porcelain veneers that are very thin and do not require that your teeth be shaved.
Because your dentist must remove a significant amount of tooth enamel to allow for the best adhesion between your tooth and the veneers, traditional porcelain dental veneers are a permanent choice for your teeth. If they crack or become loose, they must be replaced, as the natural tooth underneath is no longer suitable to function without the cover of the veneer. Because a layer of natural tooth enamel has been removed from your tooth, that tooth may also experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold beverages and foods.
A Lumineer is so thin that it requires little to no removal of your tooth’s enamel – something that appeals to many people – and they are bonded directly to your tooth without any preparation. Should you choose to remove them, you may; however, due to the secure bond to your natural tooth, the process for removal is not easy. Because Lumineers are so thin, they are more prone to cracking than traditional veneers and might not last as long.
Lumineers work best on teeth that are already in proper alignment. If your natural teeth are crooked or crowded and shaping is necessary to reach your smile goals, traditional veneers will be the better choice. As well, if your natural teeth are severely discolored, that discoloration may show through the thin Lumineers.
Neither porcelain veneers nor Lumineers are suitable for patients who have severely decayed or weakened teeth. Patients who grind their teeth or clench their jaws at night are also less suitable to receive veneers or Lumineers, as their veneers may crack, chip, or loosen.
Talk to your Toronto dentist today about the changes you’d like to see in your smile, and what type of veneer best suits you and your particular needs.
E-Mail Us 
416-595-5490
