Receding gums not only look unattractive, they can harm your health. If you notice that your gums are receding, ask your dentist for help so that you can reverse the problem instead of allowing it to worsen. The goal is to catch gum recession early and get it under control before it turns into periodontal disease.
What exactly is gum recession? It’s the condition in which the outer tissue on a tooth begins to wear away toward the root, leading to exposure of your tooth enamel and eventually your tooth’s root. If untreated, receding gums lead to periodontal disease. The best way to avoid this problem is to prevent it from starting in the first place. This is easily done by performing good oral hygiene techniques. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush using a circular motion and mild pressure. Also, floss your teeth every day.
If you see that your gums are starting to recede, it’s likely that practicing better dental hygiene will restore your gum health over time. A deep cleaning by your dentist will help kick-start your hygiene routine at home. In some cases, an even deeper cleaning called root planing may be necessary.
For more advanced cases of gum recession, your dentist may need to take tissue from other areas and use it to cover exposed roots. This can boost your gum tissue and make it healthy again. If you experience pain and increased sensitivity due to exposed roots, your dentist may prescribe medications to help.
The main thing to remember about receding gums is that quick action is important. Good dental care is key in both preventing it and in correcting the problem after it has begun. If you notice that your gums are pulling away from your teeth or experience sensitivity, start the healing process as soon as possible by asking your dentist for treatment advice.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Toronto dental office!
Reaching for a sports drink may seem like a smart way to rehydrate during a big game or after completing your exercise regimen, but you may not be as educated as you think. Consumption of sports drinks is on the rise, with 62 percent of American teenagers drinking at least one a day. That’s why it’s important to inform consumers that these drinks which are touted to help your body can also take a toll on your health, at least on your oral health. Let’s find out exactly how sports drinks can negatively impact your teeth.
What makes sports drinks harmful?
You might guess that sugar is what makes these drinks less appealing. It’s true that you should avoid the brands heavy in sugar, but that’s actually not your teeth’s biggest enemy in sports drinks. It’s the high acid content that presents the most danger. Researchers have found that sports drinks have so much acid that they can start damaging your teeth after just five days of regular consumption.
Aren’t they better than drinking soda?
Most people choose these drinks thinking they will enhance their sports performance, and that they’re a better option than soda. Sports drinks are not that different than soda because they contain as much or more sugar. It’s simply not true that sports drinks are healthier for your teeth than soda.
What kind of damage can they do?
The acid in sports drinks can cause irreversible damage to your teeth. They erode your enamel, which is the shiny outer layer of your teeth, causing them to become sensitive to temperature changes and to touch. It also increases your risk of decay and cavities.
How can I avoid harming my teeth?
If you just can’t give up sports drinks, at least try to minimize the amount you consume. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards, but don’t brush your teeth immediately because it might spread the acid around your mouth. Wait about an hour for the pH level in your mouth to normalize, and then brush. You can also chew sugarless gum after having a sports drink, which increases your saliva flow and helps to return your mouth’s acidity levels back to normal.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Toronto dental office to schedule your consultation!
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.
Your cosmetic dentist 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.
Do you live in Toronto or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
You may have heard of cosmetic dentistry, but are unsure of how that branch of dentistry can help you. There are many reasons to visit a cosmetic dentist! Just about anyone who is embarrassed or unhappy about their smile can find options for improvement through a cosmetic dentist. A wide variety of procedures and treatments are available for a long list of things that you may dislike about your smile.
Restored smile
Cosmetic dentists can restore the appearance and function of your smile. Gaps, crooked teeth, chips, cracks, discoloration and more can be repaired to give you a flawless new look and renewed self-confidence.
Youthful appearance
The older you get, the greater your chances are of problems like lost or yellowed teeth. Gaps in your smile make you look older, and can even change your face shape as it sinks in around the area of tooth loss. Cosmetic procedures can restore your youth through dental procedures.
Whiter teeth
Dull, yellow, stained teeth from years of consuming dark foods or from tobacco use can make your smile unsightly. There’s no need to hide your smile, because professional teeth whitening is available through cosmetic dentists. It can dramatically improve your appearance in only an hour’s time.
Fresh breath
Various dental issues can contribute to stinky mouth odor. Cosmetic dentistry helps take care of oral health problems to give you a better chance at fresh breath.
Healthier gums
Irritated, swollen, or bleeding gums are both painful and unsightly. Poor dental hygiene or even brushing with excessive pressure can promote gum problems. Cosmetic dentists can diagnose gum issues and help restore them to a healthier condition.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Cruz is accepting new patients from Toronto and the surrounding area.
Everyone hopes to look younger and more attractive, and one way to achieve that youthful glow is to have a beautiful smile. Teeth free of stains, chips, misalignment, cracks and other problems are more likely to help you feel good about yourself and make a better impression on others. One way to achieve this goal is to see a cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover.
Dentists have been helping patients improve the appearance of their smiles for many years, but advances in techniques and materials allow smile makeovers to be much more advantageous today. Silver fillings have been replaced with tooth-colored composite resin, dental implants securely replace missing teeth, teeth whitening methods produce dramatic results, and computer imaging can provide great predictions for the outcomes of various cosmetic dental procedures.
There are many options for a smile makeover depending on what you need:
- Discolored or stained teeth benefit from professional whitening treatment. Yellowed teeth can improve numerous shades of white to give you a whole new look.
- Chips in your teeth can be filled with tooth-colored composite resin in a procedure called bonding. You can choose a shade closely matching your tooth, so that once it is smoothed and polished you can’t even tell it was done.
- Uneven teeth that are slightly longer or shorter than their neighbors can be shaped in a more appealing way using recontouring techniques.
- Gaps between teeth can be closed using composite material, or large spaces can be hidden with dental veneers. In fact, porcelain veneers can cover all sorts of flaws that you don’t want others to see in your smile.
- Cavities or cracked teeth can be filled with tooth-colored material instead of traditional amalgam, making them invisible in the mouth.
- Broken teeth that are unsightly or weak can be covered with a durable and attractive crown.
Crooked teeth can be moved with orthodontic treatment, employing the latest method of Invisalign. These clear plastic aligners transform your smile without the noticeable metal braces that impact your diet and dental hygiene.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Cruz is accepting new patients from Toronto and the surrounding area.
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that has gained immense popularity over the years.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to gently shift teeth into the desired position. This treatment option has become increasingly popular due to its effectiveness in correcting misaligned teeth and its discreet appearance.
Brief Overview of Invisalign and Its Popularity
Invisalign was first introduced in 2000 and has since become a popular alternative to traditional braces, especially among adults who may be self-conscious about their appearance with metal brackets and wires. The aligners are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth, making them comfortable to wear and easy to remove when needed.
In recent years, Invisalign has gained even more popularity due to advancements in technology that have made the treatment process more efficient. The use of 3D imaging technology allows for highly accurate aligner fabrication, resulting in shorter treatment times and better outcomes.
Importance of Oral Health
Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall wellness. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a host of issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and even systemic health problems like heart disease or diabetes. Misaligned teeth can also contribute to dental problems by making it difficult to properly clean between teeth or causing bite issues that put undue stress on certain teeth or areas of the jaw.
By straightening teeth with Invisalign, patients can improve their overall oral health by reducing the risk of these issues occurring. In addition, straighter teeth also improve the aesthetics of one’s smile which often leads to increased self-confidence which can boost mental wellbeing as well.
Overall, there are many benefits associated with choosing Invisalign as an orthodontic treatment option beyond just the cosmetic benefits. By investing in oral health with Invisalign, patients can achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using clear, plastic aligners. These aligners are custom-made for each patient using 3D imaging technology. The aligners gradually shift the teeth into their proper position over a period of months or years, depending on the severity of the misalignment.
Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires to move teeth into place. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays, called aligners, to gently guide teeth into their correct positions. These trays are custom-made for each patient based on impressions taken of their teeth.
Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next set in the series. The Invisalign treatment process begins with a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist who has been trained in Invisalign technology.
During this initial visit, the doctor will evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals for treatment. If Invisalign is determined to be a good option for you, 3D images will be taken of your mouth and used to create custom aligners that fit snugly over your teeth.
Comparison with traditional braces
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign has several advantages. One major advantage is its appearance; because the aligners are clear and virtually invisible when worn, they are much less noticeable than metal braces.
Another advantage is that the trays can be removed easily for eating and brushing/flossing one’s teeth. Unlike traditional braces which require regular adjustments by an orthodontist or dentist throughout treatment duration (usually every 4-6 weeks), patients using Invisalign typically only require occasional check-ins with their provider during treatment duration (usually every 8-12 weeks).
This is because the aligners are designed to be changed out by the patient at home every two weeks. Invisalign treatment is typically more comfortable than traditional braces as there are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation.
However, like with other orthodontic treatments, patients using Invisalign may experience mild discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners, but this usually subsides within a few days. Overall, Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment that offers a comfortable and discreet solution for correcting dental misalignment issues.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign aligners work by applying a gentle and consistent force on the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. Unlike traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires, Invisalign relies on custom-made clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over the teeth.
The process and steps involved
The first step in getting Invisalign treatment is to consult with an orthodontist or a dentist who is trained in this type of treatment. After determining that Invisalign is a suitable option for you based on your oral health needs and goals, your dental provider will take impressions of your teeth using 3D imaging technology. The impressions will be used to create a virtual 3D representation of your teeth, which will be used to design a customized treatment plan.
Once your aligners are ready, you will wear them for at least 22 hours per day, only removing them for eating, brushing, and flossing. Every two weeks or so, you will switch to a new set of aligners that are slightly different from the previous ones in order to continue progressing towards your desired tooth alignment.
Use of 3D imaging technology
One of the key advantages of Invisalign is its use of advanced 3D imaging technology. This allows dentists and orthodontists to create highly accurate digital models of patients’ teeth and simulate how they will move during treatment. With this technology, dental providers can precisely plan each step in the process and monitor progress along the way.
The use of 3D imaging also means that patients can see what their final results will look like before they even begin treatment. This provides both patients and dental providers with additional confidence as they work towards achieving their goals for better oral health with straighter teeth thanks to Invisalign’s advanced approach to teeth alignment.
Straightening Teeth
One of the most significant benefits of Invisalign for oral health is its ability to straighten teeth. Crooked or misaligned teeth can cause several dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty cleaning.
Invisalign aligners gently shift the teeth into proper alignment, improving their appearance and function. Straighter teeth also make it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing.
Improved Bite Alignment
In addition to straightening teeth, Invisalign aligners can also improve bite alignment. Misaligned bites can cause several dental problems such as jaw pain, headaches, and tooth wear, among others. Invisalign aligners work by applying gentle pressure on specific areas of the mouth to improve bite alignment gradually.
Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
The proper alignment of teeth and bite reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by making it easier to clean all parts of the mouth adequately. Bacteria thrive in hard-to-reach places that crooked or misaligned teeth create; however, with properly aligned teeth using Invisalign treatment, brushing and flossing become more effective.
Easier to Clean Teeth
Invisalign aligners are removable trays that allow you to remove them when eating or brushing your teeth. In contrast with traditional braces that have brackets attached with wires running through them which makes it difficult for food particles not being trapped between them since they cannot be removed easily for cleaning.
Better Overall Oral Hygiene
Straightening teeth with Invisalign improves overall oral hygiene as it promotes good dental habits such as regular brushing and flossing. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent common dental problems like cavities or gum disease in the long run.
Comfortable Treatment
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic that fits snugly over the teeth. They have no metal brackets or wires that poke or irritate the mouth and they are more comfortable to wear. Patients can continue their daily life without experiencing discomfort.
Convenient Lifestyle
Invisalign aligners are removable, so patients can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing or flossing; this is an advantage over traditional braces which require dietary restrictions and make it difficult for patients to clean their teeth properly. With Invisalign, there are no dietary restrictions or limitations, and oral hygiene is more accessible to maintain.
Cost considerations
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on several factors including the length and complexity of treatment needed as well as the geographic location of the provider. On average, patients can expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,000 for their entire course of treatment. It’s important to note that many dental insurance plans do not cover orthodontic treatments like Invisalign.
However, some providers offer financing options or payment plans to help make the cost more manageable. It’s also worth considering that while Invisalign may initially seem more expensive than traditional braces, it often requires fewer office visits and less time off work/school since there are no adjustments needed every few weeks.
The importance of compliance with wearing aligners
The success of Invisalign depends heavily on patient compliance with wearing the aligners as prescribed by their provider. This means wearing them at least 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink (anything other than water), brush, and floss.
Inconsistent or improper wear of the aligners can result in slower progress or even relapse of the teeth back to their original position. Providers will often monitor patient compliance with regular check-ins and may adjust treatment protocols if necessary.
It’s important for patients to understand the commitment involved in Invisalign treatment and be willing to adhere to the prescribed regimen. While it may require some adjustments and discipline, the benefits of improved oral health and a confident smile are well worth it in the end.
The benefits and advantages offered by Invisalign for oral health
Invisalign is a highly effective treatment option for those seeking straighter teeth and better oral health. Invisalign offers significant benefits over traditional braces, including improved aesthetics, increased comfort, and greater convenience.
The use of 3D imaging technology allows for a more accurate fit and better results. Additionally, the smooth plastic aligners make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Consider Invisalign for straighter teeth and better oral health
If you are considering orthodontic treatment to improve your smile or overall oral health, Invisalign is a great option to explore. It is important to consult with an experienced orthodontist who can evaluate your individual needs and determine if Invisalign is right for you.
With proper compliance in wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours per day, you can achieve a beautifully straightened smile in as little as 6-18 months. Don’t let concerns about aesthetics or discomfort hold you back from achieving optimal oral health – schedule an appointment today to learn more about how Invisalign can transform your smile!
Do you live in Toronto or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
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