Improving Your Smile with a Makeover

A dazzling smile is many people’s goal, and getting a smile makeover through a dentist is the way to get one. You might need just one cosmetic dental procedure to achieve your best smile, or you may need multiple procedures to get the look you’d like.

Here are some of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed during smile makeovers.

Bonding

Gaps, chips, or cracks in your teeth can make you feel self-conscious. Bonding fills spaces and gaps, and can even alter your tooth color if desired. Composite resin material is placed directly on the tooth and polished to look natural and appealing. The procedure is painless and can be completed in one sitting.

Toronto Teeth whitening

The fastest and most dramatic way to brighten your smile is through professional teeth whitening. A stronger whitening solution is used that is available in over-the-counter products, and often a special light enhances the process. In as little as an hour, your smile can go from dull to brilliant.

Toronto Dental implants

A large number of people are missing one or more natural teeth. Preferred by many patients over dentures or bridges, dental implants provide a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. A titanium rod is surgically inserted into the jaw so that it fuses to the bone during healing, and an artificial tooth is placed on top to complete the restoration. Your smile is fully functional, comfortable, and attractive with implants.

Veneers

Dental veneers are very thin shells, usually made of porcelain, that are securely adhered to the fronts of your teeth to alter the shape, color, or various flaws. They are customized to every patient, and a very small amount of your tooth enamel is removed during the application process. Veneers are a permanent improvement to your smile, and must be replaced if they are ever damaged.

Crowns

With age and wear, it becomes more and more likely that you might eventually crack, chip, or lose a tooth. Crowns cover damaged teeth to restore their function and appearance. That way you no longer have an unsightly or uncomfortable tooth in your smile.

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Smile Makeover Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering dentistry to improve the look of your smile, the following may answer some questions you have about achieving a smile makeover:

  • What is a smile makeover? A smile makeover is a procedure or series of procedures in dentistry aimed at approving the overall look of your smile. Your smile makeover may include a custom combination of treatments including options like porcelain veneers, bonding, dental implants, or teeth whitening.
  • Who is a candidate for a smile makeover? Anyone who is interested in improving the appearance of his or her smile is a candidate for a smile makeover. The best candidates have good general and oral health.
  • What procedures are most often used for a smile makeover? Every smile makeover is different depending on the features you would like to change and the timeframe you have to achieve your results. Porcelain veneers, bonding, whitening, tooth-colored fillings, and gum contouring are some of the most likely procedures to be used in a smile makeover.
  • How long does it take to complete a smile makeover? The timeframe depends heavily on the number and type of procedures that make up your individual smile makeover. Some procedures take as little as one visit, while others may require appointments over the course of several weeks.
  • Can I see how the results of my smile makeover will look? New technologies and advances in dentistry provide your dentist with a variety of ways to preview how your smile will appear after your smile makeover. Check with your dentist to find out what methods they employ for this critical step in the smile makeover process.

The benefits of a smile makeover include improvement in your oral health and appearance, as well as an increase in confidence. Consult your dentist for additional questions and to find out how a smile makeover can help you greet the world with a bright new smile.

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Why You Need to Replace Missing Teeth

Conservative figures estimate that 69 percent of adults have lost one tooth and that approximately 50 million Americans have lost all of their teeth. Missing teeth can change your smile, compromise your oral health, and affect your whole life. Consider these reasons to replace even just one missing tooth:

Impact on Appearance
When people lose teeth, the remaining teeth may shift, which can create an awkward look. Often, individuals with missing teeth feel embarrassed about gaps in their smiles, so they try to hide their teeth and cover their mouths. Social situations may become frustrating or unpleasant as a result of an incomplete smile.

Impact on Diet
Eating a variety of foods keeps your body functioning properly. If you lose teeth, crunch vegetables and fruits may be hard to chew. Sometimes, people move toward soft, bland diets when teeth are missing, which can keep you from getting all the necessary nutrients.

Impact on Self-Esteem
When you look your best, you feel your best. Missing teeth can result in feelings of premature aging, uncomfortableness with public speaking, and even loss of sex drive. Many people become more introverted because of the issues with their smiles.

Impact on Health
The loss of teeth can hurt your dental health as well as your overall wellbeing. With gaps from lost teeth, the jaw may not properly close, resulting in issues such as headaches and TMJ pain. Once a tooth is gone, the jaw bone in the area begins to deteriorate. Over time, more of the jaw bone will disappear and the remaining structure will weaken. Your gums may be more susceptible to gum disease, which has been linked to health problems such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes complications.

If you have lost teeth, talk with your dentist about replacement options. Advances in dentistry allow patients to choose from fixed bridges, dentures, partial dentures, and dental implants for smile restoration. Live life to the fullest with a complete, healthy smile.

We want to give you something to smile about! Visit our dental team at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dental in Toronto.

Dental Implant Myths Debunked

Dental implants have become an increasingly popular treatment for patients who are missing teeth. Not only do implants improve function, but they also improve the appearance of your smile. However, as with many dental procedures, there are myths that exist that may be keeping you from seeking dental implant treatment:

  • Dental implants require excessive maintenance. Actually, dental implants function and are cared for in exactly the same manner as your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing and routine dental checkups are all you need to keep them healthy and functional.
  • The placement of dental implants is a painful procedure. This is false because when performed correctly while under anesthesia, implant dentistry should be one of the least painful dental procedures. While you may experience some mild soreness post-surgery, this pain is strictly temporary and easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Dental implants are not appropriate for older people. The truth is that dental implants are successful for any age of patient and have become very popular with older generations.
  • The placement of dental implants is a long process. In reality, most implant procedures are completed within three months. In some cases, it can even be completed in one single visit to the implant dentist.

Dental implants enjoy a very high success rate for suitable patients. A skilled implant dentist can assess whether you are a viable candidate for the placement of dental implants, and answer any additional or specific concerns you have regarding dental implant surgery and aftercare. With proper placement and maintenance, dental implants can restore the function and beauty of your smile for a lifetime.

Dealing with Periodontal Disease

Periodontal, or gum, disease involves damage to the tissue around your teeth. Without good dental care, plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. It promotes bacteria growth, and ultimately harms both your oral health and your overall health. It’s important to know what to look for and what to do if you notice gum disease symptoms.

First stages
If you don’t get rid of plaque on your teeth every day, it quickly grows and hardens into tartar. Once tartar has formed, you can’t remove it by yourself. You must visit your dentist to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

Gingivitis
Early periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Its symptoms include gum swelling, redness, and bleeding. Gum bleeding usually happens while brushing or flossing your teeth. Although this doesn’t always mean you have gingivitis, it is an indicator that something may be wrong with your oral health. You should see a dentist for a checkup.

Periodontitis
Without putting a stop to gum disease at the gingivitis stage, it advances to periodontitis. In this stage, your gums and bone pull away from your teeth and pockets form between your teeth and gums. These pockets collect debris and bacteria, leading to infection. Your gums and bones wear down, the pockets deepen, and your teeth can become loose and even fall out.

Diagnosis and Treatment
When you experience symptoms of any stage of periodontal disease, see your dentist right away for a thorough examination and identification of your level of disease. Treatment can include deep cleaning, antibiotics, or even surgery for advanced cases. As always, the best idea is to prevent gum disease before it starts by practicing good oral hygiene.

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Selecting an Oral Surgeon

Oral surgery is necessary for a wide variety of dental issues. If your dentist has referred you for oral surgery, making an informed choice about your surgeon can make the difference in a successful or unsuccessful procedure. A quality oral surgeon will not only perform the procedure without complications, but will also be able to provide you with excellent care before, during, and after your surgery.

Initially, your general dentist will likely offer recommendations for a reputable oral surgeon in your area. It is also wise to ask friends and relative for suggestions of oral surgeons that have performed procedures for them. While not a professional recommendation, former patients are always a good source of feedback about a doctor’s demeanor and bedside manner.

It is also important to find an oral surgeon with an established, successful practice. Schedule a consultation visit to their office to check out the atmosphere and attitude of their staff. At your visit, find out about their training and clinical experience with the procedures you are seeking. The more experience they have performing your type of surgery, the more skill and knowledge they will bring to your procedure. Inquire about the type of continuing education courses they have completed. It is important your oral surgeon is current on technological advances in oral surgery. Finally, ask about what treatment plan the oral surgeon recommends for your issue, and if there are any other alternatives they suggest.

Choosing a qualified oral surgeon can make your oral surgery experience stress-free. Taking the time to do your homework and locate a doctor that makes you feel confident in their skill, experience, and manner will help to ensure a successful oral surgery procedure.

 

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