Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

veneers

A dazzling and vibrant smile is often associated with confidence and a healthy appearance. However, discoloration, chips, cracks, or misalignments in your teeth can make you feel self-conscious and hesitant to show off your smile. Porcelain veneers have emerged as a popular solution for addressing these concerns, providing you with a natural-looking and long-lasting way to transform your smile. At Pickering Dental Services, our gentle family dental care team is dedicated to helping you achieve the radiant and healthy smile you’ve always desired.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of dental-grade porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. These veneers are specifically designed to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and discreet appearance. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your smile, porcelain veneers can provide structural reinforcement for weakened or damaged teeth.

In this blog post, we will explore the process of obtaining porcelain veneers, the benefits you can expect, and how our skilled dental team at Pickering Dental Services in Pickering, ON, will guide you throughout your journey to a revitalized smile. Our goal is to provide you with all the information necessary to make an informed decision about whether porcelain veneers are the right solution for your dental needs.

The Porcelain Veneer Process

1. Initial Consultation

The first step in the porcelain veneer process is an initial consultation with our experienced dental team at Pickering Dental Services. During this appointment, we will thoroughly examine your teeth, discuss your smile goals, and assess your suitability for porcelain veneers. If veneers are the ideal solution for you, we will begin creating a customized treatment plan.

2. Tooth Preparation

To prepare your teeth for veneer placement, a small amount of enamel will be removed from the front surface of each tooth being treated. This allows for a better bonding surface and ensures that the veneer will fit seamlessly with your natural teeth. Impressions or digital scans are then taken, which will be used to design and fabricate your custom porcelain veneers.

3. Temporary Veneers

While your customized porcelain veneers are being fabricated, temporary veneers may be placed on your teeth to protect them and maintain a natural appearance. These temporary veneers will be removed once your permanent veneers are ready for bonding.

4. Final Bonding

During this final step, your custom porcelain veneers are carefully bonded to the front surface of your teeth using a strong dental adhesive. Once the veneers are securely in place, any necessary adjustments are made to ensure proper fit, function, and appearance.

The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

1. Aesthetic Enhancements

Porcelain veneers can significantly improve the appearance of your smile by addressing various concerns, such as discolouration, chips, cracks, and even minor misalignments or gaps between teeth.

2. Customized Solutions

Each porcelain veneer is custom-made to match the colour, size, and shape of your natural teeth, creating a seamless and personalized solution for enhancing your smile.

3. Durability and Longevity

Porcelain veneers are made from high-quality dental-grade materials that are designed to withstand normal wear and tear, providing you with a long-lasting solution to improve your smile. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for 10 to 15 years or longer.

4. Minimal Tooth Alteration

Compared to other dental restorations, porcelain veneers require minimal enamel removal and are considered a conservative option for smile enhancement.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

1. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

Just like your natural teeth, porcelain veneers require diligent oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the veneers.

2. Schedule Regular Dental Visits

Visit our dental team at Pickering Dental Services every six months or as recommended for professional cleanings and examinations. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor your veneers and ensure they remain in optimal condition.

3. Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

Although porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, the dental adhesives used to bond them to your teeth can become stained over time. Limit your consumption of dark beverages, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, and avoid tobacco use to keep your smile bright and white.

4. Be Mindful of Hard or Brittle Foods

While porcelain veneers are durable, it’s essential to be mindful when biting into hard or brittle foods. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, or other items that could possibly chip or damage your veneers or natural teeth.

Conclusion

Porcelain veneers offer an effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for those looking to enhance their smile. Our dedicated team at Pickering Dental Services is here to guide you through every step of the process and ensure you receive the best possible care. Whether you’re looking to correct minor imperfections or achieve a complete smile makeover, our gentle family dental care practice is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health and an enviable, radiant smile.
Take the first step towards a beautiful and enhanced smile with porcelain veneers from Pickering Dental Services. Schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists in Pickering and transform your smile with our personalized and compassionate care.

Is Your Smile Valentine-Proof?

Is Your Smile Valentine-Proof?

What is Valentine’s Day without sweets? Aside from bouquets of flowers, sugary treats like chocolates and candies are the most common gifts we give to our loved ones whether they are young or old.

Considering how much sugar one consumes on this day, it’s very important that you and your loved ones take really good care of your teeth. Good oral hygiene is key to protecting your teeth from all the sugar and the bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay.

So how do you protect your smile this Valentine’s Day?

Stay Away from Sticky Candies

While all sugary treats are a threat to your teeth, the sticky and hard to chew variety are the worst. Caramels, gum drops, and toffee, among others, are full of sugar and they will stick to both natural teeth and dentures. Some of them are so sticky that they can actually dislodge dental appliances like braces. If you want to protect your teeth from damage and decay, you should avoid these types of candies.

Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss

Sweets, especially the sticky and chewy ones take hours to dissolve or wear away. They can also get lodged between your teeth and eat away the enamel and lead to gum irritation and cavities. That’s why you should remember to brush your teeth after eating candies. You should also floss to get those hard-to-remove stuck particles between your teeth. Swishing with mouthwash after can also help.

Establish a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

It’s not enough to just brush your teeth on days when you eat a lot of sweets. You should protect your gums and teeth all year long. You can do this by having a really effective oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. When your teeth are strong, they can withstand the damaging effects of sugary treats better.

Schedule a Visit to Your Dentist

It’s a good idea to have a professional dental cleaning after Valentine’s Day. This way, you can be sure that your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. Your dentist can also check those problem areas that you might have missed. Any oral health issue will also be caught and you can avoid major dental problems.

Pickering Square Dental can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy. We can also give you tips on how you can still enjoy those sweet treats you get on Valentine’s Day without having to worry about your oral health!

Real Benefits of Dental Implants

Tooth human implant (done in 3d graphics)

Your smile is an amazing thing – it brightens up your face, makes you look younger and can even make you feel really good.  Strong and healthy teeth are important if you want to achieve a great smile that you can enjoy for a lifetime. Unfortunately, not all of us are born with pearly whites that always look great and strong.

 

While a really good smile with complete and healthy teeth is everyone’s goal, that doesn’t mean you should simply let that goal go if you’re already missing one or more teeth. In fact, you should do something about it now! For missing teeth, dental implants should definitely be considered.

 

Here are some great reasons why you should consider getting dental implants to replace your missing teeth:

 

To Keep a Younger Facial Structure

Having a beautiful smile helps keep one looking younger. See, your teeth are part of your overall look – your cheeks, your lips, and your facial skin all look tauter when your teeth are intact. But when you lose teeth, you also lose that great bone structure. That’s why the skin around one’s mouth, as well as the cheeks, appear saggy and even wrinkled when a person doesn’t have teeth.

 

A lot of people who have had dental implants to replace their missing teeth also enjoy a younger and fresher appearance on top of their improved smile.  Dental implants can truly transform one’s looks and life!

 

To Enjoy Eating Without Worries

Those who are either missing some of their teeth or wearing dentures often hold back when it comes to eating, especially if they are in public. Also, they often choose food that’s softer and easier to chew, even if they are not the healthier choice. Who wants to worry whenever they have a meal? No one wants that. However, missing teeth and wearing dentures make chewing difficult. Dental implants, on the other hand, act like natural teeth because they are directly anchored into the jaw. What that also means is that this procedure has no impact at all on the surrounding teeth which are in perfect health.

 

To Achieve Your Personal or Career Goals

We cannot deny that a healthy and beautiful smile helps one create a really good first impression. Do not miss out on great career opportunities and even relationship potentials because of this.  Dental restorations can restore your lost confidence and give you the boost you need to take charge of your life once more.

 

Call Pickering Square Dental and schedule for a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific situation and treatment options.

Keeping Your Teeth Straight Post-Braces

smiling female holding invisible teeth braces front of perfect smile

If you have been wearing braces for years, you are probably looking forward to the day when you finally get to have yours removed! Of course, you are excited about finally getting to see your improved smile, with your teeth perfectly aligned. Imagine how enjoyable your first meal will be, too!

 

Before you get too excited though, there’s one thing you need to know about first – retainers. Yes. When it comes to keeping your teeth straight post-braces, retention plays a very important role.

 

Why Should I Wear a Retainer?

Just because your braces are now ready to be removed doesn’t mean your teeth won’t move anymore. The remodelling process done with your bone that has helped transform your smile didn’t start overnight. You can’t expect it to stop abruptly either.  The pressure from your aligner trays or arch wire made the bone and the connective tissue around your teeth to slightly loosen up, shift, and rebuild the bone around the teeth in the new and corrected positions. This is a really slow and continuous process and it continues even after the pressure from the arch wire or the aligner trays is gone. That’s why you should be committed to wearing retainers after your braces are taken off, to ensure that you get to enjoy that amazing new smile for years and years.

 

How Does a Retainer Work?

Retainers act like brakes, preventing teeth from moving or shifting. Teeth like to shift little by little over time. Retainers tell the roots of your teeth to stop moving, stay in place and properly aligned. There are some retainers that are fixed behind your teeth. The more common ones though are removable. They are made of a metal wire and acrylic fitted to your mouth, intended to guide your teeth. You have to remember though that retainers need to be worn regularly if you want them to work.

 

How Long Would I Have to Wear Retainers For?

The really crucial period is during the first six months after the braces are removed. This is because the teeth are still trying to move actively. For this reason, it is suggested that you wear your retainers for those six months full time. When that is over, you can start wearing your removable retainers only at night, for the rest of your life.

 

You have read right. You see, while your teeth are really strong, they also shift naturally. And the only way you can keep your teeth looking as good as they are now for as long as you can is to wear retainers. Remember that you only have to wear them at night.

 

Since you have already invested a lot of your time and (maybe your money, too) on your orthodontic treatment, it is only right that you take care of the results for the rest of your life. Talk to your orthodontist about your options, and the things you need to do to make sure your retainers are working for you.

 

 

Missing a Tooth? Here are Some Great Options !

Close up on a man smiling while he is missing a tooth.

It is quite common for a Canadian between the ages of 20 and 65 to have more than two decayed or missing teeth. It’s a real concern for many. Why does it matter, you ask? Well, even if the missing tooth is not noticeable, it still affects the way you speak and chew your food – especially if you’re missing teeth in the back, which are meant for heavy chewing. When you lose those, you have no other choice but to use your front teeth for chewing. Because they are not intended for all that hard action, there’s a high probability that they’ll break down, as well. The remaining teeth may also shift when there’s a space that’s not supposed to be there.

 

If you are missing one or more teeth, you are probably wondering what options you have for you to be able to restore your smile. We’ll help you decide!

 

PARTIAL DENTURE (removable)

It is considered the most economical way to replace missing teeth. A partial denture is removable. It has replacement teeth on a plastic base that is colored to match the patient’s gums. It is connected to adjacent teeth using metal clasps. This is how partial dentures snap in place for both support and retention.

 

FIXED BRIDGE (non-removable)

A fixed bridge is yet another good option for replacing one or more missing teeth. A bridge replaces a patient’s missing tooth by connecting to adjacent teeth. For large restorations, multiple teeth are attached. What a fixed bridge basically is a crown on supporting teeth on either end and a false tooth in the middle.

 

DENTAL IMPLANTS (non-removable)

Implants are considered by many to be the best option for replacing one or more missing teeth. With an implant, a titanium anchor is integrated into your jaw bone, similar to your natural tooth root. An aesthetic crown is then attached to that implant as a replacement for the missing tooth.   Additionally, an implant helps you keep the bone height you have and it’s very hygienic, too.

 

It is important that you take care of your oral health to avoid losing a tooth. However, if it has already happened, know that you always have the option to get a tooth replaced. To know which one is the most suitable for you, you can contact Pickering Square Dental and we’d help you choose the best option for you.

Love Your Teeth More this Valentine’s Day, Unlocking the Secret to a Healthier Smile

woman's portrait with chocolate

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and as it gets closer, you may also be getting more and more anxious about what kind of celebration your loved one has planned, or just hoping you’d find a date before that big day. Equip yourself with one of the best weapons for Valentine’s – a beautiful smile. Research shows that nothing is more attractive to the opposite sex than a bright and white smile.

 

What is ironic is that Valentine’s Day, which we often spend smiling, is actually a bad day for your teeth – and your smile. People tend to get carried away with all the delicious chocolates and sweets, as well as wine and other great food. These can all take their toll on your teeth.

Bacteria that grow in your mouth feed on sugar, so the more sugar you eat, the more those bacteria can damage your teeth. That is when they start creating cavities that also hurt the inner layer of your teeth and enamel. Because we cannot totally ban sugar, especially on Valentine’s Day, the least we can do is to limit our intake and try to avoid sticky candies that are more damaging than the others.

 

To get a better and healthier smile, here are our Valentine-proof tips just for you:

 

Choose Strawberries. Not everyone knows that strawberries have that substance called malic acid that acts as a natural tooth whitener. It can remove any discoloration on the surface of your teeth.

 

If strawberries are not your thing, you can eat red apples instead. They increase saliva production that help wash debris away.

 

If you can’t skip the chocolates, at least go for dark ones. Dark chocolates are known to have calcium and other ingredients that actually promote stronger and better teeth.

 

Drink lots of water to help flush away food particles that are left in your mouth. Stay hydrated!

 

Do not forget to visit your dentist at least twice in a year. Only a professional can tell whether or not your teeth are in good condition. You dentist can also help you in maintaining a healthy mouth.

 

Valentine’s Day is holiday that is best celebrated with a loved one. Instead of following the norms of giving sweets and chocolates, why not start a new one? Perhaps we can give a fruit basket instead a box of chocolates. That would make Valentine’s Day even more special than it already is.

Are Your Teeth Ready for Halloween Candies?

Toothbrush and dental hygiene waxed tape mint floss by wash basin at night still life color photo.

Your kids are probably excited about Halloween, what with their great costume, and an even greater selection of Halloween treats they can get when they go Trick or Treating. Of course, you want your child to enjoy! But you do not want as a toothache to affect their memory of this year’s Halloween?

 

Keep your children’s teeth safe from scary cavities this season by considering these tips:

 

Shoo Chewy Candies!

There are candies like caramels, gummies, and taffies that just find their way into the grooves and pits of your kids’ teeth where they stay stuck for a while. These sticky candies get stuck on your teeth and their saliva just can’t wash them away. If a toothbrush is not handy, at least make them drink a glass or a bottle of water to swish away some of the sugars.

 

Eat Now, Treat Later

Never let your child out on an empty stomach, and make sure they have a nutritious meal. When you chew during a meal, it stimulates your saliva which has protective enzymes that can protect teeth against cavities. On top of that, you’ll feel more relaxed knowing that with that full tummy, your child would probably have a smaller room for sweets!

 

Give Away Good Treats

As a parent, you hope your kid would get some teeth-friendly treats when he or she goes Trick or Treating. If that’s the case, then there is no reason for you not to give away those kinds of candies, right? Be the “responsible parent” in your street who hands out sugar-free hard candies, lollipops, and gums. It won’t hurt to throw in a little reminder to brush teeth when you give those treats out.

 

Remember Your Routine

The fact that it is Halloween and your child is tired from Trick or Treating should not keep you from enforcing your usual oral routine at home. If anything, now is the time to spend an extra minute or two when you brush your teeth. Do not forget to floss as this can greatly help in removing sugars that your toothbrush missed.

 

Halloween is a fun holiday that should never be ruined by a terrible toothache. Make sure you let your child know of his or her limitations and responsibilities. Set a limit on the number of candies allowed in a day, and make sure that those tiny teeth are brushed, flossed, and rinsed well before bed time!

 

 


 

Take the Perfect Selfie with Sparkling Whites & Bright Smile

Nowadays, almost everyone is taking their own portraits – better known as ‘selfies’. If you are fond of taking photos of yourself, don’t you want to have a perfect smile to go with your photos? Here are some tips on how to keep your teeth picture-perfect:

 

Brush and Floss Properly

It’s surprising to know that some adults grow old and never learn how to brush and floss properly. Even if you do brush and floss daily, but your techniques are wrong, then your teeth and gums will not get the maximum care and protection that they need to become stronger and healthier. An expert said that the more you floss, the tougher your gums become – even if flossing hurts or makes your gums bleed at first.

 

Stop Smoking

A study by the American Dental Association states that smokers get periodontal disease at two to three times more the rate of non-smokers. This is why it’s important to stop this bad habit immediately. Smokers do not heal as fast as non-smokers following a treatment for gum infections. If you want your teeth and gums to be stronger and healthier and to have less risk for periodontal diseases, it’s best to quit smoking.

 

Stay Away from Caffeinated and Carbonated Drinks

Just like smoking cigarettes, drinking caffeinated drinks also damages your perfect smile and pearly whites. Why? These drinks are loaded with high-acid content. Did you know that acid weakens tooth enamel and makes it softer? After drinking these beverages, make sure that you rinse your mouth with clean water. It would be better if you can brush and floss immediately after drinking too!

 

See Your Dentist Regularly

As we get older, the busier we also get. A hectic schedule should never be an excuse to miss out on your dental appointments and maintaining your optimal overall healthcare. No matter how busy you are, it is essential that you still make time for your dentist. It cannot be reiterated enough, the importance of regular dental visits. If you follow your schedule, the dentist will be able to detect serious illnesses at an earlier time.

 

Get Rid of Grinding

If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth – get rid of it as soon as possible. Even if you are stressed out or upset, keep in mind that this habit causes excessive wear and tear of teeth. Your dentist will be able to tell if you have been grinding your teeth because areas of the tooth enamel will be smooth. If you have this habit, Dr. Marvin Lean and our Team of Health Care provideres can recommend a night mouth guard for you to use when sleeping.

 

For the perfect set of teeth, have Dr. Lean and his team of experts take a look at your teeth and gums. It is best to have a team of trusted professionals to take care of something as important as your teeth. 

How to Beat Dental Problems and Stay Smiling

Some people tend to take oral health for granted. They only pay attention to their mouth when they experience throbbing and incessant pain. Some fail to make their oral health their priority and use their busy schedules as their excuse. However, your oral health is as important as your overall health. Here are some ways on how to beat dental problems and stay smiling all the time:

Halitosis (Bad Breath)
This problem involves a person that has an unpleasant and foul odour coming from his or her mouth. This problem might be caused by several things: lingering food particles in the mouth, dryness of the mouth, poor dental hygiene, mouth infections, or illness. Resolving this problem depends on its cause but for some, this may be resolved simply by brushing the teeth to remove build-up of plaque, as well as brushing the tongue to remove bacteria. If you are suffering from this, it’s important that you replace your toothbrush every three months and have regular cleaning appointments. If this is caused by dry mouth, chew gum or drink water at regular intervals.

Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Gums are the tissue inside one’s mouth that serves as teeth support. When they get infected due to plaque, it is called periodontal disease. The two basic types are: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder form and it is reversible. When left untreated, it develops to periodontitis – an advanced stage of gum disease. Bacteria can cause deterioration of the gums as well as destruction of tooth-supporting bones in this case. It might lead to tooth loss. Prevention is the key when it comes to this disease. Proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques remove the plaque and bacteria. Make sure you practice good oral hygiene.

Tooth Decay
As plaque forms on the teeth, it also produces acids. These acids attack the enamel and if not removed properly, it can damage the tooth enamel – this is called tooth decay. If this is not treated at the soonest possible time, it can result in cavities (small holes in the teeth). Tooth decay is caused by poor brushing techniques or failure to brush one’s teeth regularly or with proper technique.  It is highly preventable with basic oral maintenance – daily brushing and flossing after every meal.

Mouth Sores
Mouth sores vary in types and they can appear on the gums, inner cheeks, tongue and lips and even at the bottom of the mouth. They range from mild sores to more serious ones. Mouth sores can be prevented depending on the type of sore. People who get sores from biting their cheeks can prevent sores by chewing more carefully and slowly. Being careful when drinking hot substances also help in preventing sores from burns. Antiviral medications can also be given as they help prevent cold sores from appearing.

How to Convince Your Children to Brush Their Teeth

If adults, who are aware of the importance of brushing their teeth still forget to do so, what more can you expect from children? Parents are supposed to brush their kids’ teeth until they turn 7. It might not be the most pleasurable experience – children might detest the act and it gets messy – but it is essential.

The Best Approach
When you are teaching the little ones about brushing their teeth, you should start with yourself. Make sure that you brush your own teeth in front of them without any implications. You are giving a subliminal message to your kid that it’s something that should be done on a regular basis. Yes, you have to be the role model. Just like with any daily routine, you have to let your kids know that brushing their teeth is a fun thing to do. Even as your child gets older, make it a habit that your child will sure to bring in adulthood.

Toothpaste IS Optional
Toothpaste can make children want go gag or spit – it definitely makes things messier – and brushing might seem like a chore to them instead of something fun. Don’t let toothpaste hinder your children from wanting to brush their teeth. If they don’t like the taste of toothpaste try different brands and flavours or, just make sure you let them hold their toothbrush and brush away, in the right manner, of course.

Use the Mirror
When you’re teaching your children how to brush, make sure you are both standing in front of a mirror. You cannot really train your child if you have him or her sit on the toilet as you train him or her. Stand beside your kid while he or she brushes his or her teeth, or if his or her age still needs assistance then assist him or her.

Prioritize Brushing
Don’t fit teeth brushing into your busy schedule. When your child sees that you are doing this, he or she might get the notion that brushing the teeth is more of an afterthought – something done as quickly as possible. Let  your child understand that their oral health is a priority.

Family Activity
Eating together is considered as a family activity. You can do the same with brushing your teeth. After a meal, your whole family can gather in the bathroom to brush your teeth at the same time. When you have younger kids, this will be beneficial to them – seeing both their parents and older siblings brush their teeth. You can even try to make it fun by letting one parent brush the other parent’s teeth, or let your child brush your teeth and vice-versa!

Be Positive
Threatening your child to brush his or her teeth might be the worst thing you can do. Don’t say silly things such as they will get punishment from the dentist of they don’t brush their teeth. Brushing their teeth, as well as going to the dentist, should be positive lifelong habits.