How will I know how to choose the right dentist?
General Dentistry
What is Cosmetic Dentistry and How Does it apply to Me?
Crowns, Bonding and Veneers
Smile Makeover
Dental Implants
My treatment is complete - What now?

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Markham, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Ajax, Mississauga and Hamilton, Ontario, please email or call Dentistry on Bay today to arrange your personal cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Tuvel.

416.968.3031 | info@dentistryonbay.com

How do I know what sort of dentist to look for?

The right dentist will be:

• An experienced one with training beyond the basic dentistry degree
• One that you feel comfortable with and feel you can trust to treat you well
• One who has an excellent reputation with no professional complaints brought against him/her

To find such a dentist, you can start by asking for names among your friends and neighbours. If these people are pleased with the dentist they see, that's a good start. When you have a list of names, look at their website, if they have one. There will usually be a biographical page about the dentist that will tell you where they were trained and what professional organizations they belong to.

Make sure that the dentist offers the type of dental work you need. Not all dentists offer every type of dental procedure. Rather, many will specialize in certain aspects of dentistry, such as cosmetic dentistry, and offer some general dentistry as well, but not necessarily all procedures.

What should I ask a dentist, to see if he or she is the right one?

When you have a list of possible dentists, call or email to set up an initial consultation. Write down your questions and take them with you. As you ask them, make sure you understand the answers, and keep asking questions until you do. You want to choose a dentist who takes enough time with you.

• How long have you been in dental practice? - choose one who has at least 5 years of professional experience
• How often have you done [the procedure(s) you are interested in]? - look for at least 50 or so
• Can you show me some before-and-after photos of this procedure? - most dental websites havesome of these, and there might be more in the office
• Do you offer sedation dentistry? - some dentists address that anxiety many of us feel about visiting the dentist, by offering nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or some type of relaxant along with the local anaesthetic
• Can you review your office protocol for sterilization? - Most dentists would be proud to show you their sterilization regimen

What should I look for in the dentist's office?

Look for a calm and organized atmosphere. The best dentists are aware of the dental anxiety many of us feel, and set up their offices with pleasant colors, comfortable chairs, and green plants. The best dentists will also have well-trained staff who greet you in a friendly fashion and make sure you know where to go and what to do.

Look at how the staff relates to each other and to the dentist, and how the dentist treats his/her staff. This will tell you how you will likely be treated. You want a dentist who is patient and calm, who listens as well as talks, and who shows courtesy to others.

Could I simplify things by choosing the dentist who charges the least?

How important is good dental care to you? How important is it that your dentist takes time with you, listens to you and answers your questions? That they get the work done right the first time? What about high standards of cleanliness and sterility? First-rate equipment? Informative and friendly staff?

These things cost the dentist money. Basic business principles require that the dentist make enough money to stay in operation. The best dentists insist on using the best equipment and hiring the best staff. Wouldn't you like to receive the best care available?

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General Dentistry

What's the best way to keep my teeth clean?

• Regular brushing and flossing is the basis of good dental hygiene. Brushing should be done several times a day, preferably after each meal, though flossing can be done just at bedtime. Use only a soft toothbrush.
• See your dental hygienist every 6 months. However, due to certain gum conditions some individuals may require a more frequent cleaning schedule. Brushing and flossing, if done faithfully, will remove most plaque, (that sticky film that continuously forms over our teeth) but any that remains will harden into tartar, which cannot be brushed off. The hygienist will remove it, along with accumulated stains from coffee, soda, tea, tobacco and red wine (the most common staining culprits).
  What causes gum disease?

Most often, it is poor dental hygiene. When the teeth and gums are not kept clean enough, plaque builds up. Plaque holds bacteria. At some point, the bacteria gets in between the teeth and the gums and causes an infection. As the infection progresses, pockets form, resulting in spaces between the teeth and gums.

Now there is an established cycle which is hard to break. Bacteria create pockets. The pockets hold bacteria, which multiply and enlarge the pockets, enabling more bacteria to dwell there. Infection develops. This starts out as gingivitis, and it's the early stage of gum disease. You'll notice it because the gums become red and swollen and may bleed while brushing or flossing. Regular visits with your hygienist combined with impeccable home care breaks this cycle and creates an environment for healthy gums.

What causes orthodontic problems?

Crooked teeth can result from:

• Heredity
• Improper development of both the upper and lower jaws
• Thumb-sucking
• Premature loss of baby teeth
• Loss of permanent teeth
• Consequently the teeth may grow in too crowded, in the wrong orientation, or in the wrong position.

These factors can also lead to bite problems, known as malocclusion. Early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist in orthodontics will result in a beautiful smile.

How can I deal with continual bad breath?

• By practicing good dental hygiene. Brush after eating, and floss daily. Bad breath is the odor of certain sulphur compounds which are created by bacteria in the mouth. Brushing and flossing will remove bacteria, but the mouth is never entirely free of bacteria, and they multiply if left to themselves. That's why we must brush and floss often.
• Include your tongue when you brush, especially the back area where a mucus layer develops that hides bacteria.
• If you have a dry mouth, consult a dentist on how to increase the saliva flow. Adequate saliva benefits us by cleaning the mouth, removing particles which can create odor.

What are wisdom teeth and why are they so often removed?

They are the last teeth to develop and the last to appear as we reach maturity. Sometimes they don't appear, but become impacted inside the gum. This occurs because our jawbones have a finite amount of space for teeth, and since wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, there might not be enough space left for them.

When there is a space problem and poor alignment or impaction, it is usually best to remove the wisdom teeth, preventing future problems that could include infection in the jaw or premature loss of the healthy teeth ahead of the wisdom teeth.

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What is Cosmetic Dentistry and How Does it Apply to Me?

Cosmetic dentistry is a discipline that is finely balanced between science and art form, involving the aesthetic beauty and function of your entire mouth, including the promotion of excellent oral health. Cosmetic dentistry began to emerge as a sub specialty of general dentistry in the middle 1980's as the foundation of today's concepts on whitening, bonding and smile design. All of the techniques that are employed today are due to the knowledge that was assembled and articulated in the mid 80's in this realm of dentistry. As such, Dr Tuvel is a general practitioner who has a special interest in appearance related procedures. It is through his continuous education and teaching that enables him to deliver the highest caliber of aesthetically pleasing dentistry possible for his patients.

At Dentistry on Bay cosmetic dentistry is more than just the restoration and improvement of the look of your smile. We believe that enhancing your smile through cosmetic dental procedures can open doors for our patients-personally and professionally.

Dr. Tuvel uses only the most current techniques and procedures combined with state-of-the-art equipment to create a long lasting beautiful smile for his patients. Whether you are considering changing the appearance of one tooth or to create an entire new smile, Dr. Tuvel and the Dentistry on Bay team has the knowledge and skill so that you can achieve the smile you want. By careful examination of your current smile, no matter what your concerns, together you can have the smile to fit your unique needs.

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Crowns, Bonding and Veneers

What is a crown and when would I need one?

A crown, which is also referred to as a cap, is a permanent cover that your dentist makes for a heavily restored tooth or for a tooth that has had root canal treatment. Left with just a filling, this tooth may crack at some point and have to be extracted, because there isn't enough of the remaining tooth structure to support it. A crown can also be used to cover a broken tooth or to give it a new and improved appearance.

A crown preserves the central part of the tooth and provides a strengthening cover and strong chewing surface. Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, or a porcelain and metal mix.

Could a crown ever fall off?

Crowns are bonded to the teeth that they cover with a strong and durable cement-they seldom fall off. When done by qualified and experienced dentists, crowns are very stable. If your crown does come off you should contact your dentist immediately, before the exposed tooth suffers any further damage.

What is dental bonding?

This term refers both to the material used for bonding teeth, and to the procedure of bonding. Dental bonding material is a composite resin substance, made to match natural teeth. It's used:

• To fill cavities
• To close up small gaps between teeth
• To enlarge or modify the shape of a tooth
• To repair cracks or chips in a tooth

How is dental bonding done?

Bonding is a way of preserving as much as possible of the natural tooth, and hiding any imperfections. The tooth surface is first sculpted or buffed to better accept the bonding material, and a special liquid is applied. The bonding material is then applied and molded to the correct shape. A special light then hardens it. It is long lasting, and matches your natural tooth color.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin ceramic shells, or wafers, which are permanently attached to the front of your teeth. They are a fast and effective way to cover small defects in your teeth.

Why are dental veneers a good choice to improve the appearance of my teeth?

Made from dental porcelain, which is a glass-like substance, and translucent like natural tooth enamel, veneers look like natural teeth with a life-like shiny gleam. If your teeth have visible defects such as cracks, chips, stains, or gaps, dental veneers can cover them. On its own, dental porcelain is brittle, but after it has been bonded to your teeth it is very strong, durable and stain-resistant. Once cemented onto the teeth, veneers become part of those teeth and can be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth, by brushing and flossing daily.

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Smile Makeover

I keep hearing about smile makeovers. What does that mean?

It is a term used for various procedures designed to enhance your smile. No two of us are alike in our dental situation. Your teeth, gums, bite, smile, and overall facial features are yours alone. When a dentist assesses your dental status to see what improvements could be made in your smile, the resulting treatment plan will be unique-an exclusive smile makeover.

What procedures might be part of a smile makeover?

It could include any combination of the following procedures such as:

• Porcelain veneers
• Dental bonding
• Orthodontic work
• Teeth whitening
• Crowns
• Dental implants
• Conversion of silver filings to tooth-coloured-fillings
• The procedures for your particular smile makeover would be determined and incorporated into a treatment plan. Then each procedure would be done in a sequential fashion for the enhancement of your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and general facial shape.

Would it be a good idea to get the flaws in my teeth corrected first, and then whiten my teeth later?

If you plan to have any crowns, veneers, or fillings, the porcelain or bonding material would need to be matched to the colour or your natural teeth. These materials do not respond to the tooth whitening gel. Consequently, it would be best to whiten your teeth first, then your dentist can match the porcelain or bonding to that new whitened shade.

How long does it take to get a smile makeover?

That depends on how many procedures must be done. Sometimes everything can be done in one appointment, but other times it could take several weeks. If the plan includes any orthodontic work, that will extend the time into many months. When your smile makeover is planned you can ask your dentist to give you a time frame.

How long will the smile makeover last?

That will depend on how good your dental hygiene is. The dental materials used today for fillings, crowns, veneers, and bridges are vastly improved over what was used years ago. If you brush and floss conscientiously, and have a professional cleaning in a schedule that is right for you, you can expect to keep your smile makeover for many years to come. As with all things in life, repair and maintenance are required to support a healthy state. On average you can expect your new smile to last 5-25 years depending on the level of care you give.

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Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

In the right circumstances it is a solution for a missing tooth. An artificial tooth can replace the missing one, but it needs to be as firmly planted in the jawbone as each of our natural teeth are. Through extensive research, dentists have determined that small titanium cylinders implanted in the jawbone can successfully act as artificial roots to support artificial teeth.

When we have a missing tooth, we can run into chewing difficulties. If it is a front tooth that is missing, it can be embarrassing. Over time, the neighboring teeth can drift from their proper positions and adversely affect your bite. The jawbone can start to shrink, which in time can change the shape of your face. Replacing that missing tooth can prevent or solve these problems.

What is the dental implant procedure like?

It is done with local anesthetic and, on occasion, light sedation. Your dentist uses a careful surgical technique to form the correct space in the gum and bone tissue and places the implant where it is in contact with bone.

Once this procedure is complete there is a period of several months for the implant to bond with the bone. It is important to have the implant solidified before the implant is subsequently restored with the new tooth. Research has shown that the ideal healing of the implant to the bone occurs when there is no pressure over the site. Consequently it is best not to place anything like a denture over the area during healing of the implant.

Am I a candidate for a dental implant?

Perhaps. Implant roots need to be long enough to be effective and long-lasting, so you would need to have enough good quality bone tissue to hold the implant. Also your bite would need to be properly aligned. Your dentist can assess your general dental status, including an x-ray of the implant site, and discuss the options and sequence with you.

How long do dental implants last?

When they are done by a qualified and experienced dentist, they can last a lifetime. Once the implant is restored it must be maintained and examined on a regular basis including a yearly x-ray.

How do I care for a dental implant?

Diligent dental hygiene will lengthen the implant's life. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to prevent any deterioration of the bone. Bone loss around the implant, when it becomes advanced, can destroy the integrity of the implant and necessitate its removal.

To help maintain the implant in a healthy environment, warm salt water rinses, on a daily basis, are recommended.

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My Treatment is Complete - What Now?

I now have a mouthful of beautiful teeth! How can I best keep them in shape?

Now that your new smile is complete, just like anything else that you value, you want to maintain your investment. For your restorations to get their maximum longevity it is important to practice good dental hygiene. Using a soft bristle toothbrush, brush after each meal and floss daily.

Maintaining a daily oral hygiene regimen will go a long way towards removing the plaque (film that perpetually forms on the surfaces of your teeth) which contains bacteria that, if left to multiply, can be the instigator of gum disease.

Our office has found that the most effective way to keep your teeth and supporting gum tissues healthy is to have a combined program of regular maintenance visits with the dental hygienist and daily home care that incorporates the Rota-Dent Electric Toothbrush accompanied by a 4% fluoride tooth paste. In addition, warm salt water rinses help destroy the bacteria that can cause gum disease.

How often should I see my dental hygienist?

Every 3-6 months is ideal, depending on whether your mouth is healthy or if gum disease is present. Even when we practice good dental hygiene it is almost impossible to remove all traces of plaque. The remaining plaque, when combined with calcium that naturally occurs in our saliva, can harden into tartar. Once this occurs, brushing and flossing alone cannot remove it.

The dental hygienist removes that hard tartar along with any stains that brushing has not removed. Finally, it includes polishing with a special paste to give your teeth clean, smooth surfaces and a new start on the next interval of daily care between recare visits.

Are there any other reasons to visit the dentist?

Yes. You need regular check-ups, especially if you've had some cosmetic dental work done. A thorough dentist will assess your dental status at every check-up. At our office you can expect the following at your appointments:

• Check for early signs of oral cancer
• Check the condition of all teeth and fillings
• Check the fit of dentures
• Diagnosis and treatment options for any conditions found
• Answers to any of your questions

By visiting your dentist on a routine basis, you will develop a relationship of trust with him/her. This can relieve any anxiety you might otherwise feel if you have been avoiding dental check ups. In addition, should you require more in-depth dental services, your comfort and confidence levels will insure that your procedure feels routine.

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To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Markham, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Ajax, Mississauga and Hamilton, Ontario, please email or call Dentistry on Bay today to arrange your personal cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Tuvel.

416.968.3013 | info@dentistryonbay.com