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We often hear from our patients that their smile is affected simply by discolored or chipped teeth.

On a daily basis we treat people with some ”smile problems”, for example gaps, too short or too long, missing teeth, swollen red gums and others. We notice that after correcting the problems patients start smiling instantly. Sometimes it takes hours or days for skin and facial expression muscles to readjust from months or years of efforts to hide the defects in our smile.

Over the years the muscles in our lips and cheeks subconsciously get trained to cover existing dental problems. At the same time facial expressions change drastically and we don’t even realize that to others we may look sad or angry all the time. Very often this affects our relationship with family or co-workers and can lead to low self-esteem and even depression.

With today’s technologies and experienced practitioners, almost every dental problem can be solved. Sometimes very little is needed. For instance proper cleaning combined with teeth whitening or more cosmetic solutions like porcelain veneers, bonding or even implants in place of missing teeth can have dramatic results.

Have a look at yourself or ask your friends about your smile, than contact a dentist and ask about your options.

If you haven’t seen a dentist for some time and you are nervous or concerned about your dental appointment, let the dentist know. There are a lot of ways to make your visit comfortable including the option of having work done while you sleep.

The dangers of not having your teeth taken care off carry far worse consequences. Sometimes we don’t realize that untreated dental problems can cause teeth loss, bone loss, digestive problems, and heart disease as well as complicate our social life. Get help and stay healthy with perfect smile. If you are always conscious when you smile and not sure what to do call our office for a free consultation.

Dr. Krolczyk has been in practice for over 15 years and has special interest in laser and cosmetic dentistry.

(This article was written by Dr. Monika Krolczyk and published in the Etobicoke Guardian in 2006.)

When you see a red-carpet Hollywood star laugh and you notice those old silver gray amalgam fillings, don’t you just wonder why in the world these rich and famous people can’t get with it? After all, more and more of us “real” people are choosing the natural-looking alternatives to those fillings of the past. These fillings come in many forms such as composite, porcelain, cast glass, or resin inlays and onlays; they can be formed to fit and fill most types of cavities and research shows that these materials actually rival the strength and beauty of natural teeth. Unlike silver-coloured restorations preparing for composites does not require the removal of large amounts of healthy tooth – we only have to remove demaged or decayed part of the tooth. Inlays and onlays also have a much more accurate fit and are custom-designed for each patient in the laboratory utilizing the precise tooth replica. Placing tooth coloured restorations take about the same amount of time as amalgam and applying inlay or onlay usually takes only two appointments. With the modern advancements in dental technology, there’s no need to “advertise” your dental work! Talk to your dentist today about replacing those dark fillings with natural-looking restorations and see your smile shine!

Possible bone loss with age is a fact. Our jaw bones are affected too and every now and then we notice that our gums recede and we have some exposed roots and the appearance of black triangles between teeth. However, with good oral hygiene and some cosmetic improvements we can maintain our perfect smiles. Unfortunately from time to time our teeth five up on us for any of specific reasons (decay, accidental fracture, lack of proper hygiene, etc.). Statistics show that withn two months after tooth removal we lose 2 mm of bone height and width. After four months without a toot replacement, 50% of alveolar bone loss will occur. Rapidly decreasing amounts of bone in only one spot will affect support for neighbouring teeth too. Know your options. Choosing standard dentures will not rebuild the bone and will speed up the process of resorption due to immediate pressure on the enentulous area. Conventional bridge used to be the best option but requires some preparation of adjacent teeth and will not stabilize the bone either. With today’s technology we can replace teeth with implants that will function, feel, and look like natural teeth. Implants will support existing bone and will not require adjustment of remaining teeth. Keeping in mind how bone reacts tot he tooth loss, the best time for implant placement is at the time of extraction or shortly after. For some of us who lost more teeth already or wear those “ever loose” dentures, implants can still help maintain some remaining bone and greatly improve esthetics and function. Ask your dentist and understand your options before problems begin.

For different reasons some of us still deny ourselves a full, radiant smile. Most of the time it is high cost or fear of dental treatment. Yet we are constantly watching TV makeover shows and wish for something to happen. Take action!! There are new technologies available that do not require drastic teeth reduction and are not expensive either. We would like to introduce to you “SNAP-ON-SMILE”. No shots! No drills! No adhesives! You can eat with them too. It takes one consultation with the dentist. On the following appointment impressions of your teeth and some pictures will be taken. You will even get to choose your smile from different shapes and colors. In about two weeks you will receive your new appliance, snap it on, and smile. It is a really exciting, fully reversible treatment and you do not have to have a full set of teeth. You will look better, feel great and improve your function. For those of us with discoloured, chipped, cracked, uneven teeth, there is the LUMINEERS system. LUMINEERS can give you a healthy, vibrant smile in just two visits. There is no drilling of sensitive tooth structure and no injections either. First, your smile type is identified and initial impressions are taken. In a few weeks your teeth will be covered with porcelain shells that will adhere to your teeth. Treatment is reversible and does not rquire wearing temporaries like typical veneers. You can also see your smile preview. For more information call our office or visit the following websites. www.snaponsmile.com or www.lumineers.com

Just like the 3 Rs of education – reading, writing, arithmetic – the ABCs of dental hygiene are best learned when children are young and impressionable. It’s important to start coaching children at an early age. When your children are infants, it’s your responsibility to keep their gums and budding teeth clean and healthy. But by the time they are toddlers, they can start to learn the basics themselves. Here are some tips on how to help your kids enjoy good dental health habits.

• Use mild-tasting toothpaste. Cinnamon is an especially cherished flavor. But make sure they don’t like it so much that they eat it. Supervise the use of toothpastes.
• Let your child choose their own flashy kid-sized toothbrush.
• Set up a stool in front of the mirror where your child brushes so they can feel all grown up and watch their success.
• Although brushing should take about three minutes, that much concentration can try a child’s patience. Work up to it.
• Help out. If your child can’t get the whole job done, lend a helping hand. It can take until the age of seven for a child to brush and floss solo.
• Set a good example. Do your own brushing and flossing in front of the child and be patient giving instructions.
• Have fun so that your child will look forward to brushing and flossing.
• Take your kids for their first dental visit at age 3 or 4, they will enjoy a fun ride and will not be fearful during their regular check up.
• Start regular visits to the dentist at the age of 4 every 6 months. They will reinforce good habits and help addressing problems early to avoid