If the crown fits, get it the same day 👑

Wonder about repairing your smile with crowns or bridges? 

Crowns might be your best fit if your teeth are cracked, chipped, or have cavities. They help repair the structure and function of damaged teeth. Bridges restore missing teeth for preserved dental health, comfort, and contour. 

Here’s what you should know about them — including getting them in one appointment.

What are crowns?

Think of crowns as protective caps for damaged teeth. They create a new casing for the entire visible tooth, covering damage that lies at or above the gumline. 

There are also partial crowns, known as inlays and onlays. These only fill in or cover part of the visible tooth.

What are bridges?

Bridges are replacements for missing teeth, sometimes multiple teeth in a row, that restore the natural contour of your dental structures. 

Untreated, a missing tooth causes:

• Bone loss of the jaw
• Strain on adjacent teeth
• Altered speech 
• Reduced ability to chew correctly

Bridges prevent these side effects. They offer the appearance of full, healthy teeth while supporting normal eating and speaking functions — and our patients’ confidence!

How can I get them in one appointment?

This is thanks to our friend Derek CEREC — or “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics” (it’s a family name). CEREC technology designs and molds dental crowns in one sitting, enabling our team to place them in about two hours.

The method has been trusted by dentists around the world for more than 20 years, boasting millions of happy patients!

What are the steps?

At the core of CEREC is fancy tech called CAD/CAM. It will:

1. Take pictures of your mouth
2. Send them to our computer 
3. Design and mold precision porcelain fixes just for you (crowns, inlays, onlays, or bridges)

Then, our team will put them in place! 

This is no one-size-fits-all approach. With CEREC, our clinic creates custom fixes for your smile only

How does this help keep my teeth healthy?

Our priority is always to preserve the healthy parts of damaged teeth. CEREC supports this. Its detailed pictures mark the exact contours of healthy tooth remaining — allowing us to protect what’s there by molding each fix to fit your tooth (not the other way around).

What are the long-term benefits of crowns and bridges?

That’s simple! CEREC crowns and bridges are strong, long-lasting, and natural looking

They restore tooth, jaw, and facial structures to support normal functions like speaking and eating.

At Holland Cross Dental, we’re proud to offer you the best and easiest ways to take care of your teeth! Same-day crown and bridge placements are part of that.

Ready for a happier smile?

Get in touch with our friendly team if you have questions about CEREC or need help understanding which solution is right for your smile. We’re always happy to help!

First, they were on buildings.

Then, they featured on our furniture.

Finally, in 1928, Dr. Charles Pincus brought them to dentistry — and veneers shaped their first smile.

You may be thinking buildings, furniture and our teeth aren’t the same, but the concept remains:

A veneer is a thin outer shell lending a new look to what lies beneath. For our teeth, that shell is often porcelain — custom shaped to fit your smile.

So why get veneers (or not)? Hint: that depends on you!

Why veneers?

This part’s important: veneers are elective and cosmetic. In the vast majority of cases, there is no medical need for them.

But if the way you feel about your smile is holding you back and veneers would give you a boost of confidence, here are some of the ways they can help:

What veneers conceal

Veneers help cover the look of:

• Discolouration
• Worn enamel
• Uneven spacing
• Cracks
• Chips

They adhere to your teeth rather than altering them — making them non-invasive. Your natural tooth will no longer be visible.

What they offer

Veneers do more than conceal your teeth. They:

• Lift your look (non-invasively, as mentioned)
• Have a natural colour and custom fit
• Can address multiple areas on concern
• Are long lasting and low maintenance, lasting 10-15 years

In our experience, for our patients, veneers are about more than what they cover — they’re also about what they bring to your smile. They’re highly customizable, and we’re proud to help them achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted.

Are veneers for me?

The best way to determine if veneers are the best option for you is to have a chat with your dentist. They’ll be able to listen to your concerns, walk you through your options and inform you of the benefits, risks and details. If you have questions about veneers, book a visit and we’d be happy to sit down with you at our Holland Cross clinic.

Conclusion

Veneers are like durable porcelain tiles for your smile: they brighten your teeth and keep them smooth and uniform for up to 15 years. Because they’re a cosmetic option, they aren’t medically necessary. Electing to get veneers is more about what you want for your smile and how you feel.

A smile you’re proud of can look like anything — including the chompers you were born with! But if you’d like to give your grin a refresh, veneers are a great low-maintenance option.

If your dentist has recommended that you incorporate a nightguard into your routine or if you’ve been wondering whether or not it would be a good fit for you, it may be time to invest in one. Before you can make that decision, however, it’s important to understand what exactly a night guard is and why you may need one. 

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a retainer-like plastic piece that covers the biting surfaces. Since every individual’s teeth patterns are unique, night guards are custom-made to fit every set perfectly. Night guards have more than one purpose, many of which can save you pain, and money and even improve your overall health. Below we’ve listed a few reasons why you may need to consider using a night guard. 

Save Your Teeth

Many people need a night guard because they clench or grind their teeth in their sleep. This grinding can not only wear down your teeth, but it can eventually crack or break them. Cracked teeth can sometimes be fixed with a simple restoration, but other times more drastic measures need to be taken to save your teeth. A night guard can prevent any of this damage. 

Prevent Snoring

If your significant other has complained about your snoring, a night guard can help. The night guard works by adjusting the position of your teeth and jaw, allowing air to pass through more easily, resulting in less snoring.

Relieve Jaw Pain

Clenching or grinding your teeth can cause a great amount of pain and issues within your jaw after extended periods of time. Your jaw is often overworked when you’re sleeping, putting a lot of pressure down on your teeth. Jaw pain can cause difficulty chewing and even talking, which can all be avoided through the use of a night guard. 

Save Money

When you consider all the consequences of not wearing a night guard when you need one, it can start to add up quickly. You may find yourself having to pay for larger procedures such as root canals and crowns to repair any of the damage.

Putting off getting a night guard can put you at risk of dental and medical health issues that can easily be avoided. If you feel like you could benefit from a night guard, schedule an appointment right away with your dentist to see if it’s the right choice for you.

Everyone knows to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes, but not everyone knows how often to change their toothbrush. Keeping your toothbrush fresh is the best way to maintain your oral health and keep your pearly whites shining for a long time. 

So how long should you keep your toothbrush? The answer varies depending on whether you use a manual or an electric one. Here is a quick breakdown of when to change it, and some tips on making your toothbrush last longer.

Manual brushes

The Canadian Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommend changing your manual toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, that’s only a maximum of 4 toothbrushes a year.

If you try to extend your toothbrush any further than this time period you risk an ineffective cleaning. Around the 3 to 4 month mark, the bristles of the brush will begin to fray or fall out and the remaining bristles will become dull and lose their ability to properly remove plaque.

Electric brushes

The heads of electric brushes are a little different. Due to their bristles being shorter than manual brushes, the bristles tend to wear down much quicker. For this reason, if you use an electric toothbrush you should look at changing the head every 12 weeks.

 A visual inspection of the brush is always best. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth, replacement of the electric head may be needed sooner. 

More tips to keep your brush in good condition

You should always keep your toothbrush away from other toothbrushes and that even goes for family members’ toothbrushes. Your brush holds a lot of bacteria and if the heads touch, bacteria will be transferred and can lead to infections.

You should also change your toothbrush after you have been sick. Viral bacteria such as strep throat can live on your toothbrush and infect others in your household or get you sick again if the brush isn’t changed. 

Your toothbrush should never be stored in a closed container, this will promote bacteria and mold growth. Instead, you should thoroughly rinse off any excess toothpaste and store it upright, letting it air dry. 

You should never use mouthwash, soap, or any other type of cleaner to clean your toothbrush. These cleaners can lead to a deterioration of the brush, development of bacteria and are bad for your oral health. If need be, you can pour boiling water over the toothbrush to quickly and safely disinfect the head of the toothbrush. 

Conclusion

Keeping your mouth happy and healthy should be a top priority. Having a daily oral hygiene routine is imperative to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and mouthwash should all be a part of your routine, but using a frayed, dull toothbrush should not be. Your mouth will only be as clean as the tools you are using, keeping your toothbrush in good shape will ensure your teeth are always clean. 

If you have concerns about your oral health, a dentist can recommend the right course of action for you. Book a dental visit to find out how we can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Many people enjoy the refreshing effervescence of sparkling water. It’s fun to feel those tiny bubbles tickling your tongue. You may also reach for sparkling water to wean yourself off of sugary sodas and teas, which are known to cause issues with teeth. But have you ever wondered if sparkling water is bad for your teeth?

How sparkling water affects your teeth

Sparkling water, also known as club soda, carbonated water, and seltzer, is considered a healthy alternative to soft drinks. Unlike soda, it usually doesn’t have any added sugar. This alone makes sparkling water better for your teeth. But don’t start guzzling seltzer morning, noon, and night just yet.

Most people love the bubbly, party-in-your-mouth sensation of sparkling water, but there is a downside. The carbonation in seltzer makes it more acidic than tap water. The higher acid levels are what can be a concern when it comes to tooth health. Excess acid can erode enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and cavities.

Is the acid in sparkling water bad for your teeth?

According to the American Dental Association, the acid level in most sparkling water is safe for your teeth in moderation.

Luckily, sparkling water has a less acidic pH than soda, beer, and wine. We’ve listed the pH levels of some popular drinks below. The lower the pH, the higher the acidity.

• Ottawa tap water: pH 8*
• Sparkling water: pH 5
• Beer: pH 4
• Soda:  pH 3
• Wine: pH 3

* Ottawa city water is kept slightly alkaline in order to prevent the corrosion of pipes. Pure water is pH 7.

The bottom line: The acid levels in sparkling water are safe for your teeth—as long as you don’t drink it like it’s going out of style.

In fact, thanks to popular drinks like La Croix and San Pellegrino, sparkling water has never been more in style. Seltzer water sales are growing every year, which means more people than ever are asking, is sparkling water bad for your teeth?

Still or sparkling? The best option for your teeth

Plain old tap or filtered water is always the best option for your teeth. Tap water has the added benefit of fluoride, which helps protect your teeth. If you’re a sparkling water lover, just be sure that you don’t drink it more than regular water. Sipping seltzer too frequently can increase the risk to your teeth.

In this article by Today.com, Dr. André Ritter, chair of the department of operative dentistry at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, explains:

“If you’re sipping and keeping that acidic drink in your mouth and swishing around every time you sip, and if you do this often, multiple times a day, then that’s probably the most dangerous kind of behaviour when it comes to tooth wear.” 

Keep reading for more tips to get your fizz fix, without damaging your teeth.

The most tooth-friendly way to drink sparkling water

Try to see carbonated drinks as a treat that you enjoy with one meal a day, or when you go out to restaurants. During meals, your mouth produces more saliva, which helps wash away bacteria and acids. Limiting bubbly drinks to mealtime will minimize acid wear on your teeth.

No matter what time of day you enjoy a glass of fizzy water, be sure to rinse with regular water afterwards. Using a straw will also help protect your teeth.

Soda vs. sparkling water

We’ve already seen that sparkling water is less acidic than soda. There are some other key differences between soda and seltzer that impact how they affect your teeth.

We’ve all seen those scary science experiments showing the corrosiveness of Coke. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that soda is bad for your teeth. The sugar and acid in soft drinks can cause several dental issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. Sparkling water, on the other hand, is less acidic and usually doesn’t contain sugar.

Is diet soda bad for teeth?

You might be wondering if diet or sugar-free sodas are safer for your teeth. While they may not contain sugar, diet sodas do have phosphoric acid, which can hinder calcium absorption and weaken enamel.

The good news is that sparkling water doesn’t contain phosphoric acid. But flavoured sparkling water may contain citric acid. That’s why plain seltzer isn’t as bad for your teeth as citrus flavours, like lemon, orange, and grapefruit. Adding fresh lemon or lime to your sparkling water will also make it more acidic.

Signs of enamel erosion

As you can see, potential enamel erosion is the main concern when it comes to sparkling water, sodas, and diet soft drinks. Again, if you drink sparkling water with care, you shouldn’t have to worry.

If you are concerned about enamel loss, here are some signs to look for:

• Tooth sensitivity. Enamel loss can cause sensitivity to sweets, and hot and cold sensations.
• Tooth discolouration. When enamel erodes, the yellow inner layer called “dentin” begins to show through, giving teeth a yellow or greyish tinge.
• Cavities and fractures. As the enamel wears down, the whole tooth is more vulnerable to tooth decay and fracturing.

Of course, prevention is always key. You can prevent any further enamel loss by choosing water over sugary, acidic drinks, and opting for foods that are good for your teeth. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will also help keep your enamel strong.

The final verdict

So, is sparkling water bad for your teeth? As long as you drink it with care, sparkling water probably won’t damage your teeth. Avoid citrus flavours, use a straw, and swig some regular water afterwards to minimize any possible enamel erosion.

If you’re seeing signs of enamel loss, a dentist can recommend the right solution for you. Book a dental visit to find out how we can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy.

As parents, we naturally want the best for our kids. The first years of their lives are an incredible opportunity to form dental hygiene habits that make a positive difference to their entire lives. Children can be easily influenced and providing them with the skills and knowledge to take care of their teeth is the key to a lifetime of good health.

Most baby teeth start to erupt at around six months of age. As soon as you see tooth number one start to move in, you’ll know it’s time to book your child’s first dental visit. But even if their teeth are taking a little longer than usual to come in, it’s important to take your child to the dentist before their first birthday. This helps to catch any potential cavities and to build trust between your child and your dentist.

In between check-ups, it’s crucial to teach your child effective habits that can help them keep their teeth healthy for the rest of their life.

Caring for your oral health early assures better lifetime health, less money spent fixing problems and of course less discomfort and pain.

A healthy diet for healthier teeth

Healthy foods offer more dental benefits than you might expect. Fruits and vegetables stimulate saliva production, and can keep your child’s mouth hydrated. This in turn helps neutralize acids that wear away at the enamel, preventing cavities.

We know it can be difficult to completely cut sugar from your child’s diet, especially since so many sugary treats are marketed towards young kids. However it’s important to control the amount they consume and make sure they maintain a balanced diet.

Here are some suggestions for a balanced diet that can benefit your oral health:

• Fruits and vegetables: Combined, these should be half of what your child consumes each day. Not only do they have the benefits I mentioned above, they help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.

• Grains: Try to make sure at least half of the grains they consume are whole grains. Whole grains are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help keep teeth and gums healthy.

• Dairy: Choose low-fat or fat-free products. Dairy products can help put minerals back into your child’s teeth that might have been lost and also helps rebuild tooth enamel.

• Lean proteins: Opt for lean protein choices such as lean beef, fish and skinless poultry. Try to also include eggs, beans and legumes in their diet too. Good fats like these work against inflammation and are essential in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Introducing “big kid” cups early

Encouraging your kids to switch from bottles to sippy cups as early as six months can be extremely beneficial to their oral health. Your child should be able to use sippy cups on their own from around 12 to 15 months old, and even begin to sip from regular cups by their first birthday. If children continue using a bottle, they are more likely to develop tooth decay and early cavities.

It is also important to avoid filling their bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks and stick to formula or milk.

Kids do what you do, not what you say

As your children grow and begin to brush their teeth by themselves, it’s important to keep an eye on how they do it and observe their habits closely. Supervision during brushing ensures that no food gets left behind that could possibly start cavities. It’s also important that kids don’t swallow toothpaste: as with anything, toothpaste isn’t safe if someone consumes too much.

Kids can be highly influenced and model their own behaviour after yours. This means that practicing what you preach and letting them see you take good care of your own oral health is crucial. You could try brushing as a family and making it an event before bed, reinforcing to the kids that everyone brushes their teeth. Focusing on being a good role model can even allow you to take better care of your own dental health!

Make regular appointments a habit

Early prevention is vital to avoid tooth decay in children. A family dentist can monitor tooth development and prevent early signs of tooth decay from turning into cavities.

Regular visits can also help your child build a relationship with the dentist and make them feel more comfortable to continue going back. Your dentist can also give you tips for better dental habits.

Making your first dentist visit an adventure

Dental care matters for all ages, but it’s never too early to start developing healthy habits to avoid cavities. If you’re looking for a positive experience for your little one’s first appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Let’s rerun a scenario from your past—your mother tells you to make your bed and you grudgingly do it. You’re thinking, what’s the point of making your bed if it’s going to be slept in again? You might have the same feeling towards removing your wisdom teeth…I mean, what is the point of having wisdom teeth if they eventually have to get removed?

Let’s travel even further in our past to answer that.

Our beginnings

Although wisdom teeth pain is unpleasant, there was once a period of time where they weren’t uncomfortable. Our jaws were larger to accommodate more teeth, eliminating the problem of wisdom teeth pain. Wisdom teeth were important in ensuring our survival by helping us eat raw meat and unprepared food.

How we’ve evolved

Over time, our jaws became smaller because we learned to cultivate food, consequently leading to the proper preparation of food. In other words, our jaws became too small to accommodate wisdom teeth, while they also weren’t needed to chew food. Wisdom teeth removal in Ottawa is a common procedure today because wisdom teeth have become vestigial organs.

Wisdom teeth pain and problems

And if wisdom teeth pain didn’t exist, there wouldn’t be a problem with keeping them. However, unlike other vestigial body parts like the tailbone, wisdom teeth frequently pose health problems. As mentioned, wisdom teeth pain isn’t uncommon, caused from gum irritation when the teeth first break through. Other significant problems are the development of displaced teeth, chewing problems, or the formation of cysts. Even if they haven’t come out yet, the potential problems are enough for many people to choose wisdom teeth removal in Ottawa.

What can you do?

If you’re one of the few lucky people who have your wisdom teeth grow in straight without affecting your other teeth, then you get to skip a surgery! But if you’re like the vast majority of people, you’ll opt for wisdom teeth removal in Ottawa. In general, most people don’t have large enough jaws to accommodate wisdom teeth, and the easiest way to prevent problems is to remove them.

Future projections

You might be surprised to find out that a mutation has already occurred thousands of years ago to prevent the growth of wisdom teeth. Evolution is quite surprising, isn’t it? Even before the arrival of modern dentistry, our bodies have already anticipated future developments. This is why many scientists believe that wisdom tooth removal is natural, because they predict that wisdom teeth will altogether disappear in the future.

We once had wisdom teeth because they helped us survive. Nowadays, wisdom teeth removal saves us from pain and health problems. If you’re thinking about removing your wisdom teeth, make sure you consult a dentist for your best options.

Diet sodas, 100 % real fruit juices and other sugar free drinks are surprisingly bad for your teeth. The acids that are found in these drinks can cause dental erosion and cavities. Although they contain no sugar, diet sodas usually cause about the same amount of dental erosion as regular sodas.

Besides exposing teeth to damaging acid, these drinks reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth, providing less opportunity for the acids to wash away.

Good news is, you can reduce the effects of acidic drinks by following these tips for protecting your teeth:

1. Drink tap water or milk. Drinking milk is safe because it helps saliva return to a neutral pH.
2. Brush your teeth twice a day with a thorough toothpaste to help limit the effect these beverages have on your teeth.
3. The best time for drinking these sugar free drinks is with meals. You should also drink through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth with milk or water afterwards.
4. Eat cheese! Cheese is a saliva maker and can also help restor it to a neutral pH. The calcium in cheese, and in milk help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to sodas.
5. Acids are listed on the product’s ingredient list, so check the label before you buy. Phosphoric acid, citric acid and tartaric acid are some of the ingredients in diet sodas and fruit juices that damage teeth.

Remember – Prevention is the best cure! You can help prevent negative effects of sodas by reducing how often and how much you drink them.

This is a problem that many people face. You haven’t flossed your teeth in a long time and when you decide to start doing it, your mouth quickly fills up with blood. Although it can be a scary sight, don’t be too alarmed, however it is something you should take seriously.

Bleeding gums can be a sign of many different oral health issues. Here are some of the reasons why your gums may be bleeding after you brush or floss:

Gingivitis

The build-up of plaque and cavity causing bacteria on your teeth and gums causes inflammation, which can lead to bleeding during brushing or flossing. A symptom free ailment (besides the bleeding) if left untreated it can lead to more serious oral issues such as periodontal disease.

Smoking

Regular smoking makes you more susceptible to periodontal disease.

Poor diet and poor oral hygiene practices

Making unhealthy eating decisions paired with not keeping up with proper and regular dental hygiene practices can create an environment that causes your gums to bleed, among other issues.

If you notice your gums are bleeding a lot when you brush or floss, make sure to consult your local Ottawa dental professional.

No matter what it is you happen to be doing in life, in order to be a master at it you need to develop a certain set of skills. This is achieved by learning what the best techniques are and making sure you practice them over and over again. Take for instance learning how to play an instrument, a guitar for example. Before you even set your fingers against the string of an actual guitar, you should learn and be able to read music. Once that has been established, you then learn the notes of each string and how to achieve certain sounds. Finally, you learn about finger placements and how to position yourself to create the optimal sound and then you repeat; over and over again. Over time, the skills you have developed will be evident and you’ll be able to play sweet music.

Flossing is similar in the sense that with practice you’ll be able to do it in the most effective way and you’ll be able to achieve a cleaner, healthier mouth (which can help you make sweet music, if you’re a singer!). Here are some of the best flossing techniques to consider in order to achieve healthier gums and teeth:

Waxed dental floss

Using a decent sized piece of waxed dental floss, wrap it evenly around both of your index fingers until there is an equal distance between each finger of about 3 or 4 inches.

Thumbs up

Using your thumbs, press the floss firmly across both of them making the floss taught like a tightrope.

Up and down

Glide the floss up and down between each of your upper teeth to clear out any food and bacteria. To clean your bottom teeth, wrap the floss around your middle fingers instead of your thumbs and do the same thing.

When done properly the whole process should take about a minute to finish your whole mouth. Doing it regularly will provide your gums and teeth with healthy results. In the long run, your mouth and Ottawa dental professionals will thank you!