Dr. Stephen Gurza – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Stephen Gurza is a Orthodontist. Practicing at Platinum Dental in Toronto, ON, Dr. Gurza is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gurza is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. As a certified specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Gurza focuses exclusively on the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and comprehensive treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), misaligned teeth, and jaw irregularities using a full range of orthodontic appliances including braces, clear aligners, and retainers for children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Gurza serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Platinum Dental.

Dr. Stephen Gurza earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1978. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Orthodontist at the University of Toronto in 1981. With over 47 years of practice since 1978, Dr. Gurza maintains a commitment to ongoing continuing education to provide patients with the most up-to-date dental care available. This dedication to professional development ensures that Dr. Gurza remains at the forefront of advancements in orthodontic techniques and technologies, consistently striving to deliver the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Gurza's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Gurza provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Stephen Gurza addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Crowding Spacing Teeth

• Crowded, Overlapped, or Excessively Spaced Teeth: Seeking orthodontic treatment to align crowded teeth for improved hygiene and appearance, or to close unsightly spaces for a more uniform smile.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Requiring advanced three-dimensional imaging to precisely visualize teeth, bone structures, nerve pathways, sinuses, and TMJ in intricate detail.

Jaw Alignment Growth Concerns

• Jaw Growth Discrepancies & Skeletal Imbalances in Growing Patients: Addressing underlying skeletal contributions to malocclusion through growth modification therapies or planning for future surgical-orthodontic correction when growth is complete.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Gurza. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Comprehensive Orthodontic Diagnosis & Treatment Planning: Detailed consultations to discuss all aspects of orthodontic care, including treatment duration, appliance options, and expected outcomes.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Traditional Metal & Ceramic Braces: Placement and management of fixed orthodontic appliances (metal or clear ceramic braces) to effectively straighten teeth and correct bite issues.
• Orthodontic Retainers (Fixed & Removable): Essential follow-up care to ensure the stability of orthodontic results long-term.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Gurza. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Stephen Gurza adhere to scope of practice for Orthodontists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Gurza is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Platinum Dental, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Gurza when they first notice their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their infected tooth being successfully saved from extraction through root canal treatment, enabling them to once again enjoy experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort without hesitation.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening with Dr. Gurza's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health once more.
• Through Dr. Gurza's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent often find they can readily achieve feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• If a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation is preventing you from fully enjoying maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile or causing discomfort, Dr. Gurza offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Gurza, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Gurza is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Gurza's practice, Platinum Dental, is situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Massey Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Gurza will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Gurza?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Platinum Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Gurza.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details before starting treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Gurza at Platinum Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Gurza and the team at Platinum Dental will get to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed mouth examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Gurza will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Gurza for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. Dr. Gurza will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Gurza's specific recommendation.

Platinum Dental
496 Lawrence Ave W #30B
Toronto, ON, M6A 1A2

Phone: (416) 783-8686

Dr. Stephen Gurza is a licensed Orthodontist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 8662

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=8662

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Gurza and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.