There are so many things we have to worry about as we age. While busy you’re slathering on eye cream for those pesky crow’s feet and making appointments to check your blood pressure and cholesterol, make sure you don’t forget about your teeth!
Like the rest of our bodies, our teeth change as we age. Your teeth have put in a lot of work over the past several decades and if there’s any time to treat them to a little TLC, it’s now. In addition to wear and tear, our teeth are also impacted by health conditions and medications we take. Here are 4 tips to protect your teeth as you get older.
1. Stay Hydrated
Who knew staying hydrated could help your teeth too?! It’s true. Dry mouth can wreak havoc on our oral health. Without enough saliva to dilute and wash away acid from food and bacteria, teeth are prone to decay. Saliva also carries immune cells and minerals that help protect teeth from cavities. Unfortunately, many of the medications we depend upon to keep us healthy as we age also cause dry mouth.
What can you do for dry mouth? Drinking plenty of water–not juice, soda, tea, or coffee!–is a great start. Don’t suck on hard candies to keep your mouth lubricated; instead, bring a water bottle with you wherever you go and if that doesn’t seem to help, try an alcohol-free mouth rinse designed for dry mouth.
2. Brush Gently, But Brush Well
Many of our patients think they need to brush their teeth with stiff bristles and lots of pressure to get them really clean. While your teeth might feel nice and smooth after a rough brushing, your gums will suffer. When we age, our gums are likely to start receding and brushing too hard hastens this process.
That said, even though we want you to brush gently, we also want you to brush well. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush for a full 2 minutes, making sure you reach the fronts, backs, and all chewing surfaces of your teeth. An electric toothbrush is helpful and has extensive scientific research backing its effectiveness. The likelihood of periodontitis, or gum disease, increases a great deal as we age and the best way to prevent it is to make sure our teeth are free of plaque and that our gums are in good shape. And don’t forget to floss twice a day!
3. Protect Against Oral Cancer
With age comes increased risk of cancer, and that includes oral cancer as well. During dental check-ups, your dentist will do an exam for cancerous sores on the mouth, tongue, and lips. It’s also important that you take steps to reduce your risk of oral cancer: drink alcohol in moderation and consider switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash if you use it often. Stop smoking and don’t use chewing tobacco. When you’re out in the elements, wear a lip balm with SPF.
4. See Your Dentist Regularly
This goes without saying, right? If you’re not in the routine of getting two dental exams and cleanings a year, there’s no better time to start. Regular dental exams, along with good oral hygiene, can help prevent most of the problems we see in aging mouths. Call Smiles on the Upper Westside at 212-222-5225 to schedule your first appointment. We look forward to caring for your smile!
From job interviews to impressing your crush, there are many times where you want that perfect smile. Not only can a great smile make you feel more confident, but it can also make you feel better about your health. Furthermore, finally getting that smile you’ve always wanted can be a big sigh of relief. From getting on braces and getting cavities filled to getting root canals and dental implants, keeping your mouth healthy can be a tough mountain to climb. But once you’re happy with your smile, everything will be well worth it.
If you’re looking to improve the look and feel of your smile in the New York, NY area, then be sure to contact Smiles on the Upper Westside today! From fillings to bridges and veneers, we offer a wide variety of reliable dental services to our amazing patients. However, we do offer one unique service that is growing in popularity…the Smile Makeover.
What’s Involved
A Smile Makeover from our trusted team starts with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. We’ll check for things like cavities, gum disease, excess of plaque, spots of bleeding, bite stability, bone density, and more. If we notice any areas of concern, we’ll recommend taking care of these issues first before starting any cosmetic dentistry work.
While cosmetic dentistry deals with the look and feel of your mouth, things like cavities, gum disease, and other issues are medically necessary to fix. If not treated, you could end up with more painful and costly dental issues. After you have a happy, healthy mouth that’s free from disease and complications, then it’s time to discuss your Smile Makeover options. Below you will find information on the many cosmetic services we provide our patients. All of these exceptional services can help you obtain that smile you’ve always wanted.
Our Smile Makeover solution might include:
Teeth Whitening
The color of your teeth has a lasting effect on how your smile appears. You might have a healthy smile, but the color is what people really look at. Depending on your needs, we offer top-notch teeth whitening services to help you sustain a healthy, white smile that everyone will love. When it comes to teeth whitening, the two options to consider are in-office or at-home treatments. Both can be very effective, but there are pros and cons to each method. In-office treatments involve a one-hour procedure and can be very effective, but at home-treatments can be done on your own schedule and still lead to great results.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a comfortable way to improve your smile. Instead of using bulky braces to straighten teeth, Invisalign uses comfortable and convenient plastic trays that help to align your smile over time. The process involves the use of multiple trays that you change out every few weeks or so. Especially if your teeth need a minor adjustment, Invisalign is a fast and easy way to get that smile you’ve always wanted.
Porcelain Veneers
If you have gaps, chips, deep stains, or other cosmetic issues with your teeth, then porcelain veneers might be the best option for you. Porcelain veneers involve strong and durable material, and they are very aesthetically pleasing. In addition, they stain less often compared to regular teeth. If you would like more information on how porcelain veneers can benefit you, be sure to call our office today.
If you would like to get started on our Smile Makeover process, then contact Smiles on the Upper Westside to schedule an appointment. We would love to help you get the smile of your dreams! Call us today to get started.
Finally obtaining that perfect smile can lift a big weight off of your shoulders. From getting braces and filling cavities to getting routine cleanings and having professional teeth whitening done, getting a perfect smile is a tough and time-consuming task. But once you finally have that smile you’ve always dreamed of, all of that time and effort will be well worth it.
Whether you’re looking for a routine checkup or you need a dental implant or cosmetic dentistry services, our team of experienced dental experts can help. Smiles on the Upper Westside is a professional dental office serving residents in the New York, NY area. We provide a wide variety of amazing services, all geared towards helping you obtain the smile of your dreams. We understand how many people feel about the dentist, so we’re here to change that connotation and to provide a welcoming, friendly atmosphere for our patients.
In this post, we’re covering one of our popular services: cosmetic bonding. We’ll go more in-depth on what’s provided with this service, the benefits involved, and if cosmetic bonding is right for you.
What Is Cosmetic Bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves bonding a tooth to improve your smile aesthetically. During the process, tooth-colored composite material is applied to the surface of your tooth. This material is bonded with your existing teeth and is colored to match the look and feel of your natural teeth.
Why is it Used?
When our teeth become chipped, cracked, or have a severe change in color, it can greatly affect how your teeth appear. In order to maintain a healthy-looking smile, these teeth must be fixed for aesthetic purposes. Cosmetic bonding is used to fix teeth that are chipped, cracked, or have severe discoloration. This service is very safe and effective for your cosmetic dentistry needs. The material used is very strong and doesn’t chip or crack very easily. Our professionals have years of experience with cosmetic bonding, so you’re always in good hands with us.
Advantages
When compared to other cosmetic dentistry services, cosmetic bonding is very effective and affordable. People everywhere are starting to see the amazing benefits of cosmetic bonding and how it can help their smile. Take a look at some of the advantages of this service:
- Compared to other cosmetic dentistry services, cosmetic bonding isn’t very expensive
- A cosmetic bonding appointment only takes about one hour to complete
- The natural tooth structure usually stays preserved after this service
- Very little tooth enamel is removed—sometimes none at all
- The bond can last for at least three years—usually longer
As you can see, there are many advantages to receiving composite bonding for your teeth. In as little as one office visit, you can obtain a healthy, aesthetically pleasing smile in only one hour!
Is it Right For You?
Now that you understand how cosmetic bonding works and the many advantages involved, it’s now time to decide if the service is right for you. When trying to decide, it’s important to know that you have options when it comes to aesthetically improving your smile. Crowns or veneers are other options to consider, and these are typically more durable and long-lasting. Additionally, these options seem to stain less often compared to composite bonding. However, these methods are also more expensive. We recommend consulting with our dentist to discuss the options you have, and which option will work best for your needs. No matter what you decide, we’d be happy to help you through the whole process.
Smiles on the Upper Westside
If you would like to learn more information about our cosmetic bonding procedure, pick up the phone and call us today! We have dental professionals standing by, ready to assist you!
Located in New York, NY, we’re here to take your smile to the next level. Call us today at 212-222-5225 to make an appointment with our caring team!
Are you in need of a full mouth reconstruction? When dental issues are severe and extensive, encompassing many or all of your teeth, you may be an ideal candidate for a full mouth restoration. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Your mouth is made up of hard tissues like your teeth and jawbones, as well as soft tissues like your gums, tongue, cheeks, and lips. A full mouth reconstruction addresses multiple issues with different parts of your oral anatomy. Issues that are commonly addressed include, but are not limited to:
- Damaged teeth
- Missing teeth
- Jaw/bite misalignment
- Damaged gums
- Jawbone damage
- Worn out dental work
These conditions can severely compromise dental health. If not corrected, they will continue to worsen, and often lead to a chain reaction. For example, a jaw or bite misalignment can cause damage to your teeth, damaged teeth that are not corrected lead to missing teeth, and so on.
What Procedures Are Included in a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
A full mouth reconstruction may include numerous dental procedures. Depending on your particular needs, you could experience any of the following:
- Restorative dental procedures. These include fillings, crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays.
- Dental implants. When a tooth is missing or damaged beyond repair, an implant can be used to replace it. An implant is a titanium screw anchored to the jawbone and topped with an artificial tooth.
- Cosmetic treatments. Teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, and gum recontouring are all cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your teeth and mouth.
- Neuromuscular dentistry/TMJ treatment. This addresses jaw and bite issues to correct misalignment or inhibited mobility of the jaw.
- Bruxism correction. Bruxism is teeth grinding, which plagues many people. There are remedies to prevent and correct the effects of bruxism.
- Orthodontics. Orthodontic treatments include traditional braces, Invisalign, and other procedures to realign teeth.
- Oral surgery. Tooth extraction, root canals, and tissue grafting are just a few of the procedures that may be performed by an oral surgeon.
- Periodontal procedures. These include scaling (deep removal of plaque), root planing (thorough gum cleaning to treat gum disease), and a variety of periodontal surgeries.
In the case of a full mouth reconstruction, your treatment may include any combination of the above procedures.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of a full mouth reconstruction varies according to the current condition of your teeth, your goals for treatment, and the specific procedures that are selected. We will provide an itemized treatment plan following your comprehensive evaluation.
What About Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is highly complex and often confusing. We will help you understand your policy, including which procedures are covered, your deductible and annual cap on benefits, and your projected out of pocket costs. We may be able to break your treatment plan into several phases to maximize your insurance benefits.
Advantages of an All-in-One Treatment Provider
At Smiles on the Upper Westside, we provide a complete range of dental services all under a single roof. Benefits of visiting an all-in-one treatment provider include:
- Lower overall cost. When you avoid bouncing from office to office for various treatments, the total cost of your procedures tends to be less.
- Convenience. Don’t waste time commuting all over town to different dental offices.
- Simpler insurance billing. Your procedures can be billed to your insurance all at once from one office for easier management.
- Avoid specialist fees. Different dental specialists may have different fees and your insurance may require higher copays for specialists.
- Establish relationships. It may ease your mind to get to know your dentist and other dental providers on staff at one location. You’ll know what to expect and see the same friendly faces at each visit.
Smiles on the Upper Westside Provides Comprehensive Dental Treatment
When you need a full mouth reconstruction, Smiles on the Upper Westside can handle your complete transformation from start to finish. Contact us today to start your journey toward a brand new smile: 212-222-5225.
Halitosis, or bad breath, is extremely common but quite embarrassing. Most cases, such as “morning breath” are short-lived and easy to treat with excellent oral hygiene. For stubborn bad breath that cannot be fixed with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, it is important to see the dentist as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Chronic Bad Breath
Many factors can contribute to chronic bad breath. These include:
Gum disease: Most adults have at least mild gum disease, making it easy for food debris to get trapped in the pockets around the teeth. As this trapped debris decays, it will begin to smell.
Cavities and cracked fillings: Cavities and cracked fillings leave a hole in the tooth for food particles and bacteria to enter. These particles will decay, leading to unpleasant odors.
Poorly fitted dentures: Dentures that are poorly fitted or are not properly cleaned can cause food to get trapped between the gums and the dentures, leading to decay and chronic bad breath.
Dry mouth: Saliva naturally cleans the mouth, keeping the breath fresh throughout the day. Many people do not produce enough saliva, though, which can cause odors to develop. Chronic dry mouth is caused by many medications as well as issues with the salivary glands.
Occasionally, chronic bad breath is a symptom of physical illness. If your dentist rules out all of the above causes, you may need to be checked for certain diseases:
- Chronic acid reflux
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Oral yeast infection
- Respiratory tract infection such as bronchitis
- Sinus infection
Treating Chronic Bad Breath
Since chronic bad breath is a symptom rather than a separate condition, treating the cause will also alleviate the bad breath. Depending on what is found, you may need gum disease treatment, an antibiotic, a filling, a medication change, a denture adjustment, or some other action.
Integrative medicine is a modern approach to treatment that brings multiple specialists together to treat a problem. If you have chronic bad breath due to a physical illness, your doctor and dentist may work together to treat both the disease and the symptom.
Preventing Bad Breath
Prevention is always the best solution, so make a new commitment to your oral health. Brush and floss your teeth twice every day, and have a professional cleaning twice per year. Have any needed dental work done, and commit to dealing with future problems as soon as they arise.
Chronic bad breath can be frustrating and embarrassing, but most of the time, it is easy to treat. Seeing your dentist as soon as possible is the best way to restore your mouth to a healthy, fresh state.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are looking for compassionate, highly individualized, cutting-edge dental care in New York City, contact Smiles on the Upper Westside today at 212-222-5225 to schedule your first appointment.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your smile, rather than its health or functioning. It is not considered strictly necessary from the point of view of oral and physical health, but cosmetic dentistry can have a dramatic impact on your self confidence, boosting your psychological and emotional wellbeing. Here’s how.
Social Life
Humans are social creatures. Research shows that social isolation tends to lead to depression and anxiety. Yet if your smile is unattractive, you might start to steer clear of strangers, friends, and even relatives. Cosmetic dentistry allows you to talk, smile, laugh, and eat in front of others without worrying about having your teeth judged. As you become more outgoing, people will be drawn to your positive attitude. This encourages you to socialize more, further boosting your self confidence.
Appearance
Right or wrong, modern society is highly appearance-conscious. A beautiful smile makes you look more radiant, youthful, and healthy. Cosmetic dentistry can erase years from your appearance and make you feel comfortable enough to shine the light you have kept locked away. As you begin to recognize your own attractiveness, your self confidence will naturally explode.
Career Benefits
A winning smile builds rapport, whether you are going for a promotion, meeting an important client, or applying for the job of your dreams. People perceive those with a wide smile as genuine, loyal, trustworthy, and motivated. Hiding your teeth behind a tight grin has the opposite effect, making you come across as untrustworthy and insincere.
A genuine smile is infectious. Your employer and clients will feel happier and begin to smile back. This can take your career to the next level, boosting your self confidence.
Overcoming Trauma
A problematic smile may stem from a birth defect or a traumatic occurrence. Cosmetic dentistry can help you heal by helping you reclaim your self worth and personal power. You can move past your trauma, embracing the future with a beautiful new you.
What to Expect
Cosmetic dentistry begins with a detailed analysis of your current smile. We will sit down with you to understand your needs, goals, and desires, and then design the smile you have always wanted. If you have any underlying oral health issues, we must treat those before we begin your smile makeover. Please note that depending on your existing smile and your treatment goals, we may recommend several procedures with healing time in between. However, our patients say that their new smiles are truly worth the investment.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are looking for compassionate, highly individualized, cutting-edge dental care in New York City, contact Smiles on the Upper Westside today at 212-222-5225 to schedule your first appointment.
No one likes to think about it, but first impressions matter. Whether you are interviewing for a job or out on a first date, a stunning smile makes you look sincere, confident, and trustworthy. Sadly, many people’s teeth do not look their best. If yours are stained, crooked, yellowed, or worn down, porcelain veneers can help. Here’s how veneers can improve your smile.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Very thin shells of high-quality dental porcelain that slip over your teeth, porcelain veneers can be color-matched to your natural teeth. They are strong and durable, and are chemically bonded onto your teeth for maximum stability. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for years.
What Conditions Can Veneers Fix?
If you have existing dental health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay, they must be addressed before veneers are placed. Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic treatment that can fix numerous issues with teeth that are healthy but unsightly, including:
Wear and tear: Teeth naturally wear down over time. Yours may wear down faster than usual if you use your teeth as a tool or are fond of chewing on ice or pens.
Minor breakage: A sports injury, a fall, or other light trauma such as a fall or a sports injury can case teeth to crack or chip. While extensive damage must be fixed, porcelain veneers can hide minor breakage.
Discoloration: Many people have deep staining or discoloration from excessive fluoride, root canals, large fillings, or even certain medications. If teeth whitening cannot correct your dental discoloration, porcelain veneers can hide it.
Misshapen or uneven teeth: Truly perfect teeth are extremely rare. If yours are misshapen or uneven, porcelain veneers can improve their appearance.
Minor crookedness or gapping: If your teeth are badly misaligned, you may need orthodontic treatment. However, porcelain veneers are an excellent way to hide minor crookedness and small gaps.
Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?
Though few dental restorations last forever, porcelain veneers are one of the longest-lasting solutions. They are designed to withstand the forces of biting and chewing, and they can easily last for more than a decade with proper care.
Porcelain veneers also resist staining. Teeth whitening must be repeated regularly, but excellent oral hygiene will keep your porcelain veneers bright and healthy-looking.
Do Porcelain Veneers Look Natural?
You might be concerned that porcelain veneers will give you a too-white “game show host” smile, but veneers are designed to appear highly natural. The dental porcelain mirrors the sheen and translucency of natural teeth, and we will color-match your veneers to the adjacent teeth.
If you want a brighter smile, we can whiten your teeth first and then match your veneers to your new tooth color. Just remember that to maintain the match, you must whiten regularly.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are looking for compassionate, highly individualized, cutting-edge dental care in New York City, contact Smiles on the Upper Westside today at 212-222-5225 to schedule your first appointment.