For decades, bright white teeth have become an idealized beauty standard, driving many to seek out teeth whitening treatments. However, experts caution that excessive whitening can damage tooth enamel and long-term dental health.
How teeth whitening works
Teeth whitening treatments can effectively remove stains but work by chemically altering the natural tooth enamel. Understanding how whitening agents interact with teeth can help inform safe, moderate use.
Teeth naturally dull over time as deep-set stains accumulate from food, drinks, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. Whitening products aim to penetrate and break down these stains using chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When applied to the teeth, these active ingredients oxidize the stain molecules, essentially bleaching them.
Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes use mild abrasives and polishers to remove surface stains. Professional whitening treatments use higher concentrations of hydrogen/carbamide peroxide gels, sometimes accelerated by light activation.
It’s important to remember whitening treatments do not grant permanent results. Without lifestyle changes to curb staining, teeth will gradually dull again. Whitening effectiveness also varies depending on the type of tooth – results on dental crowns, veneers, and other restorations are limited.
Factors to consider before whitening your teeth
First, consult with your dentist to get a professional assessment of your oral health and teeth condition. They can identify any underlying problems that need treatment first, as well as determine if you are a good candidate for whitening. Discuss the different whitening methods available and get guidance on which is best suited for your needs and goals.
Realistically consider your expectations for the results – teeth whitening can significantly brighten and improve tooth color but may not achieve an extremely white “Hollywood” smile, especially if you have yellowish undertones. Also, keep in mind that whitening treatments are less effective on dental restorations like crowns or veneers.
Evaluate the total costs involved, including initial treatments and maintenance touch-ups over time. Teeth whitening can be an investment, depending on the method you choose. Consider whether the time commitment for the duration and maintenance of the whitening treatment works for your lifestyle.
Signs of excessive teeth whitening
While teeth whitening can brighten your smile, overdoing it can negatively impact your dental health. Be on the lookout for these signs that you may be whitening too aggressively:
- Increased sensitivity: You may experience pain or discomfort with hot or cold foods and beverages. This suggests enamel erosion, exposing dentin tubules.
- Gum irritation: Whitening agents can cause gum inflammation, redness, swelling or sores. Discontinue whitening and see your dentist if you notice this.
- Translucent teeth: Excessive whitening can lead to transparent, blue-toned teeth as enamel thins out. This effect requires professional dental assessment.
- Uneven whitening: Teeth whitening unevenly across your smile may indicate improper application or underlying dental issues needing treatment.
- Rapid re-staining: If your brightened teeth revert back quickly, you may be over-bleaching.
- Dry mouth: Frequent whitening can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth symptoms.
Remember, moderation is key for long-term dental health and a naturally bright smile. If you exhibit any of these signs, consult your dentist promptly to avoid permanent tooth damage from over-whitening.
Teeth Whitening on the Upper Westside
When properly administered by a dentist, teeth whitening is generally safe for your dental health, though some sensitivity is common after treatment. However, excessive use of over-the-counter whitening kits or products not approved by the ADA can potentially damage teeth over time by eroding.
We offer two teeth whitening options:
GLO Professional Teeth Whitening
- Type: In-office and at-home whitening system
- Best For: Moderate to severe stains, sensitive teeth
- Features: Whitening gel used with GLO device’s heat and light for accelerated in-office whitening. At-home system sustains results between visits.
Kör Whitening
- Type: Combination of in-office and custom take-home whitening
- Best For: Moderate to severe stains, sensitive teeth
- Features: Involves overnight whitening with custom trays filled with gel. Followed by a 2-hour in-office treatment to further brighten your smile. This provides very white results while still being gentle for sensitive teeth.
Smiles On The Upper Westside provides teeth whitening services in the UWS neighborhood of NYC. Contact us at 212-222-5225 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Maintaining your dental and oral health should be a coordinated effort between yourself and your dentist. Although you can do your part by staying on top of good oral hygiene habits, to keep your teeth in the best condition possible for as long as possible, you also need to schedule professional dental cleanings.
Keep reading if you’re not sure how often you should do so. The following guide will answer your questions.
The Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings
Brushing and flossing every day is important. However, staying on top of these tasks isn’t enough to truly optimize your dental and oral health. A professional cleaning at the hands of a dentist offers such benefits as:
- Early detection: Seeing your dentist on a routine basis can actually save you quite a bit of money (while also potentially guarding against discomfort) in the long run. During a cleaning, a dentist can check your teeth for early signs of oral health issues, addressing them before they develop into more significant conditions.
- Thorough cleaning: Dentists use specialized tools and techniques that you simply don’t have access to in your own home. Thus, they can help clean your teeth and other oral tissues far more thoroughly than you could yourself.
- Education: A dental cleaning gives you the chance to speak with a professional about your oral health. Take this opportunity to ask the dentist any questions you may have about dental hygiene, cavity prevention, and more.
What Does a Professional Dental Cleaning Involve?
Although the specifics of the dental cleaning process can sometimes vary depending on the needs of a patient, typically, the process involves these steps:
- Examination: Using small mirrors, the dentist or dental hygienist will check your teeth for signs of conditions that may require attention.
- Scaling: Next, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar by scraping it away with a small instrument called a scaler.
- Brushing: Professional dental cleanings usually conclude with brushing of a patient’s teeth. Dentists and dental hygienists use special “gritty” toothpastes that scrub and polish teeth more effectively than typical over-the-counter toothpastes.
Your dentist may also offer deep cleaning. They’ll explain whether this is a service from which you would benefit.
How Often Do I Need a Professional Dental Cleaning?
The ADA and other such professional organizations typically encourage adults to schedule dental cleanings at least once every six months. However, some patients may have reason to schedule dental cleanings more frequently. Potential reasons to do so include:
- Gum disease: A patient with periodontal disease may require more frequent cleaning than most other patients. That said, seeing a dentist regularly for cleanings is often an effective way to guard against gum disease in the first place.
- Health conditions: Various health conditions can leave someone more vulnerable to oral and dental health issues. For example, someone with a weakened immune system might need extra dental cleanings to prevent infections.
- Habits and lifestyle: People who smoke, consume large quantities of sweet foods, or engage in other such habits are at greater-than-average risk of experiencing dental decay and related issues. As such, they may benefit from scheduling dental cleanings more often than others.
Discuss this matter in greater detail with your dentist if you have concerns. They can explain how frequently you should schedule a cleaning, and why. By working together, you and your dentist can keep your teeth healthy for life!
Learn More About Dental Cleanings in NYC
At Smiles on the Upper Westside, we’d be happy to answer your dental and oral health questions during your next cleaning. Contact us online today or call us at 212-222-5225 to request an appointment.
Gone are the days when the only treatment available for a dental misalignment consisted of traditional metal and wire braces. Although there are some instances when patients have severe malocclusions that only braces can correct, according to a study in the journal Progress in Orthodontics, Invisalign is an effective option for the treatment of mild to moderate malocclusions.
The best way to determine the right treatment method for your needs is to speak with a dentist. A professional can evaluate the condition of your teeth and explain why a particular treatment option may be best.
That said, you also need to account for a range of factors when choosing between multiple treatment options. One such factor is your budget.
Perhaps you’d like to know whether Invisalign is more affordable than traditional braces. Keep reading to learn more.
What You Need to Know About Invisalign
Invisalign treatment requires patients to wear custom aligners for a certain length of time every day. If you choose this treatment method, the dentist will provide you with instructions on how often you should wear the aligners. Over time, the aligners move your teeth into a healthy position.
As the name implies, Invisalign aligners are clear, making them virtually impossible to see when you’re wearing them. Many patients prefer Invisalign for this reason.
Additionally, patients who wear braces often need to avoid certain types of food until their braces are off. They may also have some difficulty thoroughly brushing and flossing.
These aren’t common issues among patients who opt for Invisalign treatment. Patients remove Invisalign aligners before eating, brushing, and flossing, allowing them to continue eating what they wish while also addressing their oral hygiene needs.
Which is More Affordable: Invisalign or Braces?
It’s important to understand that the cost of both braces and Invisalign can vary from one patient to another. Factors such as the length of treatment and the severity of a misalignment can all influence how much money a patient may spend on either treatment option.
According to the American Dental Association’s 2020 Survey of Dental Fees, the average cost of traditional braces is between $4,200 and $6,000. The average cost of Invisalign treatment is between $3,000 and $8,000.
Thus, it’s difficult to say whether Invisalign is more cost-effective than braces. In some instances, it may be the more economical option, but in other scenarios, a patient might actually save money by opting for braces.
Braces vs. Invisalign: Discuss the Topic With a Dentist
A dentist can better explain which of these two treatment methods will cost more in your particular case. They can also discuss other factors you might wish to consider when choosing a treatment option, such as the different maintenance and upkeep needs of braces and Invisalign aligners. Their expert advice will help you confidently decide which treatment is best for your needs and budget.
Learn More About Invisalign in New York City
At Smiles on the Upper Westside, our team is on hand to explain why Invisalign may benefit you. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 212-222-5225 to request an appointment.
You’re not alone if you worry about tooth discoloration. According to a study in the Journal of West African College of Surgeons, tooth discoloration is a relatively common reason for patients to seek treatment at a dental clinic.
Many factors, from your dental hygiene to the foods you eat, can contribute to (or detract from) the brightness of your smile. Luckily, there are also several ways you can whiten your teeth.
You may be wondering which are most effective. The following overview will answer your questions on this subject.
Common options for whitening your teeth include:
Using Whitening Toothpaste
Opting for toothpaste that advertises whitening effects may be a way to manage minor staining. Ask your dentist to recommend a whitening toothpaste that delivers ideal results.
Patients should be aware that a review of the existing literature on this topic in the Journal of Dentistry indicates that whitening toothpastes may primarily remove surface level stains on teeth. However, they might be less effective at removing deeper staining.
Over-the-Counter White Strips & Trays
Those who wish for more thorough whitening effects than toothpaste can provide may opt for over-the-counter whitening strips. However, a study in Brazilian Oral Research indicates that such products may not be as effective as professional whitening treatments.
There are several reasons this is the case. First, over-the-counter whitening products tend to use weaker ingredients than those in professional-grade products. Additionally, a dentist can’t supervise or monitor a patient when they use over-the-counter whitening strips. Patients may thus make mistakes when using these products that could limit their effectiveness.
The Benefits of Professional Whitening Treatment
Do you want to be confident you’re getting your money’s worth when you choose a teeth whitening method? If so, ask your dentist about their whitening services.
An in-office whitening treatment usually takes no longer than an hour. The treatment typically involves the following steps:
- Evaluating the overall staining of a patient’s teeth
- Protecting the gums from irritation with a special gel or rubber shield that prevents the whitening agent from coming into contact with them
- Applying a whitening agent to a patient’s teeth
- Speeding up and enhancing the whitening process with a specialized light
A professional whitening treatment like this will usually result in teeth being three to four shades lighter.
Additionally, many dentists who offer in-office whitening treatments also offer at-home whitening trays that deliver superior results to those a patient could achieve through over-the-counter products. These treatments are more effective than other products in part because they involve wearing trays that have been customized to fit a given patient’s teeth.
Patients may choose professional at-home bleaching if they want to skip an in-office treatment. However, some patients use these at-home kits to complement or supplement the results achieved through in-office whitening.
Teeth Whitening Options: The Importance of Coordinating With a Professional
Whether you’re ready to schedule a professional whitening treatment or you simply want to know more about which whitening toothpastes are best, it’s wise to discuss this issue with your dentist. Their insights can help you feel confident you’ve chosen the right teeth whitening method for your needs.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening in Manhattan, NY
At Smiles on the Upper Westside, we offer both in-office and at-home professional whitening treatments. For more information about what we can do for you and your teeth, contact us online or call us at 212-222-5225 to request an appointment.
The Invisalign system is an alternative to traditional metal and wire braces that allows patients to correct their smiles by wearing aligners and retainers that (as the name implies) are virtually invisible.
The fact that Invisalign retainers and trays are discreet may be the most common reason patients choose this treatment option. However, it’s also worth noting that maintaining Invisalign trays and retainers is fairly easy.
Generally, Invisalign upkeep consists of cleaning retainers and trays. Keep reading to learn how to do so properly.
Use Official Cleaning Products to Clean Invisalign Retainers & Trays
Invisalign treatment offers many benefits. Relatively easy maintenance is just one of them.
You may wish to purchase the official Invisalign cleaning system when you begin Invisalign treatment. The system consists of a cleaning tub and several packets of cleaning crystals. To clean your Invisalign retainers or trays with the system, follow these steps:
- Remove your Invisalign retainer or trays before brushing your teeth
- Use tap water to gently rinse the retainer or trays
- Place the retainer or trays in the cleaning tub and submerge them in warm water
- Pour in the cleaning crystals from one packet
- Shake the tub gently to avoid spilling for about 20 seconds, or until all the crystals appear to be dissolved
- Soak the retainer and trays in the cleaning tub for a minimum of 15 minutes
- Gently shake the cleaning tub again for another 20 seconds
- Remove the retainer and trays
- Rinse the retainer and trays under warm water again
- Rinse the tub
Removing and cleaning your Invisalign retainer and trays every time you brush your teeth allows you to thoroughly remove food and bacteria. Doing so guards against cavities, gum disease, and other such oral health issues.
Cleaning Invisalign Retainers & Trays With Denture Cleaning Products
If you don’t have Invisalign’s official cleaning products on hand, you can also clean your retainer and trays with a denture cleaning product. The process involves following the same steps from the above section of this guide. You may want to ask your dentist to recommend an effective denture cleaner for this purpose.
In a pinch, you can create a solution of one part peroxide, one part water. Consider this option if you need to clean your Invisalign retainer or aligners now and only have access to household products.
Cleaning Invisalign Retainers & Trays: Ask Your Dentist for More Information
Invisalign retainers and trays require fairly minimal upkeep. Ensuring your trays and/or retainers stay clean throughout treatment is neither particularly difficult nor time-consuming.
Be aware, your dentist might offer more guidance for cleaning your Invisalign products beyond what this overview touches on. Be sure to follow their advice, and ask them any additional questions you may have about cleaning the Invisalign system. They’ll gladly discuss the topic with you in greater detail.
Learn More About Invisalign in New York, NY
At Smiles on the Upper Westside, our team can help determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment, and we can explain how to thoroughly clean your Invisalign retainers and trays. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 212-222-5225 to request an appointment.
A filling is often an effective treatment for dental decay. However, sometimes dental decay is so widespread that a dental crown is necessary.
A dental crown is essentially a tooth-shaped cap. Installing a crown over a decaying or damaged tooth may help preserve said tooth.
You may have questions about this treatment option if your dentist recommends it. For instance, perhaps you’re wondering what a dental crown is made of.
The following guide lists the various common materials for dental crowns. As always, your dentist can answer any additional questions you might have on this topic.
Common Materials for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns may consist of several potential materials. They include:
- Ceramic: Ceramic is a popular choice for dental crowns because it easily resembles the appearance of a natural, healthy tooth. A dentist may offer this crown if you’re covering a tooth that tends to be visible.
- Porcelain and metal: Some dental crowns consist of porcelain atop a metal frame. A dentist may recommend this type of crown for a molar, as the metal frame is durable enough to ensure chewing doesn’t easily damage the crown. However, because portions of the metal base may be visible upon close inspection, a dentist might not recommend this type of crown for a front tooth.
- Gold alloy: A dentist might account for a patient’s dental and oral health habits when deciding what type of crown is ideal for them. For example, because gold alloy crowns are remarkably durable, dentists sometimes offer them to patients who tend to grind their teeth.
- Base metal alloy: A base metal alloy crown is another durable option a dentist might consider if a patient needs a crown that won’t be easy to damage. Often, a dentist will suggest gold alloy crowns and base metal alloy crowns for molars, as these types of crowns don’t resemble natural teeth the way ceramic crowns do.
No single type of dental crown is universally superior to all others. Your dentist can discuss the pros and cons of each option in greater detail to help you better determine what dental crown material best serves your needs.
Common Reasons for a Dental Crown
Although widespread dental decay is typically the reason a dentist may recommend a crown, there are other circumstances in which a crown might be necessary. Examples include the following:
- Preserving a tooth after a root canal treatment
- Protecting and improving the appearance of a broken, cracked, or otherwise fractured tooth
- Adding support to a tooth with a large filling
- Improving the appearance of teeth that are discolored or misshapen
- Restoring a tooth that has worn down as a result of tooth grinding
Installing a crown is also among the last steps in the dental implant procedure. Once the implant has fused with a patient’s jawbone and the dentist has installed an abutment, they will install a crown to cover the implant.
Be aware that a crown can stay in good condition for a long time with proper upkeep. According to one study in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, when a patient coordinates with a dentist, it’s not uncommon for a crown to last decades.
Dental Crown Materials: Several Options to Consider
Understanding the nature of any dental treatment you receive may be one of your top priorities when seeing a dentist. Thus, you should feel free to ask your dentist to explain why a particular type of dental crown is right for you if they recommend one. A professional who’s familiar with the various options will help you select the ideal dental crown material.
Learn More About Dental Crowns in New York, NY
At Smiles on the Upper Westside, we’re always happy to answer our patients questions about dental crowns and any other treatment we offer. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 212-222-5225 to request an appointment.
Teeth whitening strips are an over-the-counter alternative to professional teeth whitening. While these strips can whiten teeth if applied according to the package directions, they are less effective than professional methods and may cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
How Teeth Whitening Strips Work
Teeth whitening strips generally have the same active ingredients as professional whitening gels but in lower concentrations. The most common active ingredient is carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide when it contacts water. Carbamide peroxide penetrates below the outermost enamel layer of the tooth and into the dentin, where it breaks down pigment molecules.
Typically, the manufacturer directs you to wear over-the-counter strips twice daily for two weeks. Each whitening session takes about half an hour.
You may start to notice results after a few days. The strips can whiten your teeth by one or two shades.
Over-the-Counter vs. Professional Whitening
Safety
Over-the-counter strips may cause more tooth sensitivity and gum irritation than professional methods, especially if you use them more often than the package directions recommend.
Some over-the-counter strips contain too much hydrogen peroxide. These strips can cause structural enamel damage and demineralization. Under a dentist’s supervision, you are less likely to encounter this problem.
Effectiveness
Teeth whitening strips whiten your teeth by one or two shades at a time. In contrast, professional whitening can provide stunning results in just one or two sessions, with five to six shades of color change.
Longer Lasting
If you receive professional teeth whitening, the effects could last as long as one to three years. You may receive touch-up trays with at-home whitening gel to keep your smile bright.
Cost
You may believe that over-the-counter strips are more affordable than professional whitening. When you add up the cost of buying a teeth whitening kit every few weeks compared to the long-lasting effects of professional whitening, you may change your mind.
Keeping Your Smile Bright
No matter which teeth whitening method you choose, your oral care habits will make a difference in how long the treatment lasts. Ensure that you brush and floss as your dentist recommends. Attend all cleaning appointments with your dentist.
Avoid highly pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, cola, and red wine in the days following your whitening session. You may want to avoid them in the long term to prolong the effects of teeth whitening.
Deciding How to Whiten Your Teeth
Most over-the-counter teeth whitening strips work when used carefully, but professional whitening produces more noticeable, longer-lasting results. If you want to whiten your teeth comfortably and without impacting your oral health, you may want to consider professional treatment.
Call Smiles On The Upper Westside
Teeth whitening can be an excellent way to improve your self-confidence and brighten your smile. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and want to make a lasting change, call Smiles on the Upper Westside at 212-222-5225. We can help you decide which teeth whitening method is best for you.
Dental veneers are a useful way to improve the appearance of your smile. They provide a faster, more affordable alternative to performing multiple cosmetic procedures. They are durable, attractive, and stain-resistant.
Porcelain veneers may last as long as 15 years with proper care, while composite veneers last four to eight years.
This blog will explain how veneers work, compare the two available types, and give tips for successful wear.
How Veneers Work
A dental veneer is a wafer-thin layer of porcelain or composite material that covers various cosmetic flaws. To start placing veneers, the dentist first takes photos and impressions of your teeth.
Next, the dentist removes a thin enamel layer from the forward-facing tooth surfaces and takes more impressions. The impressions go to the lab to help create well-fitting porcelain or composite veneers. When the veneers return from the lab, the dentist applies them with special cement.
Veneers can simultaneously replace multiple cosmetic procedures, correcting crooked, gapped, stained, misshapen, and chipped teeth. They are often an affordable alternative to more comprehensive smile makeovers and usually take just two appointments to install.
Veneers are not removable; after placing them for the first time, you must replace them as scheduled. Since the dentist removes a layer of enamel, you will need the veneers to protect your teeth.
After placing veneers, you can expect them to last several years. Porcelain veneers are the longest-lasting and most stain-resistant option, but they cost slightly more than composites. Either type of veneer can produce impressive results, but porcelain veneers appear more lifelike thanks to the material’s properties.
Are Instant Veneers A Good Option?
Buying premade resin veneers may sound like a good idea, but these veneers (often purchased online) cannot give you the same beautiful results as custom veneers created by your dentist.
How To Make Your Veneers Last Longer
While veneers are long-lasting, you need to be careful with your maintenance routine and lifestyle habits to achieve the best possible results:
- After getting veneers, maintain proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing as directed, and keep all cleaning and exam appointments with your dentist.
- Wear a mouthguard at night if you are prone to tooth grinding or clenching.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play any contact sports.
- Do not use your teeth as tools, such as for opening packages or wrappers.
- Be careful with hard foods like nuts and candy.
- Do not bite any non-food objects like pens or ice.
Call Smiles On The Upper Westside
If you feel uncomfortable with your teeth’s appearance, you may want to choose long-lasting porcelain or composite veneers to correct them. Veneers are minimally invasive and can correct multiple cosmetic problems at once.
To discover more about veneers and schedule an appointment for a consultation, please call Smiles on the Upper Westside at 212-222-5225. We can introduce you to our veneer options and help you decide on the best fit.
Invisalign is a highly effective orthodontic system that can transform your smile in a matter of months. This system creates beautiful results without the disadvantages of braces.
Is Invisalign Effective?
When patients follow the dentist’s instructions, the system works as intended. It typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete the treatment. An extensive clinical review published in 2018 found that Invisalign is a viable alternative to traditional braces.
How Invisalign Works
The Invisalign system creates a series of graduated plastic aligners that shift your teeth into optimal positions over time. These aligners work gently by putting pressure on individual teeth to encourage them to move.
The dentist first takes digital impressions of your mouth using the iTero intraoral scanner. Using these scans, the dentist creates a 3-D digital model of your teeth so you can see the outcome of your orthodontic treatment.
The dentist uses 3-D scan data to plan the movement of each tooth, creating an individual strategy that will work for you. The dentist translates these designs into a set of aligners that you will change every one to two weeks to produce tooth movement.
Invisalign prints the aligners from special medical-grade plastic engineered to be durable, comfortable, and stain-resistant. When you receive your aligners, you can start wearing them right away. You will visit the dentist approximately once every six weeks for a checkup.
Benefits of Invisalign
Comfortable
Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It has no sharp parts that can cut into delicate oral tissues, and its sleek, low-profile design fits your teeth precisely.
Discreet
No one needs to know that you are straightening your teeth with Invisalign. Adult and teen patients do not enjoy the extra attention that comes with visible braces, and they appreciate the ability to straighten their teeth in private.
Effective
When worn for 20-22 hours per day, as recommended, Invisalign is as effective as braces. It can correct spacing, alignment, and minor to moderate bite issues.
Better Oral Health
Braces patients can’t always keep their teeth as clean as they would like. Wires and brackets make it challenging to brush and floss. Sometimes braces patients’ oral health suffers. Invisalign comes out for cleaning, meaning you can easily floss, brush, and remove all plaque and food particles.
No Dietary Restrictions
Invisalign comes out for eating and drinking as well. This feature means no food restrictions as you may experience with braces.
Easy-Clean Aligners
Since the aligners are removable, keeping them clean is a simple process. The easiest way is to use Invisalign’s branded cleaning system. You can also clean them with clear, unscented liquid soap and water. Avoid using denture cleaners and abrasive toothpaste.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Most patients who want to straighten their teeth discreetly are excellent candidates for Invisalign. As long as your jaw has finished growing, you can receive the treatment. Patients with missing teeth or severe bite issues may need to choose braces.
Call Smiles on the Upper Westside
If you want to straighten your teeth, we can help. Call or text our office at 212-222-5225 for more information about Invisalign and how we can help you create a beautiful smile.
Popular misinformation spreads the myth that dental cleanings may harm tooth enamel. Dental cleanings are safe procedures that do not damage teeth. However, poor oral health habits and acid wear are to blame for many enamel issues.
The Dental Cleaning Process
A dental cleaning is also known as oral prophylaxis. It is a vital preventive procedure that removes plaque, tartar, food particles, and surface stains.
Step 1: Comprehensive Oral Exam
The first step is a thorough examination of your mouth, head, and neck. The dentist or hygienist checks for abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer or other problems.
Step 2: X-Rays
Dentists usually order digital X-rays once a year. X-rays can detect hidden problems like decay, cracked teeth, and abscesses.
Step 3: Scaling
Scaling removes tartar (calculus) from your teeth. We use a water-cooled ultrasonic device to loosen tartar. This instrument makes scaling more comfortable and more effective.
Step 4: Cleaning and Polishing
Next, the hygienist cleans the teeth using gentle instruments and polishes your teeth to a beautiful shine. This step uses professional toothpaste that is slightly more abrasive than over-the-counter preparations but does not harm enamel.
Step 5: Flossing
The hygienist will floss your teeth and let you know whether you need to work on oral care at home.
Step 6: Rinsing
A thorough rinse follows flossing.
Step 7: Fluoride Treatments
Children and teens receive fluoride treatments, and adults may also receive them. Fluoride helps to harden enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Why Receive Regular Cleanings?
Dentists recommend that most patients from infancy through adulthood receive dental cleanings twice yearly. If you already have signs of gum disease, the dentist may want to clean and scale your teeth more frequently.
Dental cleanings are a vital contributor to oral health:
- Prevent and treat gum disease, which can cause tooth loss
- Detect early stages of tooth decay using X-rays
- Detect oral cancer and other abnormalities at earlier stages when they are easier to treat
What if My Gums Bleed During a Dental Cleaning?
If your gums bleed during a dental cleaning, you must step up your oral care routine at home. Ensure that you brush and floss as recommended. You may need treatment for gum disease if the condition persists.
Starting Early
Oral care habits should start at a very early age. Today, dentists recommend that infants receive dental cleanings and exams as soon as their first teeth have erupted. These first cleanings help children become accustomed to the procedure and reduce dental anxiety later in life.
Debunking the Myths
Dental cleanings have no real risks but many benefits. Always ensure that you search for dental information from safe,reliable sources.
Call Smiles on the Upper Westside
If you have questions about dental cleanings or need to make an appointment, please call or text our Manhattan office at 212-222-5225. We would be glad to help you understand the benefits of regular dental cleanings.