Tag Archives: bronx cosmetic dentistry

One-Day Super Bowl Crowns

Broncos won the super bowl crown; you can get a crown of your own! At Morris Park Dental you can get a crown of your very own in one day. The Super Bowl this past Sunday demonstrates a triumph that many fans enjoyed. The fiftieth Super Bowl was full of glamor and athletic power of the players and the fantastic musicians brought the big game to life. Now you can do the same. If you are in need of a crown, there is no need to wait. A one-day crown is yours for the taking.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that is shaped and positioned over a tooth. The cap is cemented over the tooth that is visible above the gum line. The crown is the color of the tooth so no one will notice. The cap is secure and protects the tooth. Get the coverage you need using the amazing technology of CAD/CAM technology. All you have to do as the patient is show up; the dentists and technology do the rest. This means no more lengthy appointment and frequent visits that wastes time. The process is easy, quick, and the rest of the day is yours to spend, as you like.

When A Crown Is Needed

A person needs a dental crown when teeth need strengthening. Sometimes this is from cavities, soft teeth, or weak gums. Crowns are often used for cosmetic issues and for teeth that suffered decay and need strengthening. Also, crowns help when teeth are weak and broken. A crown can help cosmetically too. Crowns can cover implants, dental bridges. They even can cover stained and discolored teeth. Most people need help with his or her teeth. Rarely is anyone born with perfect teeth. Why should the process be hard and long? Come to Morris Park Dental and get your crown in one-day. You can walk out feeling and looking amazing using our CAD/CAM technology with from our 4ED machine. Use this to help fill a cavity, hide a chip, or cover discolored teeth. Whatever your need is, talk to the staff and we got you covered. The procedure is easy and fast.

Types of Dental Crowns

The new technology uses ceramic and is a very comfortable and desirable look. Other types of crowns exist, like porcelain fused to high noble metal, gold, and more. Listed are the other options of crowns. You name your desires and needs, we can make your mouth shine, look amazing, and make cavities disappear.

a. Metal – Crowns are also known as base-metal alloy. The metal crowns can come in a gold alloy, palladium, chromium, nickel, or other types of alloy. When using metal crowns, less tooth structure is in need to remove when installing metal crowns. The tooth wear is minimal. Chewing and biting into foods is not a problem when using metal crowns. Metal crowns last long and are strong. The metal crowns seldom break or chip. Many times metal crowns are chosen for molars.
b. Stainless Steel – Crowns that are used on permanent teeth are sometimes temporary, and stainless steel is the perfect type of crown for these kinds of fixes. Stainless steel is also a good choice to use on children’s teeth. For instance, the crown is used to protect the initial tooth, and another one is made to fit the tooth. The crown is used to protect the tooth while another material is used for the filling. The crown covers the whole tooth and guards it against additional decay. Then when the main tooth falls out for the adult tooth, the crown comes out easily with the baby tooth. Stainless steel works great with children because the crown does not require many dental visits to maintain, which at Morris Park Dental the job is done in one day using the best technology,
c. Porcelain or All-ceramic – This type of crown gives a natural look because of the natural color. Many people with allergies opt for porcelain or all-ceramic crowns. The downside of this sort of crown is that porcelain is not as strong as then other options and may wear down. You can speak to your Dentist to see if this is the best choice.
d. Porcelain Fused with Metal – have a natural color look to them and are often used on back teeth or front. Only the metal underneath sometimes shows a little. On the other hand porcelain type crowns are not resistant to chipping. Choosing the best material for each patient is essential when placing a crown. Choosing the best strategy like the teams chose plays at the super bowl is important before launching the ball and reaching for the end zone.
e. Milled or Zirconia –are digitally created using hardware or software and are made either in a lab or the dental office. The types of crown don’t need impression., which is a comfort bonus for the patient.
f. All-resin – A patient may choose an all-resin crown to save money. This type of crown can wear faster, so the patient needs to plan for future crowns to replace the worn out crown, but crowns in need quick, like a quick run for the end zone, may choose this type of crown for a quick and immediate fix.
g. Permanent or Temporary Crown – You may question on whether to get a permanent or temporary crown. In general, a temporary crown is made in the dental office while permanent crowns are sent to a lab and made. The materials vary too. Temporary crowns are often made of stainless steel or acrylic, and permanent crowns are often made of other materials constructed in a lab. At Morris Park Dental this choose is easy because we do crown in one day with the use of fantastic technology. Why wait to reach the end zone receive your crown today at Morris Park Dental.

Selecting Dental Crowns

Selecting the best type of crown for you is made easy with the help of the Dentists and staff at Morris Park Dental. Out one-day options make scoring those six points plus the extra kick a breeze. You’ll walk out feeling fantastic and your teeth beautiful.

CAD/CAM Technology

The innovative technology of CAD/CAM makes getting and dental crown easy and fast. The computer aids in helping manufacture a new crown for your tooth in less than a day. Just like the coverage the Bronco teammates provided for one another during the Super Bowl, we at Morris Park Dental have you covered. You come in for your visit and leave refreshed and your tooth covered. The computer-aided design and manufactures the crowns while you wait. The type of crown that is made using technology is ceramic, which as stated prior is comfortable, natural looking, and fantastic for people with allergies. After the crown is made the dentist glues on the crown. You are done by the end of your appointment which may last as little as an hour.

One-Day Crowns

That’s right! You can have a dental crown by the end of your appointment. How is this done? The procedure begins by numbing the area. Then the dentist drills the tooth to shape and fit a crown. Next the dentist uses a small camera to make a three-dimensional picture of the drilled tooth. This is used instead of the old-school messy clay impressions. An image is generated on the computer screen to show what the crown will look like. A machine then makes the crown from the dimensions given from the computer. This takes about fifteen minutes for the computer to mold the ceramic crown and the dentist can glue the crown onto the tooth immediately after.

E4D Machine

The new technology uses E4D machine that is similar to a Cerec and bridges that are sent out to the lab for perfection. Make your big play and schedule an appointment to get your tooth covered today. If the Broncos can win the Super Bowl with the coverage of their teammates, then you can win your very own crown with the coverage of this amazing technology through Morris Park Dental.

Dental Crowns and the Super Bowl

Get the coverage you need and feel the win of your crown just like the Broncos won the crown this past Super Bowl 50. One-day crowns mean no more uncomfortable molds in your mouth and waiting for the mold to dry, and then waiting fro the crown while it is made, end then installing the crown on the tooth. This saves days and even weeks of work and waiting!

We love hearing feedback from our clients, customers, and friends. Please visit us on any of our social media sites and leave feedback. For more information about Morris Park Dental like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RyeDentist. We love feedback from our patients, also, feel welcome to a review on our website at http://www.ryedentist.com/testimonials. Don’t forget to add us on Google at https://plus.google.com/+Ryedentist/

Are you embarrassed by your smile? Are you afraid to show your teeth in photos? You’re not alone! Many celebrities started off with less than perfect smiles, but have transformed their teeth (and their careers!) with Cosmetic Dentistry! At Morris Park Dental, we can help you achieve the Award-Winning smile you deserve and step into the spotlight once more.

Morris Park Dental wants to promote the confidence level of those who are not born with perfect teeth. Most people are not born with perfect teeth. And the wear and tear that we put on our teeth every day can cause them to fall into further states of disrepair! Teeth require so much care and attention because there is no natural way that a bad tooth is going to be repaired itself.

Would you laugh freely if your teeth are yellow, unaligned or long & pointy? People cover their mouths with hands while laughing due to this very reason. Why do we adore the smiles of Hollywood heartthrobs? How would anyone give a flashing big smile on the red carpet if his or her teeth were not utterly perfect? Why are the divas on beauty pageant stages always giving full bright smile no matter whether they win or not? When we answer all these questions, we come to the conclusion that smile is an essential component to enhancing one’s beauty. Without perfect teeth, nobody could smile confidently, and thus, the requirement of beauty is not complete.

The dentists at Morris Park Dental can alter the appearance, size, and shape of your teeth without any invasive surgical methods to give you a Picture Perfect Smile. This is probably why we see so many people opting for cosmetic dentistry. The options of having straight, white and properly sized teeth could be easily achieved with Cosmetic Dentistry. Morris Park Dental offers services like Zoom Teeth Whitening, Invisalign Teeth Straightening, Dental Veneers, Dental Implants, and more. If you want that Oscar winning smile Morris Park Dental has the tools and skills to give you that perfect smile.

Let’s have a look at some cosmetic dentistry procedures and the stars that utilized them to get the Red Carpet smiles we recognize today!

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is probably the most common type of cosmetic dentistry. Teeth discoloration is very common. Our teeth can become yellow or discolored due to many factors, including age, tobacco or drug use, dental trauma, and even from drinking coffee or red wine! Many famous celebrities undergo teeth whitening treatment regularly because they could not afford to lose their shine. David Beckham, 2015 People Magazine Sexiest Man Alive has transformed his smile with teeth whitening. Photographs exist from his early days where his teeth are not shining white but today, his teeth are sparkling thanks to Teeth Whitening. Amber Rose and Lindsay Lohan are other celebrities who owe their pearly whites to Teeth Whitening! Our office uses Zoom Teeth Whitening technology to get your teeth up to six shades whiter in as little as one hour!

Teeth Straightening with Invisalign Clear Aligners

Crooked teeth are not as aesthetically pleasing as straight teeth. People with splayed teeth often find it hard to talk easily and could also have pain in their jaws due to malocclusion. While traditional metal braces help change the direction of teeth and make your teeth straight and even, there are a lot of downsides: it is harder to clean in between the wires and brackets so the patient’s dental hygiene can suffer, the metal brackets are uncomfortable and sharp in your mouth, and then you have to put up with the ugly metal in your mouth! With Invisalign Clear Aligners, you get the same benefits of traditional metal braces without the negative side effects. These issues could be resolved at any age, and one should always decide to go for correction methods instead of living a less confident life.

Rumor has it that stars like Tom Cruise and Katherine Heigl used to wear Invisalign invisible aligners. Tom Cruise also got teeth whitening and later opted for dental veneers. Similarly, Zac Efron had front teeth with a gap and he is said to have taken help with orthodontics or removable braces or aligners. Matthew Lewis from Harry Potter used orthodontics to straighten his teeth as well. These techniques work wonders and is most opted for badly aligned teeth. Just like David, Victoria Beckham, a beautiful name today, was born with bad teeth. She had to make sure that her teeth are perfect once she became famous. For this purpose, she had to use methods to fill the gaps between her teeth and also to align them.

I bet you didn’t even know they had orthodontic work done! That’s because they used Invisalign clear aligners, to straighten their teeth without looking metal braces! This dental correction method is used to align teeth in approximately one to two years and has the added benefit that you don’t need unsightly metal brackets.

Dental Veneers

If we compare smiles of Miley Cyrus from her Hannah Montana days, she has improved the shape and color of her teeth by using dental veneers. She became a celebrity at such young age and with her previous smile, she would have always looked like a schoolgirl. Now she has a grown up smile worthy of the red carpet. Kristin Dunst is another a beauty born with small teeth, which made her look younger and less mature. After dental veneers, she finally looked ready for more mature leading lady roles, and her career benefited from the transformation!

Rumor also has it that Hilary Duff chipped her tooth on a microphone and opted to get veneers on all her teeth rather than try to color match one tooth.

Jessica Alba’s teeth required veneers & contouring to make them look even and sharper. She also improved the color of her teeth after reshaping them. Natalie Portman needed some contouring for her teeth. She has a big set of teeth that is entirely visible when she laughs. Without proper color and contour treatments, her teeth would have never looked the same.

Stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hilary Duff, Morgan Freeman, and George Clooney, had to make the appearance of their teeth look more regular by choosing veneers. Veneers help with discolored, broken/chipped, irregular or gapped teeth.

Bonding or Crowns

Jim Carrey fixed his chipped tooth years ago, but he removed the crown for his role in “Dumb and Dumber.” Chipped teeth can be easily repaired with dental bonding. However, if the tooth is severely broken or decayed you may need a Dental Crown.

Dental Implants

We should never take our teeth for granted. Sometimes, due to any accident, we could lose any of our teeth. This is especially true for sports stars, where high impact injuries can cause them to lose a tooth on the job. Some people are born with teeth that deteriorate very easily, and may be impossible to restore if not treated in time. In cases of missing or non-restorable, dental implants are a great option and are the closest thing to a real tooth you can get.

One celebrity with dental implants is actor Ed Helms who appeared toothless in his movie “Hangover.” Ed, like 5% of the population, was born missing a single tooth due to a birth defect (known as a congenitally missing tooth). He opted for a dental implant to replace the missing tooth, but removed the crown for his role in the Hangover movie.

Nicholas Cage had to go for dental implants because he had to remove two of his front teeth for a movie character in “Birdy.” He was planning to get those baby teeth removed anyway, for aesthetic reasons, but went through the procedure without anesthesia to better understand the character, a wounded Vietnam War veteran. The new version of Nicholas Cage has a perfect smile and flashing straight teeth.

Contact Morris Park Dental for a Hollywood Smile today!

If you are also concerned about the appearance, size or structure of your teeth, then call us today at (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) or request a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation online. We will help you feel complete again with an Oscar-worthy smile.

With Presidents Day coming up, we’ve been thinking about the story of George Washington’s wooden teeth. In fact, George Washington had several sets of dentures, none of which were made of wood. Thankfully, today we have many more options than those available to America’s first President, including Same Day Dentures, Dental Implants, Overdentures and All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures, many of which can be completed in as little as one day! If you are missing teeth, Morris Park Dental has a solution for you!

What were George Washington’s Dentures Made of?

America’s very first president began losing teeth even in his twenties and was finally forced to wear several sets of unattractive dentures. By the time he was admitted to the office of president in 1789, Washington only had a single natural tooth left. Dental problems plagued Washington for most of his adult life. Instead of wood, Washington’s many false choppers were made out of varying combinations of human teeth, metal fasteners and rare ivory from the hippopotamus. Ivory from elephant and walrus may also have been used, along with lead, gold metal springs, wires, and brass screws. None of these materials looked very natural, nor were they comfortable. George Washington may have also gone through a “tooth transplantation” operation, a precursor to today’s dental implant procedures.

What are Dentures?
As we age, our teeth can become loose or decayed and fall out or have to be extracted. The denture is a removable plate or frame holding one or more fabricated teeth. Dentures have been around for many years, as evidenced by the story of George Washington, but today they are made of more modern materials like metal and plastic, and can be color-matched closely with any natural teeth in the patient’s mouth.

There are two basic types of dentures: Complete or Partial. A complete denture replaces a full set of teeth (top or bottom, or both), while a Partial denture is used when a patient still has some natural teeth but is missing one or more teeth.

The partial denture usually has clasps which snap into your existing teeth. A partial denture is great, not only to disguise missing teeth, but also because it keeps your existing natural teeth from shifting, and it helps save the space from further bone loss.

In order to make a Complete denture, the dentist takes an impression of the patient’s gums, which is used to create a mold. This mold is then used as the basis of a wax model to which the teeth are added. The model is tested in the patient’s mouth to confirm it will be suitable in size and color, and for the formation of a plate that fits snugly in the mouth. Plates made from acrylic resin are compatible with dentures that require an artificial gumline because the material can be tinted to resemble the patient’s natural gum color. Metal plates, however, carry less risk of breaking. They are also stronger and provide a better fit. This makes metal ideal for partial plates that are fully hidden behind the remaining natural teeth.

Because our office has an in-house lab, both partial dentures and complete dentures can be made in as little as one day! Other offices which send their dentures to an outside lab can take as many as five individual visits for you to get your dentures. Our motto is: Why Wait? You can get back to eating the foods you enjoy in as little as one day.

What are the Drawbacks of Dentures?

Partial and full dentures need to be cleaned daily just like natural teeth. If the cleaning is not done correctly, plaque and tartar will build up on your dentures. This will cause stains, gum problems and bad breath. Plaque from your dentures can also spread to your natural teeth and gums, leading to gum disease and dental cavities.

In addition, even if you have dentures you should still come in to see the dentist for checkups and oral cancer screenings, as well as periodic adjustments. As a person ages, their jaw bones shrink and gums recede, and the denture will no longer fit like it once did. Dentures can also break and may need to be repaired.

Finally, even with dentures that are custom fitted to your mouth, you still may experience discomfort or rubbing, difficulty eating with the denture in, and problems speaking clearly. Some people just are not happy with their dentures, no matter how many times they come in for adjustments.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a relatively recent type of prosthetic device that replaces a natural tooth. Almost all dental implants in our modern world are made from titanium or titanium alloy. These are elements that have been proven over hundreds of years to be well tolerated by bone. To support replacement teeth, dental implants, for the most part, have post space or internal screw thread that allows components to be fitted. Once installed, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures. You can have any number of teeth substituted with implants – ranging from one single tooth to a complete set of dentition.

If you have several teeth absent with your gums and jaw are in healthy condition, you may benefit from dental implants. With outstanding oral hygiene, dental implants can last up to 20 years without the need for a substitute.

Dental implants are often a favored choice for people who have only one or two teeth missing, but they can be a great alternative to dentures if you have a full mouth of missing teeth. As long as your gums and jaw are in good form, implants can serve as a base of support for a number of replacement teeth, and can be used to support a full denture (known as an All-on-4 or Implant supported denture).

What are All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures?

All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures, they do not come out of your mouth but are screwed into 4 separate implants, which hold the denture in place. All-on-4 can also be completed in as little as one day, thanks to our in-house lab.

Dental implants are a “built to last” solution. If you consult a dentist, they would say that, with proper care dental bridge can stand perhaps up to ten years. Traditionally, dental bridges on average last up to seven years, but at some point, they will require replacement. While dental implants may need occasional adjustments, they can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for frequently over time. Besides that, you can enjoy life without being concerned about your teeth again. You can be safe assured that the removable dentures or tooth-supported replacement teeth will not be loose, even drop out when you speak, laugh or eat. Gone are the days of staying at home due to the feeling of unease in public, embarrassed because your smile looks unique from others, or worrying those missing teeth will restrict your ability to enjoy your freedom. Teeth rehabilitated with dental implants are teeth that allow you lead the life you dreamed. The third benefit you’re getting is the ease in speech. Accommodating oneself to removable dentures can mean having to put up with some struggle in pronouncing everyday words. This is not the case with dental implants, which function so alike natural teeth that you wouldn’t notice the difference.

Whether you’re considering Dental Implants or Dentures, Morris Park Dental aims to cater the highest standards of dentistry possible using state-of-the-art technology, in as little as one day. Call us today at (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) to schedule your consultation today!

In 1987 President Ronald Reagan declared March to be Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness month. Since then, many efforts have been made to dissolve stereotypes and stigmas surrounding the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Oral care is important for everyone and there shouldn’t be any compromises made for anyone based upon a ‘disability’ of any kind. We here at Morris Park Dental Associates in the Bronx salute President Reagan in the Bronx, the caretakers and the community. (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) or schedule a dental appointment online today and get the best dental care you can get in the Bronx.

Developmental Disabilities and Dental Care

Some common developmental disabilities include: cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, intellectual disability, fragile X syndrome, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Sometimes these disabilities are apparent during childhood and/or adolescence. Parents or guardians may notice that their children are not progressing as the average child does, and/or is not reaching developmental milestones as they should. These milestones can include those like a baby rolling over by month 7, children talking by the age of one, and walking around that same time. These disorders affect one for a lifetime. They affect the mind, the body, and the skills people use in everyday life such as: problem solving, speech, and motor function. People afflicted with developmental disabilities will most likely need extra assistance to achieve and keep up a state of well-being and adequate health, and oral health is no exception.

A movement toward deinstitutionalization and eradication of social stigma associated with mental, intellectual and developmental disorders has merged people together regardless of age or type of disability. About 80 percent of those with developmental disabilities live in a supervised group or at home with their relatives. They now look to oral care practitioners to assist them in proper oral hygiene.

As with anything, it is best to have an oral care practitioner and a team that is well informed. People who don’t perform in ways that others would, often need a special approach to dental care. Whether the disability is mild to moderate, most all procedures can be performed with the appropriate adaptations made by the practitioner.

What can you do as a Caregiver?

As the parent or caregiver of a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities it would be wise to contact our Bronx dental office beforehand. Let us know what is going on and how we can help as well. With a well-informed dental team and staff, everything will go smoothly! Preparedness is the most important factor in the oral care of a person that requires special adaptations for their health.

In your home, however, the first thing and most basic thing you can do is help your child pick out the right toothbrush. Soft bristles are recommended, along with the appropriate size based on the child’s mouth. Brushing might be uncomfortable initially, so get the accustomed to the sensation by touching the brush to their lips and the insides of their cheeks.

Show them how you brush your teeth, take extra care, and teach them to “open wide” with demonstration. The Autism Speaks Dental Guide advises the guardian of a child with autism to stand behind their child with their [the child] head on their [the guardian” chest, apply a small amount of toothpaste to the bristles of the toothbrush, and brush as if they were brushing their own teeth. They also list these steps in brushing:

Brush the outside, inside, and tops of the bottom back teeth on one side of the mouth five times.
Move up and brush the inside, outside and chewing surfaces of the top teeth five times.
Brush the bottom front teeth outside and inside five times.
Move to the opposite side and brush the bottom teeth outside and inside five times.
Brush the top front teeth inside, outside, and chewing surfaces five times.
Brush the opposite top back teeth inside, outside, and chewing surfaces five times.

And remember, if your child wants to try and do it themselves, (supervise, but) let them!

Call our Morris Park Dentist office and request a dental appointment and consultation for all of your special dentistry needs. From cosmetic dentistry to dental implants and dentures, we can help you! Call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) today to find out more about Special Needs Dentistry In The Bronx.

You’ve gotten your wedding dress, but while trying it on, you notice that your teeth look yellow in comparison to your beautiful white dress! What’s a bride to do? To get your teeth their whitest on your wedding day, we offer Zoom! Professional Teeth Whitening. In as little as an hour, your teeth will look up to 6 shades whiter!

What is Teeth Whitening?

Your teeth are made up of an outer layer, called enamel, an inner layer, called dentin, and a bundle of nerves underneath that called the pulp. Across the span of your life, many things have accumulated and made stay on the surface of your teeth to form a yellow film: acidic foods, coffee, cigarette smoke, darkly colored sodas, the list goes on and on. As time goes on, these foreign materials enter the second layer of your teeth, the dentin, and causes it to become discolored.

However, the whitening agent found in a teeth whitening product basically enters the second layer of your teeth to sets off an oxidation reaction that breaks apart the staining compounds and leaves your pearly whites looking pearlier. There are two main types of teeth whitening: in-office professional teeth whitening and over the counter teeth whitening methods that you can apply at home.

Teeth Whitening at Home

In-home systems have become popular because they are inexpensive, easy to apply, and can be done in the comfort of one’s own home. There is a good selection of over-the-counter teeth whitening products that can be purchased without the consent or prescription of your oral care practitioner. They include whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, and even whitening gum. Having a mouth tray that fits properly is an important factor for comfort and health. Most over-the-counter products that have mouth trays don’t conform to the user’s mouth as well as an in-office system would. We offer custom bleaching trays made specifically for your mouth, which can be worn with whitening gel.

The problem with At-Home Teeth Whitening is that it must be done consistently every day over the course of several weeks (or even months) to get ideal results. With In-Office Teeth Whitening, you can get the same results in as little as an hour!

Professional Teeth Whitening at your Dentist’s Office

Professional teeth whitening is done in a dental office under the care of a qualified oral care practitioner. This method is the fastest way to brighten your teeth up to ten shades lighter in as little as an hour! The agents used in teeth whitening are considerably stronger than that of in-home teeth whitening strip, but with this method, your gums and the rest of your mouth are much more protected. The best systems for whitening teeth include a buffer in the gel that protects the tooth enamel from damage.

The effects of your treatment should last one or more years, it all depends on how well you take care and manage your teeth. If you follow up with an in-home teeth whitening system, and apply regularly, the effects could last even longer!

Teeth Whitening After Care Instructions

In order to maintain your new white smile, you may want to use take home teeth whitening treatments including bleaching trays, whitening toothpaste or whitening gum. It is important to avoid certain foods or drinks or behaviors which may stain your teeth, especially in the days immediately following your Professional Zoom Teeth Whitening treatment. These include:

Coffee
Dark Colored Tea
Sodas Especially Cola
Some Wines
Smoking
Staining Foods (like Red Berries)

In addition, you can protect your teeth by drinking certain beverages through a straw.

Is Teeth Whitening Right for Me?

It is important to note that teeth whitening treatment will help whiten surface stains but it may not be for everyone. For example, while it will not damage any existing dental restorations in your mouth, the treatment will not whiten any existing crowns (or caps), fillings, veneers, partials, gold, laminates, composite bonding, or other restorations. As a result, if you whiten your teeth your other restorations will appear darker and more noticeable in comparison, especially if you have restorations on your front teeth. Previous dental work would need to be replaced to match the newly whitened teeth, so keep this in mind. In addition, if you have decalcification, or white spots, on your teeth, it may make those white spots even whiter and more noticeable.

Finally, some people experience sensitive teeth after using at-home or in-office whitening treatment. If you already have sensitive teeth, there are some alternative teeth bleaching gels which may result in less sensitivity. In addition, your dentist may recommend using fluoride treatment or Sensodyne toothpaste to minimize any sensitivity from the teeth whitening treatments. Be sure to let your dentist or hygienist know if you have any additional concerns, and they will be happy to answer your questions.

Call us at (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) to schedule an appointment or to have all of your questions answered by one of our professional team members, or click here to request a Zoom Teeth Consultation with us today!

Take a moment off this month from your March Madness Basketball fantasy to thank the Bronx women in your life; whether they are your sister, mother, wife, grandmother, daughter or aunt. Women play an important role in society, and they don’t have to be Amelia Earhart to do so. We here at Morris Park Dental Associates in the Bronx salute the women in the Bronx and the women of America! Call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) or schedule a dental appointment online today and get the smile that every woman deserves.

Women like Alice Paul, Malvina Reynolds, Rosa Parks, and Eleanor Roosevelt, all have something in common. What is it? Confidence! This month, we’re celebrating Women’s history by sharing one of the easiest ways to boost your confidence – your smile!

Your pearly-whites can be become not-so-pearly when you consume things that stain your teeth, weaken your enamel, and build up plaque.

Some of the most popular drinks consumed on a daily basis that can stain your teeth in the Bronx consist of: red wine, coffee, darkly colored juices and teas, soda and sauces.

Most of these also weaken your enamel and promote tooth decay. In addition to the aforementioned liquids, we can also add acidic foods such as blueberries, prunes, plumes, cashews, bacon, fish, and lamb. The list goes on and on.

In replacement of these delicious foods we consume so often, try veggie juices, almonds, cucumbers, pumpkin, celery, carrots, avocados, watermelon, tomatoes, peas, and kale.

Keeping healthy teeth habits will prevent plaque buildup, as well as brighten your smile and gums. Habits to hold on close to are those such as brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using a mouth rinse for at least 30 seconds twice a day, not to be confused with a mouthwash. The difference is that mouth rinses are an antiseptic that decrease bacteria, whereas mouthwash just freshens your breath. Mouthwash doesn’t actually protect you against plaque. Habits to stay away from can conclude with staying away from sticky foods which cling to your teeth, such as raisins, candies, and sugary and starchy foods.

Others things to stay away from, and some of the more obvious ones, include hard liquors, cigarettes, drugs, tobacco, beer, chemicals and aspirin.

If you or your child is just too stubborn, or don’t have enough time to brush twice a day, it is essential that the brushing at night is done. The level of saliva in your mouth decrease significantly at night, making plaque buildup, bad breath and cavities thrive while you’re asleep. Not to mention that there are probably still microscopic food particles left in, around and between your teeth, from eating throughout the day. This is another reason why flossing is so beneficial – it gets to the parts in between your teeth that your average toothbrush can’t get to.

In the long run, it pays to follow the recommendations of our Morris Park Bronx dentist; brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and utilizing a mouth rinse. It saves you the pain, discomfort and cost of potential cavities, gum disease or plaque buildup.

Here are 5 tips that can make your teeth one step closer to that shine you desire:

Brush for at least 2 to 3 minutes.
Brush in front of a mirror; watch where you get and where you have yet to get to. Make sure you are getting along the gum line, this is the most commonly missed area, yet one of the most important.
Brush in a circular pattern. Start small and get bigger.
Do NOT brush too hard, you are actually doing more harm than good as this can cause damage to your tooth enamel.
Brush with the right toothbrush. Buy a toothbrush that is fitted correctly to the size of your mouth, with soft or ultra-soft bristles to minimize damage.

Above all, visit our dental office in the Bronx! Who knows your teeth better than your Bronx dental practitioner? Come see us on a regular basis so that an accurate, professional tab can be kept on your oral health. If anyone can identify the early signs of a gum disease or abnormality, it’s the great Bronx Dentists at Morris Park Dental Associates.

Your smile says something about you. The great women we talked about above exuded confidence and high self-esteem. One can say; “In the face of adversity I press on and keep my head held high and my smile big.”

Call our Morris Park Dentist office and request a dental appointment and consultation for all of your dentistry needs. From cosmetic dentistry to dental implants and dentures, we can help you look and feel confident! Call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) today to find out more about Dentistry In The Bronx.

Presidents Day and Presidents Week comes along but once per year in the month of February. We here at Morris Park Dental take pride in our American freedoms and the choice to choose to have a great smile! In the Bronx you always have to look your best and a winning smile gives off confidence and shows your good health. Sometimes though, problems come up and one needs to have their teeth taken care of in one way or another. If dental implants aren’t for you, then perhaps dentures might be the way to go.

One of the most famous early denture wearers was the first U.S. President, George Washington. Contrary to popular belief, Washington’s dentures were not made of wood. Washington sported some of the highest quality false teeth of the time, consisting of a denture plate made of carved hippopotamus ivory into which human teeth, along with parts of both horse and donkey teeth, were fitted. Around 1774, the French Alexis Duchâteau crafted the first porcelain dentures. But these were prone to chip and also appeared too white to be convincing. They would also stain easily due to the large tea and tobacco consumption of Europeans of the time. Human teeth, or “Waterloo teeth”, named for dead soldiers’ teeth plucked from the battlefield after the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, were in higher demand. Waterloo teeth were riveted into the base of animal ivory, similar to modern day dentures.

In 1820, a Westminster silversmith and goldsmith named Claudius Ash was asked to craft new and improved dentures. At the time, most false teeth were still made from ivory, which was prone to discoloring, or from human teeth. The real teeth were extracted from soldiers’ corpses or recently executed criminals, procured by grave robbers, or even obtained from direct sale by the desperately poor. Claudius Ash mounted porcelain on 18-karat gold plates, with gold springs and swivels. These new dentures were superior both aesthetically and functionally to the older models. From the 1850s onward, dentures continued to improve and were made of Vulcanite, a form of hardened rubber into which porcelain teeth were set. Claudius Ash’s company was the leading European manufacturer of dental Vulcanite. In the 20th century, acrylic resin and other plastics became materials of choice. These same components are used today in dentures.

Also, in honor of Presidents Day, some interesting stories of the dental histories of some famous US Presidents will be told. One might be surprised to learn what some of our presidents had done to their teeth in the dentist chair.

The legend of George Washington’s false teeth are as renowned as he was. Poor George Washington never told a lie, but tradition, as well as historians, have encouraged this story for generations. Contrary to popular belief, our First President never had dentures made of wood; they were made of ivory. This then begs the question, why did he look so stern in all his portraits, when he had the best possible teeth to show off? Well, it’s because many of his dentures were ill fitted, which distorted his lips and would have looked awkward while smiling. Washington’s dental problems could also be credited with the victory at Yorktown. The British general Sir Henry Clinton had intercepted a letter from Washington to his dentist in Philadelphia, requesting that teeth cleaning supplies be sent to his headquarters near New York because he didn’t think he would make it to Philadelphia any time soon. Upon reading this, Clinton was convinced that Washington was not going to march south to attach Lord Cornwallis, so he remained in New York. This allowed Washington and his army, along with the French reinforcements to encircle Yorktown, without having to worry about Clinton’s army in New York.

John Adams apparently neglected to do his twice-yearly dental checkups, leading to him too losing most of his teeth. He also started smoking when he was just 8 years old. Those two issues combined might have been what caused him to lose all his teeth, not to mention the lack toothbrushes or the standard hygiene techniques of today. He refused to wear fake ones, resulting in a lisp when speaking.

President Lincoln was rarely photographed smiling with his teeth. It’s rumored that Lincoln had a phobia of going to the dentist, well justified it seems given the rudimentary methods used by dentists then, which started when a dentist mistakenly broke off part of his jawbone while extracting a tooth, all without any anesthesia. After this incident, Lincoln used chloroform to self-medicate on future dental visits.

People were astonished to find out that President Woodrow Wilson had such horrible teeth after seeing his picture taken during his 1913 inauguration. Wilson didn’t obtain dentures during his presidency, but his famous bad teeth represent the dental issues many of the presidents had. Interestingly enough, poor dental hygiene has been suspected to increase the risk of strokes, which President Wilson suffered from later on in his presidency. His bad teeth and infrequent dentist trips could have contributed to his near fatal stroke, which he suffered in his second term in 1919.

Here’s just a little history of the myths and realities of many of the US president’s smile. With the advances in dentistry, hopefully current and future US presidents won’t suffer the same fate as our presidents of years gone by.

The first sets of false teeth were discovered in Japan dating back several thousand years ago, but the practice of using false teeth to improve a smile isn’t limited to Japan. They used animal, and sometimes dead human’s, teeth to solve the problem of rotted away teeth. Also, around 700BC, Etruscans in northern Italy made dentures from human and animal teeth. Although these early forms of dentures would deteriorate quickly, either because of poor maintenance by the previous owners or the weak plate dentists used to hold the teeth, dentures like these continued to be made this way because they were easy to produce and remained popular until the mid-19^th century.

Dietary changes in Europe forced denture makers to rethink artificial teeth. Sugar was the main culprit in increased tooth decay during the 18th Century because of the vast amounts of it coming from the East Indies, making it cheap, where before only the wealthy could afford it. With everyone in Europe using sugar on a regular basis, coupled with the lack of real dental hygiene, most people for cavities and their teeth rotted. With the industrialization of modern Europe, between 1860 and 1890, Britain’s sugar consumption per ca-pita increased 500 percent. Ivory dentures became popular in the 1700s, made from natural materials including walrus, elephant, or hippopotamus, becoming the new replacement for teeth in dentures, rather than teeth from dead corpses or animals.

Be like a President! Call our Morris Park Dentist office and request a dental appointment and consultation for dentures as soon as possible. Call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) today to find out more about Dentures In The Bronx.

What is it cosmetic dentistry? How do I select a good Bronx cosmetic dentist in the new year?

Cosmetic dentistry mostly deals with the appearance, rather than the health of the teeth; although the both of them are obviously not mutually exclusive. For example, when you get white fillings, they can be considered cosmetic because they “look” better, but at the same time, they can also be healthier because they require less removal of tooth structure. In more complex cases however, cosmetic dentistry can be a lifesaver, because other results which might be acceptable health-wise are just not as good-looking or functional. Cosmetic dentistry in the Bronx involves all dentistry that’s not strictly necessary for health reasons. Much of it is a matter of personal preferences, needs, and opinions. While we all feel we know a beautiful Bronx smile when we see one, there is no perfect smile. That’s because each person has a different perception of what is beautiful; you and your cosmetic dentist may even have a difference of opinion. So it’s important that you discover what you really like and then communicate that to your dentist.

Choosing a Bronx cosmetic dentist is crucial, as it is for any other health medical professional. The first step would be to look at your smile and determine what you want to change. Your cosmetic dentist may have some other apprehensions and concerns when you visit, but it’s best to arrive having your own wish list; then together, you can work along to decide what best steps to take toward your new smile!

Cosmetic Procedures: Examples

The myths behind Amalgam and Composite fillings

What’s the big Idea about amalgam fillings? Can it really really kill you?

The Facts: Pro of white fillings – they look more real, because it is the same color as your natural tooth, to most patients, it’s more pleasant to smile and laugh and not see dark coverings on their teeth. Con of amalgam fillings-Some cosmetic dentists would also argue that it reduces the chance of undetectable decay leading to a silent destruction of tooth structure until pain indicates the need for treatment, and that amalgam can expand over the years, possibly causing a tooth to crack. On the other hand, conservative dentists agree that every time you remove a filling, you remove a bit more tooth substance, plus you irritate the tooth with more trauma. Every time you remove a filling and put another in its place, you may cause the risk of killing the nerve of the tooth and in turn, needing more complex treatment (Root Canal). So having a lot of amalgam fillings replaced for cosmetic reasons may not be such a good idea after all. A filling should not be replaced unless it is damaged, broken, or has decay around the edges or underneath. Amalgam fillings can last for a very long time (some sources estimate 14 – 40 years or even longer – it’s not unusual for an amalgam filling to last a lifetime). So the very fact that you have a mouthful of them and haven’t seen a dentist in a while doesn’t mean they need to be changed. Amalgam has its advantages – for example, it tends to be self-sealing which means that amalgam fillings resist recurrent decay better than white fillings. A dentist should not replace fillings that don’t need to be replaced. If a dentist tells you that amalgam is toxic and have to be removed, snatch off that bib and run. So, it is ultimately up to the patient and the dentist to make a wise and educated decision about which route to go.

What about Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is very a very common and highly requested treatment. It doesn’t appear to carry any major health risks. The most common side effect is temporary sensitivity. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with a trusted dentist first before considering whitening your teeth- for people with super sensitive teeth, whitening would not be immediately recommended. The lower the concentration of the bleaching agent is, the less likely it is that there will be sensitivity. That would mean that you’ll have to do it over a longer period of time, in order to get the wanted results. Teeth whitening usually to work best with a custom tray made by a dental professional. Something to note: Teeth whitening or bleaching will NOT lighten existing dental work like bonding, sealants, white fillings, crowns, or bridges. You should also be aware that the bleaching isn’t permanent and you’ll have to re-do it every so often. So if you have bleaching done and dental work which matches the whitened shade, you will need to keep up the bleaching. In this case, bleaching will be a long-term commitment. There is some debate about the safety of tooth whitening for purely cosmetic purposes. Not much detailed proven research has been done conclusively.

Veneers & Cosmetic Crowns

Veneers are often placed for cosmetic reasons, sort of like plastic surgery. What are they exactly? They are thin pieces of porcelain which are glued over the front of the teeth, because they are severely discolored, or badly misshapen. Because they require the removal of tooth structure, they’re “unhealthier” than doing nothing (assuming it’s done purely for appearance’s sake) and the procedure carries some risk of doing damage to the tooth. They will also be need to replaced 10 or 20 years down the line. Veneers are NOT reversible, so you’re stuck with them for the rest of your life. So it is imperative to make sure that this is what you want. Because results vary substantially from one dentist to another, it is a patient’s responsibility to do their research, and make sure to have a look at photos of previous veneers dentists have done. You’ll notice massive differences in what dentists think looks aesthetically pleasing – for example, some cosmetic dentists seem rather don’t mind the boxy, chiclet horse like teeth look…. Remember, it is YOUR money that you are spending, make sure that you will be very happily satisfied with your results. Placing crowns for the purpose of improving appearance is a little more invasive than veneers. It involves shaving off more tooth structure. Note: Both veneers and crowns inflict trauma to the treated teeth and may then make root canal treatment necessary at a later stage. Also, some people have reported that they were not informed as to how much tooth structure would actually be removed and then were shocked and saddened when they found out. Always make sure that you understand what a cosmetic procedure involves before making a decision!

What You Should Know About Dentures

For years, dentures have been considered a tried and true method for tooth replacement in many cases. However, they come with their own set of issues. The main problem is that dentures rest on teeth and gums for stability. This can very well encourage bone loss, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Nevertheless, dentures can be relined every few years to compensate for bone loss and any compromised facial integrity. There have been modern advances in dentures, as there have been in many other areas of dental healthcare, and an overdenture retained by implants may be an option. Overdentures are a combination of traditional dentures and the newer science of dental implants to prevent bone loss that could result from dentures alone.

Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry… The controversy and the Truth.

There is a difference to be made between aesthetic dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Aesthetic dentistry implies restoring teeth to their normal appearance. Cosmetic dentistry involves improving the shape, the color, or arrangement of teeth to make them look better to the eye of the beholder, which often can mean they can “look fake”. Ideally, all dentistry should be aesthetically pleasing especially where front teeth are concerned. Many dentists advertise themselves as providing “cosmetic dentistry”, even though what they really mean is that they are providing aesthetic dentistry. The reason why they use the term “cosmetic dentistry” is because that’s what people google for. The aesthetic/cosmetic distinction is very blurry. The terms are interpreted differently even within the dental community – with some dentists referring to “aesthetic dentistry” when they really mean “cosmetic dentistry” and vice versa.

My dentist is ‘Conservative’ what does that mean?

Conservative dentistry incorporates dental treatments aimed to preserve existing teeth. Conservative dental services include fillings, cosmetic dental services as well as root canal treatments. A conservative dentist believes in the power of natural teeth, and will do all they can to have you retain your actual natural born teeth. They will try all the necessary procedures that would contribute to the salvaging of the teeth as much as possible before simply giving up on a tooth that may seem perhaps like “a lost cause”. That is why if you may have a not so conservative, more so traditional or aggressive dentist, it would be recommended to visit another professional for a second opinion, if your tooth has to be extracted.

Call Morris Park Dental at (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) to schedule a Bronx cosmetic dentist consultation today and you’ll be on your way to a great smile! Click here to request a dental appointment online.

Dental implants aren’t just good for your mouth, they’re good for your health and self-image as well. Whether you’re considering getting dental implants for practical or aesthetic reasons, all you’ll need is one Bronx dental implants consultation to make a great decision that will last a lifetime.

With Same Day Dental Implants, You’ll Gain Confidence!

When you’re self-conscious about the way you look, it can be hard to hold your head up high. It’s amazing how much confidence a strong, confident smile can bestow on a patient with missing teeth. Continue reading Dental Implants Can Improve Both Mind and Body →