Tag Archives: bronx dentist

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/

It’s Time for a Spring Cleaning: For your Teeth!

The first day of Spring was March 20th, and we have a promotion just in time! If you are a New Patient, come in today and get a Spring Cleaning (prophylaxis cleaning, checkup exam and x-rays) for only $99!

Good oral hygiene not only will help prevent gum disease but can also help remove many of the surface stains that discolor your teeth, giving you a whiter and brighter smile. Regular dental care is not expensive, but neglecting your teeth is. With a regular dental checkup and professional cleaning, you will have a great looking smile and fresh breath all through the day and night. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling a professional dental cleaning and checkup every 3 to 6 months, because it takes that long for new cavities to form.

Professional dental cleanings can help remove tartar buildup, plaque and surface stains. This is an important aspect in preventing gum disease and reducing the risk of dental problems and tooth loss.

Caring for your teeth can impact your overall health as well. Studies have shown that when you start caring for your teeth, you may be able to reduce the risk of:

  • Diabetes,
  • Heart attack,
  • Stroke,
  • Kidney and lung problems, and
  • Certain types of cancer.

Regular care of your teeth and gums can also help prevent the need for more expensive dental work like cavities, root canals or extractions.

Call us today to schedule an appointment to get your teeth and gums checked as the offer is only available for a limited time!

Different Types of Dental Cleanings

There are different types of dental cleanings depending on the current state of your mouth and how long it has been since you have last been to a dentist.

If you have not been to a dentist in a long time, your first visit might be a Full Mouth Debridement, which is a quick cleaning so the doctor can diagnose any problems you may be having. If you have periodontal issues, (or gum disease), or if you have not been to the dentist in a long time, you may need to get Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing (also known as a “deep cleaning”). Afterwards, you will likely be scheduled for Periodontal Maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months. If you regularly go to the dentist and do not have periodontal issues, you will likely be scheduled for a prophylaxis cleaning, or “prophy,” every 3 to 6 months.  Below we will describe in more detail each type of cleaning.

Prophylaxis Cleaning & Checkup

A dental prophylaxis is a procedure that is used to clean the teeth in a thorough manner. This treatment process is important for preventing tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

What does the treatment involve?

A Prophylaxis is usually performed by the hygienist during a general checkup visit to the dentist. During this procedure, the area above the gum line is thoroughly cleaned to rid it of calculus and plague, and the teeth are polished (supragingival cleaning). X-rays are usually taken during this visit as well, which help show the extent of gum damage and this can also enable the dentist to identify areas that may require attention in the future.

  • X-rays – The dentist may recommend taking of x-ray before or after the checkup process is completed. This can give a complete picture of your oral health and treatments may be recommended based on this.
  • Cleaning – Although regular brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup to an extent they may not be able to do so completely. You need professional cleaning from a dentist to thoroughly remove plaque from places that are hard to reach in the mouth.
  • Polishing – Stains may make your teeth look discolored and regular polishing can enable them to look clean and bright.

How often should a patient get a cleaning and checkup done?

Prophylaxis is recommended two times a year (every 6 months) for both children and adults, but if the patient is prone to calculus and tartar buildup then the treatment is recommended to be performed every 3 – 4 months.

Make an appointment twice a year for a thorough checkup so that you are able to detect and prevent any type of gum or tooth disease. Remember prevention is better than cure and early detection of any dental problem can help save time and money.

Why are annual appointments necessary?

The reasons that two annual appointments with dentists are important are:

  • The dentist may be able to check for dental problems that you may not feel or see
  • Early signs of gum decay, tartar and plague buildup are detected
  • Treatment is recommended based on the checkup

Patients may require more frequent appointments if they suffer from any kind of gum disease or if they have a weak immune system or if they have family members with a history of gum and oral disease.

Even if you brush regularly and floss each day, it is recommended that you do not miss on the appointments with the dentist. The early signs of most health problems are visible in the mouth and the dentist may be able to identify them easily during a regular checkup. This can enable you to get preventive treatment before the disease becomes severe.

What happens in a dental checkup?

At each dental checkup the dentist may:

  • Examine the gums, teeth and entire mouth
  • Asks questions about any oral health problems you may have experienced since your last visit. If you are visiting the dentist for the first time they may ask you about your overall health and any problems pertaining to your teeth and gums.
  • Look for signs of oral disease and oral cancer, diagnose any problems and make treatment recommendations.

After the dental checkup process is completed the dentist may recommend things that you need to do at home to keep the teeth and gums clean. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have about brushing and flossing.

You may be surprised to know that most people are not aware of the right way to brush and floss their teeth and gums and this can seriously compromise their overall oral health. If oral problems are left untreated for a long period of time they may become difficult and expensive to treat. You may be able to avoid all this when you are regular with your dental appointments.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is a type of dental cleaning procedure that is performed by the hygienist to thoroughly clean the teeth to halt the progression of periodontal disease (or gum disease). Bacteria from plaque can cause inflammation and irritation in the gums. The bone and gum tissue gets completely destroyed and this can even lead to infection in other parts of the body.

Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance

  • Tartar removal – Plaque buildup and tartar, both below and above the gum line can cause periodontal disease, if it is not treated properly. Regular brushing and flossing may not be able to completely solve the problem and a dentist requires specialized equipment to remove the tartar.
  • Fresh breath – Bad oral health is often characterized with bad breath caused by bacteria on the gums. When plaque and calculus are removed, it can also help eliminate bad breath.

Periodontal maintenance is recommended every 3 – 4 months so that you can keep the teeth in good health and halt the progression of gum disease and periodontitis.

Full Mouth Debridement

A Full Mouth Debridement is a dental procedure that is used to remove extensive buildup of plaque and tartar. The thick deposits of plague and tartar make it difficult for the dentist to ascertain the extent of tooth decay and gum disease. This procedure is common for patients that have not had their teeth and gums cleaned by a dental professional for a long time.

After the extensive deposits of plague and tartar are scrapped away the dentist may be able to examine the teeth and gums properly and evaluate your oral health. Procedures such as scaling and root planing may be recommended depending on the assessment.

Scaling and Root Planing

Severe gum diseases are treated through a procedure called Scaling and Root Planing, also called a “Deep Cleaning.” Gum disease can lead to inflammation of the tissue resulting in separation of the gum from the root surface. This creates space known as periodontal pockets. Bacteria accumulate in these pockets over a period of time and create an infection, which is difficult to clean. If the disease is not treated, these pockets will grow bigger and your teeth will become loose and eventually may fall out or have to be extracted.

Dental Scaling and Root Planing is the most common procedure used by dentists to treat gum disease. If the periodontal disease is moderate and not severe the dentist will recommend Scaling and Root Planing, rather than periodontal surgery. This type of Deep Cleaning can help prevent the disease from getting worse.

What does the treatment involve?

Scaling and Root Planing is a procedure performed by the hygienist or periodontist, whereby they perform a thorough cleaning to remove dental plaque and tartar. Before starting the treatment process, they will use a periodontal probe to ascertain the extent of gum damage and measure the size of the periodontal pockets. Topical anesthesia or oral sedation may be used to prevent discomfort during the treatment. This procedure is non-surgical but is different from the conventional dental cleaning. Two types of scaling instruments are used in this procedure to remove the plaque from the root surface:

  • Curette and dental scaler – These hand held specialized instruments are used to manually remove the plaque from teeth and gums.
  • Ultrasonic instruments – The ultrasonic instrument uses a vibrating metal tip that effectively cleans the plaque. The tartar is chipped and a water spray washes it away easily.

The procedure is performed in “quadrants” or quarters of the mouth. All four quadrants (upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right), may be performed in one visit or may be spread out over 2 or 4 visits. After the Deep Cleaning, the dentist will recommend the patient come in for regular Periodontal Maintenance visits every 3-4 months.

Whatever type of cleaning you need, Morris Park Dental is here for you! Call us today to schedule an appointment at (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453)!

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

lindsay lohanTeeth 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

tom cruise victoria beckham zac efron matthew lewisCrooked 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

miley cyrus hilary duff george clooney morgan freemanIf 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 carreyJim 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

ed helmsWe 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 cageNicholas 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.

Valentine’s Day is here!

valentines $50 offIs your smile kissable? At Morris Park Dental we can help your smooch become irresistible. Having white teeth has many benefits. Obtaining and maintaining white teeth is a breeze. Learn how to get white teeth and wow your lover this Valentine’s Day. Nothing is better than a bright, sexy smile. Call Morris Park Dental today at (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) for the best teeth whitening in town!

The Benefits of White Teeth

Zoom Professional Teeth Whitening is safe. In fact, millions of patient’s have had professional tooth whitening done with absolute success. Smiling will become a part of your look and smiling leads to happiness. After viewing your smile, others will smile too. A beautiful white smile is the key to happiness for you and spreads to others you encounter in the world. Spread the joy and love with a beautiful white smile. Become cupid this Valentine’s Day and spread the love from beaming those pearly whites.

White Teeth Gives Confidence

Teeth whitening can you confidence. That beautiful smile can help you feel appealing. If you already don’t have a Valentine’s having a bright white smile may give you the confidence to ask out and attract a Valentine’s mate.

White Teeth are Attractive

Teeth-Whitening before and afterA white smile is attractive. A bright, clean smile is very appealing. People are attracted to others that take care of themselves and their teeth. Also, clean white teeth give you the confidence to smile. Smiles are appealing especially with beautiful white teeth behind that happy grin.

Most people believe that healthy teeth are an important trait in a person. Make sure your teeth are healthy and clean by maintaining dental appointments twice a year. Ensure you brush and floss daily and ensure any defects like broken, chipped or crooked teeth are fixed by your dentist.

Also, make sure breath is fresh. The best way of keeping fresh breath is brushing after meals to remove any food from teeth. Correspondingly, mouthwash can help leave a fresh smell that will help white teeth stay kissable. Your Valentines date will not resist kissing those lips after viewing your beautiful smile.

White Teeth are Healthy

White teeth are healthy. Cleaning teeth regularly and maintaining a smile ensures that teeth and gums are continuously maintained. Healthy teeth and gums lead to overall health. Poor gums and teeth can lead to heart and other health risks; therefore, maintain a beautiful, healthy smile is healthy and appealing to others.

Steps to Obtain a Bright White Smile

Acquiring that bright white smile is easy. After learning how to receive gorgeous white teeth, learning how to keep that smile is easy. You will never want to give up that grin.

Professional Cleaning

A professional cleaning is the first step to that beautiful smile. A fantastic benefit of using Morris Park Dental services is that we offer in-office and at-home systems to receive white teeth. The white teeth solutions are by Phillip Zoom, who has put a lot of time and study in making your teeth gleam. Both in-office and at-home versions of teeth Whitening are aimed to diminish risks for teeth sensitivity and gives custom results. Have your smile the shade of white you desire using these systems from Morris Park Dental.

In-Office Whitening Method

zoomWhen receiving a Whitening treatment in the dental office, a special Whitening gel is used. This gel is used with activating light that helps remove the toughest stains on teeth. To move lips out of the way a special guard helps ensures the gel and light can reach every surface of each tooth. When the gel is completely applied light is directly exposed on the teeth for fifteen-minutes. After the fifteen-minutes are complete and the procedure did the mouth guard, and the gel is removed. Your smile will show brighter with the first visit and after a series of treatments, you will sparkle and gleam form the bright white results.

At-Home Whitening Method

The at-home teeth whitening method is another fantastic way to receive that loving smile. The teeth whitening kit provided for taking home has a robust Teeth Whitening system. The system can provide eight shades of white. The at-home version can also be used in addition to in-office treatments for touch-ups.

Professional Whitening Versus Drug-Store Whitening System

I know you are asking, why should I use professional Whitening systems when I can pick up a kit at the drug store? Here are three reasons why using a professional whitening system from Morris Park Dental is better than a kit from a drug store.

  1. Better Results – A professional teeth Whitening system is made to receive better results then the over the counter kits. The material and products are made to achieve better results because they are stronger. The stronger material is designed for professional use.

 

  1. An Even Shine – The professional teeth Whitening system is made for consistent and even results. The professional version makes sure that ever surface is the same shade of white. You will never have blotching of different shades and uneven results from a professional teeth Whitening.

 

  1. When using an over the counter kit, you are not protected. The professional teeth Whitening ensures teeth do not crack. Also, any issues like decay before Whitening is addressed before Whitening. Whitening before addressing issues like decay can cause problems.

 

Why to Book a Teeth Whitening Session

The Zoom Teeth Whitening system is effective and helps maintain clean, healthy teeth. Besides the cosmetic reasons for having a beautiful smile, teeth whitening keeps your teeth and gums healthy and clean. After a dental teeth whitening in the office, people walk out feeling healthy and beautiful. You walk out the same-day after the first session feeling beautiful. The results are immediately noticeable. Plus, professional cleaning systems like the Zoom system ensures teeth are evenly toned, and all health precautions are taken.

People go to salons to get their haircut and styled, get manicures and pedicures to maintain strong and healthy nails, and book massages to keep muscles relaxed. Booking a teeth style and grooming helps maintain a healthy and beautiful person. Pamper yourself and give your teeth and smile that gleam it deserves. Wow, your Valentines with a beautiful and healthy you. Your mate will not resist those beautiful white teeth, so prepare those lips for plenty of kisses this Valentine’s Day.

Tips to Keep Teeth White

Between Whitening treatments maintaining clean and healthy teeth is important. First remember to keep regular professional cleanings twice a year. Next remember to brush your teeth several times a day and floss. Flossing is especially important to remove any food particles, and tartar builds-up from teeth that brushing cannot reach that can cause decay if left on teeth. Flossing also helps gums stay healthy. Food particles can also discolor teeth. So removing remaining substances from teeth that my cause decay and discoloring can help maintain that sparking smile.

Foods That Help White Teeth

Yes, certain foods can help maintain white teeth. Foods like apples, carrots, and celery, can naturally remove stains from teeth because these foods increase saliva and help wash away food remains. Strawberries are excellent to eat on Valentine’s. Raw strawberries have malic acids that naturally whiten teeth and eliminate blemishes from teeth. Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk have calcium that helps make teeth strong. Finally, remember to drink lots of water. Water is healthy for your overall body and can wash away causes of stains that can occur from coffees, teas, and red wines. Stay away from food causing products like red wine, coffee, and teas. If you do consume them remember to drink plenty of water and brush your teeth.

Other Teeth Whitening Tips

alcohol.dental.implantsOther tips to keep teeth white exist. Limit or eliminate smoking and drinking caffeinated beverages. Coffees and teas can stain your teeth. Sodas and other cola and sugary products can darken teeth too. If you do smoke or drink products like coffee and teas, make sure you brush soon after and floss soon after.

That Kissable Smile

Have that kissable smile this Valentine’s Day with white teeth provided by Morris Park Dental. Book your appointment today and the staff can ensure you get the results you desire from that healthy striking smile. Get that white smile and impress your honey this Valentine’s Day with a teeth whitening cleaning from Morris Park Dental. Book your appointment today and have a brighter beautiful smile for that Valentine’s Day date.

We love hearing feedback from our clients, customers, and friends. Please visit and follow us on any of our social media sites, like Facebook and leave us a review.

Whether you’re considering Zoom Teeth Whitening for Valentine’s Day or all year round, Morris Park Dental delivers the highest standards of teeth whitening 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!

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?
full-denture-150x150As 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.

partial-denture2-150x150The 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?

partsofimplantA 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

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!

Bronx_invisalign_invisible_braces_clip_image002

Now that it’s a New Year, it’s a good time to start considering new dental practices to get the best results for your teeth. Once you take on a New Year, new you attitude to 2016, you will notice big changes in your smile.

If you find yourself in a position where you need braces in the New Year, the timing couldn’t be better to look into our Invisalign treatment. Here at Morris Park Dental, our Bronx dental office is a Premier Invisalign Provider, which means we have more experience than other dentists in this field so we can certainly give you the best results possible.

If you need braces and are thinking about Invisalign, you will undoubtedly have many questions about the differences between this solution and traditional braces. This article is here to outline some of the benefits of Invisalign as opposed to traditional braces to help give you more facts. Keep reading to find out how Invisalign treatment can brighten your smile and make you shine for the rest of the year.

Invisalign is nearly Invisible

MF_realpatient4_HR.JPEGOne of the major benefits to having Invisalign instead of traditional braces is the way that they look. Invisalign treatment doesn’t use hardware or ugly wires on your teeth so these won’t be a problem when you smile. In fact, Invisalign is practically invisible so there will be no need to be self-conscious or shy at all. This is particularly relevant for adults who need their teeth straightened but don’t want to endure unsightly braces.

Invisalign is more Comfortable than Traditional Braces

Invisalign treatment is practically pain free. The technology is developed to suit your individual teeth. Invisalign uses Align Technology with 3-D computer imagery to get results that are perfectly suitable to your teeth. This means that the treatment plan will work with your teeth and their structure.

The actual Invisalign trays are pain free to wear, as well. For two weeks, aligners are worn that gently push your teeth into place. These adjustments are supported with check ups every few weeks to ensure that your teeth are naturally straightening with the Invisalign treatment.

The lack of wires and metal or brackets mean that there is minimal pain in the mouth. Invisalign reduces and essentially removes the risk of mouth and gum abrasions that come with traditional braces. Your comfort as well as a beautifully straight smile is certainly worth it.

Invisalign doesn’t ask you to sacrifice Oral Hygiene

Maintaining dental hygiene is important, especially when you have ongoing dental work to be tended to. With traditional metal braces, oral hygiene can be problematic with brushing and flossing between the wires and brackets. Invisalign takes away all hygiene problems, as the clear retainers are removable. This means that you can take the retainer out, brush and floss your teeth as per usual, and then replace the retainer to allow the natural straightening process to continue throughout the day and overnight. Your Invisalign orthodontic treatment won’t compromise your health and hygiene in your mouth at all.

Benefits of Invisalign as compared to Traditional Braces

invisalign

Mentioned above are some key benefits of Invisalign treatment. If you’re still not convinced that this is the way to go over traditional braces, keep reading below.

  • Invisible: The clear aligners are practically invisible.
  • Comfortable: The plastic aligners are comfortable and won’t cause mouth irritation.
  • Removable: You can easily remove the aligners to clean them, eat and to brush your teeth.
  • You Can Eat What You Want: Your diet won’t be restricted and you can eat whatever you want. With traditional braces, you would have to stay away from sticky foods and foods that get stuck in your brackets, but with Invisalign, you can remove your clear plastic aligners
  • More Comfortable: There are no uncomfortable wires or brackets that irritate your mouth and gums.
  • Less Time: The treatment process may take less time than traditional metal braces
  • See into the Future with Your ClinCheck: The 3-D imaging technology allows you to see what your teeth will look after the treatment.
  • Your Dental Insurance may cover Invisalign: If your dental insurance covers Orthodontics, it will cover Invisalign just as it would traditional metal braces!
  • Same Cost: Invisalign and Traditional Braces cost roughly the same price! Why not go for the clear alternative?

Click here to read more about Invisalign and find out why it is the clear choice to straighten your smile!

Why wait? Click here to get in touch with the experts here today to find out how Invisalign treatment can change your smile or call us today at (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) to schedule a Consultation!

white fillings replacing old metalIf you’ve been writing a list of New Year’s resolutions for your teeth, now is the time to act on them. Over the years, we put our teeth through an awful lot, including plenty of things that can cause cavities that need fillings and crowns. As time goes on and your teeth change, and so does the structure of these fillings and dental crowns. Often, these changes are not for the best and the dental filling or crown can stop being as effective as it was when it was first placed.

CALL (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) or click here to request an appointment for a dental fillings and crowns consultation today!

If you’ve been having doubts about old fillings or crowns, why not take the New Year as a good chance to do something about it. Replacing old crowns and fillings will help to extend the longevity and health of your teeth. Read below about more benefits to replacing old crowns and fillings.

How long do crowns last before they need replacing?

Generally speaking, dental crowns last between five and fifteen years. This obviously varies on many factors revolving around your personal circumstances. As a rule of thumb, you should feel confident that your crown would keep protecting the nerve ending around your tooth for five years. Most dental insurance plans cover crown replacements for this time period.

Single Crown Before & After
Single Crown Before & After

After five years, you should start paying attention to the area around your crown. Many factors such as the amount of chewing and biting forces, which contribute to unavoidable wear and tear, as well as how well you take care of the area will impact on how long your crown will last.

When you have a crown, make sure you brush and clean the area regularly and thoroughly. This is especially important after the five-year mark. After five years, it is worth checking up with your Bronx dentist and seeing how your crown is coping and if it needs replacing. Prevention is often the best way to deal with this.

When should fillings be replaced? What if I have old metal fillings?

Fillings don’t last forever, unfortunately. What is fortunate, however, is that options with fillings have changed with time. In the past, metal amalgam fillings that stand out like a silver sore thumb in the mouth are no longer the only option. Today there is the option to get tooth-colored fillings that are a much more attractive option. This leads to many people wondering if they should replace all silver amalgam fillings from bygone days.

There are certainly many benefits to composite fillings, some of which include:

  • They don’t contain mercury (unlike amalgam or metal fillings)
  • They strengthen the tooth by bonding to it
  • They look better as the color blends with the tooth
  • They don’t require as much of the tooth to be removed to be placed

However, this doesn’t mean that you need to replace every single metal filling immediately. There are a few factors that can help you decide if now is the right time to replace old fillings for the New Year. Consider the following reasons:

  • Fractured tooth
  • Age which causes looseness around the filling and causes decay to get in
  • Leakage when the bond is no longer strong
  • Cosmetic reasons if the look really does both you that much

The best way to decide if you need to replace old fillings is to consult your dentist. The New Year is the perfect opportunity to book an appointment for all-over dental check up and be sure to ask about any queries you have regarding old fillings.

CALL (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) today for your dental fillings and crowns consultation or click here to request an appointment online.

Here at Morris Park Dental, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a relaxing approach to dental care for the New Year. This might sound like a paradox, the idea of dental treatment being relaxing, but with our relaxation and sedation dentistry techniques, it is exactly what you can expect when you book an appointment with us in the New Year.

After all the excitement of the festive season has settled and you’ve consumed your fair share of bubbly drinks and tasty treats, you will be keen to give yourself a post-holiday present with a trip to the dentist. Whether you need a thorough professional dental cleaning or regular six-month check-up, the New Year is the perfect time to get your teeth in tip top shape. And with our advanced relaxation and sedation dentistry, all the anxiety associated with the dentist can disappear for good.

How does Relaxation Sedation Dentistry work?

dental phobiaAn understandable question you may be pondering is how does relaxation sedation dentistry work? With sedation dentistry, you are essentially given the chance to doze off into a comfortable nap and wake with no memory of the dental treatment. The sedation medications can be administered to the patient through an oral sedative (non-IV conscious sedation) or nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and both options start to work almost immediately.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

The most obvious benefit of relaxation and sedation dentistry is that the anxiety often felt at the dentist’s office is cast aside. There is also no residual trauma after the treatment has taken place because when you wake up, you won’t actually remember anything, unlike the risks associated with general anesthesia.

There is also no recovery period after sedation dentistry. You basically wake up fresh as a daisy and are ready to show off your smile with total confidence. The actual dental treatment doesn’t change while you are sleeping – the dentist still uses all the same procedures and instruments, but the great part of this is that you will be sleeping while it’s all happening. This means that you get the benefit of top quality dentistry but a pain-free experience.

If this sounds like the type of dental experience you are looking for, one where you wake from a blissful sleep with a beautiful smile, then get in touch with us today. If you have avoided going to the dentist and neglected your teeth due to fear and anxiety of the discomfort of being in the dental room, then this is the chance you are looking for to conquer the dentist once and for all. There are no tricks or gimmicks with relaxation and sedation dentistry – you really do just get a genuine, pain-free dental experience.

This is the best gift you can give yourself during the holiday season and keep that gorgeous festive smile going well into the New Year. This is the year to change the way you go to the dentist and it will certainly be a change for the better.

Call us today at (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) or click here to request an appointment for a consultation to learn more about whether Relaxation Sedation Dentistry is the right choice for you!

halloween-candy-dental-adviceThe silly season of Halloween festivities might be over, but the lingering affects off all that sugary candy certainly isn’t. For young kids, Halloween is a lot of fun dressing up in costumes and receiving a whole range of sweets and candies from across the neighborhood. However, this form of fun certainly has long term consequences for young and growing teeth if they aren’t cared for properly after the post-Halloween sugar binge. While the Trick or Treating might only last a night, the stash that your kids collect will last a lot longer than that, meaning you’re going to have an ongoing problem of how to handle all that sugar for the coming days in November. Your children will think it’s a good idea to eat candy just about every day, but their teeth are going to disagree with that.

Here at Morris Park Dental in the Bronx our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist  is concerned about the healthy development of your children’s teeth and understands that after all this candy at Halloween you will have many questions about what exactly you should do to ensure there aren’t long term cavities and other problems caused in those young teeth. This article is here to help you take proper care of your kids’ teeth, and perhaps your own teeth for that matter, to make sure they remain happy and healthy.

One of the best things you can do for your kids’ teeth after Halloween is to take them to a dentist to get a regular check-up. In the meantime while waiting for an appointment, there are some things you can do at home during the post-Halloween season to keep your kids teeth healthy and well. When it comes to teeth care for your children, take these six important tips into consideration.

  1. Timing is important. Give your kids some of their Halloween stash shorty after meal time, as special dessert treats. This is an ideal time because the saliva production in your mouth increases during meals and helps to cancel out the acids which are produced by bacteria. This helps rinse away food particles, especially sugary substances from candies.
  2. Avoid sticky stuff. Odds are, your kids don’t really know what it is in their Halloween stash. Take a moment when they aren’t around to remove any extra sticky candies, such as taffy and gummy bears. These stick to your kids teeth and weaken the enamel because they take longer to get washed away by the saliva.
  3. Brush teeth twice a day. This is something your kids should already be doing on a daily basis, but it is extra important when they are having extra candies and gummies in their diet. For extra caution, it is helpful to get kids to brush their teeth a third time after lunch, just to be sure that sugar isn’t sticking around their teeth and gums.
  4. Clean between the teeth. Flossing becomes extra important when kids are having more sugar in their diet. By flossing, your kids are removing plaque and food particles between their teeth and preventing a build-up sugar and acidic substances which cause nasty cavities.
  5. Drink more water. Drinking water is always a good idea after sugar to prevent headaches, but it also prevents tooth decay. Water essentially washes away the sugar from your kids’ teeth. It is also worth keeping in mind that sugar drinks should be avoided during the post-Halloween binge as these will only increase the risk of tooth decay.
  6. Schedule a Post-Halloween Check-up and Cleaning with Our Office. If it has been more than 6 months since your child’s last cleaning and check-up, they are overdue and should come in as soon as possible. It takes about 6 months for a cavity to develop, which is why it is important to bring your child in regularly to make sure nothing new has come up since their last visit, especially if they have been snacking on a lot of sugary sweets lately, or they are complaining of tooth pain or sensitivity.

Allow some binging to occur, as bizarre as this may sound. When your kids eat sugar, there is sugary acidic damage occurring. Whether the kids eat a handful of candy all at once, or spread it over a few hours, this damage is inevitable. Bunching sugar sessions together in quick succession won’t alter the time it takes for the acid to dissipate. However, when a candy bar is eaten once every hour, it will take an hour each time for the oral pH levels to return to normal. This means that when you give your kids three candy bars and let them gobble them down all once, you’ll be doing their teeth a favor as well as earning points as best parent of the year. After the candy is consumed, make sure your kids brush their teeth almost immediately after to keep extreme acid damage from occurring.

Don’t make candy forbidden otherwise it will become all the more appealing for kids. It is a good idea to take the candy bounty away from your kids and store it somewhere safe so that they don’t have round the clock access to it. But it isn’t a good idea to make this secret location completely off limits. Children work in reverse psychology and as soon as something is untouchable, the more they are going to want it, especially when sugary sweets are involved. Make sure your kids know that the candy is theirs and they will get to eat it, but just not all at once.

Serve the candy in moderation and encourage some sort of healthy eating beside it. When your kids come running and begging for some of their hard-earned Halloween candy, there is only so much denying you can do. Use it your advantage and keep the Halloween stash as a sort of bribery for healthy eating. For example, allow the kids two pieces of candy alongside them eating some carrot sticks or cut up apples. This way, although they are getting sugar in their system, they are also having something healthy to balance it out, as much balance as can occur in the post-Halloween sugar sessions.

Get creative with the candy and encourage your kids to use it in different ways. Now that you have more candy that you ever imagined, try to get your kids thinking in different ways about how to use it. Rather than just shoveling it into their mouths, this is a great way to get kids creative in the kitchen and experiment with some cooking ideas. For example, you can use some of those M&Ms to create colorful cupcakes, or make a three-dimensional house out of Tootsie rolls using Hershey’s kisses as clouds above. This is a great way to get the kids in the kitchen, using their imagination, while having a side treat of candy snacks along the way. You can also encourage your kids to make baked gifts for special people in their life, such as their grandparents, which gives them a chance to learn valuable skills like sharing and concern about other people.

Call (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) or click here to schedule a post-Halloween check-up and cleaning with our Bronx dental office today!

Baby girl building from toy blocks.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, bronx-dental-implants-150x150intellectual 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:

  1. Brush the outside, inside, and tops of the bottom back teeth on one side of the mouth five times.
  2. Move up and brush the inside, outside and chewing surfaces of the top teeth five times.
  3. Brush the bottom front teeth outside and inside five times.
  4. Move to the opposite side and brush the bottom teeth outside and inside five times.
  5. Brush the top front teeth inside, outside, and chewing surfaces five times.
  6. 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.