Tag Archives: bronx

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!

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Valentine’s Day is here!

Is 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

A 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

When 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.

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.

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.

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

Other 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!

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.

Here is some history about Saint Patrick’s Day

The National Irish American Heritage Month was designated by congress in 1995 and there is a celebration of Saint Patrick, The Bishop of Ireland on March 17th. The holiday is to celebrate the Irish culture. The first Saint Patrick’s Day parades began in New York in 1762 by Irish members of the British Army. The holiday was originally started for the Irish to celebrate their past heritage and keep their traditions alive after being separated from their homeland. It is now a worldwide celebration of wearing green, getting pinched if you are not, and parades in several United States cities.

Our Commitment To An Environmentally Friendly Dental Office in the Bronx

You might be interested to know on St. Patrick’s Day, that our dental office in the Bronx is a Green Dentist’s Office! There are several ways that our Bronx dental office is environment friendly.

Non-mercury and non-amalgam fillings

When we treat cavities with a filling, we use non-mercury and non-amalgam fillings. This means that our office is keeping you, our staff, and the environment healthy by not using toxic mercury materials. When other Bronx dentists use these mercury or amalgam fillings, they normally have to remove more of the natural tooth than is necessary and the material can be toxic to your body. If mercury gets in your body, it does not just go away and it can be transmitted to your children. This is a very important fact about how green we are.

A digital dental office

Our office is also digital. Electronic dental patient reminders through email and text help our office to be greener. We also use digital x-rays which eliminate the chemicals, paper, and foil trash that are products of traditional x-rays. That means that you are not being exposed to those things either. Digital x-rays also use up to 90% less radiation than the traditional kind. There is also less waiting time for a digital x-ray. Your dentist can see your teeth immediately without developing the images.

Rechargeable batteries, water filters and recycling

There are a few more things in the office, such as using rechargeable batteries for our equipment that uses them and energy saving overhead lights. Recycling ink cartridges is another less noticeable way our Bronx dental office is green. Our water filter is much better than water bottles and coolers in the office for the environment. When an instrument or tool gets worn out, we are a part of the recycling program with Henry Schein, and they give us one new instrument for every 12 that we recycle.

A green environment

Our Morris Park Avenue dental office in the Bronx has invested in maintaining a green environment for the earth and the patients. We will continue to research and use the latest green materials and techniques for keeping our dental patients, their teeth, our staff, and the earth healthy!

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 great! Call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) today to find out more about Dentistry In The Bronx.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

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.

We’ve all made New Year’s resolutions about many different things every year. Some people make the resolution to save, others to meet that special someone, and many others want to lose weight and look great. Well, here at Morris Park Dental, let us direct your attention to a different kind of New Year’s Resolution… Oral and Dental Health!

I. Don’t wait until “it hurts” to get it checked out
One of the biggest and most common mistakes made by people is not going to see their dentists for their regular check-ups. If you visit your Bronx dentist at least once or twice a year, your Bronx dental team could oversee and prevent dental health problems early. You could even save money, and time, because the facts are this: Someone who goes to the dentist seldom will most likely require more than a simple dental procedure. More extensive and expensive treatment will most likely be required, which will lead you to have a less enjoyable visit. So, brush your teeth and floss every day, twice a day, (even after every meal for those A+ patients) make your regular 6 month full-mouth exam and cleaning, and actually keep your appointment! (Click here to schedule your appointment at Morris Park Dental now or call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) )

II. STICK to Good Oral Habits This Year
And we mean it! Even if you have to place a Sticky Note on your mirror.
Who likes the feel of that thin layer of temporary plaque on your teeth? No one does! Plaque though, doesn’t just feel gross; it is actually harmful bacteria that can build up on your teeth and gums every day… This is why brushing and flossing regularly is very essential. Many people avoid flossing because they don’t know how, or because they think it’s too much work, or because they find it disgusting. Well the truth is, brushing only, will NOT remove ALL of the plaque from your teeth. Plaque also grows in between teeth and below the gumline, the only way to reach those areas, would to floss them. If you have a hard time flossing, we urge you to ask your hygienist, dental assistant or dentist properly instruct you the way to do this (trust me, you might even start to enjoy it)

Facts: Did you know that decay and gum disease often begin below the gumline, and in between the teeth? Did you know that bleeding, swollen gums, gingivitis, and other gum diseases can develop if proper and regular brushing and flossing is not prevalent? Did you know that mouth diseases could affect the rest of your body?

Try this at home: THE FLOSS CHALLENGE! (For those who don’t believe that flossing makes a difference)

1. Eat a hardy meal, with your favorite meats, greens, pastas, and desert.
2. After your meal, and a little bit of digestion, go brush your teeth. (BRUSH ONLY)
3. Notice how ‘fresh and clean’ your mouth feels! You may think, “Oh, my teeth are brushed, my mouth is clean, there’s no need to floss”
4. Now take your floss of choice, (not those little individual ones, but the floss in the dispenser) floss in between each tooth… notice anything? Yep! Those are food particles, plaque, and many other foreign objects left behind from before.
5. Now marvel at the fact that flossing is absolutely essential to the contribution of a clean and healthy mouth. Even after thorough brushing, of the surfaces, your teeth are not completely clean! So I’m hoping that you are now a believer and you will brush AND floss regularly.

III. Stay Away From Bad Oral Habits!
Are you a smoker, or a heavy drinker? Please continue to read this, and head these lifesaving warnings. Virtually everyone knows by now, that the use of tobacco may harm your mouth gravely, in more ways than one. It increases the risk of cancer, tooth discoloration, cavities, dry mouth, gum recession, dry socket and sometimes it may even cause you to have a lower pain tolerance.
Facts: Did you know that smokeless tobacco is just as harmful to your oral and overall health? Did you know that smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth and have gum diseases, compared to non-smokers? Did you know that your high risks can decrease after quitting smoking, or using smokeless tobacco?

For those who binge drink or consume high amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, listen up. You’ve always heard that alcohol can affect your liver, your overall health, etc… but that is not all that it can affect. Taking in an excessive amount of alcohol may affect your oral health as well, causing increased gum recession, gum disease, and more. So limit your alcohol intake, and take good care of your oral hygiene.

Get help, get support, and if you fall, just get back up, don’t just stay down! It’s a new year, and anything is possible.

IV. Your Teeth Are What They Eat
Who would have thought that eating well would be important to dental health? Well I guess that New Year’s resolution of losing weight can finally kick off right now. Studies show that poor nutrition can actually affect the immune system, which increases susceptibility to numerous common oral disorders. So, drink plenty of water, eat lots of fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Facts: Fruits and Vegetables contain antioxidants that can improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria, and inflammation; this helps not only to protect your teeth and gums, but also helps you to heel well and fast. Did you know that raw and crisp fruits and veggies i.e. crunchy apples, crunchy raw carrots and celery can contribute to cleaning plaque from teeth, and even freshen your breath?

V. Educate Yourself and Your Children this year
Starting very young is not at all frowned upon, in fact, it is to be applauded. Take your children to go see the dentist and to get acquainted with the staff, have them sit in the chair, just to get the feel of it, before an actual dental appointment visit, so he or she doesn’t feel intimidated, scared or perhaps traumatized. Ask for permission of your dentist and the staff first, it usually shouldn’t be a problem, as long as they have previous knowledge.

Infants: If you live in an area without fluoridated water, you can make sure your kids get their fluoride by using tablets, drops or gel and by having topical fluoride treatments applied at the dental office (you can find that out by calling your local water company or your local health department.) Using fluoride toothpastes and rinses are also effective. A healthy and balanced diet is not just important for adults, but children as well. Children especially need calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth. Good sources of calcium are milk, cheese and yogurt. Research shows that eating cheese after meals seems to prevent the effects of decay-causing acids. As much as possible, avoid giving your kids snacks containing sugar or starch.

By the age of 3: Children should be brushing their own teeth under adult supervision. Only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is necessary. Start flossing your child’s teeth daily when all the primary teeth are in or when teeth are touching each other.

By the age of 8: Children should be able to brush and floss by themselves, with occasional checks. Turn brushing and flossing into a fun and daily routine. Make it fun by having your child pick out his or her own colorful toothbrush, with perhaps their favorite cartoon character and bubble gum-flavored floss.

Here is a tip: Today, many of the kids’ shows feature dentist appointment episodes, or how to brush your teeth episodes. Take advantage of these, to help your child see that it is actually a good thing and show them by your example how fun, but yet how important and necessary it is to have good oral hygiene habits.

VI. Take A Plan Of Action NOW!
Get yourself a journal, take up a new hobby, or revisit an old one. Undoubtedly, you will work hard this year, so take care of your body, and it can take care of you. Ultimately the body does not just consist of one or two limbs, nor does it just run on one or two organs. The entire body is an inclusive machine that works together with every inch of it involved. This does not exclude your mouth.
Write down your goals. Number them. Be honest, and realistic. Write down what practical steps you will take to reach those goals. Document your actions every week to monitor your progress, obstacles, and positive outcomes. By the end of the year, go back and read your journal from beginning to end, and see what you’ve accomplished. In dentistry, caring for your mouth is more than just brushing flossing, or check-ups, but it is about your overall health, and happiness. We want to help to contribute to those things, in any way possible. Therefore this New Year, make the resolution to take better care of your mouth, don’t you think it deserves it? It helps to feed you every day; it makes kissing that cute little baby of yours special. It is the least you can do for your mouth… and yourself.

Click here to schedule your appointment at Morris Park Dental now or call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) and stick with those new years dental resolutions!)