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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.

Getting dentures in the Bronx has never been so easy! Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out, cleaned overnight, and put back in. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel the same as one’s natural teeth, modern day dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever before. If you are interested in finding out more about All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures In The Bronx, you should call our Morris Park Dental Office for a consultation at (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) or request a consultation.

There are two main types of dentures you can get in the Bronx: full, and partial. Any Bronx dentist can help choose the type of denture that’s best, based on how many teeth need to be replaced, and the cost involved. But what are implant supported dentures, and how do they work?

Unlike regular dentures, which rests on the gums, implant supported dentures are anchored to the jawbone, by way of dental implants. Most often, this type of denture is placed in the lower jaw, mostly because dentures tend to be less stable in the lower jaw, as opposed to the upper jaw. However, implant supported dentures can be placed in in the upper jaw as well. With this type of denture, an implant supported denture snaps into place on the implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. This prevents the denture from slipping or coming loose during activities like eating, talking, or laughing. Denture paste and adhesives are no longer required because the dentures are secured by the fittings in the jaw. The implant supported denture can be removed at night for cleaning, just like regular dentures, or, if one has a fixed implant supported denture placed, these dentures can act as permanent teeth.

So what are the basics of implant supported dentures? There are two styles of implant supported dentures, bar-retained dentures and ball-retained dentures. Both types of dentures require two or more dental implants to be placed in the lower jaw, and both will provide a beautiful, natural smile.

In the Bar-Retained type of denture, three or more implants are surgically placed into the lower jaw. Attached to these implants is a metal bar that runs slightly above the gum line, inline with the natural position of teeth. The denture then rests on the metal bar and is attached using clips or other forms of attachments. This type of implant supported denture holds the denture in place without the steel studs used in Ball-Retained Dentures.

Many patients prefer this type of denture to a traditional denture because it provides greater denture integrity and doesn’t cause the painful rubbing of contemporary dentures. The denture is held in place more securely and is less likely to come loose.

Unlike Bar-Retained dentures, Ball-Retained Dentures, also called Stud-Attachment Dentures, use a ball-and-socked design to attach the dentures to the implants surgically placed in the gums. Traditionally, the denture is fitted with sockets into the jawbone, and the implants have a ball on top of them so the dentures can snap onto them. The denture and implants snap together where the ball and sockets meet.

This form of denture is considered exceptionally secure. Ball-Retained Dentures are less likely to slip or move in the mouth, and will allow denture wearers to eat more foods they love and speak more clearly.

Dental implants are long-term replacements that your dentist surgically places into the jawbone. These dental implants, composed of titanium, fuse with the jawbone through a process called “osseointegration”. Implants never slip out or make embarrassing noises that expose the one’s denture, and because they are made of titanium you do not have to worry about decay. Also, given the fact that the titanium is surgically inserted into the jawbone, it will typically not develop into issue or cause bone loss.

Dental implants have been around for a long time, and their reliability has been proved well founded. Doctors have been implanting dentures this way for over 20 years and many of the implants that were placed in the late 80s and early 90s are still operating as if they were brand new, requiring little to no maintenance. If properly cared for, dental implants can easily last a lifetime.

Before any work is done, a dentist will preform an initial exam to evaluate the best type of implant supported dentures. The doctor will take x-rays, create impressions, and take one’s medical and dental history. If this information seems appealing, talk to a dentist and see if a temporary denture could be made to wear until the Implant-Supported denture is placed.

The initial surgery would place the implants in the jawbone. Three or six months will elapse before the next surgery. This is to ensure that the jawbone and implant integrate and fuse properly. The second surgery will expose the tops of the implant and a healing cap, or collar, will be placed on the head of each exposed implant. Less healing time is needed after the second surgery, so the next appointment will be within two weeks. In the third appointment, the healing caps will be replaced with regular abutments, the part of the implant the crown, metal bar, or ball-socket is attached to. The last appointment will be to try on the new dentures to ensure that it is a comfortable fit.

It is always important to remove dentures at night and to clean them thoroughly. One should also clean the attachments thoroughly to prevent gum disease, tarter buildup, or decay. Follow the dentist’s instructions carefully to keep that new smile as beautiful as possible.

Dentures are well known to be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Many patients complain of discomfort, embarrassment, and unhappiness with their smile. Dentures by themselves do not act as natural teeth would. The lower denture is not anchored in place and can slip and prevent the wearer from eating the foods they love. Worse yet, dentures can cause decay in the jawbone because they do not stimulate the bone like natural teeth do. Overtime, the gums one relies upon to keep their dentures in place dissolve and the worse the denture will fit.

Implant supported dentures provide the wearer with a life without pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. Implant supported dentures act like natural, healthy teeth; they stimulate the bone and prevent bone loss, increase bite forces up to 10x in the first year, and look and feel like natural teeth! Wearers often marvel at the ability to chew, speak, and smile with ease and comfort once had with natural teeth. Implants have truly revolutionized dentistry for the denture wearer.

Call our Morris Park Dentist office and request a dental appointment and consultation for All-on-4 implant supported dentures as soon as possible. Call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) today to find out more about Implant Supported Dentures In The Bronx.

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

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

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

Cosmetic Procedures: Examples

The myths behind Amalgam and Composite fillings

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

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

What about Tooth Whitening?

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

Veneers & Cosmetic Crowns

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

What You Should Know About Dentures

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

Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry… The controversy and the Truth.

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

My dentist is ‘Conservative’ what does that mean?

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

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