Tag Archives: dentures

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

What were George Washington’s Dentures Made of?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the Drawbacks of Dentures?

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

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

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

What are Dental Implants?

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

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

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

What are All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures?

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

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

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

When having to consider whether or not to get dentures or dental implants in the Bronx, the first question most people ask is, “Which one is better?” The truth is both offer great dental integrity and both have their unique benefits. Both offer excellent alternatives to having to live life without a full set of teeth, and both produce the best and most natural looking teeth. Call our Bronx dentist office today at (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) or request an appointment online.

One Day Dentures & Denture Repairs

One of the best things about dentures is that they can be completed in as little as one day! Our denture specialists in the Bronx can have a set ready within the same day. If a person shows up early in the morning to our Bronx dental office, they can have a set ready by that afternoon, all in one day! Replacement dentures and denture repairs are also easy to obtain, and can be completed in as little as one day! If one or more of the false teeth in the set of dentures falls out, all a person has to do is swing by our conveniently located Morris Park dentists office and drop them off. After a quick, easy fix, the dentures are as good as new!

Partial Dentures

Along with the convenience of getting dentures easily, there is a difference in what kind of dentures a person can get based on their need. For example, if a person only needs dentures for a few teeth, dentists can make what’s called a partial denture. A partial denture has the base, or plate, of a regular set of dentures, but only has the necessary number of teeth inserted into it. Partials can also come in several different patterns with different size teeth, in order to match the wearers teeth size and tooth organization.

Denture Epoxies and Adhesive

Dentures are also easy to keep in place or remove. In order to place the denture in the mouth, one must simply put the denture in their mouth, because it has already been sized and fitted to the wearer’s mouth, through the use of a mold. To keep the dentures in place, the wearer only needs to apply an epoxy or adhesive strip. Different denture wearers prefer different means of keeping their dentures in place, but both epoxies and adhesive strips work very effectively to keep the denture wearer comfortable throughout the day. Also, many of the epoxies and adhesive strips are designed to wear off after a certain number of hours, as to make it very easy to remove at the end of the day.

Denture Maintenance

Dentures aren’t just easy to remove, they are also easy to clean and maintain. Unlike real teeth that require brushing, flossing, and constant maintenance, dentures require very little maintenance to keep fresh and clean. One need only take their dentures off at the end of the night and place them in a cup of water with a cleaning agent in it. Not all cleaning agents work, but many companies make denture specific cleaning agent. Similar to an alka seltzer, one only needs to drop the tablet into the cup of water and it will dissolve and clean the dentures. Many dentists don’t recommend brushing the dentures, because it will wear away the material used to make the teeth, which goes to show another reason why dentures are so easy to clean and maintain.

Denture Costs

Many people who need to purchase dentures in the Bronx are on a fixed income, so buying expensive dentures is almost out of the question. Thankfully though, many sets of dentures are inexpensive. Morris Park Dental Associates offers dental payment plans and works with insurance companies to provide the best possible dental care to their patients. Also, there are many different types of dentures, all at different costs. Though in general dentures are cheap enough for people to buy, they are also of good enough quality that one pair will last for a very long time.

Dental Implants

The other alternative to getting dentures is getting surgical dental implants. Surgical dental implants involves putting studs into the jawbone that protrude out, so that either a ball or a bar can be placed on top to provide a more secure denture within the mouth. Most dentists preform this procedure on the bottom jaw; it can also be done on the upper jaw if necessary. The recovery time for these operations is not long and a temporary pair of dentures will be provided in the mean time.

The greatest thing about surgical dental implants is that they last forever. After the surgery is performed, the newly fitted teeth can be snapped into place, providing the most secure alternative to natural teeth. They will neither slide around in the mouth, nor will they come out while eating food. They will stay in place without the need for epoxy or adhesives.

Another great thing about surgical dental implants are that they are just as easy to clean as dentures. They can snap them in and out of their studs, allowing for easy access and being easily placed in and removed. Just like dentures, implants can be cleaned in the exact same fashion, but placing them in a glass of water with a cleaning agent. A person can also brush them like regular teeth, if it is uncomfortable to remove them on a regular basis. Also, anyone can sleep with them in without having to remove them to go to sleep.

Dental implants have the added bonus of promoting jawbone integrity because if a person doesn’t have something pressing on or into the jawbone, it will deteriorate over time. This is easily fixed by planting the studs into the jawbone so that they can keep the jawbone from deteriorating. The studs placed into the jawbone will give anyone the added benefit of a strong, healthy jaw.

Together, either dentures or dental implants provide the optimal solution to having a full set of teeth. Whether the comfortable fit of dentures seems like the best option, or the security of having dental implants, you really can’t lose. Dentures are easy to clean, maintain, get a hold of, and if one needs only a partial, dentures would prove the ideal fit. If a person wants the added security and stability of implants, and a permanent solution that looks and feels like real teeth, they would be an excellent candidate for dental implants. Either way, it’s a win-win!

Call our Morris Park Dentist office in the Bronx today at (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) to request a consultation to see whether dental implants or dentures are the way to go. Request a Bronx dental appointment online as soon as possible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cosmetic Procedures: Examples

The myths behind Amalgam and Composite fillings

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

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

What about Tooth Whitening?

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

Veneers & Cosmetic Crowns

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

What You Should Know About Dentures

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

Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry… The controversy and the Truth.

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

My dentist is ‘Conservative’ what does that mean?

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

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