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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!

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!

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.