Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC - Long Island, NY

Signs That Your Teeth Are Suffering Damage While You Sleep

If you have noticed that your teeth are more sensitive than usual or that they feel rough to the touch, you may be sustaining damage to the tooth enamel at a time when you don’t even realize it—when you are asleep. Damage to the teeth can occur during sleep if you suffer from bruxism, or tooth grinding, which may be caused by anxiety, stress, nervous disorders, or misalignment of the teeth. Because it is hard to tell that you are grinding your teeth while you are asleep, bruxism is generally identified through such signs as those listed below.

Frequent headaches
Grinding your teeth creates pressure in the jaw that may manifest itself as tension headaches. These headaches are generally recurring and do not subside with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers. Chronic facial pain can also result from bruxism.

Worn tooth enamel
When you grind the upper and lower teeth against each other, the tooth enamel will begin to wear away, exposing the deeper layers of the tooth structure. This may result in tooth sensitivity, visible wear and tear on the tooth surfaces, and fractures or cracks in the teeth. Another complication that may arise from damage to the tooth enamel is infection of the tooth pulp, which will require root canal therapy to repair.

Tightness in the jaw
Along with pain in the face and jaw, you may feel tightness in the muscle that restricts you from opening your mouth fully. Stretching the jaw during the day may help to ease the tension, but treatment for tooth grinding will be needed to fully relieve the problem.

To explore some solutions that may help you stop grinding your teeth at night and restore your oral health, schedule a consultation at the office of Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC. You can reach us on our website or give us a call at (888) 829-9575. 

Inlays vs. Onlays

When the external structure of a tooth has sustained damage, a dental crown will be used to cap the tooth and preserve the natural structure of the underlying root. In some cases, however, full crowns are not needed to restore the exterior tooth surface. Inlays and onlays, which are also called partial crowns, will be used in these situations to keep as much of the natural tooth structure intact as possible.

Inlays and onlays work in very similar ways, but they are slightly different. An inlay will be placed along the cusps of the tooth. Onlays are designed to cover more extensive damage, and they will be placed over one or more of the cusps.

At Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC, we can provide you with the restorative care you need with inlays, onlays, or complete crowns using Cerec same-day restoration technology. Set up an appointment with us today to find out how this technology works by calling (888) 829-9575 or visiting our website. 

The Benefits of Using Invisalign Over Traditional Metal Braces

Straight, properly aligned teeth are a desirable feature for any smile, but for decades the only way to achieve this look was with cumbersome, painful metal braces. Today, Invisalign clear plastic aligners offer the same results you might expect with conventional braces without the discomfort and hassle of unsightly metal orthodontic appliances. Here is an overview of the specific benefits that Invisalign treatment has to offer.

Increased Comfort
Invisalign works using a series of custom-made plastic aligners that gently move the teeth into position over time. Each aligner fits comfortably over the teeth, minimizing the pressure felt from the orthodontic treatment. There is no risk for injuries to the soft tissue of the cheeks and gums, which are common with the sharp wires and brackets of metal braces.

Invisible Aligners
Teens and adults are particularly fond of Invisalign, because the aligners are virtually undetectable when they are being worn. The only effect of treatment that others will notice is straighter, more beautiful teeth.

Improved Oral Hygiene
One of the most common problems with metal braces is difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are much more complicated when metal braces are on the teeth, but Invisalign aligners do not get in the way at all. The aligners can be taken out to eat, brush, and floss, so you will not have to worry about damaging your teeth as you straighten them.

Incredible Results
Almost any case that can be treated with metal braces is treatable with Invisalign. The Invisalign system can address poor spacing of the teeth, crowding, crooked teeth, and malocclusions that may compromise the health and appearance of your smile.

To start your Invisalign treatment today, schedule a consultation with Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC. We can help you plan a complete smile makeover with the latest treatment technologies, including Invisalign, Zoom Whitening, and Cerec same-day restorations. You can schedule your first appointment at our practice by calling (888) 829-9575. 

Common Causes of Halitosis

If you are having a hard time keeping your breath fresh, you may need to speak with your dentist about the potential causes for your halitosis. It is often possible to significantly improve bad breath with just a few simple changes to your diet and oral care routine, which you will learn about in this video.

Some of the most frequent causes of bad breath are improper brushing, dry mouth, and poor diet. Talking to your dentist about your daily habits and oral care routine will allow him to quickly identify the areas where you should make changes that will improve your breath.

For more tips on improving your oral hygiene, contact the office of Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC. You can reach us on our website or call (888) 829-9575 to schedule services in our welcoming, high-tech Long Island practice. 

A Look at What May Be Causing Your Bad Breath

You might think that bad breath is a problem that is easy to solve with a proper oral hygiene routine at home, but bad breath, or halitosis, can often be a much more complex issue. There are a number of causes that can be the source of halitosis, and some are rather surprising. Below is a look at some of the sources of bad breath that you might not immediately suspect.

Respiratory Illness
When you have a cold, flu, or respiratory infection, you might be afflicted with foul-smelling breath that results from bacteria present in the respiratory tract. Respiratory illnesses cause an influx of mucus that feeds bacteria and produces an unpleasant odor.

Medication
If you take prescription medication that is known to cause dry mouth as a side effect, you may suffer from halitosis as a result. Saliva is needed to maintain a neutral environment in the mouth, and the lack of adequate saliva can allow bad breath-causing bacteria to thrive.

Poor Diet
You might think that onions and garlic are the primary dietary culprits behind bad breath, but it is actually diets high in amino acids, or proteins, that lead to halitosis. Watching your consumption of meat, dairy, and soy products may help to keep your breath fresher when you supplement your diet with more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol dries out the mouth, so you should keep your alcohol consumption limited to an average of one to two drinks per day. Using mouthwash that contains alcohol can also be problematic, so be sure to select a mouth rinse that is labeled as alcohol-free.

At the dental practice of Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC, we can help you discover the cause of your bad breath and create an oral hygiene routine that is custom-tailored to your needs. You can schedule your general or cosmetic dentistry procedures with us today by calling (888) 829-9575 or following this link to our website.