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

An Overview of Dental Veneers

If you have discolored, chipped, misaligned, or irregularly shaped teeth, talk to your dentist about dental veneers. These are thin casings that are securely affixed to the front of the teeth. Porcelain dental veneers can be applied at your family dentistry practice, and can greatly improve the appearance of your smile. Talk to your family dentist about whether dental veneers are a good choice for your teeth, and read on to learn more:

Preparation
Visit your family dentist for an evaluation and discuss your goals for your smile. Your dentist will likely take x-rays and make impressions of your teeth to prepare for the procedure. If you plan to have dental veneers placed on only some of your teeth, consider teeth whitening first, so your teeth will more closely match the color of the veneers.

Procedure
Your family dentist will remove a very thin layer of tooth enamel to eliminate the discoloration from the teeth. Each tooth will be carefully shaped, and then an impression of the teeth will be sent to a lab. The lab will create your custom-made dental veneers to match your teeth.

Bonding
Once the dental veneers are ready, your dentist will temporarily hold them to your teeth to evaluate the match. The dentist will reshape the veneers to fit your teeth perfectly, and adjust the shade, if needed. The family dentist will then prepare each tooth by cleaning and etching it. A bonding solution is then applied to the veneer, and the casing is placed on the tooth.

Care
Caring for your teeth properly will ensure that your dental veneers will last for years. In addition to regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning, you can care for your dental veneers by avoiding poor oral habits. These include biting your nails, chewing on ice, and grinding your teeth.

When you visit Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC of Long Island, New York, you will receive the utmost in patient care and comfort. We are committed to listening carefully to each patient’s goals and customizing a treatment plan to suit individual needs. Call (888) 829-9575 today to schedule an appointment for your dental veneers, and be sure to ask about our other restorative dentistry services, including dental implants.

Get a Better Brushing Routine

How you brush your teeth is just as important as how often you brush them. During your regular checkup, ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper brushing technique. It’s recommended that you use a soft toothbrush, hold it at a 45-degree angle, and gently clean your teeth in a circular motion, rather than back and forth.

Watch this video to get more tips on improving your brushing routine. The expert in this video points out that if you tend to develop cavities in the same area, you might be missing that area when you brush. She offers a tip for ensuring an effective brushing routine every time.

At Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC, we’re proud to offer our patients unparalleled care and customized treatment plans. Schedule an appointment at our Long Island, New York family dentistry practice today by calling (888) 829-9575, and ask us about our restorative dentistry services.

Questions to Ask About Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are permanent solutions to missing teeth. They are surgically implanted to restore the function of your teeth and to help prevent the degradation of the jawbone. If you’re considering dental implants, talk to your dentist about the procedure. Here’s a sample list of questions you may wish to ask:

Are They Right for Me?
Dental implants are a great choice for many people, particularly those who are in good overall health and practice good oral hygiene habits. Always disclose your full medical history to your dentist, including any medical conditions you have or medications and supplements you take. If you use tobacco, it’s recommended that you quit prior to receiving the implants, as smoking can prevent the proper healing of the tissues around the implants.

How Are They Installed?
Typically, a dental implant is inserted beneath the gum line using local anesthesia. For several months, the bone bonds with the implant in a process called osseointegration. After the implant is securely affixed in the jawbone, the dentist will place a crown, which is the artificial tooth, on top of the implant. Sometimes, the dentist also uses an abutment, which is a small metal piece that is placed on top of the implant to help secure the crown.

What Will They Look Like?
Your dental implants will look just like your natural teeth. Your dentist may recommend that you undergo teeth whitening prior to receiving the implants, and then he will create the crown in the right shade to match your teeth. Dental implants are typically texturized in order to reduce glare and allow them to look more natural.

How Do I Care for Them?
With the proper oral care, your dental implants can last for a lifetime. It’s important to regularly brush and floss your teeth and implants to prevent infections and potential implant failure. You should also see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to maintain the health of your smile.

The highly skilled dentists of Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC have a wealth of experience providing dental implants and other restorative dentistry services. We serve the residents of Long Island, NY and surrounding areas. Contact us at (888) 829-9575 or visit our website to learn more.

Looking For More Great Tooth Tips? Then Click Through These Links

Caring for your teeth properly ensures that you can enjoy a healthy, attractive smile for life. But your teeth also need professional care, including regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Keep your smile healthy by scheduling an appointment with Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC of Long Island, New York. Call us at (888) 829-9575 or visit our website to learn more about our restorative dentistry services. You can also browse the links below to learn more about caring for your teeth.

• Learn more about the benefits of dental veneers with this article by WebMD.
• If you’re considering dental implants, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. MetLife discusses the components of dental implants and what is involved in inserting them.
• Grinding your teeth at night can cause chipped teeth and jaw pain. Learn more about the types of nightguards that can help with this article by Livestrong.com.
• The American Dental Association discusses bruxism, including the importance of seeing your family dentist promptly if you have this condition.
• View this slideshow by the American Dental Association for some common dental problems that should be treated by a dentist.

Tips for Caring for Your Night Guard

If you wake up each morning with sore or painful facial muscles, you may be grinding your teeth at night. A visit to your family dentistry practice might reveal chipped or worn teeth, which are indicators of jaw clenching and teeth grinding, also called bruxism. If this is the case, your family dentist will likely recommend that you wear a night guard. A night guard is a device that can be custom made by your family dentist to alleviate pressure and protect your teeth from grinding. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your night guard:

Clean the Night Guard Regularly
Follow your family dentist’s instructions for keeping the night guard clean. They will likely tell you to brush it with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste every day. After cleaning it, place your night guard in a clean bowl of distilled water. Add a few drops of alcohol-free mouthwash to the distilled water and allow the night guard to soak all day. Avoid using any other cleansers or disinfectants on the oral appliance.

Store It Properly
If you’re traveling, bring your night guard with you in its case. Make sure that it is clean and dry before you pack it. Avoid leaving the night guard in a hot car because the heat can warp the material. If the appliance does become warped, see your family dentist promptly for a replacement. When the night guard is soaking in a bowl, place the bowl out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidents.

Evaluate It Periodically
Every night before you insert your night guard, look it over for signs of damage, including rips or deterioration of the material. Although night guards are quite durable, the grinding action of your teeth can wear it down over time. If you notice any signs of damage, see your dentist for a replacement. When you visit your family dentistry practice for check-ups, bring your night guard along so your dentist can evaluate it.

If you’ve noticed chipped teeth, schedule an appointment with the compassionate dentists of Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC in Long Island, New York. Our family dentistry practice offers custom-made night guards that are carefully adjusted to fit your bite pattern perfectly. Reach us at (888) 829-9575 to schedule your appointment today.