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Dentist Greenwich CT offers Lumineers to help you to smile confidently

You say potato , I say pa-ta-to . . . you say tomato, I say ta-ma-to. What’s the difference? DIFFERENCES – that’s what today’s article blog is about. We want to help you better understand what the difference is between traditional dental veneers and dental Lumineers, a brand name and one of a kind product, made by DenMat Labs, the largest supplier of dental materials. While both veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure to help correct the intrinsic problems of teeth anatomy imperfections and aesthetically improve the natural appearance of the teeth, there are differences in the process as well as the materials used. The difference is in the details so without further adieu, lets get to those details.

Lumineers are noted as lasting as long as twenty years compared to traditional veneers spanning approximately ten years. A big plus from that of traditional veneers is that Lumineers are reversible should you change your mind of having them on your teeth. This because unlike traditional veneers that require shaving down of the initial tooth structure there is no grinding down of the natural teeth in the specialty name brand veneer. Natural teeth are still intact and strong. The needing to shave down the natural tooth with the traditional veneer is due to the weight of the material. While traditional veneer materials are wafer-thin the Lumineer material, digitally created, is ultra-thin – about as thin as a contact lens. That makes a difference when placing the material to the tooth or teeth. Local anesthetics are not needed when working with Lumineers.

With Lumineers there is no need for temporary acrylic veneers while waiting for the customized veneers to come back from the lab as traditional veneers need because of the drilling down of original teeth. Lumineers require only two office visits and on the second visit the teeth are moderately etched so the Lumineers can be set in place and bonded one by one. In terms of value with price the Lumineer brand is of greater value that many are choosing when choosing to use cosmetic teeth veneers.

Westchester NY Dentist offers the dental care your kid’s teeth deserve

Double teeth are dental conditions in which the teeth are connected to each other through the dentin or the pulp. The dentin is the layer found under the enamel of the tooth while the pulp is the innermost part of the tooth. The presence of double teeth on a child should be monitored by a pediatric dentist since it may result to issues in the eruption of permanent teeth.

There are two primary causes of double teeth in children, namely gemination and fusion.

Gemination

Gemination happens when a single tooth splits into two, but the two parts continue to be connected to each other. This dental condition is also described as teeth “twinning” in which a bifid crown comes out of one root. In this situation, two teeth develop from one tooth bud. The two parts of the teeth are identical to each other. When a geminated tooth is counted as a single tooth, the child will have the normal number of teeth. Germination typically occurs on the upper set of teeth.

Fusion

Fusion, on the other hand, is a dental condition where two separate teeth join together while they are developing. Fused teeth look similar to geminated teeth. One way to tell these two types of double teeth is by counting the number of teeth of a child. When fused teeth are counted as a single tooth, the child will lack one tooth. The fusion of teeth normally happens on the lower set of teeth.

Effects of Double Teeth

Since double teeth can prevent the normal eruption of permanent teeth, a pediatric dentist should constantly monitor it. It may even be necessary to remove it so the permanent teeth can emerge without any issue. There may be instances when there are no permanent teeth under the double teeth. But this rarely happens. This can be checked by the pediatric dentist using an x-ray.

Parents should make sure their children do not develop double teeth to prevent any issues in the future. A pediatric dentist should be consulted in case double teeth develop so that all the necessary measures can be undertaken to deal with it.

Dentist Greenwich CT discuss: an ankylosed tooth

An ankylosed tooth is the tooth that is directly fused with the jaw bone. Having this tooth results in the condition called “Dental Ankylosis”, an abnormal condition of a solid, fixated tooth root to the bone. This condition usually occurs in time of the emergence of the secondary teeth. It is commonly observed in children.

How Does an Ankylosed Tooth Form?

Normally, there is a gum tissue, which is called as “periodontal ligament”, around the roots of a tooth. This gum tissue is made up of fibers that hold the tooth so that it securely remains in the dental socket. Also, periodontal ligament is supposed to wrap the tooth root so that it doesn’t touch the bone.

Ankylosis happens when the root and the bone touch as a bridge of material called “cementum” starts to form along the gum tissue. This will create a link between the root and the bone.

Dental Issues That Come Along

1. Tipping Of Erupting Teeth

   Ankylosis causes the ankylosed tooth to stop erupting and to stay in the same place in the same position while the other neighboring teeth on each of its side grow. As these neighboring teeth erupt, they will eventually tip with the unmoving ankylosed tooth.

2. Displacement of Permanent Tooth

   If the ankylosed tooth happens to be a primary tooth, it will end up displacing the secondary and permanent tooth, keeping the new tooth from erupting.

3. Impaction

   Ankylosis can also reduce the space needed for the eruption of the permanent tooth. This eventually results to an impaction, a condition where a tooth fails to erupt.

What to Do About the Problem?

In most cases, a dentist or an orthodontist will try to let the permanent tooth erupt. However, if ankylosed tooth has still not exfoliated after a given period of time, it will need to be forcibly removed. This is where the removal of the ankylosed tooth is done.

Westchester NY Dentist Disucss the topic: Caring for your Kid’s Teeth

You may already know that one of the best ways of preventing cavities is through a healthy diet, regular brushing, and visiting a dentist. However, dental experts suggest that many parents fail when handling the dental health of their kids. This can be noted from the fact that around 42% of kids aged between 2 and 4 suffer from cavities in their baby teeth. Here are some of the greatest mistakes that parents make that are the cause of these cavities.

Allowing their kids to brush alone

Most kids do not have motors skills that should enable them to brush in an effective way until they reach 8 years. This is why it is important to supervise them while brushing and ensure that they clean every surface of their tooth.

Allowing their baby to sleep with a bottle

This is one of the easiest ways of causing tooth decay. This could be through giving babies a sippy cup the whole day or a bottle when putting them to sleep. The downside of this habit is that it keeps the bacteria and sugar levels in the mouth high throughout the day.

Delaying the first dentist appointment

Dentists say that they regularly treat kids aged between 2 and 3 years for infection and cavities. The explanation for this is that parents do not take their children to a dentist early enough. It is advisable to take the kids to a dentist immediately after the eruption of the first tooth. This should be followed by regular visits after every 6 months.

Offering healthy but sticky foods

Whole-grain crackers, raisins, and bananas are healthy foods, but they also contain lots of sugars and tend to stick on the teeth creating cavities. Ensure that your child brush their teeth after consuming these foods.

Ignoring cavities

Many parents consider treating a cavity to be one easy fix. However, cavities can affect your kid for their entire lifetime. When a cavity is infected, this can negatively affect the development of adult teeth.

Westchester NY Dentist discusses the benefits of Mouth Guard

A mouth guard, also known as mouth protector, is a flexible covering worn over teeth to provide protection against impact or other injuries. It is often worn by athletes during their games or those suffering from bruxism or teeth grinding. The mouth guard usually covers the upper teeth. However, those with a protruding jaw or those who wear braces, retainers, and other dentures may wear it on their lower teeth.

The benefits of wearing a mouth guard are the following:

1. Protection for the teeth

   The number one reason why mouth guards are worn is to protect the teeth from damage. In contact sports, a blow to the mouth is not uncommon. When this happens, the force of the impact is absorbed by teeth or jaw. The impact can cause tooth fracture, tooth dislodgement, or damage to the existing dental work such as dental crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers, etc.

   A sports mouth guard can help dissipate the force of impact. Its spongy quality helps absorb the energy of the blow while its stiffness distributes the energy of a traumatic force over a larger area. These effects will lessen the load on each tooth, thus, reduces the probability of any tooth damage.

2. Protection of the Soft Tissues such as Lips, Cheeks, and Gums

   The mouth guard also protects the soft tissues of the mouth by the similar way it does when protecting the teeth. The mouth guard absorbs most of the traumatic blow, therefore, less energy is only left to impact the soft tissues.

3. Protection of the Jaw

   A blow on the mouth might not only damage the teeth but also cause brain injury. Mouth guards help prevent this by serving as a shock absorber and by hampering the hinge of the lower jaw from being pushed into the base of the brain during impact.

4. Psychological Benefit

   There is a psychological benefit of wearing mouth guard, and that is to make athletes more aggressive knowing any blow to the mouth will not cause much injury.

   Mouth guards are an essential protective gear for athletes offering protection of the teeth. Moreover, Mouth guards also help those people with bruxism in preserving their teeth.

Dentist near Greenwich CT

A person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may forget how to do regular tasks including hygiene including tooth brushing. However, families and friends can help assist the issue. Proper oral hygiene is important to prevent issues with eating, digestion, and other infections, in particular for people who are prone to forgetting this important health routine.

Steps in Oral Care

If you have a family member with Alzheimer, here are some dental tips that you can apply:

1. Floss at least once a day

   • It can be done by having a floss holder. There are also special sticks or picks that can be good alternatives.
   • The family dentist can even provide anti-microbial solutions for the gums while using floss.

2. Brush twice a day

   • Look for a toothbrush that is manageable by the patient and that is easy for others to use as well if in case the patient needs assistance.
   • Consult the dentist if fluoride is okay for the patient.

3. Schedule monthly inspections

   • Get a list of watch outs from the dentist and how to get rid of it.
   • If in any case, there are dental issues found like swollen gums, see a dentist immediately.

4. Clean after every meal

   • Gently brush the gums using a toothbrush with soft bristles.
   • The patient’s dentures should be cleaned after every meal to prevent cavities
   • Check the mouth of the patient if there are any food remaining; sometimes they cannot swallow well. Hence, it is important to check after every meal.

5. Regular Visits

   • Schedule a dental visit even at the start of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
   • Have a list of the patient’s medications taken currently to inform the dentist. This helps him/her proceed with the further checks.
   • For any difficulty or pain, go to the dentist as soon as possible.

Indeed, Alzheimer’s is a difficult illness to handle. Aside from physical assistance, the patient is really in need of care and utmost attention. Hence, cooperation is significant to help in the patient’s dental condition.

Dental options for Seniors with few teeth left

Seniors have special dental care needs. Most of the time, they have some or most of their teeth missing. In addition, their gums are usually in poor shape.

However, this does not mean that they no longer need to see a dentist, they actually have more or a reason to visit one and regularly too in order for them to save the remaining teeth they have.

The following are the most common dental options for seniors with only a few teeth left:

1. Bridges

   Dental bridges are appliances that replace missing teeth. They are fixed in place and can no longer be removed.

   There are three main kinds of dental bridges:

   • Traditional bridges

     A crown is created on either side of the missing tooth, with an artificial tooth or pontic in between. These are usually made out of porcelain. They are usually the preferred option because they look like natural teeth.

   • Cantilever bridges

     These are used when there are adjacent teeth on the same side as the missing tooth or teeth. These are not commonly used as they put too much force on the existing teeth and could damage them.

   • Maryland bonded bridges

     These are also made of porcelain and are fused to metal or plastic teeth and gums. They are bonded to your existing teeth.

2. Dental Implants

   If money is not an issue, dental implants are really the best choice. They look like your natural teeth and can last for the rest of your life if properly cared for.

   However, this may not be a viable option for some seniors as their gums or the bones in their jaws can no longer support a dental implant. Additionally, they may not have that many years left to justify the cost of a dental implant.

3. Dentures

   These are removable dental appliances which are used to replace both missing teeth and their surround tissue and gums. They are made to look like natural teeth and make you appear to have a perfect smile.

   There are 2 types of dentures:

   • Complete dentures
   • Partial dentures

Dentist in Greenwich, CT offers gum disease treatment

When conditions such as periodontal disease have developed within the smile, it is important for patients to be proactive and speak to a dentist as soon as possible. This allows them to get a proper diagnosis as to which stage the condition has reached, which then allows them to develop an appropriate treatment plan to combat the infection. Patients in the Greenwich, CT area who are seeking a dentist for their smile are encouraged to call Chester Hill Dental Associates.

Periodontal disease, sometimes referred to as gum disease, is an infection of the mouth. It starts out in the gum tissues but then spreads. All areas of the mouth are affected including the soft tissues, the teeth, and the bone of the jaw. This condition is completely preventable with proper oral health care habits, and once it has developed, it cannot be cured. However, with the help of a dental professional, patients can reduce the infection and control the condition as much as possible—keeping it from spreading and becoming even more detrimental to the health of the smile.

Periodontal disease comes in various stages. The earlier stage, called gingivitis, is the easiest to treat. It often requires a thorough cleaning of the gums and teeth. However, if the condition has been left to progress further, it may reach the stages of periodontitis, during which antibiotics may need to be integrated into the treatment plan. A procedure called scaling and root planing may also be suggested as a way to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from all surfaces of the teeth, including the roots. This is a more invasive procedure.

Drs. Chi D. Fu and Kay T. Oen of Chester Hill Dental Associates, PLLC encourages patients to be proactive about their oral health and wellness. When problems such as periodontal disease are present, it is essential that patients see their dental professional as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. The practice is conveniently located at 150 Purchase Street, Suite 1 and can be reached by phone at (914) 939-2132.

Rye, NY Area Dentist Describes the Differences Between Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers

Patients who are interested in visiting a dentist in the Rye, NY area who offers cosmetic dentistry solutions for unattractive teeth are encouraged to visit the practice of Chester Hill Dentistry. Drs. Chi Fu and Kay Oen provide patients with ways to address imperfections that may negatively affect the appearance of the smile. This includes the chance to cover areas of the smile with porcelain veneers or Lumineers.

Both porcelain veneers and Lumineers are types of ceramic facings meant to bond over the front of a tooth to cover up imperfections or change the overall appearance. These facings are opaque but look like natural tooth enamel. They provide a natural-looking way of addressing areas of the smile that need to be improved. However, there are some differences between the two that patients need to understand before choosing one for their smile.

Porcelain veneers are thicker than Lumineers, and require the removal of some natural tooth enamel to place without adding unwanted bulk. Because of this, the treatment is not reversible. Patients will experience permanent changes to their natural teeth for the replacement of veneers. Lumineers, on the other hand, are much thinner. Because of this, there is no need to file down the tooth to remove enamel. This makes them removable later on down the road if patients change their mind on treatment.

Lumineers and porcelain veneers have their benefits, and patients should consult with their dental team to determine which one is right for their specific needs. A consultation appointment is just a phone call away and can educate patients on the treatment as well as which is most appropriate.

At Chester Hill Dentistry, we want patients to have access to some of the latest and greatest dental techniques available. This includes the ability to choose between traditional porcelain veneers and Lumineers. Our practice is conveniently located at 150 Purchase Street, Suite 1 in Rye, NY and can be reached by calling (914) 939-2132 to schedule a consultation appointment. Drs. Chi Fu and Kay Oen regularly accept new and existing patients into their practice to encourage lifelong beautiful, healthy smiles!