What You Need to Know About Getting Dentures

Dentists work hard to save their patients’ natural teeth whenever possible. However, if yours are severely damaged or decayed, tooth extractions may be necessary. This is the first step toward restoring the appearance of your smile and making it easier to speak and eat. The next step is to choose a tooth replacement option.  

Dentures are a popular choice, especially if you’ve lost all your teeth. Dentures are removable appliances that make your teeth look healthy and function naturally. You can smile, talk, and chew with confidence while wearing properly fitted dentures. 

If you’re considering different tooth replacement options, here’s everything you need to know about getting dentures. 

Types of Dentures 

The most common choice is a conventional denture, which is fully removable and made to replace all your teeth. To prepare for conventional dentures, you will need to have any remaining teeth removed and allow your gums to heal before being fitted, which may take a few months. 

Because of the delay in making conventional dentures, you may have the option of inserting immediate dentures the same day your teeth are extracted. This way, you aren’t left without teeth during the healing period. 

If possible, your dentist will preserve some of your natural teeth to provide stability for your dentures while reducing the deterioration of your jawbone. In this situation, your dentist may recommend overdentures, which are complete or partial dentures that sit on top of or attach to your remaining natural teeth. The added support makes overdentures less likely to become unstable or require refitting. 

Wearing Dentures 

For the first few weeks, wearing new dentures may feel awkward. You might experience minor irritation or soreness along with increased saliva flow. These problems should dissipate as you become accustomed to wearing your dentures. If any problems persist, tell your dentist at a follow-up appointment so the necessary adjustments can be made. 

Caring for Your Dentures 

Good oral care continues to be important, even if your teeth have been replaced with dentures. Here’s what to do: 

• Remove your dentures and rinse them with water to dislodge loose food particles. 
• Gently brush all surfaces of the dentures with a soft bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser. 
• Store your dentures in a cup of water when you’re not wearing them to prevent warping. 
• Brush your gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth every morning before putting your dentures in to stimulate circulation and remove plaque. Brushing also reduces the risk of oral irritation and bad breath. 
• You may choose to apply adhesive to improve the stability of your dentures. Use a product your dentist recommends, and follow the directions carefully for the best results. 

Dentures are just one of several options for replacing missing teeth. If you have a gap in your smile, visit Park 56 Dental in NYC today. We’ll discuss whether dentures are right for you and explain any alternatives you’re interested in. Give us a call at (212) 826-2322 to get started! 

The Importance of Regular Dentist Visits

While brushing and flossing at home every day is a critical part of maintaining a healthy mouth, these steps aren’t enough to keep tooth and gum problems at bay forever. For thorough preventative care and treatment, you need help from a dental professional. Here’s a look at just how important dentist visits are. 

Your dentist checks for cavities 

To do this, most dentists take X-rays of your teeth. This creates a clear picture of what’s going on in your mouth, even under the gum line. If a cavity is developing, X-rays tell the dentist exactly where it’s located. This way, you can get a filling before the decay spreads and causes more trouble. 

Your dentist removes tartar build-up 

Every day, a sticky, clear layer of plaque forms on your teeth. You can remove plaque by brushing twice a day. If any is left behind, it hardens into a tooth-staining substance called tartar, or calculus. Only a dentist using special tools can remove tartar from your teeth, a process known as scaling.  

Your dentist professionally cleans your teeth 

Motored tools and a polishing agent provide a more thorough cleaning than what you can achieve at home. The dentist finishes the job by flossing between your teeth. Your mouth will feel extra clean after all the plaque, tartar, and surface stains have been removed. 

Your dentist checks your gums 

Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth. During your visit, the dentist will use a periodontal probe to measure the space between your teeth and gums. Shallow pockets indicate healthy gums, while deep spaces could mean you have gum disease. Catching this condition in its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, gives you a chance to reverse it. However, if you skip too many dentist visits, your condition could progress to periodontal disease, which can only be maintained or cured with pocket reduction surgery. 

Your dentist checks for oral cancer 

A careful examination of your tongue, throat, neck, and the inside of your cheeks can reveal swelling, redness, or signs of cancer. Receiving an early diagnosis offers the best chance of making a full recovery, which you can only do if you visit the dentist regularly. 

Your dentist provides personalized advice to help you take care of your smile 

If you struggle with poor gum health or teeth that stain easily, your dentist can recommend specific products or procedures that may help. Implementing this personalized, expert advice can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy between dentist visits. 

Clearly, there are some things you can’t do without your dentist’s help. We recommend visiting Park 56 Dental in NYC at least once every six months for the important dental services you need. Our experienced dentists will take good care of your smile! To learn more about our services, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (212) 826-2322 today. 

Gum Disease Prevention Tips

When you think of a healthy smile, you may picture straight, white teeth, but your gums are just as important. Even if you don’t have cavities, your teeth could be in jeopardy if you develop gum disease. This condition occurs when plaque starts to form along and under the gum line. If not removed with daily brushing and flossing, this sticky substance can harden into tartar, irritating your gums and causing an infection. This leads to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. 

Since gingivitis is usually painless, most people don’t even know they have it. If left untreated, it can progress to a more advanced stage called periodontitis. This chronic condition affects a whopping 47 percent of American adults over age 30. Without professional care, periodontitis can lead to tissue and bone loss, eventually causing your teeth to loosen and fall out. 

Don’t let this happen to you! Follow these gum disease prevention tips to maintain healthy gums and protect your smile. 

Brush twice a day  

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is a fundamental way to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth that can irritate your gums. Select a soft bristle toothbrush, and avoid scrubbing too hard since this can erode tooth enamel and cause receding gums. Try an electric toothbrush for even more effective plaque removal. 

Don’t just brush—floss! 

Even an electric toothbrush can’t sweep away particles and plaque from between your teeth. That’s why flossing is so important. Even if your gums bleed, don’t shy away from this part of your oral care routine—bleeding is a sign that your gums are weak. Flossing more often provides the stimulation they need to help make them stronger. 

Use gingivitis-fighting mouthwash 

Shop for mouthwash products that reduce plaque, slow tartar formation, fight gingivitis, or all three. Remember, mouthwash isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing—it should come after these steps to maximize the benefits they offer. 

Quit smoking 

Looking for another reason to quit the habit? Smoking is closely linked to the onset of gum disease and other oral problems. Since nicotine, tar, and other chemicals in cigarettes weaken your immune system, your body has a harder time fighting off a gum infection. Plus, your gums can’t heal as easily once they’re damaged, making gum disease treatment less effective. 

Visit the dentist every six months 

Since gum disease is so prevalent and quick-forming, children and adults of all ages are encouraged to visit the dentist for an oral exam and professional cleaning every six months. A process called scaling is the only way to remove tartar build-up, a key aspect of gum disease prevention. Your dentist can also check for cavities, polish your teeth, recommend dental care products, and leave you with a brighter, more confident smile. 

The services at Park 56 Dental can help you prevent and treat gum disease in NYC. For more dental care tips, or to schedule an appointment with our dentist, please contact us at (212) 826-2322. 

Answers to Common Questions About Invisalign

If you want to straighten your teeth, you will be pleased to learn that there’s an alternative to brackets and wires called Invisalign. This treatment uses a series of virtually invisible aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Learn more about Invisalign to see if this is the solution you’ve been looking for. 

How does Invisalign work? 

Invisalign aligners are made using 3D computer imaging technology. You wear each upper and lower aligner for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Each new set of aligners shifts your teeth ever so slightly until, by the end of your treatment, they have moved into their final straight position. Most patients need between 18 and 30 aligners for a total treatment time of nine to 15 months. 

How much does Invisalign cost? 

In most cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces. The total cost depends on your insurance coverage and the complexity of your case. Many dentists offer flexible financing options to help make your dream of having straight teeth a reality. You can also use money from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for Invisalign with tax-free dollars. 

Why should I put my confidence in Invisalign? 

Since Invisalign was first invented in 1997, over six million people worldwide have used this technology to straighten their teeth. Advancements to the Invisalign system, including the introduction of the patented SmartTrack material, allow treatment times to be up to 50 percent faster than other clear aligner treatments. SmartTrack is made from medical-grade, high molecular weight, thermoplastic polymers that are BPA-free and FDA-approved.  

How will Invisalign affect my life and appearance? 

Because the aligners are virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re undergoing treatment—that is, until you reveal your new smile in a few months! Until then, you’ll enjoy the freedom of removing your aligners at suitable times. This allows you to eat and drink whatever you want, brush and floss like normal, chew gum, play woodwind instruments without added difficulty, and smile with complete confidence at weddings, in photos, or during job interviews. Just remember to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day to avoid delays in your treatment. 

How do I clean my aligners? 

The Invisalign Cleaning System is the best option for keeping your aligners clean. You can order this online or from your dentist. An alternative is to brush your aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You will also need to brush your teeth after every meal before putting your Invisalign back in. Otherwise, your teeth could become stained by residual food trapped under the aligners. 

If you still have questions about Invisalign, Park 56 Dental in NYC can answer them for you. We are a Certified Invisalign Provider with years of experience fitting our patients with this advanced tooth-straightening product. To schedule an Invisalign consultation in New York, please contact us today at (212) 826-2322.