Just about everyone occasionally wishes that their smile was a little bit whiter. There are all kinds of things you can do about that—cut out coffee, brush often, etc.—but for some people, even that may not be enough.

In fact, some people may feel like their smile won’t get whiter no matter what they do. As it turns out, a lot of that may come down to genetics. Here’s a little bit more information about the genetic reasons your teeth could be yellow, and what you can do about it.

How Can Genetics Impact Your Teeth’s Color?

Genetics plays a massively important role in the natural shape and color of your teeth. Some people’s enamel is just yellower than others, while some may have a grey or greenish hue to their teeth.

However, even outside of this normal variance, there are some genetic conditions that can cause your teeth’s enamel to be discolored. Dentinogenesis imperfecta is one example, which causes people to have thin, brittle, grayish enamel. Amelogenesis imperfecta is similar, instead causing yellow-brown discoloration.

Treating Natural Discoloration

If your teeth are genetically discolored, you probably won’t have much luck with over-the-counter whitening toothpaste. Odds are that you’ll need to get professional teeth whitening, which is administered by a dentist and is much more powerful than what you can find in stores.

If you really appreciate the convenience of over-the-counter treatments, your dentist can also provide you with take-home whitening kits that can give you the same incredible results as in-office treatments.

Dealing with Genetic Disorders

If you have one of the genetic disorders that leads to brittle, discolored enamel, teeth whitening will not be enough. You may need to opt for a restoration or cosmetic treatment that can cover your teeth up.

Depending on the integrity of your teeth, dental crowns, direct bonding, and veneers can all cover up discoloration and, in some cases provide your teeth with a little bit more durability than they had before.

In either case, you don’t have to be stuck with the color of your natural enamel. Your dentist will be happy to get you the perfectly white smile you’ve always wanted!

About the Author

At DentCare Dental Center, we know that life is busy. That’s why we work as hard as we do to ensure that taking care of your teeth is as simple and stress-free as possible. We have a dental team made up of experts who will make use of the latest in dental technology so that, no matter what problem you’re facing, we can be prepared to help you. That means a lot less time driving all over town looking for specialists, and a lot more time getting the dental care you deserve.

If you have any questions about tooth discoloration, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (718) 937-6750.

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Santa, Christmas dinner, opening presents with family, wisdom tooth removal – wait, that last one isn’t known to be part of the holiday season, is it? Known or not, sometimes it’s necessary. While it may be inconvenient, especially when preparing to gather with family and friends, there are ways you can continue to heal successfully while also having fun. Here are tips from your dentist in Sunnyside to keep in mind as you spend time with loved ones and recover from wisdom tooth removal to achieve a healthier smile.

Avoid Physical Activity

Instead of participating in this year’s family football festivities or going for the annual holiday 5K, take the time off to relax and cheer everyone on from the sidelines. You might even bring a few board or card games, so you, too, can get involved in the fun.

Just because you’re recovering from wisdom tooth removal doesn’t mean you have to stay at home like a hermit this holiday season. Spending time with family and friends can make the healing process more manageable, so just be mindful of what you eat, how you play, and when you travel. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling better and preparing to ring in the new year.

Stick to Soft Foods

The contents of your mom’s holiday table may look enticing, but if you’re tempted by anything hard in consistency, walk away. Eating foods that have tough textures can be difficult to chew, causing additional discomfort and potentially impacting your ability to heal.

This is also true for spicy foods and those beverages with high acidity levels. Instead, fill up on mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, stuffing, soup, or even baked sweet potatoes, and don’t forget to drink lots of water. This will help flush out any toxins or bacteria and keep your mouth from getting dry.

Postpone Travel If Possible

Although wisdom tooth removal doesn’t always require that you wait a few days before traveling, it might be better to err on the side of caution before flying in an airplane if you can. The reason is that the air pressure within the plane can make your discomfort level more difficult to manage. However, if you cannot shift your travel dates, make sure to create an ice pack to help reduce swelling and pain and take any prescribed medications to maintain a level of comfort while flying or riding in a car or train.

Wisdom tooth removal doesn’t have to turn you into The Grinch this year in terms of staying away from the people you care about. In fact, spending time with loved ones will probably help the healing process progress as you avoid dwelling on any discomfort. Just make smart decisions on what you are eating, your physical exertion, and travel decisions. When you aren’t focused on the time passing during your recovery, you’ll be better before you know it heading into the New Year!

About the Author

Dr. Arthur Volker earned his dental doctorate from Columbia University. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you seek wisdom tooth removal for you or your child, Dr. Volker prioritizes your comfort and tries to minimize your stress. Schedule an appointment on his website, but if it’s an emergency, call (718) 937-6750.

The post Tips for Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Removal Over the Holidays appeared first on Dent Care Dental Care Blog.

Gooey candy apples. Sweet lollipops. Crisp chocolate bar. Everyone has their favorite Halloween treat! Taking part in the tasty festivities is so much fun, but it isn’t always good for our teeth. Fortunately, you can have your cake and eat it too (pun intended). Here are four tips from your dentist in Sunnyside for a healthier Halloween for you and your family.

Tip 1: Eat Candy With (Or Shortly After) A Meal

Did you know that saliva helps keep your teeth healthy? Saliva production increases when we begin eating. As a result, it is able to rinse away the bacteria that are formed when consuming sweetened foods. This process decreases the risk of the sugar settling into our pearly whites and causing cavities. Be mindful to eat your treats with or near a meal so your mouth can effectively clean all food particles at once.

 You also don’t want sugar to linger in your mouth for too long because it increases the risk of tooth decay. This is another great reason to limit snacking on candy and stick with enjoying it in close timing with a meal.

Tip 2: Not All Treats are Created Equal

Regarding your teeth, certain types of candy affect your oral health more than others. Sticky, hard, and sour candies are tougher to chew and more likely to cling to your teeth, causing damage to the enamel. They also have a higher amount of acids than other varieties, which increases your risk of cavities and tooth decay.

 If you are a chocolate lover, you will be glad to know it is one of the more teeth-friendly treats to enjoy during Halloween! It is easier to wash off and lower in acid. Darker varieties are great because they have smaller amounts of sugar.

Tip 3: Consider Setting a Limit

As your family prepares for the fun of trick-or-treating, consider setting a limit on the number of treats you and your family can have daily. This will help with the temptation to grab a handful whenever it is convenient. You may also plan to limit the number of houses that will be visited.

Another helpful idea is to have your little ones pick out their favorite candies and exchange the rest for a fun toy. You can donate the gathered loot to a local charity.

Tip 4: Stick to Your Oral Routine

Sticky candy isn’t the best for your smile but sticking to your healthy oral habits is great for it!  Even though this time of year can have late nights, remember to keep your routine of brushing twice a day, regular flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Doing so will dramatically cut down on how much cavity-causing plaque accumulates on your teeth and will give you a healthier, brighter smile!

Don’t let sugary Halloween candy trick your teeth into poor oral health! With these helpful tips, you and your family can enjoy the season without fear of cavities.

About the Practice

Dr. Arthur Volker, Dr. Thomas Chung, and our team at DentCare Dental Center provide high-quality dentistry to the families of Sunnyside and surrounding areas. With a vast array of dentistry and the latest in dental technology, our top priority is your healthy smile throughout the year. We place a lot of emphasis on providing the best preventive care possible! To keep your teeth hauntingly healthy this Halloween, contact them through their website or by phone at (718) 557-9012.

The post Take the Trick out of the Treat! 4 Tips for a Healthier Halloween appeared first on Dent Care Dental Care Blog.

Dental insurance doesn’t work the same way as the medical insurance that you’re used to. This can lead to some confusion. However, this monthly investment is still incredibly useful if you know how to navigate it properly. Fortunately, with a few tidbits of information, you can grasp a better understanding of your dental insurance benefits. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips.

Understand How Your Plan Works

There are all sorts of different dental plans out there, and they aren’t all the same. It is crucial that you understand how your individual plan works so that you have the freedom you need to seek the treatments that you want and require. Your dental insurance company pays a certain percentage based on the price levels that are set for each treatment. When you know what this amount is, you can commit to treatments and procedures with a dollar amount in mind. No one wants to be surprised with a big bill at the end of your treatment.

Know What “Out-of-Network” Means

Just because the dental provider that you want to see isn’t in your network does not necessarily mean that you will be required to pay for all of your treatments in their entirety. Oftentimes, this just means that the percentage covered is lower, but not absent. You can talk to the dentist’s administrative team so you can get to the bottom of it. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether or not the difference is worth it.

Choose Your Provider

If you have a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, this means that your dental insurance company cannot dictate whom you see for dental care. It is completely up to you. However, you will benefit by doing some research. You should weigh the pros and cons between multiple providers so that you can determine who the best dentist in Tukwila is for your oral care.

Remember That YOU Are the Customer

Your dentist is not the customer of your dental insurance company – you are! Your dental insurance company will be much quicker to reimburse you than they will be to reimburse your dental office. If you ever find yourself needing to pay for a treatment or procedure in whole, your insurance company should reimburse you in a matter of weeks. Your dental administration team can help you figure this out, but it is best if you can verify your benefits on your own as well.

Dental insurance can be a challenge to understand fully, but it is an important tool when it comes to receiving affordable dental care. By using the tips listed above, you will be able to seek the treatment you need without all the stress!

About the Author

Dr. Thomas Chung is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. Currently, he is a proud member of the New York State Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Sunnyside, visit his website or call (718) 937-6750.

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Taste. Although you may not think of this sense often, it’s essential to enjoying your overall quality of life. Not being able to taste your food properly will make eating less enjoyable, primarily because you’ll be missing out on a variety of flavors. Over time, people can naturally lose their sense of taste because of aging. While dentures can make that worse, it doesn’t have to be that way! Read on to learn more about the impact and how you can improve your taste of sensation.

How Do Dentures Affect Taste?

Even though dentures closely resemble real teeth, they’re still nothing like your natural set. The prosthetic covers the upper palate, which plays a role in taste and smell. If you fail to clean your dentures properly, residual deposits can cause a bad taste or interfere with your taste in foods.

Lower-quality oral appliances in particular are more porous, which can pick up more odors and tastes, negatively affecting your overall taste sensation. They’re also more likely to stain if you consume dark-colored foods and drinks.

Tips to Improve Your Sense of Taste

Luckily, your dentures don’t have to affect your sense of taste in any way with the right precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Clean your dentures properly. One of the best ways to avoid stain buildup and food deposits is by keeping your dentures clean. That way, you can prevent any issues from altering your sense of taste.
• Get better-fitting dentures. Consider getting new dentures that require less adhesive! It’ll help you avoid the need for denture cream, which can negatively affect your taste. If you’re having persistent trouble with the fit of your prosthetics, you may need a denture reline.
• Upgrade to dental implants. Implant dentures eliminate the need for a base plate, leaving the taste buds on the roof of your mouth alone. With dental implants, you can freely enjoy your favorite foods and savor all the delicious flavors!

While everyone’s sense of taste weakens with age, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to keep it around for as long as possible. By following the tips outlined above, you can prevent your dentures from affecting your taste. Your dentist may even be able to make necessary adjustments so your food is more flavorful!

About the Practice

At Dent-Care Dental, we offer high-quality and comprehensive services guaranteed to exceed even your highest expectations. Our team uses the latest technologies, techniques, and materials to ensure you receive the world-class care you deserve. If you think your dentures are affecting your sense of taste, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. You can make an appointment via our website or call (718) 937-6750.

The post Dentures: How Do They Affect Your Sense of Taste? appeared first on Dent Care Dental Care Blog.

After you get teeth whitening from your dentist, it’s easy to feel as if your new smile will last forever. Your pearly whites finally live up to their nickname and look so shiny and clean — how could they return to their former yellow color? Even so, they can and will get stained again if you’re not careful. In fact, whitened teeth are more vulnerable to discoloration in the first 48 hours after treatment. That said, don’t eat these four foods for a while so your white smile will stay longer.

4 Foods to Avoid

Following a whitening treatment, your teeth will be extra sensitive to staining from certain meals. Some foods you should avoid are:

Highly Acidic Foods

Products with certain acids can harm the beautiful coloring of whitened teeth.

Your tooth enamel will be weakened from the bleach used in whiteners. Acidic foods could further weaken that enamel, leading to stains and increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

Examples of these items include citrus fruits (i.e., lemons, limes, oranges), tomatoes, pineapples, pickled foods, and processed meats.

Foods with Dyes

Foods with dyes can always stain teeth, but they’re especially likely to if eaten post-whitening. That goes for those with natural *and* artificial ones.

Popular products in this category are popsicles, candies, flavored potato chips, and sports drinks.

Dark Sauces

When deciding on safe foods for newly white teeth, a good rule is whether the item would stain a white shirt. Since dark-colored sauces would discolor that shirt, avoid them for the time being.

Some examples are tomato sauce, soy sauce, brown sauce, and mustard.

Dark-Colored Fruits & Vegetables

Just as dark sauces would discolor a white shirt, the same applies to dark-colored fruits and veggies.

That said, hold off on any berries, grapes, carrots, cherries, spinach, and other dark leafy greens.

Foods to Eat Instead

To substitute for the foods that could harm your whitened teeth, consider eating these instead:

• Rice
• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Porridge
• Bananas
• Coconut
• Bread
• Sushi
• Deli meats
• Rice pudding

Once a few days have passed since the first treatment, you can re-introduce staining foods into your diet. In contrast, indulging in them right after your dental visit will undo the time, effort, and money spent getting that new and bright smile.

As you can see, professional teeth whitening needs aftercare to succeed in the long-term. Talk to your dentist if you have other questions about preserving the procedure’s effects.

About the Practice

DentCare Dental Center is based in Sunnyside, NY. As led by Drs. Arthur Volker and Thomas Chung, its team delivers fast, precise, and comfortable dental care. To that end, the practice’s treatments span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, even including emergency dental services. It also uses the latest dental technology to ensure patients receive healthy and beautiful smiles. For more information or to book an appointment, reach the staff at their website or by phone at (718)-937-6750.

The post 4 Foods to Avoid After Whitening Your Teeth appeared first on Dent Care Dental Care Blog.

Most people have been taught to brush and floss their teeth twice a day to maintain their smile. But what about if you’re undergoing the Invisalign treatment? If you’re going through this procedure, then cleaning between your teeth might be more essential than you realize! Keep reading to learn why flossing with Invisalign is vital for your dental health and how to do it properly.

The Importance of Flossing With Invisalign

Plaque buildup occurs between your teeth and around your gums. If left unchecked, it can cause gum disease, which can contribute to other more serious health conditions—like heart disease and strokes. While you’ll have to brush and rinse your teeth (and aligners) after every meal, flossing is an essential part of your dental hygiene. Should you skip flossing with Invisalign, you might actually allow for the plaque and bacteria to collect underneath your aligners. This can increase your risk of gum damage in the long run.

The 4 Step Flossing Process

To reduce your chances of periodontal disease or gum issues, it’s crucial to thoroughly floss before putting your Invisalign trays back on. For the best outcome, you should follow these steps when cleaning your smile:

• Remove Trays: Always take your clear aligners off before eating or cleaning them. You won’t want to risk damaging them by chewing on anything. If you’re about to eat, try soaking them so they remain bacteria free during your meal.
• Brush Your Teeth: Scrub away the majority of any debris and food matter from the open and obvious areas of your mouth. You should also pay extra attention to your gum line to remove as much plaque as you can.
• Rinse Your Mouth: Break away or loosen any food particles by swishing water or mouthwash around your mouth. Repeat this as many times as you want to ensure a thorough cleansing.
• Floss Thoroughly: Take about 12 inches of dental floss and wrap both sides around two fingers so you can work with a single one-inch piece at a time. Carefully push the floss between two teeth, curve it in a ‘C’ shape around one tooth, and slide it up and down to remove any plaque and debris. Once you’re done with both sides, repeat the process between your other teeth, always using a clean section of dental floss along the way.

After you’ve finished flossing, you can rinse your mouth once more before placing your Invisalign trays again. This will ensure that any removed particles are washed away, allowing you to continue your treatment while maintaining a clean and healthy smile!

About the Author

Dr. Arthur Volker is a proud member of several prestigious groups including the American College of Dentists, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Queens County Dental Society. He lectures nationally/internationally on various topics like cosmetic therapy and dental equipment, and is also certified in providing Invisalign. If you’d like to know more about the importance of flossing with Invisalign, feel free to visit our website or call 718-937-6750.

The post The 4 Step Process to Flossing With Invisalign appeared first on Dent Care Dental Care Blog.

Dental implants are a great investment for replacing teeth, and you should feel confident before going through with the procedure. For this reason, be sure to express any concerns to your dentist beforehand, especially when you first talk about the treatment. But what should you ask them when you visit? Read on to learn the five questions you should ask during your dental implant consultation in Sunnyside!

#1: Am I an Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?

While dental implants are widely regarded the gold standard for tooth replacement, not everyone is a good candidate for them initially. In order for these replacements to work, you need to have healthy jaws and gums. If you don’t, your dental implants could fail. Certain habits, like smoking, can impact how strongly the implants will bond with the jawbone and influence your candidacy for this treatment. If your bone and gums are healthy, then it’s likely that dental implants are a great choice for you.

#2: What Are My Options If I Don’t Replace My Tooth?

Generally, those who hold off on getting an implant increase the risk of their jaw shrinking, since there’s no structure to stimulate blood flow to the bone. Additionally, this can also lead the nearby teeth to shift and impact the bite pattern. The longer it takes to address the missing tooth, the worse the dental situation can become, which can lead to more costly procedures. Most people wonder about the affordability of dental implants, but tackling the problem now can save you more troubles and money in the future. 

#3: How Much Experience Do You Have with Implants?

Feel free to ask the team about their experience with dental implants! You should feel comfortable with the quality of care you’re getting before committing.

#4: What Can I Expect with the Procedure?

Be sure to ask your professional to explain the implant process. You want to pay careful attention to their answers on how soon they can complete the treatment. Usually, you’ll need a few months for the bone to heal and bond with the implant properly before placing the crown.

#5: How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Most dental implants can last a lifetime, as long as proper maintenance is practiced. If you want to know the best dental hygiene routines, ask your dentist and they can instruct you on how to make the most of your investment.

Dental implants are one of the best restoration options out there, and you should make sure you understand as much as you can before starting. Doing so can help avoid issues and ensure you get the smile you deserve!

About the Practice

Dent-Care Dental provides excellent dental care while using state-of-the-art technology. Their team offers an extensive array of treatments for all your cosmetic and restorative needs, as well as accepts dental insurance. If you have more questions before your dental implant consultation, visit their website or call (718) 937-6750.

The post 5 Questions to Ask at Your Dental Implant Consultation appeared first on Dent Care Dental Care Blog.

There’s nothing like a gap in your smile to make you feel embarrassed about your look. Missing teeth are a problem that many people must deal with; in addition to the blow to your confidence, your abilities to speak, bite, and chew are greatly reduced, and additional oral problems can develop as a result. Although solutions like dentures and bridges are viable when it comes to restoring some of that lost functionality, they do very little to negate the aging effects of certain dental problems—and they need to be replaced often. However, dental implants offer a more permanent solution that can also do a lot to turn back the clock and give you a more youthful appearance. Keep reading to learn more!

They Help Prevent Further Tooth Loss

One reason that missing teeth is such a big concern is because one missing tooth can usually lead to more! The teeth surrounding the gap will slowly tilt towards the opening, weakening over time and eventually falling out. But dental implants can help to fill those sockets once again, encouraging the surrounding teeth to stay put. This will also greatly reduce the risk of bacteria and infection developing in the socket, which can lead to other serious oral health concerns.

They Stop Premature Aging

Dental implants are built to last; they’re crafted from a special biocompatible titanium that is actually able to fuse with your jawbone! The posts of the implants mimic the roots of your teeth, providing support and stimulation to your jawbone and ensuring that it doesn’t begin to deteriorate prematurely. They are a serious upgrade, and arguably just as strong and effective as your original teeth. But the implants focus on doing much more than just replacing your missing teeth; they emphasize the long-term health of your mouth, while also lasting much longer than solutions like dentures, crowns, or bridges.

They Give You a Fuller Face and Brighter Smile

In addition to stimulating your jawbone and keeping it intact, your teeth provide structural support to your face. This means that missing teeth can make your cheeks appear sunken, giving you an older and gaunt appearance. But when you receive dental implants, you will immediately notice a firmer feeling in your face and fewer wrinkles; they instantly restore a lot of that lost support and make your face look full again.

The tops of the implants are made from special materials that are very resilient and resistant to staining and damage. They aren’t invincible and you’ll have to take care of them, but you will immediately notice a brighter and whiter smile upon receiving them. And nothing makes you look young like a gorgeous smile!

There aren’t any doubts about the usefulness of dental implants; not only do they replace missing teeth and help to ward off oral health problems, but they give you a beautifully restored smile that will make you look and feel young again.

About the Author

Dr. Arthur Volker received his DDS from Columbia University’s School of Dental and Oral Surgery and has received a Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, and many other professional organizations. His practice is proud to offer many services to patients and families in the Sunnyside area, including dental implants! To schedule a visit, please go to his website or give him a call: (718) 937-6750.

The post Can Dental Implants Make Me Look Younger? appeared first on Dent Care Dental Care Blog.

You finally did it! After months of debating whether or not you should get Invisalign, you decided to go for it. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces, allowing you to discreetly and comfortably get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. If you want to ensure successful treatment, you must wear your clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Although that may sound impossible, here are some tips to help make that wear time more realistic.

Why Does the 22-Hour Compliance Rule Matter?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand why this treatment compliance rule matters. Instead of using metal wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gently push your teeth into better alignment.

Each set of plastic trays is worn for a predetermined amount of time, usually about two weeks. They apply gentle pressure to a portion of your smile until the entire thing is properly aligned. These micro-movements are spread out over several months or longer, which is why patients typically feel minimal discomfort throughout the treatment process.

This unique process works because each new tray is straighter than the preceding tray. However, the aligners are only effective when they’re in physical contact with teeth. Because of that, Invisalign strongly recommends that the trays are worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day.

How to Meet the Mandatory Invisalign Wear Time

If you fail to meet the recommended wear time, your treatment can result in complications, discomfort, or even delays. Fortunately, there are many ways you can make the 22-hour wear time more realistic. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Remove your aligners for a certain amount of time every day. Take them out for 15 minutes at breakfast, 30 minutes at lunch, and 60 minutes at dinner. With this schedule, you’ll have enough wiggle room for snacks and maintenance.
• Use an app. For example, the Tray Minder app can help track your wear time throughout the day.
• Multi-task throughout your treatment. While your trays are out for dinner, you can place them in a glass of warm water with cleaning crystals. That way, they’ll get cleaned while you’re eating.
• Establish an oral hygiene routine. Make sure you get into the habit of brushing, flossing, and rinsing right after eating before putting your trays back in.
• Advance to your new set of trays before bed. Doing so will keep your discomfort to a minimum and prevent you from wanting to remove your aligners.

Are you having trouble meeting the 22-hour Invisalign wear time? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. By following the tips outlined above, you can easily accomplish that goal and have a straighter smile in no time!

About the Practice

At Dent-Care Dental Center, we offer exceptional, state-of-the-art, personalized dental services guaranteed to leave you smiling after every appointment. Our team uses the latest technologies and techniques to ensure you get the quality dental care you deserve. If you have any questions about your Invisalign treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch. For more Invisalign tips, visit our website or call (718) 937-6750.

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