Doctor Thomas Streko Blog

Westfield Dentist Reviews How Invisalign Aligners Move Teeth Without Metal

Wed, 09 May 2012 06:19:00 GMT

Our Westfield cosmetic dentists know that patients of all ages want to be able to perfect their smiles without the hassle of braces. It used to be that in order to get straight, even teeth, patients had to endure years of abrasive metallic brackets and wires. Now, however, you can straighten your smile and close gaps between your teeth with comfortable plastic Invisalign aligners.

Some patients don’t understand how this is even possible—how is it that you can straighten your teeth without using any metal at all?

Today I’m going to be reviewing how Invisalign treatment works. Once you understand the mechanics of Invisalign you can better decide whether or not Invisalign treatment could work for you.

So what are Invisalign aligners made of?

Invisalign trays are crafted from clear plastic. They are sturdy but pliable enough to be comfortable, and they are virtually invisible when worn. Many patients choose Invisalign because they want to straighten their teeth inconspicuously—with Invisalign you can perfect your teeth without anyone even knowing that you’re pursing treatment!

So how do Invisalign aligners straighten teeth?

Patients using Invisalign wear a series of aligners that are crafted to straighten and perfect teeth incrementally. At the beginning of treatment, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and using computer imaging make a model of your ideal, perfected smile. Then every two to four weeks you’ll receive an aligner that moves your teeth gradually closer to the smile you’ve been dreaming of.

The plastic resin used for Invisalign aligners applies even and constant pressure to the teeth. Because patients wear them all the time—other than when eating or cleaning their teeth—the aligners are able to shift teeth using this constant pressure. At the end of treatment you’ll receive a retainer to maintain your perfected smile.

If you’ve been unhappy with the state of your smile, Invisalign may be the ideal option for you. Give our Westfield dental office a call for more information or to schedule a consultation—we’re here to help!

Westfield Dentist Explains How to Recognize Different Stages of Gum Disease to Seek Treatment

Thu, 03 May 2012 03:45:00 GMT

Gum disease is an insidious dental problem—it often progresses undetected for months or even years, slowly undermining the health and structure of a patient’s smile. Many patients simply don’t know how to recognize the signs of periodontal disease, or they may notice some changes in their dental healths, but refrain from mentioning their concerns to a dental professional. Our Westfield dentists want you to feel confident taking control of your health, and combating gum disease. Read on to understand how gum disease progresses and how it may affect your dental health.

The first thing to keep in mind is that gum disease progresses in two distinct phases. In the first stage of gum disease—called gingivitis—harmful oral bacteria have infected the gum tissue. Patients may experience any combination of these symptoms:

• Red/swollen gums

• Gums that bleed, especially after brushing or eating hard foods

• Bad breath or bad taste in mouth

These problems can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, and more importantly, they hint at an underlying infection that, left untreated, can become quite serious.

Over time gingivitis become periodontitis. Periodontitis results when the oral bacteria within infected gum tissue spread to teeth, connective tissues, and even the jawbone. At this point patients may notice symptoms associated with gingivitis as well as increasingly serious symptoms such as:

• Pockets forming between the teeth and gums

• Changes in bite alignment

• Loose or shifting teeth

• Tooth loss

• Bone loss

With diligent treatment, gum disease can be effectively treated and you can regain your oral health. If you notice any signs of either gingivitis or periodontitis, seek treatment from a dental professional—generally the sooner you see a dentist the better your prognosis. Give our Westfield dental office a call to learn more about gum disease or to schedule a consultation.

Westfield Dentist Explains the Advantages of White Composite Fillings Over Metal Dental Restorations

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:08:00 GMT

When Laura came into our Westfield dental office, she had one thing about her smile she was dying to fix—her old, worn out amalgam fillings. Her metal filings were dulling and darkening her otherwise beautifully white smile. For years Laura had suffered in silence with her dark metallic fillings, because she didn’t realize that there was anything she could do about her dark restorations! She was thrilled when we informed her that our dentists could replace her amalgam fillings with white, composite restorations, and that additionally, composite fillings are more beneficial for many reasons!

Today I’m going to review some ways in which white, composite fillings outperform metallic restorations.

Aesthetics

Obviously, many patients choose composite restorations because they want a filling that blends seamlessly with their natural teeth. White composite resin, once applied, looks like an extension of the natural dental enamel, and wont darken the tooth over time. If you have existing metallic fillings that are marring your smile, you can have your amalgam fillings replaced with composite fillings to restore your white smile.

Aging

As amalgam fillings age, they can actually change shape and shrink. Consequently, the filling pulls away from the outside of the natural tooth. The gap between the amalgam filling and natural tooth can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and if left untreated, lead to severe dental problems—potentially even requiring root canal therapy.

Conservative Treatment

White composite fillings require less destruction of healthy dental material in order to place the restoration compared to amalgam fillings. The more healthy dental material you conserve, the stronger your teeth will be in the long-term.

Laura was thrilled when we were able to replace her aging amalgam fillings with white composite restorations. She finally has a white smile she’s proud to show off! Our Westfield dentists can help you achieve the smile of your dreams with healthy, white composite fillings—give us a call for more information!

Westfield Veneers Dentist Uses Porcelain Veneers to Correct Cosmetic Problems in Adult Teeth

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:31:00 GMT

Terry came to see our Westfield veneers dentists with one question—could porcelain veneers refresh her worn, older looking teeth? Terry had noticed that over the course of about a year her teeth had started to look increasingly dull, worn down, and damaged. Although she was still brushing and flossing normally, she just couldn’t seem to restore the luminosity to her smile.

We explained to Terry that her teeth were simply experiencing the compounded effects of aging. As we grow older, our dental enamel thins, becoming more susceptible to small cracks, chips, and discoloration. Luckily for Terry, dental veneers are indeed a great option for many patients suffering from these age-related cosmetic problems. This cosmetic treatment usually takes only two or three visits to complete, and it can completely transform a patient’s smile.

Terry wanted to fix a number of problems with her smile, including:

· Lighten dull or dark teeth

· Fill gaps between teeth

· Resurface teeth with cracks or chips in the enamel

Because these problems are commonly associated with aging dental enamel and teeth, many adult patients like Terry choose to pursue dental veneers to rejuvenate older teeth. Porcelain veneers completely resurface the appearance of dental enamel, so they can be used to totally transform the appearance of misshapen or aesthetically compromised teeth.

Terry loves her refreshed, brighter, polished smile; she now has teeth that she’s actually proud to show off! If you’re thinking about transforming your smile, give our Westfield veneers dental office a call—we can walk you through the process and explain how porcelain veneers may work for you.

Westfield Cosmetic Dentist Explains How Teeth Develop Tetracycline Stains and How These Stains Can Be Treated

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:44:00 GMT

For years—from the 1950s until the 1980s—the antibiotic tetracycline was used to treat bacterial infection in patients of all ages. Although tetracycline was an effective antibiotic, it had an unfortunate side effect. When children with developing teeth used tetracycline, they developed adult teeth with dark stains embedded within the core of the tooth. There have historically been few treatments for patients with this condition, because conventional bleaching treatments cannot reach the inner layers of the teeth. However, using modern cosmetic dentistry, our Westfield veneers dentists can improve the appearance of tetracycline stained teeth!

Tetracycline is not used as an antibiotic for children anymore, but there are still many adult patients who have suffered with years from dark, dull tetracycline stained teeth. Many patients believe that this cosmetic condition is untreatable, and that they have no choice but to live with the smile they have. If you or someone you know has been looking for a cosmetic treatment for this condition, dental veneers may be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are bonded to the natural tooth. Veneers mimic the appearance of natural teeth—they are white, luminous, and multi-dimensional. Because veneers are placed over existing natural teeth, they can completely resurface the appearance of dull or damaged dental enamel. Consequently, porcelain veneers are often an ideal option for transforming tetracycline stained teeth.

Porcelain veneers are shaped and shaded to enhance your smile and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our Westfield dentists can walk you through the process and craft a smile that suits you, specifically.

Tetracycline stained teeth don’t have to mar your smile forever. Give us a call for more information about your cosmetic options. We’re here to help you get the smile of your dreams!

Westfield Dentist Explains How Acid Erosion Can Weaken Teeth

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:39:00 GMT

In the quest to maintain dental health and strong teeth, patients will run into a variety of difficulties and threats along the way. Most patients already understand that their teeth at are risk of developing cavities—infections which weak the strength of the tooth and can least to tooth loss and overall oral infection. But what leads to these cavities? And how can patients take steps every day to protect their smiles from infections?

Our Westfield dentists have found that many patients have been told that sweets and junk food can increase your risk of cavities and damaged teeth. This is definitely, true, but it’s important to keep in mind that many adult patients find their teeth compromised by something called acid erosion.

Acid erosion occurs when dental enamel is depleted and thinned due to regular and prolonged exposure to acidic substances. Common acidic substances such as fruit, fruit juices, and carbonated beverages may weaken enamel over time. Patients suffering from acid erosion can have increased dental sensitivity as well as compromised dental health.

The good news is that you don’t need to avoid these substances all together in order to keep your sparkling smile. There are certain steps you can take in your daily hygiene routine in order to protect your teeth from acid erosion.

Use a straw when consuming acidic liquids. A straw will prevent many of your teeth from being coated with the acidic beverage.

Rinse your mouth with water after consuming an acidic substance. It’s better to rinse directly after eating or drinking, and brush in the morning and afternoon. If you brush right after eating or drinking an acidic substance, you may unintentionally wear away dental enamel while it’s still in its weakened state.

The most important thing to do is to meet with a dental professional for regular dental cleanings at least twice a year. At these cleanings your dentist will evaluate the state of your teeth and help you determine if you need to take additional steps to protect your teeth from dental erosion. Feel free to give our Westfield dental office a call for more information!

Westfield Dentist Explains How Tooth Decay Progresses

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:49:00 GMT

In our Westfield dental office, our patients generally come to us already understanding that they should brush and floss regularly to avoid cavities. It is our goal as dentists to then help our patients understand why and how dental decay progresses, so that they not only know what they should do to keep their teeth healthy, but also why they should do it. This educational component of our practice allows patients to take more control over their own teeth, and keep a healthier smile between dental check-ups.

Many patients think of cavities as dark spots on otherwise white teeth. Dental decay is much more than a cosmetic concern, however, because if left untreated cavities can infect the inner core of a tooth and cause irreversible damage to a patient’s smile.

The white outer layer of a tooth is called the dental enamel (this is the dental layer that many of us associate with healthy teeth). Dental enamel is hard and less porous than the other layers of the teeth, so it is the first line of defense in protecting the tooth.

Below the dental enamel is a layer of dentin, which is slightly yellower or darker than dental enamel. Dentin is also a protective layer for the tooth. However, dentin is more porous than enamel, meaning that disease and decay can more rapidly through dentin than the outer enamel layer.

Both the enamel and dentin protect the inner core of the tooth—the dental pulp. Dental pulp is comprised of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels that feed the tooth and keep it healthy. The dental pulp, once infected, is incredibly painful, and can cause further infection of dental tissues and bone.

Preventing surface cavities (those on the dental enamel), therefore, is important to the overall health and wellbeing of an affected tooth. Preventing cavities and treating dental decay in its earliest stages can prevent tooth loss and painful infections. Give our Westfield dentists a call if you’d like more information or to schedule an appointment. Your dental health is our priority!

Westfield Invisalign Dentist Gives Overview of Benefits of Invisalign for Teens

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:27:00 GMT

Many of the teenagers our Westfield cosmetic dentists speak to report that they would love to achieve perfect, straight smiles, but they can’t imagine suffering through the months and years in metal braces that it takes to achieve a perfect smile. Unfortunately, this keeps many young patients from pursuing cosmetic treatment, and they spend their teen years trying to hide their teeth from the world.

We’re here to tell you that there’s a better way to get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign clear aligners are an innovative alternative to traditional braces. Patients simply wear a series of clear plastic aligners. These aligners gradually and progressively move teeth into their ideal positions. Invisalign aligners have a number of advantages over metal braces.

Many patients are initially drawn toward the Invisalign system because the aligners used are made of clear plastic. Consequently, these aligners are practically invisible when worn by the patient. You can transform your smile without anyone noticing! Rather than paying attention to the metal brackets and wires in your mouth, people will be noticing your increasingly perfect smile!

Beyond aesthetics, Invisalign can actually help you keep your teeth and mouth clean. Because these aligners are totally removable, you can take them out to clean your teeth and aligners normally. You’ll be able to brush and floss as usual, and the smooth aligners are easy to keep clean with regular maintenance.

Invisalign is also more comfortable for patients, because there aren’t any abrasive metal wires or brackets to irritate oral tissues. Patients report less tissue sensitivity when using these smooth plastic aligners.

As you can see, Invisalign aligners are largely preferable to traditional brackets and wires. If you’ve been considering cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign may be the ideal solution for you. Give our Westfield Invisalign office a call for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Westfield General Dentist Explains How Patients Can Avoid Chronic Bad Breath

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:48:00 GMT

If you’ve been chewing gum, chomping on breath mints, and inhaling oral sprays in an effort to conquer bad breath, you aren’t fighting the problem at its source. The key to fighting bad breath is to minimize oral infections, cavities, and gum disease. Bad breath is generally caused by oral infections, because bacterial tartar and plaque emit bad odors.

The first step to controlling bad breath is controlling plaque and tartar accumulation. You’re probably already taking steps to defeat bad breath if you’re brushing at least twice a day. Along with brushing it’s important to floss every day in order to eliminate plaque between teeth. You may also benefit from incorporating an antimicrobial rinse into you oral hygiene routine.

Along with cleaning your teeth, you can minimize bad odors by controlling what you eat. Foods high in sugars and starches contribute to bad breath—these are ideal substances for oral bacteria. If you do consume foods with a lot of sugar and starch, try to clean your teeth quickly after eating, or at least rinse with water. Better yet, replace some of those harmful treats with helpful foods such as fruits like oranges and kiwis (both high in vitamin C) or healthful vegetables like broccoli. Crunchy vegetables are a great choice because they can help clear plaque of teeth as you chew.

The trick to maintaining fresh breath is to treat bad breath at its source. Don’t try to mask bad breath with products like mints, gums, and sprays. These products may ultimately make chronic bad breath worse, since many of them are high in sugar. Rather, treat the root cause of bad breath, and eliminate plaque and tartar build-up.

If you’re fighting chronic bad breath, give our Westfield general dentists a call. The team at our Westfield dental office can help you develop an oral treatment plan that will keep you smiling confidently for years!

Westfield Dental Implant Dentist Explains How to Maintain Dental Implants

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:48:00 GMT

If you’ve been searching for a tooth replacement solution, you probably want the same things that many patients want. It’s important that dental restorations appear natural, fit comfortably, and last for the long-term. One of the best tooth replacement options that meets all of these needs is the dental implant.

Dental implants are designed to be permanent—meaning immovable—tooth replacements. The dental implant is a titanium rod that is surgically implanted into the jawbone—filling the space where the natural tooth root used to sit. The titanium root is then left to heal, and over a period of months the titanium actually bonds to the natural bone, forming a stable foundation for the dental restoration that is attached on top of the root.

Our Westfield dental implant dentists want you to know that in order to maintain the strength and health of your dental implants it’s important to follow some simple dental hygiene rules:

Keep your mouth clean

When caring for dental implants, you need to brush and floss at least twice a day—just as you do with your natural teeth. Regular dental hygiene helps maintain gum health, and prevent gum and jawbone infections. Remember to visit your dentist at least twice a year—your dentist can help you determine if you need more frequent visits.

Watch what you chomp

If you have a habit of chewing on ice or hard candies, you’ll want to discuss this behavior with your dentist before you get dental implants. Chewing on hard foods and ice can weaken your dental restorations, eventually causing them to crack.

With proper care dental implants can last for years. Because dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, many patients find that they fit seamlessly into daily life. If you’d like more information about dental implants give our Westfield dental implant dentists a call at (908) 543-3215.

Westfield General Dentist Explains How Different Teeth Whitening Products Work

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:52:00 GMT

Our Westifeld general dentists hear the same question from patients again and again, “How can I get my teeth to look white and bright again?” This common question has a number of answers—patients today have more options than ever to whiten their teeth and take years off of the appearance of their teeth. If you’ve been wondering about teeth whitening and bleaching options, read on—I’ll be explaining how whitening options work and exploring which options are right for different patients.

Although we commonly refer to professional teeth “whitening” products, most of these products are actually teeth bleaching formulations. Teeth bleaching options include hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to bleach dental enamel. Consequently, these products are able to whiten dental enamel beyond its natural level of whiteness.

Most of these products are applied as gels on the teeth. They can be held in place by mouth guards, strips, or they may sit on exposed teeth and be cured by a laser. Both professional and at home products use hydrogen to whiten teeth, but professional products include higher concentrations of the active whitening ingredients. This makes professional product faster acting, ultimately more effective, and more potent—which is why they are administered by a dental professional.

If you want to have a lot of control over the final shade and appearance of your teeth, professional teeth whitening may be for you. Your doctor will be able to closely monitor your whitening session to help you achieve an optimal whiteness with minimal sensitivity and irritation.

Patients who choose to whiten on their own may like that home products can be used whenever it’s convenient for them. Additionally, at home products are usually a little less expensive than professional treatments because they take longer and do not deliver the same level of whitening.

Depending on your desired goals and timeline, you may choose to use professional or home whitening treatments. Generally the most effective whitening plan involves having professional teeth whitening treatments, and then getting a take-home maintenance kit from dentist to keep your smile white at home. Give our Westfield general dentists a call at (908) 543-3215 if you have questions or you’d like to schedule an appointment.

Westfield General Dentist Discusses Proper Daily Dental Hygiene

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:47:00 GMT

Most patients know that they should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Our Westfield general dentists have been finding that for many patients brushing is so routine that patients are not paying very close attention to how they’re cleaning their teeth. Consequently, many people aren’t getting as much as they could out of their daily oral hygiene routine. Today I’m going to review some useful tips that will help you brush more effectively.

Choose the Correct Toothbrush

The first step to maintaining a sparkling smile is to gather the right materials. Take some time when choosing your toothbrush to make sure it fits your needs. The head of the toothbrush should be small enough to fit into the back corners of your mouth so you can clean your back molars. Look for a brush with softer bristles. Stiff bristles are not necessary for most patients, and they can actually damage your gums and wear down dental enamel.

Brush Efficiently

Your goal when brushing is to thoroughly remove plaque and debris, so you want to make sure that you cover all of your dental surface area. Begin brushing by angling your toothbrush at 45° at your gumline. Then proceed to clean your teeth using small circular motions. When cleaning the tops of your teeth use a back and forth motion to get in the dental enamel’s pitted grooves.

Pay Attention to More Than Just Your Teeth

Every time you brush remember to clean your tongue and surrounding oral tissues. Clean your tongue by moving your brush back and forth across the top and sides of the tongue.

Keep these simple tips in mind the next time you brush. Many people find that over the years they stopped brushing correctly or started using the wrong toothbrush. By making these few simple adjustments you can keep a whiter smile between dental check ups. Give our Westfield dentists a call at (908) 543-3215 if you have any questions, as always we’re here to help!

Westfield TMJ Dentist Describes How TMJ is Treated

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:48:00 GMT

A regular patient of ours, Marcy, came in recently for her regular cleaning complaining of jaw pain and tightness. She told us that previously she had sometimes felt her jaw was a little tight in the morning, but now the problem has become more pervasive. She was suffering from headaches, jaw pain, and limited jaw mobility. Our Westfield TMJ dentists determined that Marcy was suffering from TMJ disorder. Although these problems can be uncomfortable and disruptive, the good news is that there are treatment options available to help patients regain full functionality and comfort.

TMJ disorder refers to a dysfunction or malfunction of the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull—allowing you to talk, chew, and move your mouth from side to side. When this joint is inflamed or irritated, it can become painful to talk and chew—additionally; it may become difficult to actually open the law. Over time patients my find that their jaw “locks” or gets stuck as they try to open it.

TMJ disorder can be caused and exacerbated by a number of conditions. Patients who grind their teeth at night often suffer from TMJ complications. Bite misalignment and uneven teeth may also contribute to TMJ jaw problems.

With our modern understanding of dentistry, bite function, and the temporomandibular joint we can treat TMJ without resorting to extreme measures such as surgery. Our Westfield TMJ dentists correct TMJ dysfunction with comfortable, non-invasive dental appliances, which fit easily into the patient’s mouth when he or she sleeps. There’s no reasons to continue living with disruptive, painful TMJ disorder. The sooner you seek treatment the less likely it is that you’ll have lasting, long-term complications. Give our office a call if you or someone you know is suffering from TMJ disorder—

(908) 543-3215.

Westfield Veneers Dentist Reviews How Porcelain Veneers Transform the Shape of Teeth

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:41:00 GMT

Sometimes patients are looking for a cosmetic treatment that can completely transform the appearance of their smiles. These patients often have structural complaints about the shape or size of their teeth. For whatever reason their teeth appear disproportional to their face or the rest of their smile. It used to be that altering the shape of teeth was very difficult in cosmetic dentistry. However, now our Westfield veneers dentists are able to use porcelain veneers to improve the balance of a patient’s smile.

Dental veneers are thin layers or porcelain that are applied over existing teeth. Porcelain veneers can be used to close gaps between teeth, or straighten the appearance of a crooked smile. Importantly, veneers are also used to reshape teeth that appear too long, too short, or simply out of balance with the smile as a whole.

Porcelain veneers are ideal for this type of cosmetic work because porcelain closely mimics natural enamel aesthetically. And porcelain, once bonded to enamel, has similar flexibility and strength as teeth. Veneers can be used to lengthen and reshape enamel, while maintaining the integrity of adjacent healthy teeth.

With dental veneers dentists are able to far surpass conventional cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and orthodontics. Veneers can be used to correct multiple cosmetic problems at once. So if you have teeth that aren’t proportionate and are also looking dull and discolored, for example, veneers may be the single solution to whiten teeth and reshape them. If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry in general or dental veneers specifically give our Westfield veneers dentists a call at (908) 543-3215.

Westfield General Dentist Explains Why Every Patient Needs Professional Dental Treatment

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:19:00 GMT

Since you were young, you’ve probably been reminded by your parents, babysitters, and health care providers, that it’s important to maintain a rigorous daily oral hygiene routine. You probably brush and floss at least twice a day, and you may use additional products such as mouthwashes and teeth whitening treatments to keep your smile sparkling and white. What you may not realize, however, is that no matter how diligent you are, at-home care simply is not enough to prevent dental decay and serious oral diseases. In order to maximize your oral health you need to combine your daily cleaning routine with semi-annual professional cleanings.

What Can a Dentist Do That I Can’t?

Dental cleanings use the latest technology and the expertise and experience of dental professionals to diagnose dental problems quickly, and treat them effectively and completely.

You brush plaque—a layer of bacteria-laden film—off of your teeth every day. But the plaque that you cannot reach turns into a substance called calculus. Calculus attracts more bacteria and it is mineralized on the teeth, leading to gum disease and cavities. Calculus can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning, no matter how much you brush and floss you won’t be able to get rid of it on your own.

Additionally, gum disease is often undetectable to patients until become a serious infection. A dental professional, however, can diagnose gum disease in its earliest stages, because it causes tooth and bone loss.

Another important service included in professional cleanings is an oral cancer screening. Our Westfield general dentists test for early signs of oral cancer including lump and bumps in the mouth, patches of diseased tissue, and tender mouth sores. Catching oral cancer early greatly improves a patients’ prognosis.

By partnering with a dentist, you can prevent dental decay and disease from destroying your smile and your health. Give our Westfield general dentists a call for more information or to talk about your situation in greater detail— (908) 543-3215.