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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Our Westfield general dentists are committed to providing dental care that not only improves the appearance of your teeth, but also makes your smile healthier and stronger. Most patients know that preventing cavities and dental decay is a vital part of maintaining oral health. What many patients don’t realize, however, is that gum health is equally important if you want to stay healthy.

 

Periodontal problems occur when bacteria infects gum tissue and connective tissue in the mouth. Advanced periodontal problems can cause tooth loss, painful gums and teeth, and bone loss. It’s important to stay vigilant and look for the signs of gum disease during your daily hygiene routine. Alert a dental professional if you notice any of these common symptoms:

 

Swollen, painful gums

Red gums—they may bleed during brushing, flossing, or eating

Receding gums

Shifting teeth—you may notice a change in your bite alignment

Mouth sores

Bad breath that is difficult to treat

 

Only a dental professional can determine for sure if you’re suffering from gum disease. Periodontal problems are insidious because they can progress asymptomatic for months or years, meaning that many patients don’t know they have an infection until it is quite serious.

 

By maintaining your schedule of regular professional dental cleanings and notifying your dentist of any changes to your dental health, you can stay on top of this common problem and prevent long-term complications. Give our Westfield general dentists a call if you have any questions about gum disease, or you’d like to discuss your situation in more detail— (908) 543-3215.

Losing a tooth can be one of the most stressful and stigmatizing events in a patient’s life. With missing teeth you may find yourself trying to hide your smile, or struggling to eat your favorite foods with ease. Replacing a missing tooth in a timely manner is imperative for both your peace of mind and your dental health. Missing teeth can put unnecessary strain on your healthy teeth and cause gum damage.

 

Traditionally, patients with large holes in their smiles used dentures or dental bridges to achieve the look of a complete smile again. These tried and true tooth replacement options are still popular with many patients—some have invested in quality dentures and bridges that they’d like to maintain.  Another innovative tooth replacement treatment is the titanium dental implant.  Our Westfield dental implant dentists use dental implants to replace all missing teeth, however, they can also be used with existing dentures or dental bridges to improve the fit of these dental appliances.

 

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. They replace the tooth root—and the titanium bonds to the bone for exceptional stability. Then the dental implant root is capped with a natural-looking restoration. Dental implants are a permanent tooth-loss solution—they mimic the structure and feel of natural teeth.

 

For patients with existing dentures or dental bridges, dental implants can be used to anchor and stabilize these restorations. Dental implant can also help preserve jawbone density and strength—so a few strategically placed dental implants can anchor bridges or dentures and help maintain your dental health.  If you or someone you know is suffering from a missing tooth, its important to pursue dental treatment immediately. Give our Westfield dental implant dentists a call if you have any questions or you’d like to schedule an appointment—(908) 543-3215.

Many of our patients come to our Westfield dental office specifically because they want to transform the look of their smile. Some patients are satisfied with a simple whitening treatment to brighten their enamel. However, other patients have lived for years hating their smile—these patients are looking to reclaim their self-esteem with a smile makeover.

There are many potential ways to achieve a total smile transformation. If, however, you want to get that Hollywood smile without undergoing a variety of cosmetic procedures, dental veneers may be an optimal solution for you. Dental veneers are simply thing layers of multi-dimensional porcelain that are affixed to dental enamel—transforming its appearance. Veneers are especially useful because they can correct a variety of cosmetic problems without taking months like braces, for example.

Here are some of the way our Westfield veneers dentists use dental veneers:
• Whiten dark or stained teeth—even those stained by root canal, tetracycline staining, or fluorosis
• Smooth over deeply grooved or pitted dental enamel
• Close large gaps between teeth
• Reshape misaligned or misshapen teeth
• Correct cracks or chips in dental enamel
• Rejuvenate the appearance of aging, yellowing, or worn down teeth

Dental veneers are generally placed in just two appointments—so patients see results quickly. And because porcelain veneers can be shaded to fit your custom tooth shade and shape particularly, they never look unnatural or out of place. If you’re interested in learning more about dental veneers or speaking with one of our Westfield veneers dentists, please give us a call at (908) 543-3215. We’re happy to answer your questions or schedule an appointment for you to speak to Drs. Streko or O'Connell.

TMJ symptoms are both painful and disruptive. From jaw popping, to headaches, to chronic pain TMJ disorder can make it difficult for patients to go through daily life. Our Westfield TMJ dental office is devoted to helping patients find relief from this harmful disorder, and we’re helping more patients than ever live pain-free lives without having to resort to surgery.

 

TMJ disorder can be caused by a variety of different dysfunctions, and sometimes multiple jaw problems contribute to TMJ pain. If you’re experiencing common symptoms of TMJ disorder it’s likely that you’re suffering from:

 

Chronic grinding or clenching of the teeth. This can happen during the day or when the patient is asleep. Patients suffering from this disorder are classified as having bruxism. Bruxism puts an unhealthy amount of strain and pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

 

Dislocation or degradation of the disc between the ball and socket of the temporomandibular joint. This disc cushions the joint and allows the jaw to move easily.

 

Chronic stress. Many patients clench their jaws or tighten facial muscles when they are stressed. This involuntary action can put strain on the tempormandibular joint and contribute to TMJ pain. Many patients don’t recognize that they have this habit, so be on the lookout for common signs of stress in your face including jaw tightness and pain.

 

Our Westfield TMJ dentists take the time to analyze your TMJ dysfunction, and pinpoint the source of your discomfort.

Using electromyography and jaw tracking we identify and treat the core stress points that cause painful TMJ symptoms. Our practice goes beyond treatment the symptoms of TMJ disorder—we know that you must address the root cause in order to achieve lasting results.

If you’ve been living with TMJ-related pain, please give us a call to discuss your situation in greater detail. Our helpful staff is here to help you find relief—

Many patients ask our Westfield general dentists how they can help their children avoid cavities and maintain strong teeth for life. Early preventative dental care is crucial to maintaining healthy pediatric and adult teeth. One way that dentists strengthen young dental enamel is through the use of fluoride treatments. Many people know that fluoride is generally good for teeth, but few patients have a clear understanding of what fluoride is and how it functions. Today I’m going to give an overview of what fluoride is and how we use it in dentistry.

 

What’s fluoride?

 

Fluoride is a common element found in nature. Fluoride can be found in soil, salt water, fresh water, and rocks. Fluoride slows the demineralization process of dental enamel, and actually increases remineralization rates, thereby combating cavities. In the United States, public drinking water is fluoridated. Additionally, most patients use fluoridated toothpastes and mouthwashes as part of their daily dental hygiene routine. For these reasons, most adult patients receive adequate fluoride from drinking water and everyday dental hygiene products.

 

How is fluoride used by dentists?

 

Most adult patients do not require additional fluoride treatments to maintain the health of their teeth. However, professional fluoride treatments can be beneficial for children.

 

The most common way of administering fluoride is in a gel form. The patient receiving the treatment sits with the foam on their teeth for four to five minutes. The gel is held in place by a dental tray so that it is not ingested. These professional treatments are often used for children or patients with depleted dental enamel who are at high risk of dental cavities.

 

A dental professional should always monitor fluoride intake. Children who ingest large amounts of fluoride when their permanent teeth are still maturing are at risk for developing a condition call fluorosis. Fluorosis is a condition that causes dental enamel to be permanently stained and pitted. With the help of a dentist, you can use fluoride appropriately to benefit your child’s dental health. If you have any questions about fluoride or preventative dentistry, you can call (908) 543-3215 to speak to one of our Westfield general dentists—we’re here to help!