Dr. Jennifer Vitarelli

7 Things You Should Know About Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign is a series of customized, removable aligners that help correct the position of teeth comfortably while remaining invisible. It is an alternative treatment to bracers and comes with many benefits. 

However, before you consider getting Invisalign treatment, it is important to know what you are getting into. The treatment is offered by most dentists, so it is important to do your research and feel comfortable with the dentist and the team that will be looking after you while you are going through the treatment.

Vitarelli Dental has partnered with Invisalign to give you the best and most comfortable treatment in Saddle River. Before you decide to go for the treatment, here are 7 things that we believe you should know.

Will Invisalign Work for You?

  • Invisalign is no different in function than traditional bracers. You will have to make certain adjustments in your lifestyle if you want the treatment to produce ideal results. The aligners have to be worn for at least 22 hours every day and must be removed when you drink and eat anything other than cold water.

If you do not follow these rules, the treatment may take longer to produce complete results. Depending on the severity of your case, you may have to wear the aligners for up to one year. Most cases are suitable for Invisalign these days, however, there have been a few cases where the patient was recommended fixed braces treatment instead.

  • Vitarelli Dental offers complimentary Invisalign consultation. If you’re not sure whether the treatment is for you, just book an appointment and we’ll gladly figure it out for you.

How Long Must Each Aligner Be Worn For?

  • Invisalign aligners will have to be worn for 2 weeks before you can change the set. Moving the teeth is a long process and should be handled in a slow and gradual way. Thus you will be expected to wear change these aligners every 2-3 weeks while you are under treatment.

Most cases report complete recovery in six months, however, some cases can take up to a year to produce complete results.

How Does Invisalign Feel Like in the Mouth?

  • The treatment is generally pain-free because there is fairly gradual movement with Invisalign. You will notice a slight tenderness when you change the set of aligners but this is actually a sign that the teeth are moving as they should be.

It naturally takes a few days to adjust wearing the aligners and getting used to the new routine and lifestyle changes. 

Will People be Able to Tell that You Are Wearing Aligners?

  • Invisalign are clear and invisible, but there are some instances where people may still be able to see them. The aligners make the teeth appear shinier and they may start to discolor slightly after they have been used. 

This is why aligners must be changed after every two weeks. But the good news is that most of our patients report that they were able to go through the entire treatment without people noticing.

Will They Affect Your Love Life?

As opposed to popular belief, Invisalign does not affect your love life. You will still be able to kiss and date comfortably while wearing them. You can even buy cleaning tablets that dissolve in the water and clean the aligners so they stay fresh.

Will Your Speech be Affected?

  • Yes, some patients report a temporary change to their speech. This is usually during the first phase where the patient is getting used to wearing the aligners. This effect on speech goes away within the few weeks after you have gotten used to wearing the aligners.

Conclusion

We are sure that you have more questions related to Invisalign. The treatment is extremely effective for getting your teeth back in the perfect position so you can enjoy a beautiful smile.

If this post did not answer all of your questions, feel free to schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation with Vitarelli Dental today. 

Pros and Cons of Laser Teeth Whitening From a Dentist’s Perspective

There is no doubt that nothing is more important than a beautiful and brilliantly white smile. Sometimes, even the best oral care or can’t get you the bright pearly white smile you have always thought of.

However, you don’t need to worry because there are several options available to have your teeth cosmetically whitened, but one of the newest and most popular methods for teeth whitening is through laser teeth whitening.

Before you schedule an appointment with Vitarelli Dental for teeth whitening, it is important to let you know the pros and cons of the procedure so you can decide whether it is the right move for you.

Pros of Laser Teeth Whitening

  • The biggest benefit of laser teeth whitening is that it is one of the most effective whitening procedures available today through a dentist. The results are highly visible from a single teeth whitening treatment.

Moreover, this method of teeth whitening is also very quick and easy to perform – you can have your teeth whitened several shades in just a few minutes. Only a single visit is required. 

  • Another great advantage of laser teeth whitening is that it is not uncomfortable or invasive in any way possible. All you have to do is sit in a comfortable chair at the dentist’s office, open your mouth, and let them do all the work.

Cons of Laser Whitening Treatment

  • Although there are numerous benefits of laser whitening procedure, there are some drawbacks that you must be aware of. 

Because this procedure involves a laser, it may not be the best treatment for everyone, especially if you have sensitive teeth or are sensitive to laser rays in any way. 

  • There have been a few cases in the past at Vitarelli Dental where patients reported that they had increased tooth sensitivity after tooth whitening. Unfortunately, it is near impossible to tell whether you are sensitive to laser teeth whitening procedures or not. 

The only way to find out is to talk to your dentist and see if you have a history with sensitive teeth. 

All You Need to Know About Tooth Sensitivity

  • Another big drawback of laser whitening is that it may cost you a lot. But this depends a lot on the dentist and their office. At Vitarelli Dental, we make sure to give you the best laser teeth whitening out there under a very affordable price. 

We guarantee that once you go through the procedure, you’ll have 10 shades whiter teeth than before. 

Conclusion

  • Laser teeth whitening is a modern procedure that is suitable for people who are unable to achieve pearly white teeth through whitening strips or whitening toothpaste. 

Although it is a good idea to try and whiten your teeth at home with a whitening solution obtained from a departmental store, you should still talk to your dentist before trying anything that you are not familiar with.

  • Most tooth whitening toothpaste has fluoride and other ingredients that can damage your tooth enamel and cause increased tooth sensitivity. If you ever suspect that toothpaste has caused increased sensitivity in your teeth, stop using it immediately. 

How Our Teeth Whitening Procedure Works

Depending on the whitening method you choose, results can be dramatic: in-office whitening, for example, can lighten your teeth three to eight shades in a single hour.

Our procedure is professionally supervised and it works faster, and protects sensitive gums and tooth-root surfaces better, than over-the-counter whitening products. 

Having an oral exam before you begin any whitening process is an important first step to make sure your tooth discoloration is not the result of a dental condition in need of treatment.

3 Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers – Should You Get One?

One of the safest and quickest ways to address a variety of aesthetic and physical problems in the tooth can be addressed with dental veneers. Veneers are constructed using porcelain that is cemented to the front of the natural teeth to hide away discoloration and damage.

Since veneers are permanent, it is a good idea to know about the pros and cons of both the veneers and the procedure itself before you decide to get them. Here are 3 pros and cons of dental veneers.

Pros of Dental Veneers

They Can Whiten Your Smile

  • If you drink a lot of coffee or smoke more than 5 cigarettes a day, then you will probably have discolored teeth. Discoloration of teeth can turn your smile unattractive with shades of brown and yellow. 

This is due to enamel becoming stained after long exposure to pigmented food and drinks. Although the problem can be addressed with dental bleaching or at-home bleaching, a far easier way to whiten your teeth to bright pearly whites is to get porcelain veneers

  • Getting teeth bleached only works for a set period of time but veneers can resist stains for a very long period of time simply because they are stain-resistant. So if you get dental veneers, you’ll never have to worry about your teeth becoming yellow or brown. 

They Can Replace The Damaged Enamel

  • Enamel is very strong but not invincible. The outer most layer of the teeth can easily be worn down by exposing it to acidic food and drinks such as coffee. Sometimes vigorous brushing can also damage the enamel.

Because lost enamel can never grow back, it is a good idea to get veneers to protect the enamel from further damage or erosion. 

They Can Resolve Minor Cosmetic Concerns

  • Got crooked, chipped or damaged teeth? Although these concerns can be resolved by wearing braces or dental bridges, they can be resolved with veneers aswell. Dental veneers that are attached to the front surface of your teeth ensure that the teeth will never change their position. 

They actually cover up common orthodontic problems when they are applied to a chipped tooth. The natural teeth under them will remain chipped or damaged but at least no one will be able to tell that you’ve got bad teeth. 

  • You have to keep in mind that veneers are not capable of hiding away all aesthetic problems of the mouth. Your dentist may recommend other cosmetic dentistry procedures if your main aim is to improve your smile. 

Cons of Dental Veneers

Your Teeth May Become Sensitive

  • Some people report increased teeth sensitivity immediately after getting dental veneers. You may start feeling pain while eating or drinking hot or cold food or beverages for a few days immediately after the procedure.

But this pain usually goes away with time. If tooth sensitivity is particularly uncomfortable for you, then you should avoid getting dental veneers in the first place. 

Veneers are Permanent and Irreversible

Dental veneers are permanent because your dentist needs to change the very structure of your natural teeth in order to place the veneers on them. In some cases, the enamel is removed before the veneers are placed.

The Procedure can be Costly

  • Depending on where you live, dental veneers can be expensive to put on. Thankfully, at Vitarelli Dental, we offer the most affordable dental veneer procedure in Saddle River and Madison. 

Talk to us today to learn what your options are. We’ll let you know exactly how much it will cost to cover your teeth with veneers. You can then decide whether you should go for the procedure or not. 

Difference Between 4 Types of Dental Bridges – Which is Better?

If you’ve lost a tooth to an unfortunate accident or due to degrading oral health, don’t worry, you’re not alone. On average, about every American adult aged between 20 and 64 have lost at least one or more teeth. 

The good news is that you’ve got plenty of options to have the missing teeth replaced. One of the most common ways to achieve that is to have a dentist install a dental bridge. But there are different kinds of dental bridges and some may not suit your particular needs and situation.

We have listed down the four most common types of dental bridges a dentist usually recommends. You can talk to a dentist to find out which suits you best or you can decide for yourself after reading how each functions.

Old School/Traditional Dental Bridges

Old school dental bridges or traditional bridges are the most common dental bridges. These bridges are made up of one or more fake teeth. They usually hold themselves in place by the dental crowns. 

Dentists usually like to call them abutments and they are basically cemented into the teeth that are next to the missing tooth. 

Traditional bridges are good to use when the missing tooth is surrounded by two healthy teeth. Bridges require strong adjacent teeth to replace the missing tooth hence you’ll need to have healthy adjacent teeth if you intend to go with this option.

The only drawback of these types of bridges is that the teeth next to the missing tooth require a lot of preparation by a dentist. Usually, this is achieved by removing the enamel of the crown to make room for the cemented top. 

Enamel can never grow back once removed. This means that if you go for traditional bridges, these teeth will always have to be protected with crowns.

Maryland Bridges 

Maryland bridges are a good alternative to traditional bridges. These bridges are made with pontic that is held by a metal framework. The framework is placed on the back of the adjacent teeth to the missing tooth. 

The good thing about these bridges is that they can be put on without removing the enamel since they don’t need to be held by crowns. 

The downside of Maryland bridges is that they tend to hold together by the strength of the resin that holds them in place. In simple words, if the area of the mouth where these bridges are exposed to a lot of chewing and biting, they may not hold on their own for long. 

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are another common option to have your missing tooth or teeth replaced. They work a lot like traditional bridges. The only difference is that the fake teeth are supported with an abutment on only one side of the tooth rather than on both sides in the case of traditional bridges.

This is a good option if you want to have a missing tooth replaced that is supported by only one healthy tooth on one side. 

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are best used when more than one tooth is missing. They are not supported with crowns, instead, a dentist plants an implant where the crown is then placed on the bridge. 

The best thing about implant-supported bridges is that they feel very much like real teeth. They are held strongly on the jaw and act just like natural teeth. But that also means that these fake teeth will require the same oral care you give to your natural teeth.

The only downside is that the implants require you to go through two different surgeries. The first surgery will have the dentist place the implant while the second surgery will have the dentist place the bridge.

The process is also very long. It typically takes around five months to have your bridge installed properly. 

If you’re missing a tooth, don’t worry. At Vitarelli Dental, we provide all types of bridges. Our Saddle River dentist office offers esthetic ceramic restorations that are a new choice for beauty and safety. 

Get in touch with us today and we’ll let you know what your best options are. 

4 Dos and Dont’s When You Have Swollen Gums

Swollen gums are a very common oral problem that can happen due to a number of different reasons. If swelling gums tend to stay for more than a few days, you should immediately contact a dentist.

While you are waiting for your appointment, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent the problem from getting worse. 

But before we jump into the dos and don’ts of when you have swollen gums, let’s look at the common root causes of gum swelling.

Common Causes of Swollen Gums

Change of Tooth Paste

  • If you have just recently switched your toothpaste, floss, or mouthwash, swollen gums could be because of an allergic reaction. 

Don’t change your toothpaste without consulting a dentist first, especially if you have sensitive teeth or chronic oral problems.

Medicines

  • Certain prescribed medicines can cause swollen gums as a side effect. If you think your teeth and gums started to feel painful or swollen, talk to your dentist or doctor and see if there are any alternative medicines available.

Nutritional Issues

  • One of the reasons that irritate your gums is poor nutrition. For example, Vitamin C deficiency is known to cause inflamed gums. 

If you have a Vitamin C deficiency, start adding fruits and vegetables rich in the vitamin to your diet.

Read

Gingivitis

  • Swollen and bleeding gums could also be happening due to gingivitis. If you have not been brushing your teeth or flossing them properly, you could have this problem. Brushing and flossing are very important for healthy teeth and gums. 

There are a number of other causes of swollen gums. If one of these doesn’t seem to be the root cause, talk to a dentist today. Schedule an online appointment with Vitarelli Dental and we’ll get to the bottom of the problem.

How to Get Relief from Swollen Gums

  • One of the first and most important things to do is to book an appointment with a dentist. While you wait for an appointment, here are some things you can do to reduce discomfort and swelling in the gums.

Do These When You Have Swollen Gums

  • Try and improve your nutrition. Add vegetables and fruits and avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee and carbonated beverages. You need to also cut down on alcohol and tobacco if the issue persists for more than two to three days.
  • Don’t miss brushing or flossing. If swollen gums are being caused due to gingivitis, then you need to take extra care of your oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove food particles after eating or at the end of the day. You also need to see if you are using the right toothpaste or mouthwash.
  • Inflammed gums can also be controlled by rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution. There are many home remedies on the internet that can help you make a salt-water solution at home.
  • See the dentist. If you haven’t already booked an appointment with a dentist, you need to immediately do so. Periodontal therapy can detect most oral health problems and provide effective solutions. 

Don’t Do These When You Have Swollen Gums

  • Immediately stop or cut down the use of tobacco and alcohol. Both substances are notorious when it comes to irritating your gums.
  • Don’t ignore the condition. You need to take immediate action if the problem persists for more than two to three days. If swollen gums are left untreated, it could be due to a serious underlying problem. Visit a dental professional at our Madison dental office for a quick and long-term solution.
  • Stop using toothpaste and mouthwash that irritate your gums. Most Mouthwashes have alcohol in them which may further irritate swollen gums. Change the brand of your toothpaste if you feel it is hurting your condition further.  

Get Professional Help Immediately

No matter how bad the condition of swollen gums is, it is crucial that you get your oral health looked at by a professional dentist. For swollen gums, you will have to go through periodontal therapy.

The procedure aims to restore diseased tissue back to their healthy state. Gum diseases can easily spread from the gums to the bones that support the teeth, and if left untreated, could lead to tooth loss. 

4 Common Things That Secretly Spoil Your Teeth

Healthy teeth are something you never think about until they are no longer healthy. Since our susceptibility to tooth decay is different from each other, you could be at risk of developing tooth decay or other oral diseases far easier than other people.

To keep your teeth healthy and safe from the many dangers your mouth is exposed to, you can follow certain steps such as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist at least once in six months

But even if you take care of your teeth, certain pitfalls exist that can secretly damage your teeth. What’s worst is that most of these are common. 

Here are 4 common yet surprising things that can secretly work together to spoil your teeth. 

Going Too Far with Brushing and Flossing

  • It may surprise you but if you get too overzealous with brushing and flossing your teeth, it can be damaging to your teeth and gums. Toothbrushes are made with tough bristles that can do your teeth more harm than benefit if you vigorously brush in a repetitive back-and-forward motion. 

This is why it is very important to follow good brushing practices. Make sure you know how to brush your teeth properly using gentle and circular motion instead of going back-and-forward.

  • You could also invest in a soft-bristled brush that has a small lateral brushing pattern with a 45-degree angle to the gum line and tooth. 

Flossing can do that same damage to your gums if you are not careful. Make sure that you are cleaning the sides of your teeth and not pushing pressure on your gums. Even the gentlest pressure on the gums can result in bleeding. 

Chewing on Non-Edible Things

  • Your teeth are made to be strong, but they are not strong enough for tearing plastic packages or chewing on pins, nails, and other hard things. You may not know this, but your habit of biting nails when you’re stressed out can lead to gingivitis

The edge of your teeth is its weakest and thinnest part and it must be protected against chewing hard stuff. With a tiny bit of force, you could easily end up chipping or breakage of the teeth. 

  • Another harmful thing for the teeth is ice since it has a very hard surface and it is cold, it can easily harm the tip of your teeth and cause damage to the enamel. If you’re not careful, it can also result in a chipped tooth. 

Grinding Teeth

  • It is easy to get stressed out in this fast-moving society and some people have the tendency to constantly grinding their teeth when in a stressful situation. This is why it is no surprise that Vitarelli dental receives a lot of patients who experience oral problems due to clenching or grinding their teeth. 

Grinding teeth, especially at night, is a hard habit to give up. This is why you should invest in anti-stress objects or toys to relieve stress. 

  • Sometimes it is hard to tell if the grinding is responsible for teeth problems, but one telltale sign is the soreness of facial muscles and jaw when you wake up in the morning. 

Grinding teeth can result in serious enamel erosion which is worse than exposing your teeth to acidic foods, sugary foods, and dried fruit. If you are still unable to give up this habit, talk to one of our dentists and get a specially made mouthguard for yourself. 

Alcohol and Caffeine

  • It’s well known that soda is bad for your teeth due to high amounts of sugar, carbonation, and sweeteners. Similarly, caffeine can also endanger your oral health especially if you like adding sugar to every single cup you drink.

Caffeine is also known to dry out your mouth. When the mouth is dry, it becomes especially vulnerable to decay and gum disease because the lack of saliva means that your mouth’s natural way of rinsing harmful bacteria is lost. 

  • Alcohol, when consumed consistently can damage your oral health too. Alcohol also reduces the flow of saliva in your mouth, much like caffeinated drinks loaded with sugar. Heavy alcohol consumption is also linked to oral cancers.

You’ve Still Got Hope

If one of these common yet surprising things have caused damage to tooth enamel to the point that it has led to tooth decay or tooth loss, there is still hope. Vitarelli Dental deals with patients with such problems occasionally and we usually recommend full or partial dentures when the condition worsens to the point that tooth extraction becomes necessary. 

For more detailed information on how you can save your mouth from such dangers, schedule an appointment today or walk into one of our dental offices in Saddle River and Madison

How Oral Health Can Impact The Quality of Your Life

Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing your family flash bright smiles while all of you are having a good time. Cheerful smiles not only make you and your family good in front of others but can also boost self-esteem. 

Your oral health has a lot to do with your well-being. The American Heart Association published a statement in 2012 supporting the association of gum disease and heart disease. The report states that scientific data do not indicate that flossing or treatment of gum disease will decrease the risks leading to heart attacks and stroke. But there are many studies that show an association between gum disease and several other serious health conditions including heart disease. 

Thus, a clean and robust set of teeth is a must for every family member’s overall health.  

Nevertheless, every family member, be it children, or an adult has a different set of dental and oral needs. Our family-friendly dentists at Vitarelli Dental in Saddle River, New Jersey understand what these distinct needs are, ensuring that everyone gets treatments and check-ups appropriate for their particular problem.  

Routine Preventive Care for the Family 

It’s worth emphasizing that prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your family’s oral health. In this regard, everyone needs to go to the dentist once every four months for routine preventive care.  

Regular dental check-ups such as these ensure that potential problems are detected as early as possible so that preventive measures can be taken. That way, you can keep your family’s smiles sparkling, strong, and healthy. During a routine check-up, your dentist will: 

  • Inspect your teeth for signs of decay and demineralization to prevent tooth loss 
  • Perform an intensive mouth cleaning procedure known as “prophylaxis” 
  • Assess your children’s teeth and jaw development for healthy teeth and gums  
  • Check your teeth for possible crookening in their alignment 
  • Perform treatments needed to defend your teeth from problems that have been spotted 
  • Educate and advice you on daily oral hygiene practices 
  • Answer your questions about oral health in a language you understand 
  • Evaluate your risk for oral cancer and other dangerous oral health problems 

Preventive visits are also more economical than going to the dentist after a problem has already occurred. You can avoid tooth extractions, tooth decay, bad breath, dry mouth, restoration surgeries, injections, and drugs – all of which are expensive, uncomfortable and a hassle.  

Your Children and Their Dentist 

Good oral health is especially necessary for newborn babies. It’s important to schedule their first visit to the dentist once they turn six months old. A baby’s teeth are more sensitive than that of an adult’s. Our Pediatric Dentistry services will help you understand preventive measures for the protection of your child’s delicate teeth and overall oral health.  

Other potential problems can be detected and addressed, such as those related to your child’s tongue and teeth growth, which may affect their speech in the future. Thus, no age is too early when it comes to oral health and hygiene. Get the higher ground on cavities and complications by starting earlier rather than later. 

There’s also a psychological reason why you should take your child to a dentist while they’re at an early age.  

Visiting a dentist while your child is at the socializing stage helps them grow comfortable with the environment of the clinic as well as its processes. Regular dental visits become part of their normal routine. In the process, they will familiarize themselves with their dentist. This, in turn, prevents tears and anxiety from arising during later years as your baby grows into a toddler.  

Health Conditions Linked to Oral Health

Oral health contributes to a variety of diseases and conditions, some of which may surprise you. Here are the diseases that are linked to oral health. 

  • Pneumonia. If you don’t regularly brush and floss your teeth, certain bacteria left behind in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs which can lead to respiratory diseases like pneumonia. So it is very important to keep your oral health in check especially if you already have a cavity or any other oral health problem.
  • Endocarditis. Did you know that the infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves usually occurs when the bacteria from other parts of your body such as the inside of your mouth, spread through the bloodstream and attach to areas of the heart? 
  • Birth complications. Studies have shown that periodontitis is linked to premature birth. In certain scenarios, it can also lead to low birth weight in the newborn baby. 
  • Cardiovascular disease. The connection between heart health and oral health isn’t fully understood yet, but there is significant research that suggests the two are linked. For example, research suggests that the bacteria inside your mouth can lead to infections and inflammation that are directly linked to clogged arteries and stroke. 

Protect Your Oral Health, Protect Your Life

Good oral hygiene practices are just the start of protecting your teeth and gums, you’ll need to regularly visit the dentist to prevent the bigger problems. Schedule an appointment for your entire family with Vitarelli dental today and turn boring dental visits into family bonding time! 

Our dentists provide valuable information for keeping oral health in check for the whole family. Make oral hygiene part of family culture and values by visiting our Saddle River or Madison, New Jersey dental clinics for a regular check-up. You can also apply for an appointment online.

Why You Should Get Dental Implants – What to Know

Losing a tooth can pose a huge problem for any person no matter how old they are. Missing even one of their pearly whites can greatly affect their self-esteem, speech, oral health, and ability to chew. However, while losing a tooth might seem like the end of the world, there’s actually one thing that can make one’s smile good as new: dental implants.  

Dental implants can make a huge impact on your life, especially when a bright, toothy smile is one of your defining traits. Unlike other alternatives (such as removable dentures), dental implants feel and work just like natural teeth, making them the perfect option in case disaster strikes and you lose a tooth.  

However, before going for a dental implant or any other replacement teeth option, there are several things that you should know: 

Dental Implants have many benefits
Dental Implants have many benefits

The Versatile Nature of Dental Implants

Compared to standard bridge treatments and dentures that only restore a certain portion of a broken tooth, dental implants go the extra mile. They can replace missing roots, which allows for a level of stimulation in the jawbone that’s strikingly akin to what natural teeth can provide.  

Also, aside from looking great and feeling even better, dental implants can help preserve copious amounts of healthy gum tissue, which results in the reduction of potential bone degradation. Thanks to the more modern procedures used in installing dental implants, they can easily be fused with the jawbone to stimulate normal functions as much. They can also be restored aesthetically with bridges, crowns, and dentures.

Implants Protect Your Other Healthy Teeth

Losing a tooth due to periodontal disease or any other reason is devastating. To replace the missing tooth, the most widely used teeth replacement option is a dental bridge. But this method often involves cutting some parts of the adjacent teeth to make sure that the dentures sit comfortably.  

The procedure is also painful for some and may require pain medications under a treatment plan. However, thanks to dental implants, dentists are now able to position a crown or a bridge on the implant. This means that your other healthy teeth will never need to suffer. 

Dental Implants Improve your Facial Features

Dental Implants are installed in such a way that they tend to preserve bone and significantly reduce bone resorption. Dental Implants make sure that all of your teeth stay healthy by leaving them alone. The implants are strong enough to stay in place on the jawbone. When bone resorption and deterioration is reduced, it results in better jawbone height. 

Implants also help restore your jawbone structure by reducing the load on oral structures and help preserve natural tooth tissue.

Dental Implants Help Improve Dental Function

With the seamless integration of dental implants, performing regular daily functions that heavily involve the use of the mouth can be made much easier compared to other methods. By adding a fully-functional replacement, dental implants can make things such as eating, speaking, and chewing feels the way they should even if tooth or teeth are missing.

Implants Last Longer Than Anything Else

Typically, the standard tooth replacement option will last anywhere from seven to 20 years. In all honesty, that makes such options quite inferior compared to the lifetime guarantee of a dental implant. With the right amount of care and maintenance, a dental implant can last for the rest of your life without needing any kind of drastic overhaul. It is a long term solution that provides that makes dental care and good oral hygiene possible. 

Every Type of Dental Implant Looks Just like the Real Thing

One of the biggest concerns people have when asking their dentist about tooth replacement solutions is that the common alternatives tend to look quite fake (or even cartoonish). However, every type of implant looks natural simply because the construction of every kind and variation mimics a tooth’s natural roots in order to provide a really lifelike and true-to-spec finish.  

Extra details, such as an additional enamel coating, extra coloring, and other details help make a tooth replacement function on the same level as the rest of the teeth in a wearer’s mouth. When you smile with a dental implant, your smile will look far more natural than anything else. That’s the whole point of getting one.

High Success Rate

Thanks to modern implant dentistry, the success rate of dental implants is up to 95%. The surgical procedure used to place an implant at Vitarelli dental is actually quite minor and routine work. In most cases, the procedure requires only local anesthesia. 

After a short healing period, the implant is topped with a lifelike crown to support the implant. This crown is made by matching your existing natural teeth.

Need More Advice?

We understand getting dental implants is a tough decision to make, that is why at Vitarelli Dental we are eager to answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision. You can request an appointment online or walk to our dentist offices in Madison or Saddle River.

How to Eat Your Way to Great Dental Health

Nowadays, the composition of food is being tinkered with, making some selections compound-rich in one way or another. Therefore, chances are that standard dental measures won’t cut it anymore. While brushing your teeth two times a day may seem like a good way to maintain your oral health, there’s a lot more to it than brushing and flossing.

The secret to great teeth

One of the key components behind stellar dental health is actually taking note of what you eat and how it can affect your teeth, especially because your dietary choices can play a significant part in determining their health.

The choices that you make when it comes to food can cause problems for your teeth, such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, gingivitis, and other nasty oral health issues. That said, while there are wrong ways to eat for your teeth, you can also make certain dietary choices to keep them healthy. 

Which kinds of food should you be eating?

Clueless as to how you can eat your way to better oral health? Partner your flossing, brushing, and regular checkups with proper dietary habits. You should eat more of the following kinds of food:

1. Food packed with calcium and phosphorous

In order to remain intact for heavy daily use, your teeth rely on its enamel, which is a protective coating that makes sure your pearly whites don’t pick up any cavities or discoloration along the way. However, in order for the enamel on your teeth to be up to par in terms of strength and quality, you’ll have to include a substantial amount of calcium and phosphorous in your daily diet. When trying to eat for stronger enamel, pick certain types of foods rich in calcium and phosphorus such as yoghurt, hard cheese, almonds, tofu, milk, eggs, nuts, red meat, and seeds!

2. Foods that are naturally crunchy in texture

Including more crunchy foods such as carrots, apples, celery, and cucumbers in your diet can make a huge difference in the health of your teeth. Unbeknownst to most people, foods that are naturally crunchy can deep clean your teeth. With every chew, more bits of plaque on your teeth will be removed. Naturally crunchy foods can also inhibit your tongue’s production of saliva to clean your teeth. 

3. Food packed with vitamin C

Aside from keeping your immune system in check, Vitamin C also plays a vital role in ensuring constant collagen production, a protein that helps keep your gums healthy enough to fight off periodontal disease and gingivitis. Adding certain foods rich in Vitamin C (such as oranges, kiwis, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and kale) to your diet can improve and preserve the health of your gums. 

4. Drink 6 to 8 liters of water a day

Although most doctors and health magazines have already reminded you to drink as much water as possible everyday, we can’t stress the importance of doing so enough. Water helps your mouth produce enough saliva to protect your teeth. With increased saliva, your teeth will be given the necessary proteins and minerals to keep your chompers plaque-free. 

5. Get as much vitamin D as possible

Other than strengthening your bones and avoiding scurvy, taking in a daily dose of Vitamin D can give your teeth some much-needed reinforcement. Compared to all your other body parts, your teeth and mouth are used the most, which means that you’ll need to drink one glass of milk a day, and each vitamin D-rich foods such as egg yolks and fatty fish. 

Vitarelli Dental is a dental office based in Madison NJ, get in touch today to see how we can help you maintain a great set of teeth.

6 Tips for Improving Dental Health and Hygiene

Your mouth not only allows you to eat your favorite foods and provide nutrition for your body, but it also lets you communicate and express yourself, helping improve and maintain social interaction. A healthy mouth and an excellent set of teeth also make for high self-esteem. Furthermore, it also functions like a “window” to your health, as it gives signals that may indicate health problems. 

For instance, pale and/or bleeding gums may mean that you have a blood disorder. Meanwhile, lowered bone level in one’s lower jaw is symptomatic of osteoporosis. Evidence shows that poor oral health is significantly associated with various health conditions and issues, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, diabetes, stomach ulcers, and oral cancer. 

As for the mouth area, two main issues affect its health:

  • Dental caries – refers to the invasion of bacteria on the tooth, demineralizing the surface that results in the formation of holes
  • Gum disease – refers to the invasion of bacteria along the gum line, causing inflammation as a result of damage on the tissues and bones supporting the teeth

By improving oral hygiene, you can prevent these problems and even improve your overall health. Here are some tips for improving dental hygiene and preventing tooth and gum diseases.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

It’s not necessary to brush your teeth after every meal, but you must see to it that you do so twice a day – once in the morning and at night. Brushing your teeth is very important in preventing plaque and bacteria buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Furthermore, it’s also vital that you practice proper brushing technique. An excellent technique to follow is the Modifies Bass technique, wherein you hold the brush head at a 45-degree angle so that the brush is slightly touching the gums. Then, move the brush in tiny circular motions. You may also brush in small horizontal strokes at least 20 times per tooth. Take note not to brush too vigorously to prevent damaging the tooth surface and wounding the gums.

Floss every day.

Brushing is not enough, as you should also floss at least once a day. Flossing reaches the crevices that your toothbrush can’t. So, if you want a thoroughly clean mouth, flossing is the way to go.

Invest in an oral irrigator.

Oral irrigators are newer teeth cleaning aids that work by pumping water in either a steady or pulsating setting. They are designed to flush away tiny food particles and bacterial byproducts. They resemble the cleaning tool used by dentists.

Reduce sugar intake.

Sugar reacts with the bacteria in the saliva, forming an acid that erodes the tooth enamel, the protective layer on the surface of the teeth. As much as possible, reduce your intake of sugary and starchy food, which makes you healthier overall.

Use fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride helps protect and strengthen your tooth enamel so it won’t get easily damaged by tooth decay.

Don’t forget your tongue and cheeks.

When brushing, don’t forget to brush your tongue and underside of the cheeks. They can also harbor bacteria. You can use your soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper.

Vitarelli Dental is a dental office based in Madison NJ, get in touch today to see how we can help you maintain a great set of teeth.