How to Get the Most from Your Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign can dramatically improve your smile without the need for metal brackets and wires. However, to get the best possible results, it’s important to follow the strategies recommended by your dentist for getting the most out of your treatment. Your dentist will review the ins and outs of Invisalign with you. This information will also help you maximize your treatment results.

Wear Your Aligners

One of the things that patients like the most about Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed for eating and for brushing and flossing. However, this clear benefit can have a downside if you aren’t vigilant about wearing your retainers as much as possible. You should aim to wear your aligners at least 22 hours per day. If you don’t, not only is it likely that your treatment time will be extended, but also the condition you’re treating may get worse. If each set of new aligners seems to fit worse the last, then there is a good chance you haven’t been wearing them consistently enough.

Avoid the Chewing Habit

Many people have a habit of chewing on pen lids, nails, ice, and other non-food items. Although it may seem harmless, this habit is bad for your teeth and a disaster for your Invisalign aligners. It’s important to focus on breaking this habit when you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, so that your aligners stay snug against your teeth and they don’t become damaged.

Wear Your Retainer

Your aligners are just part of your Invisalign treatment plan. Once your teeth are in the desired positions, your retainer will help to keep them there. Wearing your retainer is critical to ensuring that your teeth don’t shift back to their previous positions, so follow your dentist’s instructions regarding your retainer carefully.

Are you interested in learning more about how Invisalign could help you get the smile you want? Schedule an appointment at Park 56 Dental to find out more about Invisalign in NYC and our other treatments. To make an appointment for a consultation, call (646) 783-3529.

What Would Really Happen if You Stopped Brushing Your Teeth?

Nearly everyone has done it—expect maybe your dentist. You’ve had a late night, you want to get to bed, and you don’t feel like brushing your teeth, so decide to skip it. Maybe you can skate by without major damage after one night, but what would happen if you actually stopped brushing your teeth for an extended period of time?

Watch this video to learn more about the effects of not brushing your teeth. Not just your oral health is on the line, but your heart, lungs, and other parts of your body could be impacted as well.

At Park 56 Dental, we provide everything from general dentistry to root canals, Invisalign, and dental implants. Make a dentist appointment near NYC by calling (646) 783-3529.

Don’t Fall for These Common Myths About Oral Health

Your oral health plays a central role in your overall health, but there are many persistent myths about how to care for your teeth and gums that could actually have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing. Are myths about oral health having a negative impact on the way that you care for your teeth? Before you try any new oral care regime, vet the information with your dentist to make sure you have the facts. These are some of the common myths about oral health that could be putting your teeth and gums on the line.

Myth: You should scrub your teeth to get them clean.

Brushing your teeth is a cornerstone of good oral health, but scrubbing with all of your might is not necessary. When you brush, use gentle, circular or back-and-forth motions across the surfaces of your teeth, but resist the urge to dig in and scrub. Scrubbing your teeth too hard will actually cause the enamel to erode, which will lead to tooth sensitivity and leave your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Treat your teeth with care by selecting a soft-bristled toothbrush and easing up on your pressure you use to brush.

Myth: You should stop flossing if it makes your gums bleed.

Bleeding gums are a sign that you have gum disease. This occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on the gums, causing inflammation and leading to gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease can be treated by focusing on your oral hygiene routine, but in more advanced stages, you may need professional care. If gum disease isn’t treated, it can lead to tooth loss, so see your dentist as soon as possible. Most importantly, don’t stop flossing if you see this early sign of gum disease emerge.

Myth: If your teeth are white, they are healthy.

The color of your teeth is not a clear indicator of their health. Thanks to whitening treatments, teeth can look bright and white and still be hiding decay, enamel erosion, and more. The only way to ensure your teeth are healthy is to see your dentist on a regular basis for checkups.

Cut through the myths and get on the right road to good oral health with the help of the dentists at Park 56 Dental. For checkups, teeth cleanings, root canals, and Invisalign in NYC, call us at (646) 783-3529.

Are You a Good Candidate for Deep Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows patients who are nervous about dental care get the treatments they need comfortably. There are several levels of sedation, from mild oral medications to help to feel relaxed to deep sedation with which you may sleep through your procedure. Should you consider undergoing deep sedation dentistry?

Deep sedation could be right for you if you have intense anxiety about your dental care or if you need multiple treatments and wish to have them in a single visit. You must have someone with you to drive you home after the appointment, and you will likely need to take the rest of the day off from work. Our dentists are IV certified and licensed practitioners of sedation dentistry, so they can help you choose the safest, most appropriate kind of sedation for your needs.

Get the dental care you need without anxiety with sedation dentistry in NYC at Park 56 Dental. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (646) 783-3529.

Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Cavities

Cavities occur when teeth become decayed. Left untreated, the decay can spread throughout the tooth and eventually infect the root, nerves, and bone around the tooth, triggering the need for a root canal or even causing the loss of the tooth. Fortunately, there are multiple things you can do to prevent cavities that are simple and easy enough to do every day. Protect your oral health can reduce the need for time-consuming dental treatments with these steps.

Brush and Floss

Brushing and flossing are the easiest—and most effective—things you can do to reduce the risk of cavities. Brush and floss twice per day to remove the build-up of plaque and bacteria on the surfaces of your teeth and your gum line, and you will drastically cut your chances of getting a cavity. In addition to your daily teeth-cleaning regime, see your dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning, to remove any build-up on your teeth that cannot be addressed through brushing and flossing alone.

Cut Sugar

Your sugar intake is directly linked to your risk of cavities, since sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Cutting your sugar intake overall will help to control your risk of cavities, but pay especially close attention to things that expose your teeth to sugar for an extended period of time. For example, sucking on a lollipop or slowly drinking a sugared beverage over a long period of time bathes your teeth in sugar, whereas eating a piece of candy causes a shorter exposure time. The longer the exposure, the worse it is for your teeth.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Not only does sugar-free gum help to remove some debris from eating from your teeth, but it can also stop the growth of bacteria. Xylitol, the artificial sweetener used in most sugar-free gum stops bacteria growth, protecting your teeth from decay.

Talk to your dentist in NYC at Park 56 Dental to find out about other ways you can keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free. Schedule your appointment for a teeth cleaning or other dental care by calling (646) 783-3529.

Can You Drive Home After Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation is helpful for several different procedures, especially for people who often get anxious about seeing the dentist. There are also different levels of sedation, depending on your specific needs and preferences for treatment. If you are going to get any kind of dental sedation, you may wonder if you can drive home after your appointment. Here is what you need to know.

In the cases of mild sedation, such as laughing gas, the recovery time is fast, so you can drive yourself home after the procedure. With other types of sedation, including oral, intramuscular, and intravenous, the period and depth of sedation is much more significant. In these cases, you will need someone to drive you to and from your procedure. If you aren’t sure what kind of sedation you’re having for your procedure, ask your dentist.

At Park 56 Dental, we’re committed to your comfort as you get the dental care you need, from root canals to dental implants. For more information about sedation dentistry near NYC, call (646) 783-3529.

Can Complex Issues Be Treated with Invisalign?

If you aren’t happy with the appearance of your smile, your dentist may recommend Invisalign. Invisalign can correct issues like misalignment and spacing problems, without the need for metal brackets and wires. However, patients have an idea that Invisalign can only correct minor problems. Is this true?

Watch this video to learn more about the ability of Invisalign to treat complex issues. Invisalign can treat the vast majority of malocclusions, regardless of complexity. Your dentist can help you decide if it is the right choice for you.

Find out more about Invisalign by making an appointment at Park 56 Dental. As a certified Invisalign provider in NYC, we can help you feel confident in your smile again. Make your appointment today by calling (646) 783-3529.

Preparing for Your First Visit to Our Dental Office

Park 56 Dental is committed to giving every patient with the highest possible caliber dental care available on every visit. Our focus on putting patients first is one of the reasons that we have been voted Top Dentist in NYC. Whether you’re looking for general dentistry care or a cosmetic treatment to feel more confident in your smile, you’ll find it at our dental practice. Are you considering making an appointment for your first visit at our dental office? Here is a look at what you can expect.

Review of Your Health History

Before any exams or treatments begin, we need to understand your health. We will review any records you have from previous dentists and the dental and medical history forms you complete for our office. Be sure to provide as much information as possible. There are many medical conditions that have an impact on your dental health, such as diabetes, so we need a full picture of your health status. This is also a good time to discuss any questions you have or to share your history of dental anxiety. We offer sedation dentistry for your comfort and can help you decide if it’s a good option for you.

Digital Imaging of Your Teeth and Mouth

Our digital imaging process uses 90% less radiation than traditional dental x-rays, and the images are available for immediate review. These images will form a baseline for your current dental health that we can use to make treatment decisions.

Cleaning and Treatment Planning

After a comprehensive cleaning and exam, your dentist will sit down with you to review his or her findings and discuss a treatment plan that meets your needs. This is also a chance to discuss cosmetic treatments that you are considering, from veneers to a full smile restoration.

Get your first visit on the calendar today by calling Park 56 Dental. Our team is here to ensure every stage of the process meets your satisfaction. Make a dentist appointment in NYC today by calling (646) 783-3529.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

If you’re experiencing sudden tooth pain while enjoying an ice cream cone or a hot coffee, then you may have tooth sensitivity. This temporary discomfort can also occur when brushing or flossing your teeth. The underlying cause of tooth sensitivity is the exposure of the dentin, which lies underneath the enamel. A number of factors can cause the dentin to be exposed. Your dentist can figure out what’s going on and develop a customized treatment plan for you.

Oral Hygiene Habits

It’s important to continue brushing and flossing your teeth, even if you experience tooth sensitivity. Neglecting your oral care can make the problem worse. However, dentists strongly recommend brushing with a soft or very soft toothbrush, and using gentle, circular motions. Brushing too aggressively is one possible cause of tooth sensitivity. And if you’ve just eaten something acidic, like marinara sauce, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. The acidity softens the enamel, which allows the toothbrush to erode it more easily.

Plaque Buildup

Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on the teeth. Everyone gets plaque, but you can prevent it from causing tooth sensitivity. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once daily will prevent the excessive formation of plaque, and the hardening of plaque into gum-irritating tartar.

Gum Disease

At first, gum disease causes the gums to become swollen, inflamed, and irritated. If you don’t have a dentist treat it, it can eventually turn into periodontal disease. In this stage, the gums can pull away from the teeth. Gum recession is another possible cause of tooth sensitivity.

Cracked Teeth

A crack in the enamel can expose the dentin. This leaves you susceptible to tooth sensitivity when consuming very cold or hot foods and beverages. Visit an emergency dentist as soon as you can to get the cracked tooth repaired.

Sensitive teeth can be uncomfortable, but the dentists at Park 56 Dental can help! In addition to designing smile restorations in NYC, our team offers preventive and general dentistry services. New and current patients can get in touch at (646) 783-3529.

Basics of Invisalign for Teens

Did you know that Invisalign makes aligners just for teens? Invisalign Teen lets kids eat the foods they love, play the sports they enjoy, and smile with their friends without fear of showing metal brackets and wires. Get the facts about Invisalign for teens when you watch the accompanying video.

You’ll hear about the sophisticated computer imaging software the dentist will use to precisely map every stage of the treatment. You’ll even get to see what your teen’s smile will look like before beginning the treatment!

When your teen is ready for Invisalign treatment in NYC, call Park 56 Dental at (646) 783-3529. Our dental clinic maintains a friendly, welcoming environment, and focuses on high-quality, patient-centered care.