One of the benefits of living during the time of the pandemic is that you are able to take a good look at yourself and make changes if you want to. Have you looked at your teeth lately? If you have, you know that your teeth may not be as white as you were hoping. In fact, they may look a little dingy. If your teeth are looking a little dull, one way to help your teeth out is through whitening agents. Thinking about whitening your teeth at home? Here are some tips about whitening your teeth at home vs. allowing the dentist to whiten your teeth.
Home Whitening Isn’t as Strong
If you only need to whiten your teeth a shade or two, you may want to try home whitening. Most whitening agents you can buy over the counter have the smallest concentration of peroxide possible as a whitening solution. This means that peroxide makes up less than 10% of the solution. If you only need to whiten your teeth a shade or two, you may want to try an over-the-counter whitening product, such as whitening strips.
However, if you are needing a stronger whitening agent, you need to go to the dentist. That is because dental offices can have products with up to 40% peroxide in them. Dentists can whiten your teeth a number of shades in very little time.
Why Do I Need to Whiten My Teeth Anyway?
You don’t have to whiten your teeth at all if you’re happy with the color of your teeth now. However, researchers have found that more than 80% of adults want whiter teeth. If you want to get your teeth whiter, you need to know that both at-home whitening agents and dental whitening agents say that you can only get your teeth as white as they are naturally. Everyone’s teeth are a different shade, and a lot depends on heredity, the thickness of your enamel, and how yellow your dentine is. Dentine is the layer of the tooth directly underneath your enamel. If the dentin underneath the enamel is yellow, there’s nothing we can do to whiten the dentin.
However, if your enamel has been stained with tea, coffee, nicotine, or other foods and beverage, we can help you whiten it considerably. If you have only a short amount of time to whiten your teeth, you’ll want to make a visit to the dentist–especially if your enamel needs a lot of whitening.
If you need some help getting that perfect white smile, why not give us a call? Our phone number is 212-752-7188. We’re located at 121 E. 60th Street, 10th Floor, New York, New York, 10022.
Dr. Lattinelli is very concerned about the health and welfare of our patients and staff in NYC. During the current COVID-19 pandemic our attention to cleanliness and hygiene is further heightened. We have always used careful cleaning and sterilization techniques for our patient safety. Here are some of the steps we take to provide a safe environment for our patients.
- We have always used deionized and distilled water purification
- We use state-of-the-art hospital-grade autoclaves to sterilize all instruments that kill all bacteria and viruses including COVID-19
- Our cleaning procedures for all patient areas meet or exceed CDC guidelines
- Treatment rooms are sanitized after each patient
- All equipment is sanitized before any patient is allowed in the area
- All public areas including the waiting room and restrooms are cleaned regularly throughout the day with sanitizing wipes
- The entire office receives purified air from five medical-grade HEPA filters with UV-C light to kill any airborne bacteria and viruses
- All patients are given unique appointment times to minimize person-to-person contact
- We are now using the AJAX oral suction device to minimize aerosol mists during dental hygiene and cleaning appointments. For more information visit adsequip.com/Extra-Oral-Suction.
Dr. Joseph Lattinelli and his staff are always working to offer our patients a clean, hygienic, and stress-free environment for their dental needs. We are honored that you trust our practice for your dental services and will work tirelessly to exceed your expectations. For more information on our procedures or any of our other dental services in the Manhattan and Upper East Side area please call 212-752-7188.
Flossing is important and it’s something that’s been drilled into our minds from a very young age. Flossing on a regular basis helps remove plaque and prevents tartar from forming which is caused due to the built-up plaque in our mouth. This happens when food particles get stuck on our teeth and it stays stuck for a long time because our toothbrush couldn’t reach it.
While you might not see food particles stuck in between your teeth, they’re right there and ready to rot and spoil your smile soon. Flossing regularly ensures these food particles are out of your mouth and you have good oral hygiene.
While flossing is good for your teeth, it’s also highly beneficial for your gums. It’s one of the best ways to prevent gum diseases or periodontal diseases, which are not easy to treat. Once you contract gum infections, you’ll need to make multiple trips to the dentist just so you can get the condition treated. This would take up a lot of time and isn’t the easiest procedure either. You can prevent it by just flossing regularly.
Another advantage of flossing is it prevents bad breath. When food particles get stuck in your teeth, they begin rotting over a period of time. This slowly starts getting converted into bad breath. When this happens, no amount of mint or mouthwash can take away the bad smell.
Flossing your teeth in the middle of the day can also be very convenient. People are usually accustomed to brushing their teeth in the morning and the night. However, during the day there is no protection for the teeth and brushing at night may be too little too late at times. Since flossing is convenient and can be done at your seat, you can do it multiple times a day. This helps maintain dental hygiene throughout the day.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of flossing, feel free to visit our dental office in Manhattan at 121 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022 or call 212-752-7188.
March 6th is National Dentist’s Day. In 2020, this dentist commemoration date falls on a Friday and that is certainly a day for us to celebrate healthy gums, shiny teeth, and strong teeth. Our team at Dr. Lattinelli suggests doing some or all of the following activities to check out this Friday, March 6th as a great one.
Here are some ways you can commemorate with dentists worldwide:
- Send a thank-you note to your dentist. Individuals working in the dentistry field, rarely get enough thanks for the work they do to ensure that our gums are safe from infections and pains, our teeth are strong and clean. A thank you card, though simple, is an effective way to say thanks.
- Just like you and everyone else, dentists have bills to pay too. No need to send donations our way but you can ensure we have enough funds to cover our bills by booking dental checkups bi-annually or quarterly. If you have not had any dental checkup this year, today is the best day in 2020 to book for your first and some months further into the year, you book another: checkups, scaling and polishing.
- Healthier teeth make for more confident smiles and boy, do we love seeing those smiles! We like happy people. So one way you can mark Friday, March 6th as a great day is by brushing your teeth and observing all healthy teeth cleaning activities like making use of recommended mouthwash and flossing as well. Brush your teeth before you go to bed and do the same when you wake.
One more thing, do not forget to drink sufficient water and eat a good portion of fruits and vegetables to gain healthy fiber and improve your jaw strength.
Happy Dentist’s Day. Give a smile to your loved ones!
Dr. Lattinelli is the best Manhattan cosmetic dentistry in the Upper East Side, NY. Come find us on Monday to Friday (7 am – 5 pm) on 212-752-7188. We are located at 121 East 60th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10022. You can also reach our team by phone at 212-752-7188.
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Cosmetic dentistry can make all the difference. If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, cosmetic dentistry is the answer. To learn about the different types of cosmetic dentistry procedures, continue reading.
One type of cosmetic dentistry is composite bonding. This form of cosmetic dentistry involves the repairing of discolored, damaged, or decayed teeth using a material that resembles the color of tooth enamel. A dentist drills out the tooth decay and adds the composite onto the tooth’s surface. Then, they sculpt the composite to the correct shape.
Up next is dental veneers. Veneers are manufactured from medical-grade ceramic. Dental veneers are designed to resemble one’s natural teeth. They look realistic and can solve a range of cosmetic dental problems. After a dentist designs veneers to resemble your natural teeth, these veneers are placed over your natural teeth. Veneers can correct crooked teeth, cracked or damaged teeth, gaps, and so on.
The third type of cosmetic dentistry is teeth whitening. If you want to brighten your smile, you can receive teeth whitening through bleaching or whitening procedures. Before going ahead with these procedures, you must make sure any plaque, tartar, or debris is cleaned from the surface of your teeth.
Up next is implants. Teeth implants are typically used after tooth loss. Implants are installed using a small titanium screw. This screw is put into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth. The screw supports the dental implant crown. Once installed, implants blend in with your natural teeth for a natural and seamless appearance.
If you are interested in any of these cosmetic dentistry procedures, think about reaching out to the offices of Dr. Lattinelli. Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD and associates can assist you in achieving your dream smile. To schedule your consultation, you can reach us by phone at 212-752-7188. We are located at 121 East 60th Street in New York, New York, and we look forward to working with you soon.
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February is Children’s Dental Health Month. If you are a parent, you know how important dental health is for your children. Learn more about Children’s Dental Health Month and how to care for your child’s smile by reading on.
Dental hygiene is one of the most important things you can teach your children. Positive dental hygiene can help your child’s overall health. When your child takes care of their teeth, they are less likely to need their teeth pulled or have cavities filled.
One way to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month is to spread the word. Let your children know how important dental hygiene is. You can also spread the word to fellow parents. You can even organize events in your community or at your children’s school to promote positive dental hygiene.
Another way to spend Children’s Dental Health Month is by working on arts and crafts projects with your kids. The ADA website has fun activities for parents to try with their children, including puzzles, coloring pages, and crafts.
The third way parents can get involved in Children’s Dental Health Month is by practicing positive dental hygiene with their children. Brush and floss with your children in the morning and at night. As a parent, you are your child’s role model. They can follow in your footsteps when they see you practice positive dental hygiene. They can also learn the proper flossing and brushing techniques by following your lead.
The final way to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month is by scheduling a trip to the dentist for your child. Your child should receive dental cleanings at least twice per year. If your child has any specific oral health needs, they should visit the dentist more frequently depending on these needs. To schedule an appointment for your child with Dr. Lattinelli, call 212-752-7188 today!
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Dr. Lattinelli uses dental veneers in his practice to help patients with minor tooth defects or damage. What are dental veneers and how can they help you?
A veneer is any thin ceramic or composite structure placed over an existing tooth to prevent continuing tooth wear, cover minor defects, or strengthen teeth with small amounts of damage. Veneers are typically either ceramic or a composite.
Teeth can be excellent candidates for veneers if they have:
- Stains that cannot be remedied by bleaching
- Wear or small chips creating an imperfect smile
- Poor shapes or are crooked
- Uneven spacing or a large gap in the front teeth
Ceramic veneers are a thin layer of porcelain ceramic that is glued over an existing tooth. A small amount of the existing tooth surface is first removed to make room for the veneer, then the veneer is custom-made to fit the tooth and cemented in place. Ceramics are very hard and long-lasting and are also resistant to stains.
Another option may be a composite veneer. They are typically less expensive than ceramics and often can be completed in a single visit to Dr. Lattinelli. A composite material is made that is color-matched to the existing tooth. One advantage of composites is they require less surface preparation than a ceramic veneer.
Some things to consider when discussing veneers:
- Once the tooth surface is removed for a veneer, it cannot be put back so a veneer will have to remain in place for your lifetime or until you lose the tooth.
- Veneers are not good candidates for patients who grind their teeth as they can break and would have to be replaced regularly. You may be asked to wear a dental guard at night to prevent damage to any veneers.
- Veneers can come loose over time and require replacement or reattachment.
- Any tooth or gum diseases must be fixed before veneers can be used, which can lengthen your treatment time and cost.
If you have any questions about veneers or our other dental services, please call Dr. Lattinelli’s office at 212-752-7188.
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Routine visits to the dentist do more than help you keep your teeth clean. Caring for your oral health can actually help you maintain your overall health. Learn why dental health is important by reading on.
Neglecting your oral health can lead to gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can lead to other health complications. For example, you can experience diabetes, leukemia, oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and even a stroke. To avoid gum disease, be sure to visit your dentist on a routine basis.
Poor oral health can also lead to other problems. One problem is oral and facial pain. Neglecting to care for your teeth can cause you to experience gingivitis, painful gum infections, and tooth loss. Also, if you experience an infection of the mouth, this infection can lead to major organs. Your heart and heart valves can become inflamed by bacterial endocarditis, which is a condition that affects people with heart disease.
It is even a possibility to experience digestion problems when you have poor oral health. Digestion begins with the physical and chemical processes in the mouth. If your oral health isn’t functioning well, this can lead to your digestive health. You may experience irritable bowel syndrome or even intestinal failure if you don’t care for your teeth.
All of these potential problems sound scary, so what can you do to prevent them? Brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Don’t forget to floss as well! Eating a healthy diet can also help you care for your teeth. Finally, visit a dentist on a routine basis. If you’re looking for a dentist in the New York City area, visit Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lattinelli or an associate when you call 212-752-7188.
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Are you unsatisfied with your smile? Is your bite unaligned? Are you interested in straighter teeth? If you are answered any of these questions with “yes,” you should consider Invisalign. To learn why you should get Invisalign, keep on reading.
Invisalign straightens your teeth using customized aligners created just for you. Each set of aligners is designed specifically for your teeth. These aligners are comfortable, smooth, and almost invisible. When wearing Invisalign liners, your teeth are gently and gradually shifted into place.
Invisalign is an excellent alternative to braces. Unlike braces, Invisalign does not require wires or metal brackets. Invisalign is also removable, while braces cannot be taken off on your own. Braces can also cause pain, discomfort, tooth decay, difficulty eating, tooth and bracket breakage, discoloration, mouth sores, and injuries caused by the metal brackets. With braces, you are also limited to the food you can eat. No more popcorn, apples, or corn on the cob with braces.
If you are deciding between metal braces and Invisalign, know that both options cost about the same. However, you should consult with your dentist for more specific pricing.
Invisalign can correct your smile and boost your confidence. Aligning your teeth can also improve your overall oral health. When using Invisalign, you can eat the foods you want and brush and floss like you normally would. Invisalign was designed to help straighten your teeth, correct your crossbite, fix crowding, assist with your overbite, or correct your underbite.
To enjoy the benefits of Invisalign, reach out to Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD and associates. Our dental practice can help you receive Invisalign to correct your smile and boost your confidence. If you are interested in receiving a consultation, call the offices of Dr. Lattinelli at 212-752-7188. We are located at 121 East 60th Street in New York, New York, and we hope to work with you soon!
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Dr. Lattinelli and his staff welcome you to become part of our dental family. Why should you make Dr. Lattinelli your trusted dentist? There are several reasons:
Our professional staff works hard to maintain the highest levels of accreditation and continues their education to always offer the latest techniques and methods of dental care. We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side in Manhattan and we offer a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
We offer a wide range of dental services including:
- Preventive and diagnostic
- Evaluations and oral examinations
- Cleaning
- Custom mouthguards
- Restorative
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Veneers
- Dentures
- Implant restorations
- Cosmetic
- Whitening
- Invisalign teeth straightening
- Additional Services
- Scaling and root planing
- Root canals
- Tooth extractions
- TMJ disorders
- Sleep apnea treatment and appliances
We also offer specialized dental procedures and techniques to provide our patients with the latest technology and highest level of service:
CAD/CAM Restoration — This is computer-aided mapping and manufacturing used to fabricate precise restorations used for inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges. Digital mapping of the patient’s mouth helps provide quality parts used to repair or replace teeth for a perfect smile.
Laser Dentistry — The use of lasers offers patients many dental procedures with less pain, no noisy dental tools, and often fewer visits. Lasers can be used to remove tooth material, help bonding agents to cure, and provide a heat source for tooth whitening procedures.
Biomimetic Dentistry — This term refers to dental procedures used to restore teeth to their normal look and function. Dr. Lattinelli and his staff work hard to only remove damaged portions of teeth, then restore them to their normal look and function using composites and other durable materials.
For your routine, cosmetic, and restorative dental needs please consider joining the dental office of Dr. Lattinelli. We are conveniently located at 121 E. 60th Street, 10th Floor, in New York City. Our office can be reached by calling 212-752-7188.
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