We are excited to announce Dr. Lattinelli has been recognized as a 2018 Preferred Provider by Invisalign®. This recognizes Dr. Lattinelli as an Invisalign® provider with the experience to give his patients the proper care and attention for a successful dental alignment.
Orthodontic braces are still an effective way to adjust the smile of children. But adults can find braces embarrassing to use and even painful, because their teeth are set strongly in the jawbones and realignment takes time and small adjustments. This is exactly how the Invisalign® process works, using a series of nearly invisible aligners to make slow and small adjustments in the teeth.
Invisalign® is used over a period of several months to perhaps a couple years depending on the amount of alignment needed. There are no visible braces, wires, or rubber bands. Users are not restricted in what foods they can enjoy. Dental care is easy because the aligners can be removed for short periods, allowing the patient to brush and floss their teeth normally.
The Invisalign® process involves several steps with Dr. Lattinelli:
- An initial consult to review the process including timing and cost information
- An evaluation of your current dental profile to determine if Invisalign® is a viable choice
- An image of your current teeth using imprints or imaging
- Getting the aligners produced
- A visit to set the first aligner and go over the process
- Periodic visits to check progress
Dr. Lattinelli is ready to provide you with the best possible outcome using the effective Invisalign® process and has the experience to do that as an Invisalign® Preferred Provider. Contact Dr. Lattinelli’s office today at 212-752-7188 for more information.
Manhattan Dental Office | Upper East Side Invisalign
Part of Dr. Lattinelli’s practice is helping our clients with cosmetic dentistry concerns. This type of dentistry focuses on improving the look of a client’s smile, teeth, or mouth. Cosmetic procedures can improve a client’s quality of life by giving them a lovely smile or proper teeth alignment. People often mistake cosmetic dentistry as simple vanity, but it can be critical to restoring a patient’s mouth or teeth following illness or injury. There are five major types of cosmetic dentistry we will describe here.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are categorized as indirect fillings, made by a dental laboratory, and used to correct a tooth with mild to moderate decay or when there isn’t enough tooth remaining for a proper filling. When the tooth cusp is intact an inlay can be placed directly over the remaining tooth surface. When damage is excessive an onlay can be placed over the entire remaining tooth. Both types are made from composite resins and are attached permanently with adhesive cement.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding, or simply bonding, is a procedure where a damaged or discolored tooth can be restored to look like adjacent teeth using a composite surface structure. The tooth surface is prepared by removing any damage or decay, then the bonding material is placed over the tooth surface and cured using UV light. An abrasive wheel can be used to remove edges and adjust the composite to the correct shape. Bonding is also useful to protect teeth from excessive wear or when teeth are chipped or cracked.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are made from medical-grade ceramic and are custom made for each patient. They will resemble a client’s other teeth and are used to solve a number of dental issues including crooked teeth, cracked or damaged enamel, or even to resolve excessive gaps between teeth. The veneers are permanently attached with dental adhesive.
Whitening
Teeth whitening is very popular for clients and is one of the simplest cosmetic procedures. Whitening is useful for clients who have discolored teeth affecting the quality of their smile. Teeth should be properly cleaned first at our office before whitening is attempted. The process is painless and can restore teeth to their original color or even lighter in many cases. Age, diet, coffee and tea, and smoking can all lead to teeth discoloration and the desire for whitening. Contact our office for more information.
Implants
Implants are used to replace a lost tooth. A small titanium post is screwed into the jawbone at the location of the lost tooth which provides a mounting point for the implant. The implant will be indistinguishable from surrounding teeth, and in time the jaw and surrounding tissue will grow around the implant making it a permanent part of your mouth.
Dr. Lattinelli and his associates can provide you with any information needed concerning any of the cosmetic dentistry procedures we can perform at our office. If you have dental issues or concerns about the quality of your smile, contact our office today for a consultation by calling us at 212-752-7188.
Manhattan Cosmetic Dentistry | Upper East Side Dental Office
There are common myths about your teeth which can create confusion and actually keep you from maintaining proper Manhattan dental health. Let’s take a look:
- “I don’t need to go to the dentist until I feel tooth pain.” Preventive care is very important in dentistry, because Dr. Lattinelli can often diagnose tooth or gum problems in their very early stages. This not only makes treatment simple, it usually is much less costly than when a major repair is needed later. Seeing Dr. Lattinelli twice each year for a routine cleaning will help prevent dental disease and pain later on.
- “I shouldn’t floss because it creates spaces between my teeth.” This is not true, flossing does not move your teeth and create spacing between them. Flossing is good for your teeth because it prevents tooth decay from occurring in the small spaces between teeth. If you have not been flossing regularly, you may notice some bleeding when you start. This will slowly decrease as your gums get acclimated to flossing. If you have not flossed regularly in some time we recommend you get a dental cleaning first because the floss may not successfully remove the tartar and plaque that has built up between your teeth. If you are flossing and see any continued bleeding contact Dr. Lattinelli because there could be a gum problem you aren’t aware you have.
- “It’s a baby tooth, no need to worry about it.” Baby teeth in children are very important. As a child grows, the baby teeth create the proper spacing for the permanent teeth growing below them. If a baby tooth gets a cavity or disease the child could lose the tooth prematurely, creating a space that could create future problems for the permanent teeth. If you suspect your child has a cavity or other problem with their baby teeth please make an appointment with us.
- “I brush every day but it doesn’t matter when I do.” Patients are encouraged to brush twice each day, but one of those brushings should occur before going to bed. When you sleep you produce less saliva in your mouth which provides a cleansing effect during the day. If you skip brushing before bedtime you are increasing the possibility of dental issues since food will remain in your mouth all night long. It’s also recommended you brush immediately after consuming high-sugar foods or carbohydrates which can create cavity-causing acids.
- “Diet sodas won’t cause any problems with my teeth because they have no sugar.” It is true that diet sodas don’t have real sugar, but what they do have is a very acidic chemical composition. Our mouths have naturally occurring bacteria which love acids. Therefore any diet sodas can increase the likelihood of these bacteria becoming active and contributing to tooth decay. The acidity of diet soda combined with the bacteria cause a gradual wearing away of the outer tooth enamel, resulting in increased sensitivity of the teeth. Every time you sip a diet soda it takes your mouth about 20 minutes to neutralize that acid, so every sip starts the process over again and again. Other acidic foods like orange or other citrus juices can have a similar effect.
- “There is no connection between the health of my mouth and the rest of my body.” To the contrary, the health of your mouth is very important to your overall health. Diseases of the mouth can cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream and affect your entire body. Dental disease has been shown as a link to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses. Don’t ignore your mouth and teeth if they don’t feel well; they can make you sick.
- “My teeth are unhealthy because I am getting older.” There is no automatic correlation between age and dental health. If you make a lifetime effort to maintain your dental health you will likely have healthy teeth in later years. On the other hand, people who ignore dental care or eat poor food choices can see dental issues and loss of teeth at a young age. Make the commitment for you and your family and promote proper dental hygiene from a young age. Your teeth will thank you.
Dr. Lattinelli is always ready to assist you with your dental needs, so call our office at 212-752-7188 for an appointment. Don’t put off dental care, failure to address dental issues can affect you the rest of your life.
Manhattan Dentist | Upper East Side Dental Health
Caring for your teeth is important at any age. Oral health actually affects your overall health, so it’s important to maintain proper dental care and accommodate the needs of your teeth. Learn more about senior oral health care and the common issues that seniors face by reading on.
As you age, there are four major concerns for adults. These oral health concerns include cavities, dry mouth, tooth loss, and oral cancer. While these problems can lead to additional health concerns, these issues can be controlled and cared for by making frequent visits to your dentist.
Cavities happen to people of all ages. For seniors, the gums of teeth recede or pull back, allowing for more tooth surface exposure. The more exposed the tooth and its root, the more likely it is for the tooth to be attacked with plaque and bacteria. If teeth are not properly cared for, they may rot, decay, or face gum disease.
Over 500 different medications lead to dry mouth. It is more than likely that a senior is taking a medication that contributes to dry mouth, but there are ways to prevent this uncomfortable and potentially harmful problem. Dry mouth is caused when the production of saliva is reduced. When this happens, it is easier for food particles and acid to attack the teeth. To prevent dry mouth, consider over-the-counter moisturizers, drinking more water, using sugar-free lozenges, getting a humidifier for your home, avoiding irritating foods and drinks, and talking to your physician.
It is estimated that adults over the age of 65 have lost an average of 13 out of their 32 teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Even though these numbers are high, tooth loss is preventable. By making routine visits to your dentist, decay, gum disease, and wear can be treated and tooth loss can be prevented.
The final oral health concern is oral cancer. Nearly 50,000 cases of mouth, throat, and tongue cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. The average age of those diagnosed with these cancers is 62. During a routine exam, seniors are inspected for signs of cancer. When consistently inspected, individuals can reduce their risk of serious oral cancer concerns. Another way seniors can reduce their risk of oral cancer is by brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist, quitting smoking, and quitting alcohol consumption.
If you or a senior you are caring for is in need of dental care, consider the offices of Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD. Our office proudly serves the New York, New York area. To get in touch with our office and schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at 212-752-7188 today!
Manhattan Dentist | Upper East Side Dental Office
One of the many dental services performed by Dr. Lattinelli and his team is dental implants. There is any number of reasons why implants may be needed, including loss of a tooth or teeth due to injury or tooth decay that is severe enough to prevent saving the tooth. If you need a dental implant in the Upper East Side area, what’s involved and what is the recovery time?
A dental implant involves a number of steps, depending on whether there is an existing tooth:
- First any existing teeth are removed.
- Titanium posts are inserted directly into the jawbone wherever an implant will be placed.
- Once the posts are securely in place, a crown or denture is placed and secured to the post, resulting in a look like your natural teeth.
Implants can be performed using local or general anesthesia depending on the patient and the number of implants. If your existing jaw isn’t strong enough to support the implant a bone graft may be needed. We will discuss this with you before any implant procedure.
The important recovery time is after the titanium post is inserted. Your body needs time for the jaw to create new bone and firmly support and secure the implant. Every person is different, but it can take several weeks to months for this to happen. While you are waiting for the implant post to set, we insert a temporary crown rather than leaving the space open.
There are some things you will need to do while waiting for the implant post to become fully secured:
- Keep the area around the implant site clean and dry for the first few days after surgery. Some bleeding and swelling is common.
- Brush your teeth gently and avoid eating any hard or crunchy foods or foods which can be stuck between teeth such as popcorn, rice, or nuts. Don’t chew ice!
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days after surgery to prevent more bleeding or swelling.
- We will schedule follow-up appointments to check on the progress of your implant post healing, and eventually an appointment to install the permanent crown.
If you have any questions about dental implants or the recovery process, contact us here at Dr. Lattinelli’s office by calling 212-752-7188, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
Upper East Side Dental Implants | Manhattan Dentist
When it comes to achieving the perfect smile, crowns and veneers are the most talked about tools. However, some people get veneers and crowns confused. To get a better grasp of the differences between crowns and veneers, continue reading this blog post.
Veneers and crowns are both used for improving your smile, but they are each rather different. Veneers are used to improve the esthetics of teeth, correcting stains, discoloration, or poorly shaped teeth. Veneers are placed over the front surface of the tooth, leaving the back portion untouched. Crowns, on the other hand, completely surround both the front and back of the tooth. Crowns can strengthen the teeth, preventing future damage. Crowns are also more invasive than veneers and are usually used on only a few teeth, while veneers usually cover an entire row of teeth.
You may have an idea of whether you want veneers or crowns, but you should always consult with your dentist first. For example, some people desire veneers for their teeth after grinding their teeth down in their sleep. However, doctors do not recommend veneers for patients like this because these individuals are likely to fracture their veneers because of this bad habit. Instead of veneers, your dentist may suggest a custom night guard correct the problem, then a cosmetic dental treatment later.
Both crowns and veneers can be replaced, so you can always change the appearance if you dislike it. If you receive crowns or veneers from your dentist, it is recommended that you have a check-up every six months. Seeing your Manhattan dentist every six months will keep your crowns or veneers clean and can prevent potential problems.
Considering crowns or veneers for your teeth? If you are, consider the offices of Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD! Our staff can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of, so schedule an appointment on our website or give us a call at 212-752-7188 today!
Upper East Side Veneers | Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist
Even though our tooth enamel is strong, it can easily weaken over time. We want to keep our enamel strong to keep our teeth looking and feeling healthy, but how can we take care of our tooth enamel?
Consume a healthy diet
Certain foods can take a toll on your enamel when consumed too often. Some of these foods include sugars, starches, and acids. If you love foods with these ingredients, you can still consume them, just consider cutting back. If you are a soda or sugary beverage addict, drink these juices and sodas through a straw to minimize the damage.
Drink lots of water
Water has countless health benefits. When it comes to our enamel, drinking water will help you avoid a dry mouth. A dry mouth can lead to build-ups on our enamel that will wear it down over time.
Brush and floss regularly
You should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, if not after every meal. This keeps plaque and acids from building up on your teeth and gums. While you should brush and floss frequently, make sure not to be too rough, as this can actually wear enamel as well.
Visit your dentist
Make sure you are visiting your dentist at least twice a year for bi-annual cleanings. Your dentist can provide you with a deep cleaning and keep an eye out for tooth enamel wear. If you’re looking for a dentist to help you keep your tooth enamel strong, visit the offices of Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD! You can reach our dental office by phone at 212-752-7188 to schedule an appointment, and you can find us at 121 East 60th Street in New York!
Manhattan Dentist | Upper East Side Dental Office
Oops, you’ve chipped your tooth! It happens to the best of us, whether your enamel becomes worn down, you bit into something hard, or you took a nasty fall. Chipped teeth are uncomfortable, unflattering, and can lead to additional oral health problems. When it comes to fixing a chipped tooth, there are three options you can choose from.
The first option you have when it comes to fixing your chipped tooth is dental bonding. Dental bonding is performed when there’s only a small amount of enamel missing from a chipped tooth. This option is also used when it is one of the front teeth that is chipped. Dental bonding is also known as “a filling,” and uses tooth-like composite resin to fill the missing area. This procedure is quick, painless, and doesn’t even require numbing.
The second option you have to repair your chipped tooth is a crown. Crowns are for larger chips or chipped teeth with notable decay. Crowns are also used on the molar teeth. These crowns are designed from metal, porcelain fused to metal, resin, or ceramic materials. To install a crown, two dentist office visits are usually needed. The first will be used to take x-rays and remove any excess tooth from the area. You will also have an impression of your tooth taken. A temporary crown will be put into your mouth after the first appointment, and a permanent one will be applied during your second visit.
The final option for repairing chipped teeth is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers cover the front of the teeth, using a thick section of porcelain to fill the chipped portion of the tooth. Single veneers can be used over one tooth, or you can choose to have your entire row of front teeth covered with veneers to transform your smile. Porcelain veneers are applied with two visits. The first dentist visit will consist of removing a layer of teeth to make room for the veneers. Temporary veneers will be applied until the second visit, where the permanent veneers have adhered.
If you have a chipped tooth, have no worry! With one of these three options, you can be well on your way to the perfect smile. For help repairing your chipped tooth, reach out to us at the dental offices of Dr. Latinelli! You can learn more about our procedures or schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 212-752-7188!
Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist | How to Fix a Chipped Tooth
If you’re a parent, then you probably already know how difficult it can be to convince your child to go to the dentist. Even some grown adults dislike the dentist, so a trip to the dentist isn’t always a breeze for your children. However, all hope is not lost.
The first way to prepare your child for the dentist is by taking them when they’re babies. It is recommended that parents take their children to the dentist when they grow their first tooth, which is usually around six months.
The second way to get your child excited about the dentist is by educating them. Let your child know how important dental hygiene is. Consider reading books about healthy teeth and gums to your child to improve their understanding.
Another method that can get your kids excited about the dentist is by getting them into the habit of practicing good oral hygiene at home. If your child is used to brushing and flossing twice a day or more, they will be less shocked when doing so at the dentist’s office. Turning dental hygiene into a family activity can make flossing and teeth brushing more fun as well.
Even though we may find it gross, you can let your kids use flavored toothpaste. Flavors like bubblegum may be odd, but children love them. If your kids love bubblegum flavored toothpaste, this can help encourage them to care for their teeth. If that’s the case, consider picking up a tube next time you’re at the store.
Finally, it is important to develop a relationship with your child’s dentist. The more comfortable you are with your child’s dentist, the more comfortable your child will be. Going to the dentist isn’t a scary thing, and your child can actually enjoy their experience at the dentist after building a relationship with the staff.
Are your children ready to visit the dentist? If so, come to the offices of Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD. Our friendly staff will work to make your children feel as comfortable as possible. Find us at 121 East 60th Street in New York, New York, or schedule an appointment via phone at 212-752-7188.
Manhattan Dental Office | Upper East Side Dentist
Gum disease is a common condition that affects many people. Having healthy gums contributes to having healthy teeth, and overall positive health. If you want to care for your gums, but aren’t sure if you have gum disease, the following blog post will explain to you how you can tell if you have gum disease.
Gum disease occurs in several stages. Some gum disease is as simple as inflammation, while more severe cases consist of tissue and bone damage. If gum disease becomes too severe, tooth loss can occur. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, which consists of inflammation caused by bacteria. Bacteria is in everyone’s mouth, but bacteria can combine with mucus and food particles to form plaque. Too much-hardened plaque causes tartar, which then leads to inflammation. Gingivitis symptoms include red gums, swollen gums, and gums that bleed easily.
Another type of common gum disease is periodontitis. When gingivitis is not treated, it escalates to periodontitis. Eventually, inflammation around the tooth will cause the gums to pull away from teeth. When the space between the gums and the teeth grows, this allows infections to happen easier. When this space becomes affected, periodontitis occurs. If you have tender gums, bleeding from the gums when flossing or brushing, persistent bad breath, receding gums, or sensitive teeth, you may have gum disease.
Gum disease is easy to prevent. You want to make sure to visit your dentist for a semi-annual cleaning. You also want to brush your teeth and floss daily. If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, a visit to the dentist can include a deep cleaning, tartar removal, root planning, and (in the most severe circumstances) surgery. Gum disease is curable, so correct this problem and improves your health at the offices of Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD. Schedule an appointment at our office to cure your gum disease and care for your smile. You can schedule an appointment on our website or reach out to us at 212-752-7188.