A 2005 survey conducted by the Children’s Hospital Boston Dental Clinic collected data on childhood bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) from nearly 900 families. 38% of these families reported having children that engaged in night-time teeth grinding and clenching. Children whose parents brux were 1.8% more likely to engage in night-time bruxism. A 2013 study revealed that 5% of the population reported experiencing night-time bruxism, and 10% reported diurnal (day time) teeth clenching and grinding. However, day time bruxism may simply be more easily diagnosed than night time bruxism rather than more common. Bruxism is a fairly common problem with numerous causes, and appropriate treatments are almost as varied as these causes. It’s essential for patients who brux to seek appropriate treatment since bruxism causes or worsens numerous oral health concerns including dental wear, chips, cracks, damaged restorations, and TMJ disorder. If you experience day or night time bruxism, don’t hesitate to contact your South Shore Dental Care team for treatment recommendations.
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The Causes of and Treatments for Teeth Grinding and Clenching
November 9, 2015
Dental Implants Massapequa Residents Rely On – South Shore Dental Care
September 4, 2015
Did you know that even one missing tooth can change your face? Over time, the jawbone and gum tissue that support and shape facial features deteriorate creating wrinkles, indentations, and sagging. Even patients who wear traditional dentures experience these changes because the root of the tooth actually stimulates the retention of gum tissue and bone density. Traditional tooth replacement options only restore the visible parts of teeth, but dental implants replace the entire tooth from the roots up. That means patients are better able to retain gum tissue and bone density, and maintain their youthful appearance. At South Shore Dental Care, we offer the dental implants Massapequa residents prefer. Our skilled dentists, friendly team, and patient-centered care make us the ideal dental implant dentist for all of Long Island. Call to schedule a dental implant evaluation today.
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Invisalign Can Give Your Smile the Beautiful Look It Desires
August 18, 2015
We all want teeth that can turn heads. The easiest way to get a smile that looks simply gorgeous is by receiving straightening treatment. You see, straight teeth get noticed for all of the right reasons. Straight teeth can be a goal for anyone, no matter how young or old. Traditionally, the only way to correct a misaligned smile was through conventional metal braces. It’s a good thing treatment has taken a major step forward within the last decade. Now, there’s treatment that can get your teeth straight under the cover of disguise! Well, sort of. It’s “invisible” treatment that can straighten your teeth.
Invisalign has quickly become the preferred method of straightening treatment for many patients. There are plenty of reasons why people have chosen it over and over, and it’s mainly because traditional metal braces take way too long and are a lot more costly. Our office in Massapequa Park, NY specializes in offering this state-of-the-art treatment. Are you ready for Invisalign, Massapequa Park residents?
For Porcelain Veneers, Massapequa, NY, Comes to South Shore Dental Care
July 27, 2015
Most people can’t help but smile when they’re happy or when they see something that amuses them. But if you are one of those who immediately brings your hand to your mouth to cover your smile, then perhaps you should consider porcelain veneers from Drs. Dory and Khalida Stutman at South Shore Dental Care in Massapequa Park, NY. Porcelain veneers are the modern dental wonders that cover up the smile you don’t want to share and reveal the smile you are proud to show!
Porcelain veneers can be used to correct a number of cosmetic flaws in your smile including:
- Chipped teeth
- Teeth that are slightly broken or fractured
- Misshaped teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Teeth with gaps in between them
Regardless of which cosmetic imperfection is causing you to hide your smile, our doctors can give you the smile of your dream with porcelain veneers, also called dental veneers or just veneers.
What is the Process for Porcelain Veneers?
To make that dream a reality, you’ll first meet with one of our dentists to discuss you smile goals. We want to know what you envision. If you want, you can even bring photos of family, friends, or celebrities whose smiles have characteristics you admire. Once we determine that you are a qualified candidate for veneers—meaning you don’t have any other outstanding dental problems that need to be taken care of first—we will take x-rays, photos and impressions of your teeth.
Then, one of our dentist will prep the teeth that will receive veneers by removing a small amount of enamel. This helps to ensure that your veneers lay flush with your other teeth and adhere well. If you are getting minimal-prep or no-prep veneers, then we will only need to etch your teeth. Once this step is completed, we’ll take another impression that will be sent to our renowned dental ceramist who will hand craft your porcelain veneers. While this is happening, you’ll wear temporaries to protect your prepped teeth and accustom you to the feeling of veneers in your mouth.
In a couple of weeks when your permanent veneers are ready, we will call you back to have them adhesively bonded to your teeth. Each veneer will be carefully examined and gently trimmed for a perfect fit. Once all of your veneers are in place, you’ll never want to hide your smile again!
Call Our Office Today
If you would like to talk to the cosmetic dentist Massapequa, NY, can trust for the best advice on enhancing your smile, then schedule an appointment with Drs. Stutman at South Shore Dental Care. Our practice welcomes patients from surrounding areas including Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh.
Perfect Porcelain Veneers
June 24, 2015
If you have significant damage to your front teeth, you may be tempted to hide your smile. Fixing chipped or cracked teeth or replacing missing teeth can be expensive and time consuming. At South Shore Dental Care we offer comprehensive dental care no matter what your oral health needs. We can restore your smile with crowns, bridges, dental implants or other restorative dentistry treatments, but for many the hours of dental work is too stressful. Porcelain veneers from the experts Dr.s Dory and Khalida Stutman can correct your smile without the time and financial commitments of restorative dentistry. We believe that all dentistry is cosmetic because a beautiful smile should be the end result of everything we do, but our traditional cosmetic dentistry services include teeth whitening, Invisalign and porcelain veneers. If you’re interested in any of our full-spectrum dental care options from pediatric to geriatric dentistry, our Massapequa Park, NY office has you covered. Call to schedule an appointment today.
How Porcelain Veneers Work
Our office prides itself on offering our patients the widest array of dental treatment options, and this includes our cosmetic dentistry services. If you are interested in having porcelain veneers placed to correct your smile esthetics, our highly skilled dentists will start by explaining the numerous options our practice can provide.
Traditional porcelain veneers require two visits. An initial consultation/examination visit allows our staff to examine your teeth and determine whether veneers are a good option to correct your bite. If you and your dentist determine that veneers are right for you, molds will be made of your teeth so a customized veneer can be milled. At South Shore Dental Care we work with the renowned dental ceramist, Jason J. Kim to produce the highest quality natural looking and feeling veneers available. Once your custom veneer is ready, you’ll come in for your second visit to place the veneer.
For patients who need minimal-prep or no-prep veneers, we work with several of the leading ultra-thin veneer brands: Lumineers, DaVinci Veneers and Durathins. These brands offer similar look and function to the traditional porcelain veneer, and still require two dental visits one to take molds of your teeth and one to apply your custom veneer. However, these veneer options are made of extremely thin layers of porcelain so less tooth preparation is needed to place the veneers.
Who Should Consider Veneers
If you have chipped, cracked or broken teeth, veneers can be a less invasive treatment option that traditional crowns to correct smile esthetic. If you have dental damage caused by tooth decay, veneers help protect against future cavities or bacteria. Patients who are not healthy enough to undergo complex dental procedures like crown and bridge therapy or dental implants, are usually able to have veneers placed with no adverse health effects. Any patient who isn’t happy with the smile they have, but doesn’t have the time or budget to undergo extensive dental restoration treatments will benefit from porcelain veneers.
Schedule an Appointment
Whatever the reason you’re considering porcelain veneers, our expert staff can help you make a dental care decision that’s right for you. A consultation with one of our skilled cosmetic dentists will thoroughly explain your options, and give you the opportunity to hear about other dental treatments to correct your bite. If you’re in need of cosmetic dentistry treatment or any dental care, our convenient Massapequa Park practice is here to help. Call to schedule a consultation today. Our practice welcomes patients form surrounding areas including Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh.
Brilliant Teeth Whitening in Massapequa Park, NY
June 14, 2015
At South Shore Dental Care, we provide the full-spectrum dental service for our patients of all ages. From children’s visits to senior care, Dr.s Dory and Khalida Stutman have you covered no matter what your oral care needs. Cosmetic dentistry services from our practice are more than just esthetic enhancement. Because your smile is one of the first things people see when they meet you, our doctors believe that all dentistry should be cosmetic. We strive to give every patient a beautiful, healthy smile they can be proud of. Our traditional cosmetic services include porcelain veneers, Invisalign and Zoom! teeth whitening. Zoom! whitening is one of the leaders in office visit whitening and at home whitening, and we offer our patients both options. If you’re interested in learning more about Zoom! whitening or any of our other dental services, call our convenient Massapequa Park, NY office to schedule an appointment.
Time May Not Be on Your Side
You can brush and floss in the morning, before you go to bed, and after every meal and your teeth will still yellow as your age. The best way to keep your natural glow is to maintain great oral hygiene, but for a truly brilliant white smile, you might need a whitening agent to help. When we eat or drink or even breathe, we expose our teeth to molecules that can discolor our enamel. Brushing, flossing and regular hygienist visits remove the majority of stains from the surface of your teeth, but enamel is extremely porous. Even if we brush or floss after meals, some of the molecules still get trapped in the porous enamel. Over time, these molecules reach the inner dentine layer where regular brushing and flossing can’t reach them.
Unless you aced chemistry, you may not realize that these molecules bond to the molecules in your teeth changing the way the look and the way they react to other molecules. In order to remove the stains, you have to break that bond through oxidation. Using hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, creates a chemical reaction that causes the foreign matter that discolors your teeth to release its bond.
Brighter Smiles for Summer
The good news for your smile is that, over the years, researchers have developed a great way to improve the whiteness of your teeth. At South Shore Dental Care, the Dr.s Stutman utilize one of the most effective whitening treatments on the market, Zoom! whitening. Created as an at home whitening gel, professional grade Zoom! whitening gel used in our office is paired with a special no-heat light that amplifies your results, but at home whitening is still an option.
At home whitening with Zoom! can be just as effect as our in office treatments, if you don’t need as much whitening or you’d prefer to whiten more gradually. We will create a customized application tray to be used with our professional whitening gel that is a much higher quality than gels you can buy in stores. Over the course of one or more weeks depending on how much change you desire, your teeth will gradually lighten leaving you with a brilliant smile.
In office whitening takes a little over an hour. We’ll need to prep your mouth before we whiten by protecting your lips and gums. Then, we apply a layer of whitening gel to your teeth. The no-heat light is placed over your mouth for about an hour to kick start the whitening process. After your teeth have whitened for an hour, we will give you a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth and make the whitening last. Patients who whiten in our office can see a difference of 6 to 10 shades with just one visit.
Find Out More
If you want to restore a brilliant shine to your smile, Zoom! teeth whitening makes a big difference. Whether you’re looking for a quick, significant change or a subtle, gradual lightening, the experts at South Shore Dental Care are here to help. For more information about our Zoom! whitening options, other cosmetic treatments, or any of our comprehensive dental care, call our Massapequa Park, NY office to schedule an appointment today. Our state-of-the-art facility and expert staff invite patients form Massapequa Park and the surrounding areas including Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh.
CEREC One Day Crowns in Massapequa Park
May 25, 2015
We know you may not want to hear that you have a tooth that needs a crown, but sometimes that’s the only way to preserve a tooth and, in turn, your smile. The good news is that crowns—along with inlays and onlays—do not necessarily require two trips to the dentist’s office the way they always did. Nowadays, you can have a new crown and a restored smile in just one appointment. With CEREC One Day Crowns from South Shore Dental Care, Dr. Dory Stutman and Dr. Khalida Stutman rebuild teeth for patients from Massapequa Park, NY, and the surrounding areas.
Thanks to the CEREC in-office dental CAD/CAM equipment by Sirona, one hour crowns are not a dream, but a reality. The CEREC system includes:
- A digital camera infrared that allows us to obtain a visual impression of your damaged tooth
- 3-D CAD software for designing the restoration
- A milling unit that uses high-speed burs to manufacture the restoration
High Time for High Tech CEREC Same Day Crowns
Once one of our dentists has completed your exam and determined that a CEREC One Day Crown is the best option for treating your damaged tooth, then you are on your way to having your tooth restored quickly and conveniently. First, we’ll make sure you’re completely comfortable before we begin your procedure. South Shore Dental Care offers sedation dentistry. So, if you need some help relaxing in the dentist’s chair, we can provide either oral conscious sedation or IV sedation. Then, the area surrounding the affected tooth is anesthetized.
Using a special digital camera, we take a photo of your tooth that is entered into the CEREC computer system. This system in turn creates a virtual model of your tooth in order to accurately design your crown, inlay or onlay. In just one step, we can identify the appropriate color, shape and biting surface for your restoration.
The design is then sent to the CEREC milling unit in our office, which fabricates the same day crown in about 20 minutes. When the milling process is completed, the restoration can be polished for a perfect match to your natural teeth. Finally, the restoration is fired in an oven, much like pottery. Dr. Stutman or Dr. Stutman will then place the tooth, check for a perfect fit and then cement your new crown into place.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of CEREC One Day Crowns, then call South Shore Dental Care to schedule a consultation. We are trusted by families throughout Massapequa Park, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, and the neighboring cities.
Dental Implants in Massapequa Park
May 10, 2015
If you have even one missing tooth—to say nothing of having several missing teeth—then you know the consequences can be more than just inconvenient. First, you may not be able to eat the food you enjoy most, such as a fresh apple or a juicy steak. In addition, your diet may not be well-balanced and nutritious because you must eliminate healthy foods that are difficult to chew, such as many fresh fruits and vegetables. Then there is the whole issue of what missing teeth can do to your ability to speak clearly or smile and laugh with confidence. If this describes your situation, then you should consider dental implants for your teeth replacement. Dr. Dory Stutman and Dr. Khalida Stutman of South Shore Dental Care have restored the smiles of many patients in Massapequa Park, NY, and the surrounding communities. With dental implants, they can do the same for you.
You may have missing teeth for a number of different reasons:
- Severe tooth decay
- A traumatic tooth injury
- A failed root canal
- Congenital defects
- Gum disease
- Certain medical treatments, such as some types of chemotherapy
Regardless of why you have missing teeth, the need for tooth replacement cannot be understated.
The Dental Implant Difference
When you come to South Shore Dental Care for your dental implants, you can take comfort in knowing that they entire procedure will be completed in the comfort and convenience of our office. There’s no need to see an implant specialist, because our dentist are skillfully trained in the procedure.
First, one of our dentists will surgically implant a small titanium post in the jaw bone beneath your missing tooth. This post will serve as the “root” of your new tooth. As such, the post anchors the custom designed porcelain crown that will ultimately sit on top of the post. Moreover, the post and surrounding bone tissue fuse together, forming a solid foundation that is as solid as one of your natural teeth. In addition, the relationship between post and bone can help you avoid bone deterioration that can lead to facial sagging. Therefore, with dental implants, you’ll not only be able to confidently eat, speak and smile, you’ll look better and younger for years to come.
Schedule an Appointment Today
To learn more about dental implants, call South Shore Dental Care today. We are trusted by families throughout Massapequa Park, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, and the neighboring cities.
South Shore Dental Care Offers Non Invasive TMJ Disorder Relief in Massapequa, NY
March 24, 2015
What is TMJ Disorder? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull on either side of your face. It is the joint that allows you to use your jawbone to chew and speak properly. Because it plays such an important role, when it malfunctions, it can wreak havoc on your everyday life.Although TMJ disorder is hard to prevent (because the exact cause is unknown) it can be easily treated, non-invasively, with oral appliance therapy from South Shore Dental Care. Make your TMJ disorder consultation appointment with the trusted family dentists of South Shore Dental Care today. Drs. Dory and Khalida Stutman proudly serve patients daily throughout Massapequa, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, and the surrounding communities.
What Does TMJ Disorder Look Like?
TMJ disorder can cause severe pain and discomfort in some cases. This pain could be temporary or last for many years. It could also affect one or both sides of your face. TMJ disorder is more common among women than men and it is most often discovered between the ages of 20 and 40. While the exact trigger of the disorder is still debated, clear warning signs include:
- Pain or tenderness in your face, neck, or shoulders
- Pain when you chew, speak, or open your mouth too wide
- Jaw joints that lock or make noises
- Trouble chewing properly
- Swelling on one side of the face
- Chronic toothaches, headaches, neck aches, or upper shoulder pain or
- Chronic earaches, hearing problems, or ringing in the ears
How Can TMJ Disorder Be Treated?
Dr. Stutman offers oral appliance therapy to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ disorder. A custom oral appliance (night guard) fits over your upper and lower teeth as you sleep. The appliance prevents your teeth from clenching so that your jaw joints and muscles can relax and release tension. The night guard can lessen the effects of teeth clenching and grinding and correct your bite position. When your jaw joints and surrounding muscles are no longer strained, your TMJ disorder symptoms will decrease and dissipate.
Massapequa TMJ Disorder Consultations
If you, or someone you love, is suffering from TMJ disorder symptoms, make an appointment for a TMJ disorder treatment consultation with the experienced family dentists of South Shore Dental Care today. South Shore Dental Care delivers quality therapy daily throughout Massapequa, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, and the neighboring areas.
Keep Your Child Smiling with Pediatric Dental Care Appointments in Massapequa, NY
March 10, 2015
Did you know that tooth decay is the single most common childhood disease in America? Although dental decay is rarely life threatening, it can often have long term negative effects on our health. We only get one set of permanent teeth. If we don’t protect and preserve them with quality pediatric dental care early in life, we could develop dental problems that will jeopardize our health and cost thousands of dollars in restorative treatments. Only you can protect your child’s healthy teeth and gums by making sure they receive the routine dental care they need.Make a pediatric dental care appointment for your child with the experienced family dentists of South Shore Dental Care today. South Shore Dental Care proudly serves patients of all ages daily throughout Massapequa, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, and the surrounding communities.
Why Is Pediatric Dental Care So Important?
Pediatric dental care focuses on the treatment of children from the arrival of the first tooth through adolescence. It creates a firm foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Pediatric dental care appointments concentrate on the healthy growth of primary and secondary teeth. Your child should begin seeing a dentist by age 1, with semiannual checkups starting at age 3. When your child’s adult teeth begin to appear (about age 6) we will be able to protect their healthy development and guard against decay and dental diseases. Since our modern diets are full of tooth eroding sugars and acids, today, more than ever, it’s important for your child to receive routine dental care to preserve their natural permanent teeth.
Preparing Your Child for a Pediatric Dental Checkup
Dental fear and anxiety is a common problem for many adults. But these fears don’t have to be passed on to our children. If you keep a positive attitude about dental care in front of your child, they will catch on and enjoy their trips to the dentist office. You can help them feel at ease by role playing the dental visit at home, reading books about dental care, and reminding them of the importance of taking care of their teeth, even when a dental visit is a few more months away.
Massapequa Pediatric Dental Care Appointments
Prevention and education are the keys to good childhood oral health. We can provide the checkups, cleanings, and protective fluoride and dental sealant treatments your child needs to stay healthy and smiling year round. If it’s been more than six months since your child has seen a dentist, schedule their next pediatric dental care appointment with South Shore Dental Care today. South Shore Dental Care is trusted by families daily throughout Massapequa, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, and the neighboring cities.
