Queens Village Dental Associates has provided personalized dental care to thousands of families. Our patients come from near and far to experience the warm, individualized care we provide. We pride ourselves in utilizing the most modern equipment and methods available.
In order to provide nothing but the best to our patients, our office uses state-of-the-art technologies in all our procedures. These new technologies allow us to detect dental concerns at early stages, treat your dental issues with precision, and provide stunning and customized restorations. Our premium dental software system maximizes your time and our office efficiency. When you visit our office you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced in dental care.
Click the Services below for more information on each subject.
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Botox® and Juvederm®
At Queens Village Dental Associates, DDS we offer our patients the benefits of Botox® Cosmetic and Juvederm® dermal filler. What better way to frame your freshly whitened smile, beautiful veneers, or newly straighten teeth than with a refreshed and more youthful appearance? Men and women are enjoying the results of these procedures completed in our office in less than 1 hour.
What is Botox® Cosmetic and how does it work?
Botox® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into the muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows and “crow’s feet,” that develop around the eyes. It works by blocking the nerve impulses to the injected sites, reducing the muscle activity that causes the persistent line to form. The effects of Botox® cosmetic are temporary, lasting up to 4 months.
Why Should I consider Botox® Cosmetic?
You may have noticed the frown lines between you brows and the “crow’s feet” near your eyes, making you look tired or a bit “older.” Ask Dr. Flax or Dr. Snitofsky if Botox® is right for you. Real results, no surgery and no recovery time necessary are a few of the reasons to be treated with Botox® Cosmetic.
Will I still be able to make facial expressions?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with Botox® Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you’ve “had work done.” The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is temporarily reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases.
How long can I expect my results to last?
Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months. Your own results may vary. Dr. Flax and Dr. Snitofsky will discuss what you can expect and when to schedule your next appointment.
*Pricing based on individual consultation.
Learn more at www.botoxcosmetic.com
What is Juvederm® and how will improve my appearance?
As you age, your skin changes. Specifically, it reduces production of a naturally hydrating substance called hyaluronic acid (HA). Over time, the loss of HA in your skin results in facial wrinkles and folds, like those “parentheses” lines around your mouth.
Juvederm®, an injectable gel replaces the HA your skin has lost, restoring its volume and smoothing away facial wrinkles and folds. Juvederm® is the first smooth consistency HA gel and the ONLY HA filler that’s FDA approved to last up to 1 year with only 1 treatment.
*Pricing based on individual consultation.
Learn more at www.juvederm.com
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DENTAL CLEANING
Regular visits with our dental hygiene team are paramount in maintaining optimum dental health. We will make an evaluation employing the latest technological advances. Use of the intra oral camera will allow you to see the condition of your teeth and gums on a TV. screen. A visual examination, oral cancer screening, assessment of your periodontal health (gum health), cavity check, cleaning, individualized oral hygiene instruction and dental x-rays are all a part of your dental hygiene visit. You will be re-appointed for your re-care visit as determined by your individual needs.
Periodontics
Inflammation of the gum tissue (gingivitis), bleeding upon brushing, sore gums, pocketing around the teeth and loose teeth indicating bone loss are all signs of varying degrees of periodontal disease. In recent years bacterial inflammation associated with gum disease has been linked to chronic health problems such as stroke, coronary artery disease and premature low birth weight babies. Our doctors and hygienists will routinely assess your periodontal condition and prescribe the treatment that is appropriate for you.
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PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT: Check-ups and Dental Hygiene
Regular visits with our dental hygiene team are paramount in maintaining optimum dental health. We will make an evaluation employing the latest technological advances. Use of the intra oral camera will allow you to see the condition of your teeth and gums on a TV. screen. A visual examination, oral cancer screening, assessment of your periodontal health (gum health), cavity check, cleaning, individualized oral hygiene instruction and dental x-rays are all a part of your dental hygiene visit. You will be re-appointed for your re-care visit as determined by your individual needs.
Periodontics
Inflammation of the gum tissue (gingivitis), bleeding upon brushing, sore gums, pocketing around the teeth and loose teeth indicating bone loss are all signs of varying degrees of periodontal disease. In recent years bacterial inflammation associated with gum disease has been linked to chronic health problems such as stroke, coronary artery disease and premature low birth weight babies. Our doctors and hygienists will routinely assess your periodontal condition and prescribe the treatment that is appropriate for you.
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NIGHTGUARDS / MOUTHGUARDS
Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth.
Athletic mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activities such as contact sports. A properly fitted athletic mouth guard may also reduce the incidence and severity of a concussion. Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.
In fabricating a night or mouth guard we will take an impression of your teeth and construct the custom appliance for you. Athletic mouth guards may also be designed in various colors.
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INVISALIGN
The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, forcing them to shift. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the trays are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
The Invisalign System works begins by first creating a series of trays that will each moving your teeth gradually until the end result is achieved. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch trays. Throughout the process, you will visit your dentist every six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a clear retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.
As with all orthodontic appliances, the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of the case. However, Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional braces. Insurance policies generally cover Invisalign to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.
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ORAL HYGIENE CARE
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.
Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
- Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
- Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist advises you to
- Make sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area
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IMPLANT RESTORATION
Do you or someone you know have one or more missing teeth? Are the spaces decreasing your ability to chew food, making your smile less attractive or affecting your speech? Are you currently wearing uncomfortable dentures to fill in the gaps? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions consider replacing your missing teeth with dental implants.
Dr. Flax and Dr. Snitofsky have been placing and restoring implants for over 20 years. He also lectures nationwide educating fellow dentists about this procedure. Our office is unique in that we can provide our patients with the complete “start to finish” implant procedure. From the placement of the implant, monitoring during the healing phase, to the crown and or bridge restoration--- it is all done in our office. Often coupled with the benefits of sedation we can provide this complete treatment in the most comfortable manner available.
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IMPLANTS and SEDATION
Implants
Do you or someone you know have one or more missing teeth? Are the spaces decreasing your ability to chew food, making your smile less attractive or affecting your speech? Are you currently wearing uncomfortable dentures to fill in the gaps? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions consider replacing your missing teeth with dental implants.
Dr. Flax and Dr. Snitofsky have been placing and restoring implants for over 20 years. He also lectures nationwide educating fellow dentists about this procedure. Our office is unique in that we can provide our patients with the complete “start to finish” implant procedure. From the placement of the implant, monitoring during the healing phase, to the crown and or bridge restoration--- it is all done in our office. Often coupled with the benefits of sedation we can provide this complete treatment in the most comfortable manner available.
Contact our office to see if dental implants can improve your smile.
Sedation Dentistry
At Queens Village Dental Associates we are pleased of offer our patients the comfort of sedation dentistry. A full range of sedation options are available including nitrous oxide, (laughing gas), I.V. (intervenous sedation) and oral sedatives. Dr. Flax and Dr. Snitofsky are licensed dental anesthesiologists and our office is a licensed anesthesia facility. The benefits of sedation dentistry are numerous. Many patients choose sedation to reduce or eliminate discomfort or anxiety that may be associated with some dental treatments. Sedation is commonly used during extensive procedures, such as implant placement or reconstruction “make-overs.” Patients who feel “dental phobic”, have a low pain tolerance, have physical handicaps or have strong gag reflexes are relieved to know that with the option of sedation they can “go to sleep” while their dental procedures are completed.
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LASER DENTISTRY
Laser dentistry is an important advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease. Hard tissue lasers are used to repair cavities, remove old fillings and prepare teeth for bonding. Soft tissue lasers are used on gum tissue. They are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. Lasers can even be used for teeth whitening.
Laser dentistry works by directing an invisible energy beam on problem areas and allowing for efficient treatment of decayed teeth, enamel and gums. The biggest benefit of laser dentistry, by far, is that it can reduce pain and minimize use of anesthetic. Dental procedures can become much more comfortable for you! Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.
If you ever have any questions about the equipment we use at our office to enhance the quality of your experience, don’t hesitate to ask.
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BONDING
Often used to improve the appearance of your teeth and improve your smile, cosmetic bonding can be used to repair a small chip or break a front tooth or to hide discolored areas on the tooth(’s) surface. As its name indicates, a plastic or resin material is bonded to the existing tooth/teeth while removing minimal tooth structure. Bonding has its limitations and cannot be used in all circumstances. Ask Dr. Flax or Dr. Snitofsky if bonding is the best cosmetic option for you.
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DENTURES
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
Complete Dentures - This restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patients mouth to take the place of where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.
Partial Dentures - A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth. A fixed partial denture acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place using the adjacent teeth for support. This fills the space created by missing teeth, as well as creates a support for remaining teeth to prevent shifting.
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SEALANTS
Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don't want that. Our hygienists will apply a clear coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
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ZOOM 2 WHITENING
Looking for that "celebrity smile?" Zoom2 is the professional whitening system that everyone’s talking about.
This fast in-office whitening treatment will have you seeing a new smile that is 6-8 shades whiter in about an hour, while you enjoy watching television or listening to your favorite music. In this process, a protective gel is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue. A light-activated gel is then applied to your teeth and a special light is used to enhance the action of the whitening agent. Finally, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays for at home touch-up, and give you instructions for keeping your smile bright. The home touch up kit will help you maintain the beautiful results.
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FILLINGS
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, Dr. Flax or Dr. Snitofsky will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.
Composite fillings or restorations have long replaced the old metal/mercury fillings of the past. We provide our patients with beautiful tooth colored filling to restore the smile to a more natural look and feel.
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PORCELAIN VENEERS
Porcelain veneers are a great aesthetic solution to enhance your smile and boost your self confidence. Veneers are thin tooth colored “shells” that are custom prepared for your teeth. Typically bonded to your front teeth, veneers can close a gap, cover unsightly stains such as tetracycline, repair broken or chipped teeth, and may even help you avoid some orthodontic treatment.
Call for an appointment and see if porcelain veneers are right for enhancing your smile.
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CROWNS AND BRIDGES
If you have large metal fillings, broken, chipped or missing teeth a crown and/or bridge may be the best choice to restore your smile and have you looking your very best. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth's appearance, shape and alignment.
Crowns may be used to:
- Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
A bridge is an option to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics. Both types of restoration are custom designed to give you back optimal function as well as a beautiful smile.
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PERIODONTAL (GUM) TREATMENT
The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for one's teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of a problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. If you're having a problem, come in and see us so we may treat it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem.
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TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
When a tooth has become extensively decayed, infected or broken down an extraction is often the only treatment option. When a tooth has been extracted a replacement or restoration should be completed after healing has occurred. The type of restoration will vary depending on the area of the mouth in which the tooth has been removed. We will customize your treatment to achieve the best possible functional and esthetic result, whether it is a crown, bridge, or implant to replace the lost tooth.
Wisdom Teeth
Your third molars or wisdom teeth usually begin to appear in the mid to late teen years or into the early twenties. Wisdom teeth generally lack the proper space in the jaw to erupt fully or even at all. This common condition is known as impaction. When teeth become impacted they may become infected or abscessed; if left untreated serious damage to the underlying bone and surrounding teeth and gums can result.
Extraction of wisdom teeth is done in our office with many patients electing to have this procedure done with the comfort of sedation.
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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
A cavity is the result superficial decay in the enamel of the tooth. Decay that is left long enough can also invade into the deeper structure of the tooth resulting in extensive damage to the nerve and causing pain. Often trauma or a break in the tooth structure can also damage the nerve, thus necessitating a root canal in order to save the tooth.
If you are in need of a root canal procedure Dr. Flax or Dr. Snitofsky will provide this service in house followed by the permanent crown restoration of the tooth.
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HALITOSIS
Halitosis is the sophisticated word for "bad breath". Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasion or may be a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.
Bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can easily be treated. Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will usually take care of the problem. Regular visits to the dentist should be made for dental examinations and for professional teeth and gum cleaning.
Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered fairly normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of more serious problems with the gums and teeth.
Bad breath may be caused by the following:
- Poor dental hygiene - poor oral hygiene can leave food particles to decay in the mouth
- Infections in the mouth such as periodontal (gum) disease
- Respiratory-tract infections such as throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections
- External agents including foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee, as well as cigarettes and chewing tobacco
- Dry mouth caused by salivary gland problems or by breathing through the mouth
- Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others
Call our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. We will perform an examination of your mouth to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
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AIR ABRASION
Air abrasion is a drill-less and more gentle approach to remove decay from the teeth. An air abrasion unit is a small instrument that blasts a fine stream of air and particles onto the teeth to spray away decay. The small particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide or baking soda and aid in cleaning the tooth surface. Air abrasion allows for decay to quickly be removed while conserving healthy tooth structure. The particles and decay are then suctioned out of the mouth.
Air abrasion is gentle because it generates no heat, sound, pressure or vibration. In addition, it reduces the need for anesthesia, making it an ideal choice for children and those who experience dental anxiety.
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TMJ TREATMENTS
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it's where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong a good deal of trouble can result.
Problems in this area can cause:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Pain in the jaw muscles
- Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face
Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.
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ORTHODONTICS/INVISALIGN
Do you long for straight teeth and a beautiful smile? Do you regret not having braces as a kid? Teens, do you dread having metal braces? Now you can have that stunning smile with Invisalign®, the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth. This exciting new technology allows you to straighten your smile by wearing a series of removable aligners. The best part is that no one will even know you are in treatment.
Schedule an appointment for more information on Invisalign®. (410) 956-2505
Orthodontics
Our office also offers traditional orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. Call today for an orthodontic consultation and see which treatment option is best for you and your family.
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IV and NITROUS SEDATION DENTISTRY FOR DENTAL ANXIETY
Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia. We are happy to offer a number of solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients - who might otherwise avoid the dentist - to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.
Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as "laughing gas" is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. This sedation is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV Sedation provides relaxation medication through a small needle inserted in your hand or arm. Like oral sedatives, IV sedation does not provide pain relief, so a local anesthetic will also be administered. Intravenous sedation allows patients to still be awake but in an extreme state of relaxation, feeling little or no pain.
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WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or "third molars" that develop on each side of the jaws. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so you are asleep during the procedure.
After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.
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AQUA ABRASION
Aqua abrasion is a new cutting and polishing systems that works in the same fashion as air abrasion. In addition to removing decay and preparing restorations, it can be used to effectively clean and polish the teeth through a fine stream of water that is sprayed onto the tooth surface. The aquabrasion system can replace the drill in many dental procedures and it quickly removes decay while conserving healthy tooth structure. Its gentle nature can eliminate the need for local anesthesia in many procedures.
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LUMINEERS
LUMINEERS® BY CERINATE® are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. These contact lens-thin "smile shapers" can be applied to teeth without any grinding or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.
Our team has taken numerous advanced training courses on this procedure. To see if you are a candidate, call our office for a complimentary consultation.
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BRIDGES
A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress in your bite.
A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.
The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it's very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.
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CROWNS
Crowns are a cosmetic restoration used to improve your tooth's shape or to strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay.
Crowns are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
Crowns are often preferable to silver amalgam fillings. Unlike fillings which apply metal directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.
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IMPLANTS
If you have missing teeth, it is crucial to replace them. Without all your teeth, chewing and eating can destabilize your bite and cause you discomfort. When teeth are missing, your mouth can shift and even cause your face to look older. Implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth.
An implant is a new tooth made of steel and porcelain that looks just like your natural tooth. Your implant is composed of two parts that mimic a tooth's root and crown. The implant's "root" is a titanium steel rod placed into the jaw bone to act as a root. Once the rod is in place, a porcelain crown is attached to replace the top part of your tooth.
Implants may also be used to anchor dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when you talk or chew. Plus, for patients with removable partial dentures, implants can replace missing teeth so that you have a more natural-looking smile.
Click the Technologies below for more information on each subject.
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DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS
Digital impressions are the most up-to-date technology used for taking impressions of the teeth.
With digital impressions, you no longer have to suffer through uncomfortable traditional impression trays or temporaries. Rather, we simply scan your teeth with our impression technology to create a digital image. We then use this image to produce the restoration of choice, either on-site or through a milling lab. Once the restoration is created, we are able to blend the restoration in with your surrounding teeth, adjust as needed and give it a final polish.
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PANORAMIC X-RAYS
This type of radiograph shows the whole jaw and is a good diagnostic tool. It is an important tool for the extraction of wisdom teeth, placement of dental implants, and for many orthodontic procedures. A panoramic radiograph will show any abnormal growths or cysts in the jaw. Panoramic radiographs are taken every three to five years or as needed for diagnostic purposes.
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SNORE APPLIANCE
It is estimated that up to 50% of adults have some snoring disorder. Snoring is such a common problem; people tend to under-rate its seriousness. Disrupted sleep on an on-going basis can lead to relationship problems and affect the physical well being of both the snorer and partner alike.
What Causes Snoring?
When you’re asleep, the muscles and soft tissues in your throat and mouth automatically relax. The lower jaw and tongue drop back, helping block and decrease the airway opening. This results in an increase in the velocity of air flowing through your airway when you breathe. The increased velocity causes soft tissues in your mouth and throat to vibrate. That familiar snoring sound is actually the sound of those tissues vibrating.
In its most severe form, the collapse of the upper airway is so complete that the lungs may not receive oxygen for up to 30 seconds. This is called "Obstructive Sleep Apnea." In response to this deprivation of oxygen, your body triggers an internal alarm and you partially wake. This is usually accompanied by loud gasps for air that can last 3 seconds or more, until you fall asleep and the cycle starts all over again.
Snoring is also affected by diet, health, lifestyle, age, weight, environment and other factors.
A snore prevention appliance is a small oral device professionally fitted by a dentist. It has a unique inner lining that is softened by heat during the fitting process. (Similar to an athletic mouth guard.) The unit is custom fitted to your individual needs. It fits snugly over your top teeth while you sleep and is designed to prevent your tongue from dropping towards the back of your throat. This helps keep your airway open, effectively relieving the main cause of snoring.
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SLEEP APNEA APPLIANCE
Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.
Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They often occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. Typically, normal breathing then starts again, sometimes with a loud snort or choking sound.
Sleep apnea usually is a chronic (ongoing) condition that disrupts your sleep 3 or more nights each week. You often move out of deep sleep and into light sleep when your breathing pauses or becomes shallow.
This results in poor sleep quality that makes you tired during the day. Sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness.
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DIAGNOdent
Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office. To aid in achieving this goal, we use a new high-tech device called the DIAGNOdent. This small tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities on the chewing surface of the back teeth that would have otherwise gone undetected by previous methods. Diagnosing cavities in the back of the mouth using traditional methods is difficult; studies even show that 50% of cavities are left undetected in these areas. However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate and treat these cavities, putting a stop to further decay. The laser is easy to use, harmless, and will alert us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity. It will even calculate the approximate size of the cavity so we can better plan treatment. By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated in their infancy.
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X-RAYS AND DIGITAL X-RAYS
X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.
In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.
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PAPERLESS CHARTING
Our x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting. Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information. Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients. When needed, this method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers.
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INTRAORAL CAMERA
We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums. With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.
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AUTOMATED APPOINTMENT REMINDER
We use an automated appointment reminder system that will call your home two days prior to your scheduled appointment time to remind you of your appointment. A message is left at home or on your cell phone. If you choose, we can also leave you a reminder via text or email. Failure to notify our office of a cancellation may result in a charge. See our missed appointment policy for more information.
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TELESCOPIC LOUPES
Dr. Flax and Dr. Snitofsky perform most of his dental procedures while wearing a pair of hi-tech glasses called surgical telescopic loupes. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing Drs. Flax and Snitofsky to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.
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CONE BEAM CT SCANNER
When you come in for a visit, we aim to provide the best, most accurate and most thorough diagnosis possible — and with recent breakthroughs in leading technology, we can.
One of our newest technologies, the CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), is a cutting-edge alternative to the traditional CT scan and an incredible improvement on the traditional x-ray. This machine takes 3D and digital panoramic images of your mouth, allowing us to monitor growth and diagnose problems, as well as view your entire mouth from every angle — in less than 20 seconds!
Previously, we were limited to a two dimensional view and low resolution x-rays, which made it harder to detect problems. The CBCT has changed that, making your diagnosis more precise and more accurate than ever before.
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ELECTRONIC CLAIMS
Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.