Why Invisalign is Often a Favorite Over Braces

Invisalign is often the favorite option when it comes to orthodontics. Because of the versatility, convenience, and near invisibility, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer Invisalign here in our Oyster Bay,  NY dental practice.

Just like braces, Invisalign is able to treat a wide variety of misalignments. It works by creating clear plastic trays that are changed out about every two weeks. Over time, the tray aligners move your teeth into their directed position.

With braces, you wear them all the time. This means you have to be careful with what you eat. No eating sticky, hard, or crunchy items anymore. This can be tough when they are your favorites. With Invisalign, you take the trays out to eat, so you do not have to avoid any types of food.

Invisalign also makes dental care a breeze. You will not have to worry about brushing around brackets and wires, being careful not to break them. No special supplies are needed either. You can brush and floss just as you always have.

In addition to the convenience factors, patients love that Invisalign is nearly invisible. No one can tell you are straightening your teeth unless they are looking at your teeth very closely. No more photos with “metal mouth”.

If you are looking to straighten your teeth, be sure to inquire about Invisalign. To schedule an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

How Dental Implants Are Installed

When replacing missing teeth, it is nice to know you can depend on it without worrying about it coming loose or needing to be replaced again. Because dental implants are so close to a natural tooth, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY offer dental implants to our patients looking to replace missing teeth.

Dental implants are the most stable and strong tooth replacement option out there. They work by implanting a titanium post into the bone socket so that it bonds with the jawbone. A crown is then placed on top that looks and feels like a real tooth. Each crown is custom-created in a dental laboratory so it is the perfect fit for every patient.

To place a dental implant, first, there will be a surgical incision made. The titanium implant post is inserted and allowed to heal. During the healing time, you will wear a temporary crown to protect the area. After the healing is complete, an abutment is placed onto the implant to serve as the base for the permanent crown. The custom-made permanent crown is then cemented into place. With good care, a dental implant can last for a lifetime.

If you are looking to replace one or more teeth with a permanent option, dental implants may be right for you. To schedule an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Dental Anxiety in Kids

Dental anxiety is something we understand that some of our patients have. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY want all of our patients to feel comfortable. Dental anxiety often starts out in childhood. Take some of these tips for easing your child into their dental appointments so they are comfortable, happy, and relaxed

Playing “dentist” at home can help kids become familiar with the examination and cleaning process. Have your child sit back in a chair or couch and open wide. Look in their mouth and count each tooth you see. This helps little kids understand what happens during an appointment and feel more comfortable with it during the real appointment.

Also, kids who start going to the dentist at an early age are usually more relaxed because they have been going as long as they can remember. Kids should start seeing the dentist as soon as they have their first tooth, or at least by the age of one.

Good behavior can also be reinforced by treating them afterwards. This can be simple rewards like a treat afterwards, taking them to the park, or letting them pick dinner. Just be careful to not offer the reward before the visit because this may make them think there is something to be afraid of.

Since dental anxiety usually begins in childhood, it is important to help your child feel relaxed during his or her dental appointment. To schedule your child’s appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Dental Care with Arthritis

Arthritis and other conditions that affect the use of your hands can end up affecting your oral health. It may not be the first thing you think of when you think about difficulty with hand use, but it is important to recognize when you begin having the issue. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY want their patients to know how to take good care of their teeth even with difficult hand use.

First, it can be difficult to grip a toothbrush and move it around to all the areas of the mouth. Fortunately, there are toothbrushes that can make this easier. If it is difficult to grip things or it hurts to move your hand around so much, consider an electric toothbrush. They basically do all of the work; you just need to hold them in the right position. They also tend the have thick handles, which are easier to grip. There are also toothbrushes made especially for those with arthritis. They help you get a good grip on the handle.

Secondly, holding floss can be difficult, as well. Try wrapping the floss around your fingers so that the floss will be held nice and tight. It also helps to tie the floss in a loop. If this is too painful, there are floss picks available where most dental supplies are sold.

Last, but not least, be sure you choose a toothpaste with an easy-open cap. Make sure to look for a toothpaste that has a flip cap instead of one that screws on. They are easier to open, plus they do not become stuck as easily when toothpaste makes them sticky.

Arthritis and other hand conditions may make simple tasks a little more difficult, but there are ways to help yourself out. In addition, it is important to make your routine dental appointments for cleanings and examinations. To schedule with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY, call our office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

A Brush-Up on Kids Oral Care

Baby teeth are vital to the development of adult teeth, along with speech and eating patterns. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY want all of our patients to keep a healthy smile. Check out some of our reminders for helping kids keep good oral hygiene.

Even before a baby’s first teeth grow in, their gums need to be tended to. They should be wiped down with a soft cloth after feedings. As soon as the first tooth appears, it should be brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is important for keeping cavities away. As soon as two of their teeth touch, they will need to be flossed. Babies and kids will need help with flossing until they can do it on their own.

Kids should begin seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth grows in, or by the age of one if their first tooth hasn’t grown in by then. As they grow older, their dentist may want to protect their molars with seals. This keeps cavities out of the pits and grooves of molars, especially during their cavity-prone years.

One last tip is to limit thumb-sucking and pacifiers. These actually disrupt the proper placement and growth of baby and adult teeth, which can eventually lead to dental problems, speech problems, and even problems with eating.

To schedule your child’s first dental appointment, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Our Oyster Bay, NY office can be reached by calling (516) 922-5730 or by visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

How Smoking Affects Dental Implants

By now, mostly everyone knows about the endless list of ways smoking can harm your body. However, did you know that it can also affect the success of dental work like dental implants? Since the smoke enters your body first through your mouth, it can really have a major effect on your soft tissues. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY want our patients to understand the ways smoking can affect your future oral health. Keep reading to learn more.

Smoking physically changes the gum tissues in your mouth and the blood vessels surrounding them. The top layer of skin cells in the gums develops a condition called keratosis, which is the thickening of the tissues. The salivary glands within these tissues become blocked off and damaged, which creates dry mouth. The superficial blood vessels in the mouth begin to constrict, so they do not supply enough blood to the area. These effects create problems with healing, immune strength, and bacteria. When there is decreased blood flow, the area can take longer to heal after implant surgery. In addition, a dry mouth promotes gum disease. Over time, these issues will cause more bone loss in the jawbone around an implant, increasing the risk of the implant falling out.

Smoking wreaks havoc on the lungs, the circulatory system, oral health, among many other body systems. It is also a known cause of cancer. The best thing to do is to quit or never start. To schedule an examination, an oral cancer screening, or an implant consultation with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Invisalign for Discreet Straightening

Invisalign is a way to straighten teeth without the pain, hassle, or looks of braces. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY offer Invisalign to their patients looking to straighten their teeth comfortably and conveniently.

Invisalign is a teeth aligning system made of a series of clear, smooth plastic trays. The trays are completely customized to fit your teeth. Using a computer system, each tray will be created with minor adjustments so your teeth gradually shift into place. The trays are switched out every two weeks and you will visit with your dentist every four to five weeks to pick up your new trays and to make sure the process is going as planned. The Invisalign trays are to be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours per day. They are convenient because you can take out them when you eat and brush your teeth.

There are no restrictions on what you can eat with Invisalign, so you do not have to avoid certain types of food like you do with braces. You can also brush and floss normally, unlike with braces where you need special dental supplies. Invisalign is also nearly invisible; the clear, fitted plastic is all that covers your teeth. The smooth plastic is also more comfortable than metal braces.

If you have thought about straightening your teeth but were deterred by the thought of braces, Invisalign may be right for you. To schedule an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY, call our office at 516-922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Custom, Natural-Looking Dental Crowns

It is ideal to keep our natural teeth, which is why we attempt to restore teeth before we pull them. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY are able to offer natural-looking dental crowns to restore both the strength and the look of teeth.

Dental crowns are caps that replace the outermost part of your tooth. Your tooth is first reshaped so that the crown can fit on it. An impression is then taken of the tooth and the area surrounding it. A dental laboratory will use the impression to create a custom crown that will have the look and feel of one of your natural teeth. The laboratory process can take between two and three weeks, so your dentist will place a temporary crown so you can still use your tooth normally during that time. When the permanent crown is ready, it is cemented into place. Crowns need to be taken care of like regular teeth to ensure they have a long life in your mouth.

If you are interested in learning more about our custom crowns, be sure to schedule an appointment with us or check out our website. Appointments may be made by calling our Oyster Bay, NY office at 516-922-5730 or by visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Keep Your White Teeth White

While we have options here for professional teeth whitening, it is still nice to know how to prevent staining and keep your newly whitened teeth bright. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists want all of our patients to be confident in their smile. Take some tips for keeping a white smile!

Keep ‘Em Clean

Teeth become stained because of plaque and frequent contact with stain causing food. We will get to the food later. The main thing you need to do to keep a white smile is to keep clean teeth. Brush your teeth three times per day. Brush once in the morning, once after lunch, and once before bed. This will keep plaque from sticking around for too long. Also, do not skip flossing. This should be done every day and is a big part of keeping stains away. Plaque that sticks around for too long can cause yellowing or darkening of the teeth and it can hold in stain-causing debris close to your tooth enamel.

Avoiding Stain-Causers

Speaking about stain-causers, there are foods and drinks that can cause stains when consumed frequently. Dark drinks like coffee, cola, and tea are among them, along with dark foods like blueberries, balsamic vinegar, and beets. Smoking and other use of tobacco can also darken teeth over time. Stick to keeping these foods and drinks at a minimum. If you absolutely cannot go without your morning coffee, rinse with water afterwards and brush your teeth after a half an hour (brushing too soon after eating or drinking can lead to acid erosion). You may also want to try sipping dark beverages through a straw to minimize contact.

To learn more about the professional whitening procedures we use, be sure to contact us. To set up an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in our Oyster Bay, NY office, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Facial Prosthetics

Cancer can take a lot from you, sometimes including your confidence. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY want to help our patients who have lost a facial feature to regain their confidence. This is why we provide prosthetics.

Unfortunately, during your battle with cancer, there may be surgery needed to remove the cancerous lesion. Surgery following a traumatic injury can result in the same condition. In the case where facial features are lost or altered, patients may not feel like themselves. It is our goal to create realistic prosthetics to help our patients look and feel like themselves again.

We can create prosthetics for the following areas:

• Nose


• Ear


• Eye


• Orbital with Ocular

Our expert doctors work to create a prosthetic that will look and feel like your own. We have been helping patients who are healing from cancer or another trauma look like themselves again here in our Oyster Bay, NY office.

If you are in the process of healing from the removal of part or all of your nose, ear, eye, or orbital, we can help you. To schedule an appointment in our Oyster Bay, NY office, call us at (516) 922-5730. Appointments may also be made through The Oyster Bay Family Dentists website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Rotary Endodontics for Smoother Root Canals

With the technological advances in dental equipment, many dental procedures have changed over the years. One of these advances we use here in our office called rotary endodontics has improved the process of a root canal, making the procedure, quicker, quieter, and more comfortable. Root canals used to have a scary reputation, which is why The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY have chosen to utilize rotary endodontics.

In the past, performing a root canal included using a manual file made of steel. Rotary endodontics uses an electric drill that has a much more flexible file made of titanium alloy. The more flexible file lets us drill deep into the root canal without stretching or damage. This means a much more comfortable experience during and after a root canal. Root canals are now usually no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled. Rotary endodontics also make root canals a much quieter process, so those who get anxious about hearing the drilling will be able to relax more. Rotary endodontics also makes the process of a root canal quicker, a benefit for both the patient and the dentist.

Our patients' comfort and health are our top priorities which is why we choose to update our office with advanced technology. To learn more about the technology we use here in our Oyster Bay, NY office, call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Ridge Augmentation

When teeth are not replaced soon after they go missing, the bone tissue that used to hold the tooth in place starts to deteriorate. When the ridge becomes smaller, this makes it difficult to place successful dental implants. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY perform ridge augmentations for those who lost bone tissue so dental implants are a replacement option.

Dental implants are often considered the best option for replacement as they are able to last a lifetime. If the ridge where the implant is placed into has lost bone tissue, the implants will not hold in place. While replacing the tooth as soon as possible is ideal, sometimes when a tooth goes missing, a patient may not have the money, insurance, or time to have an implant installed. This is why we offer ridge augmentation, to make dental implants possible again when patients are ready for them.

Ridge augmentation involves taking bone graft material and placing it where the bone has been lost. The area is stitched up and allowed to heal for a few months before the implant is placed. During this time, the bone graft material will also promote the ridge to grow even more. When the ridge is healed, it will be big and strong enough to hold a dental implant.

To learn more about ridge augmentation, contact us or visit our website. To set up an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Are You Cleaning Your Tongue?

Keeping your mouth clean is vital to your oral and overall health. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY want to make sure our patients are doing all they can to maintain a healthy mouth. If you are not brushing your tongue already, read on to find out why you should!

The tongue is filled with those tiny taste buds that can collect and hang on to bacteria and debris. Just like how a layer of plaque can form on teeth, a film of bacteria can also form on the tongue. It can contribute to more cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

To clean your tongue, you just need a simple toothbrush. You can use the same toothbrush you use to brush your teeth. Some patients prefer to use a tongue scraper, which is also fine. Take the toothbrush or scraper and place it at the back of your tongue. Press down firmly and drag the toothbrush down your tongue to the tip. Keeping doing this until your tongue looks clean. Rinse off the toothbrush with each stroke. You should brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about dental hygiene or to schedule your exam and cleaning, call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

While there are many ways to improve your smile through your teeth, we have some patients who are unhappy with their smile for a different reason. “Gummy smile” or recessed gums can often make teeth appear too short or too long. This is why here in Oyster Bay, NY, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists perform cosmetic periodontal surgery.

We know that a perfect smile is a route to great confidence. When you are self-conscious about smiling or laughing, it can really have an effect on your self-esteem. For those with excess gum tissue, uneven gum lines, or recessed gums, cosmetic periodontal surgery can help you.

Cosmetic periodontal surgery consists of gum grafts, crown lengthening, or both. When gums have shrunk due to gum disease or genes, we can take a soft tissue graft from another area of your mouth and place it where the gums are needed. They heal into a beautiful and healthy gum line. In other cases where there is too much gum tissue that makes teeth appear short, we can simply remove the excess gums and create a new gum line that shows off more of your teeth. In certain cases where the gum line is very uneven, we will use both procedures.

If you are unhappy with your gum line, you do not have to leave it the way it is. To schedule a consultation with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY, call our office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Gum Grafting in Oyster Bay, NY

Gum disease can leave gums with deep pockets and irreversible recession. After gum disease is cleared up, it is essential to fix damaged gums to avoid another infection. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY perform gum grafting for their patients with recessed gums.

The gums should fit around the teeth snugly. They should be loose enough so you can floss, but tight enough so that bacteria and other debris cannot fall down into them. Gum disease is a major contributor to gum recession, although it is not the only case where patients have recessed gums. Some patients just have the genes for a smaller amount of gum tissue.

In order to add gum tissue and cover the exposed tooth roots, we take soft tissue from the palate or from another area of the gums and move it over to where extra tissue is needed. We stitch the gums down so that they can heal and promote further gum growth. The end result is a healthy gum line that keeps bacteria out.

To learn more about gum recession and gum grafting, schedule a consultation with us. You can schedule a consultation in our Oyster Bay, NY office by calling (516) 922-5730 or by visiting The Oyster Bay Family Dentists website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

How to Get Kids to Happily Brush and Floss

Getting kids to brush and floss their teeth isn’t always easy, but it is so important. Strong oral hygiene skills built at a young age will carry on through adulthood. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY want to give our patients ideas for making dental care a little more interesting for kids.

Interactive games are great ways to teach kids about almost anything. Use safe online resources like games and fun videos to teach your child why it is important to brush, floss, and visit the dentist. They will have fun and get a better understanding for why dental health is essential.

Games at home are also another good way to get kids brushing. Make a “monkey-see-monkey-do” game out of it. Brush and floss your own teeth in the mirror alongside your kids and have them copy you. Kids love to imitate and see it as a fun game. At the same time, they will be learning the proper way to brush!

Use something fun to keep track of the time they spend brushing. A musical timer or a toothbrush that plays music can often entice your child to participate in brushing. You want to be sure that they are not only brushing but doing a thorough job.

Kids’ oral health is important because their baby teeth are the place markers for their future adult teeth! To schedule your child’s next appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY, call our office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Gum pockets from gum disease can perpetuate the infection. They allow bacteria to reach deep down into the gums and make it difficult for removal. To clear up gum disease when pockets have been formed, often, a pocket reduction is necessary. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY are experienced in pocket reduction surgery and we perform it right here in our office.

Gum pockets are formed when plaque and tartar irritate the gum tissues and cause the tissue to pull away from the teeth. These now receded gums have formed deep pockets where bacteria collect. The gums need to be fixed so that they are snug with the tooth. They need to be accessible for daily cleaning but snug enough so that bacteria cannot enter them.

Pocket reduction surgery will be performed after a scaling and planing procedure. This procedure removes the bacteria from under the gums and smooths down rough patches on teeth where bacteria could hide. The pocket reduction surgery then involves securing the gum tissue back in a natural place. We stitch them into place to heal in a natural line.

Gum disease is detrimental to your oral health. To schedule an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY, give our office a call at (516) 922-5730. Appointments may also be made through our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Occlusal Adjustments in Oyster Bay, NY

Patients with a sore jaw after chewing, sensitive areas in the mouth, and easily injured teeth may have a misaligned bite. This can cause major pain, damage, and trouble eating. Fortunately, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY can perform occlusal adjustments on our patients right here in our office!

An occlusal adjustment makes minor changes to the teeth so that they can line up correctly. When teeth are misaligned, biting and chewing can create uneven pressure on the jaw. The jaw joints and the muscles surrounding them can become fatigued and sore. Teeth also experience unnatural pressure. They can become worn down in areas which can lead to sensitivity and injury. Fractures are common with misaligned teeth.

In order to correct this problem, we use advanced computer technology to detect the abnormalities in the bite. We can precisely identify areas of the mouth that need adjustments. To adjust these areas, we use a very fine filling stone. Our technology allows us to make the adjustments as accurately as possible so that there is not any extra enamel being filed than is needed.

If you are experiencing an uneven feeling jaw, soreness and sensitivity, you may want to come in for a visit. To schedule with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY, call our office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Customized Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays

When a bright and flashy smile is desired, our patients want a whitening treatment that is going to deliver results. Here with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, we offer completely customized take-home teeth whitening trays for a smile you can be confident in.

Our whitening trays are created by using impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions create trays that fit your teeth perfectly. The whitening gel placed into the trays is able to evenly coat the surface of your specific teeth; unlike mass produced whitening strips bought at the store. The whitening trays are worn for a short period of time over a few days. The length of the time you wear them can be altered depending on if you would like to wear them overnight or during the day.

The process works by reaching below the enamel’s surface to whiten stains within the dentin of the tooth. Every case is different, and depending on the current level of staining to your teeth, our custom whitening trays may offer whiter teeth by four to eight shades.

If you are looking for a teeth whitening system that works, schedule a consultation to see if our customized take-home teeth whitening trays are right for you. To schedule, call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Frenectomy in Oyster Bay, NY

Lip tie and tongue tie are frustrating conditions that have a simple solution. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY have been solving patients’ lip and tongue tie concerns with frenectomies. A frenectomy is a simple and common procedure to free the “tied” tongue and lips.

Lip tie is a condition where the lips are connected to the gums with a frenulum that is too short or too tight. Tongue tie is the same scenario, but with a tongue that has restricted movement. Both conditions can be terrible for an infant and a breastfeeding mother. The baby may not be able to breastfeed correctly, causing coughing, colic, and fatigue from feeding within a short time. If the baby cannot feed correctly, they suffer with inadequate weight gain. The condition can also be very painful for the mother as milk flow may not be regular. The baby may also bruise the mother’s nipples.

A frenectomy is a quick procedure that is done right here in our Oyster Bay, NY office. A scalpel or a laser is used to detach the short frenulum so it can heal with more range. The procedure and the healing time afterward are both quick and cause very minor discomfort.

To learn more about lip tie, tongue tie, or frenectomies, visit our website. To schedule a consultation with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call our office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.