To Veneer or Not To Veneer

That may be the question.  Sometimes nature can be cruel.  Your anterior teeth may just not be shaded to your satisfaction as in I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.  If this is you we can help.  There is a process where we can cover the anterior surfaces of your anterior teeth to achieve the color and shape you desire.  The procedure which has been around for decades is Porcelain Veneers.

Here a thin piece of porcelain is bonded to your teeth to achieve the look you desire.  If your teeth are out of alignment in the front of your mouth orthodontics or braces is the best way to realign these teeth but some patients will not tolerate wires being placed into their mouths or are not consistent enough to wear clear aligners to move the teeth into position.  This veneering process is an alternative in some cases to undergoing orthodontics.

You lead with your smile and if you are unhappy with your smile it can affect your attitude and personality.  Right or wrong people make judgments on how you appear.  Sometimes these judgments are unconscious but they still are there.

So if you think this might be a solution for you give us a call at 212 517 9000.  Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets in Yorkville we always like meeting new people and taking care of their dental needs.  Even if all you need is a cleaning come on down you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Ditch Your Dentures for Dental Implants

If You're Wearing Full Dentures and are Miserable
Then it’s time to ditch them and enter the 21st Century!

Fortunately, today most people have most of their teeth but there are others who for various reasons have said goodbye to their teeth.  Having no teeth is not fun.  Teeth make you look better and are valuable if you enjoy eating.  Teeth serve their purpose of breaking up food stuff you eat so that your body can break down the nutrients contained to keep your body going.

If you no longer have any teeth in the past your only option was to have plastic ones made and then use glue to keep them attached to the inside of your mouth.  The teeth are still plastic or porcelain but now with the advent of dental implants these teeth can be secured to your jaws where you will be able to eat an apple or corn on the cob comfortably.

Obviously, you need to come in and be evaluated to see if you are a candidate for these types of procedures but for most we can accommodate you.  Yes, there is an expense here but if you have been miserable and no longer enjoy eating due to the movement of your false teeth this is something for you to consider.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we have been involved with these procedures for some time.   Undergoing these treatments is a lifestyle change and although dental insurance plans will not have the funds available to cover the procedures this is a very worthy investment in your health and life.

So give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we are always happy to meet new people.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Overbites and Underbites

For some their lower jaw is forward – think Jay Leno while for others their lower jaw is intruded like they’ve hit the wall.  These conditions can cause havoc in your mouth in relation to your teeth.   However, for most their jaws are in alignment but their teeth may not be.

If the front surface of your upper teeth are more forward than the front surfaces of your lower teeth you have an overbite generally meaning your upper jaw is bigger than your lower jaw.  You may be able to sort of stick your tongue between your upper and lower teeth when your jaws are closed.  In an underbite it’s just the reverse with the lower jaw being bigger than your upper jaw.

Some others have what is called a cross bite like the x crossing of railroad tracks.  These conditions can lead to dental problems since the upper and lower teeth are not coming together correctly.  Think of the gears of a motor not being in alignment.  Over time the teeth of the gears will wear down unevenly and even break off.

You see the same thing on your shoes if your feet are not in alignment the soles of your shoes wear unevenly.  Same with a tire on your car – when out of alignment the ride is less smooth and the tires wear out quicker.

Also when teeth are crooked it is harder to keep them clean leading to gum disease and tooth decay.    Today in dentistry we are able to realign crooked teeth.  It leads to longevity of your dentition and makes it easier for you to keep them clean and decay free.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville we always like meeting new people and taking care of their dental needs whether mild or more advanced.  So, if you are looking for a dentist give us a call at 212 517 90000 today.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Genetics and Cavities

Sometimes life can be unfair.  Even if you brush and floss your teeth twice per day every day cavities can still happen.  Don’t be too hard on yourself.  There’s mounting evidence that your genetic makeup may have predisposed you to cavities.  Yes your ancestors are still alive and well and in your neighborhood.

The postulation that your genes are related to your oral health is still a novel concept and more research is needed but commonly cited finding states that genetics may increase your chances of having cavities by 64%.

Of course not brushing and flossing your teeth and eating and drinking foods with high sugar content over time will eventually lead to cavities.  Genes can influence the strength of the enamel of your teeth which is the outer protective coating on your teeth.  For some the enamel is hard and strong but others it is softer and more easily damaged by cavity causing bacteria.

Genes can also affect how your body responds to the bacteria within your saliva which cause cavities.  Not to worry we are cavity finders and fighters.  We are always looking for new people to enter our practice.  We will examine your mouth and tell you what we see.  For many a regular exam will lead to a standard six month dental cleaning and you’ll be good to go.

So if you live in Yorkville and are in need of a dentist, give us a call at 212 517 9000.  We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  After meeting with us we believe you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Whatever You Call Your Teeth...Just Keep Them Healthy!

Chompers, Pearly Whites, Dents, Gnashers, Grill all lead to one item; your teeth.  Some are big, some are small, they can be straight or crooked and in shades of white, grey, yellow and brown but you need them to eat and for a pleasing disposition.

Teeth are good and if you take care of them they will take care of you.  Say What?  I’m saying you need to be good to your teeth if you want them to be good to you.  Being good is keeping them clean and healthy.  It’s a dental hygiene routine where twice per day you get in there and clean them using your toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.

When you eat food remains in your mouth and food has bacteria which thrive in warm, dark places.  Hey, that’s your mouth.  Think of teeth as squares.  You can clean or brush the top, front and back of the square but not in between.  That’s why there’s dental floss that little string that can get in between your teeth to remove any bacterial residue accumulating in there.

You should brush and floss your teeth upon waking in the morning and at night before you go to bed.  Keeping your mouth in a healthy condition will benefit you and those you come in contact with.  No one likes to be accosted by someone with bad breath or a scary mouth disposition.

If you have been letting your mouth go for a while and are in need of a consultation or treatment we like meeting people and we like restoring their mouths to health.   After an initial dental exam we can inform you of any situations or problems you might have and give you multiple solutions to bring your mouth back to health.

We are conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85thstreets.  We are easy to get to by walking, taking the bus or subways which are within one block of the practice.   So give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

The Case Against Silver- Change Amalgam Fillings for Looks Not Safety

If you have some Silver Dollars in your pocket you are not going to throw them away.  If you were given a sterling silver set for your wedding you’re probably going to keep them.  But, for some if you have silver in your mouth you might be inclined to have them nuggets removed.

The Amalgam Silver controversy is still alive today.  If you are of a certain age you probably have some silver fillings in your mouth.  These restorations can last for decades, some more than fifty years.  Think of something else that a human can create that can last for more than a half century with only little maintenance efforts on your part.  Quite impressive!

Back in the day the choice was gold or silver since white fillings did not exist.  If you were in the limo you were probably getting gold while in the bus or subway silver was for you.  The concern with silver is the filling is an amalgam or a combination of things.  The thing most patients are concerned about is the mercury in the filling.

Mercury is produced by the burning of coal and is a heavy element.  When coal is burned mercury is placed into the atmosphere and since it is a heavy element it falls back down to the surface of the earth.  Most of the planet is water so the mercury enters the oceans where the oysters, lobsters and clams consume it.  The large ocean fish such as tuna, shark and tile concentrate the mercury within them when feeding on the other inhabitants of the seas.  When you eat them you concentrate their mercury content in your body.  With silver filling the mercury is a bound salt so if you swallow your filling the mercury will just pass straight through you instead of accumulating within your body.

Silver fillings are strong but not aesthetic.  Today with the development of white fillings, silver ones are entering the dustbin of history.  With a white filling you can’t see it so it’s like you never had it and you’re even more beautiful.   It took a while for dentist’s to figure out how to successfully place white fillings but today the process is very straightforward.

So do you remove any silver fillings you have?  In my opinion no unless you are not happy with the way they look or if your tooth is becoming grey in color due to leakage of the silver ion into your tooth.  You must realize that every time you perform surgery on your tooth there is a chance of the tooth’s nerve checking out as if saying I’ve had enough.  If this happens root canal therapy can be in your future.

Besides aesthetics one advantage of white fillings is that when they finally fail the filling breaks and generally not the tooth.  When a properly placed silver filling fails decades later generally the filling is still intact but it is the tooth that breaks because ultimately a silver filling is a wedge within the tooth.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we believe in informing you what is happening in your mouth and if there is a concern giving you the options and price points to correct the situation.  We always like meeting new people even if you’re only looking to have your teeth cleaned.

So if you need a new dentist or a second opinion call today at 212 517 9000 and we will be happy to see you.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Tooth Wars- Suspect a Bite Problem?

It’s tough being a tooth.  You are always in demand especially when the body you’re in is hungry.  If your teeth are out of alignment then they are even more traumatized.  Think of the gears of an engine.  If the gears are out of alignment they will experience more pressure and tension and eventually fall apart.  If the gears of the motor are not kept lubricated more problems will also occur.

Your mouth or masticatory system consisting of your jaws, gums and teeth are your engine for the consumption of foods, necessary to keep you alive.  In addition to the forces placed on your teeth through chewing of food if you are under stress there are increased forces placed on your teeth through clenching and grinding.  If decay is present then the integrity of your tooth is compromised leading to a greater chance of decline while if your gums are infected then there is a greater chance of your teeth leaving your body.

Fortunately many of these problems can be corrected.  If your teeth are out of alignment they can be moved back into place through the use of clear aligners or metal wires.  If a tooth is malformed we can correct the malformation through selective grinding and replacement of lost tooth structure.  For destructive habits we can make tooth guards which will protect your teeth.

If you are experiencing any of these problems give us a call at 212 517 9000.  At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets here in Yorkville we have been treating patients with these maladies for decades.

Maybe all you need or want is a dental exam and cleaning.  We are still here for you.  No one really likes going to the dentist but an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.  Being proactive vs reactive on your dental care is always better choice.

Call Today:  You and Your Teeth Will Be Glad You Did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Affordable Teeth Whitening

Do you want whiter teeth?  Do you want to not spend a lot?  Do you want it to be easy?  If so give us a call at 212 517 9000 and come on in for your teeth to be whiter.  We have a system that has pleased our patients for the past ten years.  Since Dental Insurance does not cover whitening everyone who desires it has to pay out of pocket and we are getting no complaints.  Realize that the whiter your teeth are to begin with the whiter we can make them.  Most patients’ teeth are shades of yellow, grey and even brown.   For these individuals the whitening product will not turn your teeth white but will lighten their appearance making you happier.

A dental exam and x-rays are necessary before performing a whitening procedure since the whitening gel cannot be placed on teeth with active decay or gums that are inflamed.  We even reduce the price further during our yearly Holiday Whitening Sale from Thanksgiving to New Year for those patients wanting to save even more.

Whether you need a cleaning or dental checkup in addition to whitening your teeth, we are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  We are one block away from the 4 5 6 and Q subway lines and there is plenty of bus service.

We like meeting new people and helping them to resolve their dental needs.  So don’t delay call today.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Proactive Versus Reactive in Dentistry

To Do or Not To Do – that is the question?

Your top ten list probably does not include going to the dentist, especially if you’ve had a challenging appointment in the past.  However dental decay marches on and can proceed without you being aware.  When you become aware it might bite you and now you dread going to the dentist.  Lying on your back with a stranger next to your brain saying open wide can be traumatic.

Today dentistry has changed and we can provide dental services comfortably to you except when you’ve waited too long.  If you come in with raging pain it will be more challenging and expensive to treat your dental situation.

In most cases dental problems develop slowly unless you are involved in a trauma situation.  This allows us to treat your condition less aggressively and with you remaining pain free and relaxed during treatment.  You may not want to know what is going on in your mouth but being informed is much better than being surprised.

So if it has been awhile since going to the dentist maybe now is the time to come in.  Generally, you know if there is a problem but even if all is well your teeth want to be cleaned.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we always like meeting new people.   Give us a call today, you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Will You Lose Your Wisdom if Your Wisdom Teeth are Removed?

Biology like geology can do strange things.  If you’ve ever been out West there are rock formations in the shape of thin spires that go hundreds of feet in the air.  There are stone arches that just hang there in space.

Maybe Dad is over six feet and Mom is under four.  Mix those genes together and you can have big teeth in a small jaw or the reverse.  In evolution the purpose of wisdom teeth or third molars was they served as additional later erupting teeth for eating.  Back in the day a human’s diet was more coarse and caused the person’s teeth to wear down more quickly.  By age sixteen if you lasted that long there was more room in your mouth to allow these teeth to come in properly and function.

Today sometimes there is not enough room in your jaws to allow these teeth to erupt.  If the tooth remains totally encased within your jaw bones there generally do not cause a problem.  However, if part of the tooth is inside your mouth but not fully erupted this is where problems can occur?

Half in half out can lead to gum problems and/or tooth decay.  So the issue is should you extract them or leave them in peace.  Ideally everyone’s wisdom teeth should be extracted when you are in your teens.  For most individuals the additional teeth are not necessary.  When you are young you heal up quicker and your jaws are still growing and are more pliable.  As you age the bones become rock hard and the teeth grow legs or roots meaning there is a bigger piece to take out.

The situation is more challenging now if you are in your sixties or above and the teeth need to be removed.  Your cardiologist may have you on blood thinners.  If this medication is removed you may die but if you remain on the medication after the extraction you might not stop bleeding.  In other words a conundrum.

If you have wisdom teeth we can tell you what your situation is and predict what may be waiting for you in the future.  Proactive versus reactive is always good.

If you only need a dental cleaning and check up we are still here for you.  So give us a call at 212 517 9000. We are located at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville between 84th and 85thStreets.  Call today, you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

One Stop Shop for Dental Implants

Do you have a missing tooth?  Will you have a missing tooth since one of your teeth needs to be removed?  If so, today we have a solution to replace the tooth without involving the adjacent teeth.  Think of a row of townhouses in which only one has burned down.  When rebuilding the destroyed property you do not have to involve the adjacent buildings.

For a long time if you lost a tooth the way to replace the missing tooth was to make a dental bridge.  Think of the George Washington Bridge.  There are two towers connecting a roadway between them.  If you lost a tooth this would be the area of the bridge between the towers.  In this case the towers are your adjacent teeth which would be compromised to support the missing tooth in between.

Now we can restore  only the missing tooth by placing a small piece of titanium in your jaw upon which a new tooth can be constructed.  One good thing about titanium is that it will never form a dental cavity.  Here in our dental practice we place and restore dental implants meaning everything is done in house.  No need for a referral to another office to perform part of the procedure.

If the tooth becomes lost while your current dental insurance is in effect they will generally pay for part of your dental treatment for the placement of a dental implant and the subsequent restoration of your tooth.  The first thing is to see if you are a candidate for this procedure and your costs to have this treatment done.

If you are missing a tooth and want to know if you are a candidate for this procedure give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we can take a quick look and tell you if you are.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we always like meeting new people.  Whether for extensive treatment or just cleaning we are here for you.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets.  The 4 5 6 and Q subway lines are just one block away.

So Call Today – You and Your Teeth Will Be Glad You Did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Clear Braces - Nearly Invisible Teeth Straightening

There Was A Crooked Man Who Walked A Crooked Mile

Maybe, you’re not crooked but maybe you have crooked teeth.  Not that they were bad or did something wrong but they have wandered away from their ideal position in your mouth. What to do?  You could say they’ve been with me this way for so long why should I move them.

Think of gears of a motor.  If the gears are out of alignment they will break off.  Consider a tire on your car, if not in alignment the tire will wear unevenly giving you a rough ride and decrease the longevity of the tire’s life.

If your teeth are out of alignment they also can break and/or lead to gum disease since it will be harder for you to keep them clean.  Here in our dental practice we have the ability to bring your misaligned teeth into alignment.  For most cases we are using clear aligners which means as you go through treatment no will know you have braces in your mouth

In addition to the health component when your teeth are in alignment you will have a more pleasing appearance when you smile.  A good looking healthy smile is always a plus for your own self confidence and when interacting with others.

If you think you are in need of a tooth alignment or just a check up and cleaning consider giving us a call.  We are always interested in meeting new people and helping them to achieve their dental goals.  Conveniently located; on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets directly across from our own Upper East Side Mickey Dees in a five story townhouse.

Give us a call today at 212 517 9000, you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Eating Healthy for Your Smile

Today pre diabetes is becoming rampant in the population.  You do not have full blown diabetes where you need Insulin to survive but your sugar level in the bloodstream is dangerously high.  Why is this?  Well, it’s because most of us eat way too much sugar.  There is sugar in everything but some of our eating choices cause us to ingest way too much.

A good thing is that when you go to the supermarket, food labels now tell you how many grams of sugar are in the product you are buying.  Even healthy foods such as yogurt can contain added sugar.  The worst culprits are sodas.  Looking at the label it’s like pouring a sugar bowl down your throat.  Over time these increased levels of sugar intake cause havoc in your body in addition to enlarging your waist thereby putting increased pressure on your joints and your heart.

As far as your teeth are concerned increased sugar intake can lead to dental cavities and gum disease.  So if you want to watch the amount of sugar you are ingesting and to help your teeth remain healthy here are six things you should make as habits.

When you get up in the morning and before going to bed you need to brush your teeth.  Brushing gets the top, front and back of your teeth but don’t forget in between your teeth.  These surfaces also need to be cleaned.  Here is where dental floss comes in.  This thin tiny waxed strand can move into the spaces between your teeth and keep these areas clean.

If you are a gum chewer make sure to avoid gums that contain sugar.  There are plenty of sugarless gums now available.  A dry mouth is conducive to dental decay so if your mouth is continually dry chewing gum helps to produce saliva thereby keeping your mouth wet.

Be careful in consuming sticky foods like caramel and taffy.  These substances have a tendency to stick to your teeth and generally contain large amounts of sugar.  Even dried fruit which seems to be healthy can be loaded with sugar and readily stick to your teeth.

You want to consume nutritious foods such as raw fruits and vegetables which help to support your immune system.

Do you like cheese – good for you.  Cheese contains calcium that breaks down acids in your mouth which can attack your teeth.  Cheese is tasty and enlivens your meals, but don’t go overboard since cheese is high in fat.

Moderate your intake of acidic foods.  No sucking on lemons here when having an ice tea or too many carbonated drinks.  Direct and constant exposure to these substances will wear down the enamel or outer protective coating of your teeth.

If you are concerned about the condition of your teeth and have not seen a dentist in a while we are here for you.  A quick exam and cleaning will confirm that your mouth is in tip top shape. 

At the dental office of Dr Glenn Reit we like meeting people of the neighborhood and taking care of their dental concerns.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.   If you ride the bus or take the subway the 4 5 6 and Q subway lines are one block away.

So call today, you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Frozen Summer Treats... Are Your Teeth Screaming?

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream so the saying goes.  But for some the thought of something cold or frozen going into their mouths is a cringe worthy experience.  When others are slurping you’re avoiding them.

Sensitivity to cold in your mouth is generally due to dental decay, gum diseases or abnormal wearing of your dentition.  Your teeth have a tough outer coating called enamel which protects the inside of your teeth.  The enamel helps to prevent decay and sensitivity to hot and cold substances.  If the enamel is compromised due to a cavity or hole in your tooth the inside of your tooth reacts by becoming more sensitive to temperature changes in your mouth.

If you have gum disease where your gums which support your teeth become inflamed, the roots which hold your teeth into your jaws can become exposed inside your mouth.  The teeth roots are supposed to be encased in bone and are not made of enamel but of dentine.  When exposed to your oral cavity the dentin is often sensitive to hot and cold and especially extreme cold as in summer treats.

If you are under stress and are clenching or grinding your teeth the enamel gets thinner and your tooth roots can become exposed.  Now you don’t want to stop enjoying summer treats but if the pain is too great you will probably have to.

Not to worry, if this is you we have ways to alleviate your sensitivity.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85th Streets we see people who have sensitivity and we have treatments to get it under control.

So give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your sensitive teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Proactive Vs Reactive

When you pay for something you usually want to feel better off after the expense.  Going on a vacation, to a show or out for dinner is generally pleasurable.  Going to the dentist is not on many people’s desirable list.  When your mouth feels and looks good that is the time to see the dentist.  You’re not having any problems and a quick exam and cleaning confirms your diagnosis.  Your treatment is quick and painless.  In addition if you have dental insurance you’re fully covered for the treatment.  Even if you have to pay on your own the cost is within reason.

What’s the alternative?  You don’t like going to the dentist and only go when you have a problem.  Today if this is your situation we can still treat you, with you remaining comfortable but now there is more dental treatment involved.  If you have put off going to the dentist since your last experience was not great you will probably be apprehensive leading to increased stress.  Now you have a dental issue and even with dental insurance you will have a copayment.  If no insurance there are costs involved.

So going to the dentist when there are no problems is the way to go.  Even if something is found it will be in the beginning phase requiring less treatment.  So it’s better to be proactive than reactive. 

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we are here for you.  We like meeting new people and interacting with them.  If you are in need of an exam and cleaning or you feel there may be something more give us a call at 212 517 9000 today.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

To Straighten or Not to Straighten?

That is the question.  You lead with your smile and sometimes if your teeth are out of alignment you might not be smiling that much.  In addition to your appearance, teeth out of alignment can lead to dental problems.  You may ask; how is that?  Crooked teeth allow more food to imbed between them and it may be harder for you to keep them clean.  Why is that important?  Well if you leave food in between your teeth as the food breaks down it releases acids which attack the outside of your teeth and gums.  The acid can lead to tooth decay and irritate your gums leading to gum infections.

So, by bringing your teeth into alignment it will be easier for you to keep your teeth clean.  Another consequence of misaligned teeth is that when they come together they are in the wrong orientation which over time can lead to the teeth fracturing.  Think of the gears of an engine.  If they are not in sync the gears will break.

Finally, a pleasing smile helps in interacting with people.  Unfortunately, people are generally judging other people and before you even open your mouth to speak you smile is conveying a subliminal message.  If you do not like the way your teeth look you might not even be smiling.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located right here on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we have the ability to straighten your teeth using clear aligners.  These are plastic trays which are worn sequentially which gradually move your teeth into a more pleasing and aligned position.  There is no drilling and no dental injections to perform this treatment and others will not even realize you are going through the treatment.

If this is something you are interested in or you are just in need of a cleaning or check up give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we are always happy to meet and greet new people.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.

So call us today and soon you’ll be smiling away.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

The Unfortunate Link Periodontal Disease Can Cause Systemic Problems If Left Untreated

The bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning that they like places without oxygen and they like warm dark places and to be left undisturbed.  When you eat food there are bacteria all around.  How about that Yankee Stadium hotdog which has been curing all season before you consume it?

So a great incubator for bacteria is your mouth.  It's dark in there, the temperature is around 100 degrees and if you’re not flossing they are being left alone.

When you analyze how your teeth reside in your mouth they are connected to your jaws by little fibers called periodontal ligaments.  These fibers go from your teeth into your jaw bones.  In a healthy situation where your teeth and gums meet there is a little pocket or sulcus which should be 2 to 3 mm in depth.

When you eat food and you do not floss the food remains in the pockets and over time the pocket gets deeper.  Once beyond four mm in depth even if you floss you will be unable to remove the food at the base of the pocket.  So the pocket deepens, the bacteria produce acids which ulcerate your gums leading to bleeding in these areas.

Bleeding is the highway into the interior of your mouth.  So now the bacteria have a highway into your internal organs and they’re going to take a trip and visit the sights within you.  The bacteria in your mouth are not supposed to be here – so they are going to have a good time but not so much for you.

Systemic diseases linked to periodontal conditions or gum problems in your mouth can increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

They won’t cause these conditions but can exacerbate their occurrence.  Since gum disease can be easily prevented with a little effort on your part, why not come in today for us to take a look and see if you should be concerned.

The problem with gum disease is it silently progresses within the person without them realizing it so they’re in trouble long before they know it.   Now the condition has advanced and more definitive treatment is necessary.  We can still help to prevent its progression but being proactive is always in your best interest.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

My Gums are Bleeding; What Will I Do?

If your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth this is a warning sign that all is not right in your mouth.  Many patients today have no or very little dental decay due to the incorporation of fluoride into the general drinking water.

So having no cavities is a good thing but what about the structures that support your teeth.  Like a building your teeth need a strong foundation to survive.  Here in New York City all buildings have a stable foundation if correctly constructed due to the fact Manhattan Island is supported by solid bedrock.

The foundation for your teeth is the bone in your upper and lower jaws.  In addition to the bone your gums surround your teeth and offer protection and health if maintained.   How do you maintain your gum health?  That’s easy.  All you need to do in addition to brushing twice a day is to include flossing in your daily teeth cleaning regime.

We all know what dental floss is.  It’s that little fine string sold everywhere that you use to clean between your teeth.  Why don’t many people use it?  Well, you have to learn how to do it and it takes a little effort in the beginning.

Think of your teeth as cubes or squares.  There’s a top, front, back, bottom and sides.  Your toothbrush gets the top, front and back but cannot get in between your teeth.  Obviously, you can’t clean the bottom of your tooth unless you are holding it in your hand but with no daily effort to keep your teeth clean over time this might become your eventuality.

So think about it.  If you don’t clean in between your teeth those areas are never clean.  So when you eat food as most of us do and you leave remnants of the food in between your teeth from not cleaning there, the food starts to break down.  As it does it releases acids into your mouth which attack your teeth and your gums.

How do you know if your gums are under attack?  If when brushing or flossing you see blood appearing throughout your mouth then you know you gums are under attack.  If left long enough; this bleeding can become a generalized inflammation leading to tooth sensitivity, decay and eventual tooth loss.

In addition, the bacteria in your mouth when you have bleeding gums now have a pathway into the rest of your body which can cause havoc.

So if you’re bleeding come in for a cleaning and we will teach you how to brush and floss and evaluate your condition.  Being proactive is always better than being reactive.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Do Braces Do More Than Improve Your Smile

Most people want to straighten their teeth for the improved esthetics which are obtained.  Yes it takes a  little time but in the long run it will improve your health.  Time is relative.  Look how quickly each year progresses.  It’s Thanksgiving, then Christmas and New Year’s Day and suddenly it's Memorial Day Weekend followed by Labor Day and then we’re back to Thanksgiving once more.

Traditionally braces were metal brackets and metal bands.  The esthetics; not so great but patient compliance awesome for you the patient cannot remove them.   Today there are clear aligners such as Invisalign which work as long as you wear them.  Another plus is that you can’t see them and it is easier to clean your teeth during the orthodontic or teeth moving treatment.

However there is an added benefit to moving your teeth into a more aligned position.  Misaligned teeth do not come together in proper occlusion which leads to them not wearing evenly.  On top of this the teeth over time can actually fracture leading to more dental procedures on your teeth over your lifetime.

Another problem of misaligned teeth is that it is harder for you to clean them.  Not cleaning your teeth can lead to gum problems which if not rectified over time can lead to possible loss of a tooth or teeth.  Even if this does not occur, gum inflammation in your mouth can affect your overall health.  Bleeding gums allow the bacteria in your mouth to spread throughout your body which can cause havoc.

At our dental practice we have been performing orthodontic treatment for many years.  If your case is straightforward we can do it here.  If this is something you are interested in let us know when you come to see us.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Teeth

Maybe you lift weights to build strength but are you also doing things to strengthen your teeth?

There are ways to strengthen your teeth.  Just like you want to have strong bones, having strong teeth are also advantageous. Having a healthy diet, good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups is a good start.

Tooth Enamel is the hard surface of your tooth which needs to be strong and healthy to prevent dental decay from penetrating into the interior of the tooth leading to dental problems.  Enamel can weaken due to genetics, illnesses and/or poor oral hygiene habits.  Brushing too strongly with a stiff toothbrush can wear down the enamel surface.  Unlike your bone your tooth does not have regenerative cells so once it is worn down it will not build back up.

Fermentable carbohydrates which are found in breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, bananas, soft drinks, candy, cookies and other starchy foods form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth.  When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel.  This demineralization process literally eats away at the naturally produced minerals in your enamel. Clearly meaning that highly processed foods and sweet treats will cause demineralization of the enamel over time.

Brushing twice per day and flossing once per day is vital if you want to strengthen your teeth.  Be careful not to brush too hard and always brush at a forty-five degrees angle with a soft bristled toothbrush using short and decisive strokes.  Brush for at least two minutes and don’t forget your tongue as bacteria love to linger in places your toothbrush misses.

The saliva that you produce after you brush your teeth can also help prevent demineralization as it contains proteins and minerals that will safeguard the enamel on your teeth.  Saliva is constantly washing off the germs on your teeth and helps to maintain the pH thereby reducing acid production. Our early ancestors since they had a quite different diet showed very little signs of weakened enamel.

Most city water is now fluoridated which helps to keep your enamel strong.  A healthy diet includes whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products.

If you would like to learn how to strengthen your teeth give us a call at 212 517 9000.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we care about you and your teeth.  Give us a call  today; you will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!