Go for the gold

In the Olympics the goal is to go for gold. In dentistry you can also go for gold. With a gold filling or if you're brave a gold crown. Obviously, the gold crown would need to be on one of your back teeth unless you’re going for the bling.

Most individuals today will not accept gold due to its color. In fact, most people prefer not to have yellow teeth to begin with and will undergo bleaching or cosmetic dentistry to lighten the shade of their teeth. In fact, today the demand for gold dentistry is predominantly by dentists.

That should tell you something. Just like you, dentists do not like going to the dentist. They may like performing dentistry but not having dentistry. When it comes to dentistry women are a lot stronger than men. Something about lying on your back with a stranger working a couple of inches from your brain can cause men to panic.

Back to gold. The reason dentists choose gold is that it lasts the longest. Gold has the same expansion and contraction as enamel. Meaning, gold is the closest to what the outside of your tooth is made of. Gold is very biocompatible with your mouth. It is easy to clean and its edges can be very closely adapted to your tooth structure. In fact, most dental restorations are wide open. Meaning the armies of bacteria in your mouth are marching en mass into the interior of your tooth. Since cementing mediums contain huge amounts of fluoride this helps to keep your teeth protected.

The great drawback to gold is that it is yellow and you can see it and in today’s esthetic conscious society Moi is perfect in every way. Sort of like: Only your hairdresser knows for sure. Here at the practice, we still do gold crowns and gold fillings. If the need arises this alternative will always be presented and then promptly rejected.

The cool thing about gold is when you melt it. It looks like mercury except it is gold in color. You can actually see your reflection in it and before it becomes liquid it has a reddish golden sheen. Just magnificent and it makes you realize why it has been in use since antiquity. However, at 1948 degrees Fahrenheit you certainly don’t want to touch it for then you’ll definitely be singing, but not in a good way. But even today it continues to remain the gold standard in finance and in dentistry.

At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit we realize you will probably not be going for the gold but that’s ok.  We are just informing you of the option. If you are only in search of a dental cleaning we are here for you.  We always like meeting new people and addressing their dental needs.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets in Yorkville.  We are one block away from the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines.  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 Daily Grind We’re Talking Teeth Not Coffee

An observation I have recently noticed in my patients is the fracturing of teeth and restorations due to stress. One way our bodies are programmed to relieve stress is by clenching and grinding our teeth during sleep.   It is not known why this occurs but stress reduction does occur by grinding and clenching. 

Exercise, meditation and a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce your inner stress.  Stress is usually caused by work, relationships and/or money meaning life. You may wonder how I know if I am clenching or grinding my teeth. Not a problem, everyone knows if they are clenching or grinding their teeth.

Here are the symptoms you will experience.  Upon waking in the morning do your jaws feel stiff? Do the muscles on the side of your head feel sore? Do you experience stiffness when moving your jaw around? If so then you are clenching or grinding in your sleep.  If you find yourself clenching or grinding during the day; while you are at your desk or just walking down the street this means you are not getting enough relief at night and your stress is spilling over into your conscious life.

If this is you, we have a solution for your problem. We can fabricate for you a night guard which is a soft piece of material which is custom made to fit either the entire upper or lower arch of your teeth. We have fabricated hundreds of these devices over the years with our patients being very happy with the results.

Danger Will Robinson do not buy a do it yourself night guard at CVS or Duane Reade. You may save yourself some money but you could damage your jaw joint which could be a real downer. Realize you move your lower jaw whenever you eat, talk and/or swallow.  Your jaw joint is a unique three-way joint.  The only three way joint in your body. 

You can move your jaw forward, back and side to side in addition to opening and closing. It is a miracle of natural evolution as is the rest of your body. All other joints in your body such as your elbow or knee just move in only one plane.  Try it and you will see what I am talking about.  It is better to go with NO night guard than to fabricate a do it yourself one. 

The night guard we make has to fit your teeth perfectly and be correctly vertically positioned to work with your jaw joints on either side of your head. Stress usually occurs in waves meaning you will be stressed for several days and then the condition will improve.  Most of our patients wear their night guard’s intermittently when they are experiencing pain.  If you wake up in the morning and you feel stiffness in one or both of your jaw joints or tension on either side of your head then for the next couple of nights you should wear the night guard we have fabricated for you.  

After wearing your night guard upon waking the next morning, you will feel better.  The night guard in addition to relieving stress in your jaws will help to prevent excessive wear that grinding does to your teeth. Grinding at night can significantly reduce the longevity of your teeth. It is almost like how the Grand Canyon was formed. The Colorado River over time created the Grand Canyon through erosion. Continual grinding over time will erode or flatten out your teeth removing the enamel protective layer of your teeth.

Once the enamel layer is gone then the inside of your tooth is exposed. The inside of your teeth is made of dentin which wears more quickly than enamel. Exposure of the dentin layer of your tooth can lead to increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold and a greater incidence for tooth decay. This is important because as you grind down your teeth the vertical dimension which is the height between your upper and lower jaws decreases. 

This in turn changes the angulations of your jaw joints eventually leading to discomfort and problems.  Think of it as your car’s tires being out of alignment and so the tires do not wear evenly or if your feet are not straight the heels of your shoes become uneven. Tires and shoes can easily be replaced while changing out your jaw joints is not a possibility.

If you have dental restorations in your mouth you probably are in no hurry to replace them. First you would have to come and see me and undergo additional dental treatment let alone the cost and time involved in having these restorations replaced. Better to protect what you have than to replace them.

I could fabricate a metal mouth like jaws in the James Bond movies but you probably do not want to be the talk of the town under those circumstances. So if you feel you are experiencing any of the problems discussed here, call us today at 212 517 9000 to schedule a consultation.  Do not let stress damage you or your teeth.

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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!

Your Immune System

When you think about it your most important friend is your immune system. Your immune system is a defense system of cells, tissues and organs which protect you from disease. Evolution has taken millions of years but in the past century the industrial revolution has changed the environment. Our air and water supply are no longer as pristine as they once were. Here in the city our cars release copious amounts of carbon monoxide, there is waste runoff into the rivers, microwave towers surround us and then there is constant noise. All of these external pressures tax your immune system whether you believe it or not. You know the problem is real when more hospital complexes are being built here in the city and on television there seems to be an unending cascade of drug commercials. Our evolution has not caught up with our technology. Sure there are more cures but wouldn’t it be better to not need one? So what are you to do? You need to do something. You can’t change your genetic makeup. You are what you are. However, your first line of defense is a healthy lifestyle including a diet high in fruit and vegetables, regular exercise, a healthy weight, adequate sleep, moderate alcohol intake, no smoking and a reduction of stress. Meditation helps here. Having a healthy mouth is good for you and a beautiful smile makes for a more youthful appearance and contributes to your overall health. We want you to look and feel better especially after being with us. A strengthened immune system allows you to more fully enjoy life.

Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we’re in your neighborhood.  If not the 4,5,6, and Q subways lines are one block away.  If you are looking for a dentist maybe we’re the ones.  We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets.  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!

Your Healthy Mouth Contributes Towards A Healthy Body

Do you realize that your mouth and teeth are connected to the rest of you? Your mouth is a direct access point into your inner body. Healthy teeth and gums are important in maintaining a healthy mouth. A healthy body is now more important than ever. If your gums are bleeding the bacteria in your mouth have a direct highway into your body and can cause havoc. You may not be travelling but harmful bacteria are always on the move and love warm, dark places with little oxygen and plenty of food. Dental problems never go away, they just get bigger. Prevention is always preferable to restoration especially since going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list of things to do. So, if you have not been in for your cleaning and check up now would be a very good time. Your mouth and body will thank you and getting out and about is always beneficial.

Need a dentist – maybe we are the one.  We are located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  We are always looking to meet new people and take care of their dental needs.  You can reach us at 212 517 9000 to speak with us.  Even if all you are looking for is a dental cleaning – give us a call.  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 War on Teeth Remains

On the HBO show “Game of Thrones,” multiple houses are under attack, and their leaders must shore up foundations for the coming siege. Each house is different from the others, having certain advantages and disadvantages. Using intelligence, cunning, and a plan of action, each leader’s goal is to obtain the throne and be crowned the king or queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Your teeth are also under siege and need to be protected from the coming storm. Daily brushing and flossing will hold back the tide of tooth decay and gum disease. Grinding and clenching at night due to New York City stress also attacks your teeth and can fracture existing restorations. When a tooth fractures due to decay, stress, or a worn-out filling, you may need to be crowned. A crown holds your tooth together just like the chosen one holds the Seven Kingdoms together. Crowns help to prolong the longevity of your tooth by maintaining its structural integrity. Unlike the show, you are already a king or queen, but just as there are multiple houses competing for the throne, there are multiple crowns to choose from. The gold standard is a gold crown. Its advantages are that it is similar to the properties of your tooth and will generally last the longest. However, it’s yellow in color and to most is no longer acceptable. The porcelain-fused metal crown combines the strength of metal with a layer of porcelain to match the shade of your other teeth. Its advantages are strength and aesthetics. Today, many individuals don’t want metal restoration and are looking for more natural alternatives. Since metal allergies are increasing, dental manufacturers have now developed crowns without metal components. These crowns have porcelain on the outside and a ceramic core on the inside. These crowns also have adequate strength and superior aesthetics. Before we undertake the reconstruction of your tooth, we will develop a plan for what works best for you, how long it will take, the costs involved, and allay any of your fears.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we are here for you and your teeth.  Give us a call 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Uncontrolled Periodontal Disease Can Lead to Bone Loss

I’m Melting! Even if you’re not the Wicked Witch of the West your jaw bones could be melting or dissolving.

How is that even possible?  But it is.  If you start to lose bone in your jaws the eventual consequence is the migration of your teeth out of your head.  Not a good thing.  So what causes this?

Extracted Teeth

When teeth are in your mouth the roots help to maintain bone health.  When a tooth is lost over time the surrounding bone that was supporting the tooth dissolves away.  At this time in history we are unable to grow new bone in one’s jaw.  So, you do not want to lose any.  But all is not lost.  If you have a missing tooth and some bone we can do a bone graft which would then allow us to place a new tooth in the area of the lost tooth.

Gum Infections

Also known as gum disease can lead to bone loss if not treated even though your tooth is still present within your mouth.  You may have heard of gingival inflammation leading to periodontitis or periodontal disease. With periodontitis the gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets which are the perfect breeding ground for the commencement over time of bone dissolving infections.

Your body generally gives you a sign this is occurring.  Swollen, inflamed and painful gums leading to loose teeth within your mouth.  Other causes are the overconsumption of alcohol, failure to routinely brush and floss your teeth or medications that lead to dry mouth.

Abscessed Tooth

When decay gets into the inside of your tooth to an extent that it affects the nerve the subsequent infection over time will dissolve the bond at the apical or deepest portion of the tooth’s root.  Here dental treatment of a root canal or finally an extraction will be needed to resolve the situation.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting people and resolving their dental issues.  Even if you only need a cleaning, give us a call at 212 517 9000 and come on down and we will help you to achieve dental health.   We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville between 84th and 85th streets.

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!

It’s Not James Bond but Dental Bond

Good Evening and welcome to my world of dentistry.  Sometimes nature can be cruel or accidents do occur.  When these maladies concern your teeth you might be seeing me.  It’s a good thing.  Maybe your teeth are misshapen, asymmetric, have gaps and spaces between themselves, discolorations and/or stains, chipped or cracked or have an exposed root.

If you’ve noticed any of these flaws in your own smile then come on down and meet with us.  Dental bonding can be an effective way to cosmetically rejuvenate your tooth or teeth.  Dental bonding is using an acrylic resin which is matched to the color of your teeth and can be molded to recreate a more pleasing appearance to your smile.

Once placed, tooth bonding should be brushed and flossed just like all your other teeth.  It is amazing how just a little bonding in certain areas of your mouth can brighten your whole smile.

We are located at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville between 84th and 85th Streets.  Easily accessible to the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines one block away and local bus service.  So if you need a cleaning or maybe a little bit more give us a call today at; 212 517 9000.

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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 American Dental Association – Promoting Dental Health for more than 150 years

You’ve probably seen the ADA symbol on toothpaste, floss and mouth washes.  But, what do you know about this organization? The ADA’s mission statement is to improve the level of public oral health by supporting the dental industry through non-profit federal, state and local societies.  Founded in 1859 and run by its members currently more than 160,000.

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is not an endorsement of a product but rather a confirmation of the claims made by the manufacturer of the product.  Companies who want ADA approval must submit rigorous scientific testing to the Association.  Once submitted the ADA re-tests the products to further verify results.  There are now more than 300 products with the ADA seal.

The American Dental Association also provides resources to support dentists and their practices.  Educates the public about oral health, and works to increase access to dental care.  It offers counsel on important issues that influence the dental industry and works with other organizations on scientific research projects and public health initiatives.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS, Dr Reit is a member of the ADA , New York State Dental Society, and the First District Dental Society of New York City.  He is also a member of the California Dental Society and the Los Angeles County Dental Society.

Whether you are in need of just a tooth cleaning or you believe you need something a little more involved 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.  We are always happy to meet new people.  If you need a dentist give us a call 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!

Wearing Your Best Smile

When You’re Smiling The Whole World Smiles With You

The saying you lead with your smile is quite true.  If your teeth look healthy and are esthetically pleasing you smile more.  Smiling can become contagious.  A happy healthy look for you makes others around you also feel better.  Your smile gives you confidence to achieve.  Today in dentistry we have the ability to restore your teeth to health and if Mother Nature didn’t give you the best smile we can help to correct the situation. 

The easiest correction is if your teeth are a tad too yellow we can bleach them to something more pleasing.  If your teeth are out of alignment we can use clear tray orthodontics to bring them more into position.  If your teeth are chipped or broken we can restore them to health and beauty with crowns, veneers or onlays.

Your gums are the frame around the picture.  If your gums are inflamed and angry looking we can treat them so they return to health.  If you have a gummy smile that affects your smile we can do minor gum surgery to correct the situation.

Sometimes the first step is to just come in for a consultation and tell us what bothers you.  Not being a dentist you probably do not know what alternatives now exist to make you look even more beautiful.  If everything is fine and all you need or want is a cleaning we are also here for you.

Dental insurance actually covers a percentage for most dental treatments we provide so your expense is even reduced.  Even if going to the dentist is not on the top of your to-do list , if you find yourself raising your hand to cover your mouth whenever a photo is taken, or if your smile is always with your lips closed, maybe it’s time to come in and see what we can do for you.

A more pleasing smile could change your life for the better.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting new people and we love taking care of their teeth.  Conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets in Yorkville we are easy to get to.  So if you are so inclined give us a call today at 212 517 9000

You and your smile 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!

Peace Begins With A Smile

Mother Teresa once said “Peace begins with a smile” So smiling is good for all especially you.  How do you feel about your smile?  Are you at peace with it?  Are proud to flash a wide happy grin?  Do you believe it is beautiful?  Does it express your real you?

There are ways to restore or correct the vagaries of nature.   If you are not content with the appearance or condition of your teeth, gums or bite give us a call at 212 517 9000. 

For the past several decades I have been providing dental services for the rejuvenation of your smile.  A great smile will also make you feel a whole lot better and be a help as you travel through life.  It can be achieved today.

We’re conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville.

So call today – you and your smile 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 Mouthwash Or Not?

They come in all colors and flavors in small and large bottles.  To use or not to use; that is the question.  There’s the original yellow Listerine which we have all used when we have a sore throat.  It even tastes like medicine.  Is that a good thing? 

All these products claim to do something including fresher breath, fewer cavities and whiter teeth.  For most people with healthy teeth and gums it’s just a personal preference.  What are the benefits of using these products?

Cosmetic Benefits include freshening your breath for an important meeting or whitening your smile for a date.  The products temporarily control odors by masking them with a pleasant aftertaste but they don’t last long.

Therapeutic Benefits are used to control gingivitis, dry mouth and/or mouth sores

The problem with daily use of these rinses is many are alcohol based.  In that case you are continually ingesting alcohol into your oral cavity which is not in your best interests since alcohol dries out your mouth.  There are many alcohol free mouthwashes on the market which are the ones you want to use if you are using a mouthwash daily.

Most important to remember is that mouthwashes do not replace brushing or flossing.  It is only an adjuvant to these daily necessary routines.  When you have a sore throat due to a cold the old Listerine does help you to swallow easier.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we are here for you.  If you need a check up, cleaning or something more involved give us a call at 212 517 9000.  Conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we are a stone throw away if you live in the 10028, 10128, 10075 or 10021 zip codes.  The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are all a block away and there is plenty of bus service.  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!

Different Type of Dental Specialties

In dentistry there are specialties but all general dentists perform all the procedures of specialists.

Dentistry is somewhat different from medicine.  In medicine Doctors generally deal with one part or treatment of the body.  While in dentistry even though there are specialists most dental treatments are performed by general dentists.  The specialists are for challenging cases.

With proper training general dentists can and do perform treatments of all the specialties.   So what and who are dental specialists.  First they are all general dentists who obtain additional training in one area of dentistry and then limit their practice to only performing specific treatments.

Here they are:  Endodontists who are concerned with root canals

                                Orthodontists who are concerned with movement of teeth

                                Periodontists who are concerned with providing dental treatment to children

                                Periodontists who are concerned with maintaining gum health

                                Oral Surgeons who are concerned with removing teeth

All dentists extract teeth.  This is the final treatment for hopeless teeth.  Today we are able to save teeth which in the past would be extracted.  Difficult extractions, third molar or wisdom tooth extractions and patients who want to be put to sleep for their tooth removal are generally referred to an oral surgeon.

Oral surgeons are also placing implants at this time.

Root canals are mainly done by general dentists.  An advantage to the patient is that the fee charged by a general dentist for a root canal is less than what an endodontist would charge for the same treatment.   Once again it is the degree of difficulty of the tooth involved which determines if the patient should be referred.  In the United States there are not enough endodontists available to perform all the root canals that are needed so general dentists are doing the vast majority of them.

All dentists can and do work on children.  It is a personal decision of the dentist if he or she wants to treat children.  Treating children requires a different mindset and the staff needs to be trained to handle the unique needs of working on adolescents.

Gum surgery and implant placement which is what periodontists perform can and are being performed by general dentists.  It comes down to the training and confidence of the general dentist to perform these treatments.

Finally in orthodontics general dentists are performing a substantial number of treatments.  With the advent of clear aligners such as Invisalign tooth movement is becoming the province of general dentists.  Again it is the parameters and the difficulty of the case that determines if an orthodontic referral is necessary.

In dentistry the general dentist as the name implies is the General.  The specialists are the subcontractors who the general dentist engages if he deems their services are needed.   The average patient generally first goes to their dentist for an evaluation before ever seeing a specialist.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we are always happy to meet with new patients and to diagnose their condition.   We like people and we like taking care of you and your teeth.  If you think you need to see a dentist give us a call today at 212 517 9000.

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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!