Go for the gold

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

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.

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

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

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.

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

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

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.

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

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

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.

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!

Are Your Foundations Strong

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

You may not be aware but just like a beautiful building your teeth would not be present without a strong foundation to support them. Teeth are maintained in your jaw due to healthy bone and surrounding gum tissue. You could have a full set of teeth without any filings or decay and lose them to a poor foundation. Periodontal disease or gum disease which attacks the foundations of your teeth is preventable and also amenable to treatment. The good news is that you control the extent of gum disease in your mouth. The easiest way to prevent gum disease is through daily brushing and flossing. Ideally you should floss and brush twice per day. Once in the morning upon waking and a second time at night before retiring. You want to decrease the amount of bacteria in your mouth especially before going to sleep where bacteria thrive in an environment that is warm, dark and without air. Failure to brush and floss at night leaves excess food in your mouth. Upon waking you need to brush and floss to remove any overnight buildup. Also morning mouth can be disturbing to your friends. Realize all the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic, meaning without oxygen. When you brush your teeth you bring air into your mouth which contains 20% oxygen. Your teeth are squares or cubes and when you brush you clean the top, back and front but do not get in between. However when you floss you bring air in between your teeth reducing the levels of bacteria. All teeth have a cuff surrounding them which in health is 3mm in depth. When you eat, food accumulates in these pockets and if not removed breaks down releasing acids. In the first phase of gum disease called gingivitis the ligaments holding the teeth in your mouth are attacked. Once the pocket gets greater than 5 mm in depth you are no longer able to reach the base of the pocket through flossing since the floss would have to cut your gums to reach the bottom of the pocket. If food continues to accumulate in the second phase of gum disease called periodontitis the pockets will increase in depth. This leads to bone loss and eventual tooth mobility and tooth loss. Periodontal surgery is then necessary to save your teeth which are expensive and slightly painful. The good news is daily flossing and brushing with bi-yearly dental exams and cleanings will prevent this situation from occurring. So let the floss be with you for continued dental health.

If you are looking for a dentist we are here for you.  We are located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  Only one block from the 4,5,6 and Q subways lines it is easy to get to our location.  So, maybe you only need a cleaning or maybe you perceive something could be going on, then give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

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.

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 Are Talking Teeth Not Coffee

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

Do your teeth hurt upon waking in the morning? Do you experience dull pain or headache? Do you find your jaw to be sore or your bedmate giving you the morning look of being kept up at night? If so, then maybe you’re grinding your teeth at night to relieve the stresses of the Big Apple. Daily tooth grinding is not beneficial to the health of your teeth. They can fracture, loosen or experience increased wear leading to sensitivity and cavities. It’s like water continually running over rocks or two pieces of wood constantly being rubbed against each other. Over time the outer surfaces will wear down. The constant moving of your jaws can also lead to teeth abfractions. These formed notched areas on the sides of your teeth are similar to the bite of an ax when cutting down a tree leading to increased sensitivity and possible tooth fracture. The constant daily grind can bring muscle pain to your jaw and sides of your head. Meditation, yoga, exercise and a healthy diet can help to relieve stress. But if that’s not working we have a solution for you to help save your teeth from breaking. It’s called a dental night guard which as the name implies you wear at night to guard your teeth. It is made of a soft, flexible material and will protect your teeth from the hazards of grinding. New York can be a stressful place so we have made substantial numbers of night guards. The fabrication and wear is painless and may be covered by your dental insurance policy. So if this sounds like you or you know of someone who has mentioned this problem. Let us know and we’re here to make you feel a whole lot better.

At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit we like doing dentistry and meeting new patients.  At 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we are conveniently located one block from the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines and the Third Avenue buses.  So call today 212 517 9000. You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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!

Teeth Straightening for Everyone - It’s Possible With Invisalign

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

Everyone deserves to have a smile they love, and with today’s modern dental technology, that goal is attainable. A generation ago, straightening options were limited to old-school bracket-and wire braces. These work well, but they’re considered taboo for adults. Invisalign, which straightens your teeth using custom made clear trays, is a great alternative for patients of all ages. The way Invisalign works is not completely different from traditional braces. In both cases, your teeth are realigned gradually. The difference comes in form. With braces, an orthodontist regularly tinkers with your wiring depending on where you are in the process. With Invisalign, on the other hand, you change aligners throughout treatment as you move from origin to destination. Depending on the results you’d like to achieve, treatment usually lasts between 8 months and 2 years. Invisalign appeals to many patients for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the aligners are essentially invisible. Nobody will even know you’re wearing them. Despite their outward invisibility, the aligners do real, demonstrable work. Most patients start to notice changes in their smile as early as six weeks into treatment. Other advantages of Invisalign include comfort and removability. The clear aligners are made of a BPA-free thermoplastic material that’s smooth to the touch and lays flat against your teeth. They are so comfortable that you may even forget you’re wearing them. You should remove your aligners for meals and can take them out for special occasions, but this flexibility can be both a blessing and a curse. If you don’t wear your aligners as often as possible, you’ll stall your progress. The results of straightening your teeth aren’t just cosmetic. Straight teeth are less likely to break or develop gum disease, which means investing in your smile now will save you from needing treatments later. Invisalign is a great option for adults.

Call our office today to find out if Invisalign is right for you.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located right here on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we are always looking to meet new people and help them achieve a healthy mouth and attractive smile.  So if you only need a cleaning or believe something could be going on give us a call at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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!

Dental Insurance?

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

Who is Taking Advantage of Who?

One must remember that insurance companies are in business to make a profit meaning they have to take in more than they pay out.  They may have many phrases such as; Like a Good Neighbor, You’re in Good Hands, They are on your side but they are there to make a profit.

When they say Medicare Advantage Plans the advantage is with the insurance carrier as many find out.  Recently there were two big hurricanes in Florida.  Guess who’ll by paying on renewals in 2025 – everybody.

In dentistry dental insurance is usually obtained from your employer where you are part of a group.  Since there are generally many employees and many only go to the dentist when they are in pain the insurance company makes money based on the numbers.  If you try to get dental insurance on your own from the insurance marketplace you’re in for a surprise.

Only a person who goes to the dentist without insurance and suddenly finds they need a lot of treatment will proceed to the marketplace.  The insurance companies realize this and when you apply your coverage will be very limited or delayed.  They want you cleaned up on your dime before they will cover anything major.

Dental insurance companies take the attitude that if you brush and floss daily you will probably only need checkups, x rays and cleaning and this they can handle.  Their best customer is one who pays and never visits the dentist.

Since most dental treatment is not life threatening and there are many with no teeth who can still function they believe any substantial dental treatment needed is the patient’s fault and you should pay.  Most dental plans offer limited coverage so substantial treatment will max out your plan quickly.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS here in Yorkville we have been dealing with dental insurance companies for decades.  We know how they work and will be able to get you maximum coverage for your dental needs.

So, even if it’s only cleaning, come on down.  We are always happy to meet new people and take care of their dental needs.  Conveniently located on the Upper East Side at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets on the second floor of a five story brownstone we are here for you.  Give us a call today at 212 517 9000 you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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!

Plaque Attack

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

No we’re not talking about an outer space invasion from Mars but an invasion of bacteria within you.   There is good bacteria and bad bacteria and this is a bad one.  Anaerobic bacteria now reside within your oral cavity.  They like to reproduce and they like to do it in your mouth.  Why because that’s what they do and your mouth is an ideal environment for them to procreate?

Inside your mouth it is warm around one hundred degrees.  It is also dark since there is no internal lighting there and most important there is a continual source of food.  If you’re living you’re eating.  A warm, dark place with abundant food supplies is just what’s needed to get this show on the road.

When you do not adequately clean your teeth a thick sticky residue called plaque accumulates.   Consider the plaque a city of bacteria that’s growing.  Maybe you want to do some demolition work to remove these little buggers.  It’s easy if you’re flossing and brushing twice per day.   You’re ruining their day but making yours.

Clean teeth are healthy teeth and with your regime of daily cleaning along with a healthy diet and regular professional cleaning will keep you out of trouble. 

If you are lazy about cleaning your teeth the plaque will build up and produce acids which damages the enamel or outside layer of your teeth leading to tooth decay.  Like an iceberg most of the plaque is hidden and invades into the area under your gums leading to irritation and eventual gum disease.  This is problematic since the gums hold your teeth into your jaws.

A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth and gums and if not kept up to snuff due to plaque build-up give us a call today at 212 517 9000 for at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting new people and resolving their dental issues.

So call today – You and Your teeth will be glad you did

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!