Dr. Guy Spinner

Filling in the Gaps – Bonding

2008-12-18T15:03:00.002-05:00

Dental bonding is a quick, easy, effective fix for structural and cosmetic imperfections of the teeth. The procedure can be done in one simple office visit and makes an extraordinary difference with your smile. Here are the most common reasons to use bonding to create your beautiful smile:

Repairs cracks and chips
Covers discolored teeth
Fills gaps so you won’t have to use braces
Replaces unsightly silver amalgam fillings
Repairs misaligned teeth resulting in a more uniform smile

Bonding Benefits
The composite resin material used for bonding is flexible expanding and contracting with the natural movement of the teeth. The adaptable material means fewer cracks, fractures and tooth loss. Other benefits include:

It’s affordable
Relatively painless
Long lasting
Great alternative to more extensive treatments such as porcelain veneers, bridges and crowns

Bonding Procedure
The amount of time required to complete the procedure depends upon the extent of the repair. Most treatments are done in about an hour. Dr. Spinner begins by matching the bonding material with the natural shade of your teeth. An etching solution is applied to the damaged teeth to allow proper adhesion of the tooth-colored bonding agent. Several layers are applied and hardened with a special light. After all the layers are in place, the teeth are shaped and polished to create the perfect smile.

To learn more about dental bonding and Smile Solutions, please visit our website at: http://www.drspinner.com. If you are in Long Island, Westhampton, or Southampton, New York, let us take care of all your oral health needs; please call us today to schedule your first appointment.

Tooth-Colored Crowns

2008-11-10T16:47:00.002-05:00

When the natural tooth structure begins to decay or is damaged, the tooth’s foundation weakens and begins to fracture and fall apart. Dental crowns are used to cover and protect a tooth that’s decomposed and isn’t strong enough to hold a filling. Here are some other reasons Dr. Spinner might recommend a crown for a damaged tooth:

It’s not strong enough to hold a filling
It’s recovering from a root canal treatment
To correct a tooth’s shape, size or color.

Crown Types
There are different types of dental crowns that serve different purposes. An experienced cosmetic dentist like Dr. Guy Spinner can help you make the right choice depending on the location and primary use of the tooth. Gold crowns are best for teeth located in the back of the mouth because of gold’s strength, durability and fit. This strong material is needed to handle the strenuous chewing and grinding work of the back molars. Porcelain is preferred for the front teeth because of its aesthetic attributes. A tooth-colored porcelain crown can be tinted to match the rest of the patient’s teeth resulting in a more natural look.

Dental Crown Procedure
The complete procedure for inserting the tooth-colored customized crown takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Damaged and weak areas are first removed from the damaged tooth. The area is then built-up and reshaped to receive the new crown. An impression is taken and a matching tooth-color is selected to complement the crown with the rest of the teeth. A temporary crown is created and bonded to the natural tooth until the permanent crown is ready.

The impression and color palette for the new crown is sent to a lab for fabrication and is completed within 2 to 3 weeks. After the crown is finished, Dr. Spinner carefully examines it to make sure it fits perfectly in the patient’s mouth. The new crown is cemented into position then shaped and polished for a perfect fit and a perfect smile.

To learn more about tooth-colored crowns and Smile Solutions, please visit our website at: http://www.drspinner.com. If you are in Long Island, Westhampton, or Southampton, New York, please contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.

Porcelain Veneers

2008-10-08T15:54:00.001-04:00

Porcelain veneers can turn your embarrassing smile into a dazzling smile! No more crooked, chipped or stained teeth. Veneers correct almost any enamel damage revealing the natural healthy look you deserve.

Porcelain veneers are customized to align perfectly with your other teeth, fitting flawlessly over the surface of each tooth, completely covering any damage of the enamel. Their translucent ceramic quality gives them a strikingly beautiful and natural appearance.

It doesn’t matter what caused the damage or unattractive look of the tooth, porcelain veneers can solve almost any dental issue including:

Worn enamel: The enamel can lose its luster over time becoming dull, worn and discolored. The causes can be genetic or because of stain-producing consumption habits including: tea, coffee, smoking, medication, etc. Eventually the hard white covering becomes discolored, dull and worn
Wear and tear: As people age, teeth inevitably wear down, crack and chip
Genetics: Some people inherit abnormal spacing between the teeth which widens as they age
Uneven teeth from clenching, grinding and normal wear and tear

The Procedure
The entire procedure can be completed within three office visits. On your first visit, Dr. Spinner will work with you to pick the best size, shape and type of veneer to complement your smile. On the second visit, small amounts of enamel are removed to make room for your new veneers. You will be fitted with temporary veneers until your permanent customized set returns from the lab. On visit number three, the permanent veneers are bonded to your teeth to complete your smile transformation.

To learn more about porcelain veneers and Smile Solutions, please visit our website at: http://www.drspinner.com. Please contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.

Laser Dentistry

2008-09-04T13:15:00.002-04:00

Dentist appointments can be a nerve-wracking experience. The following are traditional procedures that can now be done with laser dentistry:

Cavity and defective gum tissue detector
Dental fillings cured quickly
Teeth whitening - speeds up and enhances bleaching agents
Reshape gum tissues and bones
Lengthen crowns
Speeds up the healing time for cold sores
Removes benign tumors from gums, palate, interior of cheeks, lips
Removes bacterial from periodontal pockets
Seals exposed tubules responsible for hot and cold tooth sensitivity

Laser technology offers may advantages for patients undergoing surgical procedures as well. Sutures and anesthesia are eliminated or reduced, tissue damage is minimized and patients experience less bleeding because of the blood-clotting benefits of lasers.

To learn more about laser dentistry and Smile Solutions, please visit our website at: http://www.drspinner.com. If you are in Long Island, Westhampton, or Southampton, New York, please contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.

Smile Maintenance (Tooth Care)

2008-08-21T15:35:00.002-04:00

Your dental health is just as important as your overall health. Neglecting your oral health can lead to tooth loss and many other serious health issues including malnutrition. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to start with a balanced diet. Always eat nutritious foods and choose from the five major food groups:

Grain products including breads and cereals
Fruits
Vegetables
Meat, poultry and fish
Dairy products including milk cheese and yogurt

Snacking

Eating an apple a day can really help keep the dentist away. Fruits, vegetables, cheese and plain yogurt are healthy choices for snacking. But keep them to a minimum because snacking encourages acid attack on your teeth. Acid can invade the tooth’s enamel for almost 20 minutes after chewing your food. The result is a breakdown in the tooth’s enamel leaving it vulnerable to decay.

Daily Oral Care

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to replace the brush every 3 to 4 months and don’t forget to floss everyday. Flossing is one of the most effective anti-decay practices you can do.

Dentist Visits

See Dr. Spinner at least once a year for a check-up and a professional cleaning. Dr. Spinner will also check for periodontal disease, or gum disease. It’s a silent destructor that’s very difficult to self-diagnose. Dr. Spinner can stop it and treat it if detected early.

To learn more about Smile Solutions and smile maintenance, please visit our website at: http://www.drspinner.com. If you are in Long Island, Westhampton, or Southampton, New York, let us take care of all your oral health needs; please give us a call today.

Headaches and Jaws - Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

2008-07-29T15:05:00.001-04:00

Headaches, popping at the jaw joint and jaw aches are all common symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders or TMD. Over 15 percent of all American adults suffer from this neuromuscular disorder. Because of the complexity of the jaw joint, the TMD patient experiences a myriad of symptoms:

Unusual facial pain
Clicking when opening and closing the mouth
Stiff jaw joints
Chewing, grinding or clenching teeth causes pain
Upper and lower teeth do not make a complete bite
Neck and shoulder pain
Ear pain and ringing ears
Sinus problems
Toothaches
Early signs of periodontal disease

The source of the discomfort begins where the jaw joint meets the skull. Pain and discomfort manifests itself along the adjoining muscles and ligaments of the joint as well as the head, ears, sinuses and upper body. An x-ray specifically designed to detect TMD is needed for a clear diagnosis.

There is relief available. From painkillers to surgery, an experienced TMD specialist can offer the best advice:

Non-Invasive Treatment
Ice packs and over the counter pain medications can alleviate minor symptoms. Other non-invasive treatments include the following:

Abstain from gum chewing
Eat softer foods
Stress reducing exercises
Muscle relaxants
Wearing a mouth protector to prevent grinding
Prescription medication
Jaw stretching exercises

Invasive Treatment Options
If the non-invasive treatments are ineffective, the next steps are pain relieving injections or oral surgery. An experienced TMD specialist can advise the best course of action.

To learn more about Smile Solutions and TMD, please visit our website at: http://www.drspinner.com. If you are in Long Island, Westhampton, or Southampton, New York, let us take care of all your oral health needs, because few things compare to the health and happiness of a beautiful smile.

More Young People Are Having Cosmetic Dentistry

2008-06-09T10:30:00.001-04:00

When they're embarrassed about their smile, young people aren't very different from adults in the way they act. Nor are they much different when they are proud of their smile. More children and teenagers are having cosmetic dentistry as the adult population is becoming more aware of the advantages of having it.

The way society views a person is almost absolutely based on first impressions. Even when time is taken to get to know someone's personality, initial appearances can still remain foremost in the minds of those we have set out to impress. This is true in social groups of any age bracket.

The result is that parents are allowing and encouraging their children to have smile-enhancing procedures from tooth straightening to tooth whitening. They know that their child's self-esteem and acceptance among peers is predominantly controlled by appearances. It is therefore important to many parents to be sure their children and adolescents are given maximum assistance in developing their self-confidence, starting at a relatively early age.

Some cosmetic dental procedures should not be done while the child is still developing and maturing. But many can be used to improve a young person's dental appearance. Braces, one of the standard dental treatments available for young people, are now less obvious and more comfortable to wear than in past years. Dental bonding for repair of a damaged tooth, porcelain fillings rather than gray metal fillings, some adjustments to the bite – pediatric cosmetic dentistry is becoming almost as regular as a six month professional cleaning.

Please contact Smile Solutions today if you would like to know more about the procedures we can offer to children and teens. We can help you determine which procedures would best now, and when others might be possible later.

C-Reactive Protein

2008-06-02T15:10:00.000-04:00

C-Reactive Protein

Researchers have published in the New England Journal of Medicine that elevated levels of C-Reactive Protein increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. Elevated C- Reactive Protein levels are a stronger predictor of heart attacks than elevated levels of cholesterol. It is now recommended that C-Reative Protein and cholesterol screening are used for accurate risk assessment of cardiovascular disease.

A study published in the Journal of Periodontology reported that inflammatory effects from periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection of the gums, cause oral bacteria by-products and these by-products enter the bloodstream and trigger the liver to make proteins such as C-Reative Protein that inflame arteries and promote blood clot formation, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. The American Heart Association and the Centers of Disease Control now recommend that Americans have their C-Reative Protein levels tested as part of their regular physical.

Oral Irrigators

2008-05-19T09:15:00.001-04:00

Oral Irrigators
Hydro Floss

What is an oral irrigator?
The concept of oral irrigators is to shoot a stream of pulsating water out of a nozzle or tip. Irrigators are effective at removing food debris, germs, and bacteria, which remain in areas that cannot be properly cleaned by brushing and flossing alone.

What is the difference in the Hydro Floss and another oral irrigator?
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (May 1993; 20: 314-317) titled “The Effect of Oral Irrigation with a Magnetic Treatment Device on Plaque and Calculus,” the group using an irrigator with a magnetic device showed a 44% greater reduction in calculus volume (p<0.0005) and a 42% greater reduction in area (p<0.0001) over the group using an unmagnetized irrigator. Exactly what does that mean? It means that when tested against an unmagnetized irrigator, the Hydro Floss is almost TWICE as effective.

But I use a Super Sonic Electric Toothbrush; do I still need an oral irrigator?
Yes! As good as some electric toothbrushes may be, they are still toothbrushes. They may clean the areas that they can reach much better than manual brushes, however, there are areas on the teeth, which no toothbrush, manual or electric, can clean. These are the areas most likely to cause problems.

URGENT NOTICE
Oral health in America: A report of the Surgeon General of the United States
“Periodontal (gum) disease affects 75% of adults and has been linked to numerous life-threatening illnesses, including heart and lung disease, stroke, diabetes, anemia, hemophilia, oral cancer, kidney disease, and low-birth weight and premature births.”
That’s 3 out of every 4 adults!
It is very important to see your Dentist at least twice a year, brush and floss, and use the Hydro Floss oral irrigator daily, for your oral health and overall health.

Where can I get a Hydro Floss?
Hydro Floss is available through your dentist, and also through a limited number of specialty catalogs or directly from H.F.I.

Porcelain vs. Bonding

2008-05-16T12:54:00.000-04:00

Today's cosmetic dentists, like Dr. Spinner of Westhampton, New York are not focused only on the oral health of their clients. They also put energy and creativity into the attractiveness and appeal of a person's smile.

Your smile says a lot about who you are and is often the very first impression someone will take in and remember about you. Both porcelain and bonding can enhance your smile and give long-lasting restorations. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Appearance
Porcelain more closely resembles tooth enamel. It is partially translucent, which means they are able to reflect the light the same way your own teeth do. Bonding, on the other hand, is opaque and does not reflect light. This may give less of a natural appearance to the treated teeth. Overall, porcelain remains the most natural in its appearance and is often the best choice for this reason.

Stain-resistance - Porcelain has the glass-like property of stain-resistance, whereas bonding will gradually stain as our natural teeth do.

Cost -The cost of porcelain is higher than it is for bonding.

Convenience - Porcelain needs two visits to be completed whereas bonding can be done in one.

Durability - Porcelain is extremely durable and if you care for you teeth as you should, with daily brushing and flossing to prevent bacteria from getting up under the porcelain crown or down below the gums to the tooth’s root, your porcelain restorations will last fifteen or twenty years, or more.

Bonding is less durable, but with that good daily hygiene, should last about ten years.

For more help in deciding whether porcelain or bonding is best for you, please contact Dr. Spinner's cosmetic dentistry office today for a personal consultation.

Dental Implants

2008-05-12T09:58:00.000-04:00

Dental Implants
Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Usually when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches.

If you are considering dental implants, your mouth will be examined thoroughly and your dental and medical history will be reviewed to ensure that dental implants are appropriate for you. Dental x-rays and, frequently, panoramic (or complete) x-rays of your jaws will be taken to evaluate your jawbone to determine if it will accommodate implants. Occasionally more detailed information is required and can be provided by special x-rays. They will help determine if additional tests or procedures are needed to place your implants properly.

The best way to describe a dental implant is to compare it to a real tooth. A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. The part of the tooth that you see and eat with is called the crown. Beneath the crown is the root, which anchors the tooth through the gum tissue to the jawbone. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace a tooth, we first have to replace the root. Essentially, a dental implant is a new root. This titanium root is fitted into a socket that is created in your jaw, replacing the lost root of your natural tooth. Once the implant has been placed, the bone around the implant will need to heal for up to six months. When this initial phase of healing is completed, a support called an abutment will be placed on the implant itself and then a new crown will be placed on top.

Oral Cancer

2008-05-08T13:49:00.000-04:00

Oral Cancer
Preventive Care

A visit to your dentist can be a lifesaver! Ask your dentist about the preventable disease that kills more people nationwide than either skin cancer or cervical cancer.
Fortunately, most oral “sores” or “lesions” are not harmful. But a small number are dangerous, and if not identified early, they may progress to a more advanced stage. The GOOD NEWS. When oral cancer is detected early by your dentist, it can be completely cured.

An oral lesion may be a persistant sore or irritation, a small, flat, red or white patch, or a growth, lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or irritated area. It is often painless, and you may not be aware of it. Because many oral lesions are flat, very small, or in an area of your mouth that you cannot see, they can often only be detected during a periodic oral examination by your dentist.

Oral cancer is a devastating disease when detected in its later stages. Late stage treatment usually involves major facial surgery with only half of such patients surviving past five years. Therefore, it is important to see your dentist regularly so that dangerous oral lesions can be detected at an early, curable stage.

More Men Are Having Cosmetic Dentistry

2008-04-11T12:56:00.001-04:00

If clothes make the man, why are so many men electing to have cosmetic dentistry these days? A great appearance includes much more than the latest clothing styles.

The simple truth is that no matter who you are, what you wear, how much you make, or what you drive, the first and lasting impression you will give anyone is of your smile. Shouldn’t you do everything in your power to make it a winner?

In today’s world of cosmetic dentistry, more and more men are coming forward to have work done on their teeth to improve their appearance.

Regardless of gender, everyone feels better about themselves and carries themselves with more pride when they can show off a bright, attractive smile with a mouth full of healthy looking teeth.

Whether you have a chipped or broken tooth, or your teeth have become more yellowed than you would like them to be, or a gap or two in the front teeth gives you a small-mischievous-boy look, please contact Dr. Spinner’s cosmetic dentistry office today and find out how we can improve your smile.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

2008-03-07T18:25:00.001-05:00

At our family dental practice in Long Island, New York, we believe it is important for our patients to be well-informed when choosing their cosmetic dentist. Skill level and education are first among many factors. Dr. Spinner is a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. This is the leading facility for advanced training incosmetic dentistry. Specialists who have graduated from LVI are highly skilled in assessing your dental status from both a health perspective and a beauty perspective. Their post-graduate training enables them to improve and maintain your dental health while enhancing the attractivenss of your smile.

When choosing a cosmetic dentist, you should thoroughly check into the person’s background and skills. A good place to begin is the AACD, or American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Accreditation with this or similar organizations assures you that your cosmetic dentist holds him/herself to the highest standards and ethical practices.

What else should you look for?

The cleanliness and comfort level of the facility
The cooperation and atmosphere among the staff
The dentist’s level of honesty and communication and how focused he/she is on your individual needs.

You can study the prospective dentist’s website to see what services are offered, what training and professional memberships the dentist has, and how interested the office seems to be in patient education. From the site, you can email to arrange for a consultation.

What information do you need?
During your consultation, it is wise to ask as many questions as possible until you feel comfortable not only with your prospective dentist’s answers, but with the overall feel of his personality and the office atmosphere.

What types of equipment and dental instruments are used in the practice? A well-qualified dentist will have the best and most up-to-date technology.
Ask to see some before and after pictures of his/her work.
Find out how long the cosmetic dentist has been in practice.
Find out how much experience he/she has in doing the procedures you have in mind for yourself.

Cosmetic dentistry of any kind is a big choice and should be considered very carefully before any final decisions are made. There are many factors in determining which procedure and doctor are right for you. To learn more please read about our cosmetic dental procedures.

When you feel ready, you can take that first step toward your new smile by contacting Dr. Spinner’s Long Island cosmetic dentistry office. Let us show you what we can do for you.

Tooth Whitening

2008-03-03T16:48:00.004-05:00

Did you know that whiter teeth can give you a more youthful appearance? The old adage, "looking good makes us feel good," is certainly true!

What causes tooth discoloration? There are many causes for tooth discoloration. The most common include aging, and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, red wine, tobacco, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive flouride may also cause tooth discoloration.

"ZOOM" is the world’s leader in chairside whitening. Whitening is the simplest form of cosmetic dentistry. You can have immediate, long-lasting results. It is safe, comfortable, convenient and it's the perfect choice for a busy individual.

Be assured that tooth whitening is a well-established procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Hydrogen peroxide, the active agent in Zoom, has been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue. The procedure is simple: It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. The clinician then applies the Zoom Whitening Gel, which was designed to be used with a specially designed light. The Zoom light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. With proper care, your smile will sparkle for years.

To find out more about ZOOM tooth whitening or other whitening procedures, please feel free to email us a question or call!

Advantages of Implants

2008-02-29T12:19:00.001-05:00

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that hold porcelain teeth. They are placed in the jawbone, filling the gap left by the missing tooth root. If you generally have healthy teeth and gums, aside from losing one or two teeth due to an injury or some form of periodontal disease, then dental implants are a good answer for you. Here are some of their advantages.

They anchor replacement teeth without affecting the surrounding teeth as bridges do
They can support bridges and remove the need for partial dentures.
They can provide additional support to existing dentures to make them more comfortable and secure.

The implant is placed either into your jaw bone or on top of it and under the gum tissue. The bone tissue grows in around the implant, incorporating it into itself and creating a strong anchor for the replacement tooth. When this healing is complete (after several months), the artificial tooth or teeth are fixed on to the implant with care taken to match the color and texture of your own surrounding teeth.

Dental implants are a better option than dentures or bridges because they fill that gap in the jawbone. If the gap is left there, the jawbone will shrink to fill it and this will change the shape of your face, making it look older. With proper placement by a skilled dentist, implants can last for the rest of your life.

Contact us today to learn what dental implants can do for you.

Smile Makeovers: Not Necessarily Extreme

2008-01-30T10:45:00.001-05:00

When you hear the phrase smile makeover, do you conjure up drastic, overwhelming changes? Changes that will make it difficult for your own mother to recognize you? A smile makeover does not have to be that drastic and does not have to involve hours of discomfort in your cosmetic dentist's chair.

A smile makeover doesn't have to be extreme to make a world of difference in your appearance. You may only need to make a few small, quick and painless changes in order to give yourself that bright, attractive smile you have always wanted.

For dull or stained teeth, you can have a tooth whitening treatment done. For a chipped or broken tooth, dental bonding can quickly and easily reshape your tooth to look the way it used to. Other procedures are available as well, such as porcelain veneers to cover the fronts of your teeth and white fillings to replace the blatant metal amalgam ones you may now have. Whatever your individual needs are, there is help available.

At Smile Solutions, we believe that just a few minor changes can drastically improve not only your smile, but your sense of pride and self-worth. Looking great makes you feel great. Contact us today for a private consultation about your smile makeover.