Have you seen smiles that are obviously fake? Sometimes likened to Chicklets, uniformly straight, even, and ideally shaded teeth were once in high demand, but as attitudes about fashion and ideas of perfection evolve, a more natural-looking smile is the new goal – and some celebrities are even having their previous perfect smiles intentionally flawed in order to appear more natural.
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November is National TMJ Awareness Month, a month dedicated to increasing awareness of this common condition along with supporting efforts to find new and innovative ways to treat jaw disorders without surgery.
What is TMJ?
TMJ, sometimes called TMD, is the name given to over a dozen disorders that can have an impact on jaw alignment. It is estimated that 35 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ, though this number may be much higher as many people confuse its symptoms with something else.
Symptoms of TMJ may occur around the jaw...
Read MoreDuring the month of October, it is common to have more treats lying around the house. Some of these, like popcorn balls and cookies, are homemade. Many others are store-bought. Both may pose a threat to your oral health.
What are the Most Damaging Halloween Treats?
Sticky candy and treats (including popcorn balls...
Read MoreIn the most general terms, a dentist focuses on oral health and hygiene. A cosmetic dentist focuses on the beautification of the smile. General dentistry involves preventive visits for routine exams, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. It also includes treatment for decay, infection, and discomfort, such as dental fillings, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions.
Cosmetic dentistry may include procedures such as tooth whitening and porcelain veneers, as well as comprehensive services like a...
Read MoreTMJ is a blanket term for any number of conditions that affect the proper alignment of the jaw. Symptoms of TMJ may include:
- Chronic headaches
- Neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Grinding noises when chewing
- Swelling or pain in and around the jaw
While the exact cause of TMJ is not always known, there are links between jaw misalignment and bruxism (teeth grinding), a condition that is often worsened by too much caffeine. This can be far more noticeable in people with...
Read More Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile and effective cosmetic dental treatments available. Placed over the front of teeth, dental veneers can be used to conceal multiple flaws at once, restoring a bright, brilliant, and even appearance to smiles marred by:
- Chipped or cracked enamel
- Uneven tooth sizes
- Crooked tooth presentation
- ...
One of your most prominent facial features, your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A smile that is yellowed, dingy, or otherwise unattractive can, in some circumstances, make you look more aged and unhealthy. One of the best defenses against this, of course, is taking care of your teeth with a thorough daily hygiene routine and biannual visits to...
BOTOX® is a neuromodulator that works to interrupt the signal between nerve and muscle, thereby allowing the muscle to relax. When used for cosmetic purposes, this releases tension in the underlying muscle, producing a smooth look on the skin above. For medical purposes, such as the treatment of TMJ, BOTOX® works to release muscle tension and spasticity, which can help with both the immediate relief of pain and in the finding of the neutral jaw positioning, which is essential for further treatment.
Both common causes and symptoms...
Read MoreBruxism (tooth grinding) is one of the body’s unconscious responses to stress. So too is it one of the risk factors for TMJ, a painful condition related to the misalignment of the upper and lower jaw.
Symptoms of TMJ may include:
- Clicking or popping noises when opening and shutting the jaw
- Grinding noises in the jaw when...
Braces and Invisalign® are both orthodontic solutions that can have a profound impact on the health and beauty of your smile. Which one is right for you will be dependent on multiple factors, including your personal goals, and should be determined with the help of a qualified and experienced dental professional.
If you are considering braces or Invisalign® and live in the Manhattan area, call NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 to schedule your initial consultation and learn more.
Braces an Overview
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