Bernstein Dental Care: Blog

Patients at Bernstein Dental Care can rely on us for treating stains normal whitening methods won’t get rid of. Although our office offers bleaching, which is effective against the vast majority of dental stains, there are situations in which the stain may be too deep to be reached with surface treatments. These are called intrinsic stains, and they potentially represent a threat to the patient’s health. Intrinsic stains are harmless when they are caused by the tooth being exposed to dark-colored molecules during its formation. This can be caused by excessive amounts of fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics, and stains like these can be covered with a veneer. But intrinsic stains can also be caused by inflammation of the dental pulp. The body may not be able to fight off a tooth infection on its own, and if the infection spreads, the patient will be at risk for tooth aches, a facial abscess, and death. Root canals are the standard treatment for removing inflamed dental pulp. The advance...

What happens when tooth decay is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to justify a new crown? At Bernstein Dental Care, we provide patients with durable, custom-fitted inlays and onlays to restore their bite function and protect their teeth from further cracking. Inlays and onlays are partial crowns which are distinguished by their size. The grinding surfaces of the back teeth are made up of cusps separated by indentations. The indentations are where food commonly gets trapped and decay occurs, which is why sealants are used to make them easier to clean. An inlay nestles into an indentation like a permanent sealant, while on onlay replaces damaged cusps as well as indentations. Making a partial crown requires an impression to be taken of the patient’s mouth. The patient is then given a temporary crown while the partial crown is made at a dental laboratory. Once the completed partial crown is delivered, it can be cemented into the patient’s mouth during a return appointment...

If you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth at any point during the day, you may have a case of bruxism. Mild bruxism may not require treatment but if it causes chipped teeth or painful jaw problems, Dr. Paul Bernstein of Bernstein Dental Care may suggest a night guard. Though bruxism usually occurs during sleep, you may subconsciously clench your teeth while awake. Regardless of the cause, Dr. Bernstein can treat the problem. People who grind their teeth may be unaware of the problem because bruxism typically occurs during sleep. Bruxism can develop as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety or it may be the result of a misaligned bite or missing teeth. This condition can have many consequences because the grinding may wear down tooth enamel or lead to painfully broken fillings. If you wake up with pain in your jaw or suspect that you are a victim of bruxism, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. If you have questions or concerns related to bruxism, please give us a...

Nobody wants a smile that is dull and leaves a bad first impression, which is why Dr. Paul Bernstein at Bernstein Dental Care offers a wide variety of cosmetic services to provide you with the smile that you’ve always dreamed of. Cosmetic dental procedures are designed to improve not only the aesthetics of your smile, but the health of it as well. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers, as well as reshaping and contouring. While traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile as a whole. This type of dentistry is aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. If you have a grin that embarrasses you due to missing teeth, tooth discoloration, or teeth that are chipped or cracked, Dr. Paul Bernstein at Bernstein Dental Care will restore your confidence. If you’re not sure which procedure may be right for you, schedule a consultation, today. If yo...

Bad breath, medically termed halitosis, affects an estimated 25% of Americans. It’s one thing to have bad breath after eating onions and garlic, but it’s another to have persistent bad breath that is diminishing your confidence. If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits. If poor oral hygiene isn’t the cause, Dr. Paul Bernstein of Bernstein Dental Care will need to see you for a consultation to rule out any underlying conditions. The specific odor of bad breath may vary depending on the cause though most types are considered to be fairly normal. The best way to prevent bad breath is to keep your mouth as clean as possible after consuming a meal. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove food particles that have been left behind. Additionally, you should visit our office twice a year for routine cleanings to ensure that your dental health is in a good stance. If you are concerned about bad breath, please give us a call to discuss your treatment opti...

Dr. Paul Bernstein and Bernstein Dental Care have a solution for every orthodontic patient, and clear braces could be the one for you. Traditional braces are still the most common way adults and children correct their teeth. Clear aligners have become popular, but aren’t always effective for everyone.  If your orthodontic treatment requires traditional brackets and wires, clear braces use this straightening technique with materials designed to avoid the metallic look dreaded by so many patients. Aesthetic improvements have been made to traditional braces that can achieve the same results without the metallic look.  Brackets are now available in clear and translucent forms that are designed to resist staining.  To connect these brackets, wires the color of natural teeth are used.  The final look is not totally invisible but is much more subtle than traditional silver braces and doesn’t look metallic.  Almost any orthodontic patient can achieve the same great results as traditional brace...