According to the ADA (American Dental Association) Americans spent $124 billion on their dental health in 2017. A very large amount of that went towards restorative treatments that could have been avoided with good oral health habits and by going to your dentist on a regular basis. In short, dentistry is not expensive, neglect is.

By having great preventative care, you reduce the risk of any type of gum disease, cavities and other oral health issues. Even if dental problems are found, by detecting them at an early stage can mean less expensive treatments are needed. If you are experiencing any dental issues at all please don’t hesitate to call Philly Dentistry at 215-568-6222.

You may still be wondering why preventive treatment is so important? Preventive treatment is important because it saves you money, time and most importantly discomfort. By maintaining good dental habits like visiting one of our great dentists every 6 months can help detect any issues at an early stage so the problem doesn’t worsen and can be fixed right away. Dental cleanings are essential because without getting them regularly can cause you to develop gum disease. Gum disease can eventually lead to gum recession and even bone loss. By getting your cleanings every six months, one of our awesome hygienists will remove any tartar buildup before it gets in the gum line and causes gum disease. The good thing about gum disease is if detected early it can be reversed quickly with the proper care.

Remember dentistry is not the expensive part, it’s ignoring your teeth which can end up being really expensive in the long run. Here are some tips to avoid having an expensive dental bill.

• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes.
• Floss one a day.
• Reduce your sugar intake.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Make sure you’re going to your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups every 6 months.
• Schedule an appointment right away if you are experiencing any problems.
• Don’t put off dental treatments.

The wait is over, give us a call, email or even send us a direct message on social media and we will get you scheduled ASAP so you can maintain healthy teeth & gums for life. 215-568-6222. info@phillydentistry.com or follow us @PhillyDentistry.

Are you unhappy with the straightness of your teeth? Are you thinking about orthodontics to treat your misaligned teeth? A recent study prepared for Invisalign by Harris Poll stats that almost 80% of patients who finished orthodontic treatment felt that by straightening their teeth was one of the most life-changing decisions that they ever made. For most people the main reason to straighten their teeth is for improving their appearance and gaining more confidence, but there are also more significant health benefits that most people don’t realize. Here are the top 3 health benefits for straight teeth.

1. Straight teeth are easier to clean. When you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day it is easier to clean your teeth when they are straight rather than crooked or crowded. When your teeth are crowded it’s more likely for bacteria to get caught in between and cause cavities. If the bacteria that builds between your teeth is not removed daily then plaque builds up in the gum line and can cause gum disease. Signs of gum disease are red, swollen or bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath and eventual tooth loss. This is why it’s so important to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits.

2. Straight teeth create healthy bites. The purpose of getting orthodontics according to the ADA is to create a healthy bite. When your teeth don’t align properly it can cause oral health problems such as; tooth decay, impaired speech and chewing, uneven wear to the tooth enamel, jaw pain, chips or cracking of your teeth. At your next appointment ask your dentist how they can save your smile from any premature wear and prevent any future dental issues.

3. Straight teeth and a healthy smile contribute to your overall health. There are two main areas that contribute to your overall health and that’s your mental health and your physical health. When it comes to your mental health happiness is key and smiling makes you happy! When you have a beautiful straight smile, you’re more likely to smile which in turn will make you happier. By straightening your teeth, you will be more confident in your every day life. The next area is your physical health. Your oral health impacts your overall health. When you have bad oral health, it can lead to gum disease and allow oral bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Gum disease can also lead to heart disease, diabetes and other systemic diseases.

Now that you know the importance of having straight teeth it’s time to ask your dentist or orthodontist about Invisalign. Invisalign is the new faster way of straightening your teeth without the embarrassment of having bulky metal braces in your mouth. Give us a call today to set up a free new patient consultation and find out how Philly Dentistry can help your overall health and confidence 215-568-6222.

Everyone knows that regular dental exams are important to dental health. It’s recommended that you visit your dentist every 6 months to stay up to date with your dental hygiene. At your first appointment at Philadelphia Dentistry you will receive a free dental exam along with free cavity detection x-rays. Here is what your dentist wants you to know during your dental exam.

1. It’s important to know that you should change your toothbrush every 3 months. Most toothbrushes get worn out and have bacteria on them after 3 months of use. This is why it’s important to change your toothbrush to a new fresh one so your mouth stays clean from any harmful bacteria. If you have gum disease such as, gingivitis it’s recommended that you change your toothbrush every 4 to 6 weeks. Another important tip is to wash your toothbrush with hot water after using it and always, always, always replace it after you’ve been sick.

2. Maintaining your dental health in between appointments is easier than you think. The most important thing you can do is stick to a good oral hygiene routine. This means you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Also, by eating a healthy diet you’ll have healthier teeth and gums. So, make sure you are staying up to date with your regular dentist appointments to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.

3. Truths about root canals are that they’re not actual painful. Many people are under the assumption that root canals are very painful, but this is not the current case for root canal procedures. Thanks to advances in the latest dental technology and equipment, root canals are as painless as having a cavity filled, which is also a pain-free experience. When you have either of these procedures your dentist will normally numb the area completely, which lasts until the pain has dwindled.

4. Dental problems do not fix themselves. This is why it’s important to see your dentist with any dental problems so it doesn’t worsen. If you ignore the problems in most cases the problem will worsen and cost you more in the long run.

5. Do you have bad breath? Dental issues may be the cause. On a regular basis if you have bad breath there’s a good chance that it’s because of your dental health. Bad breath is a dental condition and could be treated with mouthwash. Mouthwash may help with the odor for a little bit, but you will need to inform your dentist so they can find the underlying issue and find a solution for you.

6. Regular check-ups and cleaning at your dentist office are crucial. One of the best things you can do for you dental hygiene is to visit your dentist on the regular basis. This ensures that if there are any problems they can be addressed right away. This will prevent you from any problems such as, cavities, gum disease, root canals and so on. Prevention care is very important to maintain your oral hygiene. If you’re over due for you regular cleaning and check-up give us a call today and we would be happy to see you. 215-568-6222.

7. Periodontal disease or gum disease will affect your overall health, not just your oral health. Gum disease is linked to the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also linked to other health problems such as, heart disease and strokes. The good news is that gum disease, if caught early can be treated and reversed. If you don’t get your gum disease treated right away the problem can worsen and eventually lead to bone loss. This is why it is so important to maintain good oral hygiene and to visit your dentist every 6 months to catch any early stages of this disease so it can be treated.

8. At Philly Dentistry we include a free oral cancer screening with all our exams. It’s a fact that one person ever hour of every day dies from oral cancer, making it one of the deadliest diseases in the United States. During your dental exam one of our experienced doctors or hygienist will take a look for any signs of oral cancer. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if it is diagnosed at an early stage. This is why it is very important to stay up to date with your routine dental exams.

9. The best thing you can do between dental exams is to brush every day. When you brush the recommend amount of twice a day, every day you are getting rid of any plaque build up which would cause cavities or tooth decay. This is the easiest and best thing you can do between your routine dental exams. Flossing daily is also very important because it gets any plaque you missed from brushing that is in between your teeth.

Now that you know things your dentist would want you to know about your dental exam, it’s time to schedule your next check-up and cleaning. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is very important for your overall health so please give us a call, email or reach out to us on social media and we would be happy to help you smile more!

Phone: 215-568-6222
Email: info@phillydentistry.com
Social media: @PhillyDentistry

You want straight, healthy teeth? Here’s how to understand exactly what to ask your dentist!

When choosing a dentist or orthodontist to complete your clear aligner therapy, you want to make sure that they have a lot of experience with Invisalign. The more cases that have been completed by the dentist, the more knowledge the dentist has and the better they can help you and more predictably treat your case. When visiting a dentist and considering Invisalign, make sure to ask the following questions during your consultation:

1. How long have you been certified as an Invisalign Dentist?
2. How many Invisalign cases have you done? How many in the last 6 months? Do you have any awards from Invisalign?
3. Can I see some before and after pictures of some of your Invisalign Patients that have the same or a similar situation as me?
4. Are there any alternatives for my smile? Do you offer those alternatives?
5. How many Invisalign patients did you see this week? This number should be at least 5 for a practice that is well-equipped and knowledgeable on Invisalign.
6. Do you offer any sort of warranty or guarantee? In our office we stand behind our work 100%. We want you to be happy with the level of care, service, and dentistry that we provide and will work with you until you are satisfied.
7. Is the dentist passionate about Invisalign? The enthusiasm a dentist and the staff have for his/her work will be evident throughout your entire consultation. Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. Go with your gut instinct.
8. Are your fees comprehensive or should I expect other additional costs?
9. Are retainers included at the end?
10. Do your fees include X-rays that are necessary to be taken?
11. Are refinement trays (extra trays to verify the teeth are straight) included or do I have to pay additional fees at the end?
12. Am I a candidate for Invisalign Express treatment through Invisalign 5 or Invisalign 10 or am I a comprehensive case?
13. Will I need to have attachment buttons placed on the front teeth? How noticeable will they be?
14. Do you anticipate there to be a lot of Interproximal Reduction (slimming between the teeth) for my situation and will this increase my risk for cavities? Interproximal reduction is when the dentist creates space to help the teeth move. This is not painful and is necessary in many cases.

Make sure to do your research before choosing your provider. You should always feel comfortable in a dental setting and understand each step of the process.

We at Philadelphia Dentistry have more experience in Invisalign than all other dentists in the Philadelphia region. See us for the experience, the best treatment, the shortest treatment time and the most predictable results.

Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Cirka, Dr. Jeon and Dr. Smith today!

Could your face or jaw pain indicate TMJ?

Do you find that your jaw feels sore upon waking up?  Do you have a hard time chewing or does your jaw feel “stuck” when you open or close your mouth?  Do you suffer from migraines or sore teeth?  If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you may have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ, caused by clenching and grinding your teeth.  The pain source is the joint that connects the jaw to the temporal bones in your skull.  Problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders.  The pain resulting from TMJ can be almost intolerable, but luckily there is more than one treatment option and relief is attainable and affordable.

What is an NTI and what is it used for?

An NTI is one of the only FDA approved dental devices used to combat migraine headaches without surgery.  NTI stands for Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition and it is a plastic device that fits on the back teeth, meant to stop the headaches and facial pain that are symptomatic of clenching.   The NTI works by relaxing the muscles and reducing the force of the clenching and minimizing the pain from the source.  Using an NTI while you sleep, you can see relief from headaches, neck pain, sore jaws and related pain.

Nightguard vs. NTI

There are some patients who do more grinding versus clenching and are better served with a custom nightguard which we professionally make in our lab. We discourage patients from trying an “over-the-counter” nightguard because they can actually cause you more harm than good. An improperly made nightguard may damage your joint, cause facial pain or increase headaches. Dr. Cirka, Dr. Jeon or Dr. Smith will see exactly what will work to help you with your symptoms.

In Philadelphia, Dr. Cirka, Dr. Jeon and Dr. Smith have treated thousands of dental patients who suffer with migraines and worn teeth. You may find that with regular use of your NTI or nightguard, you’ll be more productive throughout the day because your pain is reduced and you feel more comfortable with less tension and stress.

You never think it’s going to happen to you, until it happens to you! There you are watching a movie with your significant other, eating popcorn when suddenly you bite down on a kernel and “crack” you chipped your tooth! Your initial thought is fear, you think “what am I going to do now?!” Luckily for you, Philadelphia Dentistry can fix your chipped tooth right away.

When you chip your tooth the first thing you should do is rinse your mouth with warm water so your mouth is clean. After that, apply something cold to the area to reduce any swelling. Finally, pick up the phone and call Philly Dentistry at 215-568-6222 and we will take great care of you right away.

There are some different options when you chip your tooth and one of our excellent doctors will take a look and let you know what they recommend you do to give you the best smile. The most common option is tooth bonding. The dentist will use a special resin color to match perfectly to your natural teeth and will carefully fill in the area that is chipped. Once completed you will not even know you chipped your tooth, that’s how natural it will look. Another option would be tooth contouring. This method is to be used for light chips. We will remove a small amount of your tooth’s enamel and smooth out the area of your tooth to give it that all-natural look so no one will ever even notice you chipped your tooth. The next option would be dental veneers. Veneers are an extremely strong shell-like cover that is bonded over your teeth. They will fix any type of chips you may have large or small while still giving you a natural look. Finally, dental crowns can also be an option for your chipped tooth. Dental crowns are made to look like your healthy teeth and can hide any type of chip. A crown is like a cap that goes over the damage area to protect it from any further problems.

Now you know all your options and what to do when it comes to a chipped tooth. Hopefully it doesn’t happen to you, but chances are if you’re reading this blog then you chipped your tooth. Some common situations in which teeth can get chipped are:

• Tooth decay
• Chewing anything too hard
• Using your teeth to open something or to hold on to something
• Grinding your teeth when you sleep

If any of these scenarios happen to you the best thing to do is to stay calm and give us a call at (215-568-6222), send us an email (info@phillydentistry.com) or slide into our DM’s on Instagram @PhillyDentistry and we will be happy to help you out!