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If you have missing teeth and need restorative work done, orthodontics and implants can work hand in hand to achieve your desired result. There are different scenarios that could require an implant before an orthodontic appliance or vice versa. Your case will be unique and Dr. Schulman will design the best plan for you. Here are some of the ways implants and orthodontics can work together to give you your smile back:

Implants provide anchorage for orthodontic appliances: For an orthodontic application to be effective it needs to be able to put sufficient torque on your teeth to move them. If you have several missing teeth there won't be anything for the appliance to anchor to.

This is where an implant can be used. If you replace the missing teeth with dental implants, you then have a sturdy anchor on which you can place braces or any other orthodontic appliance needed to correct the malocclusion.

Orthodontic appliances can be used to create space for an implant: When you have a missing tooth, surrounding teeth tend to drift and tip which doesn't leave an ideal space for a dental implant. However, we can use orthodontics to correct the space where the tooth was, positioning the adjacent teeth so as to make a perfect space for the implant. In the end, this correction lends to better hygiene, function, and aesthetics.

Mini implants can be used to close spaces: Mini implants can also be used to close spaces if you have a missing tooth or teeth. The mini implant or implants (a small titanium pin) are placed directly into the jaw and are used as an anchorage device to achieve the desired orthodontic result.

A combination of orthodontics and dental implants at our White Plains office may be what's needed to restore the form and function of your natural teeth.

Great question. If you need dental implants, crowns, bridges, cosmetics, or dentures the best decision you can make is to visit our White Plains office. Prosthodontists are one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, and they are the experts in the restoration and replacement of teeth and surrounding tissues.

What does a prosthodontist actually do?

A prosthodontist typically provides care for patients who are missing teeth or have substantial damage to their existing teeth, as well as with congenital defects and other problems arising from trauma and neglect. They can aid in the rehabilitation of a complete dentition or merely in the replacement of one or two teeth. While your general practitioner is capable of handling minor crown and bridge procedures, prosthodontists have been specially trained to handle all types of cases especially the more challenging ones.

If you have any questions about prosthodontics, want to schedule an appointment, or find out how we can help you attain the beautiful smile you've always wanted, we invite you to give us a call at Robert Marc Dental. We look forward to seeing you!

The average dental implant can last a lifetime if taken care of properly. In fact, studies have shown that the success rate of implants after ten years is about 90%! Of course, Dr. Schulman and our team know that the better you care for your implant, the longer it will last.

There are a few factors that must be taken into consideration, when you are considering dental implants. These factors all play a role in how long your dental implants will last.

• Bone Structure – You must have enough bone in your mouth for the implants to be inserted. Over time, the bone can wear down and become too thin or to short. In cases, where you may have just enough bone for the implants, over the years, the bone will continue to become smaller and thinner and the implants will not last nearly as long as the suggested minimum of ten years.
• Healthy Gums – Diseased gums will not support dental implants for very long. It is important to maintain regular dental visits to maintain your healthy gums.
• Good Oral Hygiene – Just because your implants are not your “real” teeth, doesn’t mean you have to take care of them. That means brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings.

Bone structure, healthy gums, and good oral hygiene all play a crucial role in the length of time your dental implants will last. Whether you have full dental implants, partial implants, or a single tooth implant. The bottom line is you have to take care of them if you want them to last as long as possible.

For more tips on how to maintain the health of your dental implant, visit our White Plains office!

TMJ stands for Tempromandibular Joint. It acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your mandible/jawbone to your maxilla (skull). Your TMJ assists in your jaws opening and closing, as well as chewing.

Tempromandibular disorder (TMD) is when you have pain in your TMJ joint, and in the muscles that control your jaw movement. Often, patients cannot open their jaws fully and are limited in their chewing function. Between 5% and 12% of the general adult population have some form of TMD, with people between the ages of 20-40 being more likely to develop TMD. It can also be genetic.

There is no single cause of TMD. It can be a result of many different factors, or a combination. For example, jaw injury (broken or dislocated jaw), teeth grinding/bruxism, malocclusion (teeth don't fit together), and stress, or arthritis. If you suspect you have TMD, you should visit your dentist first, and then possibly an oral surgeon if necessary.

There are several non-invasive options to alleviate TMD pain, such as medications or nonsurgical treatments. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, muscle relaxers for those who grind their teeth, and physiologic/custom made mouthguards are very effective appliances that can be made to help reduce stress, clenching, and grinding. The nightguard or occlusal guards help alleviate the muscles of mastication from constricting, and the jaw from clenching or grinding.

Recently, Botox has been an aid in relief of the symptoms of TMD. It has been found to be a muscle relaxant and decrease the hyperactivity of the muscles. However, it is recommended to try non-invasive options first and consult with a medical professional before opting for Botox.

If you think you may be suffering from TMD, make sure to give us a call at 914-949-8101, so we can get you scheduled right away!