Inlays and Onlays

The Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center provides patients with many types of restorations to keep their teeth beautiful and working correctly. One type of restoration which other people may not see very often but which makes a huge difference is the partial crown. Known as an inlay or an onlay, this kind of restoration repairs the grinding surface of a molar or premolar.

The difference between an inlay and an onlay is how much of the tooth surface it replaces. The back teeth have several raised, pointy bits, called cusps, with indentations in between. Inlays fill in the indentations, while onlays cover indentations and damaged cusps. If the patient needs a partial crown because of tooth decay, Dr. Malik will remove the decayed material before making an impression of the patient’s mouth. This impression is then sent to a lab where a custom-fitted partial crown will be milled out of porcelain.

Placing the inlay or onlay only takes a single trip, once it’s been made. Patients will soon be chewing comfortably again.

Shireen Malik, D.D.S, operates the Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center at 1128 Walnut Street, Ste 500, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 191078. To schedule an appointment, call 215-279-1193 or visit NicholasCosmeticDentalCenter.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Orthodontics before Implants

The Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia is equipped to provide for a wide range of patients’ cosmetic and orthodontic needs. But patients who need extensive work done may not know what to get first. Implants are an incredibly effective type of restoration but they nearly always need to be placed after orthodontic work has been completed.

If the orthodontics are needed to correct overcrowding, there may not be room for the implant, let alone a new crown. But the main reason orthodontics don’t work on implants is the way in which implants need to fuse with the patient’s jaw bone. Endosteal implants get their name from the endosteum, a layer of tissue inside bones. An implant is inserted into this layer and if the osseointegration process goes correctly, new bone tissue will grow around it. The bone and titanium matrix won’t be pushed out of place by any orthodontic device, nor would a patient want it to be.

Because implants cannot be moved, it is important for the arches of a patient’s teeth to already be in the right shape if the artificial tooth is to align properly. However, patients who already have implants may still be able to undergo orthodontic treatment. It depends on which teeth need to be moved and to where. In some cases, an implant can actually provide helpful anchoring to the jaw ridge.

Shireen Malik, D.D.S, operates the Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center at 1128 Walnut Street, Ste 500, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 191078. To schedule an appointment, call 215-279-1193 or visit NicholasCosmeticDentalCenter.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dental Bridges

Missing teeth need replacements for the health of your mouth, the ability to chew, speak, and much more. One of the popular options we have here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA is the dental bridge.

A bridge works by using the two teeth adjacent to the open space to fit a new tooth in between them. There are also bridges available for when a tooth only has one adjacent tooth because it is missing on the end of your upper or lower set of teeth.

To place a bridge, first, we prepare the two adjacent teeth so that crowns can fit on top of them. This involves reshaping them. We then take impressions so a dental laboratory can create the bridge. The bridge itself consists of the two crowns with a full replacement tooth in the middle, called a pontic. The patient will wear a temporary bridge while the permanent bridge is being created. A couple of weeks later, the custom bridge is bonded into place. The patient now has a natural-looking and durable solution for a missing tooth.

Replacing missing teeth helps keep good speech, chewing ability, and a sturdy jawline. It also helps you flash your best smile!

If you want to learn more about dental bridges, contact Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center by giving our Philadelphia, PA office a call or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Dental Sealants for Cavity Protection

Cavities are no fun to get filled and they are not good for your dental health in the first place. During a certain age group, cavities can become prevalent. This is why here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we are able to provide patients with dental sealants. They are great cavity prevention for kids or adults.

Dental sealants are placed on the chewing surfaces of molars to block out bacteria and debris from the deep grooves. The sealant is a liquid plastic material that is hardened with a curing light. Sealants are great for kids between the ages of six to fourteen, also known as the cavity-prone years. Adults may also benefit from sealants if they have not had any cavities or fillings in their molars. Sealants can last for up to ten years or longer.

To place sealants, the teeth are first cleaned and dried. An acidic solution is then placed on the teeth to roughen up the surface. This aids a strong bond between the sealant and the tooth. The acidic solution is rinsed off, the teeth are again dried, and the sealant is painted onto the surfaces. A curing light is then applied for hardening. The patients can use their teeth normally shortly afterward.

Sealants provide that extra protection for teeth that need it. To schedule your appointment with Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Make Sure You Are Spending Enough Time Brushing!

It takes about two minutes to hit every spot in your mouth effectively while brushing. How do you keep track of the two minutes? At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we want to be sure our patients are keeping up with their dental hygiene. Check out some great ways to ensure you are brushing long enough!

Song and Dance

Play your favorite tune while brushing your teeth. Most music players have a timer on it as the song plays, so just make sure you brush at least until the two-minute mark.  Every thirty seconds brush a different quadrant of your mouth. Also, do not forget your tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth! Dancing is optional.

 

Your Cell Phone

Phones are so much more than just phones now. They are music players, entertainment, the Internet, and they are clocks for a lot of people! Set your phone’s timer for two minutes for an easy way to keep track.

 

Old-school Timers

Consider getting an hourglass to use as a timer! In this case, you would get a minute glass and flip it twice. You can even look into getting a fancy one to add to your bathroom décor!

 

Electric Toothbrushes

Many electric toothbrushes also have timers on them. They pause the vibrations a couple of times or beep when the two minutes mark has been reached.

 

A good at-home oral care plan is vital to your overall health. To schedule your next appointment with Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in our Philadelphia, PA office, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com.

 

Healthy Foods for Teeth and Gums

Food is what fuels our bodies. It is well-known that we need to eat the right things so we get the proper nutrients, but did you know that it also counts for your oral health? At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we want our patients to the proper nutrition can lead to better oral health. Keep reading to learn more!

Probably the most well-known nutrition needed for your smile is calcium. Foods rich in calcium like milk, cheese, and yogurt are great for building and keeping strong teeth. There are also benefits from yogurt which has good bacteria that fight off odor-causing bacteria and from milk which lowers acid levels in your mouth. Acid leads to erosion of enamel, so keeping the levels low is important!

There are also foods that actually help clean your teeth. Crunchy, fibrous foods like carrots and cucumbers actually help clean your teeth as you eat them. They remove plaque as you bite into them and chew them. If you ever find yourself in need of a brushing without a toothbrush around, look for the veggies!

Gum health is also vital for complete oral health. For good gum health, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits can help out. They strengthen the blood vessels and connective tissues that hold your teeth to your jaw. They can also help reduce any inflammation.

Remember your teeth and gums when getting your daily vitamins and minerals in! To set up your next cleaning and examination at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Avoid Theses Habits While Wearing Braces

Just as there are bad habits that can harm your teeth, there are also bad habits that can hinder the effectiveness of braces. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we want our patients wearing braces to facilitate the best oral environment possible for braces. The end result will be a beautiful, healthy smile.

Hard Objects                                                        

Even without braces, it is known that biting hard objects like fingernails, ice, pens, etc. can be bad for teeth. It can cause weakening, worn down enamel, and it can cause chips and fractures. While wearing braces, this is even truer. Due to the pressure that braces apply to the teeth, they are even more sensitive. The pressure from biting hard objects can also slow down the progression of braces, making your treatment longer. In addition to hard non-food objects, you should also avoid hard food like raw carrots and popcorn.

 

Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugary foods and drinks can cause cavities in teeth when consumed too frequently; however, with braces, there are even more places for sugar to hide. Avoid making candies and pops staples of your diet. In addition, make a point to rinse your mouth after consuming them.

 

To learn more about the orthodontic options here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Your Brushing and Flossing Routine While Wearing Braces

While wearing braces, there are a few changes that should happen in your dental care routine. A little extra protection is needed so when the braces come off, your teeth are healthy, strong, and beautifully straight. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we think it is important that patients are aware of these changes.

Brushing the chewing and inside surfaces of your teeth will be like normal; however, to brush the fronts of your teeth, you will need some extra supplies and techniques. When you go to brush around your braces, angle the toothbrush and brush along the tops and bottoms of the brackets. To get the sides, take an interdental toothbrush and scrub. These are tiny, tree-shaped brushes that allow you to get underneath the wires. You can find them where most dental supplies are sold.

Flossing may also take some extra time but it is still very important for avoiding cavities and keeping teeth stain-free. Floss with a threader attached to it will help you get the floss over and under the wires easier to speed up the process. There are also separate threaders you can buy.

Braces can add some extra effort in your daily dental care but do not forget, when the braces come off you will have a smile you can be proud of! To schedule your next appointment at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Helping Your Child Overcome Dental Fear

Do you have a child who fears their dental appointments? They are not alone. We understand that kids can be scared when they are in unfamiliar territory; however, here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable when they visit us. Take some tips calming down your child’s dental fears.

Unfamiliar locations and new experiences can make some children nervous. This is completely natural. This means that the younger you start taking your child to the dentist, the more at ease they may feel. Kids should begin seeing their dentist at a young age, anyway. They should have their first dental appointment as soon as they grow in their first tooth, or by the age of one if that has not happened yet. To further help your child become more comfortable, set up a pretend dental appointment at home. It will help them feel more at ease during the real thing.

When you tell your child that they have a dental appointment coming up, speak about it in a positive tone. Tell them how healthy they will be after the appointment. Also, praise good behavior after the appointment.

Our patients’ comfort is on the top of our priority list. To schedule your child’s appointment with Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center here in Philadelphia, PA, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

The Consequences of Poor Oral Care

Skipping brushing your teeth can lead to more than just bad breath and yellow teeth. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we are dedicated to informing our patients about good oral health. Read on to learn some of the consequences of taking poor oral care.

Brushing and flossing your teeth is to remove plaque that builds up from food, saliva, and other debris. After brushing, plaque (a bacterial film) builds up just hours later. This is why brushing should be done two or three times per day. Plaque that is not brushed away turns into tartar which is only able to be removed by a dentist.

When plaque and tartar are not removed, they begin to irritate the gums, leading to gum disease and causing gum tissue recession. Receded gums form deep pockets where bacteria can collect. These pockets are hard-to-reach areas so it often makes clearing up gum disease very difficult.

Gum disease can cause bleeding, painful gums, the spread of infection, and the loss of teeth. In addition, it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Extensive dental cleanings and even gum surgery may be needed to clear up severe gum disease.

To keep a healthy mouth, brush two to three times per day and floss once per day.  In addition, schedule routine dental visits at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA. To schedule, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Foods to Avoid with TMJ Pain

When dealing with TMJ pain, you will have to become aware of what causes your pain. For many, simply chewing their food can cause irritation. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we want to give our patients a heads up on the foods that can irritate the jaw.

Very chewy foods are a type of food that should be avoided when you have TMJ dysfunction. Sticky candies like caramel and gum, tougher meats and chewy shellfish should be avoided. Choose tender cuts of meat and cook it accordingly. If you still have a taste for seafood, choose a more tender option like fish.

Crunchy and hard foods can also be very aggravating to the TMJs. Crunchy chips and popcorn take a lot of force to chew through. Raw carrots are another likely culprit. Carrots and other hard veggies may be irritating raw, but they are still important for your nutrition, so just cook them until they are softer and easier to chew.

In addition to irritating foods, overextending your mouth can also cause TMJ irritation. Cut your food into smaller pieces.

TMJ dysfunction can be painful. Here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we are able to treat our patients with TMD in our Philadelphia, PA office. To schedule with us, call (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that should not be ignored. In order to help our patients breathe easy at night, at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we treat sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is dangerous because a patient can stop breathing throughout the night ten times or a hundred times. It leads to increase risk of heart failure, stroke, liver problems, are more. It also leads to daily daytime fatigue.

In our Philadelphia, PA office, we have several surgical options to solve sleep apnea. An uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is a procedure we perform that removes excess tissue from the soft palate and the throat. Another option is maxillomandibular advancement, which moves the whole jaw forward and creates more room in the back of the throat. When these procedures do not work, we can perform a tracheostomy. In this procedure, we insert a tube in the throat that is open for breathing during sleep and closed during the day.

Sleep apnea is a problem that needs to be addressed. If you are suffering, schedule an appointment at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA. To schedule, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Picking the Right Toothbrush

Doing a good job with brushing your teeth can depend on what toothbrush you are using. With all of the different options, how are you sure that you are using the right one for you? Check out our simple tips for picking out a good toothbrush. In addition, make sure you are coming into our Philadelphia, PA office for your routine cleanings! Everyone here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center wants to make sure their patients know how to take great home-care of their teeth.

You want to be able to maneuver your toothbrush around your mouth well so that you can reach every corner. For this reason, choose a toothbrush with a small head. You may think that a bigger head with more bristles will be best; however, if you cannot get it behind your teeth or to the backs of your back molars, you will frequently be missing spots. Also, choose a toothbrush with a non-slip grip for the same reason.

For those who have trouble using their hands, an electric toothbrush may be a good idea. They do most of the work, so you just have to hold them up in the right place. There are even toothbrushes made for those with arthritis.

When it comes to bristles, you do not want to choose stiff ones. Stiff bristles wear down enamel and irritate gum tissue. This can lead to sensitive, cavity-prone teeth and receded gums. Choose a soft or medium bristled toothbrush, instead.

Follow these tips and you will be on your way to clean teeth! To schedule an appointment at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, call our Philadelphia, PA office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Avoiding Bad Breath

Bad breath stinks; both figuratively and literally! Fortunately for you, Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia, PA has you covered! Take some of our tips for keeping fresh breath!

Don’t let bad breath cause you embarrassment! Just remember the two most important things: cleanliness and hydration.

Cleanliness

It is probably most important to remember that bad breath comes from bacteria inside your mouth. Keep bacteria at bay by brushing two to three times per day and flossing once per day. You may also want to use a mouthwash. However, choose a mouthwash that does not have alcohol in it, as this can dry out your mouth and cause bacteria to thrive. In addition to your home oral care, visit your dentist for routine cleanings.

Hydration

Hydration is a big part of keeping away bacteria. For one, frequently sipping water or tea will help wash away bacteria so it is not sitting in your mouth. Secondly, as mentioned before, bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions. To stay hydrated, drink your recommended daily amount of water every day. Also, stay away from drinks that can dry out your mouth such as ones that contain alcohol or caffeine.

Bad breath can be a downer but it is able to be controlled! To schedule your cleaning at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

How to Make Oral Care Fun for Kids

Brushing and flossing is a good habit to get into at a young age, however it is sometimes hard to get kids to brush and floss routinely. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia, PA, we want to stress the importance of taking care of those baby teeth.

Baby teeth are the place-holders for adult teeth, so even though they will fall out eventually, it is important to keep them healthy and present for as long as they will be there. A good oral care routine is great to start at a young age, as well. Take some tips on how to make brushing and flossing fun for kids!

Let your child pick out their own toothbrush. There are so many different colors and even cartoon characters on toothbrushes. This is a good way to get them excited to brush. Let them pick the flavor of toothpaste they would like to use, too. Just make sure the toothpaste has fluoride in it for cavity fighting.

Another way to get them to brush is to make the actual task fun and exciting. Brush and floss your teeth at the same time and turn on some music. Play their favorite song for two minutes so you both know you are brushing for the right amount of time.

For questions about a good oral hygiene routine, contact Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center. To schedule a cleaning at our Philadelphia, PA office, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

When a tooth goes missing, the rest of the mouth begins to change. In order to keep the health of your mouth and jaw, the tooth must be replaced as soon as possible. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we are informing our patients at our Philadelphia, PA dental practice why it is so important to replace missing teeth.

When a tooth goes missing, the other teeth along that jaw line will begin to shift towards the open space. This creates spacing in the teeth that may allow injury to the gums and places for bacteria to hide. It can also create noticeable spaces in your smile.

When a tooth is not replaced quickly after it goes missing, the jawbone in the area begins to deteriorate. It has nothing holding it in its place anymore, so the bone disintegrates along with the gum tissue. This is why it is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more complications there will be with replacement.

For tooth replacement options here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we offer dentures, bridges, and dental implants. We also have mini dental implants available for smaller spaces or more stable bases for dentures.

Do not let a missing tooth affect your oral health. To schedule a tooth replacement consultation in our Philadelphia, PA office, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

How to Keep Teeth White and Bright

A white smile can really be a confidence booster. Whether you just had your teeth whitened, or you are looking to whiten them now, it is nice to know how to preserve a white and bright smile! Here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we want to give our patients tips for avoiding staining!

The first rule for having white teeth is really sticking to a good oral hygiene routine. Plaque and tartar can stain teeth as well as hold in other stain-causers. Remember to brush two or three times per day, and floss once per day. It helps if you keep a travel-sized toothbrush at work or school. Make sure to brush your tongue, too!

Brushing more often will help lift and keep away stains, however if you cannot brush soon after a meal, try including some foods that help clean your teeth as you eat them. Foods like apples and celery scrub the surface of your teeth as you bite and chew them.

When consuming dark foods and liquids, try to minimize the contact the food has with your teeth. For instance, when drinking cola or coffee, drink it through straw. After eating dark foods like blueberries or beets, rinse your mouth out with water.

 There are ways to whiten and keep your teeth white right at home. For a kick-start on whitening, ask us about our custom teeth whitening trays. To schedule an appointment, call Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia, PA at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

VIP Amenities at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center

Going to the dentist can be a stressful experience for some. For others, a little VIP treatment is never a bad thing! This is why here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we like to offer our patients luxury amenities.

For those looking for a little more comfort, we offer head rest pillows and blankets. These will keep you comfortable and warm while in our dental chair. For those who would like a little entertainment, we have iPads available so you can browse the internet as you please. We also have flat screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. Whether it is for entertainment, or an aid to keep you distracted from the appointment, we have these amenities ready for you.

For our patients who would like a more relaxing, spa-like dental appointment, we have music to calm you, soothing eye masks, and aromatherapy massage.

We truly desire to provide every one of our patients with a relaxing and positive environment. To schedule your examination or consultation at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center here in Philadelphia, PA, give our office a call at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Electric vs Manual Toothbrush

Here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center our dentists aren’t picky about what type of toothbrush you use because the important thing is that you are brushing your teeth correctly. However, we thought we would tell explain how brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush compares to manual brushing.

It’s possible to brush your teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush. However, an electric toothbrush can be a great alternative to a manual one, especially if you have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to brush well. Although almost any toothbrush can do an effective job, research suggests there is one electronic toothbrush bristle configuration that seems to be better at removing plaque and preventing gum disease. If you choose an electric toothbrush, make sure the toothbrush is comfortable to hold and easy to use. It’s important to remember that the purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque and to stimulate the gums to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual one, remember that what’s most important is daily brushing and flossing.

To learn more about dental hygiene as well as services we offer at our practice visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shireen Malik, or Dr. James Cavalancia at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193. 

Brushing Teeth Correctly

Brushing your teeth is recommended for two to three times per day. With all of that brushing, it would be great to know you are doing it right and gaining the benefits from it! At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we want to brush up on brushing to make sure our patients in the Philadelphia, PA area and patients everywhere know the proper way to brush teeth.

As mentioned before, brushing should be done two or three times per day. Two times is the absolute minimum, but if three times is possible, that is actually best. Plaque can form just hours after brushing, allowing stain-causing residue to sit on teeth and promoting the weakening of enamel. A third time in the middle of the day is great to remove plaque once more until bedtime. Brushing should be done for a full two minutes, each time.

The brush should be moved in a circular motion or an up-and-down motion. This allows the gum line to be cleaned and allows the toothbrush to reach the whole tooth. Make sure to brush all surfaces of the tooth. This includes the fronts, the insides, the backs, and the chewing surfaces. Split the mouth into four sections and spend about thirty seconds on each section.

In addition to brushing correctly, flossing every day is vital for removal of plaque the forms between teeth. To schedule a cleaning with Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia, PA, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com.