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. 

Do Pacifiers Affect Baby Teeth?

It’s one of the hardest habits to break and can require a great deal of persuasion – parents often struggle with weaning their child off a pacifier. Yes pacifiers provide a sense of security and a method of self-relaxation for infants, but the downside of pacifiers is the effect they can have on the growth and development of the teeth and mouth. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center we always welcome new patients, including pediatric patients who have yet to wean off of the pacifier.

Prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth and create problems with tooth alignment. Long-term pacifier use can lead to a variety of complications including tilting in of the bottom teeth and slanting in of the top and front teeth. Narrowing of the roof of the mouth and misalignment of the jaws can also occur. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends that children stop using pacifiers by the age of two. Up until that age, any alignment problem with the teeth or developing bone is usually corrected within six months after pacifier use has stopped.

If you have questions about pacifiers and teeth development, give us a call. To learn more about pediatric 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. 

Why Do My Teeth and Gums Hurt?

At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center we want you to understand that taking care of your mouth is very important, not only for your teeth and gums, but for your overall health. Neglecting your teeth and gums can make them susceptible to problems such as cavities, gum disease as well as bacterial infections. These problems can also compromise your oral well-being and cause your teeth and gums to hurt.

If your teeth hurt, a cavity could be the culprit. Cavities occur when plaque buildup on your teeth creates tooth decay. Plaque contains harmful acids that eat away at your tooth enamel and create tiny holes. Therefore, if you do not regularly remove plaque deposits from your teeth, your cavities will grow and begin to hurt. If left untreated, lingering plaque deposits can also affect your gums. If not removed daily, plaque hardens into a substance called tartar that can irritate your gums and lead to gum disease.

If you are experiencing pain with your mouth or gums don’t delay, give us a call. To learn more about 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. 

Fruits and Veggies for Fresh Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common condition that affects everyone periodically. To eliminate the odor we might catch ourselves chewing a piece of minty gum on the go, or taking a quick swig of mouthwash before we leave the house for a night out.  Here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center our dentists know that bad breath can be very embarrassing, but did you know that you can fight it by eating a piece of celery?

Celery fights bad breath because it is rich in fiber which fights Halitosis by breaking down plaque and sulfur compounds.  Therefore, celery is a great thing to eat to help clean your mouth. It is also effective to munch on a carrot or an apple. Snacks that include crispy fresh fruits and vegetables step up your saliva flow between meals to help wash away bacteria from teeth, tongue and gums that can cause bad breath. These snacks can also help alleviate bad breath caused by hunger or fasting.

To learn more about 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. 

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. 

Tooth Colored Fillings

To treat a cavity our dentists at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth that have been worn down from misuse (tooth grinding). Here at the office we utilize white fillings, also known as tooth colored fillings, because they exude the most natural looking appearance.

Composite resins (tooth colored fillings) provide solid durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size fillings that need to survive the moderate pressure from the constant pressure of chewing. Composite fillings require the tooth to be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled, which is why they may take longer to apply than any other type of filling. Although no filling lasts forever, tooth colored fillings have been known to last for over 10 years. It is a safe, affordable and attractive solution for many dental drawbacks.

To learn more about white fillings as well as other 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. 

Advantages of Dental Implants

The practice of implant dentistry requires expertise in planning, surgery and tooth restoration, which is why we at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center are proud to offer dental implants and mini implants to our patients who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury or another reason. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.  

Replacing missing teeth is important to your overall health and also to the health of your other teeth. When natural teeth are missing, you lose chewing ability, and un-replaced teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped, or crowded. Having missing teeth is also embarrassing, but dental implants can restore your smile, leaving you with more self-esteem and a new boost of confidence. A major benefit to dental implants is that they preserve bone, preventing deterioration of the facial structure, and therefore improving appearance.

If you have missing teeth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about dental implants, the procedure, and 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.