Veneers Blog

Ever wanted to completely change the look of your smile? With dental veneers, that is completely possible. At Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, we create custom dental veneers to create beautiful, natural-looking smiles.

Dental veneers can provide a perfect smile without extensive dental work. Veneers are a ceramic shell that is bonded over your existing teeth. They can fix the look of misaligned, misshapen, or discolored teeth, among other issues like gaps and chips. Dental implants are long-lasting and stain-resistant.

To begin the process of attaching veneers, a thin layer of enamel will be taken off the teeth. The thickness of the veneers will replace this enamel. An impression will then be taken of the teeth to create custom-fitted veneers. During the time the veneers are being created in a dental laboratory, temporary veneers will be worn. When ready, the permanent veneers are attached. We make sure they fit right and are functional. When taken good care of, veneers can last up to ten years. Veneers need to be taken care of just like normal teeth.

If you are looking to enhance your smile, dental veneers are a great option. To set up your consultation with Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call our office at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com. 

Flossing with Braces

As our doctors at Maiden Lane Dental will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. Therefore, here are some tips for flossing effectively and keeping those brackets and wires clean.

Although flossing with braces is tricky, it’s important to use the right tool. An orthodontic floss threader is a very thin piece of flexible plastic with a large loop at the end. After putting your floss through the loop, you pull the threader up and under the wire. This inexpensive and disposable tool is available in nearly any drugstore. It is indispensable when flossing teeth with braces because it allows you to pull the floss through the teeth above the wire and reach the gum line. Using this tool is an easy way of getting dental floss under your wires. Floss picks are another tool that can make the habit easier. These picks come with a short section of floss held in place by two thin prongs that are often thin enough to fit under the wire.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.maidenlanedental.comfor more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Gum Disease Stages

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to practice a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis. If you don’t, you’re already headed down the road toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with our doctors at Maiden Lane Dental twice a year to avoid this condition.

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth is officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you experience gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.maidenlanedental.comfor more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Handling Dental Emergencies

At Maiden Lane Dental, we want our patients to know that any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should never be ignored. Ignoring a dental problem cannot only increase the risk of permanent damage, but you may find yourself needing extensive and expensive treatment later on. If you have a dental emergency, please contact our office immediately. In the meantime, here are some tips for handling common dental emergencies before you visit our office.

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


•  If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Reasons for Tender Teeth

At Maiden Lane Dental, tooth sensitivity is a common complaint among our dental patients. As we’ve mentioned in a previous post, sensitive teeth occur when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. There are many reasons why your teeth may be tender and we’d like to tell you what they are. We would also like you to call us if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity so we can discuss your treatment options.

•  You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.

• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Teeth Types and the Purpose They Serve

At Maiden Lane Dental, it is our job to teach you about the significance of your teeth. For example, did you know that your enamel is the strongest bone in your body? Teeth are used for cutting and chewing food. They also start the digestive process that fuels our bodies. According to the American Dental Association, each tooth is made up of several parts: pulp, cementum, dentin, and enamel. But have you ever wondered why all of your teeth are different shapes and sizes? That’s because they all do different things!

• Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.


• Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.


• Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.


• Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.

If you have further questions about your pearly whites, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Oral Care with Arthritis

Daily activities like brushing and flossing can be difficult with conditions that affect the hands like arthritis. This may eventually affect your ability to take care of your oral health. At Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, we want you to know that you can still take excellent care of your oral health with arthritis.

When looking for a toothbrush, look for one that will help you. If it is difficult to grip things or it hurts to move your hand around, consider an electric toothbrush. Since you just need to hold them in the right position, they do most of the work. They also tend the have thick handles, which are easier to grip. Also, look for handles with non-slip grips and a small toothbrush head. These make it easier to maneuver the brush around your mouth. There are even toothbrushes made especially for those with arthritis.

If flossing is hurting your fingers, try tying the floss in a loop around your hands so that the floss will be held nice and tight. If this is too painful, there a floss pick may be easier.

Last, but not least, pay attention to toothpaste caps. Make sure to look for a toothpaste that has a flip cap instead of one that screws on. They are easier to open, plus they do not become stuck as easily when toothpaste gums them up.

It is still possible to keep up good oral health, even though arthritis may change the way you do it. To schedule a cleaning and examination with Maiden Lane Dental Care in New York, NY, call our office at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com.