BOTOX® IN DENTISTRY

In this article we will answer:

• Can dentists administer Botox in Westchester County, NY? 
• Are dentists allowed to administer BOTOX?
• What are the uses for Botox in dentistry? 

Why Westchester, NY dentists are now offering Botox

The vast majority of younger people have fewer cavities and therefore, the demand for dental services for these procedures has decreased dramatically. However, patients are more attuned to youthful appearance and beauty than ever before.  The most important part of providing any cosmetic treatment by a dentist is training and education.

As Associate Clinical Professor and Assistant Director of Honors Esthetics at NYU College of Dentistry, a top tier dental school in the world, I know that the typical dental education does not train graduates sufficiently to do cosmetic dentistry.  Extensive training and experience after graduation is necessary to provide cosmetic services that patients deserve.

What is the #1 reason to get Botox from your Westchester, NY dentist?

Dentists have been using Botox for many years.  The initial use of Botox in dentistry was for the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMD.  In this treatment, the effect of the muscles of mastication and those of the head and neck can be reduced, providing relieve of the patient’s symptoms.

Botox is also used to treat severe bruxing, clenching or grinding of the teeth.  These are many of the same muscles that are involved in cosmetic Botox use.

Dentists that are extensively involved in cosmetic dentistry also understand facial balance and esthetics and can skillfully use Botox to not only eliminate aging lines but also to “sculpt” the face.

However, it goes without saying that you should only get botox or any cosmetic procedure from a dentist if they have received proper training and have the credentials to back it up.

Always ask to see this before getting these procedures from anyone.

Is it safe to get Botox from a dentist?

Yes! It is safe to get Botox from a dentist, but only if they are properly trained and qualified to administer Botox.

I have been trained in the use of Botox through numerous courses as well as teaching the use of Botox and fillers to healthcare providers and have provided the service to my patients for many years.

What are the advantages to patients of using Botox and fillers?

The demand for a youthful appearance is a major part of our social media driven society.  When used for cosmetic procedures, Botox can eliminate the lines which develop with aging.

The advantage of a dentist providing this service is their familiarity with the function and balance of these muscles and the convenience and familiarity of the patient with their local Westchester NY dentist trained in the use of Botox.

Why are more cosmetic dentists providing this treatment in recent years? 

The demand for more cosmetic services including Botox or lip fillers continues to rise as more people are concerned with their appearance in digital platforms.

As in other medical professions, dentists are always looking for new services to provide their patients.

Should general dentists be offering Botox, or is this a procedure that should be left to dermatologists?

Dentists that are trained in the use of Botox or fillers are immensely qualified to administer these procedures.  I don’t believe there are other “specialists’ better positioned for these procedures.

In training classes I have conducted in the use of Botox and fillers, we frequently trained nurses and other medical professions that are not more experienced or better suited than dentists are.

What should be considered carefully before using Botox and fillers? 

Proper training by the dentist and patient evaluation is absolutely necessary.  The use of lip fillers is also an area that is part of dental cosmetics.

*This photo originally appeared in AGD Impact “Cosmetic Dentistry Technology vs. Quality” by Erik J. Martin. 

Botox Treatments | Westchester County, NY | Dentist 

Dr. Kenneth Magid is a specialist in BOTOX Cosmetic in Westchester County patients. Call today for a consultation. 

Facial Cosmetics

Who hasn’t wished for their facial wrinkles to just go away? Now there is a solution to that wish. As dentist’s who create beautiful smiles, Drs. Kenneth and Sabrina Magid understand the importance of how your lips frame your teeth and smile.

With esthetic Botox treatments and dermal filler treatments, the Westchester dentists can “relax” your lip to correct a gummy smile, erase lines and wrinkles, eliminate the “sad” look of a down turned mouth and thinning lips. What work of art isn’t enhanced by the perfect frame.

With the wonders of Botox and dermal fillers such as JUVEDERM® and RADIESSE® Drs. Kenneth and Sabrina Magid are able to erase lines and wrinkles from around the mouth, eyes, forehead and cheeks.

You can say goodbye to those pesky crows feet, eleven’s between your eyes, laugh, marionette and vertical lines around your mouth and the stress lines on your forehead. In just one office visit, we can have your face looking rejuvenated and years younger.

Charcoal Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening: a Westchester County Dentist’s Perspective 

Charcoal toothpaste is the latest dental trend. But does it really deliver whitening results?

• Is charcoal toothpaste dangerous for my teeth?
• Is charcoal toothpaste good for you?

What is charcoal toothpaste and how might it be beneficial to your teeth?

Charcoal is a product of burning wood, peat, coconut shells, or other organic materials.  It has been used throughout the ages for medicinal purposes including cleansing the mouth.  Charcoal toothpaste is supposedly made of “activated charcoal” which has been treated, usually by reheating in the presence of a gas, to make it more porous to absorb and trap various chemicals, which is why it is used to treat accidental poisoning.

Charcoal Teeth Whitening: Pros and Cons

Proponents and marketers of charcoal toothpaste claim the ability to absorb toxic substances in the mouth and also to whiten teeth.  To date, there is no reputable clinical research substantiating these claims.  Some of the claims such as the ability to whiten teeth may function by removing external or extrinsic surface staining, but charcoal cannot remove the intrinsic staining the way peroxide based dental bleaching does.

Various other ingredients are added to the charcoal such as bentonite clay, betel leaves, flavoring agents and other ingredients.

IS CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE SAFE?

Are there any dental safety concerns about using charcoal toothpaste?

These charcoal products are uncontrolled by any agency or evaluated for safety and efficacy by The American Dental Association.  Many of the products may be too abrasive for regular use and can possibly remove the enamel outside of the teeth or damage porcelain restorations such as veneers or crowns.  This abrasion can leave the teeth dull and even darker due to the underlying dentin showing through, and can also leave the teeth more temperature sensitive.

The “wild west” nature of charcoal toothpaste can also result in other additives that are potentially very harmful.  There is also some concern that activated charcoal may interfere with medications taken orally rendering them less effective.

Do you personally recommend charcoal toothpaste to your patients?  

I do not recommend charcoal toothpaste for all the reasons I have mentioned.  Our practice is a very scientifically based dental practice.   Besides being in private practice, I am also an Associate Clinical Professor at NYU College of Dentistry.   We teach our students that the procedures and products we use must be supported by scientifically valid clinical studies.  Unregulated medicaments of questionable value and unknown abrasiveness and other attributes do not have any place in clinical practice.  Not only does charcoal toothpaste not meet the criteria that I would use to recommend them,  they also may not have the fluoride or other preventive components that I feel are important in preventing dental disease.

In addition, they may also be too abrasive and damaging to teeth and restorative material.

For more information on charcoal toothpaste, click here to read my full interview in Prevention Magazine “Is Charcoal Toothpaste The Answer To Whiter Teeth?”

Can sparkling water damage your teeth?

Sparkling water is made by putting CO2 in water. Carbon dioxide produces carbonic acid. The problem is the PH, which is the measure of acidity. The normal PH of water is 7 on a scale of 1-14- and most sodas have a low PH somewhere between 2.5 and 3.5. The problem is that low PH (acidic liquids and foods) work to remove the enamel of the teeth- they dissolve the enamel. In moderation, this is less of a problem.

People who drink a lot of sparkling water can damage their teeth by removing the enamel, which is the hardest substance in the body and the protection for the tooth structure. If you combine sparkling water with parafunctional habits such as teeth grinding, then it’s even worse because if you grind your teeth after the acid in the sparkling water has eroded the teeth, it makes it much more likely that you will remove the enamel from the teeth.

Sipping sparkling water (people who sip it all day long) will expose your teeth to the acid for a much longer period of time- it’s a function of exposure time. The worst thing you can do is brush your teeth right after drinking sparkling water- the acidic water softens the enamel and then brushing works to remove the enamel.

How to protect your teeth if you are a frequent sparkling water drinker

Prescription level fluoride tends to protect the teeth from acid. There are other materials we dispense such as MI Paste and prescription level fluoride, which works to protect the teeth from acids. Regular water is much better for you.

If you must drink a carbonated beverage (soda, sparkling water), then do it in moderation and try to limit the exposure of time you drink it.

For example, when someone drinks soda, I tell them to buy a can, not a bottle. A can you drink at once, whereas a bottle it sits and you re-cap over a longer period of time.

1) Limit exposure
2) Do it in moderation
3) Don’t brush your teeth right after you drink sparkling water
4) See your dentist about dispensed materials to protect your teeth

Be honest with your dentist if you drink sparkling water so they can prescribe materials that will help in protecting the enamel.

For more information on sparkling water, read my full interview in PopSugar “Put Down the Sparkling Water! It Has a Serious Side Effect You Probably Didn’t Think Of”

Teeth Clenching  | Sleep Disorders

The prevalence of clenching and grinding while sleeping is over 20%.

In this article, you will learn:

• How to stop clenching your teeth when you sleep
• What does grinding your teeth while you sleep mean?
• How to Stop Clenching Your Teeth

What does it mean to clench your teeth?

It sounds like a simple question, but what it means to clench one’s teeth is a source of debate and topic of research. People of all ages clench their teeth, but not everyone who clenches is aware they have a problem or know when it is happening.

Signs of wear may be seen by a Westchester County dentist. People who grind their teeth at night often wake up with sore, tired jaws. Many people grind or clench their teeth during the day.

Why is grinding teeth bad?

Parafunctional habits such as grinding or clenching can wear away the tooth enamel leaving them sensitive to temperature. They can cause loss of structure of the teeth at the gum line, which can be sensitive and unaesthetic. They can also cause loosening of the teeth.

Grinding can cause jaw problems or TMD, which results in facial pain, chronic headaches, clicking in the jaw and lead to osteoarthritis of the jaw.

Teeth grinding and clenching is very detrimental to the teeth, the supporting structures of the teeth (bone and gums), and the muscles and joints, which makes up the jaw mechanism. Untreated grinding can break teeth, requiring getting crowns or extraction and grinding teeth down to the point that it involves the nerves of the teeth.

Teeth grinding can cause damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), resulting in osteoarthritis of the joint with pain, grinding noises, and clicking while chewing. This parafunction can also cause chronic headaches due to the overworking of the muscles of the head and face.

3 Reasons People Clench Their Teeth

There are different opinions as to why people grind their teeth.

The top 3 reasons why people clench their teeth are:

1) Some think it is a stress habit.
2) Some think it is a discrepancy in the bite.
3) Research also indicates that clenching can be a sign of an airway problem.

Many medications cause grinding and clenching as a side effect.

How do I stop myself from clenching my teeth?

Evaluation by a dentist is essential if you are looking to stop clenching your teeth when you sleep. An oral appliance can protect the teeth and jaws from nighttime grinding, but it won’t stop the problem.

Determining the cause and correcting it can be very effective. Over the counter oral appliances are available, but we don’t recommend them because of the lack of proper bite and functional design. In addition, OTC appliances are soft and people tend to chew them, making the problem worse.

Digital scans can be used to analyze the bite, and medications can be evaluated.

It is important to rule out an airway problem as the cause of the clenching. Untreated sleep apnea can cause serious medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, impotence, and depression.

A sleep study may even be taken at home to provide insight as to how you are sleeping.

Is clenching teeth a sign of stress?

If stress is the suspected source, do whatever you need to eliminate what’s causing your stress and find a way to unwind such as meditation or yoga.

If you are grinding your teeth during the day, it is important to become aware of it so you can catch yourself and stop the parafunction.

The rule is “lips together, teeth apart” unless you are chewing or swallowing.

Night Guard for Teeth Clenching

If you are having trouble sleeping, a custom mouth guard or a sleep study may be ideal. Contact us today for a consultation.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFfZHQJky9H/

For additional information on teeth grinding, read Dr. Magid’s interview on teeth grinding in SheKnows here 

Bruxism (teeth grinding)  | Sleep Disorders

How do you stop teeth grinding? Keep reading… 

What is the reason for teeth grinding and why do people grind their teeth? 

There are different opinions as to why people grind their teeth.  Some think it is a stress habit.  Some think it is a discrepancy in the bite. Others think children grind their teeth because of an airway problem.  Many medications cause grinding and clenching as a side effect.

How would someone know they grind their teeth at night?

Signs of wear will be seen by a dentist in Westchester County, NY.  People who grind at night often wake up with sore tired jaws.  Many people grind or clench their teeth (same thing) during the day.

What are the health effects of grinding? 

Grinding can wear away the tooth enamel leaving them sensitive to temperature.

Grinding your teeth can cause loss of structure of the teeth at the gum line which can be sensitive and unaesthetic.

Teeth grinding can also cause loosening of the teeth.  Bruxism can cause jaw problems or TMD, which results in facial pain, chronic headaches, clicking in the jaw and can lead to osteoarthritis of the jaw.

Looking for TMJ/TMD Treatment in Westchester County, NY? Contact us today.

What is the effect on your teeth from grinding? 

Teeth grinding or bruxism is very detrimental to the teeth, the supporting structures of the teeth (bone and gums), and the muscles and joint which makes up the jaw mechanism.

Untreated bruxism can break teeth requiring their getting crowns or extraction and grind teeth down to the point that it involves the nerves of the teeth.

Teeth grinding can cause damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) resulting in osteoarthritis of the joint with pain, grinding noises and clicking while chewing.

This parafunction can also cause chronic headaches due to the overworking of the muscles of the head and face.

What products do you recommend to help with Bruxism and teeth grinding? 

Evaluation by a dentist is essential.  An oral appliance can protect the teeth and jaws from night time grinding but it won’t stop the problem

Determining the cause and correcting it can be very effective.

Over the counter (OTC) oral appliances are available, but we don’t recommend them because of lack of proper bite and functional design.

In addition, OTC appliances are soft and people tend to chew them making the problem worse.

Why is it important to be aware of teeth grinding? What does grinding your teeth in your sleep mean? 

If you are grinding your teeth during the day it is important to become aware of it so you can catch yourself and stop the parafunction.  The rule is “lips together, teeth apart” unless you are chewing or swallowing.

Bruxism Harrison NY | Teeth Grinding Treatment |Westchester County, NY Dentist 

How do you know if you grind your teeth during sleep? 

If you want to gain more insight into teeth grinding and sleep apnea, contact us today to learn more about a sleep study and Solea Sleep. Contact us today to set up an appointment to get a better nights rest. Do you need a night guard for teeth grinding? Contact us today for an appointment.

Did you enjoy this article? Read our next article.. 

Why We Clench Our Teeth When We Sleep 

ABOUT ADVANCED DENTISTRY OF WESTCHESTER

Best General Dentistry in Westchester County, NY

Advanced Dentistry of Westchester’s Kenneth S. Magid, DDS, FICD and Sabrina Magid-Katz, DMD, are Westchester Magazine’s Top Dentists from 2009 to 2020. He is a Consumer Research Council of America Top Cosmetic Dentist, a professor of esthetics and the Director of Laser Dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry, a fellow of the International College of Dentists, and a fellow of the American College of Dentists. Sabrina Magid-Katz, DMD, is one of Westchester Magazine’s past “22 People to Watch,” as well as a “Rising Star – 40 Under 40” by the Business Council of Westchester.

Cosmetic dentistry enhancement in Westchester County

The art of cosmetic dentistry

There is a mathematic formula for the width, length, shape and position of teeth based upon the patient’s face and dental arch. With this altered photo, the patient can see his, or her, new smile and make any changes he would like. Once they are happy with the new look, the ceramist artistically creates the final result in a wax model.

This “wax up” smile is used to guide the dentist in preparing the teeth if necessary and to create the basic shape of the temporary veneers or crowns. It is the artistic talent of the dentist that modifies these temporaries while the patient is wearing them for maximum esthetics.

The patient gets to leave with this “try in” smile and live with it for days to make sure he loves the new look so there are no unhappy surprises. All that is necessary is for the dental ceramist to copy the try-in smile using artistically added shades and stains for a beautiful but natural look that is ready for a Zoom close-up.

Is a Smile Makeover Right For Me?

Let’s face it: Nothing says more about our age and success than a beautiful, natural smile. Yet few of us are born with a smile that makes us happy.

If you’re thinking about cosmetic dentistry, the first step is to know what you want to change about your smile.

The changes can be subtle or dramatic but all can contribute to a new you.

According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 84 percent of adults perceive having an attractive smile important.

This poll of 1,000 American adults between the ages of 18 and 50 years found that more than one-third would not be likely to set up their best friend on a blind date with someone with bad teeth.

An overwhelming majority (85 percent), consider a person’s smile to be very or somewhat important when meeting someone for the first time.

Almost 9 out 10 Americans polled said they thought people with good teeth are more attractive.

Among many factors, this poll explored the importance of smiles in the social arena, as well as dating and marriage.

Cosmetic Dentistry | Advanced Dentistry of Westchester

Ready to put your best smile forward?

Improving your smile is now more accessible than ever with high tech dentistry and cosmetic dentistry in the heart of Westchester County.

Even the subtlest change in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel about yourself, and the way others perceive you.

Talk to one of our cosmetic dentists in Westchester County, New York ask about teeth whitening, dental bonding, dental crowns and dental veneers.

Get Started Today: A Beautiful Smile Can Be Yours

163 Halstead Avenue • Harrison, NY 914.835.0542