Monthly Archives: April 2013

Dramatically Change your Smile with Minimally Invasive Veneers | New York, NY

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Dr. Doris Giraldo knows that not all patients need severe changes to their smile therefore; procedures such as minimally invasive veneers can make a huge difference without damaging existing teeth structure and is a great alternative in cosmetic dentistry vs. procedures of the past.  Minimally invasive veneers are thin ceramic veneers that cover the surface of the tooth they are attached to. Since minimally invasive veneers are applied on the surface of teeth, patients can keep their enamel intact. One main difference between minimally invasive veneers and traditional veneers is that with traditional veneers anesthetic is required and changes cannot be reversed.

Dr. Doris Giraldo usually recommends using minimally invasive veneers on patients that have mild to moderate tooth discolorations, minor misalignment, or need teeth reshaped.

If you are unhappy with your smile and would like a smile makeover, but are not sure which procedure is best for you, Dr. Doris Giraldo can aid you in choosing which treatment option is right for you. For an aesthetic evaluation call today at (212) 750-4590 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.  Dr. Doris Giraldo will review with you at your appointment which option is better for your smile.

Dr. Doris Giraldo also proudly serves Midtown, Manhattan, Hoboken, Brooklyn, Elmhurst, and surrounding areas.

Content Received from KnowYourTeeth.com

Denture Myths And Facts | New York, NY

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Today’s dentures are comfortable, natural-looking, and can vastly improve your life. Here are some common misconceptions and the real facts.

Myth: Once I receive my new dentures, I’m set for life.

Fact: According to the American Dental Association, dentures should be replaced every 5-7 years. Just like natural teeth, your dentures will wear down and stain over the years. The tissue in your mouth and jaw bone changes constantly. As a result, your dentures will require adjusting and rebasing periodically so that they continue to fit perfectly.

Myth: I don’t have to go to the dentist anymore, once I receive my new dentures.

Fact: You will need to see your dentist at least once a year so that any corrective measures with the fit of your dentures may be taken and serious problems avoided. Also be sure to see your dentist at the first sign of irritation or frequent sore spots on your gums, no matter how minor you may feel it is.

Myth: Apples and corn on the cob are a thing of the past once I get my dentures.

Fact: Eating with dentures takes adjustment but don’t get discouraged. You will learn to bite and chew in a slightly different way. You will likely be able to enjoy eating apples, corn and many other foods you have been avoiding when you have mastered the art. Your dentist will be happy to help you work through any problems you encounter.

Myth: It will take forever for me to adjust to my new dentures.

Fact: Dentures are a substitute for your natural teeth and will therefore take some getting used to. Some people will feel comfortable with their dentures in a week, some will take longer. It will take a little adjusting for your facial muscles and oral tissues but they will adapt to the dentures in a very short time and you should soon feel quite comfortable with them.  If not, be sure to contact your dentist.  You may need a simple adjustment.

For more information on Dentures, contact Dr. Doris Giraldo and make an appointment at (212) 750-4590 or visit our website.

Dr. Doris Giraldo also proudly serves Midtown, Manhattan, Hoboken, Brooklyn, Elmhurst, and surrounding areas.

10 Foods to give you a brighter, healthier smile | New York, NY

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According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, certain foods naturally cleanse, brighten, and defend against bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums.

The following 10 foods were recommended by the academy for a healthy, brighter smile.

  • Pineapples can help whiten teeth. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover. Bromelain also helps break up plaque.
  • Ginger can protect against periodontal disease, an inflammatory process that causes the loss of bone and supportive connective tissue in your mouth.
  • Carrots contain vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel. Eating them raw stimulates saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser.
  • Basil is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.
  • Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which help reduce acid in your mouth.
  • Sesame seeds help “scrub” away the plaque on your teeth. Chewing nuts can also provide a coarse, scrubbing action. Sesame seeds also contain bone and teeth-strengthening calcium.
  • Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which inhibits bacteria from growing in your mouth.
  • Onions contain the sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Eating them raw is a must as cooking will destroy these tooth-friendly compounds.
  • Salmon not only provides calcium but also vitamin D, another nutrient needed for healthy bones and teeth.
  • Broccoli contains iron, which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth.

For more information on cosmetic dentistry or other ways to brighten your smile, contact Dr. Doris Giraldo and make an appointment at (212) 750-4590 or make an appointment online.

Dr. Doris Giraldo also proudly serves Midtown, Manhattan,Hoboken, Brooklyn, Elmhurst, and surrounding areas.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month | New York, NY

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Oral Cancer Screening

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and Dr. Doris Giraldo knows that most people are not aware of the statistics associated with Oral Cancer. Approximately 42,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with Oral Cancer this year alone. And as you are well aware, your dentist is often the first line of defense against Oral Cancer, through the process of early detection and discovery.

Oral Cancer will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 42,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years. (Approximately 57%) This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about on a regular basis such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma). Although smoking and tobacco use is still a major risk factor for Oral Cancer, the fastest growing segment for Oral Cancer patients are young, healthy, non-smoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV19 virus.

If you broaden the definition of Oral Cancers to include cancer of the larynx, for which the risk factors are the same, the numbers of diagnosed cases grow to approximately 54,000 individuals and 13,500 deaths per year in the U.S. alone. Worldwide the problem is much greater, with over 640,000 new cases being found each year. Oral Cancers are part of a group of cancers frequently referred to as head and neck cancers, and of all head and neck cancers they comprise about 85% of that category. Brain cancer is a cancer category unto itself, and is not included in the head and neck cancer group.

For an Oral Cancer Screening call Dr. Doris Giraldo at (212) 750-4590 or schedule an appointment online.

Dr. Doris Giraldo also proudly serves Midtown, Manhattan,Hoboken, Brooklyn, Elmhurst, and surrounding areas.