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Five Health Concerns Greater for Women than Men

September 26th is Women’s Health and Fitness Day.  Though life expectancy in most countries is higher for women than men, women have unique health risk factors, as well as social and economic stresses that may result in health complications.

  1. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in both men and women. That said women are typically underdiagnoses, and in some cases, diagnosed after damage has been caused, leading to a poorer quality of life.
  2. Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women. Women are encouraged to get a mammogram for early detection.   Also, other factors such as obesity, alcohol, medications, genetics, and race also may increase women’s risk of breast cancer
  3. Osteoporosis – Of the 44 million American threatened by osteoporosis, 68% of them are women. That said, osteoporosis is fairly preventable.  A diet that includes adequate amounts of calcium and weight bearing exercise can improve a person’s chances of not developing osteoporosis.  Smaller, thin framed women are at a greater risk as well as those with a sedentary lifestyle, anorexia, using certain medications and having a family history of the disease.
  4. Depression appears to effect twice as many women as men. The great disparity may be due men being underdiagnosed with the condition, but women are still at higher risk.  Depression may be triggered by hormonal changes after pregnancy but can also be triggered by other factors.  Family history, stress, heart disease, chronic illness, and a history of previous mental or physical abuse may increase women’s (and men’s) risk for experiencing depression
  5. As a group, autoimmune diseases are seen in higher incidence in women. While the most common autoimmune diseases are type I diabetes, thyroid disease and lupus, there are many more less common autoimmune diseases.  They are fourth-largest cause of disability among American women.

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Why Use Ceramic Dental Implants?

Over 25 Years of Implants Placement and Hundreds of Smiles Restored.

The Premiere Dental Implants Placement Specialist in New York City

Dr. Neil Zane has over 25 years experience guiding hundreds of patients to a fuller and healthier smile. His tradition of success is based on comprehensively addressing all aspects of a person’s mouth, not taking any aesthetic shortcuts.  We collaborate with highly-respected oral surgeons and periodontists who share our same vision and do not shy away from any case. We make sure that you are informed throughout your treatment and, most importantly, you are comfortable throughout this important life-changing decision. Fill out the form on this page to receive a FREE consultation along with a complementary eBook on some of our finest implant cases.

Get In Touch With Us Today and Receive a FREE Consultation and Case Study eBook

The Premiere Dental Implants Placement Specialist in New York City

Dr. Neil Zane has over 25 years experience guiding hundreds of patients to a fuller and healthier smile. His tradition of success is based on comprehensively addressing all aspects of a person’s mouth, not taking any aesthetic shortcuts.  We collaborate with highly-respected oral surgeons and periodontists who share our same vision and do not shy away from any case. We make sure that you are informed throughout your treatment and, most importantly, you are comfortable throughout this important life-changing decision. Fill out the form on this page to receive a FREE consultation along with a complementary eBook on some of our finest implant cases.

Why Restore Teeth With Implants

Why Use Dental Implants?

Dental implants have been one of the biggest advancements in dentistry in the past few decades.  Dental implants permanently replace one or multiple missing teeth with the look and feel of natural teeth.  In the case of replacing just one tooth, implants are now viewed as one of the most conservative forms of treatment.  Implants do not require healthy tooth structure to be removed from neighboring teeth, unlike a bridge, which must be securely bonded to adjacent teeth.  Implants also have an amazing long-term outcome and rarely fail.  Most patients are candidates with dental implants, with few exceptions.

What About Ceramic Dental Implants?

The next phase of dental implant technology, already popular in Europe is beginning to make its way to the states.  Ceramic implants, made of zirconia, differ from metal implants, made of titanium.  Dentists familiar with ceramic implants will be able to determine if ceramic is better than titanium for your particular case.  Here are some reasons why your dental professional may choose ceramic implants over titanium

Metal Sensitivity and Allergies Both ceramic and titanium implants are biocompatible, meaning they will safely integrate with bone and tissue in the body. However, some patients are particularly sensitive or allergic to metals.  Since zirconia implants are hypoallergenic, they may be a great choice for those with metal sensitivity.  Though not common, sometimes metal allergies and sensitivity develop over time.  Zirconia implants will not lead to patients developing this type of allergy.

Esthetic considerations sometimes can call for ceramic implants.  Titanium implants are silver or metal in color.  Typically, the crown that sits on top of the implant hides the metal coloring.  However, if gums are thin and translucent, the silver may show, usually as a small collar around the tooth at the gum line.   Also, ceramic implants tend produce better esthetic results around the soft tissue or gum of the tooth.

Note the titanium metal collar showing through the translucent gumCeramic implants appear more natural

Ceramic implants have a single piece design.  A titanium implant, by contrast is composed of two or more pieces.  Typically, titanium has the implant itself, and an abutment that is screwed onto the implant, which will ultimately hold the crown.  Though not common, in some patients that exhibit heavy chewing pressure, micro movement occurs between the parts of the titanium implant.  This means that bacteria can seep into area, and set the stage for later implant failure.  Because the ceramic implant and abutment are a single component, ceramic implants will not exhibit any movement or loosening between parts.

Ceramic implants also have the advantage of single stage implant placement.  This means that implants and patient leave with a tooth in just one visit.  Titanium implants typically have a healing abutment placed on top of the implant.  In a few months after placement of the titanium implant, the patient returns, and the implant must be uncovered, which requires a small incisition in the gum tissue.  The final abutment and restoration is then screwed onto the implant.

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What are the Benefits of Fluoride?

Since fluoride was first discovered to strengthen tooth enamel, dentists have seen dramatic drops in tooth decay and caries. While the connection between fluoride and strengthening of the outer surface, or enamel, of the tooth has been known for some time, recent research has proven exactly how fluoride works to make teeth stronger.

A 2004 study* published in the journal Nature found fluoride works by sticking “to calcium ions near the surface of the tooth, anchoring them together and cutting down the rate at which the tooth is worn away.” This makes the tooth more resistant to acid that breaks down teeth and causes decay. The study further concluded that fluoride penetrates only the first few layers of the tooth. This means that chewing and physical abrasion will likely remove it over time. Hence, the need for repeated application of proper amounts of fluoride to maintain its beneficial effects.

A recent recommendation by the America Dental Association reinforces using fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses to maintain the health and strength of teeth. The article also suggests taking fluoride supplements if you live in an area that does not have fluoridated water.

For children it is important you speak with your dentist prior to using fluoride supplements, tooth paste or mouth rinses. However, fluoride is particularly important for children as it makes tooth enamel stronger even before teeth erupt. Also when purchasing fluoride produce look for the ADA seal.

Additional Reading and citations:
*Peplow, Mark, “Nature” https://www.nature.com/news/2004/040122/full/news040119-8.html

Mouth Healthy, August 2018, American Dental Association https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fluoride?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=benefitsoffluoride_aug2018

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Smile Architecture – NYC’s Smile Architect Explains why Form Follows Function

Dr. Neil Zane, New York City’s Smile Architect, receives many patient requests for smile rejuvenation or dental veneers.  This type of treatment typically involves cosmetic and restorative services that not only enhance esthetics, but also alter how the upper and lower jaw come together to function.  After over 25 years of working to enhance patient smiles, Dr. Zane employs the treatment philosophy that “Form Follows Function.”  Dr. Zane explains that a great looking smile is only achieved by insuring the teeth and jaw are working harmoniously together.

In the video and interview transcript below, Dr. Zane shares insights about how he approaches smile design and crafting a smile that looks as great as it functions.

Schedule a Smile Consultation

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Factors that Impact Smile Makeovers

Question: When a patient comes to you inquiring about a smile makeover, what factors do you examine and what goes into your consideration for which treatments (veneers, crowns, implants, etc.) may be appropriate?

Dr. Zane: I first listen closely to the patient to determine exactly what they are trying to achieve.  Once I understand their goals, I perform an exam, in which I pay particular attention to how the teeth come together and how the jaws function.  By observing the wear on the teeth, and what, if any, restorations are present in their mouth I can understand the patients needs more profoundly.  Neglecting a patients’ bite and focusing only on the esthetics may lead to many problems later on.  I always try to treat patients with a long-term view.  I want to provide them with a smile that looks great and lasts the rest of their life.

 

Assessing and Responding to Patient Smile Goals

Question: What do you typically hear from patients about their overall smile goals?

Dr. Zane: Patients are usually focused on wanting their six front teeth to look great.  They are particularly concerned with the size, shape and color of the front six teeth.  My job is to achieve their esthetic goals, while still creating an optimally functioning smile.  While the patient is focused on the ‘front porch’, I look at the entire jaw, especially how the teeth come together in the back.  Once I understand the anatomy and occlusion of a particular patient, I then can design a smile for them that has ideal function and achieves their esthetic goals and longevity of the dentition.  Just designing a smile around the esthetics of the front teeth would only be doing less than half of the job that would likely lead to future complications for the patient.

 

Complications that may Result

Question: What types of complications can occur if a dentist neglects the functional aspect of the smile?

Dr. Zane: Patient may experience many issues if their smile and back teeth aren’t  functioning properly.  At the most basic level, the teeth may wear excessively chip or perhaps even fracture.  Patients would likely have to undergo additional dental treatment to treat these issues. In addition, improper bite and jaw function may also cause headaches, migraines, and shoulder and back pain.  Another aspect which almost always is overlooked or ignored, is the interrelationship of the bite and posture.

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5 Tips for Better Brushing

Brushing your teeth the wrong way can cause damage to your gums and teeth, and may even be worse than not brushing at all.  Here are five tips to help your brushing routine.

Use a soft bristle toothbrush.  Brushes with soft bristles are gentle enough to not cause recession or gum irritation, but apply enough force and cleaning action to remove debris on the teeth and along the gum line.  Aggressive brushing, especially with a harder bristle brush may be very damaging to the gum tissue.
Hold your brush lightly, like a pencil and brush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line. This will enable the bristles of the brush to gently clean around the gum line and reach the sulcus – the small pocket of space between the tooth and attaching gum tissue.
Change your brush every three months. As the bristles become frayed, they are no longer as effective at cleaning.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue. The crevices and creases in your tongue are a great area for bacteria to hide. Bacteria that grow on the tongue can not only cause bad breath, but may lead to just as many issues as bacteria that grow on your teeth.
Brush for 2 minutes. Make sure you brush each area of your mouth, covering both the outside and inside surface of the teeth. If brushing for less than two minutes, you likely have not cleaned all areas of your mouth. And, while it is unlikely, brushing for more than two minutes, may cause damage to your teeth, wearing down the enamel and gum tissue. Many electric brushes now have a timer built in to insure you’re brushing for exactly the right amount of time.