The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition Sep/Oct/Nov 2021

theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 59 A recent paper published in Psy- chological Bulletin indicated that smil- ing really can make people feel hap- pier. Many people, unfortunately, are too embarrassed to smile because of stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth. The good news? Cosmetic dentistry gives patients a reason to smile again! Composite bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns will make your teeth look fresher and healthier – but more impor- tantly, these treatments will help you re- gain your con dence and make you feel proud to smile again. Keep reading for more information on some of the most popular cosmetic procedures that can create life-changing con dence. Composite bonding is one of the easiest options for xing chipped or cracked teeth and closing small gaps. During your appointment, we apply a tooth-colored material directly to your teeth to immediately improve your smile. This can be done in a single vis- it and the results will last as long as 5-7 years. Bonding is a great option because it’s minimally invasive (no numbing is usually necessary) and is less expensive than other treatments. Porcelain veneers are an excellent way to refresh your smile. Using ex- tremely thin, custom-made “shells”, we can cover the front surface of your teeth to change their color, shape, or size to address stains, chips, gaps, misaligned teeth. Veneers are more of an investment than bonding and take several visits from start to nish. If you take good care of your veneers, they will last for 15 years or more! Dental crowns are another excel- lent option, particularly for teeth that are weak or damaged. These tooth- shaped “caps” are custom-created to improve a tooth’s appearance and strength. Like veneers, crowns can last up to 15 years. Placing crowns over your teeth requires us to le your teeth down rst, and then we will add the “cap” over the tooth. Crowns are highly durable and serve an important role in stabilizing and maintaining the function of your bite. Like veneers, crowns can last for 15 years or more. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Ber- nardsville, we understand the impact that a healthy, beautiful smile has on our patients’ lives. We understand that each and every one of our pa- tients is UNIQUE! This is why the rst – and most important – step towards a smile refresh or makeover, is Cosmetic Consultation. During your cosmetic consultation visit, our team will take pictures and Dr. Patti Swaintek-Lamb will have a one-on-one conversation with you about your current dental health along with your dental GOALS and YOUR preferred style and look. Once we’ve agreed on the goal you want to achieve through a cosmetic dentist, we will create a customized plan for you. This will include a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect during your next appointments at our of ce. When you’re ready to start show- ing off your smile again, Dr. Patti and the team are here to help. We use the best technology, including digi- tal scanners, for a quicker turnaround time with more precise, predictable results. Our of ce is conveniently lo- cated in Downtown Bernardsville, and we hope to see you soon!. A recent paper published in Psychological Bulletin indicated that smiling really can make people feel happier. Many people, unfortunately, are too embarrassed to smile because of stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth COSMETIC DENTISTRY GIVES PATIENTS A REASON TO SMILE AGAIN! THE LINK BETWEEN YOUR HEADACHES AND YOUR JAW I am sure you’ve heard the acronym “TMJ” before. TMJ stands for tem- poromandibular joints. These are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. What you may not know is that more than 10 million people across the country suffer from a TMJ disorder (TMD) and if left untreated, TMD can lead to chronic headaches, neck pain, and migraines. One of the first signs of TMJ problems is noise when opening or closing your mouth. In some people the noise is very quiet and hard to hear, in others it is loud enough to hear across the din- ner table. The reason the jaw is making no se is that the ligament between two bones is dislocating and popping on or off the jawbone. This is not normal or healthy! Occasionally, the jaw can become stuck or locked when the liga- ment dislocates between two bones completely blocking the jaw from fully closing or opening. We often see patients who have no idea they suffer from TMD and have already been to various physicians seeking relief from their symptoms. It’s challenging to figure out what doctor is best to see because the migraines, headaches, ear pain, ringing in the ear, dizzin ss, and eye pain can b coming from different parts of the head and neck. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might have TMD: • Headaches (daily, recurrent, nightly) • Migraines • Ear pain, fullness, congestion, wooshing • Jaw pain, cli cking, popping, crunching, locking • Face pain, numbness, tingling, shocking • Eye pain • Neck pain • Base of skull pain • Pain when chewing • Throat pain • Shoulder pain • Back pain • Difficulty opening m uth • Nasal and Sinus congestion • Muscle twitching • Bite feels ff or diff rent than bef re • Numbness in hands or arms TMJ issues are progressive; they contin- ue to get worse over time and, if left untreated, can result in a permanent change in the bite and ability to chew. Therefore, don’t delay in requesting an examination for a proper diagnosis. Through physical examination, range of motion, j sounds/vibrations, joint ard tissu im ges, patient histo- ry and interview, we can help get you a proper diagnosis and begin treat- ment so you can get on with your life! Treatment may include, a custom- made oral appliance, cold-laser thera- py, botox, and a multi-discipline refer- ral coordination. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville, we are passionate about providing you with the quality dental care that you M edical M inutes Dr. Patti Swaintek-Lamb Our State of the Art Services Family Dentistry * Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics * Invisalign * Teeth Whitening Veneers * Crowns * Dental Implants TMJ Pain Treatment Sleep B eathing Disorder Treatment We are located at 10 Anderson Hill Road Call us today at 908-221-1188 or visit us online at www.proudtosmile.com We are dedicated to making you Proud To Smile. Mention this ad and receive a complimentary take-home whitening treatment (valued at $99) after you come in for an exam or consult (new patients only).