A Jamaica, Queens, Dentist on 6 Signs You Could Use a Night Guard

A Jamaica, Queens, Dentist on 6 Signs You Could Use a Night Guard

by | Jan 30, 2024 | Uncategorized

A lot of things in life can cause headaches—traffic, annoying noises, caffeine withdrawal. But did you know that how you hold your jaw at night is one of them? Headaches are just one common sign of bruxism, a condition where you grind or clench your teeth, often unconsciously. This can lead to a variety of dental issues that could cost you a lot of time and money.

Fortunately, our TMJ dentist in Jamaica, Queens, offers a simple, cost-effective solution: the night guard. Below are several signs you could benefit from adding a night guard to your sleep routine.

#1: Sore Jaw or Headaches

One of the most common signs of bruxism is waking up with a sore jaw. Pain can also manifest in your temples or behind the eyes. This is because the constant clenching and grinding puts pressure on your jaw muscles. If you’re waking up in pain, something is wrong, so get checked out.

#2: Tired or Tight Jaw Muscles

Clenching or grinding your teeth in the night leaves your jaw muscles tired or tight. Symptoms of this in the daylight hours are difficulty opening and closing your mouth and soreness when chewing or talking. For some people, the muscles get so tight that they’re tender to the touch. This is the time to talk to our dentist at Jamaica Estates Dental.

#3: Ear Pain

Your temporomandibular joint is located close to the ear, and the muscles and ligaments that control that joint are connected to the ear canal. When you stress out that joint, those muscles and ligaments get inflamed, causing ear pain.

You can also put pressure on the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face and head. This causes referred pain in the ear. Night guards can help stop the source of the inflammation.

#4: Dental Problems

Constant grinding wears down the enamel on your teeth, exposing the underlying layer called dentin. Having exposed dentin can aggravate the nerves in your teeth, causing temperature sensitivity and pain. Grinding and clenching can also cause chips or fractures in your teeth.

If you notice that your teeth are sensitive to temperature, or if you’ve experienced several dental problems lately without a direct cause, it could be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth and could benefit from a custom night guard from our Jamaica office.

#5: Disrupted Sleep

Bruxism can ruin sleep both for you and your partner. Grinding can create loud noises that wake up you or your partner throughout the night. This can cause poor sleep quality and leave you feeling tired and irritable the next day.

Plus, having so much tension in your mouth, jaw, and face means that you aren’t totally relaxed when you’re sleeping. A night guard can help you relax, reduce disruptive noises, and improve your sleep.

Jamaica Estates Dental Makes Night Guards Just for You

If any of the above sound like what you’ve been going through, contact us to get a custom night guard made for you by our dentist in Jamaica, Queens. Night guards not only protect your teeth from damage but also force the muscles in your jaw to relax, resolving a number of symptoms. You don’t have to suffer from these mysterious ailments any longer. Get relief now.

How To Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

How To Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

by | Jul 31, 2023 | Teeth Whitening

Healthy, strong teeth are essential to an excellent quality of life, and dental implants are the go-to tooth replacement for those with missing teeth. Since dental implants come with a higher price tag compared to other restorative treatments, one should know that proper care and maintenance can add months (even years) of life to dental prosthetics.
Unfortunately, many don’t understand the key elements of making dental implants last longer. For a dental implant to last for many years, it does take some essential maintenance on the patient’s part. In this blog, our Jamaica Estates dental implant dentists break down an easy-to-remember checklist for wealthy individuals looking to maximize the longevity of investments in oral healthcare without sacrificing regular maintenance or personal comfort.

Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing and flossing daily might seem like a no-brainer, but many of us skip this crucial step. The truth is that daily brushing and flossing help to keep your gums healthy and free from harmful bacteria. This, in turn, prevents any potential infections that could disrupt the stability of your dental implants. By making brushing and flossing a habit, you’re doing your smile and overall health a favor.

Avoid Smoking
We understand the innate desire for a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. However, if you are a smoker, it’s essential to know that smoking reduces the success rate of dental implants by as much as 20%. The nicotine and chemicals in cigarettes can impact the healing process after implant surgery, increasing the risk of implant failure. Smoking can also lead to gum disease, another risk factor for implant failure. Choosing to quit smoking and prioritize your oral health can improve the success of your dental implants and lead to a brighter, healthier future for your overall well-being.

Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet gives your body the necessary vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy immune system, strengthen bones, and avert gum diseases. Healthy eating makes dental implants less prone to gum infection and other complications that could shorten their lifespan. Nourishing your body with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables is essential to upkeeping your dental health and getting the most out of your dental implants.

Visit the Dentist Consistently
Regular dental cleanings and checkups are essential for everyone, especially those with dental implants. Because dental implants require the same attention and care as natural teeth (if not more), committing to regular dental implants is one way to ensure that your smile is looked after correctly, so you can enjoy a healthy, confident smile for years.


Book a $95 Dental Implant Consultation*
With proper care, dental implants can last for many years. Taking good care of your implants is essential; therefore, practice excellent oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing daily, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and visiting our dentist regularly. We’d be happy to discuss any treatment you may need to ensure that your dental implants remain lasting investments in your health for many years. Get started on restoring that beautiful smile! Call (718) 297-3303 or book a dental implant consultation at Jamaica Estates Dental.


*This deal is for new patients only.

How Long Will Invisalign® Take?

How Long Will Invisalign® Take?

by | Jul 31, 2023 | Uncategorized

Whether it’s due to career pressures, family commitments, or even the fact that days seem to go by faster as we age, it can feel like time is always running out. When considering long-term treatment, such as orthodontics, your first thought might be, “How long will Invisalign take?”

Answers are available when you can access quality professionals who know the Invisalign process inside and out. Fortunately, the Invisalign dentists of Jamaica Estates Dental have decades of dentistry under their belt. While the Invisalign manufacturer’s website notes that some cases can be treated in six months, the treatment time depends on case complexity and patient compliance. In this blog, we’ll discuss factors that may lengthen or shorten the timeline and how experienced dentists working with advanced techniques can impact your treatment duration.

Crookedness & Gaps

Having severe tooth crookedness and gaps can be a frustrating and uncomfortable issue. These common aesthetic issues can lead to sustained Invisalign treatment. Since more substantial adjustments need to be made to teeth that are awkwardly spaced, this requires more time and more frequent adjustments from our dentist. Additionally, severely crowded teeth may need to be shaved or filed down, which can add to the process.

However, don’t let this discourage you from seeking treatment. Invisalign is a highly effective solution for many orthodontic issues, and our dentist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

Bite Alignment

Some people must navigate the challenges of severely misaligned bites. However, it’s essential to understand that the length of Invisalign treatment can be affected by the severity of the misalignment. Furthermore, individuals with more pronounced misalignments might require more prolonged treatment to achieve optimal results. Patience is the key to Invisalign treatment.

Patient Compliance

Patient compliance is vital in achieving a beautiful, straight smile with clear aligners. It’s not only about wearing the aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day but also following all the guidelines for care and maintenance. Initially, it may seem like a massive lifestyle shift, but it’s important to remember that this is an investment in your oral health and confidence. The best results can only be achieved through consistent effort, and any adjustments along the way may extend the treatment process. We understand that it can be easy to forget or slip up, but our Jamaica Estates dentists are here to support you every step of the way.

Invisalign Results Are Worth the Wait

In short, Invisalign is an efficient and modern form of teeth straightening that can significantly affect your smile. With proper adherence to the required regimen and the instructions, you should be able to get started on achieving your dream look sooner rather than later.Don’t wait any longer; take charge of your dental health and start your journey toward optimal oral hygiene today! Who knows? It could make all the difference for your smile and confidence. Let’s begin this process together and ensure you are looking and feeling great in no time. Start Invisalign treatment sooner than later by calling (718) 297-3303 or setting up an appointment at Jamaica Estates Dental.