Something Lost, Something Found

I’ve Lost A Tooth and I’m not Happy About It

In life things change and one alteration is you could lose a tooth.  This could be through neglect, an accident, or failure of a dental restoration. With regular dental check-ups and dental cleanings problems can be diagnosed before they become problematic saving teeth before they need to be lost.

If the situation arises that you lose a tooth, what are your alternatives?  You could just go without the tooth which probably is not acceptable if it is a front tooth but in the back maybe yes.  For most you want the tooth put back.

Today the best solution is an implant for a single tooth loss.  Here a piece of titanium shaped into the form of a root is placed within your jaw.  After a suitable period of time a crown which looks like your tooth can be then fabricated and attached to the implant.  Now you have a new tooth which looks and functions like the original.

If you do not want an implant you can have a fixed bridge.  Here the missing tooth is attached to the two adjacent teeth if present.  This was the main alternative to replacing a lost tooth before implants became available.   The downside is that the adjoining teeth have to be cut down so crowns can be placed and the missing tooth is joined to the adjacent teeth making it harder to floss and the adjacent teeth which could be healthy and non-carious are being sacrificed in a way to replace the missing tooth.

Another alternative which does not damage the adjacent teeth is to have a removable partial made.  Here a plastic tooth is fabricated that is placed in your mouth in the morning and is removed before sleeping.  The problem is the tooth moves around, food gets under it and you have to take it in and out.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit in Yorkville we like teeth and the people attached to them.  Even if all you need is a cleaning we would be happy to meet and treat you.  If it’s something more serious we will give you the alternatives and price points so you can make an informed decision.

Call us today at 212 517 9000 you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

You Broke You Tooth... What's Next?

Uh oh…You’ve bitten down and something feels not right.  Actually something feels sharp.  You would think your tongue would avoid the area but instead it just keeps going there.  As in Bart hitting Lisa and Lisa saying ‘quit it, quit it, quit it.  But, even though it's annoying, your tongue just keeps going there.

Out comes the mirror and you try to peer into the dark cavity which is your mouth to see what’s going on.  Well, what’s going on is you broke a filling or you broke your tooth.  Oh NO you have to go to the dentist.  Not like going out to a Broadway Show or a nice dinner but necessary.  Unfortunately, dental problems do not go away, they just get bigger.

The bacteria in your mouth like dark, warm environments with lots of food to eat.  Sounds like your mouth doesn’t it?  When you need a dentist we are here for you.  We actually like fixing teeth and making people’s mouths whole again.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville we like meeting new people and welcoming them into our practice.  Give us a call today at 212 517 9000.

 You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

The daily grind- How a night guard can help you!

Living in New York City can be stressful.  Hey, I’m Walking Here has been heard.  When your body is under stress one of the ways to relieve it is by grinding and clenching your teeth.  This usually happens when you are unconscious as in sleeping.  You wake up in the morning and when you yawn your muscles in your jaws and head feel sore because they have been experiencing a workout overnight.

If you notice during the day when you’re awake that you find your teeth together or you’re moving your jaws left, right, forward and back you’re grinding and/or clenching while you’re awake meaning you did not get enough relief during the night.

Clenching brings your teeth hard together or grinding moving your jaw around and around does reduce stress but also is damaging to your teeth.  In grinding you wear down the surface of the teeth making them more flat.  This over time can allow your jaw to close further causing disorientation to your jaw joint.  In addition you wear down the enamel of your teeth which is the protective coating which now leads to a greater possibility of tooth decay.

Clenching where you are squeezing your teeth together over time can lead to gum disease due to the increased pressure placed on the ligaments of your teeth.  What to do?  The best solution is to reduce the stress in your life, something hard to do here in the Big Apple.

Or you could come in see us and we have solutions to your problem.   At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located on the upper east side of Manhattan in Yorkville we like meeting new people and taking care of their dental challenges.  Conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets close to the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines.

Call today at 212 517 9000 you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Guardian Dental PPO Insurance? Yes we accept it!

Are they guarding the bank or looking out for you?  At our dental practice if you have Guardian Dental Insurance your exam, x-rays and cleaning are covered at 100% if you have not used your benefits.

Healthy teeth are happy teeth and cleaned teeth are always good.  You lead with your smile and like it or not people make subconscious determinations based on your teeth.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we care about you and your teeth.

In addition we value your time.  If your appointment is at 1pm You will be seen at 1PM.  No waiting room here.  In general people know what’s going on in their mouths. If all you need is an exam and cleaning let Guardian pay. You’re paying them so let them pay for you.

So don’t delay call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Tree of Life Cigna PPO Dental Insurance

If you have Cigna Dental Insurance then in our practice your Exam, X-Rays and Cleaning are covered at 100% if your benefits have not been used.

You’re paying for your dental coverage and your teeth need to be cleaned so why not stick it to Cigna.  Clean teeth are healthy teeth and you lead with your smile.  With decades of dental experience Dr. Glenn Reit is here for you.  

We like people and like to take care of their teeth.  The Tree will pay and it’s always better to be proactive than reactive especially in matters about your teeth.  We value you and we value your time.  If your appointment is at One O’clock you will be seen at One O’clock.

Our reception area is not a holding tank nor will you be waiting there.  Most individuals know what’s going on in their mouths.  If you need more than a cleaning we will be able to diagnose your situation and give you alternatives to resolve your situation.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

You’re Teeth Want to be CLEANED and Metlife will Pay 100% for YOU

If you have METDENTAL dental insurance in our practice your exam, x-rays and cleaning will be covered at 100% with NO CO PAYMENT from you if you have not used your benefits.

Healthy Teeth are Happy Teeth and a clean, radiant smile is good for you.  You lead with your smile and here in our dental practice with SNOOPY at your side he will pay for you.

If you find this hard to believe just give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we’ll confirm it for you.   At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we care about YOU and YOUR teeth.   Most people have a general idea of what’ going on in their mouths.  With decades of experience we can inform you of what’s going on and if there’s an issue, ways to resolve it.

In addition to valuing you we value your time.  If you have a 1 PM appointment you will be seen at 1 PM.  No waiting in the reception area – you arrive – offered a bottle of water and when you’re ready taken in.

Don’t delay call today – you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Do You Have CIGNA Dental Insurance?

Do you have Cigna Dental Insurance?  At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit DDS at 1498 Third Avenue located between 84th and 85th streets here in Manhattan we accept your Cigna Dental Insurance for payment of dental services rendered to you.  At our practice your exam, x-rays and cleaning are covered at 100% meaning you have NO out of pocket payment as long as you have not used your benefits.

Dr Glenn Reit has decades of experience in providing dental services to patients of all ages.  If all you need is a cleaning we’re happy to provide it.  If your situation is slightly more challenging we will work with you to resolve your situation. Nobody likes going to the dentist so we will strive to make your appointment what we would want when going to the dentist.

We see patients on time all the time which is another plus.  Your time is valuable and we respect that.  Most people have a good idea of what’s going on in their mouths so there generally are no surprises when coming to see us.

We will always give you alternatives, price points and time commitments to complete any needed or optional dental treatments.  We also have Saturday hours so you will not have to take time off from work.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve seen the dentist and believe you should schedule a cleaning and check-up what are you waiting for?  With your active Guardian Dental Insurance it’s a no brainer.  You’re out of cost payment for preventive services are zero dollars.  Someone is paying for your Cigna policy and Cigna says their best patient is the one who pays and doesn’t use their dental insurance benefits.

Call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Go for the gold

In the Olympics the goal is to go for gold. In dentistry you can also go for gold. With a gold filling or if you're brave a gold crown. Obviously, the gold crown would need to be on one of your back teeth unless you’re going for the bling.

Most individuals today will not accept gold due to its color. In fact, most people prefer not to have yellow teeth to begin with and will undergo bleaching or cosmetic dentistry to lighten the shade of their teeth. In fact, today the demand for gold dentistry is predominantly by dentists.

That should tell you something. Just like you, dentists do not like going to the dentist. They may like performing dentistry but not having dentistry. When it comes to dentistry women are a lot stronger than men. Something about lying on your back with a stranger working a couple of inches from your brain can cause men to panic.

Back to gold. The reason dentists choose gold is that it lasts the longest. Gold has the same expansion and contraction as enamel. Meaning, gold is the closest to what the outside of your tooth is made of. Gold is very biocompatible with your mouth. It is easy to clean and its edges can be very closely adapted to your tooth structure. In fact, most dental restorations are wide open. Meaning the armies of bacteria in your mouth are marching en mass into the interior of your tooth. Since cementing mediums contain huge amounts of fluoride this helps to keep your teeth protected.

The great drawback to gold is that it is yellow and you can see it and in today’s esthetic conscious society Moi is perfect in every way. Sort of like: Only your hairdresser knows for sure. Here at the practice, we still do gold crowns and gold fillings. If the need arises this alternative will always be presented and then promptly rejected.

The cool thing about gold is when you melt it. It looks like mercury except it is gold in color. You can actually see your reflection in it and before it becomes liquid it has a reddish golden sheen. Just magnificent and it makes you realize why it has been in use since antiquity. However, at 1948 degrees Fahrenheit you certainly don’t want to touch it for then you’ll definitely be singing, but not in a good way. But even today it continues to remain the gold standard in finance and in dentistry.

At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit we realize you will probably not be going for the gold but that’s ok.  We are just informing you of the option. If you are only in search of a dental cleaning we are here for you.  We always like meeting new people and addressing their dental needs.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets in Yorkville.  We are one block away from the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines.  So, give us a call today at 212 517 9000. You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

The Daily Grind We’re Talking Teeth Not Coffee

An observation I have recently noticed in my patients is the fracturing of teeth and restorations due to stress. One way our bodies are programmed to relieve stress is by clenching and grinding our teeth during sleep.   It is not known why this occurs but stress reduction does occur by grinding and clenching. 

Exercise, meditation and a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce your inner stress.  Stress is usually caused by work, relationships and/or money meaning life. You may wonder how I know if I am clenching or grinding my teeth. Not a problem, everyone knows if they are clenching or grinding their teeth.

Here are the symptoms you will experience.  Upon waking in the morning do your jaws feel stiff? Do the muscles on the side of your head feel sore? Do you experience stiffness when moving your jaw around? If so then you are clenching or grinding in your sleep.  If you find yourself clenching or grinding during the day; while you are at your desk or just walking down the street this means you are not getting enough relief at night and your stress is spilling over into your conscious life.

If this is you, we have a solution for your problem. We can fabricate for you a night guard which is a soft piece of material which is custom made to fit either the entire upper or lower arch of your teeth. We have fabricated hundreds of these devices over the years with our patients being very happy with the results.

Danger Will Robinson do not buy a do it yourself night guard at CVS or Duane Reade. You may save yourself some money but you could damage your jaw joint which could be a real downer. Realize you move your lower jaw whenever you eat, talk and/or swallow.  Your jaw joint is a unique three-way joint.  The only three way joint in your body. 

You can move your jaw forward, back and side to side in addition to opening and closing. It is a miracle of natural evolution as is the rest of your body. All other joints in your body such as your elbow or knee just move in only one plane.  Try it and you will see what I am talking about.  It is better to go with NO night guard than to fabricate a do it yourself one. 

The night guard we make has to fit your teeth perfectly and be correctly vertically positioned to work with your jaw joints on either side of your head. Stress usually occurs in waves meaning you will be stressed for several days and then the condition will improve.  Most of our patients wear their night guard’s intermittently when they are experiencing pain.  If you wake up in the morning and you feel stiffness in one or both of your jaw joints or tension on either side of your head then for the next couple of nights you should wear the night guard we have fabricated for you.  

After wearing your night guard upon waking the next morning, you will feel better.  The night guard in addition to relieving stress in your jaws will help to prevent excessive wear that grinding does to your teeth. Grinding at night can significantly reduce the longevity of your teeth. It is almost like how the Grand Canyon was formed. The Colorado River over time created the Grand Canyon through erosion. Continual grinding over time will erode or flatten out your teeth removing the enamel protective layer of your teeth.

Once the enamel layer is gone then the inside of your tooth is exposed. The inside of your teeth is made of dentin which wears more quickly than enamel. Exposure of the dentin layer of your tooth can lead to increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold and a greater incidence for tooth decay. This is important because as you grind down your teeth the vertical dimension which is the height between your upper and lower jaws decreases. 

This in turn changes the angulations of your jaw joints eventually leading to discomfort and problems.  Think of it as your car’s tires being out of alignment and so the tires do not wear evenly or if your feet are not straight the heels of your shoes become uneven. Tires and shoes can easily be replaced while changing out your jaw joints is not a possibility.

If you have dental restorations in your mouth you probably are in no hurry to replace them. First you would have to come and see me and undergo additional dental treatment let alone the cost and time involved in having these restorations replaced. Better to protect what you have than to replace them.

I could fabricate a metal mouth like jaws in the James Bond movies but you probably do not want to be the talk of the town under those circumstances. So if you feel you are experiencing any of the problems discussed here, call us today at 212 517 9000 to schedule a consultation.  Do not let stress damage you or your teeth.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Your Healthy Mouth Contributes Towards A Healthy Body

Do you realize that your mouth and teeth are connected to the rest of you? Your mouth is a direct access point into your inner body. Healthy teeth and gums are important in maintaining a healthy mouth. A healthy body is now more important than ever. If your gums are bleeding the bacteria in your mouth have a direct highway into your body and can cause havoc. You may not be travelling but harmful bacteria are always on the move and love warm, dark places with little oxygen and plenty of food. Dental problems never go away, they just get bigger. Prevention is always preferable to restoration especially since going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list of things to do. So, if you have not been in for your cleaning and check up now would be a very good time. Your mouth and body will thank you and getting out and about is always beneficial.

Need a dentist – maybe we are the one.  We are located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  We are always looking to meet new people and take care of their dental needs.  You can reach us at 212 517 9000 to speak with us.  Even if all you are looking for is a dental cleaning – give us a call.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Are Your Foundations Strong

You may not be aware but just like a beautiful building your teeth would not be present without a strong foundation to support them. Teeth are maintained in your jaw due to healthy bone and surrounding gum tissue. You could have a full set of teeth without any filings or decay and lose them to a poor foundation. Periodontal disease or gum disease which attacks the foundations of your teeth is preventable and also amenable to treatment. The good news is that you control the extent of gum disease in your mouth. The easiest way to prevent gum disease is through daily brushing and flossing. Ideally you should floss and brush twice per day. Once in the morning upon waking and a second time at night before retiring. You want to decrease the amount of bacteria in your mouth especially before going to sleep where bacteria thrive in an environment that is warm, dark and without air. Failure to brush and floss at night leaves excess food in your mouth. Upon waking you need to brush and floss to remove any overnight buildup. Also morning mouth can be disturbing to your friends. Realize all the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic, meaning without oxygen. When you brush your teeth you bring air into your mouth which contains 20% oxygen. Your teeth are squares or cubes and when you brush you clean the top, back and front but do not get in between. However when you floss you bring air in between your teeth reducing the levels of bacteria. All teeth have a cuff surrounding them which in health is 3mm in depth. When you eat, food accumulates in these pockets and if not removed breaks down releasing acids. In the first phase of gum disease called gingivitis the ligaments holding the teeth in your mouth are attacked. Once the pocket gets greater than 5 mm in depth you are no longer able to reach the base of the pocket through flossing since the floss would have to cut your gums to reach the bottom of the pocket. If food continues to accumulate in the second phase of gum disease called periodontitis the pockets will increase in depth. This leads to bone loss and eventual tooth mobility and tooth loss. Periodontal surgery is then necessary to save your teeth which are expensive and slightly painful. The good news is daily flossing and brushing with bi-yearly dental exams and cleanings will prevent this situation from occurring. So let the floss be with you for continued dental health.

If you are looking for a dentist we are here for you.  We are located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  Only one block from the 4,5,6 and Q subways lines it is easy to get to our location.  So, maybe you only need a cleaning or maybe you perceive something could be going on, then give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

The Daily Grind- We Are Talking Teeth Not Coffee

Do your teeth hurt upon waking in the morning? Do you experience dull pain or headache? Do you find your jaw to be sore or your bedmate giving you the morning look of being kept up at night? If so, then maybe you’re grinding your teeth at night to relieve the stresses of the Big Apple. Daily tooth grinding is not beneficial to the health of your teeth. They can fracture, loosen or experience increased wear leading to sensitivity and cavities. It’s like water continually running over rocks or two pieces of wood constantly being rubbed against each other. Over time the outer surfaces will wear down. The constant moving of your jaws can also lead to teeth abfractions. These formed notched areas on the sides of your teeth are similar to the bite of an ax when cutting down a tree leading to increased sensitivity and possible tooth fracture. The constant daily grind can bring muscle pain to your jaw and sides of your head. Meditation, yoga, exercise and a healthy diet can help to relieve stress. But if that’s not working we have a solution for you to help save your teeth from breaking. It’s called a dental night guard which as the name implies you wear at night to guard your teeth. It is made of a soft, flexible material and will protect your teeth from the hazards of grinding. New York can be a stressful place so we have made substantial numbers of night guards. The fabrication and wear is painless and may be covered by your dental insurance policy. So if this sounds like you or you know of someone who has mentioned this problem. Let us know and we’re here to make you feel a whole lot better.

At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit we like doing dentistry and meeting new patients.  At 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we are conveniently located one block from the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines and the Third Avenue buses.  So call today 212 517 9000. You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Teeth Straightening for Everyone - It’s Possible With Invisalign

Everyone deserves to have a smile they love, and with today’s modern dental technology, that goal is attainable. A generation ago, straightening options were limited to old-school bracket-and wire braces. These work well, but they’re considered taboo for adults. Invisalign, which straightens your teeth using custom made clear trays, is a great alternative for patients of all ages. The way Invisalign works is not completely different from traditional braces. In both cases, your teeth are realigned gradually. The difference comes in form. With braces, an orthodontist regularly tinkers with your wiring depending on where you are in the process. With Invisalign, on the other hand, you change aligners throughout treatment as you move from origin to destination. Depending on the results you’d like to achieve, treatment usually lasts between 8 months and 2 years. Invisalign appeals to many patients for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the aligners are essentially invisible. Nobody will even know you’re wearing them. Despite their outward invisibility, the aligners do real, demonstrable work. Most patients start to notice changes in their smile as early as six weeks into treatment. Other advantages of Invisalign include comfort and removability. The clear aligners are made of a BPA-free thermoplastic material that’s smooth to the touch and lays flat against your teeth. They are so comfortable that you may even forget you’re wearing them. You should remove your aligners for meals and can take them out for special occasions, but this flexibility can be both a blessing and a curse. If you don’t wear your aligners as often as possible, you’ll stall your progress. The results of straightening your teeth aren’t just cosmetic. Straight teeth are less likely to break or develop gum disease, which means investing in your smile now will save you from needing treatments later. Invisalign is a great option for adults.

Call our office today to find out if Invisalign is right for you.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located right here on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we are always looking to meet new people and help them achieve a healthy mouth and attractive smile.  So if you only need a cleaning or believe something could be going on give us a call at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Dental Insurance?

Who is Taking Advantage of Who?

One must remember that insurance companies are in business to make a profit meaning they have to take in more than they pay out.  They may have many phrases such as; Like a Good Neighbor, You’re in Good Hands, They are on your side but they are there to make a profit.

When they say Medicare Advantage Plans the advantage is with the insurance carrier as many find out.  Recently there were two big hurricanes in Florida.  Guess who’ll by paying on renewals in 2025 – everybody.

In dentistry dental insurance is usually obtained from your employer where you are part of a group.  Since there are generally many employees and many only go to the dentist when they are in pain the insurance company makes money based on the numbers.  If you try to get dental insurance on your own from the insurance marketplace you’re in for a surprise.

Only a person who goes to the dentist without insurance and suddenly finds they need a lot of treatment will proceed to the marketplace.  The insurance companies realize this and when you apply your coverage will be very limited or delayed.  They want you cleaned up on your dime before they will cover anything major.

Dental insurance companies take the attitude that if you brush and floss daily you will probably only need checkups, x rays and cleaning and this they can handle.  Their best customer is one who pays and never visits the dentist.

Since most dental treatment is not life threatening and there are many with no teeth who can still function they believe any substantial dental treatment needed is the patient’s fault and you should pay.  Most dental plans offer limited coverage so substantial treatment will max out your plan quickly.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS here in Yorkville we have been dealing with dental insurance companies for decades.  We know how they work and will be able to get you maximum coverage for your dental needs.

So, even if it’s only cleaning, come on down.  We are always happy to meet new people and take care of their dental needs.  Conveniently located on the Upper East Side at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets on the second floor of a five story brownstone we are here for you.  Give us a call today at 212 517 9000 you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Overbites and Underbites

For some their lower jaw is forward – think Jay Leno while for others their lower jaw is intruded like they’ve hit the wall.  These conditions can cause havoc in your mouth in relation to your teeth.   However, for most their jaws are in alignment but their teeth may not be.

If the front surface of your upper teeth are more forward than the front surfaces of your lower teeth you have an overbite generally meaning your upper jaw is bigger than your lower jaw.  You may be able to sort of stick your tongue between your upper and lower teeth when your jaws are closed.  In an underbite it’s just the reverse with the lower jaw being bigger than your upper jaw.

Some others have what is called a cross bite like the x crossing of railroad tracks.  These conditions can lead to dental problems since the upper and lower teeth are not coming together correctly.  Think of the gears of a motor not being in alignment.  Over time the teeth of the gears will wear down unevenly and even break off.

You see the same thing on your shoes if your feet are not in alignment the soles of your shoes wear unevenly.  Same with a tire on your car – when out of alignment the ride is less smooth and the tires wear out quicker.

Also when teeth are crooked it is harder to keep them clean leading to gum disease and tooth decay.    Today in dentistry we are able to realign crooked teeth.  It leads to longevity of your dentition and makes it easier for you to keep them clean and decay free.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville we always like meeting new people and taking care of their dental needs whether mild or more advanced.  So, if you are looking for a dentist give us a call at 212 517 90000 today.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Genetics and Cavities

Sometimes life can be unfair.  Even if you brush and floss your teeth twice per day every day cavities can still happen.  Don’t be too hard on yourself.  There’s mounting evidence that your genetic makeup may have predisposed you to cavities.  Yes your ancestors are still alive and well and in your neighborhood.

The postulation that your genes are related to your oral health is still a novel concept and more research is needed but commonly cited finding states that genetics may increase your chances of having cavities by 64%.

Of course not brushing and flossing your teeth and eating and drinking foods with high sugar content over time will eventually lead to cavities.  Genes can influence the strength of the enamel of your teeth which is the outer protective coating on your teeth.  For some the enamel is hard and strong but others it is softer and more easily damaged by cavity causing bacteria.

Genes can also affect how your body responds to the bacteria within your saliva which cause cavities.  Not to worry we are cavity finders and fighters.  We are always looking for new people to enter our practice.  We will examine your mouth and tell you what we see.  For many a regular exam will lead to a standard six month dental cleaning and you’ll be good to go.

So if you live in Yorkville and are in need of a dentist, give us a call at 212 517 9000.  We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  After meeting with us we believe you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Whatever You Call Your Teeth...Just Keep Them Healthy!

Chompers, Pearly Whites, Dents, Gnashers, Grill all lead to one item; your teeth.  Some are big, some are small, they can be straight or crooked and in shades of white, grey, yellow and brown but you need them to eat and for a pleasing disposition.

Teeth are good and if you take care of them they will take care of you.  Say What?  I’m saying you need to be good to your teeth if you want them to be good to you.  Being good is keeping them clean and healthy.  It’s a dental hygiene routine where twice per day you get in there and clean them using your toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.

When you eat food remains in your mouth and food has bacteria which thrive in warm, dark places.  Hey, that’s your mouth.  Think of teeth as squares.  You can clean or brush the top, front and back of the square but not in between.  That’s why there’s dental floss that little string that can get in between your teeth to remove any bacterial residue accumulating in there.

You should brush and floss your teeth upon waking in the morning and at night before you go to bed.  Keeping your mouth in a healthy condition will benefit you and those you come in contact with.  No one likes to be accosted by someone with bad breath or a scary mouth disposition.

If you have been letting your mouth go for a while and are in need of a consultation or treatment we like meeting people and we like restoring their mouths to health.   After an initial dental exam we can inform you of any situations or problems you might have and give you multiple solutions to bring your mouth back to health.

We are conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85thstreets.  We are easy to get to by walking, taking the bus or subways which are within one block of the practice.   So give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

The Case Against Silver- Change Amalgam Fillings for Looks Not Safety

If you have some Silver Dollars in your pocket you are not going to throw them away.  If you were given a sterling silver set for your wedding you’re probably going to keep them.  But, for some if you have silver in your mouth you might be inclined to have them nuggets removed.

The Amalgam Silver controversy is still alive today.  If you are of a certain age you probably have some silver fillings in your mouth.  These restorations can last for decades, some more than fifty years.  Think of something else that a human can create that can last for more than a half century with only little maintenance efforts on your part.  Quite impressive!

Back in the day the choice was gold or silver since white fillings did not exist.  If you were in the limo you were probably getting gold while in the bus or subway silver was for you.  The concern with silver is the filling is an amalgam or a combination of things.  The thing most patients are concerned about is the mercury in the filling.

Mercury is produced by the burning of coal and is a heavy element.  When coal is burned mercury is placed into the atmosphere and since it is a heavy element it falls back down to the surface of the earth.  Most of the planet is water so the mercury enters the oceans where the oysters, lobsters and clams consume it.  The large ocean fish such as tuna, shark and tile concentrate the mercury within them when feeding on the other inhabitants of the seas.  When you eat them you concentrate their mercury content in your body.  With silver filling the mercury is a bound salt so if you swallow your filling the mercury will just pass straight through you instead of accumulating within your body.

Silver fillings are strong but not aesthetic.  Today with the development of white fillings, silver ones are entering the dustbin of history.  With a white filling you can’t see it so it’s like you never had it and you’re even more beautiful.   It took a while for dentist’s to figure out how to successfully place white fillings but today the process is very straightforward.

So do you remove any silver fillings you have?  In my opinion no unless you are not happy with the way they look or if your tooth is becoming grey in color due to leakage of the silver ion into your tooth.  You must realize that every time you perform surgery on your tooth there is a chance of the tooth’s nerve checking out as if saying I’ve had enough.  If this happens root canal therapy can be in your future.

Besides aesthetics one advantage of white fillings is that when they finally fail the filling breaks and generally not the tooth.  When a properly placed silver filling fails decades later generally the filling is still intact but it is the tooth that breaks because ultimately a silver filling is a wedge within the tooth.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we believe in informing you what is happening in your mouth and if there is a concern giving you the options and price points to correct the situation.  We always like meeting new people even if you’re only looking to have your teeth cleaned.

So if you need a new dentist or a second opinion call today at 212 517 9000 and we will be happy to see you.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Tooth Wars- Suspect a Bite Problem?

It’s tough being a tooth.  You are always in demand especially when the body you’re in is hungry.  If your teeth are out of alignment then they are even more traumatized.  Think of the gears of an engine.  If the gears are out of alignment they will experience more pressure and tension and eventually fall apart.  If the gears of the motor are not kept lubricated more problems will also occur.

Your mouth or masticatory system consisting of your jaws, gums and teeth are your engine for the consumption of foods, necessary to keep you alive.  In addition to the forces placed on your teeth through chewing of food if you are under stress there are increased forces placed on your teeth through clenching and grinding.  If decay is present then the integrity of your tooth is compromised leading to a greater chance of decline while if your gums are infected then there is a greater chance of your teeth leaving your body.

Fortunately many of these problems can be corrected.  If your teeth are out of alignment they can be moved back into place through the use of clear aligners or metal wires.  If a tooth is malformed we can correct the malformation through selective grinding and replacement of lost tooth structure.  For destructive habits we can make tooth guards which will protect your teeth.

If you are experiencing any of these problems give us a call at 212 517 9000.  At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets here in Yorkville we have been treating patients with these maladies for decades.

Maybe all you need or want is a dental exam and cleaning.  We are still here for you.  No one really likes going to the dentist but an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.  Being proactive vs reactive on your dental care is always better choice.

Call Today:  You and Your Teeth Will Be Glad You Did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Proactive Versus Reactive in Dentistry

To Do or Not To Do – that is the question?

Your top ten list probably does not include going to the dentist, especially if you’ve had a challenging appointment in the past.  However dental decay marches on and can proceed without you being aware.  When you become aware it might bite you and now you dread going to the dentist.  Lying on your back with a stranger next to your brain saying open wide can be traumatic.

Today dentistry has changed and we can provide dental services comfortably to you except when you’ve waited too long.  If you come in with raging pain it will be more challenging and expensive to treat your dental situation.

In most cases dental problems develop slowly unless you are involved in a trauma situation.  This allows us to treat your condition less aggressively and with you remaining pain free and relaxed during treatment.  You may not want to know what is going on in your mouth but being informed is much better than being surprised.

So if it has been awhile since going to the dentist maybe now is the time to come in.  Generally, you know if there is a problem but even if all is well your teeth want to be cleaned.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we always like meeting new people.   Give us a call today, you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!