Blog Archive
Your smile is often the first thing people notice, and the quest for pearly whites has led to various cosmetic dentistry options. At SmileBoutique in Mount Vernon, New York, our team of experts specializes in two sought-after options: teeth whitening and veneers. Let’s explore these options, comparing their pros and...
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and over the next few years, that number is expected to get larger. Replacing missing teeth can prevent a cascade of dental issues. At SmileBoutique, Dr. Wayne Hofflich and his staff want you to...
A chip or crack in your tooth can be painful and worrisome, whether it happens as a result of trauma like a baseball hitting you in the face, or you bite down on a piece of hard candy and realize you’ve damaged a tooth. Happily, your dentist can help. At SmileBoutique in...
Have you been putting off a trip to the dentist? Many people delay these important visits for as long as possible. Unfortunately, that’s not doing you any favors in the long run; it could even be making problems worse — especially if you need a root canal. Root canals really have...
Have your gums started bleeding when you brush or floss? There could be a problem brewing. In fact, bleeding gums can indicate numerous issues, including teeth grinding, vitamin deficiencies, and hormone fluctuations. However, it’s usually a sign of an equally serious problem — periodontal (gum) disease. Fortunately, the caring team at SmileBoutique in Mount Vernon, New...
Some smile flaws are obvious. For example, you don’t need a dentist to tell you that you have crooked teeth or a large crack in your front tooth. What might not be as obvious is the oral health problems those flaws cause. At SmileBoutique in Mount Vernon, New York, Dr. Wayne Hofflich and our...
Dental bonding, which is a procedure where a tooth-colored composite resin is applied and bonded to a tooth’s surface, can address a variety of dental issues. Whether you have chipped teeth, gaps between your teeth, or teeth that are discolored or misshapen, dental bonding can provide a simple and affordable...
Dentures replace missing teeth, helping you eat and speak. They are a highly effective dental reconstruction option. But, adjusting to dentures can take some time, practice, and thoughtfulness, especially when communicating with others with a new dental device in your mouth. At SmileBoutique, Dr. Wayne Hofflich supports his patients through...
Sometimes a bit of red in your rinse water after brushing can be normal. If your brushing routine is too vigorous, you may see a bit of blood and need to use a gentler approach. Regular bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. Ignoring...
Do you have a nagging pain in your mouth and suspect a cavity? Cavities go by several names, including tooth decay and dental caries, and they’re a primary cause of toothaches, tooth sensitivity, and pain when chewing. It’s hard to ignore the pain of a cavity, so you might wonder...
When it comes to the health of your teeth, most people think of basic care like brushing and flossing. And while those are important, there are other concerns that affect dental health. How your upper and lower jaw fit together, or your bite, is a vital part of that health....
Every year, millions of Americans decide to make a New Year’s resolution, and for many, their resolution has something to do with their health, their appearance, or both. Teeth happen to be the gateway to your overall health (or lack of it), so keeping that smile strong and shiny is...
If your teeth are yellow, you can fix them. Both teeth whitening and veneers work very well to lighten your teeth, but the two options have different uses and are designed to achieve different results. You can choose to have either of the two options done right in the dentist’s...
Missing one or more teeth is very common, but that doesn’t mean it’s not problematic. Your teeth are a crucial part of your oral health, of course, but when you’re missing teeth, you can also develop other issues that pose threats to your overall health. At SmileBoutique in Mount Vernon,...
If there is a significant fear in the dental world, it’s the root canal. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), 67% of Americans say the fear of pain most concerns them about having root canal treatment. Breaking it down even further, about 65% of women and 53% of men claim...
If you want to boost your smile, dental bonding and veneers are two excellent options. Both treatments cover up dental imperfections to give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile. However, they differ in methods and materials. At Smile Boutique in Mount Vernon, New York, Dr. Wayne Hofflich, DDS, offers both...
You’re busy, and dental appointments just don’t fit into your hectic schedule — we get it. But that tooth infection you’re tolerating won’t go away on its own. In fact, it’ll only get worse and cause more serious problems. Fortunately, there’s a tooth-infection expert here in Mount Vernon, New York,...
It’s not uncommon to procrastinate when scheduling a professional dental cleaning. Despite proof that regular dental checkups can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, 100 million Americans don’t see a dentist every year. While it may seem inconvenient to fit a professional cleaning into your busy schedule, this type...
A smile flaw can make you feel self-conscious. When you are happy, you smile, which allows for connections with other people. However, a gummy smile can cause you to hold back from smiling to avoid judgment. A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, occurs when your gums are...
Losing your teeth can make you feel self-conscious, unattractive, and all alone. But, guess what? Plenty of people are in the same boat. In fact, the American College of Prosthodontists reports that about one-half of American adults (120 million people) are missing at least one tooth, and roughly one-seventh (36 million people) have no...
It doesn’t take much to boost your confidence — a new outfit, a good hair day, a glowing compliment. And when you feel better about yourself, it shows. You walk taller, have more energy, and smile more — unless your teeth are stained and dingy. While missing teeth, chips, cracks,...
Say you’re at your dentist’s office for a routine checkup, and it’s time to gather some images of your mouth — dental X-rays. You may wonder if taking these images is really necessary, especially if you feel fine and have no pain or other symptoms. The fact is: dental images...
It’s understandable that the thought of having a professional teeth cleaning may feel like an unnecessary inconvenience if you’re not experiencing problems. However, it can actually save you time and money by helping to prevent problems before they require more complex and costly treatment. The thorough process involved in teeth...
Invisalign® clear aligner trays have revolutionized orthodontics. The effectiveness and popularity of the Invisalign system has inspired many copycats, but none that produce the same fast, effective, and reliable results. And nine million happy smiles support that assertion! At SmileBoutique in Mount Vernon, New York our team recommends Invisalign’s clear,...
As dental health is a vital part of your overall health, having the facts about the various dental treatments and appliances is key to understanding your best options for proper care of your teeth. Tooth decay is a common culprit of dental problems (undiagnosed tooth decay in 13.2% of kids...
Dental X-rays have revolutionized dentistry by enabling dentists to capture images of the inside of teeth, gums, and jawbones without the need to perform invasive procedures. These images are useful at identifying cavities beneath fillings, impacted teeth, infections, and bone loss in the jaw. Below, we asked Dr. Wayne Hofflich,...
Your mouth is the starting point for your digestion, and taking care of it means maintaining proper dental care. As you eat, many of the foods you ingest stain your teeth, and particles are often caught in between teeth. This combined with the bacteria in your mouth can lead to...
Dentists perform approximately 15 million root canals every year in the United States. This common procedure repairs a damaged or infected tooth without removing it. If you’re having pain in your tooth, come see us at Smile Boutique in Mount Vernon, New York. Our team has the expertise and experience...
When you smile, you say to the world, “I’m here, I’m happy to be here, I feel good!” That’s a powerful message to send when you’re at a job interview, meeting new neighbors for the first time, or on a date. Your smile is an asset in nearly all areas...
More than 8 million people are enjoying the benefits of Invisalign®, and for good reason! Invisalign transforms your smile while being comfortable, discreet, convenient, and easy to maintain. If you’ve seen the beautiful smiles Invisalign creates, you may wonder if you’re a good candidate for this premier teeth-straightening system. General...
Your smile is a calling card to the world, so when you keep it hidden away, it’s a disservice to yourself and those around you. Yet, there are dental issues that can rob you of confidence, keeping your lips tightly shut. We’re ready to help with a technique called dental...
How do you recognize what’s essential and what can be put off? It’s over a century since the United States last faced a national health crisis on the scale of the current COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s a much different world today. Effective dental care has long depended on the pattern...
Even when you practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis, professional dental cleanings play a crucial role in your oral health. These visits should occur every 6-12 months, and they typically include: Visual exam of your teeth, tongue, and gums X-rays to look for underlying conditions A comprehensive teeth...
Your teeth consist of three layers: the outer enamel layer, the middle dentin layer, and the soft, inner core that extends through the root into your jaw bone. The core contains the dental pulp, composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When decay gets into the core, the pulp...
Not everyone is born with perfect teeth. Even if your teeth look and function well when you’re young, you can still run into problems as you get older. Decay, breakage, gum disease, and missing teeth can take a toll on your oral health, the appearance of your smile, and especially...
A bright, white smile truly is a beautiful thing: Being proud of your teeth instills confidence, happiness, and poise. That’s why At SmileBoutique, located in the heart of Mount Vernon, New York, highly-regarded dentist Wayne Hofflich shares five easy tips for extending the results of your teeth whitening treatment. 1....
Dental implants are, for good reason, a popular alternative to replacing your missing teeth with bridges or dentures. Part of their appeal is their amazingly natural appearance. Whether you’re replacing one or all your teeth, you may forget they aren’t the ones you grew on your own back in elementary...
It doesn’t take much to mar your smile. Isolated issues like a small chip in your tooth, a slight gap between two teeth, or a stained tooth all take a toll on your smile. A full set of pearly whites needs to be just that: a full set of pearly...
Your smile is one of the first things people notice. But when you have dental imperfections, you don’t want to show them off. You may even feel embarrassed doing everyday things with others, like talking, laughing, and eating. With the help of Dr. Wayne Hofflich and our team at...
Over 100 million Americans are missing teeth, and over 35 million lack teeth entirely. This number is extremely large, especially when you consider it only includes those living in the United States. Around the world, many people lose teeth due to various factors, including improper dental hygiene. For the sake...
Having missing teeth affects more than your smile; it can also seriously impact your oral health. That’s why Dr. Wayne Hofflich and our SmileBoutique team located in Mount Vernon, New York, recommend replacing one or more missing teeth with dental implants. Here’s what sets dental implants apart from your other...
The holidays are almost here, and that means get-togethers with friends and family, dinner celebrations, and lots of smiles. If your teeth aren’t their whitest, you might think twice before letting your smile shine. Don’t let dull teeth take the merry out of your holiday season this year. Today’s teeth...
That winning smile you dream of doesn’t have to carry a years-long sentence behind metal braces. Now the road to beautiful teeth has never been easier. The team of dental professionals at Smile Boutique in Mount Vernon, New York, offers the following scoop on Invisalign and 8 awesome facts you...
We all want a beautiful smile and healthy teeth, but sometimes we just don’t do right by them. Sure, brushing and flossing are good, but did you know that every day we do little (and sometimes not so little) things that are sabotaging these precious pearly whites of ours? Here...
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the authority on children’s oral health, is encouraging parents and caregivers to remember that the best way to keep little smiles healthy is by simply brushing their children’s teeth for two minutes, twice a day. In time for back-to-school season, the AAPD joined...