Blog Archive
The First Few Days: Getting Used to Braces When braces are first placed, it’s normal to experience:✔ Mild soreness or pressure as teeth start to move✔ Slight irritation on cheeks and lips from brackets✔ A learning curve with eating and speaking Tips for an easier transition: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed...
1. Early Detection of Dental Problems Many dental issues develop silently. Cavities, gum disease, and even infections often don’t cause noticeable symptoms until they’ve progressed. During your checkup, Dr. Shine carefully examines your teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues to spot the earliest signs of trouble. Catching issues early means:✔...
Easier to Clean Teeth Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces where plaque and food particles can hide, making brushing and flossing difficult. This increases the risk of:✔ Cavities✔ Gum disease✔ Bad breath Orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth, making oral hygiene simpler and more effective. Reduced Risk of Gum Disease Misaligned teeth...
At Shine DDS in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, I hear this phrase more often than you might expect:“I don’t need a dental exam if nothing hurts.” As a general dentist, my job is not just to fix issues — it’s to help you avoid them altogether. Why Waiting for Pain Is Risky...
Orthodontics is more than just straightening teeth—it’s about creating healthy, functional smiles that last a lifetime. Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding what orthodontics involves can help you make informed decisions. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about orthodontic treatment, from its...
A bright, confident smile makes a powerful first impression. At Shine DDS in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, patients often tell us they feel more youthful, more polished, and more motivated to take care of their oral health after whitening their teeth. If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, here’s what you should know...
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early assessment helps detect any developing issues and allows for timely intervention if needed. How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?Treatment time varies depending on...
As vaping continues to grow in popularity—especially among teens and young adults—many patients in Bensonhurst and across Brooklyn are asking us: "Is vaping bad for your teeth and gums?" The short answer is yes—and as your neighborhood dental professionals, we're here to explain why.
Braces for Kids and Teens Traditional braces have been the go-to option for decades, and for good reason—they work for almost all orthodontic cases, from simple crowding to complex bite problems. Benefits of Braces:✔ Effective for all types of misalignments✔ Fixed in place (no risk of losing them)✔ Often more affordable than aligners✔ No need...
If you’ve ever worried about your breath before a meeting or social gathering, you’re not alone. The good news is that bad breath is often preventable with proper care. At Shine DDS in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Dr. Evelyn Shine and her team help patients discover the root causes of halitosis and...
How Teeth Whitening Works Most whitening products use a safe concentration of peroxide-based ingredients to break down stains on the surface of the teeth. These stains usually come from coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, or just natural aging. When applied carefully, the whitening gel penetrates the enamel and lifts these...
Many patients underestimate the importance of retainers, but they play a vital role in maintaining your beautiful new smile. Here’s why they matter and how to take care of them. Why Do I Need a Retainer? Teeth are not fixed in place—they’re supported by bone and soft tissue, which need...
Teeth naturally darken over time due to aging, lifestyle habits, and even genetics. While at-home whitening products can provide some results, professional teeth whitening offers more dramatic and lasting effects. Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening? 1. Safe and Effective Results Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can be tempting, but they often...
Many people are unaware of the importance of using the right oral hygiene tools. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), brushing twice a day with the proper prodiuts is imperative to preventing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. Here are some statistics: About 90% of American adults...
Bleeding Gums Bleeding gums are an indication of gum disease. Gums will naturally bleed if they are pierced or cut just like any other tissue in the body, but when gums bleed spontaneously, or from regular brushing and flossing, it is a tell tell sign that something is wrong and...
This is true, and a dentist can tell you that after gums have started receding, there is no way they will get back to their healthy form without treatment. As pleasant as it may be to have the soft tissues get back into their initial position after practicing good oral...
It's not the huffing and puffing on traditional and electronic cigarettes that affects your oral health, but the chemicals and ingredients in those products, particularly your oral health. Nicotine is found in both electronic and traditional cigarettes, and it is the one that has a huge impact on health. Nicotine...
Several factors could trigger tooth sensitivity discomfort, including receding gum, tooth decay, or genetics. Below are five tips that can help to reduce tooth sensitivity. Use toothpaste that is targeted to help reduce tooth sensitivity There are plenty of brands, such as Colgate, Crest, Arm & Hammer, and Sensodyne, that...
Try to avoid consuming foods that contribute to mouth odor. When you eat food, it gets broken down in the mouth before being absorbed into the small intestine and then into your bloodstream. Some foods, such as onions or garlic, have strong odors. When you consume such foods and floss...
In the arena cosmetic dental care, it is easy to forget that invisalign also offers health benefits. Of course, anyone who has had a cosmetic dental procedure will feel a boost in their confidence but were you aware that there are physical health benefits as well? For instance, while porcelain...
Activated charcoal is a popular ingredient in many skincare scrubs and masks to toothpaste and dietary supplements. Activated charcoal is a charcoal powder that comes from smaller charcoals derived from coconut shells, bone char, coal,oliver pits or sawdust. Products with activated charcoal are seen more readily on the shelves of...
Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, are made from a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They have been used for centuries and are still commonly used today because they are strong and durable, withstaining the force of chewing. The dark color of silver fillings make...
In many cases, sore gums will heal by themselves if you maintain proper oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth in the morning and evenings and flossing. Sore gums can be a result of hormonal changes which include pregnancy and menopause. Other causes of sore gums include brushing too hard...
We all know that cavities are bad news. But what exactly are they, and how can we prevent them? Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acid, which attacks the tooth enamel. The enamel starts to break down, and a small hole (or cavity) forms. If the...
It is not secret that good dental hygiene is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Not only does it keep your smile looking its best, but regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But sometimes even the most diligent brushers and flossers need...
What is a Porcelain Fused to Metal or PFM crown? Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFMs) have been successfully used for many years, providing reliable, long-lasting restorations. In recent years, an increasing number of dentists are choosing zirconia restorations. The number of PFM crowns done by dentists is lower compared with all porcelain...
If you're considering getting braces, you may be wondering what the difference is between braces and invisalign. Both options have their pros and cons, so it's important to weigh your options before making a decision. Braces are the more traditional option, and they are very effective at straightening teeth. However,...
So you've finally decided to do it: you're ready to get your teeth whitened for that special eventcoming up. Whether it's to impress a date, look good for a night out with friends or just sick and tired of how dark your teeth have become, you intensely desire those shiny,...
You’re finally going to do it: you’re going to tell your dentist to extract that painful tooth that has been bothering you endlessly. You can’t wait until all that constant and excruciating pain finally ends. But then you suddenly get nervous: what am I going to do about this new...
You just came back from the dentist who commended you on the health state of your teeth. Your hard work of brushing at least twice a day, flossing after every meal and refraining from sugary foods has paid off. You have no cavities, no toothaches and your teeth are shinier...
“Oh I bet half of them got veneers!” exclaims your friend while you watch the biggest stars walk the red carpet at this year’s Oscar’s ceremony. Do you keep hearing about Veneers but don’t have the slightest clue to what they actually are? Veneers are essentially thin coverings that are...
The day has finally come. That big date with your childhood crush that you’ve been looking forward to for arguably your entire life. You made the oh so difficult reservation at one of the fanciest restaurants. You picked the perfect outfit. You got that stylish haircut. Before you head out,...
What is a deep teeth cleaning? A dental deep cleaning, is a process in which your dentist or hygienist cleans between the teeth and underneath the gums. Much like in a regular basic cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will clean the tooth, gum line and sides of the teeth. However...
What We are Doing To Keep You Safe Here is what we’ll be adding to your patient experience: Checking in before you arrive - Our eCheck-In process will be a new requirement prior to arriving so that all forms and co-pays can be processed remotely, in addition to remotely verifying insurance. This...