Mouthguards Many of our patients play sports, either for recreation or in a competitive nature; whether you wear braces or not, if you play a contact sport, it is important to protect your teeth from injury. Mouthguards are dental appliances designed to protect your teeth and gums from injury when playing a sport. The American Dental Association (ADA) highly endorses the frequent use of mouthguards when participating in a contact sport, recreational or otherwise. When choosing a mouthguard, you have three options: Pre-made mouthguards Boil and bite fitted guards Custom-made mouthguards For truly custom-made mouthguards, give us a call and let us fit you for a protective appliance. Customized mouthguards offer the best protection because they are made to fit your teeth and mouth precisely. Customized mouthguards result in fewer instances of the appliance slipping or falling out during play. Regardless of which type of mouthguard you choose, you want to make sure that it meets the following criteria: Tear-resistance Fits well in your mouth Easy to clean Allows for proper airflow Doesn’t restrict breathing Is comfortable to wear At New Concept Dental, we can provide you with information on choosing the right mouthguard and show you how to wear it properly so your smile is always protected. If you’re an athlete in Wilmington, DE, give us a call today at (302) 778-3822 .

Dentures in Wilmington, DE At New Concept Dental, we firmly believe that dentistry is all about creating beautiful smiles. We strive to make sure all of our denture patients feel confident when they smile because we know having a strong and attractive smile matters. Our practice specializes in providing customized denture services meeting the individual needs of our patients and ensuring that all our denture patients have a comfortable experience while wearing their dentures. We know you are one-of-a-kind, which is why we go above and beyond to make sure your customized experience leaves you feeling and looking great, helping you wear your dentures with pride and confidence. What Are Dentures? You may have heard about dentures from friends or family, but let us take a moment to explain what dentures mean to New Concept Dental. The dentures we offer our patients are natural-looking, replacement teeth that are removable. Dentures are available as full or partial dental appliances. We recommend partial dentures as an alternative to a bridge. In situations like this the dentures are attached to a metal frame bonded to your natural teeth. Partials help fill the spaces where permanent teeth used to be. When a person has lost all of his or her permanent teeth, we recommend full dentures. We offer our patients two kinds of full dentures: conventional and immediate. The differences between the two are as follows: Conventional dentures take several months and many dental visits to complete the process. The reason for the delay is that the gums must fully heal before we can safely place the dentures in the mouth. Immediate full dentures can be placed in the mouth immediately following an extraction. Although these types of dentures are instantaneous, they require several adjustments during the initial months and necessitate numerous office visits. Let Us Help You Choose the Right Dentures Are dentures right for you? The answer is not as simple as yes or no. The best way to find out if you are a candidate for dentures is to contact our offices and schedule an appointment to meet with one of our dentists. When you meet with one of our dentists, he or she will address any concerns you have. Your dentist will answer questions, examine your mouth, and help you make the best decision regarding whether or not dentures will benefit your ongoing oral health needs. How to Care for Your Dentures Even though dentures are not natural teeth, you still need to take care of them like natural teeth. Keeping the dentures clean and free of bacteria is important to prevent gum disease and other conditions. Check out these recommended ways to keep your dentures clean: Be careful with your dentures when handling them. Accidents happen more frequently during the removal or insertion of dentures. Avoid an accidental break by standing over a sink of water, or placing a folded towel on the sink. Don’t forget to brush your dentures. As with natural teeth, plaque and tartar can build up on your dentures. You can remove these substances with daily brushing, using a soft-bristled brush. Clean your dentures by lightly brushing the surface, being extremely cautious as not to bend or crack the plastic. If you have a full set of dentures, remember to keep your gums and tongue clean too. Again, use a soft-bristled brush, gently cleaning your tongue and your gums. Always rinse your dentures after each meal to keep them clean between brushings. Don’t use mouthwashes and drugstore toothpaste to clean your dentures. Many of these products are too harsh for dentures. Instead, we tell our patients to use mild hand soap for effective cleaning. Give us a call and we’ll give you with a list of approved ADA products that you can use to clean your dentures. Dentures need to stay moist. Don’t allow them to dry when you take them out, which leads to cracking, breaking, etc. Many dentures can be left in water overnight, but check with us before doing this. There are a few types of dentures that should not soak overnight. My Dentures Broke! What Do I Do?  First, don’t panic. Accidents happen. If your dentures have cracked or chipped, call us immediately. We’ll set up a time for you to come in for an examination. Whatever you do, it is imperative that you not continue to wear broken dentures. Not only will they not fit properly, but this can lead to pain and irritation in your mouth. Don’t forget to keep your regular dental appointments. Six-month checks and professional cleanings will keep your dentures looking good as new!

Bonding in Wilmington, DE Are you embarrassed by stained teeth? Have you been hiding your smile because you are ashamed of your crooked teeth? Are you tired of looking at that chip in your tooth? If you can relate to any of these situations, it is time to consider the benefits of dental bonding. Bonding is a restoration method that can instantly improve your smile and raise your confidence. By placing a white filling on the surface of the bothersome teeth, your dentist can instantly take you smile from worn and drab to spectacular. Bonding is a very popular cosmetic procedure that is quick and matches the shade of your natural teeth. Other Reasons to Consider Tooth Bonding Did you know tooth bonding material can also be used to fill cavities? With this simple solution, you can avoid the traditional amalgam fillings and their silver color. Our patients appreciate that they can have their cavities filled using a material that is far less noticeable, especially for fillings on the front teeth. Of course, as with any dental procedure, the dentists at New Concept Dental will go over all your options. In some cases, tooth bonding may not be considered an option based on the location of the cavity or the extent of the tooth’s deterioration. How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last? One of the reasons that so many of our patients are excited about tooth bonding is it is an inexpensive cosmetic treatment option that is long lasting and completed in one visit. As with any cosmetic dental procedure, it is important to understand that there is a level of care that must be exercised to maintain the tooth bonding and prolong its appearance. Bonding is susceptible to discoloration and can break easier than porcelain veneers. If tooth bonding breaks, cracks, or chips, call your dentist as soon as possible. We’ll schedule an appointment to fix the problem right away.

Bridges in Wilmington, DE The main purpose of a dental bridge is to act as a replacement for missing, permanent teeth while maintaining the shape of a patient’s face. Dentists in Wilmington also use bridges to reduce stress on their patients’ bites. How Do Bridges Work? Bridges are fixed dental restoration appliances. Their primary purpose is to link a replacement tooth to the surrounding permanent teeth or dental implants. When fusing a bridge onto the surrounding teeth, it automatically goes to work providing the necessary support and strength for the surrounding teeth or dental implant when there is a gap. How Are Bridges Made? Various materials can create sturdy bridges. These materials include: Gold Alloy Porcelain It is also possible that all three materials are combined to make a suitable bridge. How Long Will My Bridge Last? As with any dental procedure, the length of time that a patient can expect it to last depends on the strength of the foundation. In the case of bridge work, this foundation is your teeth, gums, and bones. It is crucial that you continue to practice healthy, daily oral habits to keep the bridge intact without major problems. When your teeth, jaw, and gums are strong, a bridge will not give you problems and will last for many years. Stay on top of dental cleanings. Keep your regular checkups with your dentist so that he or she can examine the bridge to make sure everything is working as it should be. If you have additional questions about bridges or any other dental restorative, contact New Concept Dental today. Our exceptional dentists will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Are you plagued with recurrent headaches, chronic neck pain, and immobilizing facial pain? If so, we’re here to tell you that you are not alone. There are millions of Americans just like you that face a daily battle with chronic pain. While there are many reasons for these painful conditions, many of our patients with symptoms can directly associate the pain with Temporomandibular Disorder, nicknamed TMD. What causes this pain? During the day the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect the lower jawbone to your skull, are used continuously. Every time you open your mouth to talk, chew your food, yawn, and even when you swallow, you are activating and using these joints. When TMD develops, the pain in your temporomandibular joint pain can worsen and in time it can even restrict your jaw’s movement. Do You Have Any of These Symptoms of TMD? Jaw pain Ringing or stuffiness in your ears Recurrent headaches Frequent neck aches Popping or clicking when the jaw moves Facial swelling (on the sides of the face) Muscle spasms in the jaw Shift in alignment of your top and bottom teeth Limited mobility of the mouth You don’t have to live with the painful side effects of TMD. If you have any of the symptoms above, call us right away and schedule an appointment. We have many effective treatments available to minimize your pain. Tips for Stopping the Progression of TMD You can stop your TMD from getting worse. Follow these simple suggestions to reduce jaw pain, decrease your headaches, and treat your chronic pain. Relax. A relaxed face takes pressure off the jaw. Keeping your lips together and your teeth apart is an easy way to keep your face in a comfortable position. Don’t grind your teeth. Don’t chew gum nonstop. Once in a while is fine, but chronic gum chewers are at a higher risk for TMD. When speaking on the phone, use a headset. Don’t cradle the phone between your head and shoulder. Chew your food evenly, using both sides of your mouth Don’t sit with your chin resting on your hand. Practicing good posture can relieve or prevent symptoms of TMD. Of course, you want to make sure TMD is the cause of your pain and not another underlying cause. For a full evaluation, call New Concept Dental today and let our TMD specialists evaluate the situation.

Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings in Wilmington, DE At New Concept Dental, we stand by the notion that regular dental exams are an important aspect of maintaining your oral health. Often, problems exist that you may not be able to see or feel. Stay current with regular dental exams to address these issues. During your six month checkup, we will perform the following services: Examine your teeth for cavities and other indications of tooth decay. Check your gums for signs of periodontal disease and gingivitis. Thoroughly clean your teeth. Update your medical history Perform a blood pressure check Regular dental exams take approximately 60 minutes to complete. A gentle and caring hand. . . The hygienists at New Concept Dental are the best at what they do. With expert training and a caring hand, your hygienist will remove built-up plaque on and in between your teeth in a gentle manner, making you as comfortable as possible. Staying current with your dental checkups, gives you the chance to talk with Dr. Faye, Dr. Redden, or Dr. Bayley about any concerns or problems you are experiencing with your mouth, teeth, or gums. Catching problems sooner, rather than later, is always the easiest way to prevent major dental work in the future. Need an appointment now? Give us a call and let us see what we can do for you. One of the reasons we’re the preferred dental practice in Wilmington, DE, is our commitment to scheduling convenient appointments for our patients. Call us today! We can’t wait to speak with you and schedule your dental exam. Preventive Care in Wilmington, DE Preventive dental care is an important part of your oral health routine, regardless of your age. Children and adults benefit from regular dental checkups. Scheduling bi-annual appointments with your dentist at New Concept Dental, and practicing good, daily oral hygiene at home, are effective ways of preventing plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. For a healthy smile, follow these oral health care recommendations: Daily brushing is a must if you want to keep your teeth strong and in good condition. We advise our patients to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your tooth’s enamel. Brushing removes food particles from the surface of your teeth and protects against the buildup of plaque. Is flossing part of your oral hygiene routine? When you floss, you get rid of bacteria between your teeth where your toothbrush’s bristles cannot easily reach. Along with daily flossing, we also recommend that you use mouthwash. Not only does mouthwash kill bacteria, but it will refresh your breath too. When you use these products together, it is easier to remove both plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet not only keeps your waistline trim, but it keeps your smile bright and healthy. Make it a point to avoid sugary foods, replacing them with nutritious choices such as dairy, fruit, and raw vegetables. Ask us about protective sealants to find out if these products may be a good choice for you. Sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, places where decay is more likely to develop. Sealants are easy to adhere, and they add another layer of protection against tooth deterioration. Do you play a contact sport? If so, protect your smile while you play, and ask us about customized mouth guards. Lastly, don’t forget to schedule regular checkups. If it has been more than six months since you last visited our offices, give us a call today at (302) 778-3822 to schedule an appointment for a professional cleaning and checkup. Dentists Fay, Redden, and Bayley, and all the staff at New Concept Dental care about YOU and strive to deliver the best preventive care in Wilmington, DE, every single day.

Pediatric Dentistry in Wilmington Have you been hesitant about taking your child to the dentist? Perhaps you feel they are too young, or maybe you want to protect them from what you think they will perceive is a frightening experience. We know that parents want the best for their children, which is why Drs. Fay, Redden, and Bayley go out of their way to provide the best possible oral health care for your child. Our team loves working with children and it shows in our warm, welcoming attitude to you and your children. At New Concept Dental in Wilmington, DE, we know that children are not actually afraid of the dentist, but of the unknown. By using age-appropriate language to explain dental procedures, and exercising patience and understanding, we instill trust in the families we serve. What Is the Best Time to Schedule My Child’s First Appointment? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. This may seem like a very early age to visit the dentist, especially if a child only has a tooth or two. However, when the first teeth erupt, this is the best time to introduce your child to the dentist. We believe that the sooner you introduce dental care into your child’s life, the more likely your child will develop good oral healthcare habits and not fear going to the dentist. What You Need to Know about Your Baby’s First Teeth Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, begin to develop and erupt through the gums between six and 12 months. Parents usually have a mixture of excitement and concern when these first teeth emerge. It’s exciting because your baby is hitting major milestones, but concerning because this can be a painful time for your child. Parents can help their children ease the pain by rubbing a clean finger over the gums, applying a cold washcloth, or using the tried and true teething ring. Fun tooth fact: Did you know that after all of your baby’s teeth have emerged, they will have 20 pearly, little whites in their mouth? It’s absolutely amazing how quick that happens! Throughout childhood, your child will lose their primary teeth. This happens at different rates for all children, but in most cases, you can anticipate your child’s first permanent tooth to emerge around age six. His or her permanent teeth will continue to emerge at a steady rate into early adulthood. When the last permanent teeth erupt, a person will have 28 teeth in their mouth. This does not include wisdom teeth. How You Can Help Your Child Develop Healthy Oral Habits Once your child’s teeth begin to develop and erupt, you’ll want to visually examine these tiny teeth at least once every couple of weeks. When performing these inspections, you’ll want to pay attention to stains, cracks, or lines in the teeth. These are indicators of tooth decay, which young teeth are quite susceptible to. You can protect your child’s teeth from tooth decay by limiting liquids and food with high sugar content. Of course, limiting sugary foods is just one way to combat decay. It is also important to make sure to brush your baby’s tiny teeth regularly. At New Concept Dental, we recommend that parents of babies follow a brushing schedule that is a little different than what you may be used to. Instead of brushing twice a day, we suggest that you brush your baby’s teeth four times a day, after each meal and right before he or she goes to bed. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush because you want to protect the delicate surface of their teeth. As far as toothpaste is concerned, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that does not have fluoride in it. As your child develops into a toddler, you can begin to let him or her brush his or her own teeth. Toddlers like the feeling of independence this gives them and it helps them develop oral health habits. As your child grows into a preschooler, and eventually a grade-schooler, let them take control of their brushing routine; but, every once and a while, remind them of proper tooth brushing techniques. Don’t forget about flossing. We can help you determine the best time to introduce this oral health habit into their daily hygiene schedule. Prevent Tooth Decay with Current Checkups When sugar breaks down it turns into acid. This acid is what causes tooth decay and leads to cavities. Children tend to experience a higher rate of tooth decay because they don’t always practice the best oral hygiene. Parents who encourage their children to brush regularly and follow through with six month checkups can help their children avoid a mouthful of cavities. At New Concept Dental, in addition to regular checkups, we also endorse fluoride treatments once a year and the application of sealants. Sealants go a long way in preventing cavities and tooth deterioration because it covers the deep grooves in teeth that can be hard to clean. Sealants last for many years and are often covered by most insurance plans for pediatric dental patients. 

Gum Disease Gum disease is one of the primary causes of adult tooth loss. Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is an oral health condition that starts as an infection in your gums surrounding your teeth. The reason that tooth loss is quite common among adults with periodontal disease is because, often, there is very little pain associated with the condition, at least in the beginning stages of the disease. This means that many adults do not even know they are affected. Regularly visiting your dentist is a great way to catch gum disease early and prevent tooth loss. What Causes Gum Disease? The buildup of plaque is the primary reason that gum disease develops. Plaque is bacteria that adheres to the surface of your teeth. Everyone has plaque, but that doesn’t mean that everyone has periodontal disease. The reason for the disparity is because regular flossing, brushing, and following through with preventive dental care can remove the bacteria. Problems begin to escalate when plaque is left alone. This creates toxins that are extremely harmful to the gums. Gum disease originates below the gum line. When you see your dentist for routine checkups, he or she will examine and measure the space between your gums and teeth. This simple process is an effective way to detect early indicators of gingivitis, the earliest and most treatable form of gum disease. At this stage of gum disease, your gums may be red or swollen. They may also easily bleed. Your dentist will discuss oral hygiene solutions that can eliminate gingivitis. Usually following a strict daily brushing and flossing routine is enough to stop gingivitis from progressing. It is important to treat gingivitis because if it is ignored it can quickly develop into periodontitis. Once gum disease progresses to this point, any damage that has occurred may be irreversible. Gums and bones may be too weak to be repaired and can no longer support the teeth, which can lead spontaneous tooth loss or extraction. Frequent symptoms of periodontal disease include: Persistent bad breath Pus between the gums and teeth Permanent teeth separate from the gums Changes in the way your dentures fit Alterations in your bite Are You at an Increased Risk for Developing Periodontal Disease? You may be at greater risk for developing periodontal disease if you have certain preexisting dental or medical conditions, or engage in certain lifestyle choices. The following conditions and circumstances may increase your risk for periodontal disease: Crooked teeth Improperly fitted bridges Pregnancy Old fillings Diabetes Anti-steroid and anti-epilepsy medications Cancer therapy drugs Oral contraceptives Calcium channel blockers Smoking Use of chewing tobacco If you can identify with any of these risk factors, make sure that routine dental checkups and proper oral hygiene habits are a part of your life. Preventing and Treating Gum Disease At New Concept Dental, we have a number of ways we treat gum disease. These are not one-size-fits-all solutions. We look at the severity of your case and your individual dental history to determine the best course of treatment. Typical non-surgical treatments include root planing and scaling (deep cleaning). We also provide our customers with at-home periodontal trays. Other solutions include: Periodontal surgery Laser gum surgery Dental implants The best way to treat gum disease is to stop it from happening in the first place. Periodontal examinations that are performed during regular dental checkups help you maintain your oral health and achieve a healthy smile. When you practice good oral hygiene habits at home, you can considerably lower your chances of developing gum disease. You can further reduce your risk by including the following into your lifestyle: Brushing regularly Eating a well-balanced diet Flossing daily Also, don’t forget to schedule regular appointments with your dentist. Dentists Fay, Redden, and Bayley are experts at detecting and treating gum disease. If you live in the Wilmington, DE, area, give us a call today for a thorough screening and analysis of your gums.

Fillings in Wilmington, DE Traditional fillings, also called dental restoratives, are often made from composite materials, porcelain, or gold. We use these materials because of their sturdiness and long-lasting qualities. Traditional filling material protects restored teeth in the back of the mouth because and endures the wear and tear associated with chewing. However, these conventional fillings are not always the first choice for repairing front teeth. When our patients have a cavity on a front tooth, they want filling material that is natural looking, blending in well with their teeth. In situations like these, we recommend using filling material made from plastic compounds or ceramic. Referred to as composite resins, these compounds, offer a natural look. How to Choose Filling Materials If you need a cavity filled, the following situations should be taken into consideration: Type of material components Amount of tooth structure remaining Location of the filling The chew load the tooth will have to endure Number of visits needed Time required to adjust the tooth to be restored Cost of the dental restoration Before you begin your treatment, we will discuss your options so that you choose the most effective dental filling for your situation. Dental Filling Procedures Direct Fillings: During this procedure, we will prep the tooth, set the filling, and make final adjustments all in one appointment. Direct fillings include: Glass ionomers Resin ionomers Composite (resin) fillings Indirect Fillings: These types of fillings require more time in the dental chair. At a minimum, you will need to schedule at least two appointments. Indirect dental restoratives include the following: Inlays Onlays Crowns Veneers Bridges made with base metal alloys, composites, ceramics, or gold are also members of the indirect filling category. During the first visit, we will prepare the tooth and make an impression. Next, an impermanent covering is applied over the tooth. This covering protects the tooth while the impression is sent to the laboratory, and the restorative is created. Once this is completed, a second appointment is scheduled and for the restoration to be completed. If you would like to learn more about our cosmetic dentist team, contact New Concept Dental in Wilmington, Delaware, today. New Concept Dental 2004 Foulk Rd. Ste 1 Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 778-3822