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Richard N. Benjamin, D.D.S.
Christy M. Benjamin, D.M.D.

907 Lincoln Ave. Prospect Park, PA 19076(610) 583-5052
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Posts for tag: mouthguards

Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!

By Richard N. Benjamin, D.D.S., P.C.
December 29, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   mouthguards   chipped tooth  
JamieFoxxChipsaTooth-ThisTimebyAccident

Some people are lucky — they never seem to have a mishap, dental or otherwise. But for the rest of us, accidents just happen sometimes. Take actor Jamie Foxx, for example. A few years ago, he actually had a dentist intentionally chip one of his teeth so he could portray a homeless man more realistically. But recently, he got a chipped tooth in the more conventional way… well, conventional in Hollywood, anyway. It happened while he was shooting the movie Sleepless with co-star Michelle Monaghan.

“Yeah, we were doing a scene and somehow the action cue got thrown off or I wasn't looking,” he told an interviewer. “But boom! She comes down the pike. And I could tell because all this right here [my teeth] are fake. So as soon as that hit, I could taste the little chalkiness, but we kept rolling.” Ouch! So what's the best way to repair a chipped tooth? The answer it: it all depends…

For natural teeth that have only a small chip or minor crack, cosmetic bonding is a quick and relatively easy solution. In this procedure, a tooth-colored composite resin, made of a plastic matrix with inorganic glass fillers, is applied directly to the tooth's surface and then hardened or “cured” by a special light. Bonding offers a good color match, but isn't recommended if a large portion of the tooth structure is missing. It's also less permanent than other types of restoration, but may last up to 10 years.

When more of the tooth is missing, a crown or dental veneer may be a better answer. Veneers are super strong, wafer-thin coverings that are placed over the entire front surface of the tooth. They are made in a lab from a model of your teeth, and applied in a separate procedure that may involve removal of some natural tooth material. They can cover moderate chips or cracks, and even correct problems with tooth color or spacing.

A crown is the next step up: It's a replacement for the entire visible portion of the tooth, and may be needed when there's extensive damage. Like veneers, crowns (or caps) are made from models of your bite, and require more than one office visit to place; sometimes a root canal may also be needed to save the natural tooth. However, crowns are strong, natural looking, and can last many years.

But what about teeth like Jamie's, which have already been restored? That's a little more complicated than repairing a natural tooth. If the chip is small, it may be possible to smooth it off with standard dental tools. Sometimes, bonding material can be applied, but it may not bond as well with a restoration as it will with a natural tooth; plus, the repaired restoration may not last as long as it should. That's why, in many cases, we will advise that the entire restoration be replaced — it's often the most predictable and long-lasting solution.

Oh, and one more piece of advice: Get a custom-made mouthguard — and use it! This relatively inexpensive device, made in our office from a model of your own teeth, can save you from a serious mishap… whether you're doing Hollywood action scenes, playing sports or just riding a bike. It's the best way to protect your smile from whatever's coming at it!

If you have questions about repairing chipped teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Artistic Repair of Chipped Teeth With Composite Resin” and “Porcelain Veneers.”

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Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win

By Richard N. Benjamin, D.D.S., P.C.
September 07, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   mouthguards  
GameSetMatchMilosRaonicSaysAMouthguardHelpsHimWin

When you’re among the top players in your field, you need every advantage to help you stay competitive: Not just the best equipment, but anything else that relieves pain and stress, and allows you to play better. For top-seeded Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic, that extra help came in a somewhat unexpected form: a custom made mouthguard that he wears on the court and off. “[It helps] to not grind my teeth while I play,” said the 25-year-old up-and-coming ace. “It just causes stress and headaches sometimes.”

Mouthguards are often worn by athletes engaged in sports that carry the risk of dental injury — such as basketball, football, hockey, and some two dozen others; wearing one is a great way to keep your teeth from being seriously injured. But Raonic’s mouthguard isn’t primarily for safety; it’s actually designed to help him solve the problem of teeth grinding, or bruxism. This habitual behavior causes him to unconsciously tense up his jaw, potentially leading to problems with muscles and teeth.

Bruxism is a common issue that’s often caused or aggravated by stress. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to suffer from this condition: Everyday anxieties can have the same effect. The behavior is often worsened when you consume stimulating substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and other drugs.

While bruxism affects thousands of people, some don’t even suspect they have it. That’s because it may occur at any time — even while you’re asleep! The powerful jaw muscles that clench and grind teeth together can wear down tooth enamel, and damage both natural teeth and dental work. They can even cause loose teeth! What’s more, a clenching and grinding habit can result in pain, headaches and muscle soreness… which can really put you off your game.

There are several ways to relieve the problem of bruxism. Stress reduction is one approach that works in some cases. When it’s not enough, a custom made occlusal guard (also called a night guard or mouthguard) provided by our office can make a big difference. “When I don’t sleep with it for a night,” Raonic said “I can feel my jaw muscles just tense up the next day. I don’t sense myself grinding but I can sort of feel that difference the next day.”

 An occlusal guard is made from an exact model of your own mouth. It helps to keep your teeth in better alignment and prevent them from coming into contact, so they can’t damage each other. It also protects your jaw joints from being stressed by excessive force. Plus, it’s secure and comfortable to wear. “I wear it all the time other than when I’m eating, so I got used to it pretty quickly,” said Raonic.

Teeth grinding can be a big problem — whether you put on your game face on the court… or at home. If you would like more information about bruxism, contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Stress & Tooth Habits” and “When Children Grind Their Teeth.”

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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
      • November (3)
        • Eating the Right Carbs Helps Keep Your Gums Healthy
        • Fluoridated Drinking Water Helps Curb Tooth Decay Safely
        • Orthodontics: More Than Straightening a Crooked Smile
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        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • 3 Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist
        • Don't Panic Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding but Do Keep an Eye on It
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        • Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • Your Dentist Might Hold the Key to Solving Your Sleep Apnea Problem
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        • Sedation can Make Dental Treatment Easier for High Anxiety Patients
        • 4 Serious Health Conditions That Gum Disease Might Make Worse
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
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        • To Extract or not Extract? The Big Decision About Your Child's Wisdom Teeth
        • Primary Teeth are Critical to Future Dental Health and Worth Preserving
        • This Rare Tongue Condition Often Looks Worse than it Actually is
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        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • You May Not Need a Narcotic to Manage Post-Dental Work Pain
        • Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
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        • Keep an Eye on Your Family's Fluoride Intake
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
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        • Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
        • Stress and Nighttime Teeth Grinding
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
      • March (3)
        • Antibiotic Resistance Requires Action - and a Change of Attitude
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
      • February (3)
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
        • 4 Tips to Prevent Childhood Tooth Decay
        • Not Jazzed About Wearing Braces? Consider Clear Aligners Instead
      • January (3)
        • Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Lingual Braces Offer a Less Visible Alternative to Traditional Braces
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Regardless of What You've Seen Online, Don't Fear a Root Canal Treatment
        • Practice Daily Oral Hygiene to Prevent Calcified Plaque Formation
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
      • November (3)
        • You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
        • Advanced Equipment and Safe Practices Ensure X-Ray Safety for Children
        • Removing Teeth Could Improve an Orthodontic Outcome
      • October (4)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • Eat the Right Kind of Carbs to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
        • 4 Signs Your Child May Have a Poor Bite
        • Root Canal Treatment Alleviates Pain and Saves Your Tooth
      • September (3)
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
      • August (3)
        • Have Your Loose Tooth Examined as Soon as Possible
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • Treating a Child's Tooth Injury May Require Special Consideration
      • July (3)
        • Anchorage Devices Provide More Accuracy, Less Treatment Time for Braces
        • We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
      • June (3)
        • Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
        • Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
        • Stop Wearing Your Dentures While You Sleep!
      • May (3)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Keep Watch for Bite Problems with your Child's Teeth
        • What You Should Know About Veneers for Teenagers
      • April (2)
        • Bone Loss at the Roots can Put Your Tooth in Danger of Loss
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
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        • 3 Things Your Dentist Recommends You do if You Have Shingles
        • Why the Bottled Variety Might not be Your Best Choice for Clean Drinking Water
      • February (2)
        • Regular Screenings Could Help With Early Oral Cancer Detection
        • Teething Troubles Make Tennis Superstar Not-So-Serena
      • January (3)
        • Early Action Needed to Save Your Tooth from Root Resorption
        • Partial Dentures: an Affordable Alternative to More Expensive Restorations
        • Why You Should Still Floss with an Implant-Supported Bridge
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Support Your Child's Dental Development with Preventive Care
      • November (2)
        • How to Lessen the Effects of Chronic Dry Mouth
        • Weather the 'Storm' of Teething with These Comfort Tips
      • October (3)
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Why Dental Care is Even More Important When You're Pregnant
      • September (2)
        • The Secret to Preventing Gum Disease - Control Bacterial Plaque
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
      • August (2)
        • Teeth Grinding in Older Children and Adolescents a Cause for Concern
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
      • July (3)
        • The Simple Bitewing X-Ray is a Game Changer for Maintaining Dental Health
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Include Limitations on Sugar in Your Tooth Decay Prevention Strategy
      • June (2)
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
        • Dealing with the Reality of Increased Disease Risk with Braces
      • May (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • A Bonded Retainer Could be a Preferred Choice over a Removable One
      • April (2)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Take Steps to Save an Incoming Tooth's Place to Avoid a Poor Bite
      • March (2)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
      • February (2)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • Try Conservative Measures to Treating TMD Before More Aggressive Options
      • January (3)
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • 'Tooth in One Day' Procedures Require Special Attention for Success
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
  • 2016
      • December (1)
        • 3 Questions You Should Ask Before Undergoing Adult Orthodontics
      • November (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
      • October (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Don't let Gum Disease - the 'Other Dental Disease' - Rob you of Your Smile
      • September (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
        • A Royal Fix
      • August (2)
        • Local Anesthesia Eliminates Pain Completely During Dental Work
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
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        • Clear Aligners Reduce Risk for Developing Gum Disease Better than Braces
        • A Toothless Tiger?
      • June (2)
        • Be Sure Your Child has Access to Dental-Friendly Snacks at School
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
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        • A Retainer Helps you Keep Your New Smile after the Braces Come Off
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
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        • Moving Just a Few Teeth can have Big Results
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
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        • Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Good Oral Hygiene Just as Important for Implants as for Natural Teeth
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        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile
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        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
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        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Implant-based Overdentures may be a Better Long-Term Fit Option
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
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        • 3 Ways to Reduce the Bacteria in Your Mouth that Cause Tooth Decay
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
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Dr. Richard Benjamin and Dr. Christy Benjamin

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907 Lincoln Ave.
Prospect Park, PA 19076
(610) 583-5052

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