However, we are being asked by a growing number of patients for cosmetic consultations. When we ask our patients why now, they tell us that now, more than ever, they are in front of a computer on Zoom meetings with their colleagues for work. They see those imperfections more often than ever before and want to do something about it.

A treatment option that many of our patients have been utilizing to improve their smiles, their oral and overall health is Invisalign® clear aligner therapy. Invisalign® helps our patients have straighter and healthier teeth without the inconveniences of traditional brackets and wires. Because it is virtually invisible and comfortable, no one has to know you are in treatment. When it is time to eat, you simply remove the aligners and enjoy all your favorite foods with no restrictions!

Invisalign® can help treat a wide range of conditions such as crowding, spacing, deep bites, open bites, cross bites, and other forms of misaligned teeth. This not only helps give you a more beautiful and symmetrical smile, but it also helps your teeth remain healthier longer by eliminating periodontal disease, dental cavities, and chipping/wear due to the un-natural forces caused by improper bites.

At Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood, our office is at the forefront of dental technology and advancements to help you achieve the smile you deserve. We utilize the latest dental equipment to analyze, plan, and complete the treatment you need. One such tool in our office is the iTero Element 3D digital oral scanner. With this sophisticated scanner taking 6,000 images per minute, we can eliminate the need for uncomfortable goopy impressions and achieve a highly accurate model of your mouth in just a few minutes. This scan can be used to give you a simulation of what your teeth will look like after Invisalign as well as many other applications to restore teeth that may need veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, whitening trays, night and sports guards, etc.

If you are interested in revitalizing your smile while getting them in a healthier position, call us today to schedule your complimentary 3D iTero scan and consultation.

Dental fear can be due to a previous bad experience, challenging developmental or anxiety disorders, an intellectual disability, or simply fear of the unknown. No matter the cause, at Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood, our caring and compassionate team is dedicated to ensuring you get the care you want and need … and we understand that for many, dental anxiety or fear is not something you can “talk down.” That’s why our sedation options have proven so successful.

With sedation, we help you sit back, relax, and sometimes even forget you’re at the dentist at all. Safe for children and adults, it’s an extremely effective way to dispel fear.

Here are sedation options and anxiety-dispelling services that we’re pleased to provide you and your family:

Anxiety-releasing Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) – This colorless gas effectively reduces pain and anxiety, and sometimes, patients feel a euphoric effect. To administer laughing gas, we place a comfortable mask over your nose. You’ll feel the effect quickly and, once the mask is removed, its effects wear off almost immediately so you can drive yourself home.

Simple & effective oral sedation – Often called conscious sedation, oral sedation is a pill that is taken in advance of your appointment to produce a calming effect. It minimizes fear and reduces memory of the dental care you receive. You’ll need someone to bring you to your dental appointment and take you home.

IV sedation – Usually used for patients who are extremely nervous, IV sedation is administered intravenously (through a vein in your arm). With special certification, we’ll take excellent care of you. IV sedation works quickly, and you won’t remember your dental care – you’ll be very groggy and need a ride home.

Same-day appointments – Accidents happen. Restorations break. Because we never want you to suffer in pain or fear long-term damage, if you call in the morning, we’ll see you that day. If you are experiencing pain, lose a tooth due to an accident, or if a filling falls out and leaves a sharp edge, we’re ready to provide gentle emergency care for you at our Westwood NJ office. Call us right away – we’ll fit you in.

Long-time compassionate team. With many years of training, dentistry experience, and working closely with our patients to achieve their smile goals, all of us at Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood are exceptional in our individual roles. From the moment you walk in our front door and are greeted by our friendly reception team, to the time treatment is completed, you’ll be in good hands every step of the way!

We work hard to earn the trust of our patients and we treat everyone like treasured friends and family. When you come to us for your dental care, we will always ensure you’re comfortable and listen to your concerns … because we know just how much a pleasant, attentive, anxiety-free experience means to you.

If you’re feeling anxious about your upcoming visit or simply want to get a closer look at our practice before making the decision to gift yourself with excellent oral health, we invite you book a full practice tour. Come find out which level of sedation is medically right for you, meet our caring team, and discover our caring approach to dentistry! We’ll show you exactly why your trip to the dentist will be stress-free and what you can look forward to!

Yours in excellent dental health,
Dr. Steve Malek, your dentist in Westwood NJ

Orthodontic treatments sure have come a long way in recent years … and that means, we can now straighten smiles without anyone knowing (except the two of us, of course!).

At Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood, we’re proud to provide removable clear aligners by Invisalign®. This innovative treatment could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Some of the other benefits of Invisalign in Westwood include…

·         Comfort. Each aligner is custom-fabricated to fit snugly on your teeth and gums.

·         Freedom. Invisalign won’t get in your way. Enjoy the foods you like, maintain an active lifestyle, and keep your regular oral hygiene care routine.

·         No surprises. As your Westwood dentist, we will get you set up, answer any questions you may have, and regularly check on your progress. Best of all, we will be able to show you what your new smile will look like before you even put on your first set of aligners!

·         Fast results. If aligners are changed weekly, it’s possible to achieve a straighter smile in less time.

Invisalign can correct several types of issues including: crossbite, crowded teeth, gapped teeth, open bite, overbite, and underbite.

Using the latest technology, Invisalign treatment has helped change millions of smiles around the world. Could yours be next?

Call today for Invisalign in Westwood. We will determine if it’s the right treatment for you during a no-obligation assessment. If you need help with financing, we have options available to make the journey easier and cost-effective.

Yours in excellent dental health,
Dr. Steve Malek, your Invisalign Dentist in Westwood NJ

We’re not trying to scare you, but … according to the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly half of American adults – or 64.7 million people age 30 and older – have it. And many don’t know it. Also known as gum disease and “the silent killer,” it can lead to serious health conditions if allowed to progress.

That’s why you can trust us – your dental health professionals at Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood – to spot the signs, diagnose the level of disease, and recommend the right treatment to protect your smile and overall health.

What causes gum disease? After devoting many years to research, scientists and dental professionals have found that different forms of oral bacteria are to blame, including Streptococcus mutans. Gum disease develops when this bacteria accumulates. You know it as plaque, the clear and sticky film that you see and feel when it builds up on and between your teeth and gums.

When you develop gum disease, you probably won’t exhibit any symptoms at first. However, as gum disease worsens over time, you will experience swollen, tender and/or bleeding gums. An unpleasant taste in your mouth is also likely. As the disease progresses, other symptoms can include receding gums, loose teeth, and mouth sores.

How serious can gum disease be? An infection can do a lot more damage than just cause inflamed gums, it can destroy the structures that support your teeth – tendons, ligaments, and bone. Ultimately, tooth loss will occur. Scientific research also supports a strong link between gum disease and other serious systemic medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, oral cancer, some cancers, and even Alzheimer’s.

It’s possible to prevent – and even reverse – gum disease, but we must do it together. At Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood we encourage an easy 3-step preventive measure: brush at least twice a day, floss every day, and come see us, your dentist in Westwood, for your regular teeth cleaning and checkups!

If you’re showing signs of gum disease, give us a call right away. We will complete a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, plaque level, bone structure, and check for risk factors. If there’s anything you should be doing differently to keep your smile healthy, we’ll let you know exactly what that is.

Then you can smile with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken all the right steps to preserve your smile and stay healthy and beautiful. Call us today!

Yours in excellent dental health, Dr. Steve Malek, your Dentist in Westwood NJ

Did you know that according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of adults feel a smile is an important social asset? Perhaps that’s why we all like to keep our teeth their whitest and brightest … because we know how good it feels, the confidence it instills, and the great impression it makes!

Dentist-Supervised Teeth Whitening In Westwood Is The Way To Go

Safety – Unsupervised off-the-shelf teeth whitening kits may pose serious concerns including unpredictable results. Some ingredients could injure gums, mouth, and throat or even make you ill if accidentally ingested. That’s why we want you to have something great that we can provide for you…

The Perfect Prescription – When we prescribe a teeth-whitening system for you, we make certain that the whitening ingredients are the correct type and concentration for your unique teeth and gums.

Along with my team at Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood, I want your smile to be the best it can be, so let us help you get that whiter smile you want – safely, quickly, and effectively!

At Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood, we are experts in teeth whitening! We’ll ensure your custom-fitted whitening trays fit snugly over your teeth, that the whitening solution is exactly the strength you need, and that the length of treatment is perfect for your unique smile. We’ll also be here when you have questions – we’re always happy to help!

Give us a call and we’ll schedule a consultation. And make sure your treatment is complete in time for that upcoming event – a wedding, graduation, reunion … or even that big job interview where 74 percent of us believe that an attractive smile has the potential to positively influence career success!

Yours in continuing dental health,
Dr. Steve Malek, your Dentist in Westwood NJ

At Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood, we’ve rejuvenated many patients’ smiles and protected their oral health for future years with dental implants in Westwood.

Did you know … if you happen to lose just one tooth due to gum disease, decay, or trauma, neighboring teeth will shift, potentially causing a change in the way your teeth fit together. This could create pain and affect enjoyment of your favorite foods. It could also cause a change of facial structure and, depending on the location of the tooth loss, cause difficulty speaking. For most people, a gap in their smile also means a sharp decline in self-esteem.

At Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood, your Westwood dentist, we have an excellent way to get you off the slippery slope and return you to optimum oral health … and it’s by placing a dental implant.

An implant is a replacement tooth root and crown that permanently replaces the lost tooth – or teeth.

Here are a few of the numerous benefits to dental implants …

Save your smile. By getting implants immediately after tooth loss, you can prevent bone loss and maintain – or even improve – your facial appearance.

Enjoy eating your favorite foods just like you did with your natural teeth (or maybe even more). Pain or discomfort won’t get in your way!

Speak clearly. Since implants don’t slip, click, or shift, you’ll deliver your next speech or have a one-on-one conversation with well-founded confidence.

Restore self-esteem. With a complete smile, you are much more likely to share it with those around you.

Easy care. There are no special instructions for caring for your implant(s). Your excellent home care and regular professional hygiene visits are all you need.

Quick facts…

·         Dental implants have a success rate of 98%.

·         About 2% of the globe has severe tooth loss.

·         Over 36 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws.

·         10 million Americans are missing at least one tooth.

·         A total of 30% of adults 65-74 years old don’t have any natural teeth.

When properly cared for, implants can last for many years. Risk factors that can affect longevity are related to poor homecare, irregular dental appointments, and illnesses such as diabetes.

Have you recently lost a tooth? Do you know someone who has gaps in their smile they want to close? Call now to book a consultation and exam. We’ll examine your unique dental health and overall health and discuss dental implant options with you. We’re a caring team of dental professionals who will help you decide if a dental implant is right for your smile!

Yours in excellent dental health,
Dr. Steve Malek, your Dentist in Westwood NJ

At Smile Loft Dentistry Westwood, we can fix many smile concerns with proven techniques designed to restore the beauty and function of your smile.

All of our cosmetic dental treatments start with a smile analysis. It’s actually something you already do every time you look in the mirror or check out a selfie. If there’s anything about your smile that you’re not 100% happy with, you’ll notice it, especially if you’re like half of all North Americans … unhappy with at least one aspect of your smile.

For every unique smile – including yours – we have many ways that make the incredible difference between hiding a smile and using it with confidence. Let’s talk about what we could do for you … let’s get you smiling!

1. Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. That’s because very quickly, your smile can go from drab to dynamic. Teeth whitening can lighten your teeth up to 8 shades and, depending on how well you maintain your smile and avoid teeth staining foods, drinks, and some lifestyle choices, can last for months. Touch ups are easy and fast.
2. Tooth-Colored Fillings – Do you feel completely comfortable laughing out loud? Are you lacking smile confidence because you don’t like the look of those silver-colored fillings? Talk to us about it. We will check the longevity of them (they don’t last forever), and when they’re ready for an update, let’s upgrade! Beautiful white-colored fillings that match your teeth can make a real transformation!
3. Veneers – A more permanent solution to aesthetic smile concerns, veneers cover a variety of smile flaws like chips, cracks, minor misalignments, or severe and stubborn stains. A thin custom-made tooth-shaped shell is placed onto your prepared tooth, completely hiding what’s underneath. The material is strong and effectively resists staining.
4. Crowns – Crowns are used to support a tooth that has been damaged or compromised either by decay, injury, or root canal therapy. But because of their translucent properties, light reflects just like a natural enamel to give us beautiful esthetic results, so many people are requesting them to enhance their smiles cosmetically. In addition to a tooth that is “just like new,” you’ll enjoy restored function or even a more esthetically pleasing smile.
5. Invisalign® – If you want a straight smile but don’t want to wear metal braces, Invisalign in Westwood may be your perfect choice. With Invisalign, a series of clear computer-calibrated aligners worn daily straighten teeth over time. While we regularly monitor your progress, you do your own “adjustments” by simply progressing to the next aligner in the series on an optimum schedule. Also, because the aligners are removable, you don’t have dietary restrictions during treatment as you would with band and bracket braces. Brushing and flossing is also easier. And the best part? They’re nearly invisible so no one will know you’re wearing them!

Now, go look in the mirror. Do you want to improve your personal smile analysis? We can help you love your smile! Call us today.

Yours in excellent dental health,
Dr. Steve Malek, your Dentist in Westwood NJ

In our ever changing world, patients can benefit by coming to see their dental professionals to learn about evolving preventive care for their teeth.  Maybe it’s your brushing technique, maybe it’s your toothpaste or mouthwash.  Regardless of the topic, you and your dental professional will have the opportunity to chat about your current techniques and home care and see how it can be improved to your custom needs.

Preventative Care.

This is the best opportunity for your dentist to detect if there are problems arising such as decay in hidden areas, broken fillings and fractures. Problems ignored over the years can lead to eventual tooth loss. Most dental insurances cover routine dental examinations and cleanings at 100% coverage.

Your overall health.

There have been many studies that show your oral health is directly linked to your overall health. One study shows that in the United States, one person dies from oral cancer every hour. Keep in mind, many of these cancers are curable if detected at an early stage during a routine examination. There is also a strong link which exists between cardiovascular disease and gum disease. Because getting your teeth cleaned twice a year helps prevent gum disease, it can also reduce your chances of potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes.

Pregnancy.

Believe it or not, periodontal disease (gum disease) has shown to increase your chances for low birth weight, premature births and decrease your chances of conception. If your thinking of having a baby and haven’t been to the dentist, make sure it is on the top of your to do list to ensure your gums are healthy so you don’t pass on these risks to your little one!

A better smile.

Not only are you getting your teeth cleaned, allowing your dental professional to get those typical food and drink stains out, but this is also your opportunity to get a smile consultation to see how your smile can be improved, growing your confidence even higher than before.

The following pictures show the process in treating this type of situation. After evaluating the teeth and location of the decay, we remove the old failing fillings, and begin the process of removing the underlying decayed tooth structure. Once all the decay is effectively removed, we can start the process of aesthetically restoring the tooth with a composite resin that is matched to the existing tooth shade. The new filling is then adjusted and highly polished to achieve a beautiful result.

Many times we hear patients say, “Doc I feel great! I don’t need an exam or x-rays.” It is important to remember that diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes do not necessarily “hurt” either. However, they are serious problems that continue to get worse unless treated in a timely fashion. The same holds true in dentistry. Depending on your evaluation, your dentist will recommend the appropriate x-rays needed to properly examine and diagnose your oral cavity.

If you have not seen a dentist recently, call us today to have a complimentary comprehensive evaluation!