Dr. Malena Fernandez, DDS

Dr. Malena Fernandez, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Cutler Bay, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment extends beyond routine checkups; she recognizes the vital link between oral and systemic health, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures to maintain optimal well-being for all ages.

General Preventive Dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. Dr. Malena DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Cutler Bay, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She prioritizes preventive strategies to minimize the need for extensive future treatments. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (786) 293-5502.

Dr. Malena DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Malena DDS is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Malena DDS can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Malena DDS provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Cosmetic Peridontal Problems: Regular checkups and addressing any cosmetic periodontal issues promptly help safeguard your teeth and gums from infection and damage.
• Fibromatosis Gingival-Hypertrichosis: Because fibromatosis gingival-hypertrichosis can affect your ability to clean your teeth effectively, regular checkups and professional cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease.
• Receded Upper Jaw: Noticeable gum recession in your upper jaw may signify a need for improved oral hygiene practices and professional intervention to avoid potential complications and preserve your teeth's health and functionality.
• Excessive Tooth Wear: Protecting your teeth from excessive wear prevents future dental problems like sensitivity, fractures, and even tooth loss, making regular dental visits crucial for long-term oral health.
• Oral Mucous Membrane Disease: Don't underestimate the importance of caring for the soft tissues in your mouth; preventing oral mucous membrane disease starts with regular checkups and good oral hygiene practices.
• Glossitis: Glossitis is an inflammation of your tongue that can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or other underlying health issues, making regular checkups with your dentist crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Dental Abnormalities: Gingival fibromatosis is a rare condition causing unusually thick gums, which, if left unmanaged, can lead to difficulty cleaning teeth and increase the risk of gum disease.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Malena DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Full Mouth Reconstruction: By restoring your mouth's health through full mouth reconstruction, you're taking a proactive step to avoid more extensive and costly dental work down the line.
• Removable Appliances: Removable appliances, like retainers or dentures, help maintain proper tooth alignment and jaw function, preventing future dental issues.
• Bracket Braces: For a more beautiful and functional smile, bracket braces realign your teeth, improving chewing efficiency and reducing the strain on your jaw joint.
• Hidden Clasp: A hidden clasp ensures your dentures or partial dentures fit securely and comfortably, preventing irritation and promoting healthy gums.
• Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with diode laser soft tissue treatment; it helps detect and treat early signs of gum disease.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Invest in your oral health with an ultrasonic cleaning; this advanced technology helps identify potential issues early, preventing more extensive and costly treatments down the road.
• Glow in the Dark Dental Braces: Glow-in-the-dark braces offer a fun way to ensure your child diligently wears their braces, improving treatment adherence and preventing misalignment of teeth.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Malena DDS is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By attending regular checkups and addressing minor cosmetic periodontal issues early, a patient maintained a healthy, beautiful smile and prevented more serious gum problems. This proactive approach ensured their oral health remained in excellent condition for years to come.
• By following a proactive dental care plan, a patient maintained healthy gums and prevented any complications from fibromatosis gingival-hypertrichosis, ensuring a confident smile and overall well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and diligently following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums, avoiding the need for more extensive treatment for receding upper jaw. This proactive approach ensured the long-term health and functionality of their smile.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Malena DDS:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

At Dr. Malena DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which has links to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining not only a healthy mouth but also a healthy body.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Malena DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Malena DDS is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Malena DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. A custom-fitted oral appliance, worn at night, can help keep the airway open, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

10300 SW 216th St
Cutler Bay FL 33190
Phone: (786) 293-5502

Dr. Malena Fernandez, DDS is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1740756063

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Malena DDS are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.