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Cosmetic Dentistry Overview

September 29, 2009 @ 02:52 AM — by admin
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If you are considering cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of your smile, you may be confused about your treatment options. Review the following frequently asked questions to learn more about cosmetic dentistry.

What types of cosmetic dentistry treatments are available?

Some of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry are porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, teeth contouring or shaping, and bonding. All of these procedures can address cosmetic concerns to create an attractive smile. While some of the more complicated procedures may require multiple visits to the dentist, many cosmetic dentistry procedures can be completed in just one visit. If you are concerned about discoloration, misalignment, chips, cracks, or gaps, speak with your dentist about which treatment options may be right for you.

What if I also have dental health issues?

Before undergoing cosmetic dentistry treatments, it is important to address any underlying dental health concerns. However, many dental procedures address both cosmetic and functional needs at the same time. For example, patients with one or more missing teeth may be candidates for implant dentistry. With dental implants, the functionality of the missing tooth is restored while the overall appearance of the smile is improved. Your dentist can help you evaluate your needs so you can determine which treatment or combination of treatments is best suited to your individual goals.

Is cosmetic dentistry covered by dental insurance?

Because many procedures provide both medical and cosmetic benefits, your insurance may cover a portion of the treatment cost. The best way to determine your coverage is to contact your insurance company to discuss your benefits. Even when cosmetic dentistry treatments are not covered by insurance, most patients find that the benefits of having an attractive and healthy smile are worth the cost.

Dental Implants FAQs

July 06, 2009 @ 12:20 AM — by admin
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Dental implants are an increasingly popular option for replacing missing teeth. Learn more about implant dentistry by reviewing the following frequently asked questions.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots capped by artificial teeth that can be permanently implanted in the mouth to replacing one or more missing teeth.

How are they placed?

Dental implants are placed through a two-step procedure. First, the metal post which serves as the root of the replacement tooth is surgically implanted into the patient's jawbone. After a period of healing, the post is topped with a natural-looking replacement tooth.

Can you eat normally with dental implants?

Dental implants function just like normal teeth. After healing is complete, you should be able to eat and speak as you normally do, and your dental implants do not require any special maintenance beyond your normal dental care routine.

What about the results?

Because dental implants offer a natural-looking and highly-functional replacement for missing teeth, most patients are extremely pleased with the results. Additionally, most patients find that dental implants are extremely durable and low-maintenance, providing a secure and convenient tooth replacement choice.

For more information about dental implants or other cosmetic dentistry options, contact our cosmetic dentist today to schedule an appointment.

Smile Makeover Treatments

July 06, 2009 @ 12:19 AM — by admin
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There are many people who wish that their smile was more attractive. Lots of different factors can affect the way your teeth look, whether it is discoloration from smoking, accidents that have caused teeth to become chipped or broken, tooth decay caused by neglect or improper care, or simply having teeth that are misaligned or crooked. Whatever the problem may be, it’s important to know that there are a number of different procedures that can be performed to achieve the smile that you wish you had or even get back the smile that you once had before. A smile makeover is exactly the type of treatment that you may be seeking.

Treatment Planning

Smile makeovers involve one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures which can consist of many different treatments depending on your specific concerns. After you have sat down with your dentist and discussed what it is that you would like to change about your teeth, he or she can begin to assess which types of procedures will be used to help you achieve the end result you are happy with. This stage of your treatment planning will ensure that your smile makeover addresses your individual goals and any underlying dental health needs which may be affecting your smile.

Treatment Options

Smile makeovers can include treatment options that work to restore or improve both the appearance and functionality of your smile. If dental health issues are a concern, your dentist will first work to address this need before moving on to cosmetic issues. Teeth whitening, dental implants, porcelain veneers, composite bonding, and dental bridges and crowns are examples of some of the different types of procedures that dentists may use to help you with your smile makeover based on your specific concerns and needs. With a smile makeover, the goal is to create a healthy, attractive smile.

Enhancing Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

April 07, 2009 @ 12:51 AM — by admin
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If you have ever wanted that movie star smile, then you have probably looked into a smile makeover to fix crooked teeth and whiten stained teeth. It may seem like a simple procedure, but getting a smile makeover takes time, and occasionally has a recovery time that is needed after oral surgery procedures.

Smile Makeover Treatments

Smile makeovers for your mouth aren’t always just a single cosmetic or restorative dentistry procedure. If you choose a comprehensive smile makeover, your dentist may decide that several procedures are best for your teeth. Implant dentistry, teeth whitening, porcelain dental veneers, and other treatments may be suited to your needs. Whatever option you want, the best way to decide which is best for you is to consult your dentist to discuss your individual goals and needs.

Maintaining Your Oral Health

In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, a smile makeover can address a variety of oral health needs to restore the underlying condition of your teeth and gums. If missing or damaged teeth or gum conditions are a concern, your smile makeover treatment plan will first work to address these needs. Then, your cosmetic dentist will outline a procedure for restoring the beauty of your smile. This comprehensive approach to your smile makeover will ensure healthy and lasting results.

For more information about the treatments involved in a smile makeover, contact our cosmetic dentistry center in Staten Island to schedule a private consultation.

Porcelain Dental Veneers FAQs

April 07, 2009 @ 12:47 AM — by admin
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If you’re considering porcelain veneers, you probably have many of the same questions as other patients in your situation. Review the list of frequently asked questions below to learn more about this popular cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?

Only your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Generally, your natural teeth and gums should be healthy and all underlying problems such as gingivitis and existing cavities should be addressed. However, porcelain veneers have the ability to create a straighter, whiter, and more uniform smile that is free from cracked or chipped teeth and can last nearly forever with correct after-care.

How are porcelain veneers attached to my teeth?

Your cosmetic dentistry professional will schedule a consultation and take pictures and measurements of your teeth. Then, the dentist will remove the outermost layer of your natural enamel to allow for the best adherence of the veneers. Temporary veneers will be attached while your customized veneers are created in a dental lab, which the dentist will then attach permanently onto the surfaces of your teeth at your final appointment.

How long will my results last?

If you take proper care of your teeth with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your cosmetic dentist, there is no reason your veneers can’t last as long as your natural teeth do. Of course, in the rare case that a veneer is damaged, you will only need to replace the affected porcelain veneer so you can maintain the attractive, healthy appearance of your smile.

Contact an experienced cosmetic dentist to learn more about how porcelain dental veneers can help you achieve a healthy, attractive, and natural-looking smile.

Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

December 22, 2008 @ 04:19 AM — by admin
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It used to be that patients would only go to the dentist to deal with cavities, tooth pain, and cleanings. Today, patients still primarily go to the dentist to maintain their oral health, but they are also increasingly seeking cosmetic treatments at the dental office. A cosmetic dentistry treatment plan can incorporate many different dental procedures based on the unique needs of the patient.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

  • Teeth Whitening – Perhaps one of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments, teeth whitening, also called teeth bleaching, can brighten teeth that have been discolored from smoking, food, drinks, and poor oral hygiene. Professional teeth whitening procedures can be completed in about an hour and can yield dramatic results.
  • Dental Veneers – Both composite and porcelain veneers are laminates that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to repair chips and cracks, to create a straighter smile, to conceal gaps in teeth, and to brighten a smile.
  • Dental Implants – Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants replace the root of the missing tooth through a metal rod implanted in the jaw. Implant dentistry treatments not only improve appearance but also help maintain bite alignment by preventing other teeth from shifting.
  • Tooth-colored fillings – Tooth-colored fillings are made from a natural-looking composite that matches the color of the teeth. Unlike silver or mercury fillings, tooth-colored fillings are harder to detect.
  • Dental Bonding – Dental bonding is a less-expensive alternative to porcelain veneers. The procedure is used to treat many of the same smile concerns as dental veneers through the application of a dental bonding material.
These and other cosmetic dentistry treatments can be used to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact Dr. Mormino, a skilled cosmetic dentist, to learn more or to schedule a consultation. Our dental office is located in Staten Island, New York.

Teeth Whitening with BriteSmile®

October 12, 2008 @ 04:52 PM — by admin
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Teeth whitening treatments have become extremely popular over the past decade, and as a result there have been several advancements in the methods used to whiten teeth. Many of these whitening systems are very effective and you can achieve some great results. The quickest results are often obtained with whitening treatment at your dentist's office.

The BriteSmile® System

The BriteSmile® Tooth Whitening System is a procedure that must be performed at a dentist's office or a BriteSmile® spa. As with many in office whitening treatments, the BriteSmile® system has been shown to be very effective at whitening teeth several shades in a single visit, depending on how stained your teeth are. The BriteSmile® treatment lasts approximately one hour, in which patients can relax by watching TV or reading. During the treatment, a whitening gel containing 15% peroxide is applied to the teeth; at this point a blue plasma or LED bleaching light is used to activate the gel and accelerate the whitening agent.

Safe and Effective Treatment

BriteSmile® is considered to be a safer in office treatment than many others as the whitening gel contains less peroxide and has a pH of 6.4l, in addition to the fact that the light used to activate the gel is not as powerful as the laser light treatments. The BriteSmile® Teeth Whitening System involves two 20-minute sessions, and most often only one visit is necessary to see significant improvement. You may also choose to continue using some home BriteSmile® products to help maintain your white teeth much longer. The BriteSmile® Teeth Whitening System is one of the most popular professional treatments available. Contact our cosmetic dentistry center in New York today to find out if BriteSmile® is right for you or to learn more about other dentistry treatments, such as porcelain veneers, implant dentistry, and dental bonding. Dr. Mormino is a skilled, gentle dentist who is committed to helping his patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles.