Category: Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain veneers are the not-so-secret beauty standard of Hollywood starlets, but they’re easily obtained by the general public as well. However, unlike many other more inexpensive cosmetic dentistry procedures, veneers are a personal investment–albeit one that often pays for itself over their lifetime by significantly improving the patient’s quality of life. Your Midtown Manhattan Dentist can easily and effectively create a perfect smile with porcelain veneers. But are they permanent? Well, nothing today lasts forever, yet if taken care of properly, your porcelain veneers can potentially last a decade or even much longer without needing to be repaired or replaced. But what does the patient need to be ready to do for their veneers to last as long as possible?

Practice and Perfect Good Oral Hygiene Habits

According to the American Dental Association, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes a shot. Stick with a soft brush or bristles whenever possible and don’t apply too much force to keep mouth injuries and enamel damage to a minimum. Replace your brush or bristles every four months or when they become visibly worn. It’s also important to floss once a day to remove extra food and plaque from between the teeth. Porcelain veneers can only work on strong teeth, so chances are your oral health habits will already be excellent. But they need to remain so after the procedure is completed to ensure they last as long as possible.

Limit Hard and Sticky Foods and Avoid Bad Vices

Porcelain veneers are made with stain-resistant materials, but they’re not completely stain-proof. That means enjoying your daily coffee, having a special treat now and then, and just enjoying life shouldn’t significantly alter the brilliance and luster of your new smile. However, certain things can potentially damage, weaken, or loosen your veneers or the bonding agents. Sugar is acidic and encourages bacteria growth. And hard or sticky foods and candies or goodies containing excessive amounts of sugar can lift the porcelain shells and cause serious irritation, pain, and even decay. Also, avoid chewing on ice, pen caps and pencils, and quit smoking prior to getting veneers if you’re a smoker. While stain-resistant, the nicotine and toxins in cigarettes or vape can leave permanent yellow, gray, or brown stains along the edges of the veneers.

Visit Your Midtown Manhattan Dentist Twice a Year

Any type of dental treatment requires consistent and ongoing checkups. That’s the only way to catch potential issues like repair or replacement needs, potential damage, biocompatibility concerns, or to adjust the appliance to help avoid mouth sores, pain, or irritation. A professional dentist can also ensure the veneers are thoroughly cleaned and polished at that time, provide extra oral health care or dietary suggestions, and even catch other issues like dental caries and gingivitis. Porcelain veneers can easily last 10 to 15 years or longer without any issues, it’s essential to visit your Midtown Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist twice a year to keep them looking and fitting their best. Give us a call to see if porcelain veneers are right for you.

As summer comes to a close and millions of kids head back to school, the seasonal freedom fades into extra adult responsibilities once more. Workloads, advancement potential, dating pool options, and new social opportunities are likely to be knocking down your door at some point over the next few months. A beautiful new smile can give your upcoming opportunities a boost beyond your dreams, and your Johns Creek Dentist is the perfect captain to lead you to those new lands. After all, there’s serious psychology behind a full, genuine smile. But why should you really consider getting a smile makeover this fall?

Modern Dental Care Is Incredibly Advanced

Dental treatments themselves have pretty much stayed consistent over the years, but the materials and processes used have evolved greatly. Modern dentists are practically artists. They get into their task and create, sculpt, and apply new materials to existing damaged teeth to transform a broken smile into a brilliant one. Modern equipment, biocompatible materials, and quick, effective, and painless methods keep costs reasonable and patients happy visit after visit.

Even a Little Work Goes a Long Way

Long gone are the days where dental work consistently equated to months of poking, prodding, and painful procedures. A perfect smile makeover can consist of treatments as simple as composite fillings and bonding or professional teeth whitening and a few porcelain veneers. Your Johns Creek Dentist can do a thorough examination and offer several options for you to choose. And since even a little amount of dental change goes a long way, there’s no reason for anxiety to rear its ugly head anymore.

Patient Comfort and Security Are Top Priorities

Anesthesia is rarely needed unless teeth are removed or decay is an issue. So many procedures are minimally invasive to non-invasive. The patient is always given all the pertinent information needed to prepare for the chosen or recommended treatment. So if there are any questions, your Johns Creek Dentist is ready with answers. Pleasant surroundings, knowledgeable and experienced professionals, and even anxiety assistance if needed are all part of patient care. Tell your dentist what will make you more comfortable during the procedure, whether it’s having specific pictures from home, a supportive friend in tow, or your own soundtrack playing through your headphones, and they’ll do what they can to accommodate your needs. The patient is always the top priority.

Regaining Your Confidence and Improving Your Life May Cost a Lot Less Than You Think

Common smile makeover treatments like professional teeth whitening, bonding, Invisalign, porcelain veneers, and dental implants can go a long way toward improving your confidence. That can in turn drastically improve many aspects of your life, including professional, social, and romantic opportunities. So the right smile makeover can quite literally pay for itself in a relatively short time frame. But finances are still often a concern. Modern dental treatments are often more affordable than patients think. And if the treatment is considered a restorative procedure as opposed to a cosmetic one, insurance plans can help. But even if your smile makeover is simply cosmetic, your Johns Creek Dentist can offer deals and finance options to help you finally get the smile you deserve. 

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry solutions nationwide. And with countless home kits on the market today, it’s no wonder why. According to Hexa Research, the popularity of teeth whitening agents are just going to increase. And by 2024, the teeth whitening industry will be worth almost $7.5 billion and driven heavily by European and Asian consumers. Professional whitening treatments seriously trump over-the-counter solutions and always will. But what are the benefits of seeing your Moorestown Dentist for the professional version?

Professional Whitening Treatments Are Customized

In-store whitening kits tend to offer big promises that they can’t deliver. That’s because many people believe the hype and either use them sparingly, overuse, or they use them for the wrong conditions. No whitening products can bleach intrinsic stains which can be caused by genetics, medications, or even trauma. Most whitening kit consumers don’t realize this, but your Moorestown Dentist does. Customized professional whitening treatments are created per patient to handle the stains and achieve the level of whitening preferred in each individual case. It’s never a one-size-fits-all solution in the dentist’s chair.

Professional Whitening Treatments Are Faster Than Store-Bought Options

Natural teeth are made of four layers: pulp, dentin, cementum, and enamel. Only the enamel can be brightened by whitening products. Store-bought kits do work for most people if used correctly, although rarely anywhere near as well as they claim. This is because the bleaching agents in over-the-counter whitening kits average between 5 and 10% while the average professional whitening treatments can range between 12 and 30% bleaching agents. Think about it like this, if you really love chocolate chip cookies and see two left on a plate knowing you can only have one, but one has two chips and the other has ten… which one are you going to choose? Professional whitening treatments are faster than store-bought options because they have higher percentages of peroxide bleaching agents.

Professional Whitening Treatments Boost Confidence

Most dental procedures take at least a few office visits to complete. But there’s nothing like walking into an appointment and leaving an hour later looking and feeling completely transformed. Professional whitening treatments have that power. Depending on the customization and bleaching needed, it can take as little as an hour to reinvent your smile. Say goodbye to the focus being on your laugh line and fine or ingrained wrinkles. Years disappear when your smile is the new centerpiece of your face. And just watch your confidence, social, and possibly even romantic opportunities soar.

Professional Whitening Treatments Can Be Affordable Over 50% of adults over 50 believe a smile can still be one of the most attractive features as someone ages. And 80% of adults, regardless of age, agree they’d pay money for age-reducing beauty treatments. People line up at the door for professional hair treatments, manicures, vein removal, and even certain types of plastic surgery or fillers. Yet so many opt for over-the-counter whitening treatments that pale compared to professional whitening treatments. Yes, the store-bought kits can cost as little as $30-$40 for a monthly strip supply. But you’re also getting a fraction of the whitening power per application as you could with one visit to your Moorestown Dentist. Give us a call when you’re ready to be wowed.

As the holiday season comes to a close, Americans nationwide look towards the future and plan their resolutions. While many Americans make some type of clear resolutions, far fewer actually reach those goals by the time the ball drops again. Self-improvement options are always the most popular resolutions with weight loss and financial improvements heading the pack. Of course, those take a lot more time and effort than most people are willing to accept. You can still win the year by ringing in the New Year with a new smile and your Red Bank New Jersey Dentist can help. But what are some of the most achievable and most effective dental options to help create a new you? 

Professional Teeth Whitening

In-store whitening kits are popular, but those one-size-fits-all claims just aren’t legit. While they can brighten a few shades, they just don’t offer anywhere near the results of in-office dental applications. Moreover, those in-store kits can get expensive and addictive, not to mention cause extra dental issues if they even work at all. Professional teeth whitening can be customized to each patient’s needs, results can be achieved quickly; and it can be as affordable, if not more so, than over-the-counter options in the long run.

Lumineers

Porcelain veneers are the celebrity “secret” to red carpet smiles, but they’re invasive and irreversible. The porcelain shells are about the width of a contact lens and require some prep to affix correctly to existing teeth. Therefore, a small amount of enamel needs to be removed. Once that’s done, the procedure cannot be reversed. Lumineers, however, work just like their veneer counterpart with a few exceptions. They’re about half the width of porcelain veneers, so no extra prep work is required. Enamel remains intact and allows the patient to reverse the procedure if they change their minds or opt for another solution down the road.  

Composite Fillings

You may not have new cavities or need existing fillings repaired. But if you have amalgam (silver) fillings, it may be more beneficial to have them replaced with tooth-colored fillings. Composite fillings use a dental grade resin material that is dyed and cured to match the shade of your surrounding teeth. So say goodbye to metal mouth or spotty smiles. Amalgam fillings also contain up to 50% mercury. And while the ADA insists they’re safe, there’s plenty of scientific evidence to the contrary. If silver fillings have you down, composite alternatives can bring some joy back into your life.

A New Smile Makeover

A smile makeover usually consists of two or more procedures that create a customized new smile for the patient. Your smile makeover may include any number of options including professional teeth whitening and Lumineers, crowns and dental implants, TMJ treatment and dentures, or bonding and composite fillings. Contact your Red Bank New Jersey dentist when you’re ready to discover which options will help you easily reach those resolutions once and for all with a new for the New Year.

If you’re looking at the potential of having to get or replace your tooth fillings, you’re definitely not alone. According to the most recent national survey on adult tooth loss, 91% of adults between the ages of 27 and 64 have cavities. Almost 30% of those adults have untreated tooth decay. And the cavity percentage rises to 96% of adults 65 and older. Modern dental materials are stronger than ever but while fillings are durable, they don’t last indefinitely. If you got your last new shiny amalgams in 1972, guess what? You’re in dire need of replacements. In fact, if your fillings are older than a decade or two, chances are they at least need to be checked for severe leaks and cracks. While you’re there, your Manhattan cosmetic dentist may strongly suggest upgrading to composite fillings. But what are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?

Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Aesthetically Appealing
If you’ve seen or spoken with anyone who’s had silver, or amalgam, fillings you’ve undoubtedly gotten a visual shock as soon as they opened their mouth. Tooth-colored fillings are matched to the patient’s existing and surrounding teeth. Composite resin is safe and effective for repairing and filling the damage left behind by dental caries without compromising the beauty of your natural smile.

They’re Strong and Durable
Composite dental materials aren’t as strong as metal, but they’re not meant to be. Porous materials like ceramic and resin mold, bend and adjust to each patient’s needs for a better fit and overall lifestyle solution. With the right care such as brushing, flossing, and maintaining proper dental visits, your tooth-colored fillings can last a decade or longer without the need for repair or replacement. You’ll also need to watch the bad habits, however, like grinding your teeth or chewing on pens, ice, or fingernails to avoid accidentally breaking or dislodging your new fillings. But your Manhattan cosmetic dentist can help you toss those bad habits once and for all.

They’re Biocompatible
Amalgams are poured into the damage teeth, forming an eventual seal as they set. However, metal is affected by temperature and can swell or shrink based on something as simple as beverage temperature. This can in turn cause already weakened enamel to crack or split further and lead to more tooth damage. Composite fillings, however, are molded to the teeth and fit carefully without those concerns. Less of the tooth needs to be removed and the materials bond instantly to the existing tooth so you have one less thing to worry about.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Mercury-Free
Mercury is one of the most toxic elements found in nature. The American Dental Association may flop back and forth regarding the dangers of amalgam fillings, but silver fillings contain around 50% mercury. Even in small doses, mercury is dangerous at best and potentially toxic vapors continuously emit once placed in the mouth. Those vapors can be absorbed through tissue, saliva, and the bloodstream and then cause potentially serious issues in the body. Composite fillings, however, are completely safe and mercury-free. So the last thing you’ll have to worry about is your dental work messing with the rest of your health. A single call to your Manhattan cosmetic dentist can get the ball rolling on a safer and smarter solution for filling those dental caries or replacing your amalgams.

No one needs to be born with a perfect smile when they can simply buy one. Cosmetic dentistry is such a common option now that there’s no reason to suffer in silence and hide your smile anymore. In fact, according to over a decade’s worth of research from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 86% of patients opt for cosmetic procedures simply to improve their appearance. Almost 50% of patients get a smile makeover for a special upcoming event and 45% of patients rely on cosmetic dentistry to reverse premature aging or look younger. Lumineers are among the most popular solutions for a quick smile transformation. But what are Lumineers and why can they potentially work for you?

What Are Lumineers

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re likely aware that Hollywood celebrities aren’t born with perfect teeth any more than the rest of us are. But they do have round-the-clock beauty teams, many of which contain dentists that offer the celebrity beauty secret: porcelain veneers. But not everyone can afford the expense or wants the permanence of the original porcelain correctional shells. Meet their cosmetic cousin, Lumineers. Made from the same durable laminate material, Lumineers are about half the width of their predecessors. That means they may be more comfortable and workable for everyday needs.

Lumineers Are Non-Invasive

Traditional veneers are thin in comparison to your natural tooth, but they’re thick enough to require aggressive placement. This always requires removal of some tooth surface to affix the shells. For that reason, traditional veneers are irreversible. However, that’s not the case with Lumineers. The thinner shells can be easily sculpted for a perfect fit and affix right to the existing enamel without any worries regarding tooth removal. And if you change your mind, your Johns Creek Dentist can easily remove them.

Lumineers Are a Durable Investment

Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in personal confidence. And the last thing anyone wants is a shoddy smile makeover. Once you leave your dentist’s office, you should be grinning ear to ear knowing you look as good as you feel. A competent cosmetic dentist can shape, color, mold, and affix Lumineers to help ensure your smile stays beautiful for 10 to 20 years with normal life wear. While Lumineers are less expensive than traditional veneers, they’re still a significant initial financial investment. But considering how long they last and how much enjoyment they provide, they can pretty much pay for themselves over their lifespan.

Lumineers Correct Multiple Issues

There’s no such thing as a magic pill in cosmetic dentistry, but Lumineers may be about the closest thing to one. Stained enamel, chips and cracks, gaps, poor tooth alignment, and misshapen teeth can all be corrected with different and separate procedures. But if you’re dealing with multiple issues or want a quick fix to an otherwise extensive correction, Lumineers can be the solution you’ve been looking for. When you’re ready to change your life for the better, call your Johns Creek Dentist to see if Lumineers are the right fit for your needs.

 

 

Americans may have unrealistic definitions of beauty, but that certainly doesn’t keep millions from attempting to achieve the perfect smile. Cosmetic dentistry provides multiple options to finally obtain the beautiful smile you want and deserve. Porcelain veneers are the go-to option for celebrity smiles, so it comes as no surprise the procedure is a favorite among millions of Americans. The customized smile makeover solution is an investment that can pay for itself multiple times during its lifespan. However, while porcelain veneers have been proven to last up to 20 years with the right care, studies have shown some patients are lucky to get 6 years out of their investment. Fortunately, there are some simple dos and don’t’s to help you keep smiling for years to come.

What to Do

Keep Track of What You’re Eating. Veneers are forgiving, but they’re not impervious to everything. Certain foods can still stain or dull the materials. And if you eat too much junk food, you could potentially have another problem. As veneers are attached to the tooth, plaque and tartar can still attach to the bonding agents and lead to dental caries and decay.

Develop and maintain excellent oral health habits. You should already have excellent home oral health habits prior to getting porcelain veneers. But if not, they should definitely be developed and maintained after your new procedure is completed. Follow suggestions of the American Dental Association by brushing twice and flossing once every day unless your dentist suggests otherwise.

Schedule regular dentist visits. You should see your dentist at least twice a year, especially when you’ve had any significant work done. But when it comes to porcelain veneers, you may also need to schedule polishing appointments. That will help ensure your veneers stay beautiful and the bonding remains strong so you can continue enjoying your stress-free smile.

What Not to Do

Don’t drink alcohol. Yes, it may be a shock, but those with porcelain veneers need to avoid alcohol. Beyond the obvious health and dental risks from the excess sugar, the acids in alcohol quickly dissolve the bonding material responsible for holding the porcelain shells to your teeth. Even social drinking can be problematic as soon the veneers may be completely unusable.

Don’t bite overly down hard on anything. Porcelain veneers are pretty forgiving and strong, so most foods are acceptable. However, if the food choice will require extra effort from your teeth to eat, consider an alternative option. Either cut the food into smaller bite-sized pieces or opt for a softer food. Also avoid chomping on ice, pencils, and any other hard objects. Biting hard can create cracks or chip the porcelain. And you definitely want to avoid that.

Don’t clench or grind your teeth. When life stress hits particularly hard, bruxism is often the result. Tooth grinding can lead to multiple problems including jaw displacement, worn teeth, and headaches. Porcelain veneers are strong, but they can’t resist the extra strain from consistent clenching and grinding. So if that’s an issue, see your Manhattan cosmetic dentist and at least wear a night guard until the problem is corrected.