New York Dentist, Dental Visits NYC Midtown Manhattan Center for Cosmetic Dentistry accepts dental insurance payments for most dental care, e.g. dentures, dental braces, fillings, root canals, bad breath etc, NYC PPO dentist visits are classified general dentistry, so cosmetic teeth whitening is not a covered expense.
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Procedural Guidelines

A Master Ceramist is a very skilled artesian who hand sculpts, hand paints and hand fires dental ceramic materials. A Master Ceramist must have many years of training in the arts and sciences of dentistry, ceramics, porcelain and related materials. The visual outcome of any dental makeover is the end result of not only the dentist, but also that of the ceramist. What a lot of people don't realize, is that to get a beautiful replica of a natural tooth, each one has to be custom designed and hand made. Each tooth is like a little sculpture - a little work of art. The teeth can be sculpted to result in a more masculine shape, or feminine, sexy, or sporty smile. When teeth grow, they develop in multiple layers, much like a pearl. That's maybe why sometimes people call beautiful teeth "pearly whites." And when you look closely at a pearl, you can see a little rainbow of blues, pinks, yellows, and grays. Natural teeth are like that too, instead of just being a solid white. Our master ceramist sculpts each individual tooth like it grew, hand-painting the colors and the porcelains in layers - thus mimicking nature. Then, after layering more porcelain, each tooth is hand fired in a kiln or oven as many as five or more times to achieve the natural, glossy look of real teeth. If you tour our lab, you may see them in the process of doing this. Most people that we show the lab say, "Okay, I had no idea of what was involved."

Porcelain Veneers

If you want to improve your smile, beautiful custom-made porcelain veneers (or crowns if needed) are the platinum standard that world-class cosmetic dentists use to create gorgeous smiles. Sometimes referred to as porcelain laminates, veneers are thin, custom-made moldings that cover the face of unsightly teeth. You may have seen people with unnatural looking dental work that is easy to spot. Perhaps their teeth are white, opaque, and blocky, or maybe you've spotted the tell-tale signs of dark metal showing between the porcelain and the gum line. We want our client's smile to appear so naturally beautiful that people will only assume they were born with it. To obtain this type of result takes a combination of artisans - the cosmetic dentist and the master ceramist.

The first step in the fabrication of the veneers is for the cosmetic dentist to design them in conjunction with the client's desires. This is where artistry, science, training, and knowledge of materials merge. The dentist must specify the shape, thickness, and colors. Natural teeth are not pure white, but rather have subtle colors - sometimes yellow, blue, pink - and these vary throughout each tooth. The cosmetic dentist must communicate the exact specifications for the ceramist to follow.

The most beautiful, realistic crowns and veneers are individually hand made by master ceramists. Each veneer or crown is crafted from special tooth-colored porcelain, then hand-painted before firing to create the most natural smile possible. Veneers provide an alternative to traditional crowns. They eliminate unattractive gaps in the teeth and can mask stains, misshapen, or crooked teeth in just a few visits. Depending on the craftsmanship of the veneers as well as the quality of work done, veneers can last indefinitely.

Unlike dental bonding, veneers will not change color or shape over time if cared for properly. Veneers are natural looking, and can actually improve the strength of your natural teeth because only a minimum amount of natural tooth is altered to fit the veneer. The veneer is also very secure, as it is tightly bonded to your natural tooth. Veneers are also stain resistant and can transform even the darkest teeth to a brilliant white.

Dental X-Rays & Safety

Some patients have concerns about the safety of X-rays, as well as the need for them in the dental office. Although X-rays and radiation sound scary, the amount of radiation used to expose dental X-rays is very small. In fact, the average American actually receives more radiation from sitting in front of the family television during a year than from traditional X-rays taken at most dentists' office. Now, even that small amount of radiation has been reduced approximately 90% through digital X-rays, like the kind we use exclusively at Dental Visits for Cosmetic Dentistry. Digital X-rays also have advantages like colorizing areas of decay for easier detection, the elimination of processing chemicals and time involved, and easier storage on computers.

We care about maintaining the health and beauty of your smile, and dental X-rays are an indispensable part of diagnosing your oral health. X-rays are taken to detect a number of conditions or diseases in the mouth. By taking them periodically, this helps us detect adverse situations early -- before they become big problems. It is usually not necessary to take X-rays every time you have recare or a cleaning appointment. If you are generally in good health and have had routine dental care, chances are you may only need to have them every year or two. We protect patients during the taking of X-rays with a lead apron. This apron is draped over your shoulders and protects you from your neck to mid-thighs.

Because the reproductive organs are also sensitive to radiation, we are very careful to protect these areas when taking dental films. Embryonic tissues are also sensitive to X-radiation. If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months) or think you may be pregnant, please tell us. We generally avoid taking X-rays during this time, unless you have a specific dental emergency. Once you are past the first trimester, if there is reason for taking X-rays, we will take every precaution to protect you and your unborn baby from any harmful radiation. If you have any additional questions or concerns about dental X-rays, just ask. We're here to help.

Sterilization and Infection Control

Comfort comes in many forms. Our sanitary standards create a worry-free environment that extends comfort even after your visit. Sterilization and the prevention of illness should be a concern of all dental offices. One of the prime sources of contamination can be water. Our filtering, self-contained water system creates 99.9% pure water for use in all treatment situations. In addition our office uses distilled water, the water purification system itself is purified every week. The system is high pressure air-dried, and remains dry for 48 hours to ensure a clean environment within the system. All instruments connected to the water system that touch patients are heat-sterilized after each patient's use in a process called autoclaving. Items that are not heat-sterilized are disposed of and a new one is used for each patient.

Our office strictly meets or exceeds the safety and sterilization guidelines recommended by the American Dental Association, New York Dental Board and OSHA. We constantly upgrade our infection control techniques by attending frequent courses and holding regular staff meetings so as to insure your safety and peace of mind. Some of the techniques we employ include:

Wearing gloves, masks, and protective eyewear during each patient examination and treatment. Sterilizing all instruments placed intra-orally in an autoclave or ultrasonic cleaner for germ free use. Cleaning and sanitizing each exam room fixture regularly to eliminate bacteria and its?development. Consistently using a contracted sterilization monitoring service to ensure the effectiveness of equipment. Utilizing safety techniques to prevent cross-contamination by properly disposing of all products that are unable to be sterilized and sterilization of all dental hand-pieces. Covering patient chairs, x-ray units, and light handles with disposable plastic wraps. Using filtered spring water supplied to dental hand-pieces and air/water syringes.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

Many people are extremely nervous about dental procedures even with today's advancements and require additional medications to calm their fears. The most often used technique we use is nitrous oxide gas, which is also often referred to as laughing gas. It helps relax patients by inhaling a gas administered through the nose. Many of our patients report that it helps them feel both comfortable and less anxious. Some patients need to be calmed before they get to the office. In these instances we can prescribe an oral medication to be taken prior to their appointment to relax them. People who are extremely anxious and do not benefit from these methods can be best served by other methods such as sleep dentistry or general anesthesia.

Bonding

Dental bonding is a special resin composite that adheres to your teeth and becomes as hard as your own enamel. Bonding can solve many cosmetic problems at an affordable price. Stained, gapped, chipped or mis-aligned teeth can be bonded to give you a reshaped smile, usually in one office visit. The color of the bonding material must match your other teeth so that it appears natural. This may require getting your other teeth whitened to a pleasing color first. Bonding is not a permanent solution. Depending on your oral habits it can last up to 10 years or more, before requiring a new treatment.

Cosmetic Contouring

When performed by an experienced cosmetic dentist, cosmetic contouring is one of the simplest of all cosmetic dental procedures. This treatment is ideal for those who are happy with the color of their teeth, but don't like the exact shapes of their teeth because of small chips or slight crowding. In the cosmetic contouring process, we reshape the edges of teeth. We give particular attention to the edges of the upper and lower front six teeth, which are reshaped to create a more aesthetic result. This is a relatively harmless procedure typically requiring no local anesthetic. Occasional sensitivity to cold may occur for a few days after the treatment, but the improvement results in long-term benefits, and far outweighs the short-term discomfort. The nice thing about this procedure is that it usually takes only one visit and is a relatively small financial investment.

Gingival Sculpting or Contouring: How We Help Patients Frame Their Smiles
Many of our patients, when they first arrive, complain of their "gummy" smile. This reaction is simply the result of too much of the gum showing. Even if patients are not initially aware of the impact of their gums, much like cuticles on a fingernail, the gums can and do grow down over the teeth and can make them look short and fat, instead of sleek and sexy like Mother Nature intended. Uneven gums can also play other tricks on a smile, like making teeth look slanted, or unusually large or unusually shaped.

At Dental Visits for Cosmetic Dentistry, we like to compare our smile makeovers to works of art. The lips are like the frame, the teeth are featured subjects, and the gums are like the matting. As such, the gum tissue is a crucial component in properly framing a beautiful smile. That's why in the treatment planning of a cosmetic makeover, we always consider the role of the gums or gingival contour when it comes to the overall success or aesthetic beauty of the smile. Therefore, we help patients see not only the artistry that will go into restoring their teeth, but the border that surrounds their new smile as well. Contouring the excess gum tissue is a relative easy procedure for our experienced cosmetic dentist. It can be accomplished in one visit, and can result in dramatic improvements to one's smile. It should not be overlooked in trying to achieve optimal aesthetic results.

Whitening Your Teeth

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures. Most everyone seems to want a whiter smile. Several factors can contribute to the darkening of teeth, including the effects of age, foods and drinks, smoking and some medications. The whitening process involves placing a whitening solution in contact with the teeth, causing oxidation of stains and subsequent lightening. There are a wide variety of systems available, ranging from those done in the dental office to dentist supervised at-home systems. Studies have shown that no damage to tooth structure or the gums occurs, provided a dentist monitors the process. Results from whitening vary for each individual.

In-Office Accelerated Whitening

You can have a whiter smile in about 90 minutes using our in-office whitening technique. We use a cool light-activated solution to achieve these quick results. For a high percentage of our patients, this whitening technique has been very successful. If you have a hectic schedule that takes wearing whitening trays every night for several weeks impossible, ask us about our in-office whitening technique. Our fee for the in-office whitening procedure is $750 for Zoom and $500 for BriteSmile.

Take-Home Whitening

The more traditional tray whitening takes a little longer to complete, but has great results for many people. Tray whitening is accomplished by wearing a form-fitted matrix containing a whitening or whitening agent at home for two to four weeks. We will make a mold of your teeth and make the trays to fit snugly to your teeth to prevent the whitening gel from spilling. Usually you place these trays over your teeth before going to sleep and take them out in the morning. Our dental staff will discuss with you the most appropriate treatment.

With tray whitening most people will notice a change in the color of their teeth the first night they bleach. Tray whitening takes about seven to ten days to complete. Our fee for this procedure is $450. We do run specials on whitening from time to time, so call our office to find out the timing of these specials.

A smile darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange responds better to whitening than brown or white spots caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline (grayed teeth). If you have very sensitive teeth or teeth with worn enamel, we can use whitening materials that are designed specifically for sensitive teeth.

Crowns

During the treatment planning of your smile makeover, we may propose restoring your smile through the use of one or more crowns. The reasons for recommending crowns can vary from case to case, but some of the factors that may indicate crowns for you include: You may have a previously filled tooth where there now exists more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.

1. Your teeth may have extensive damage caused by decay.
2. Your teeth may be discolored or have other compromised aesthetics indicating the use of crowns.
3. Your teeth may have fractures.
4. You may have weakened teeth, perhaps resulting from a root canal. After a root canal, teeth tend to become brittle and are more susceptible to fracture. Therefore, they may need to be protected by a crown.
5. Your teeth may need crowns in conjunction with a bridge. When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.

If tooth loss occurs, we may recommend that a bridge be used as a replacement. A bridge consists of a one or more replacement teeth attached to crowns on each side. The bridge is cemented to the teeth adjacent to the space, effectively replacing the missing tooth and preventing any shifting. The procedures involved to make a bridge are very similar to those for making a crown. Bridges can be made from the same materials as crowns -- full porcelain, porcelain fused-to-metal, and all metal. For the most aesthetic result, we usually recommend an all-porcelain bridge.

To prepare and seat a bridge, usually at least two appointments are necessary. At the first visit, we will prepare the teeth next to the missing tooth for crowns. An impression of the prepared teeth will be made and a temporary bridge will be placed. At the subsequent visit, we will fit and adjust the bridge and then bond it in place. Your new bridge will require some special care when brushing and flossing. We will instruct you how to clean around and under the bridge. We may recommend various cleaning aids to help you remove the plaque to prevent further decay and gum disease.

Silver vs. White Fillings

In the past, many times dentist filled cavities with either gold or a metallic amalgam (a combination of mercury and silver). Though these materials are effective at preventing further decay, they are also unsightly, especially when the filling is needed on teeth that can be seen when one is smiling or speaking. In addition, there have been serious questions raised about the propriety of presence of mercury (a toxic substance) into the mouth. For these reasons, our practice rarely uses amalgam fillings. Thanks to advances in dental techniques and materials, teeth can be protected and restored to a more healthy approach and aesthetic result. The type of filling we use will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired.

Composite Fillings

A direct composite is the simplest form of a white filling. Direct composite fillings can be placed in front or back teeth and come in a variety materials and shades so that they will match the color of your own teeth. Composite fillings are made up of quartz resin compound and usually contain a light sensitive agent. These light-cured composites are most often bonded into place in one appointment. After placement, composites are hardened by shining a cool, but powerful light on them for a specified period of time, usually only in a few seconds. The light instantly hardens these fillings, so you may chew right after the procedure is complete. Your teeth may experience some degree of temperature sensitivity for a few days to a week. In order to bond filling material to your tooth it is first necessary to remove any decay, prepare the tooth for placement of the composite, and then to condition the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin resin is applied that bonds to the etched surface. Bonding increases the strength of these restorations far beyond those of only a short time ago.

Porcelain Inlays/Onlays

Silver (Mercury) amalgam fillings make teeth appear gray, and old composite fillings tend to chip and discolor over time. If you feel self-conscious smiling broadly or laughing out loud, because you have dark or unattractive old fillings, then we have a simple solution for you. Today, porcelain inlays are an ideal alternative to conventional silver or composite fillings. When a tooth fractures, has a large cracked filling, or has extensive decay, an inlay or onlay may be necessary. Inlays and Onlays strengthen and protect the tooth. Inlays and onlays are also esthetically beautiful and can help enhance your smile. Our porcelain inlays and onlays are custom crafted in world-class dental laboratories to precisely fit your tooth. Inlays and onlays are extremely strong and long lasting, and they restore and protect the tooth against further fracture. Porcelain has been used for years in the fabrication of crown and bridgework, providing natural tooth color and translucency. Porcelain inlays and onlays match your own tooth color, and are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Post and Core

A post and core may be one of those dental procedures that may sound a little scary at first. But once you know a bit about them, they aren't so ominous. Sometimes, due to decay, fractures, or a number of other reasons, a tooth may be damaged to the extent that the root is damaged and the portion of the teeth showing above the gum line is either not present or not sufficient to support a restoration like a crown on its own. That's where a post and core come in. A post looks a lot like a miniature toothpick-like structure - but only about half an inch long - that is placed within the body of a tooth that has had previous root canal therapy. It has traditionally been made of metal, but we use ones made of more flexible substances, such as carbon fiber. During root canal therapy, the space previously occupied by the nerve is filled with a sterile plastic material. In fabricating your post, we remove some of this plastic material making sure we leave some space to seal the end of the root. The space is necessary to anchor the post within the tooth. The part of the post that is visible is called the core. It is upon this core that we can anchor a cap or crown. The post is cemented permanently into your tooth usually separate from the crown. The crown is then ready to be bonded onto the core.

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