New York Cosmetic Dentistry: What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

This article explains to patients everything they need to know about dental implants and how these ingenious dental devices can revolutionize their smiles and their lives. 

Whether you’ve lost one tooth or absolutely all of them, dental implants can be used to totally repair your smile and restore your ability to eat. This isn’t even to mention the myriad of virtues that come hand-in-hand with these basic functions: self-esteem, quality of life, proper nutrition and social confidence. In short, a beautiful healthy smile is essential for a healthy, quality life and dental implants have made this possible again for countless New York residents.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

On their own, dental implants look more like small silver screws than they do a replacement tooth. What they actually do is replace the missing tooth root and, from their snug position in the jawbone, provide a stable foundation for a new, aesthetic tooth crown. In the case of multiple teeth replacement, dental implants can be used to support a customized prosthetic dental bridge, which looks and functions like a complete set teeth.

It’s because of the fact that dental implants replace both the roots and the crowns of missing teeth, and in doing so provide a much stronger, more durable and functional teeth replacement solution, that they are the primary recommendation of dentists across New York and the globe.

What Can I Expect From My Dental Implant Procedure?

Most dental implant offices in New York will require you to come for an initial consultation, during which your case will be scrutinized and a treatment plan decided upon. You may then need to return for a follow-up appointment so that the dentist can take molds of your teeth and perhaps a few more X-rays to aid in the detailed treatment planning process, especially if you’re having more than one tooth replaced.

On the day of your dental implant procedure, you’ll be gently sedated so that you’re kept completely comfortable and the implant will be placed at the site of the missing tooth. The dentist will then attach a temporary crown or bridge to the abutment of the implant so that you won’t feel self-conscious about your smile while your implant is healing. Most patients return to work the very next day after having implants placed, because modern surgical protocols have become so minimally invasive and mostly painless.

After a few weeks and a follow-up appointment to ensure that your new tooth or teeth are healing beautifully, the dentist will replace the temporary crown or bridge with a stronger permanent one.

Some Important Facts About Dental Implants

•    Dental implant surgery is minimally invasive and comes with a short recovery period of weeks.

•    If done by an experienced and qualified New York dental implant dentist, they have a fantastic success rate of 98% and up.

•    Dental implants can last 20, 30 years and even longer without the need for replacement or repair. Just make sure you look after your teeth and you should be able to enjoy them for life!

•    Dental implants function, look and feel like natural teeth and don’t tend to cause the discomfort, self-consciousness and pain that traditional bridges and removable dentures do.

It’s for these reasons and many more that dental implants are the number 1 teeth replacement technology recommended by dentists in New York!

NYC Cosmetic Dentists Explain Everything You Should Know About the Invisalign® System, PART 2

This two-part article series provides readers with an in-depth explanation of the Invisalign® System and how it works to treat a variety of common orthodontic conditions.

Welcome to the second half of this two-part article series on the Invisalign® System, which is a new orthodontic treatment for people with teeth and/or jaws that are not properly aligned. Previously, in Part 1, we spoke to a pair of Invisalign® dentists in New York City, who explained to us what this treatment is and the precise mechanisms by which it works. Let’s now find out a little more about what patients can expect from Invisalign®.

One of the hallmarks of the Invisalign® System is that it is virtually invisible. Can patients really expect this? In other words, if I’m wearing an Invisalign® aligner, will a close friend or relative be able to tell?

NYC Invisalign® Dentists: “The Invisalign® aligners are completely translucent; they’re made from clear plastic material so once they are placed over your teeth, you really can’t tell the difference. Of course, if you got a friend or relative to look closely they’d be able to tell that you’re wearing some kind of mouth tray, but you can quite easily conduct conversations with friends, clients and colleagues without them knowing that you’re in the midst of orthodontic treatment.”

I suppose the difference between this system and traditional orthodontic braces must be incredible, given the absence of all those horrible metal brackets and wiring. 

NYC Invisalign® Dentists: “Absolutely! You’d be surprised to learn how many New York patients would rather live with problematic orthodontic conditions rather than undergo treatment, simply because they don’t feel they could afford to show up at work with a mouth full of metal. In careers where you’re required to look your best, and/or speak confidently to people, metal braces simply aren’t an option.

“This is where Invisalign® has totally revolutionized the industry. They’re virtually invisible and as a result, we routinely treat high-flying business executives, attorneys, marketing consultants and even celebrities who would rather avoid treatment than spend a day in the workplace with metal braces on. This concept applies to everyone, irrespective of job or income. No one likes the look or feel of traditional braces, so this new system really swoops in to save the day.”

What’s a day in the life of an Invisalign® patient like? Is there anything additional they would find themselves doing to care for their teeth or their aligner, for example?

NYC Invisalign® Dentists: “An Invisalign® patient is required to wear their aligners at all times throughout the day, except when eating or cleaning their teeth. This should amount to 23 hours of the day, but given the smooth custom-fit of the aligners, an Invisalign® patient’s day would hardly differ from any other person’s day. They would simply remove their aligner at meal times and when they brush and floss their teeth. Cleaning the aligners is super easy and quick if you follow what your cosmetic dentist in NYC says: Just give them a light brush with a toothbrush, rinse them off and reinsert them over your teeth! It really couldn’t get easier.”

What if you’ve got a hot date planned? Would a dentist get a little upset with a patient for taking their aligners out for more than an hour per day?

NYC Invisalign® Dentists: “Ha, ha! We understand that a date is not the ideal setting for any kind of orthodontic treatment, however, since the average treatment length for Invisalign® is more than a year, your partner or date may as well know about it. You won’t be able to hide it from them forever and the longer you leave your aligners off per day, the longer it will take for you to achieve the desired outcomes.

“The best thing you could do is explain to your date that you’re straightening your teeth with this new treatment and that you’ll need to excuse yourself before and after the meal. Remove your aligners in the privacy of the bathroom, making sure to rinse them off and put them safely away in their container. Do not sloppily take your aligners off in front of someone you’ve just met, because no one wants to see that, let alone imagine they might be kissing you later. Be discrete. After all, that’s what Invisalign® is all about!”

Everything You Should Know About Smile Perfection with the NYC Invisalign System, PART 1

This two-part article series provides readers with an in-depth explanation of the Invisalign System and how it works to treat a variety of common orthodontic conditions.

Gone are the days when orthodontic treatment meant a 12-36 month ban on beauty. Those hideous traditional braces have now been replaced by a virtually invisible system that can correct a wide variety of common orthodontic problems in the same amount of time. We're talking about Invisalign, of course, and it's giving NYC residents all kinds of reasons to smile.

In this two-part article series, we will be speaking to a pair of New York-based cosmetic dentists who will explain to us what Invisalign is and how it works. They will also answer a number of questions we feel many patients would have about this innovative system, so without further ado, let's get started!

Thank you for speaking to us today about Invisalign! I'm quite curious to find out more about this treatment solution, as I myself wore braces as a teenager. To find out there is now a virtually invisible alternative comes as considerably interesting news to me as I'm sure it does to many. Can you start by telling us what exactly Invisalign is?

Our NYC Cosmetic Dentists: "Thank you for giving us this opportunity to speak about Invisalign, because we really do feel it is a revolutionary treatment for a wide variety of orthodontic problems. So often, New Yorkers avoid dental treatment because they feel they are beyond the age where wearing traditional braces is "acceptable." Now, with the introduction of Invisalign to the market, people of all ages can receive orthodontic treatment, oftentimes without anyone even knowing it. This is what Invisalign is. It's a treatment solution that is virtually invisible and doesn't cause the terrible pain, discomfort and acute self-consciousness that traditional braces do."

All right, so how does Invisalign treatment work?

Our NYC Cosmetic Dentists: "The Invisalign System consists of a consecutive array or series of transparent, durable plastic aligners or mouth trays that are custom designed to fit the individual's mouth. The patient will begin their treatment by wearing the first aligner in the series for a period of two weeks. This aligner, while custom designed precisely for you, will feel a little strange because it's configured to apply a slight pressure to the teeth in your mouth that aren't aligned correctly. After a few days, you'll hardly notice this anymore.

"By the end of the second week of treatment, you'll be required to change to the second aligner in the series. Again, this will feel a little strange as the new aligner applies a slightly different pressure to your teeth. You'll wear your second aligner for another two weeks and so on and so forth until you've worked your way through the entire treatment.

"This is how the Invisalign System works. It applies a gradual pressure to the teeth that aren't aligned properly and, over time, gently pushes them into better positions. However, because we are using clear mouth trays to do this, patients don't need to contend with uncomfortable, sharp and unsightly braces."

How long in total does the Invisalign System take to achieve its intended outcomes?

Our NYC Cosmetic Dentists: "As with traditional orthodontic braces, the total treatment time required really depends on the individual case. However, NYC Invisalign treatment typically takes the same amount of time as traditional braces do – between 12 to 24 months on average - and can achieve precisely the same outcomes without the disadvantages."

The Invisalign System is already sounding fantastic. So, stay tuned for the second half of this two-part article series coming next week to find out some more information about the orthodontic treatment taking New York by storm.

How to Avoid Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening

With the many advances in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening have gained immense popularity. Many people are undergoing the process to flaunt a sparkling smile. Now, tooth sensitivity is one of the most common side effects that many patients experience after whitening teeth. Find out in our blogs which contain quality information on how to prevent tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening in Part 1 and Part 2.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneer can transform your smile completely. Porcelain veneer will not only improve the appearance of your teeth but will also protect it. Read our blogs which precisely focus on all commonly asked questions on porcelain veneers in Part 1 and Part 2.

How to Find A Top Cosmetic Dentist

We all aspire to flaunt celebrity smile but all of us are not blessed with perfect teeth. However, a smile makeover can help us to flaunt a gleaming smile. Now to get that perfect smile you need to find a qualified cosmetic dentist which can be a confusing and difficult process and requires careful consideration. Read our blog where we round up in Part 1 and Part 2 a complete guideline to find a proficient cosmetic dentist in New York.

How to avoid common side effects of teeth whitening

This is an article about the side effects of tooth whitening and how to avoid them.

If you missed part 1 of this series, please go back and read it first. In this second part of the series, we address some common questions about the side effects of tooth whitening. This information will prepare you for your first consultation with a cosmetic dentist in New York to learn about the best tooth whitening method for your individual case. Keep in mind that working with a professional throughout the entire tooth whitening process will help prevent any of the side effects mentioned here.

1. Why does tooth sensitivity occur as a result of some tooth whitening treatments? How can I prevent tooth sensitivity if I want to whiten my teeth?

As we discussed in part 1 of this series, the active ingredient in most tooth whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide in a given product typically ranges between 10% and 22%. This is the same ingredient used in hair bleach.

If you’ve ever bleached or highlighted your hair or if you’re a beautician who frequently works with bleaching agents, you already know that leaving the bleach on hair too long can damage the delicate hair shaft and create frizz or even break the hair strands.

Tooth whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide penetrate below the surface of your teeth. This is what separates whitening gels and strips from whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses, which only remove surface stains. Tiny, living tubules beneath the enamel of your teeth become penetrated by the hydrogen peroxide. This whitens the tubules, much like a sand dollar that eventually turns white underneath the sun as sunlight gradually penetrates the tiny tubules in the sand dollar.

If you leave the whitening gel on each tooth for just the right amount of time, it will slowly penetrate the tubules until you rinse the solution off. However, if you use too strong of a solution or if you leave the solution on too long, the tubules will become so saturated that the bleach begins to penetrate the nerve root. This is when tooth pain and sensitivity occur. If you use a high-strength whitening gel or leave it on too long, you may have pain for several days or even weeks every time you are exposed to hot or cold temperatures. Ice cream and hot cocoa will be painful experiences.

Teeth whitening dentists in NYC usually recommend using a mid-strength or medium-strength whitening gel, as opposed to the full-strength gels containing higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.

2. Why do teeth whiteners cause sore gums for some individuals?

Another frequently encountered issue people have when using an over-the-counter teeth whitening product is sore or bleeding gums and even mouth sores. This happens as a result of getting the hydrogen peroxide bleach on the sensitive periodontal and oral tissue. While this can sound inevitable, especially if you are prone to canker sores and bleeding gums, it is usually preventable. The best way to prevent any gum irritation or mouth sores is to get a custom-fitted dental tray that is made in your dentist’s office. Using a custom-fitted tray instead of an over-the-counter one-size-fits-all mouth tray will ensure that the whitening gel is distributed evenly on all your teeth and doesn’t overflow onto your gum tissue. You should also only apply a pea-sized amount of whitening gel to each tooth. More gel is not necessarily better.

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening and How To Avoid Them

Teeth whitening done without first consulting with a cosmetic dentist can result in less than satisfying results. Learn common side effects and how to avoid them.

Did you know that tooth whitening is the most common cosmetic treatment in the entire world? Indeed, teeth whitening is even more popular than Botox injections. It shouldn’t be a surprise either. Simply whitening your teeth can take 10 years off your appearance, whereas Botox treatments are not quite so powerful. We tend to associate whiter teeth with youthfulness as well as better health and higher overall attractiveness. What other cosmetic treatment can truly boast those benefits and be minimally invasive? With tooth whitening, you can get professional results at home -- no scary injections required! Let’s not fail to mention that tooth whitening is a lot more economical than any other cosmetic treatment too.

Tooth whitening in NYC is a safe treatment, and millions of people do it every year. However, it’s always best to consult with a cosmetic dentist in New York before buying any over-the-counter whitening products. There are some side effects to be aware of so you can know how to avoid them.

One reason why some people have side effects to teeth whitening treatments is that they used the wrong whitener for them. We all have different thicknesses to our enamel, different dental histories, unique genetics that affect the teeth, and overall differences in how our teeth react to common bleaching substances. If you already have sensitive teeth or sensitive periodontal tissue, you are more likely to experience pain as a result of using too strong of a whitening solution. You will require a gentle strength solution -- often only available from your dentist. On the other hand, if you have darkening of the teeth as a result of root canals, dental caries, or gum disease, no amount of tooth whitening will produce good results. You’ll likely need some immediate dental care, as well as a different cosmetic dentistry treatment such as porcelain veneers.

Even if you are using the right strength of whitener on your teeth, if you leave it on too long there can be problems. The most common problem is sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or even pain when eating or chewing gum. Another common side effect is burning of the gums and eventual canker sores and bleeding. Be sure to follow the directions included with any product, and don’t try to get your teeth whiter faster by leaving the whitener on longer than the package insert recommends.

Why does leaving the product on your teeth for too long cause these side effects? The ingredients in tooth whitening products that actually whiten your teeth are usually hydrogen peroxide mixed with some inactive components. When these bleaching agents are applied to your teeth for a few hours at a time, your teeth slowing become whiter. Most dentists in New York, recommend using these products for a few hours at a time over a period of a few weeks, until the desired color is achieved. When left on your teeth for too long without giving your teeth a “rest” from being bleached out, this can result in pain and sensitivity at the level of the nerve that is deep beneath the enamel of your tooth.

Another problem with over-the-counter products is that it becomes far too easy to apply the whitener completely evenly on all your teeth. Therefore, some teeth will get whiter than others and produce less desirable results. Also, some teeth can become more sensitive and leave others not so sensitive. The gum tissue around some teeth can become inflamed when those teeth receive a thicker application of whitener than they are supposed to have.

With a custom-made dental tray, for instance, you can avoid the side effects of uneven whitening and inflamed gums or canker sores. When a whitening tray is made to fit your mouth only, you can then apply the whitener evenly over all teeth and get a much better result.

Tooth Whitening NYC Methods - Which One Is Right For You? (Part 2)

When it comes to teeth whitening, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This is part 2 of a two part series explaining what you should do if you are considering teeth whitening.

If you missed part 1 of this series, please go back and read part 1 to make sure you don't miss a critical piece of information!

We discussed the importance of consulting with a cosmetic dentist about tooth whitening in NYC before you run out and buy an over-the-counter product. This could potentially save you from a disaster such as damaging your teeth or ending up with a glow-in-the-dark smile.

There are several different types of products for tooth whitening, and they all have unique pros and cons. The best method for your best friend may not be the best method for you. The main types of tooth whitening products include over-the-counter strips and gels, whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes, custom-made teeth whitening trays, and even in-office treatments involving rapid whitening methods. Most methods require several days to weeks of treatment for optimal results. In-office whitening procedures typically only take an hour. Here are the important differences you should know.

Whitening Toothpastes and Mouthwashes

Tooth whitening pastes and washes are great for maintaining the white color of your teeth after you have whitened them with a bleaching solution. By using a good whitening toothpaste twice a day, you can prolong the amount of time your teeth stay white between whitening treatments. Keep in mind that some whitening toothpastes, such as Topol, only polish the teeth and are only useful for removing tar stains from tobacco products.

Whitening Strips and Gels from the drugstore

Whitening strips and gels contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient that whitens the teeth. There are multiple strengths available, ranging from about 10% hydrogen peroxide to 22% hydrogen peroxide. Most people achieve the best results after using a medium-strength solution of around 15% hydrogen peroxide at night for a few weeks. If you have sensitive teeth, you should use a mild-strength formula. In contrast, if your teeth are highly resistant to bleaching and you don't have periodontal disease or untreated caries, a higher strength solution may be what you need.

Custom-Made Dental Tray Tooth Whiteners

This is the go-to teeth whitening method for most individuals. It's not only the most economical method, but it is usually the most effective as well. Your cosmetic dentist in NYC will make a whitening tray that is specifically fitted to your mouth. You can then put the whitening gel in the tray, wear it at night, and your teeth will gradually lighten to the perfect shade. The custom-fit tray prevents the development of mouth sores and it also provides for a more even whitening effect.

In-Office Whitening

Different cosmetic dentists offer different "brands" of in-office whitening treatments, and most of these are rapid whitening techniques. In-office treatment can be expensive, and the rapid whitening process is more likely to cause sensitive teeth. The dentist will have to be highly skilled and trained at using the particular brand of product to prevent leaving the treatment on too long. Make sure you find a dentist with a tremendous amount of experience in offering successful teeth whitening solutions.

Tooth Whitening Methods - Which One Is Right For You? (Part-1)

If you're thinking about getting your teeth whitened, you should be aware of the many different options available to you.

Did you know that whitening your teeth can actually make you look up to ten years younger? It's a fact that we commonly associate a bright, white smile with youth, good health, and attractiveness. In contrast, we also associate yellowed or grayish teeth with aging, poor health, and relative unattractiveness. This is why so many people are either thinking about getting their teeth whitened or they already regularly whiten their teeth. Who wouldn't want to look younger, healthier, and more attractive without having to do a lot of work to achieve such a dramatic change in their appearance? It's much easier than attempting another new fad diet, going on an exercise craze, or getting a facelift!

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular services offered by cosmetic dentists in NYC, and it's no surprise. It's the simplest, least invasive, and the most affordable cosmetic dental procedure available. Most everyone likes to drink coffee, tea, soda, candies, or even smoke the occasional cigar. Unfortunately, all of these stain the teeth over time. Add on increasing age and certain medications such as tetracycline and chemotherapy, and some individuals end up with some terribly discolored teeth. The good news is that this can be fixed, and there are actually several options out there that can work.

Of course, there is no one single method that is best for everyone. Because we all have different genetics, different rates at which our teeth can be bleached, different amounts of staining and discoloration on our teeth, different lifestyles, and multiple other variables, the best tooth whitening solution for your friend may not be the best one for you. It's always a good idea to consult with a cosmetic dentist before you go out and purchase any teeth whitening products. You want to make a customized choice and not gamble with damaging your fragile tooth enamel with the wrong whitening product.

Do your research and speak with as many cosmetic dentists as you can before trying tooth whitening in NYC. Some individuals may require full strength teeth whitening gels if their teeth are highly resistant to accepting a bleaching treatment. A skilled cosmetic dentist should be able to determine beforehand if your teeth may be unusually difficult to bleach. On the other hand, you may need a light strength bleaching agent. If you have thinner enamel or already have sensitive teeth and gums, it's likely that if you choose a whitening solution that is too strong, you will end up with extreme pain and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Also, if you currently suffer from gum disease or if you have tooth colored fillings, porcelain veneers, crowns, or untreated dental caries; you should definitely not attempt whitening your teeth without the help of your cosmetic dentist. Just purchasing an over-the-counter whitening kit will result in a color mismatch between your restorations and your natural teeth. This could ultimately cause you to have to get all of your restorations re-done. It could also end up damaging your teeth and gums if you have untreated gum disease or dental caries.

Most tooth whitening gels contain between 10% and 22% peroxide (bleach). As a rule of thumb, if you have sensitive teeth or weaker enamel it is best to choose a 10% bleach solution or the weakest you can find. Most individuals require a solution somewhere in the middle - around 15%. Only a small minority will require a full strength solution with 20% or more peroxide. These full strength solutions are only for those people whose teeth are highly resistant to being bleached.

Another reason why it's wise to consult with a cosmetic dentist before trying any over-the-counter products is so your dentist can assess whether the discoloration in your teeth can be removed. Usually, stains are simply the result of drinking coffee every once in a while and increasing age. However, if you have ever had a root canal or if you have any undiscovered periodontal problems of dental caries, the staining may actually be caused by damage deep beneath the surface of the tooth. This darkening is deep beneath the enamel and cannot be removed. In such a case, you may require porcelain veneers to obtain a white color and also protect your tooth from further damage. In other cases, the tooth must be removed and replaced with a dental implant.

How to Avoid Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening (Part 2)

One side effect of whitening your teeth is sensitivity to hot and cold. This article explains what causes tooth sensitivity and how to prevent it.

Why Does Tooth Whitening Sometimes Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Hydrogen peroxide is the most commonly used bleaching agent in whitening gels. This is also the ingredient in blonde hair bleach. It actually penetrates the surface of your teeth, which is how it does more than just remove surface stains. Beneath the enamel of the tooth is the dentin, which is made up of tiny tubules. The bleaching agent enters these tiny tubules, exposing the nerve of the tooth to external temperatures. Drinking hot coffee or tea, or eating a bowl of ice cream, can become a painful experience when you have tooth sensitivity. In more severe cases, even cold winter air can make your teeth hurt. If you have tooth sensitivity, you should avoid any tooth whitening agents and seek out a good toothpaste that will help improve the structure of your teeth to prevent and treat sensitivity. Then, consult a teeth whitening dentist in NYC before choosing any form of cosmetic whitening treatment. When your tooth sensitivity is successfully treated, a mild-acting whitening agent may be used. 

Why Do Teeth Whitening Agents Cause Sore Gums?

As discussed previously, hydrogen peroxide that is used in most teeth whitening products has an abrasive nature that can “burn” your gums or create canker sores and redness. However, this is usually temporary and your gums heal relatively quickly after the whitening treatment is discontinued. If you use the product as directed by your dentist in New York or by the package insert, you can avoid most gum irritation unless you have sensitive gum tissue already.

Most tooth whitening gels only require a pea-sized amount for optimal effectiveness. Applying too much of the gel to the whitening tray can cause it to overflow and get on your gums and other soft tissues of the mouth. You only want the whitening gel to cover your teeth since this is the only thing you are trying to whiten. A custom-made tooth whitening tray will also prevent mouth sores because it will fit your mouth better than a one-size-fits-all mouth tray. Using an ill-fitting tray that is too large or too small for your mouth can cause soreness even without any bleaching agent. You definitely don’t want to combine a poorly fitting tray with too much whitening gel! You should also avoid using the strongest bleaching gel on the market. A lighter-strength whitening gel takes a little longer to whiten your teeth, but it can prevent nearly all side effects from occurring.