Porcelain Veneers In A Nutshell

This article explains what porcelain veneers are, including the procedure, and the aftercare.

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile and are considering a smile makeover, porcelain veneers may be the solution you are looking for. As the name “veneer” implies, a porcelain veneer is a very thin shell made of a durable ceramic material. Each thin shell is placed onto the front surface of teeth with a type of dental adhesive, much like a wooden veneer is glued onto a piece of furniture to enhance the appearance.

This may sound like an odd thing at first, but porcelain veneers are actually becoming quite common among celebrity actors, actresses, models, sports celebrities, and public figures who are often interacting with the public in various medias. Well-known celebrities always have to look good for the camera, so it’s important for them to have attractive smiles.

The great thing is that even though you may not own a private jet or employ your own bodyguard, porcelain veneers are actually quite accessible to the average person. Cosmetic dentistry technology has come a long way in the past twenty years, which drives the cost down considerably.

Making a Good First Impression with a Smile

One of the reasons why dental patients visit a cosmetic dentist in the first place is because they want to make a good first impression when they meet new people. The appearance of one’s teeth makes a critical difference in how you are perceived by others, and teeth that are chipped, stained, misaligned, or otherwise non aesthetically appealing can cause you to lose opportunities for career and social advancement.

Making a “first impression” is also the first step in getting your custom-made porcelain veneers in NYC. When you have decided to definitely get porcelain veneers, the first thing your dentist will want to do is make impressions of your mouth. There are two main ways of doing the impressions.

The first -- and oldest -- method is to use a dental mold and metal or silicon tray. Your dentist will fill a tray with a thick goo, place the tray into your mouth, and wait several minutes. When the tray is finally removed from your mouth, there will be an impression of your teeth. A highly skilled cosmetic dentist will usually make two impressions just in case there are any defects in the first impression.

The second -- and newest -- method for making impressions is the digital method. This method is instant, flawless, and much more comfortable for the patient. If you have a strong gag reflex or any other big issue with having a large tray in your mouth for several minutes, you may want to inquire about which impression method your dentist uses before you commit.

Your impressions will be sent to the ceramicist who will be crafting your dental veneers in NYC while remaining in close communication with your dentist.

Laser Gum Recontouring In A Nutshell

This article explains what laser gum recontouring is, and how it can help you achieve a celebrity smile.

A common problem that cosmetic dentists see when patients come to them for a smile makeover is often referred to as a “gummy smile” by the patient. The technical jargon that dentist’s use in reference to gummy smile is excessive gingival tissue. A gummy smile is typically apparent when the patient smiles big or laughs. Too much gingival tissue shows above the gumline, making the patient’s teeth look too small, too big, or just unbalanced. Sometimes it can give the appearance on first glance of not having any teeth at all because the gingival tissue is so prominent. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers solutions for these patients.

The most radical treatment for a gummy smile involves surgical removal by a periodontist. The surgical method can remove bony protrusions as well, and is usually the desired method if the patient has an unusually large amount of gum tissue and bone to remove. Stitches are required, and surgical healing time can take up to six weeks.

The most conservative treatment for a gummy smile is laser recontouring surgery. This method is utilized if there is a minimal amount of tissue to remove, or if the gum line is simply uneven. Laser recontouring does not cause a large amount of bleeding, stitches aren’t required, and total recovery takes a mere 24 - 72 hours. Post-treatment pain and swelling in the area is minimal.

What Causes A Gummy Smile?

If you are one of the millions of people who have a gummy smile, it’s likely that your parents, grandparents, or siblings may have a gummy smile as well. The main cause of it is genetics, though recent research suggests that maternal diet may also play a role in how a baby’s teeth and gums eventually develop. Some prescription drugs taken during early life may also have some effect. The opposite of a gummy smile -- gum recession -- can be caused by prolonged illness and poor dental hygiene. Some patients with an uneven gum line have a combination of excessive gum tissue in some areas and recessed gums in other areas. This is almost always the result of lifestyle factors.

Is Gum Recontouring a Medically Necessary Procedure?

Regardless of the cause of your gummy smile, laser gum recontouring is not usually regarded by dental insurance companies as being a medical necessity. Therefore, most patients do end up paying out-of-pocket for laser gum recontouring surgery. Some insurance companies may consider laser gum recontouring to be crown lengthening or pocket reduction, which is an insured procedure in many cases. Be sure to check with your insurance provider before your treatment so you will be aware of what costs you will need to pay for with cash.

What Type of Doctor Performs Laser Recontouring?

This procedure is typically performed by a cosmetic dentist in NYC or periodontist. Some periodontists may perform traditional periodontal surgery, which requires stitches and several weeks of recovery time, so check with your doctor to find out whether he is using an outpatient laser procedure or a traditional surgical procedure.

What is the Cost of Laser Gum Recontouring?

The cost varies depending on how much gum tissue is affected, and whether you are having other procedures done as well. Sometimes laser gum recontouring is performed before applying porcelain veneers. The cost may be included in the cost of your dental veneers. Dental insurance will not cover cosmetic procedures.

What Should I Expect During The Laser Procedure?

Before the laser gum recontouring procedure, your dentist in New York will apply a local anesthetic. This will prevent you from feeling any discomfort as the excessive periodontal tissue is removed by laser. You will also be shown where the new gum line will be after the procedure so you will know exactly what results to expect.

Achieve A Celebrity Smile With Tooth Whitening

The paparazzi snap photos of celebs during their most unexpected moments - leaving the gym, shopping for groceries, going out for a latte. But no matter how surprised they are to see a camera, celebrities tend to always have the most beautiful teeth. What’s their secret?

For the average person, getting "camera ready" for a special event involves a series of time consuming processes - bathing, shaving, wardrobe, makeup, hairstyling, manicure/pedicure and of course brushing and flossing the teeth. But even after all of that, many people don't feel entirely confident about flashing a big smile in front of a camera or a crowd. But for the average celebrity, they must be ready for the public spotlight at all times - even when they're just doing mundane tasks or everyday activities. How do they make themselves so photogenic?

The answer is actually quite simple. Tooth whitening in NYC can take your teeth from being stained, dull, or discolored, to being a glamorous pearly white so that you’re ready for candid photos - even when caught off-guard. You won't need to avoid coffee, tea, wine, or green juice to prevent tooth stains, and you won’t have to spend hours getting photo-ready. With the right professional tooth whitening kit from your cosmetic dentist, all you'll have to do is apply the whitening gel to your teeth at night. The whitening gel does all the work while you sleep.

How do you get a home teeth whitening kit that actually works and doesn't harm your tooth enamel? First, make an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in NYC. Your dentist will make a custom-fitting tooth whitening tray for you to use with the professional tooth whitening gel. Every night after you brush your teeth and before you go to bed, simply apply the tooth whitening gel to the tray and leave it in your mouth overnight. To go from badly discolored teeth to "celebrity white", you will need to do this for about two weeks. Depending on how porous your teeth are and how often you drink coffee and other things that can stain your teeth, the effects of home teeth whitening can last several months. To prolong the length of time that your teeth stay the right shade of white. it is highly recommended to use a good tooth whitening toothpaste.

It is important to understand that not all home tooth whitening systems are created the same. Some plainly just don't work. Others work, but they do so with harsh abrasives that can cause tooth sensitivity and loss of healthy dental enamel. Before investing in any kind of tooth whitening, do your research first. Ask your cosmetic dentist for before and after photos of tooth whitening patients. Find a dentist who takes time to explain the process, answer all your questions and concerns, and offer a variety of ways to customize your smile makeover.