Time for a Summer Makeover in Midtown with Cosmetic Dentistry

smile makeoverSummer’s in full-force and that means your smile has likely been on display for better or for worse. If you feel the latter is more likely, join the club. Almost one-third of Americans refuse to smile in pictures due to the condition of their teeth while over 80% feel their smile keeps them from being attractive enough to be tagged in pictures. Life’s too short to be that unhappy, especially when it’s so easy to obtain a stunning smile makeover. But what options can fit your needs for a much-needed summer confidence boost?

 Professional Tooth Whitening
Anyone can pick up an over-the-counter home whitening kit at their favorite box or discount store. But to see real results the process often needs to be repeated continuously, and in many cases that just eats through the buyer’s budget and enamel. Professional teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic procedure for several reasons. The procedure is quick enough to see dramatic results in as little as an hour. It’s non-invasive so there are no discomfort or post sensitivity issues to worry about. And the process is completely customizable, so whether you have two or twelve shades to lose, your Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist can easily tackle the job.

Porcelain Veneers or Cerinate Lumineers
If you think your favorite celebrities or reality stars were born with perfect smiles, think again. Porcelain veneers are generally the go-to solution for the red carpet crowd. While the average American doesn’t have the luxury of having on-call beauty teams, they can still easily get the smile makeover solution of their dreams within a few office visits. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are customized to fit right over your existing teeth. The solution is invasive as a small amount of enamel needs to be removed during the fitting process. However, if that’s a concern, Cerinate Lumineers can potentially fit the bill. At about half the width of veneers, these shells are often just as strong and durable. And since they are so thin, no enamel needs to be removed in most cases… which means they’re non-invasive and reversible if you have a change of heart later.

Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
There are few solutions that can match the effectiveness, ease, and affordability of tooth bonding. This option corrects multiple issues including cracks, chips, discoloration, and jagged or misshapen teeth. The non-invasive procedure is usually completed within a single appointment and only requires light sanding of the enamel for the tooth or teeth in need of repair. The tooth is then covered in a conditioning agent, brushed with tooth-colored resin, the resin is cured, and the repaired tooth is sculpted to match its original state. A final polish completely restores the tooth or to its natural beauty.  

Invisalign
If you have the time and desire to permanently repair your dental concerns but want to avoid traditional braces, Invisalign may be the clear solution for your stunning smile makeover. The crystal-clear aligners are custom designed to fit over your existing teeth and help them realign to correct multiple orthodontic issues. Unlike braces, Invisalign can be removed for meals, snacks, and cleaning needs, so there’s far more freedom with this treatment option. And since there are no metal wires or brackets involved, your smile will shine through all summer long. Contact your Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist to discuss which smile makeover solutions would best fit your needs.

 

 

Porcelain Veneers vs. Invisalign

invisalignAccording to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), over one-third of American adults dislike their smiles for some reason. Almost 50% of adults remove social media photo tags, and close to 25% blame their smile for a disappointing or lackluster social life. And on top of that, nearly 80% of American adults connect a crooked or unattractive smile with being professionally unsuccessful. While that’s simply projection and opinion, the truth is someone’s opinion is often the only thing standing between remaining stagnant or advancing in life. Cosmetic dentistry offers an array of solutions to improve confidence and increase chances for success. Porcelain veneers and Invisalign are among the most popular and effective solutions to improve your smile. But how do they differ and which option is best for your needs?

 What’s So Special About Porcelain Veneers?

Anyone can have the appearance of perfect teeth thanks to porcelain veneers. This procedure is the not-so-secret celebrity solution for Red Carpet-ready smiles. Whether you have gaps, misalignment, chips, cracks, bite issues, or bad stains, porcelain veneers can quickly give you the smile of your dreams. These wafer-thin porcelain shells are custom made to each patient’s specific needs and desires. A couple appointments are usually enough to get the smile of your dreams with porcelain veneers. The dentist will discuss the patient’s needs and virtually prepare the shells during the first appointment. And the follow-up appointment will be scheduled to approve and affix them. The veneers are lab created between appointments. Porcelain veneers are somewhat invasive as the dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from the affected teeth to affix the shells. Therefore, they’re an irreversible procedure. Veneers tend to be more stain resistant than natural enamel, but heavily pigmented food and beverages can discolor the materials over time. However, if they’re taken care of properly porcelain veneers can last up to a couple decades without any issues or replacement concerns.

What’s So Special About Invisalign?

Like veneers, Invisalign is an aesthetic solution to multiple dental concerns. But Invisalign does far more than simply mask or cover the problem. Like braces, the clear aligners help straighten teeth over time and correct moderate to serious issues such as gaps, bite issues, overcrowding, and misaligned teeth. But unlike braces and veneers for that matter, Invisalign aligners are clear. Custom designed for the needs of each individual patient, the aligners are worn at least 22 hours each day and only removed for meals and snacks. And like traditional braces, Invisalign can take several months or years to correct the orthodontic issues. Unlike veneers, an Invisalign patient can opt out of the procedure if they suddenly change their mind. But if they use the aligners correctly, their patience will be rewarded with a beautiful new smile.

What’s the Best Solution?

The best solution is completely subjective and should be based on each patient’s specific needs and desires. If your dental issues are primarily visual issues such as gaps, stains, cracks, or chips and you want to improve your smile quickly, porcelain veneers may be the best choice. But if your teeth can be straightened, you have time to devote to that cause, and you’d like to save some money in the process, Invisalign can be the clear solution. A call to your Fort Lauderdale cosmetic dentist can help you make the final decision and get the smile you deserve.

Love Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

cosmetic dentistryIt’s no secret Americans are known for their smiles. But it’s also surprising just how many Americans hate smiling. According to a recent study, almost 30% of people refuse to smile in pictures due to their smile, and over 80% of people openly admit to not liking their smiles in photos. Cosmetic dentistry provides multiple options for obtaining the smile of your dreams, and porcelain veneers are among the most popular solutions. A simple call to your Moorestown dentist can get the ball rolling on having the smile of your dreams. But why should you consider porcelain veneers?

Porcelain Veneers Correct Multiple Issues at Once

Realizing you need serious dental work can be a nerve-wracking experience. The potential expense of correcting multiple issues is often enough of a reason to avoid the dentist altogether. But that’s not necessary thanks to porcelain veneers. Whether you have annoying or unattractive gaps, chips or cracks, or even severely stained teeth from years of coffee, wine, and even smoking, porcelain veneers can close, cover and correct those concerns.

Porcelain Veneers Are a Quick and Minimally Invasive Solution

After deciding porcelain veneers are the right solution, your dentist can usually improve your smile in just two visits. The first appointment will involve running x-rays and taking various photographs and impressions of your teeth. Computer generations may be provided to show what you’ll look like with your new smile. Another appointment will be arranged to fit in with your schedule. During the second appointment, numbing spray and local injections will be administered to numb each tooth receiving treatment. Your dentist will file minimal amounts of enamel from the front and bottom of the teeth to ensure proper and seamless of the new veneers. Then temporary veneers will be placed on the necessary teeth. Depending on the number of teeth needing veneers, this appointment may take one to three hours. You’ll be expected to wear the temporaries for two weeks before returning for one more permanent fitting of your final porcelain veneers.  

Porcelain Veneers Are Easy to Maintain

Porcelain veneers aren’t maintenance-free. But as long as you have good dental hygiene habits in place, taking care of your veneers should be a piece of cake. As always, brush your teeth twice a day and floss once to keep stains and decay at bay. Wear oral protection or a mouthguard when playing sports or in extreme activities. Avoid grinding your teeth or talk to your dentist about controlling the habit. And see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

Porcelain Veneers Are Stain Resistant and Durable

Porcelain veneers are created from a special material that resists decay and stains better than natural enamel. However, staining is still quite possible in extreme cases. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), specific tannins in foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, and red wine can still stain dental-grade porcelain. Chomping on ice or other hard items may also occasionally cause a porcelain veneer to chip. But when cared for correctly, veneers can withstand normal life strains and average a 15-year lifespan without many, if any, concerns. When you’re ready to get the smile of your dreams, contact your Moorestown dentist to see if porcelain veneers are for you.

Over 40? It’s Never Too Late for Lumineers

lumineersPoor dental hygiene and care not only leads to premature aging, but it can also lead to several potentially serious health issues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), just a few generations ago, middle age was associated with serious tooth loss for most Americans. Fluoride, better dental hygiene, and more dental care options helped slow and even reverse that trend in many states. But still today by the time women, specifically, reach the age of 40 or 50 serious changes in their teeth occur. Top teeth become shorter while the bottoms lengthen. Gums begin to recede, and bone density weakens, leaving the jawline to shift and often concave inward. But it’s never too late to get the smile you deserve. In fact, your Manhattan cosmetic dentist can give you a brand new smile in just two visits thanks to Lumineers. 

 Lumineers Correct Multiple Dental Concerns

It’s no secret dental work can be quite expensive and nerve-wracking, especially if you need to correct multiple issues individually. Cosmetic dentistry is specifically meant to provide aesthetic solutions to improve your smile and overall dental health. Gaps, chips, cracks, and deep stains are some main reasons people opt to visit a cosmetic dentist. And there are plenty of options to correct each issue. However, if you have several at once, Lumineers can easily cover and correct them all simultaneously.

 Lumineers Are Non-Invasive and Reversible

 Traditional porcelain veneers are somewhat invasive because the dentist needs to remove a small amount of enamel from each affected tooth. This ensures the porcelain shells affix properly to the teeth. As such, local anesthesia and numbing agents are often required as well. That’s not an issue with Lumineers. While porcelain veneers are around the width of a contact lens, Lumineers are around half that width. The thinner shells are easier to affix and require no anesthesia or medication. That translates to no potential medication side effects and no unexpected, unnecessary, or painful recovery issues. And because no enamel needs to be removed during the treatment, Lumineers can be reversed or removed if the patient changes their mind down the road or opts for another dental solution.

Lumineers Are Efficient and Convenient

Lumineers are digitally created and constructed, so the patient can see exactly how they’ll look once the treatment is completed. Made of Cerinate porcelain, Lumineers are only about 0.2 millimeters thick, so there are no concerns regarding discomfort or a bulky appearance. And just like traditional veneers, Lumineers allow you to get a beautiful new smile in just two visits.

Lumineers Are Durable

Don’t let the thin construction of Lumineers fool you. They’re far tougher than they may look. The special dental-grade porcelain and chemical composition help to resist leakage and cracking better than traditional porcelain veneers. And as for durability, with proper care and maintenance, your Lumineers may easily last around 20 years which is actually longer than the average lifespan expectations of traditional veneers. Give your Manhattan cosmetic dentist a call when you’re ready to see if Lumineers are right for you.

 

Wedding Ready: Top 3 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Before the Big Day

cosmetic dentistry

Every marriage-bound couple dreams of a flawless wedding day, but getting there can be quite the adventure. There is no right or wrong way to plan your perfect day, but the average wedding in America costs around $28,000. That includes food, entertainment, and all the incidentals to capture your dream day in the hearts of everyone in attendance for hopefully the rest of your lives. Whether you’re the bride or groom, all eyes will be on you at one point or another… and for years to come thanks to the wedding photos. However, all the planning, hopes, and dreams for that one special day can be crushed in an instant the second the photographer tells you to say cheese. Your Manhattan cosmetic dentist can help ensure your smile is as ready for the big day as you with one of the following procedures.

 Professional Teeth Whitening

 Anyone can pick up a home whitening kit just about anywhere nowadays. But while those shiny boxes make huge promises, few actually deliver on those. Home kits are designed as one-size-fits-all solutions, but since everyone’s different how can that work? In fact, since boxed home kits only deliver one to two shade differences on average, you may feel the need to repeat the process over the course of several months just to notice any real difference at all. That, however, can lead to other problems such as weakened enamel, sensitivity, and mouth sores. Professional teeth whitening, however, is custom designed to fit the needs and desires of each patient. Just a one-hour appointment with your Manhattan cosmetic dentist can lighten, whiten, and brighten your teeth up to 8 shades. And the results last for far longer than over-the-counter options.

 Invisalign

 The average engagement lasts 14 months before the nuptials take place. That’s plenty of time to get your teeth picture perfect. While traditional braces may be off-limits for multiple reasons, Invisalign may fit the bill. Invisalign is the clear solution to several moderate orthodontic correction needs, including gaps, misaligned teeth, and bite issues. In many cases, Invisalign takes less time to complete the corrections than traditional braces. And unlike the metallic option, Invisalign is practically invisible and offers far more freedom. So even if you’re still in mid-treatment by the time of your wedding day, go ahead and eat those gooey treats or wedding cake. And smile freely without worrying about your dental progress being the highlight of the day.

 Porcelain Veneers

 If you’re in a hurry and can invest in a quick smile makeover, porcelain veneers can make you ready for your close up in just a couple dental visits. Porcelain veneers are the celebrity secret for perfect smiles, and they can easily be yours as well. The wafer-thin porcelain shells are custom-designed and fitted to ensure a natural, seamless appearance that will leave your guests wondering if you were born with perfect teeth. Porcelain veneers are an irreversible procedure as some enamel needs to be removed to affix the shells. But they’re a quick solution, generally requiring just a couple visits. And when taken care of correctly, they can last well over a decade without any major issues. Call your Manhattan cosmetic dentist when you’re ready to get the perfect smile for your big day.