Cosmetic Dentistry in the West Village
Cosmetic dentistry can be transformative to your smile and your confidence!
Our office specializes in cosmetic dentistry. This means that we not only pay attention to the health and function of your teeth, but we also pay close attention to aesthetics. We want you to maintain great oral health but we also want you to have a beautiful smile and the confidence to smile often!
With our expertise, advanced technology and knowledge, we can help you visualize and attain the beautiful smile you want. Using one procedure, such as veneers, or perhaps a combination of procedures, we can transform your smile and help you have the confidence that comes with knowing your smile looks great!
Procedures used alone or in combination to create beautiful smiles include:
Teeth Whitening
Teeth will naturally lose their brightness over time. Drinking coffee or tea, or using tobacco, as well as certain childhood medications can cause teeth to discolor or darken even faster than normal.
Whitening, also known as bleaching, is the procedure used to brighten teeth. There are two different ways to achieve a desired whiter smile: In-Office Bleaching and At-Home Bleaching.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact tooth movements our office plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just switch to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know that you’re straightening your teeth.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural appearance of teeth. To place a veneer, a thin layer of the original tooth enamel must be removed. Afterward, an adhesive layer is placed between the prepared tooth and the veneer. The adhesive is then hardened with the use of a specialized curing light.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to improve a tooth’s appearance. In order to bond a tooth, composite material is added to the tooth structure to adjust the size, shape, or color of the existing tooth.
Microabrasion
This technique can minimize or eliminate stains, yellowing or spots by removing a very thin layer of the tooth’s enamel.
Cosmetic Services May Also Include:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that is primarily done to improve the appearance of the teeth and gums. There are some treatments, like dental crowns and dental implants, that improve both function and appearance, but procedures like teeth whitening, crown lengthening for a gummy smile, and bonding to fix chips are considered cosmetic because they don’t have any impact on function.
What is the difference between a dentist and a cosmetic dentist?
Cosmetic dentists are dentists. Like a general dentist, they complete dental school and hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. A cosmetic dentist has specialized training beyond dental school that focuses on dental aesthetics. Strictly speaking, cosmetic dentistry deals only with the appearance of the teeth, but many cosmetic dentists also practice general dentistry, so you can see them for preventive and restorative care as well.
How much does a smile makeover cost?
Every patient’s smile makeover is unique to their needs, so it’s impossible to give an estimate without seeing you in our office first. Smile makeovers usually involve multiple cosmetic and restorative treatments and may take several office visits to complete. They may include teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, dental implants, periodontal treatments, and more.
What can cosmetic dentistry fix?
If there’s something you’re self-conscious about when you smile, cosmetic dentistry can fix it. Patients seek out cosmetic dentistry for teeth misalignment, stains and yellowing, chips and cracks, gummy smiles, and to correct the shape and size of teeth.
How long does it take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign?
Each patient is different, but when Invisalign aligners are worn as directed, most people can expect treatment to last between nine and 18 months.
Which is better, braces or Invisalign?
Braces and Invisalign both straighten teeth and correct bite problems, but patients find Invisalign to be more comfortable and appreciate that the aligners are invisible. That said, there are some orthodontic cases where braces are a better option than aligners.
What is the best whitener for your teeth?
In-office teeth whitening treatments from a dentist produce the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time. These treatments are also less likely to cause irritation because your gums are protected during the procedure.
Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?
Teeth whitening is only bad for your teeth if you do it more often than recommended or use whitening treatments that are not approved by the American Dental Association. When you choose professional teeth whitening treatments from our office, you can feel confident that you’re getting a safe, effective product with long-lasting results.
How much do veneers cost?
The cost of veneers depends on the type you choose. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than resin, for example.
Are veneers permanent?
Veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth, but you will likely have to have them replaced eventually, depending on your age when you get them. High quality veneers may last for decades with proper care.
What is cosmetic tooth bonding?
With cosmetic bonding, we use composite resin to correct minor imperfections on a tooth like cracks, chips, and discoloration. The bonding material is applied to the tooth, then carefully shaped for a natural appearance.
How long does cosmetic bonding last?
Cosmetic bonding typically lasts between three to 10 years, depending on the location of the tooth and the extent of the bonding.