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Cosmetic dentistry procedures currently in use include: Inlays/Onlays: Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays made from porcelain or composite materials are a long-lasting yet cosmetic way to provide a “filling” to teeth with tooth decay or similar structural damage. Whereas dental fillings are molded into place within the mouth during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are created in a dental laboratory before being fitted and adhesively bonded into place by your dentist. Composite Bonding: Chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth may be repaired or have their appearance corrected using a procedure called composite bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel and dentin is applied into the cavity or onto the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured and hardened with a high-intensity light. The result is a restoration that blends invisibly with the remainder of the surrounding tooth structure and the rest of your natural teeth to create a healthy, bright smile. Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea or red wine) or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile. Dental Veneers: Composite or porcelain laminates that are adhesively bonded to the surface of a tooth to correct and repair chips and cracks will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening. Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older. Smile Makeovers: Smile makeovers involve a comprehensive assessment of your smile esthetics in order to improve its overall appearance. Typically one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, gingival sculpting and teeth whitening, will be required for several teeth in both the upper and lower arches in order to achieve the look you want. Full mouth reconstruction: While consulting with you about a smile makeover to primarily improve the esthetic appearance of your smile, your dentist may discover that there is a need to provide necessary treatment to corr ect functional problems with your bite, muscles, teeth and bone structure. If you need full mouth reconstruction, the materials available today make it possible for your dentist to provide you with durable, functional and clinically sound treatments that also look natural. |
Staten Island's Premier Cosmetic Dentist |
Dr. Raymond Flagiello |
718-351-2323 |
Dr. Raymond Flagiello, DDS |
NY |
1235 Richmond Road |
Fax: 718-980-2066 |
Staten Island |
10304 |
1235 Richmond Road Staten Island, NY 10304 Phone: 718-351-2323 Fax: 718-980-2066 |
Cosmetic Dentistry |
Common Cosmetic Dental Questions Q: I don’t like my teeth or my smile – what can I do? A: A wide variety of options are available to improve how your teeth work and the way your smile looks. Check out our “Procedures” section to see how other patients with similar problems were helped, then look for an AACD dentist near you to get started on your new smile. Q : How much does it cost to get a great smile? A : Like most services, cost will vary based on the time required and the difficulty of the procedures. Generally, improving a smile will require a combination of treatment options such as bleaching, reshaping gums and using bonded materials (resin or porcelain) to improve the appearance of teeth. A great way to start is having a consultation with an AACD dentist to determine the ways that you can reach your goals. Improving your smile is an investment in you. Q: What are some of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry? A : A great smile should improve your self-confidence, which can have a positive impact on the social and professional aspects of your life. Cosmetic dentistry is not just about pretty smiles though. New techniques and materials are available for back teeth as well as the ones you see when you smile. Now your mouth can look great, get healthy and function better at the same time. Ask an AACD dentist what’s available for you. Q: How many office visits will it take to fix my teeth and improve my smile? A: That will vary for each person, depending on his or her needs. Sometimes, you can dramatically improve your oral health and appearance in just a couple of visits. Most AACD dentists will work to make your treatment as convenient as possible, perhaps choosing slightly longer visits instead of more trips to the office. Talk to your dentist about your goals and concerns so the best plan can be developed for your individual situation. If you start today, a new smile can be yours sooner than you think. Q: Is my new smile permanent? A : With good home care and regular visits to your dentist, modern materials can last for many years and possibly decades. Like most things, excellent maintenance will extend the life of your dental restorations. Q : I have dental insurance. Will it pay for my new smile? A : Most dental insurances have very low total benefits per year, which may offset the cost of regular checkups, but probably won’t pay toward cosmetic services. Insurance is a business, and as such, your carrier will often contract to pay for the least expensive option in stead of the best solution for your particular needs or desires. Many AACD dentists will work to maximize your benefits, and may have suggestions for alternative methods of financing so you can obtain the treatment of your choice. Q : Is teeth whitening bad for patient's enamel? A : There is no permanent damage caused to the enamel or any other tooth structures by tooth whitening. Q : Does teeth whitening cause permanent teeth sensitivity? A : Sensitivity from teeth whitening is always transient. That means if there is any sensitivity caused by the whitening, it goes away within one to two days after the cessation of bleaching, and the patient returns to the state of sensitivity that they had before they started the whitening process. |
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