What's the difference between dental bonding and porcelain veneers?
Dental bonding is a tooth colored (composite) resin material that is light activated and done in one visit to our New York practice (little tooth reduction, no anesthesia required). Porcelain veneers can mask dark stains better with a more durable porcelain material. They are very thin veneers of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth. Although this procedure takes two visits to our New York practice, porcelain laminate/veneers are stronger than dental bondings and less prone to staining. More information and frequently asked questions about: > Dental Bonding > Porcelain or Dental Veneers

I have a space between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?
There are several ways in which this can be corrected: Dental bonding (one visit); will correct discoloration and shape of teeth. Porcelain laminate/veneers (two visits); will correct discoloration and shape of teeth. Orthodontics; requires multiple visits and cannot correct color or shape of teeth. 1. Dental bonding (one visit); will correct discoloration and shape of teeth.
2. Porcelain laminate/veneers (two visits); will correct discoloration and shape of teeth.
3. Orthodontics; requires multiple visits and cannot correct color or shape of teeth.
Again, seek the advice of your dental health professional to choose the procedure that's best for you. For a highly-skilled aesthetic dentist nearest you, click to: asdatoday.com

If I require fillings, what type should I get?
Where silver (amalgam) and gold were all that were used in the past for fillings in back teeth, dental health professionals frequently use tooth-colored porcelain or composite materials that are strong and extremely wear resistant. You can even give your teeth a "face lift" by removing your old metal fillings and replacing them with "invisible" ones. Be sure to ask your own clinician about the advisability of this process.

I need a face lift and some dental work which should I do first?
Do the dental treatment first. A good aesthetic dentist will give your face the support it needs so that your lips and cheeks have the proper lift. By doing so, you'll have the required muscle support in your face to its physiological position. That way, when you get a face lift, the final result will look much more natural without that unappealing, "pulled-back" look around your check area.

My smile is crooked, what can I do about it?
Although orthodontics is the ideal way for children and young adults to correct this condition, sometimes an alternative using restorative treatment with dental bonding, porcelain veneers or full crowns can make a pleasing result. As an adult, dental bonding or porcelain veneers can achieve aesthetically correct results in two visits or less.

My crown in the front doesn't match my teeth - it looks fake. What can be done?
A skilled aesthetic dentist will not only match the color and contour of the adjacent teeth, but your smile will look just as natural as it did before getting the crown. Check for a highly skilled aesthetic dentist near you if your not happy with your existing crowns. Please visit the American Society for Dental Aesthetics.

How do I find a good cosmetic dentist?
The American Society for Dental Aesthetics is an exceptional resource to find world-class aesthetic dentistry nationwide. For a complete list of these notable specialists in your area click here: Search ASDA Dentists By Location.

I have a "gummy" smile. Can anything be done?
With the advent of laser dentistry, this can be done very easily and painlessly in most cases. Tissue sculpting (gingivectomy) is an important adjunct to achieving a beautiful, healthy smile.

Why should I spend a lot of money on a root canal? Why not just pull the tooth?
Losing a tooth can be the beginning of many more lost teeth. Saving the tooth maintains space, keeps other teeth from shifting, and eliminates the need and cost of a bridge or implant and crown. Although seemingly expensive, it is actually quite cost effective.

My denture makes me look old and it doesn't fit well. Can anything be done about it?
With the current technology available today, dentures can be made to both fit well and reshape your face. A skilled aesthetic dentist who understands dentures can give you an instant facelift and a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are made of titanium and placed directly into your jawbone surgically. Then a crown, bridge or denture is placed over the implants and yield permanent, natural-looking teeth that don't have to be removed nightly. More information and frequently asked questions about: Implant Dentistry

What is 'plaque' and how does it affect my teeth?
Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If left undisturbed, the bacteria in the plaque produce byproducts that can not only irritate the gums and make them bleed, but it can also lead to periodontal disease. A daily regimen of proper brushing, flossing and rinsing (plus, regular dental visits), will help you keep your teeth healthy.

My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is this normal?
Healthy tissue doesn't bleed. This is most likely a sign of early gingivitis. If you experience bleeding gums, see your dental health professional to review proper brushing and flossing techniques. Schedule a soft tissue evaluation with your dentist that will include x-rays and prophylaxis cleaning. Gum bleeding must be taken seriously because if left untreated, it will lead to periodontal disease.

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
People accumulate plaque at different rates. Although most insurance plan coverage is for a twice a year schedule, it's sensible to get your teeth professionally cleaned as often as your dental health professional advises you, even if it's every 3 months.

What can I do about bad breath?
Proper brushing and flossing normally reduces the bacteria that causes bad breath. The newest addition to effective oral hygiene has been tongue cleaning. Since research shows that 85% of bad breath can be controlled by removing bacteria that colonizes on the back of the tongue, it's a good idea to use a tongue cleaner at least once a day.

How many times should I floss my teeth?
At least once a day. There's an old adage among dentists: Floss only the teeth you want to keep. If you don't want to lose your teeth, floss every day. Otherwise, you'll be 75% more susceptible to periodontal disease that has been documented to have serious health consequences, e.g. a higher likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia and infections. About 45% of American adults have some form of gingivitis, and most adults over 60 have already lost their teeth. Don't be one of them. Floss at least once a day.

What is tartar and how can I control it?
In most cases, tartar is "hardened plaque" that has been left undisturbed. It's a black, solidified protein layer at the gum line that can only be removed safely with a dental scaling instrument during hygiene cleanings. The best way to control tartar is to brush and floss every day.

How can I get the yellow and dark stains out of my teeth?
You have three intelligent teeth whitening choices: whitening toothpastes, professionally supervised at-home bleaching and laser whitening. More information and frequently asked teeth whitening questions about: Tooth Whitening