Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry of Manhattan

Click to learn more about:

Teeth Whitening
Porcelain Laminates
Bonding
Invisalign
Your Consultation

Click here to contact Dr. Golub-Evans

Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a simple, safe oxygenating procedure used to lighten and brighten discolored teeth. Whitening is most effective in whitening teeth which have become discolored due to yellowing from age, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, medications, chemically-induced stains, excessive fluoride, accidents, trauma, and decay. Whitening is not effective in whitening existing crowns or porcelain veneers. We have had moderate success in lightening bonding.

How is it done? How long does it take?
We have two methods. Zoom! whitening and home whitening. Zoom! whitening is accomplished through one office visit; the whitening solution is applied to the front surfaces of the teeth and activated with a safe, effective cool Zoom! lamp. With home whitening, you apply a mild whitening solution inside a custom-made tray that you wear for several hours during the day or at night.

With the Office Zoom! Whitening System, most discolored teeth require only one office visit of about an hour. Typically a maintenance bleaching tray or Crest Professional White Strips for a week is suggested after to follow the office Zoom!. The home system can take from 10-14 days for good results.

Can whitening damage teeth?
Documented university studies demonstrate that whitening causes no damage to the tooth structure. It does not cause brittleness or weakening of teeth; no cavities or gum problems have been shown to form because of the bleaching. Some people can experience sensitivity to hot and cold for a day or two as a side effect.

Click here to email Dr. Golub-Evans

Return to top

Porcelain Laminates

What are porcelain laminates?
Porcelain laminates, also known as porcelain veneers, are thin shells of porcelain which exactly fit over the front surfaces of the teeth. The veneers have the unique ability to completely mask unattractive stains while letting light through to appear entirely real. Like fake fingernails, they are affixed with an adhesive to the front surfaces of teeth.

What are the advantages?
Porcelain veneers solve the same types of problems as bonding - chips, gaps, stains, discolorations, and crooked teeth; however the veneers have the additional advantage of strength and support. Veneers are relatively maintenance-free and are much more durable than bonding. If very dark stains need to be masked or if existing porcelain crowns need to be matched, porcelain veneers may be the treatment of choice.

How is the process done?
Porcelain veneers require two office visits because of the laboratory work involved. Minimal shaping is required to create space for the veneer. Typically there are 7 days between appointments, although special arrangements can be made for a shorter waiting time. Between visits, the patient wears provisional veneers, a kind of smile sculpture which allows us to choose the final result.

What is the cost?
The fee for porcelain veneers averages $1,800 per tooth, depending on the choice of materials. This fee includes follow up and adjustment visits during a one year period. For an overnight or same day service, there is an additional fee.

Click here to email Dr. Golub-Evans

Return to top

Bonding

What is Composite Bonding?
Bonding is a form of smile sculpture accomplished with a composite resin which enables patients with imperfections in their teeth to have more attractive smiles. Bonding can be used to close spaces, change the color of the teeth, mask any discolorations, repair chips, alter the size or shape of teeth, and give jumbled or crooked teeth a straight-looking appearance.

How is it done?
Bonding is a simple procedure. First, a solution is painted on the tooth enamel. A liquid resin is then flowed onto the tooth surface. A putty-like resin is then sculpted on the tooth and hardened with a bright light to a durable finish. It is polished and smoothed to a life-like luster. The bonding process is usually reversible. Depending on the number of teeth involved, one visit of several hours duration is usually all that is needed. Generally, no anesthesia is required.

How long does it last?
The life of bonding is 8-10 years depending on your lifestyle. If you drink, smoke or use your teeth as tools, you may not see the entire life expectancy of your bonding. At the end of the bonding's term, a resurfacing (1/2 the cost) usually suffices. A complete rebonding rarely is necessary.

How much does it cost?
Bonding fees range from $300-$400 for a 1/2 bonded tooth to $600-$750 for a fully bonded tooth, depending on the choice of material. There is no charge for touch-ups made within 1 year of placement. After that the fee is determined according to the extent of the repair needed, with the average being $90-$180.

Click here to email Dr. Golub-Evans

Return to top

Invisalign

Clear alternative to braces
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit you. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you'll be proud of.

The Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. NYCCD, a certified Invisalign provider, can create your individual treatment plan using Invisalign's clear, custom-molded aligners to solve a range of issues, including overly crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Fits any lifestyle
Now nothing comes between your lifestyle and having an incredible smile. Because Invisalign offers you comfort, convenience and virtual invisibility during treatment. With Invisalign, you can be as active as you like, remove your aligners for special events, and feel more confident everywhere you go.

Invisalign is clear and practically invisible, so nothing gets in the way of your new smile. It's unobtrusive in business meetings or social gatherings, no metal wires or bands to irritate your mouth, and many people won't even notice you're wearing aligners.

Click here to email Dr. Golub-Evans

Return to top

Your Consultation

We will discuss your reactions for seeking a smile enhancement and ask you to describe how you feel about your smile. It is often useful to discuss your image aspirations: some people want natural-looking teeth, some want a sporty, sexy, or sophisticated smile, and others want an "entertainer white" look. We are able to tailor the smile to each person's interest and inclination.

Computer Imaging
We usually include computer imaging at the consultation which allows you to preview the various smile options. You will receive Polaroid photos of your current smile and optional new smiles. It would be most helpful if you would bring pictures of smiles that you like and those you do not care for. We can show you lots of smiles we have made for celebrated people and for regular folks, too.

Trial Smiles
We will often demonstrate different smile options by applying a tooth-colored, removable wax-like material to your teeth, showing you various tooth shapes and smile styles. Depending on your needs, we may do some color matching. We will explain to you the differences between bonding, porcelain veneers, and our different tooth whitening systems and present to you why we might suggest one method over the others. You should be aware that many smile makeovers are "mixed media" cases, using more than one method to enhance your smile.

Click here to email Dr. Golub-Evans

Return to top

Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans & Dr. Emanuel Layliev
New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

Office Address:

128 East 71st Street
New York, NY 10021

Email Dr. Golub-Evans

My Dentist USA is sponsored and made possible by the Cosmetic Dentists featured on this website.