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Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by Dr. Stacie Calian of Yonkers


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Bonding


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In recent years, bonding has proven to be a highly effective treatment for closing spaces between the teeth. Composite resin, a plastic material, is applied to the teeth to make them wider in areas were gaps exist. Bonding can also be used to close a space temporarily, until crowns are made, for example. On the other hand, if you are having your spaces closed through orthodontics, even if some of your teeth are too dark, bonding can be used to lighten them while the spaces are being closed.

If you are closing gaps with bonding, also consider taking care of any other visible defects such as rotated or broken teeth at the same time. As in most esthetic problems, computer imaging can help show you how many teeth will need treatment. Also remember that gum disease or bone loss must be treated before bonding takes place. The only exception to this rule is when you dentist believes that the loose teeth need to be splinted together.


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Porcelain Crowns


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Crowns are used to repair badly decayed, broken, discolored, or misaligned teeth. Crowns completely cover teeth, restoring them to their natural size, shape, and function. The location of the crown in the mouth usually dictates the type of material used. The tooth under the crown is reduced in size.

The crown will be permanently cemented over the reduced tooth. While you are waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated, your dentist will provide you with a temporary one to wear. Crowns have a much longer life span than bonding, resist stains better, hold their color and resist chipping and cracking. Crowns, however, take longer to prepare than bonding and are not reversible.


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Porcelain Veneers


Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size or length and resulting in an improved appearance.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you. Call to schedule your consultation appointment today!


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Lumineers


If you dream of having a perfect smile, but the thought of having veneers applied to your teeth makes you wince in pain, you'll be happy to know there is a new, pain-free alternative to help you get a fantastic looking smile.

This new dental discovery is called Lumineers™ by Cerinate®. Described as “smile shapers”, Lumineers are ultra-thin, super translucent porcelain that is non-invasively applied to teeth for a natural looking smile that fits every individual. Anyone with “needle-phobia” can breathe easy. Lumineers can be applied without the use of anesthesia, so no shots are required.

But how do Lumineers differ from the traditional porcelain veneers that dentists have been using for years? Typically, most veneers require that your dentist grind down sensitive tooth structure for a good fit. Not so with Lumineers, as there is no cutting or grinding of teeth in almost all cases.

Another bonus is that this new procedure generally calls for just two visits to your dentist, and no uncomfortable temporaries while you wait for your Lumineers to be created. There is no post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity, which means Lumineers look and feel natural as soon as you step out of your dentist's chair.

Lumineers can even be a more comfortable and time-saving solution for adults who are considering braces. If your bite problem isn’t severe, Lumineers will change the shape and alignment of your teeth, making them look straighter and more uniform. They will also help restore and strengthen teeth and aid in preventing wear over time.

Clinically proven to last up to 20 years with no shade discoloration, Lumineers can be placed over old crowns and help rejuvenate bridgework to create a more uniform look to your smile.


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Orthodontics


Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. Treatment involves impressions of your teeth being made before braces can be put on. A gummy paste is placed in the mouth to get an impression of the teeth and gums. From these impressions, models of the teeth are made.

After impressions, the orthodontist makes the final decision about what will be put on the teeth. It depends on whether the patient is in phase one or two of the treatment. Sometimes treatment only has one phase; other times there are two. When this happens, it’s usually because there is a problem with the bite that needs to be fixed before the teeth can be aligned.

Westchester Smile Design also offers Invisalign, an invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, nearly undetectable, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. It has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthdontic practices nationwide. Call us to set up your appointment to see if Invisalign is right for you!


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Invisalign


For many individuals that are faced with the prospect of having to wear braces to straighten their teeth, they often lament the fact that they have to wear such a noticeable dental device despite the obvious benefits of braces. However, as dental technology has progressed there is now a new, more aesthetically pleasing way of straightening your teeth. This is through Invisalign, which is a new dental technique that will help straighten a person’s teeth without being noticeable.

Utilizing a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign allows individuals to discreetly straighten their teeth without having to wear a noticeable and ugly dental device like braces. This is because the aligners used in Invisalign are not composed of metal or wires. Rather, Invisalign utilizes aligners that are made of clear, strong, medical grade plastic that is difficult to detect when they are worn. Visually similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, the aligners used in Invisalign are nearly invisible and many dentists have described them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

Invisalign works in a way that is similar to brackets and archwires by moving the teeth with invisable aligners to an appropriate place by applying a controlled force on the teeth. However, Invisalign differs from other teeth straightening devices in that not only does it control the amount of force that is placed on the patient’s teeth, Invisalign also controls the timing of the force application. Only certain teeth are allowed to move at different stages of the Invisalign procedure. The movements that Invisalign creates for the patient’s teeth have been determined by an effective orthopedic treatment plan that has been proven to work. Visit Invisalign's website to learn more.


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Whitening


Teeth can often be whitened by the several new techniques of "bleaching" available today. The most common method used is the "in-office" method where a strong bleaching agent is placed over the isolated teeth and a special light is used to assist the bleaching material lighten the teeth. This method is generally more controlled and probably better for people who have tetracycline stains or streaks on their teeth.

The "home" techniques involve making trays which fit into the mouth and these are then filled with bleaching materials. When worn for a few hours a day, noticeable results are seen generally within a few days to a couple weeks.

Results vary from individual to individual, your dentist will be happy to to help you decide which method works best for you. Some of the factors involved include the intensity of the stains, whether or not you have fillings or crowns on your front teeth as well as what may have caused the stains.


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Dentures


Even though complete or partial dentures are not the ideal treatment to replace missing teeth (Dental implant supported restorations are), they can provide many people with a very acceptable restoration that will last and function for many years.

Complete dentures are used when all the teeth have been lost in either your upper or lower arch. They allow you to smile, speak and masticate (a big word that means “chew”) your food so you maintain proper nutrition. While not the ideal restoration these days, they are necessary and will allow you to function far better than if you didn’t replace your missing teeth and had to mash up all your food.

One version of a complete denture is called an IMMEDIATE DENTURE. An immediate denture is a complete denture that is placed at the same time as your last remaining tooth is removed. It allows you to instantly have a full set of teeth and walk out of the office wearing your new denture.

Another version of a complete denture is called an OVERDENTURE. An overdenture is a complete denture that is partially supported by some remaining roots or implants. These roots or implants usually have some type of attachment that allows an insert placed in the denture to snap the overdenture in place. Overdentures are a very effective form of complete denture therapy and far more desirable than a normal complete denture.

A PARTIAL DENTURE is a tooth replacement appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is held on by ‘clipping’ on to some of your existing natural teeth or crowns. They are two types of partial dentures- conventional and precision.

A CONVENTIONAL PARTIAL DENTURE is a tooth replacement appliance that stays in place by ‘hooking’ or ‘clipping’ on to some of your existing natural teeth or crowns. You can generally identify a conventional partial denture by a small metal clasp around one or more teeth.

A PRECISION PARTIAL DENTURE is a tooth replacement appliance that stays in place by attaching to one or more permanent crowns. Generally, precision partial dentures show no metal when you smile and attach to crowns using a number of different precision devices that are very long lasting.


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Dental Cosmetics


Westchester Smile Design can help you get that movie star smile! We can provide you with a perfect smile starting with the healthy dental foundation you already have. Some of the techniques we offer to help you achieve your new smile are:

* Porcelain restorations
* Veneers
* Teeth whitening using our new “Zoom 2” state of the art technology with results 33% faster than traditional whitening techniques – results in 45 minutes
* Other state-of-the-art treatments


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Children & Infant Dental Care


There are many areas of prevention and care that are unique to children whom the pediatric dentist is specifically trained to identify, treat and prevent. That is why many parents wisely choose a pediatric dentist for their child's dental needs, just as they choose a pediatrician for their medical needs.

There seems to be a lot of confusion amongst parents, pediatricians, and dentists about the correct timing for the first dental visit. Many "family" dentists may tell parents not to bring children to their practice before they have all their primary teeth (age two or three), sometimes they even recommend to wait until age six. However, the AAPD recommends an initial postnatal oral evaluation within six months of the eruption of the first primary tooth and no later than twelve months of age. This means a child should have his or her first dental visit at the first birthday!

Here at Westchester Smile Design we feel it is very important that your children is comfortable with their dentist and are educated at an early age about good dental habits. We are ready to give you and your family the quality dental care you deserve. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to learn more.


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Air Abrasion


Air abrasion, also called "micro abrasion" and kinetic cavity preparation, is a method of tooth structure removal considered to be an effective alternative to the standard dental drill.

Air abrasion technology functions much like the sandblasting technique used to clear graffiti from walls. An air abrasion hand piece blows a powerful air stream of tiny, fine aluminum oxide particles out of its tip onto tooth structure. Air abrasion uses the kinetic energy principle, in which particles bounce off the tooth and blasts the decay away.

It most commonly is used to prepare various types of cavities to be restored with composites, or "white fillings." Air abrasion also can be effectively used to repair cracks and discolorations, prepare tooth surfaces for bonding procedures, and perform additional procedures.

What are its Advantages?
Air abrasion procedures are virtually painless, which, in most cases, eliminates the need for an anesthetic injection. Air abrasion systems produce no vibration and no heat from friction. The technology can't harm soft mouth tissue and they operate very quietly. Because air abrasion cuts tooth surfaces with the utmost precision, it removes less tooth than the drill and it reduces the risk of enamel micro-fracturing. In other words, the advantages are more of your tooth is preserved, there is little or no discomfort, no anesthetic numbness is needed, and treatment time is usually shorter.

How does Air Abrasion Work?
Air abrasion procedures can leave an accumulation of harmless, dusty particle debris in the patient’s mouth, resulting in a gritty feeling that is eradicated by rinsing. Your dentist may require you to wear protective glasses during the procedure, and a rubber dam may be applied inside your mouth and around the tooth area being treated to serve as a particle barrier. To reduce dust buildup, the dentist or dental assistant may use a vacuum hose or a water spray technique while administering air abrasion.

Is Air Abrasion Suitable for Everyone?
Yes. It is an especially good option for children who may be afraid of the needle, and the noise, and vibration of a regular dental drill. However, there are some treatments, like crown and bridge preparation, that still require the use of a dental drill. Air abrasion can’t be used as an alternative in every procedure.


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Conscious Sedation


What is Conscious Sedation?
Patients who are apprehensive about receiving dental treatment often avoid going to the dentist. Ultimately, this avoidance can lead to advanced disease and the need for expensive treatments that could have been avoided.

Conscious Sedation provides a safe, effective way to alleviate dental anxiety and provide patients with the treatment they need.

How it Works
Conscious Sedation makes use of a prescription medication that induces a drowsy, relaxed feeling. This is an oral medication and no intra-venous needles are used. Due to the relaxing effects of the medication, patients must have a friend or family member bring them to the dental office and return them home.

During Conscious Sedation, the patient's vital signs are monitored. Although patients are not completely unconscious, many patients sleep through their dental appointment. Few patients have any memory of their treatment.

Advantages of Conscious Sedation
Conscious Sedation is an excellent method of treatment for patients who have any of the following concerns:

* Dental Anxiety
* Difficulty Getting Numb
* Very Sensitive Teeth
* Extensive Dental Needs
* Discomfort with Needles and Shots


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Digital X-Rays


Patients are often concerned with too much exposure to x-ray radiation; however, when it comes to dental health, it is often not possible to detect dental disease without the aid of x-rays. With the advancements of new and faster x-ray films, better x-ray machines, and the use of lead aprons, dental x-rays have become very safe. Only enough radiation is used to produce a diagnostic quality film. Dental x-rays are now very safe.

With the help of sophisticated computers, we are now able to reduce your x-ray radiation by another 80 percent. This means that our new computers have made your visits safer than ever. With this significant reduction in radiation, you can rest assured that you are receiving the best dental care in the safest way possible. It is called Digital Radiography.

At Westchester Smile Design we have always provided the most up-to-date care to our patients. Our chief concern has always been to maintain your dental health with the finest care possible. When we found out that we could also make your x-rays safer, it was an easy decision to incorporate Digital Radiology into our practice. We feel that you deserve the best and we do our best to provide it.


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DIAGNOdent


The DIAGNOdent laser is among the newest of technologies used as a detecting device. The advanced laser detects decay earlier than more conventional methods by using a harmless laser light that searches for hidden decay. In fact, it can find 50% of the decay that goes undetected by present diagnostic methods. This laser is truly valuable in the prevention of dental problems and the promotion of good oral health.

Conventional manual probing with an instrument is only about 25% accurate for early decay detection as opposed to over 90% accuracy with the DIAGNOdent. With the use of the DIAGNOdent laser, it can now determine if decay has started much earlier.


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Video Diagnosis


With video diagnosis you can also view, on a computer monitor, what your dentist is also seeing inside your mouth. Patients can now get more involved with their treatment and even take pictures home with them!


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Smile Analysis


Smile Analysis allows you to get a sneak peek at what you new smile will look like after your smile makeover. You can see an image of your new smile based on the shape of your teeth, face and mouth with the aid of a computer. At the end of your Smile Analysis appointment you will leave with a picture of what your new, improved smile will look like.


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VELscop™


Introducing an important and conservative new option in the detection of Oral Cancer!

One person every hour of every day dies of Oral Cancer in America. It has become the sixth leading cancer among men and is one of the few cancers in which the rate of detection is increasing among young adults. Most people are not aware of the potential risks; however, when detected early enough, the survival rate for oral cancer is very high.

At one time oral cancer was predominantly seen among smokers, however, increasingly, oral cancer is being seen in patients of all ages. Although smoking is still a leading factor, many other criteria such as age, family history, ethnicity and alcoholic consumption also play a role. Many experts have surmised that an increasing cause is exposure to the HPV virus, which is the primary precursor of cervical cancer. These various factors all point towards the need for better technology to assist in the early detection of this curable disease.

We at Westchester Dental Design have always conducted an annual comprehensive oral cancer screening for all of our patients, but we have recently incorporated a breakthrough technology that will allow us to see things we’ve been unable to see previously. By detecting potential problems earlier, we’ll be providing our patients with the best oral health care currently available.

This new and exciting technology, called VELscope™, utilizes a narrow band of safe, high-energy blue light and specialized filtering technology to help thoroughly evaluate the oral tissue for abnormal areas of concern, such as potentially cancerous lesions that may not be evident under white light.

As we care about your health as well as your teeth, we are now offering this to all patients during their annual oral examination. We believe that this new technology will assist us in detecting disease at earlier stages and therefore catch abnormalities before they turn into cancer.

Your dental insurance may or may not cover the fee for this care. Coverage for this procedure (like most dental procedures) usually varies among insurance companies; however, this modest annual fee is well worth the benefit that this new device provides.

Please give us a call if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit.


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Waterlase


Patented Hydrophotonic™ Technology

Waterlase® Dentistry uses a patented technology combining YSGG laser energy and a spray of water, a process called HydroPhotonics™, to perform a wide range of dental procedures on teeth, gum and bone more comfortably. Typically, Waterlase Dentists use fewer shots and less anesthesia reducing patient anxiety and providing a more relaxing dental experience.

Fewer Shots & Less Anesthesia

Waterlase® is a versatile tool that allows dentists to cut teeth, bone and gum tissue with less trauma and do procedures that can’t be done with traditional tools such as the drill and scalpel. Dr. Calian will determine what type of treatment is appropriate for your needs.

Proven Technology, Comfortable Care

Lasers have long been the standard of care in medicine for many surgical and cosmetic procedures such as LASIK, wrinkle removal, hair removal and many others. The Waterlase® was approved for hard tissue procedures in 1998 and since has been cleared for numerous additional dental procedures. Thousands of dentists around the world have performed millions of procedures with less need for shots, anesthesia, drills and post-op numb lips.


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One Hour Crowns


Waterlase

Patented Hydrophotonic™ Technology

Waterlase® Dentistry uses a patented technology combining YSGG laser energy and a spray of water, a process called HydroPhotonics™, to perform a wide range of dental procedures on teeth, gum and bone more comfortably. Typically, Waterlase Dentists use fewer shots and less anesthesia reducing patient anxiety and providing a more relaxing dental experience.

Fewer Shots & Less Anesthesia

Waterlase® is a versatile tool that allows dentists to cut teeth, bone and gum tissue with less trauma and do procedures that can’t be done with traditional tools such as the drill and scalpel. Dr. Calian will determine what type of treatment is appropriate for your needs.

Proven Technology, Comfortable Care

Lasers have long been the standard of care in medicine for many surgical and cosmetic procedures such as LASIK, wrinkle removal, hair removal and many others. The Waterlase® was approved for hard tissue procedures in 1998 and since has been cleared for numerous additional dental procedures. Thousands of dentists around the world have performed millions of procedures with less need for shots, anesthesia, drills and post-op numb lips.


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Which type of toothbrush should I use?


The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It's unnecessary to "scrub" the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.


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What’s the difference between a “crown” and a “cap”?


These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as "crowns". However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as "caps" and the gold or stainless steel ones as "crowns".


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What’s the difference between a “bridge” and a “partial denture”?


Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.


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Do I need to have a root canal just because I have a crown?


No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.


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Is it possible for my teeth to be more sensitive if I brush?


The general answer is a definitive no, if you are brushing correctly. The outside layer of your teeth is made of enamel. This is an extremely hard substance that is very wear resistant. Our suggestion though, is to always use a soft tooth brush so as not to harm the surrounding gums when you brush.


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Stacie Calian, DDS
Westchester Smile Design

Office Address:

Yonkers Office
984 North Broadway
Suite 410
Yonkers, NY 10701

Mount Kisco Office
39 Smith Avenue
Mount Kisco, NY 10549


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