New York Dentist, Dental Visits NYC Midtown Manhattan
Center for Cosmetic Dentistry accepts dental insurance payments for
most dental care, e.g. dentures, dental braces, fillings, root canals,
bad breath etc, NYC PPO dentist visits are classified general
dentistry, so cosmetic teeth whitening is not a covered expense.
*Please read the disclaimer notice carefully and in its entirety*
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you perform general dentistry or only cosmetic dentistry?
Q: I would like my smile improved, but I am simply fearful of going to the dentist. Can you do anything to make me feel better?
Q: Are you more expensive than other dentists?
Q: How long do your procedures take?
Q: Will my dental insurance cover cosmetic dental treatment?
Q: How Do I Choose A Cosmetic Dentist?
Q: Is there a standard beautiful smile for all people?
Q: How can I get an idea of how I would look with an improved smile?
Q: How long will cosmetic dental treatment last?
Q: What can be done to fix rotated, misshappen, or chipped teeth?
Q: What can I do about my uneven teeth?
Q: I have a gap between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?
Q: What can I do to change my teeth that are too small to make them bigger?
Q: What can be done to correct cracked teeth?
Q: What can I do about my "buckteeth" that stick out in front?
Q: My teeth have presented nothing but problems over the years. Should I just have one or more of them pulled?
Q: Do you perform general dentistry or only cosmetic dentistry?
A:
Our primary focus is on cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain
veneer laminates, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and whitening. We
also perform general dental procedures including hygienic cleanings,
fillings, etc. The difference is that we practice dentistry with the
aesthetics of the final result in mind, so we place a special emphasis
on making you look great.
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Q: I would like my smile improved, but I am simply fearful of going to the dentist. Can you do anything to make me feel better?
A:
Fortunately, many dental procedures do not have to be uncomfortable
anymore, or certainly not as uncomfortable as when you were a child. A
great deal has changed in the past 10 years. Our office uses new, more
effective types of anesthetic to numb the teeth than in earlier years,
and we have many amenities and alternatives designed to distract you
from the procedure and to help you with the psychological discomfort
you may associate with visiting a dentist. Our office offers nitrous
oxide gas, DVD movies, music CDs, anti-anxiety medication (when
appropriate).
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Q: Are you more expensive than other dentists?
A:
Our fees are comparable to those at premier cosmetic dental boutiques
nationally. If you are price shopping for cosmetic dental care, bear
this in mind -- just like all restaurants, cars, or hotel rooms are not
the same and you would never purchase one because it was the cheapest
one you could find -- all dental offices are not alike. With such a
high level of artistry, technology, and science needed for optimal
results, there are at least two healthcare professionals you should not
skimp on-- your brain surgeon and your cosmetic dentist. This is not to
say that our office is necessarily higher on the specific treatment you
may need. In fact, depending on the procedure, our fees may be lower
than other dental practices. We encourage you to experience what
separates us from other dental practices, before making a life-altering
decision based on price alone. We are confident you will agree that our
services are value-priced.
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Q: How long do your procedures take?
A:
In most cases, bonding can be completed in one visit. Accelerated
whitening can be completed in one visit. At-home whitening requires an
initial visit to be fitted for the splint. You need to return in a few
days to pick-up your splint and for us to make sure it's fitted
properly. Then depending on how often you wear the splint, you should
see results from the first wearing to a few weeks or more. Porcelain
veneers require two visits, about 10 days apart for fitting and
application. Since each person's dental needs are unique, the above
time guidelines are only an estimate. When we develop your customized
treatment plan, we can give you a more precise schedule based on your
dental needs.
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Q: Will my dental insurance cover cosmetic dental treatment?
A:
Like plastic surgery, insurance does not usually cover treatment done
for purely cosmetic reasons. However, treatment that is needed to
repair broken or decayed teeth, or to replace existing restorations
that are defective may qualify for some insurance reimbursement.
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Q: How Do I Choose A Cosmetic Dentist?
A:
A very important question. For the best results, it isimportant to know
the qualifications and experience of the treating dentist.The term
"cosmetic dentistry" has become trendy and many dentists arepromoting
themselves as cosmetic dentists. At this time, cosmetic dentistry is
not a recognized specialty (like orthodontics, for example). However,
it is a discipline of dentistry that requires a thorough knowledge of
science and an artistic eye. Ask your dentist about his or her
training, credentials, and experience in this area. A very effective
way to understand your dentist's skills is asking to see their
portfolio of before and after photographs. Dentists who are dedicated
to the art of cosmetic dentistry always take photographs of their
cases.
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Q: Is there a standard beautiful smile for all people?
A:
No. Each person is different and each case is different, and has to be
planned very carefully. There are many differences between male and
female teeth and between all people. The design of the teeth has to be
in proportion with the gum line, the lips, and the construction of the
face of each individual to achieve a beautiful and natural smile.
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Q: How can I get an idea of how I would look with an improved smile?
A:
The first thing we do is listen to your desires for your smile. We then
can perform the computerized cosmetic imaging. We simply take a number
of photos showing different views of your face with a digital camera.
We then use graphic artist software to generate a computerized image
showing you with various smile enhancements. We work with you to
determine things like how white you would like your smile, the shape of
your teeth, and other aspects of your smile. Cosmetic imaging, although
an artificial rendering, can assist in giving you a better idea of what
you can look like after cosmetic dental improvements. We also may want
to have our lab perform a "wax-up" of your new smile, which would show
in life-like, tangible form the proposed treatment.
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Q: How long will cosmetic dental treatment last?
A:
There are too many factors to accurately predict how long any dental
treatment will last. The longevity of cosmetic treatment varies from
procedure to procedure and person to person. The condition of the teeth
prior to treatment influences the longevity of the restorations. Home
care (hygiene) and eating habits are part of the equation. Of course,
the quality of the treatment itself influences the long-term outcome as
well. And, we do our best to deliver high-quality treatment that will
last many years. Regular visits to the dentist can help insure that
your dental treatment is being maintained. While there is nothing we
can do to render a tooth completely immune to future problems,
preventive maintenance will prolong the life of your dental treatment
for many years. For estimated time frames for specific procedures, look
at the treatment sections on this website or come in for a
consultation, a more personalized estimate.
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Q: What can be done to fix rotated, misshappen, or chipped teeth?
A:
Chipped or misshapen teeth can ruin an otherwise pleasing smile. The
long-term restoration of choice is porcelain veneers. A less expensive
(but less durable) option may be a bonding, which can usually be
performed in one visit. Done properly, both veneers and bonding can be
applied, color-matched and shaped to make your teeth appear natural
again.
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Q: What can I do about my uneven teeth?
A:
Cosmetic contouring, porcelain veneers, orthodontics, bonding or crowns
can be used to correct this. We usually recommend porcelain veneers to
get the best aesthetic results. The best way to determine the best
option for you is through a consultation, and we have a couple of ways
to do them. One option is that we can do just a smile analysis, but
this has its pros and cons. Essentially what we do is perform a "look
see" to see what the general situation is with your smile and our first
impressions of what may work for you (whether it be whitening, bonding,
veneers, etc.). We necessarily cannot get very specific with
thisapproach though because we have not performed a dental examination
of you,determined if you have gum or bone loss, looked at x-rays, etc.
-- one or more of which may reveal a number of material issues that
could affect our preliminary cosmetic treatment thoughts for you. The
second option, and our recommended approach, is our more detailed
cosmetic consultation. This consult comes after you have had us perform
a full exam, x-rays, cleaning, and a number of other diagnostic
procedures. At that point, through computerized cosmetic imaging, etc.
we can develop a customized smile makeover that is very detailed and
specific for you. To get to that point, it takes 2 visits and an
investment on your part of about $375 for the detailed initial exam,
full series of x-rays, cleaning, etc.
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Q: I have a gap between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?
A:
There are a number of options to correct this problem, which may
include one or more of the following: porcelain veneers, crowns,
bonding, and orthodontics.
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Q: What can I do to change my teeth that are too small to make them bigger?
A: There are a number of options including porcelain veneers, crowns, and bonding.
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Q: What can be done to correct cracked teeth?
A:
Translumination or an intraoral camera can be used to help determine
the extent of the cracks. Some of the possible choices to correct the
problem would be porcelain veneers, crowns, or bonding.
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Q: What can I do about my "buckteeth" that stick out in front?
A:
Many times other options can be suggested after a cosmetic
consultation, including porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding,
orthodontics or simply cosmetic contouring of the teeth.
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Q: My teeth have presented nothing but problems over the years. Should I just have one or more of them pulled?
A:
Once your natural teeth are gone -they're gone. That's why we encourage
patients to try and save their teeth for a number of reasons. If a
tooth that can and should be saved is pulled, it will lead to
overstressing the other teeth and can result in their loss as well.
Tooth loss can cause ineffective chewing and this can result in the
swallowing of large chunks of food. This overworks the digestive system
and can even lead to digestive disorders. People who don't have their
own teeth have a difficult time consuming a high fiber diet. (A high
fiber diet is recommended by the American Cancer Society for the
prevention of cancer). Dentures don't chew food efficiently. Tooth loss
leads to bone loss in jaws. Many young denture patients appear
prematurely aged due to the bone loss they experience after having
their teeth pulled. With today's great emphasis on having a youthful
appearance, regardless of one's age, saving your teeth is indeed a wise
investment. Dentures are colonized by mouth bacteria and pick up odors
and stains. They must be taken out at night or they can lead to a yeast
infection of the gums. Dentures are a good choice for patients who have
no hope of saving their teeth. Without natural teeth, a denture,
implants or bridges are the most common options. To be able to wear a
denture comfortably requires sufficient retention. Bone is invariably
lost when teeth are pulled and then continues to reabsorb and shrink
back, resulting in poor fitting loose dentures. These consistently
require reapplication and never function as effectively as natural
teeth. Today, dental implants used to anchor a tooth restoration add
stability and provide a better choice for clients that have missing
teeth. Most times, in partnership with our clients, we can establish
good functioning, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting teeth.
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