Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You?

Happy patient after having cosmetic dentistry services.

It’s no secret that a captivating smile leaves a lasting impression. However, not everyone is born with perfect teeth. Cosmetic dentistry offers a solution for crooked, damaged, or not-so-pearly whites, allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits of an impeccable smile.

Why Do People Seek Out Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry provides a path to flawless teeth, improving your appearance and self-esteem. Still, people often seek cosmetic dentistry for more than just aesthetic purposes. By addressing a range of dental issues, cosmetic dentistry can enhance the functionality of your teeth, leading to improved oral health and overall well-being. You may want to seek out cosmetic dentistry if your teeth are:

• Misaligned
• Decayed
• Gapped
• Chipped or cracked
• Small or misshapen
• Stained or discolored

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Numerous cosmetic dentistry procedures are available, depending on your unique needs:

• In-office Zoom! whitening is a popular option to instantly brighten your smile, effectively tackling discoloration in just three 15-minute applications within one hour.
• Tooth contouring reshapes teeth that don’t look quite right, which is perfect for making minor corrections.
• Bonding is when a tooth-colored material is bonded to a damaged tooth, filling in chips and cracks.
• Veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth, perfect for tackling various cosmetic concerns, including gapped, chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth.
• Bridges replace missing teeth, bridging the gap and restoring your smile.
• Implants provide a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth, enhancing functionality and aesthetics.
• Metal-free fillings match your tooth color, fixing decay invisibly for a completely natural look.
• Complete smile makeovers take a comprehensive approach, combining various cosmetic procedures for a total transformation.

What You Should Know

Before embarking on your cosmetic dentistry journey, consider the following:

• Assessment: A thorough dental evaluation is the first step. Your dentist will help you identify the best cosmetic dentistry options for you.
• Timeline: Some procedures require multiple visits or recovery time, so plan accordingly.
• Cost and insurance: Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your appearance and health, but not all procedures are covered by insurance. Discuss your options with your dentist and insurer.
• Expectations: Cosmetic dentistry can significantly improve your smile, but it’s essential to set realistic expectations.
• Maintenance: Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene, and a healthy lifestyle are recommended to extend the life of your cosmetic dentistry work.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist in NYC

Finding the right dental practice to perform your cosmetic procedure is critical to ensuring a pleasant experience and successful outcome. At Park 56 Dental, we know you expect personalized, quality dental care. That’s why we offer a relaxing, spa-like environment right in the heart of New York. We’ve been voted the top dentist in NYC, and with good reason. Specializing in general dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, sedation dentistry, and more allows us to focus on treating each patient’s individual needs.

Are you ready to enhance your smile? Contact us at (212) 826-2322 to schedule your cosmetic dentistry assessment. The smile you’ve always dreamed of is within reach!

Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work?

Could your teeth stand to be whiter? Most people would answer yes, which is why there are so many whitening toothpastes on the market. But do these toothpastes actually work? Read on to learn more about whitening toothpastes and additional treatments you might want to consider.

What do whitening toothpastes actually do? They work, using special abrasives and peroxide or other chemicals, to polish the teeth and dissolve stains. If you’ve got noticeable stains from things like coffee, cigarettes, or soda, whitening toothpaste will remove these stains and make a difference in the look of your teeth. Some whitening toothpastes use a chemical called blue covarine, which creates an optical illusion by adhering to the surface of the teeth and making them appear less yellow. It’s important to note, though, that whitening toothpastes can’t lighten stains under the surface of a tooth or change the tooth’s natural color.

Another fact to keep in mind is that the results of whitening toothpaste aren’t immediate. You’ll need to use your whitening toothpaste twice a day for two to six weeks in order to have teeth that look whiter. If you decide to go this route, make sure you’re using a brand of toothpaste that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance or a similar endorsement from a reputable organization. Remember, though, that whitening toothpastes use abrasives, which can wear down the enamel as they’re removing stains.

Whitening toothpastes are not the only at-home options for tooth whitening. An over-the-counter tooth bleaching product or kit is a more effective option for lightening your teeth than toothpaste. These bleaches must stay in contact with the teeth for a longer time than toothpaste, and you’ll have to use this type of product regularly for two to four weeks.

Professional whitening is a much more effective alternative to anything you can do at home. One great option is Zoom!®, a whitening treatment that takes only an hour and whitens your teeth significantly. In fact, most people achieve about eight shades of whitening in the Zoom! process. After examining your teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy, the dentist will cover your lops and gums with material to protect them while your teeth are being treated. The whitening gel is applied and activated by the Zoom! light source to gently break up stains and whiten your teeth. You’ll receive three 15-minute applications within the one hour treatment time, then you’ll rinse, and your treatment will be complete. It’s easy and painless, and the results are immediate.

If you’re looking for Zoom!® teeth whitening, we provide that and much more at the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC. At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.