Are you located in the Long Island area? Are you self conscious about your smile? Give Island Dental Associates a call and talk to us about what is going on. Our cosmetic dentists can discuss your options with you and put you on the path to a healthier and happier you.

Cosmetic dentists work to improve the way your teeth look. There are several different procedures that patients could undergo, including teeth whitening, enamel reshaping, bridges, veneers, bonding, dental implants, and inlays and overlays.

If you want to get your smile back, all of the procedures mentioned above work very well. In addition, they can have a positive impact on both your social life and the way you feel physically.

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Your smile is the first thing people will see when they interact with you. That’s why revealing a set of crooked, discolored, and/or missing teeth might not make the best first impression on the people you meet. Thanks to the cosmetic dentists at Island Dental Associate in Franklin Square, Long Island, it is now possible to correct discolored and crooked teeth and replace broken or missing ones.

Cosmetic dentistry is not a new development. It actually dates back to a time when people used ivory and bone to make dentures, caps and crowns. Modern cosmetic dentistry now makes use of cutting-edge technology in place of the conventional methods to achieve a more precise, professional job that’s completed in less time and at a price that is affordable.

The Difference Between Standard Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry

What is the difference is between a regular and cosmetic dentistry? There is a significant difference between the two types of dentistry. Regular dentistry is concerned about oral health and hygiene. It includes fixing cavities, removing plaque and tartar buildup, resolving problems of bad breath and treating gum diseases. In contrast, cosmetic dentistry works seeks to improve the appearance of the teeth which includes improving aspects such as shape and color. Cosmetic dentistry also deals with the appearance and stability of the gums because they are they anchor of what can be a beautiful set of teeth.

Some of the Cosmetic Dentistry Services Offered at Island Dental Associates in Franklin Square, NY

The cosmetic dentistry services offered in our Franklin Square dental office range from simple teeth whitening to complex gum restructuring procedures, which include the following:

Teeth whitening – Yellow teeth are an embarrassing condition. However, it needn’t bother you anymore. There are several over-the-counter whitening options, but the dentist-supervised treatments tend to be more effective and long-lasting. Laser whitening can make your teeth almost 16 shades whiter.

Invisalign – Invisalign straightens a smile ruined by crooked and badly-shaped teeth. Like traditional braces, Invisalign straightens crooked teeth for a more beautiful smile. However, unlike the ugly metal braces, they are available in opaque and colored options that camouflage well with the teeth. Also, made of pliable materials they are more comfortable to wear.

Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are used in cosmetic reshaping. They are like caps and crowns. They protect damaged teeth. They are also fitted to bind teeth and bridge gaps between them making them appear more even. Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain laminate that are fitted directly to your tooth. Except for some slight filing and shaving, it does not cause any damage to the original tooth. Veneers are custom-made.

Gum Restructuring – A gummy smile is another serious cosmetic problem. A gummy smile is a condition wherein the gum is quite broad to the extent it shows in all your smiles or even makes your teeth appear crooked and misaligned. A cosmetic dentist can correct it by restructuring the gum line for you.

Teeth Bonding – Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored composite material is applied to weaker teeth for added structure and protection. After application, it is shaped and polished.

Dental Bridges – Bridge fill in gaps left by missing teeth and are a good alternative for dentures. It consists of two or more crowns fitted to the teeth on either side of the gap with the false tooth in between.

Many patients ask about inlays and onlays and how they can benefit them.

Inlays are fabricated when a tooth is cracked or decayed or broken and a patient wants to restore the tooth but not put a crown on it. The tooth is prepared, it’s cleaned up and basically we take an impression of the tooth and fabricate a puzzle piece that fits into the tooth, gets bonded in place. The colors are matched perfectly so that you can’t even tell that the work was done to the tooth.

An onlay is a restoration in which we take the same type of impression, but it goes over the tooth to restore the tooth back to its normal shape, size and restores function, and you can eat on it, both inlay and onlay. It matches perfectly and there are different types of materials that can be fabricated for it so that you won’t even know that anything was done.

Insurance most of the time will cover the procedure. We offer interest free financing and many treatment options as well. So give Island Dental Associates a call today for a free consultation at 516-565-6565.

Silver fillings with mercury were traditionally used by dentists due to their increased strength and durability. However, with advances in technology tooth colored resin or composite fillings can provide similar strength and have the added advantage of improved esthetics.

If you currently have mercury fillings and you want a more esthetic smile we may recommend repalcement of your silver fillings with white esthetic fillings.

The procedure is simple. A dental drill is used to remove the old silver filling. Then, a tooth colored filling material, also known as a white filling, is placed into the tooth. Next, white filling materials are bonded to the tooth and provide strength and stability. Then the filling is cured using an ultra violet light. The cured material provides strength for chewing and function. Once the material is cured it is adjusted and polished using dental burrs and polishing pastes. The filling blends into the tooth providing an esthetic result.

If you have mercury fillings and you’re looking to restore your teeth to their natural shape and appearance give us a call at our Franklin Square office at (516) 565-6565 for a free consultation.