Chelsea Dental Aesthetics

There are several ways to whiten your teeth.

a. At home whitening trays. These products use peroxide-based gels to whiten your teeth. Generally, the process involves the daily application of the gel placed in a tray customized to fit snuggly over your teeth. You will need to wear the trays for 30 minutes to 1 hour every day, or overnight, for about two weeks (or as prescribed by Dr. Blaustein). Side effects may include short-term tooth or gum sensitivity.

b. Zoom!™ whitening (aka in-office whitening). Zoom!™ whitening is a procedure that takes place in a single visit to your dentist. It involves the application of a specially formulated gel that, when exposed to a type of light energy, penetrates the stains in your teeth, breaking them up and leaving your smile brighter and whiter. The entire process takes under an hour.

c. Porcelain veneers. Many people who have tetracycline stained teeth and cannot whiten their teeth with traditional means, or people who want a more permanent solution opt for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers is a great way to whiten your teeth in a more permanent fashion. The veneers do not stain with time and also correct many other concerns that you may have including crooked teeth, gaps in teeth and a gummy smile. Most of the smile makeovers you see on television are accomplished with porcelain veneers.

A veneer is a thin strip of porcelain that is bonded to the front of your teeth and artistically shaped to enhance the look of your smile. Porcelain veneers improve your appearance by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concerns including: gaps in teeth; chips and broken teeth; dull or yellowing teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional means; "gummy smile" (showing too much gum when one smiles); and crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers broaden, straighten, whiten and beautify most any smile. This procedure can be done in as little as two clinical visits. Many of our patients feel like this was the best improvement that could have been done for their overall confidence. Ask us about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile at your next visit.

Bonding can correct chipped, broken, stained or discolored teeth and in some cases can eliminate gaps. Bonding is a tooth-colored material applied and adhered to the surface of the tooth, often without reducing the structure of the tooth. The bonding material is sculpted by your dentist so that it resembles a natural tooth. It is less of an investment than veneers but doesn't last as long and can stain.

Sometimes removing tooth decay effectively requires the removal of a portion of your tooth. The removed portion is replaced with a porcelain inlay or onlay. Dr. Blaustein customizes an inlay or onlay to fill the space left behind when the part of your tooth is removed. Traditionally, inlays and onlays were made out of metal, much like traditional filings. Now, porcelain-milled inlays and onlays are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth and provide relief from chewing pain, cavity pain and tooth degeneration. The difference between an inlay and an onlay is that an inlay rests within the cusps (tips) of your tooth, while an onlay includes one or more cusps (tips) of the tooth.

A dental implant can be used to restore a single tooth or an entire set of teeth. Dental implants involve the placement of a surgical grade titanium post directly into the jawbone by Dr. Blaustein, or a trusted specialist. As the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation for the attachment of a dental prosthetic that is custom created for you.

Are they for me?

Implants are best suited for patients who have good bone structure in place and who desire a longer lasting, more comfortable tooth replacement option. If you do not have good bone structure, Dr. Blaustein may recommend bone augmentation to build bone where the implant will be placed. If the deterioration in the jaw bone is too great, they may recommend a bridge or partial denture.

What are the different restorations for an implant?

Crown - This is a porcelain crown placed on the top of the implant.
Bridge - Same as a regular bridge but instead of anchoring the bridge to existing tooth structure, the bridge will be placed on top of two implants, one on each edge of the bridge.
Dentures and partials - An implant is placed into the jaw bone to anchor the denture and partials more securely. This keeps the denture in place allowing for a better fit and the reduction of mouth sores.

Yes, we offer monthly payment plans through our financial partner, Care Credit. We will help you find the right payment plan to fit into your monthly budget goals.

Periodontal disease (also called gum disease or gingivitis) refers to the infection of the supportive tissues of the mouth due to toxic bacteria found in plaque. Many individuals suffer from some degree of gum disease, and if left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, break down of the soft tissue in the mouth and jaw and other significant health problems. Your dentist at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics assesses and diagnoses your periodontal health and if needed, advises the appropriate therapy to restore gums and supportive tissues. Then, our specially trained hygienists administer advanced periodontal therapy.

This extensive cleaning treatment is provided by the hygienist for patients who have tartar, calculus and bacteria buried below the gum line on the tooth. Your regular tooth brushing and flossing only removes the tartar that is above the gum line of your tooth. Root planing and scaling helps to prevent and in some cases treat gum disease. This technique is most often used when the gum pockets at your tooth have a measurement that is greater than 3mm. The average pocket depth is less than 3mm. When tartar and calculus attach to your tooth below the gum line, they pull the gum tissue away from the tooth creating the deep pocket. The tartar and calculus must be removed so that the gum can heal and close the pocket to less than 3mm. If not treated, the tartar and bacteria will begin to cause gum disease and deteriorate your bone, tissue and teeth.