Chelsea Dental Aesthetics

Brushing and flossing your teeth every day can keep your smile bright and white. However, you might have noticed that even though you take great care of your teeth, they look a little yellow and have lost their sparkle. This is completely normal. Here are 5 reasons why this could be happening to you.

1. Food and Drinks:

   Coffee, tea and red wine play a major role in staining your teeth. They all have Chromogens, which are intense color pigments that attach to the white outer part of your tooth known as enamel.
   Tip: Drink with a straw, keeping those stain-causing dyes in the drink away from your teeth

2. Tobacco Use:

   The two chemicals found in tobacco, tar and nicotine, create a tough stain. Tar is naturally dark. Nicotine is colorless, but when it’s mixed with oxygen, it creates a yellowish color. Both together create the stain.

3. Age:

   Below the white shell of enamel on our teeth is a softer area called Dentin. Over the years, our outer enamel gets thinner from brushing and the yellowish dentin shows through.

4. Trauma:

   If you have experienced an injury to the mouth, your tooth may change color. This is because your tooth reacts to the trauma by putting down more dentin, which is darker than the outer enamel on your teeth.

5. Medications:

   Many different kind of medications come with the side effect of darkening your teeth. Also, children who are exposed to medication when their teeth are forming, either in the womb or as a baby, can experience discoloration of their adult teeth later in life.

Some of these reasons are preventable and some of these happen over the course of life. Try to avoid some of these things and continue to brush and floss your teeth every day. If you would like to discuss your teeth whitening options with us, please call our office at 212-243-6081 to schedule an appointment.

A trending topic right now seems to be the decision to opt for “mini-dental implants” instead of more traditional ones. Below we are going to take a look inside the trend, and lay out some of the benefits and drawbacks so that you can get a better understanding of this exciting trend in dentistry.

Benefits

• Mini dental implants are usually less expensive than traditional ones, sometimes costing only 1/3 that of regular implants. They take less time to place and are smaller and less invasive, and can be used in small spaces or for those with inadequate bone mass.
• With mini dentures, smaller dentures can be used, leading to a better tasting experience for the palate than a traditional denture would provide.
• Mini implants can be placed with minimal recovery time, and usually require very little to no bone grafting.

Drawbacks

Because this is still a fairly new procedure, there are a few downsides. For one, there aren’t enough studies out there on the longevity of these implants, so we don’t know how they hold up over time. A study published in the International Journal of Implant Dentistry in 2016 revealed that traditional dental implant placement has a proven survival rate of 95% or greater. The analysis collected data from over 10,000 implants from 3,095 patients, across three separate private practices over the course of 20 years. For mini dental implants, there isn’t yet enough data to conclude a proper survival rate.

Another concern is that because this is such a new trend there is not as much information or regulation out there. Some practices with claims such as “Dentures-in-a-day” might not do a proper consultation, skipping important steps such as a 3D scan to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

While it may be some time before this method is perfected and adopted, it is also exciting to see the advancements changing people’s lives in the dental industry every day. Check in with Chelsea Dental Aesthetics to find out what tooth replacement options may be right for you!

As a leading cosmetic dentist in New York City, Dr. David Blaustein is used to fielding questions about the best and least invasive methods to enhance smiles and correct issues with overbites, crooked teeth and malocclusions.  If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your tween or adolescent, you’ve probably heard good things about Invisalign Teen – custom-made aligners that are designed to gradually move teeth into their correct position.

This revolutionary teeth straightening system has transformed modern orthodontics, offering patients a convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional wire braces.

But how does Invisalign Teen really differ from other treatments in terms of aesthetics, compliance, results and cost? Does the technology really afford tangible benefits? Let’s take a closer look at some of the key differences between Invisalign and ceramic braces, metal braces and lingual braces.

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign: clear plastic aligners that are made using 3D imaging technology. The aligners are worn 20-22 hours a day until final results are achieved.

Efficacy: Very effective for correcting overbite, underbite, cross bite, problems with spacing, crowded teeth and gapped teeth

Aesthetics: almost invisible making them very appealing for self-conscious teens

Compliance rates: Because the aligners can be temporarily removed for meals and the occasional special event, research shows that median teen compliance rate is just under 21 hours a day.

Comfort level: Mild feeling of pressure when the aligners are first worn, or when new aligners are made (every two weeks). This side effect is generally short-term.

Oral hygiene: Patients are advised to remove Invisalign for normal brushing and flossing, which helps to promote excellent oral hygiene.

Traditional and Ceramic Braces

Stainless steel or clear ceramic brackets are affixed to the front of the teeth for a prescribed period of time.

Efficacy: Effective for more advanced orthodontic problems and suitable for all types of misalignment and maloclussion.

Aesthetics: Traditional metal braces are highly noticeable; ceramic braces are less obvious but still more noticeable than Invisalign.

Compliance rates: Very high levels of compliance because the braces are permanently glued to the teeth for the treatment period. However, teens may not be consistent about wearing headgear and elastic bands.

Comfort level: Both metal and ceramic braces can cause soreness and painful hot spots caused by broken brackets and loose wires.

Oral hygiene: Patients cannot brush and floss normally with traditional braces that often trap pieces of food, making plaque build-up and cavities more common.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are metal brackets that are affixed on the back of the teeth, applying constant pressure to shift them slowly into the proper position.

Efficacy: Suitable for most orthodontic issues.

Aesthetics: They are hidden on the back of the teeth and are virtually invisible.

Compliance rates: Excellent because the braces are permanently glued to the teeth for the treatment period.

Comfort level: Lingual braces can affect speech and pronunciation, and metal brackets near the tongue can trigger soreness and ulcers.

Oral hygiene: Difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene on the back of the teeth due to metal brackets, increasing chances of tooth decay.

Invisalign provider in NYC

Having straight teeth and a beautiful smile can have positive impacts on your confidence, self-esteem and general outlook on life. Over the past decade, Dr. Blaustein and his staff at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics have watched the transformative results of Invisalign on patients of all ages.  To schedule a free Invisalign consultation with our team, please call today. If you’re concerned about the Invisalign cost, be sure to ask about our flexible payment options and patient financing through Spring Stone and Care Credit.

Additional Invisalign resources:

1. Invisalign Teen, Treatment Comparison https://www.invisalign.com/SiteCollectionImages/teen-site/comparison_chart.pdf
2. Invisalign Teen, https://www.invisalign.com/teen

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! You might be busily making dinner reservations at the trendiest restaurant in town or purchasing custom floral arrangements to woo your honey, but your smile will make a far greater impression on your date. If your pearly whites aren’t quite so white anymore or you’re concerned about other dental imperfections, there’s no time to lose. Many dental treatments require an investment in time, but NYC cosmetic dentist Dr. David Blaustein and his staff can restore your brilliant smile in time for Valentine’s Day.

Get rapid results with laser teeth whitening

Professional-grade teeth whitening is commonly requested by patients of Dr. Blaustein, particularly around important holidays like Valentine’s Day. No amount of brushing at home can effectively remove stubborn stains and make teeth shine brilliantly, but cosmetic dentists have access to potent whitening technology that will produce results that wow your date. At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, we highly recommend Zoom! laser teeth whitening.

“Laser teeth whitening with Zoom! technology involves the precise application of a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel, which is a much higher concentration than is available in at-home whitening kits,” says Dr. Blaustein. “After applying the gel, we direct a special UV light at the teeth to activate the gel and increase its effectiveness. You’ll come in to the office with discolorations and leave with a brilliantly white smile.”

Instantly hide flaws with dental veneers

Perhaps you have other flaws in addition to discoloration. Chipped, uneven, and improperly spaced teeth significantly detract from the appearance of one’s smile. But if you come into the office soon enough, there may still be enough time to receive a new set of porcelain dental veneers. These are custom-made facades that look just like natural teeth. Dr. Blaustein will adjust the shape and shade of your veneers until they suit your preferences perfectly.

Replace unsightly silver fillings with undetectable white fillings

Silver amalgam fillings were the gold standard of cavity treatments for many years, but fortunately, this is no longer the case. If you still have silver fillings, it’s time to consider replacing them – especially before Valentine’s Day arrives. After removing the unsightly silver fillings, the dentist can replace them with durable composite fillings. These fillings mimic the shape and shade of your natural teeth.

Zap bad breath with nonsurgical periodontal treatments

Few things can kill the mood of a romantic date quite like bad breath. Not only is bad breath unpleasant, but in many cases it can also indicate an underlying health problem like periodontal disease. Visit the dentist for a comprehensive evaluation of your gum health. If you do have gum disease, treating it promptly often eliminates the need for more intensive surgical treatments. Instead, Dr. Blaustein can use the scaling and root planing technique to restore your gum health and your breath.

Chelsea and Midtown residents have been relying on Dr. David Blaustein for more than 20 years. At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, it’s our mission to maintain the highest standards of healthcare excellence, whether we’re performing a routine oral check-up or a complete smile makeover. Request an appointment today by calling our NYC office at West 23rd and 9th Avenue.

The demand for cosmetic dentistry treatments continues to grow as industry advancements promise beautiful, gleaming smiles with less time in the dentist’s chair.  According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), patients seek aesthetic treatments to boost confidence, physical attractiveness and self-esteem; to look and feel younger; to restore oral health and function; and to get photo-ready for big social events.

While there are amazing advancements in the field of cosmetic dentistry, some are gaining traction as patients take advantage of minimally-invasive treatments, 3D imaging, cutting-edge materials and the realization that dentistry can be comfortable and pain-free. Here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, we love helping patients get their “dream smile,” and stay abreast of the latest cosmetic dentistry trends. Whether you want to brighten your smile, fix crooked or gapped teeth, or replace a missing tooth, we draw upon innovative tools and state-of-the-art equipment for optimal results.

Here are some of the most in-demand treatments and cosmetic dentistry procedures for 2017.

A focus on comfort – sedation dentistry

Dr. David Blaustein has embraced the concept of patient-centric restorative and cosmetic dentistry. With an eye toward keeping patients comfortable, relaxed and at-ease, teeth can be cleaned, whitened, extracted, capped or replaced without anxiety or pain. Sedative pills or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) are the two most common forms of sedation dentistry used to make the time pass quickly and without discomfort. Sedation may be used in conjunction with aesthetic treatments like gum contouring, the placement of veneers or crowns, as well as single or multiple dental implants.

Convenient teeth straightening

The Invisalign teeth straightening system has become a keystone orthodontic treatment, providing better aesthetics, freedom and flexibility for adult and teen patients. These clear plastic braces are virtually invisible, making them the treatment of choice for busy professionals who prefer to avoid the hassle and embarrassment of traditional metal braces. Utilizing 3D imaging technology, Dr. Blaustein is able to create custom aligners that are worn for a set period of time to correct issues like over bites, misaligned teeth, spacing issues and crowded teeth. Besides being less obvious than a mouth full of metal, Invisalign trays are also removable, meaning no restrictions on your favorite foods and the freedom to take them out for special occasions.

Improvements in ceramic materials

Metal-based tooth restorations are now a thing of the past as more dentists are turning to ceramics with better, more natural-looking results. Long-lasting ceramic materials can be custom made to match the exact shade of your teeth, and used for inlays and onlays, crowns and veneers. Placed over damaged, crooked or misshapen teeth, porcelain veneers give an instant smile makeover and are so thin that very little tooth preparation is required.

Are you ready to kick off 2017 on a positive note? Let Manhattan cosmetic dentist Dr. Blaustein and his talented staff help you achieve the beautiful smile and confidence you deserve!  To arrange a personal consultation, please call our NYC office at (347) 774-4015.