Chelsea Dental Aesthetics

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.

Braces aren’t the only way to fix a crooked smile anymore. Adults with professional lives to consider may not want to take up to a year of wearing metal in their mouths to improve their appearance. Even with the “invisible” braces, the difficulty of brushing and caring for the teeth while undergoing treatment is a turn-off to some.

So what are your options if you want to fix crooked teeth without metal braces? Dr. David Blaustein, a NYC cosmetic dentist with Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, explains two of the most common procedures offered in his Manhattan office.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are simply placed over crooked teeth to give the appearance of straightness. They’re an ideal option for people who are not ideal candidates for surgery. It takes up to three office visits to properly place porcelain veneers. First, Dr. Blaustein takes x-rays and dental impressions. Next, he must prepare the crooked teeth by removing half a millimeter of enamel, so the veneers do not appear bulkier than your natural teeth. He will clean and etch the teeth to accept the bonded veneer, which is held in place with a specialized light-activated cement. Once the veneers are in place, the excess cement is removed and you walk out with a new smile.

The benefits of using porcelain veneers to fix crooked teeth include:

• Relatively quick process
• Straighter teeth
• No surgery required
• Customizable color
• Stain-resistant

Invisalign

The Invisalign system takes a longer time to complete and requires more compliance from the wearer, but is an ideal option for people with mild to moderately crooked teeth. Dr. Blaustein creates custom-fitted, clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth. They are removed only to eat and drink. Every few weeks, a new set of aligners are fabricated to push the teeth into a straighter position.

The benefits of using Invisalign to fix crooked teeth include:

• No uncomfortable wires or visible metal
• No difficulty brushing or maintaining oral hygiene
• Virtually invisible transparent aligners
• Invisalign trays can be removed for special occasions

Cosmetic dentistry in Manhattan

“Fixing crooked teeth is a tremendous boost to a person’s self-esteem and confidence,” says Dr. David Blaustein. “However, there are also benefits to a person’s long-term health to consider. When left untreated, crooked teeth can lead to oral discomfort, periodontal disease, premature wear on the enamel, and infections that can lead to more serious illness.”

Contact Chelsea Dental Aesthetics to take charge of your health and explore your full range of options.

Resources:

• Invisalign – Dental Hygiene https://www.invisalign.com/why-invisalign/dental-hygiene
• Washingtonian – Brace Yourself: Options For Fixing Crooked Teeth As An Adult https://www.washingtonian.com/2014/08/06/options-for-fixing-crooked-teeth-as-an-adult/
• The Dental Guide – Teeth Straightening Options http://www.thedentalguide.net/teeth-straightening-costs-information/

New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and exercise more are often tossed by the wayside as the weeks pass. This year, make a resolution that will last throughout 2017 and beyond: Getting a new smile! A smile makeover might be exactly what you need to lift your self-confidence, ask for that promotion at work, hit the dating scene, or simply pamper yourself after a stressful 2016. Begin exploring the possibilities for your new smile, such as teeth whitening, dental implants, Invisalign, and many more.

Banish unsightly discoloration

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested types of cosmetic dentistry procedures, with good reason. Yellow and brown stains on the teeth can convince even the most outgoing of individuals to avoid smiling. Even if you take excellent care of your oral health, your teeth are prone to becoming dull and discolored over time due to factors like pigmented foods and beverages. In-office laser teeth whitening is a rapid, safe, and effective way to brighten up your smile and take years off your appearance.

Laser teeth whitening involves applying a medical-grade bleaching gel to the teeth. A laser gently heats the gel to maximize its effectiveness and reduce the total treatment time. Your cosmetic dentist will take special precautions to prevent the possibility of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity after your whitening procedure.

Smile with confidence-and without gaps

Physical trauma, periodontal disease, and other problems can all result in an incomplete smile. If you have one or more missing teeth, you have more options for replacing them than just dentures. Talk to a cosmetic dentist about whether you might be a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are an excellent alternative to dentures because they are permanently fixed in place, they look exactly like any natural tooth, and they provide superior comfort and function for eating and speaking.

During the dental implant procedure, your dentist drills a small hole into the jawbone. A titanium post is inserted and the gums are closed over the incision. After the area heals and the jawbone fuses to the implant, your dentist will then place the abutment and the crown on top of the implant.

Straighten those pearly whites

Not everyone was fortunate enough to receive braces as a child and some of those who did have braces experienced the gradual shifting of the teeth over time. If your teeth aren’t as straight as they could be, consult your cosmetic dentist about your straightening options. Invisalign is a great choice for adults because the clear plastic trays are invisible to the naked eye. The aligners are also removable, which means there are no restrictions on dietary intake. Plus, after removing the aligners, it’s a breeze to clean the teeth because there aren’t any uncomfortable wires or brackets to work around.

Dr. David Blaustein looks forward to meeting new patients and providing in-depth guidance on cosmetic dentistry treatments. He’s been privileged to serve Chelsea and Midtown residents for more than 20 years. At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, you’ll receive personalized treatment recommendations and guidance as you design your custom smile makeover. Call us today.