Tag Archives: veneers

Smile Design Enhanced with Porcelain Veneers | New York, NY

By Dean C. Vafiadis, DDS

Part 1 of this series on smile design gave an overview of the many facets involved in beautifying smiles by design and the many ways of interpreting what is normal or ideal. Our first article discussed the role of the dentist as diagnostician, artist and scientist in meeting you the patient to decide the best course of action for your particular situation. A detailed analysis of your smile is critical to the correct assessment and the appropriate procedures for change or enhancement.

Porcelain veneers within reason allow for the alteration of tooth position, shape, size and color. They require a minimal amount of tooth preparation – in this case reduction (approximately 0.5 mm of surface enamel) – and are, therefore, a more conservative restoration than a crown, which requires significant removal of sound tooth structure. Although not the only alternative for all esthetic abnormalities, they are truly a remarkable restoration when they are the treatment of choice.

What Is a Veneer?

Simply stated, a veneer is a thin covering over another surface. In dentistry a veneer is a thin layer of dental restorative material, usually porcelain that replaces enamel.

Porcelain was named after its resemblance to the white, shiny Venus-shell, called in Old Italian “porcella”. The curved shape of the upper surface of the Venus-shell resembles the curve of a pig’s back (from the Latin porcella – a little pig). Properties associated with porcelain are high strength, hardness, glassiness, high durability, translucence and high resistance to chemical attack.

Dental porcelain is a type used by dental technicians to create bio-compatible life-like crowns and bridges for dentistry. As you will note from the cases shown, dental porcelains in the right hands can make for spectacular tooth imitations by mimicking tooth enamel perfectly. This is also a testament to the artistic skill of the laboratory technicians with whom the dentist partners in producing life-like precision veneers to create your enhanced smile. The dentist will usually specify a shade of porcelain, corresponding to a set of mixtures in the laboratory containing the porcelain powder. The powder corresponding to the basic tooth color is mixed with water, and then placed in an oven for “firing.” Further layers of porcelain are built up to mimic the natural translucency of the enamel of the tooth.

To read more of this article, click here.

If you are interested in dental college courses, contact Aesthetic Advantage at 212-794-3552 to register today! Or visit aestheticadvantage.com for additional information.

What to Consider Before Getting Veneers on Your Teeth | New York, NY

You could be on your way to a perfect smile.

BY ROXANNE ADAMIYATT | JAN 1, 2021

There’s an old adage that you’re never fully dressed without a smile. And yes, a good grin is a great accessory — but what about those who are feeling somewhat less than proud of their teeth. Whether it’s crowding, crookedness or that your chompers are just plain worn down, there are plenty of reasons why someone might not be so willing to bare their teeth while they grin. Luckily, in the year 2019 there are a number of options available to give your smile a boost, one of which is a porcelain dental enhancement called veneers.

Typically, an expensive and collaborative process, getting veneers isn’t something one should do on a whim. Like any procedure, veneers require thought and consideration — and knowing the right questions to ask. And that’s where cosmetic dentists Dr. Michael Apa DDS and Dr. Victoria Veytsman DSS come in. We sat down with the veneer specialist (both of whom have a host of celebrity clientele) to find out everything you need to know about getting veneers.

What are veneers?

At their most simple, explains Dr. Apa, veneers are thin porcelain covers that go over the front of the tooth to give it a new shape and color.

What does the process of getting veneers entail?

One of the most important components of the veneers process is the consultation, according to our experts, who both collaborate with their patients to create their new smile. Taking into consideration the patient’s personality, facial traits (both behavioral and structural), their desired outcome, and their functional needs, the vision of what the new smile will look like is drawn up.

Typically speaking, dentists will take impressions and send them to the lab for a mock-up or a blueprint of what that smile and then, once this is reviewed, the mockup can be tested in the patient’s mouth.

“Once the preliminary design is approved, we then numb the teeth we are working on with local anesthesia. Then we re-contour the teeth removing only as much tooth structure as is necessary for the case,” explains Dr. Veytsman who elaborates that once impressions are taken for the ceramist, the patient leaves with nice temporaries, which are great for giving their smile a test drive. If the patient sees changes that need to be made while wearing the temp teeth, that can be conveyed to the lab.

Finally, once color is confirmed, the final veneers are tested before they are cemented on permanently and adjusted to perfection.

Who is a good candidate for veneers?

Anyone who is looking to change the color, size, shape and width of their smile. Ideally, one’s gums and bone structure should be solid and healthy. “A great cosmetic dentist can do a lot more with veneers in terms of changes to a smile than with any other cosmetic dental treatment,” says Dr. Veytsman.

What dental issues do veneers address?

Veneers can fix a number of dental issues including chipping, staining, old restorations and fillings, an uneven or narrow smile, spacing problems, crowding, a poor bite and even internal staining from antibiotics or fluorosis.

How do you determine whether veneers will work for your face?

It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to veneers, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every patient is going to be different. There are a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and smile designs that can come into play. “It is the cosmetic dentist’s job to have to take everything into account from the patient’s personality, to skin tone, eye, and hair color. We can design all this in the wax-up to see what this would look like in the temporary phase to adjust and make changes as needed,” says Dr. Veytsman.

She elaborates: “We can make a smile more masculine by keeping the edges of the teeth straighter, or more feminine by rounding out the corners. We can produce a more youthful look by having the front two teeth slightly longer than the rest, or take 15 years off of an older face by providing more lip support with veneers.” The takeaway here: there are a number of options that can be customized to suit your face.

Is it possible to veneer some of your teeth or do you have to do all of them?

The good news: you can choose to veneer some of your teeth. “We have done as few as one or four veneers for our patients, but also as many as 28 porcelain restorations on one mouth.” As with all dental procedures, the patient’s needs and preferences will differ.

How do you ensure that veneers look natural?

If you want your veneers to look as natural as possible, it all comes down to conversation with your dentist. Dr. Apa’s process for natural porcelain teeth is as follows, “Final results are created by layering various porcelain powders by hand with a paintbrush and water. This process allows us to mimic the varying layers of the tooth and ensure its opacity and reflective properties match the natural teeth in the patient’s mouth.”

What is the difference between partial and full veneers?

Fun fact: porcelain restorations encompass veneers, crowns and bridges. “It’s all the same material, what differs is the amount of the tooth that is being covered. And a lot of cases include a combination,” says Dr. Veytsman.

Does the procedure require anesthesia?

Local anesthesia is required when undergoing a veneer application.

Are there any side effects or recovery time?

While there are minimal side effects, in the short-term someone might experience tooth sensitivity. This could happen anytime you are having work done to a tooth, though, says Dr. Veytsman, who reminds that typically there is no downtime after getting veneers: “Patients typically go back to work the very same day or the next day, latest,” she adds.

Is there anyone who isn’t a good candidate?

“Sometimes crowns are more appropriate because of the amount of tooth structure lost due to one’s grinding,” explains Dr. Veytsman. Another reason someone might not be able to get veneers is that they have very large, old fillings left.”But, again, this has to be determined on a case-by-case basis as every treatment plan is different,” she says.

What does a full set of veneers typically cost?

Pricing typically varies depending on the city that you live in. While Dr. Veytsman estimates that it can range anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth, Dr. Apa estimates that it can range from $400 to $4,000, pending the dentist.

How do you maintain your veneers?

At the end of the day, maintaining your new chompers comes down to common sense. Have regular checkups and cleanings. Dr. Apa advises that his patients come in at least once a year for routine maintenance. “I tell patients to treat their veneers like regular teeth, upkeep and all,” he says.

But use common sense, too. “Please don’t chew on things like pencils or acrylic nails,” adds Dr. Veytsman.

Do you need to get your veneers whitened?

Simply put: no. Veneers have good color stability compared to the natural tooth. But according to Dr. Veystman, over the years veneers can pick up some coffee and red wine stains

Do you have to get your veneers replaced?

If properly maintained, veneers last from 15-20 years.

If you are interested in dental college courses, contact Aesthetic Advantage at 212-794-3552 to register today! Or visit aestheticadvantage.com for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers | New York, NY

Veneers have no higher incidence of decay, provided they are properly cared for with regular flossing and brushing with toothpaste.

What happens to teeth after veneers, and will I ever get cavities?

The integrity of veneered teeth is only marginally compromised, and the veneer is bonded to the existing teeth. There is no higher incidence of decay provided the veneers are properly cared for as previously mentioned with regular flossing and brushing with toothpaste. Keep your sugar consumption low and confined to meal times, good dental advice generally to prevent decay.

How long will porcelain veneers last?

In my experience they can last from seven to twenty years. While the veneer itself is inert and non-living, the tooth or teeth to which they are attached, and the surrounding gum tissues are living and may change. For example, gum line shrinkage may expose or reveal root surfaces. If a veneer comes off it can generally be rebonded. If it chips it can sometimes be rebonded or otherwise replaced.

If I have my upper teeth treated with porcelain veneers, will my lower teeth still be a different color, or more yellow?

This is certainly a factor that will be discussed during your evaluation and smile design so that everything matches and blends well. Most patients usually whiten the lower teeth with whitening (bleaching) procedures to ensure a good match.

Do porcelain veneers stain with normal things like coffee, tea and wine?

Porcelain veneers should never stain; however, if your teeth have a propensity to stain you should try to avoid or minimize the behaviors that lead to staining and look after them as recommended above with normal hygiene and maintenance procedures.

Does dental insurance cover porcelain veneers?

Some insurance companies will cover up to 50% of the fee they deem customary. However, it depends upon what your employer has contracted for with your insurance company rather than what your dentist is charging. Don’t forget your dentist also has to pay the dental technician who actually fabricates the veneers, a critical component in the fee.

To read more about veneers, click here.

If you are interested in dental college courses, contact Aesthetic Advantage at 212-794-3552 to register today! Or visit aestheticadvantage.com for additional information.

Aesthetic Advantage proudly serves New York, Atlanta, Florida, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Boston, Rhode Island, California, South Carolina, North Carolina and all surrounding areas.

CAD/CAM Veneers and Crowns | New York, NY

By Dr. Dean C. Vafiadis, DDS

Recently, an influx of computer technologies and CAD/CAM designs have been introduced to the restorative dentist. These technologies have helped streamline our fabrication protocols, reduced clinical chair-time and reduced laboratory costs. In addition, the accuracy of these techniques has equaled our conventional techniques with high level of precision. Using a combination of CAD/CAM and robotics, the technology of final implant abutment fabrication and final CAD/CAM restoration is predictable for the clinician. The aim of this article is to demonstrate cases in which CAD/CAM technology was utilized for esthetic anterior restorations.

To read more from this article, click here.

Aesthetic Advantage has state of the art educational facilities that can help you take your career to the next level, call us at (212) 794.3552 for more information.

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Single Visit Fabrication of a Porcelain Laminate | New York, NY

Everyone wants a great smile. With daily dental hygiene and regular dental visits, you will generally have a good chance of maintaining a bright healthy smile. But what happens when life happens, and it affects your smile? For most of us, it can be a big deal. You may have a tooth or teeth damaged, or even worse knocked completely out. Now it’s time to make a dental appointment to have a look and to make sure no further damage is happening in your mouth. Depending on your case, everything can be rectified within a few procedures. Luckily when a tooth is lost, there are a few options available in order to repair the damage. Your dental professional will come up with a dental plan that will be sure to renew your smile.

Porcelain laminate veneers can be fabricated using different techniques. All require an impression of the prepared tooth & the opposing arch, preparation of casts, and lengthy laboratory time. However, due to technological advances in dentistry, a dental restoration can be placed in just one single visit. The purpose of CAD/CAM technology is to design restorations within the dental office in a timely, more predictable manner. Not only are the results more predictable, the fatigue resistance and tensile strength of CAD/CAM materials have been shown to be quite excellent.

Computer-assisted design and computer-assisted milling (CAD/CAM) technology has been shown to be a sufficient dental treatment in patients’ cases. Click here to read the full article “Single Visit Fabrication of a Porcelain Laminate Veneer with CAD/CAM Technology: a Clinical Report”.

If you are interested in porcelain laminate options, contact Aesthetic Advantage at 212-794-3552 to register today! Or visit www.aestheticadvantage.com for additional information.

Aesthetic Advantage proudly serves New York, Atlanta, Florida, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Boston, Rhode Island, California, South Carolina, North Carolina and all surrounding areas.