Richard S. Bernstein, D.D.S.

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Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin wafers of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your existing teeth.  They look extremely nature, are very durable and maintain their color.  Veneers are a more conservative option than capping (crowns).  While they may not be for every patient they are the most aesthetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions.  It is the number one method used by cosmetic dentists in creating that beautiful smile you have always wanted.  With porcelain veneers we can close spaces between teeth, cover discolorations, straighten misalignments, lengthen and reshape individual teeth, and fix broken or chipped teeth.

Porcelain veneers are relatively maintenance free and are much more durable than bonding.  They are the most biocompatible material you can use next to the gums.  Porcelain veneers are the most aesthetic restoration in dentistry.


Aesthetic Dentistry

This procedure requires two office visits.  At the first visit there is minimal shaping of the teeth to create space for your new veneers.  An impression is taken of the prepared teeth and sent to a laboratory for custom fabrication of the porcelain veneers.  The second is for the try-in and placement of the veneers, which are permanently bonded to your teeth.  At the first visit beautiful temporaries are fabricated to simulate your new smile.  You will leave looking better then when you came in.

Veneers B4  Veneer Aft

Veneer2 b4  Veneer2 Aft


Veneers can last almost indefinitely, depending on how well you care for them.  You must maintain good oral hygiene at home and have routine cleanings and check-ups.  Another major concern is that abnormal function and abuse of your veneers such nail biting, opening packages with your teeth, chewing on hard objects and sipping on juices and soda pop can damage your veneers.  These factors will limit the longevity of your newly applied veneers.


Tooth Colored Fillings

Composites:     Composites are tooth colored filling materials that can be used in the front and back teeth, restoring a tooth to its natural appearance.  Composites are mercury-free, and the preparations are significantly smaller than the silver amalgams.  Less tooth structure is removed making them especially appropriate for small cavities.  Furthermore, silver fillings can weaken a tooth over time making them more susceptible to fracture.  Composite fillings are adhered (bonded) to the the tooth using special adhesives and then hardened with a high intensity light.  Even though composite fillings cost more, they can save a lot of expense in the long run, preventing the need for a crown in the future.     

Porcelain Onlays:  These are the most esthetic of all the fillings.  They are well suited for large cavities and replacement of large silver amalgams where a direct composite filling is not a good choice.  They are more costly than composites, but more conservative then full crowns.  As with composites, the onlays are bonded to the prepared tooth covering the inside and part of the outer portion of the tooth (overlays one or all cusp tips) protecting them from fracture.  The process takes two appointments and custom shading and fabrication from the dental lab can make them almost undetectable.

Implants

In most situations, a dental implant is the best and longest lasting method to replace a missing tooth or teeth.  A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone.  The bone grows around the implant securing it to the jaw. The implant is used as an anchor to support a crown, bridge or denture.

The benefits are numerous; including: better health, decreased shrinkage of the bone, and greatly improved chewing efficiency with regained function.  Implants can be the perfect solution to loose and ill-fitting dentures.

Smile Makeovers

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Smile 2 Smile 3

Aesthetic Crowns and Bridges


All-Porcelain Crowns:  This type of crown  is the most esthetic of all the crowns.  They do not contain any metal and are bonded directly to the prepared tooth.  There are no dark lines present around the gum tissue that you see on many people that have had porcelain to metal crowns.  Because of the light transmission and translucence they can mimic natural teeth giving you back that perfect smile.  With some of the newer and stronger materials, even bridges can be fabricated without the use of metal.

Crn B4  Crn Aft

Other Crowns and Bridges: All other crowns have a metal substructure with porcelain baked over this coping.  The metals can be gold, gold alloys, as well as other precious or semi-precious metals.  These are used mainly in the posterior teeth providing the strength needed to withstand the chewing forces generated by the jaw.


 

Zoom!

The Zoom! Is an in-office Whitening System that can dramatically whiten your teeth in just over one hour.  Dr. William Dorfman (Extreme Makeover fame on ABC) perfected this revolutionary procedure.  The procedure is safe, effective and fast.  We have been providing Zoom! To our patients since Nov 2001.  This technique is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results as compare to days of wearing trays, which lighten teeth gradually.  This is the perfect choice for busy individuals.

The Zoom! Whitening process is simple and painless.  The lips and gums are isolated and a proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel is applied to the teeth and activated with a specially designed light.  Teeth typically become six to ten shades lighter.  The procedure is completed with a five-minute fluoride application.  The Zoom! Gel gently penetrates the teeth removing deep stains and discoloration without harming any tooth structure.  Occasional at-home touch ups are necessary to maintain your whiter, brighter smile.  The need for touch-ups depend on the individual habits of each person; i.e. proper dental care, intake of foods which can stain the teeth.

Nite White

Nite White is a fast, safe, and effective tooth Whitening system.  Whitening trays are fabricated from impressions of your teeth.  Using the trays, a whitening gel is applied by the patient, at home.  The trays are worn overnight, while you sleep for ultimate performance and maximum convenience.  Exceptional whitening results in only 10-14 nights.

Day White

If you prefer a daytime whitening alternative to overnight systems, then Day White can the method of choice.  Whitening trays are fabricated from impressions of your teeth as with Nite White.  Day white uses a different whitening gel, and is applied with the trays but for only 30 minutes twice a day.

Day White works quickly, safely and will effectively whiten your smile in no time.

Invisalign-removeable, comfortable, invisible
 
Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces using a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets (INVISIBLE).

Each set of aligners is worn for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss (REMOVABLE).

With each new aligner, your teeth will move little by little until they have straightened to their final position (COMFORTABLE).

Total treatment time averages 9-15 months with the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30.

When thinking of Invisalign, imagine yourself getting the great smile you’ve always wanted because it is invisible, removable, and comfortable.