Cosmetic, Implant & Family Dentistry
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Monday: 10am - 8pm
Tuesday: 11am - 8pm
Wednesday: closed
Thursday: 10am - 8pm
Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 9:30am - 2pm (once a month)
Map & DirectionsRTE 79 & 520 Marlboro NJ
Map & Directions1941 Oak Tree Road Edison NJ
Porcelain laminates are thin tooth shaped pieces of porcelain that are fabricated at a dental lab and then are bonded onto the front of a patient’s tooth. Porcelain laminates are a great way to correct discolored, chipped, or crooked teeth. Unlike crowns, laminates can be fabricated with minimal removal of tooth structure. Laminates are strong and durable and will never change color. With proper home care and regular dental visits, laminates will last for years.
Cosmetic BondingCosmetic bonding is a composite resin that is used to improve a patient’s smile. Cosmetic bonding can change the color and shape of the teeth making them more esthetic. Cosmetic bonding can lighten stains, close small gaps and correct crooked teeth. The appearance of the teeth can be greatly improved by simply applying a thin coat of the plastic bonding material to their front surface. This material is hardened with a high intensity light and then gently shaped and polished.
Composite FillingsDental fillings are used to repair minimal tooth fractures and tooth decay. Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations that restore the natural appearance of the tooth. Since composite fillings are bonded to the tooth the original strength of the tooth can be restored. There is also less drilling involved with a composite filling compared to the silver (amalgam) filling. Since the composite fillings have proven to be superior to amalgam fillings in many ways, several dental offices have discontinued their use.
Teeth WhiteningOver time, the enamel of teeth can begin to darken and stain. Certain foods can also discolor the teeth. There are two options for patients who are interested in whitening their teeth. They can have a procedure rendered in the office or they can purchase a product to whiten their teeth at home.
We offer the Brite Smile procedure in our office. This is generally a two hour appointment where a whitening agent is applied to the teeth and activated by a special light to enhance the agent.
For patients who opt for the take home product, custom made trays will be fabricated and the patient is given the whitening solutions. Generally the patient is instructed to wear the tray for 45 minutes twice a day for about two weeks to achieve the best results. Both of these procedures can remove stains and whiten the teeth leaving a bright healthy smile.
Minor side effects such as sensitivity and gum irritation may occur. These are temporary and will usually last only twenty four hours.
Prevention is the key to good dental health. Patients should visit a dentist at least twice a year for a complete examination and cleaning. A clinical exam along with x-rays can detect dental problems early while they are easily treated. A dental cleaning every six months performed by a dental hygienist is an excellent way to maintain a healthy mouth. Any changes in the gums or supporting structures can be monitored and corrected long before any major issues can arise. The hygienist also instruct the patient on proper oral home care which, in turn, will result in healthy teeth and gums.
SealantsSealants are mostly placed on children’s teeth shortly after their permanent molars have erupted. Sealants are epoxy-like materials that are placed in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These small grooves are difficult to clean and provide a great place for plaque and bacteria to hide. Sealants act as a barrier and greatly reduce the risk of decay. The teeth are treated with a special material that allows the sealant to bond to the tooth structure. There is no need for anesthesia when a sealant is placed.
Oral Cancer ScreeningsOral cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer yet the survival rate is only about 50%. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are directly linked to oral cancer. Protect yourself from this disease by limiting the use of these products. At each periodic exam the dentist will check the oral mucosa, tongue, palate and throat. This way any growths, lesions or changes in the oral tissue can be detected. When oral cancer is found at an early stage the survival rate increases to 90%. Since early detection is so important, you should check your mouth when brushing and contact a dentist if you notice any sores or irritations especially if they do not seem to be healing.
Root CanalsA root canal is a procedure to treat an infected tooth. There are many reasons this can occur, the most common being decay or trauma to the tooth, which invades the soft inner layer of the tooth. The root canal procedure safely removes the soft inner layer to prevent tooth loss or other complications such as infections in adjacent teeth or the jawbone. The infection is eliminated by a gentle procedure. The tooth then has a post and crown placed to resort function.
CrownsA crown (cap) is a tooth-like covering placed over an existing tooth for protection. A crown can strengthen, restore or improve the appearance of your tooth. Crowns are placed over existing teeth that have extensive decay or restorations or are fractured. The crown will restore a tooth to its normal function. There are different types of crowns. Your dentist will determine the best crown depending upon the ultimate function or esthetics that is required to restore the tooth. Contrary to popular belief, every tooth that requires a crown does not need a root canal. Occasionally a tooth needs a reinforcing restoration to achieve adequate tooth structure to place a crown. This is called a crown buildup. If a tooth requires a crown that has had or needs a root canal, a reinforcing post is placed in the root canal space for added support. One must be aware that crowns do not last forever. They have to be maintained as your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing should be done regularly to prevent decay or gum disease. In addition, regular appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist will greatly prolong the life of a crown.
Fixed BridgesA fixed bridge is fabricated for patients who want to replace missing teeth but do not want a removable appliance. A fixed bridge is custom made at a dental laboratory. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns. These crowns support the false tooth, which replaces the missing tooth. Fixed bridges help reduce the risk of gum disease, correct some bite problems and improve the appearance of the teeth. As with all dental procedures, with proper home care and regular dental visits, bridges will last for many years.
DenturesDentures are removable appliances fabricated to replace missing teeth. There are two types of dentures, full or partial. A full denture is for the patient who is missing all of their teeth in one arch. A full denture is held in place with suction. Partial dentures are for patients who are missing a few teeth in the arch. Partial dentures are anchored to the remaining teeth by either metal or resin clasps. With the advent of dental implants, dentures, both full and partial, are a less likely option to restore one’s dentition.
Dental ImplantsDental implants are another option for patients who are interested in replacing missing teeth. The dental implant is placed directly into the jaw. Once proper healing has occurred, usually three to four mouths, a crown is fabricated to replace the missing tooth. Unlike fixed bridges that use the neighboring teeth for support, a dental implant can replace one missing tooth without affecting the surrounding teeth. For patients who are missing several or all of their teeth, an implant-supported denture can be fabricated. This provides a much more stable and retentive prosthesis. Dental implants are a great way to give patients a beautiful and confident smile.
Occlusal TreatmentOccasionally, the teeth do not align together properly. This deviation of the bite may cause many conditions such as, excessive teeth wear, sore jaw muscles and joint pain, headaches, sensitivity of the teeth and tooth mobility. In order to properly restore the natural occlusion (bite) an occlusal analysis and adjustment will be performed. Models of the teeth will be taken and the doctor will render certain tests to determine where the interference is occurring. Then the high spots (interference points) will be painlessly polished away. The main goal is to create a harmonious occlusion with the teeth properly aligned.
Mouthguards & NightguardsMouthguards are generally fabricated for patients to protect their teeth during sporting activities such as boxing, hockey and football. These appliances are custom made for each patient making them more comfortable than the store bought “boil and bite” mouthguards. They can also be made in a variety of colors if the patient desires.
A nightguard is a mouthpiece that is custom made by a dentist. The most common use of a nightguard is to treat patients who grind or clench their teeth at night. Patients can wear down their teeth as well as damage the joint, causing the joint to “click” or “pop” when opening or closing. This joint is better known as TMJ, (the temporomandibular joint). This custom made nightguard is fitted to either the upper or lower jaw and is usually worn at night when patients tend to clench or grind their teeth subconsciously. This habit is usually a result of stress. Nightguards are generally made clear in color and since they are custom made for each patient they are quite comfortable. Many patients state they have a better nights’ rest and awake refreshed without any jaw pain or headaches after wearing the nightguard.
These devices are becoming more and more popular. They are fabricated in the same way a nightguard or mouthguard would be. Upper and lower mouthpieces that are connected together are fabricated to be worn at night. The appliance, moving the lower jaw forward to create unrestricted airflow while sleeping, dictates the position of the jaw, which in turn will stop the snoring.