115 Orient Way
   Rutherford, NJ 07070
   201-438-3330

How do I improve my appearance?

Since your mouth is directly related to the appearance of your face, your primary direction should be towards the appearance of your teeth. Dentists have always been concerned about the natural look of the front teeth, but have been restricted in the past by the poor quality of available materials. At present, we have wonderful materials and techniques, and a new concept exists, that of Esthetic Dentistry.

The concept of “Esthetic” implies a holistic approach to dental treatment, not just emphasis on the appearance of the front teeth. Esthetic dentistry involves the color, shape and position of teeth, the health and appearance of the gingiva, the relationship of the upper and lower jaws to one another and the effect of the teeth on the shape of the mouth (lips) and the face. Thus, Esthetic Dentistry involves cosmetic and restorative dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics and orthopedics (TMJ) considerations.

Our practice is equipped to handle most of the steps necessary for gratifying, long-term esthetic results; among them are the following:

Lightening/bleaching: a relatively painless, inexpensive, easy, and immediately gratifying treatment. Research has shown that this is a relatively long lasting, harmless and minimally invasive technique which can be done at home or in the office. We recommend this before any restorative treatment, since bleaching often substitutes for more invasive and expensive techniques and prepares the teeth for the treatment to follow.

Bonded composites: Modern composites are excellent materials for both anterior and posterior cosmetic restorations, but are limited by the size of the restoration. They tend to wear more quickly and, over time, loose their luster and shade. There is no substitute for bonded composites when it comes to immediate repairs of broken teeth, or when used for small posterior restorations.

Ceramic Restorations: The beauty of modern ceramics is unsurpassed. They are used in anterior and posterior teeth to create a most natural appearance when the situation requires restoration of larger portions of the teeth. They are truly permanent restorations.

Veneers: When the front surface of the tooth has lost its integrity, is misshaped, or is so stained that it cannot be bleached, and then there is no finer restoration than a ceramic veneer. Depending on particular needs, this could be a minimally invasive procedure with veneers almost as thin as contact lenses ( Lumineers), with only slight or no removal of tooth structure.

Onlays and inlays: On posterior teeth, when the cavity is so large that a bonded composite restoration will not suffice, then ceramic restorations that cover all or part of the chewing surface are great because they are esthetic and conserve natural tooth surfaces.

Crowns and bridges: Modern all-ceramic crowns (Lava) or porcelain crowns with a gold substrate (Captec or PFM) are used when teeth have lost their structural integrity or are missing and need to be restored.

Combinations of these techniques are often used to produce the desired esthetic restorative result.

Oral Hygiene and Periodontics: Even with the most beautiful cosmetic restorations, esthetics cannot be achieved without healthy gums. Red, swollen gums are not only ugly, but also the source of bad breath, failed restorations and a multitude of other problems, including many serious systemic diseases. We insist that before any cosmetic treatment, the gingiva must be healthy and that regular oral hygiene visits become a routine of your esthetic oral health care.

Orthodontics: Cosmetic restorative dentistry should not be a substitute for orthodontics. A minor correction of tooth position is often achieved, but an attempt to mask major problems with restorations is not good practice. In the sort run, it may look good, but later problems with the teeth and gums may lead to disappointing failure. We never recommend restorations when orthodontic intervention is the proper treatment.

Depending on your individual needs and desires, we will develop a treatment plan which will be esthetic, will promote your oral health and be within your planned budget.

Dr. Stawnychy