Cosmetic Dentistry
Commonly Asked Questions

Serving Caldwell, Essex County, Livingston, and Verona, New Jersey

Prosthodontics

What is prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics replaces missing teeth and restores damaged teeth. It can be as simple as replacing one missing tooth or as complex as full mouth restoration.

Why should I see a prosthodontist for my dentures or dental implants when my regular dentist offers them?

A prosthodontist has special training to handle very complex problems and provide a better functioning and complete solution. Most dentists will have to refer you to a specialist for Dental implants. Prosthodontists do more than just replace missing teeth. They can rehabilitate you entire mouth and even correct facial deformities.

Learn more by reading our Prosthodontics Questions.

Dental Bridges

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge replaces one or several teeth with artificial, porcelain teeth which are anchored in place by the surrounding healthy teeth.

What is the difference between a bridge and a partial?

A partial is removable, like dentures. A bridge is permanently fixed in place.

Learn more by reading our Dental Bridges Questions.

Cosmetic Dentistry

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry combines the science of dentistry with the art of creating a beautiful smile. Fillings, crowns, and other restorations are all created with natural looking materials. Flaws in the appearance of your teeth can be corrected as well. Cosmetic dentistry is comprehensive, addressing the health and beauty of your teeth and mouth.

I have some real dental problems, such as cavities. Do I need to get those things fixed before seeing a cosmetic dentist?

No. A cosmetic dentist treats “real” dental problems such as cavities, but with superior materials. In fact, if you get those things “fixed” first, your cosmetic dentist may have to do all of that work over again.

Learn more by reading our Cosmetic Dentistry Questions.

Dental Crowns

What are dental crowns?

A crown is a replacement for the entire outside of your tooth. It preserves the inside of your natural tooth, and is made to look, feel, and act just like your natural tooth.

When are dental crowns necessary?

Crowns are use when there is significant damage to a tooth or when it is very weak. For instance:

• When metal fillings have damaged the tooth
• When the area of damage or decay is too large for other restorations
• When the tooth is very weak or brittle
• When old fillings have failed
• After a root canal

Learn more by reading our Dental Crowns Questions.

Dental Bonding

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding involves applying a paste to your teeth which is then sculpted into shape, hardened, and polished. We use porcelain, so the result is teeth which look natural and alive.

What is the difference between dental bonding and porcelain veneers?

They both solve many of the same problems. Porcelain veneers are a thin shell of porcelain which is bonded to the front of your teeth. Bonding is sculpted in place, and requires less of your original tooth for support. We can replace up to half of a tooth with bonding.

Learn more by reading our Dental Bonding Questions.

Implant Dentistry

What are dental implants?

Dental implants replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. A titanium rod replaces to root of your tooth. It is surgically implanted and fuses with your jawbone. An artificial tooth is then attached to this rod.

Why do I need to see a specialist for dental implants?

The actually implant is the titanium rod, and only an implant surgeon can insert the rod. Most dentists are not qualified to perform this type of surgery. Dr. Green is a dual-certified prosthodontist and implant surgeon so, if you prefer, you do not have to be referred out.

Learn more by reading our Implant Dentistry Questions.

Invisalign™

What is Invisalign™?

Invisalign™ is a tooth straightening method for adults that does not involve wearing braces. Most people won’t even notice that you are wearing the aligners. You take them out to eat and brush your teeth, so they are much more convenient than braces.

Why should I straighten my teeth?

Straightening your teeth can:

• Vastly improve your appearance
• Boost your self esteem
• Improve your opportunities in the workplace

More importantly, straightening your teeth can prevent future damage to and deterioration of your teeth, and dental pain.

Learn more by reading our Invisalign™ Questions.

Natural-looking, Metal-free Fillings

What are metal-free fillings?

Metal-free fillings are made of porcelain, rather than silver amalgam. They are color matched to your natural tooth.

What is wrong with metal fillings?

Besides being unsightly, silver amalgam fillings contain mercury. The mercury causes them to expand and contract which can damage you tooth. Over time the tooth can decay, become weakened and crumble from cracking, and it can be very painful. Silver amalgam filling can also make your tooth sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages. The potential health risks of mercury poisoning are a concern as well.

Porcelain Veneers

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers consist of a very thin shell of porcelain which is bonded to the front of your teeth. They are crafted to perfectly match the shape and color of your natural teeth, and can correct the appearance of many dental flaws in one solution.

What kinds of problems can porcelain veneers solve?

The beauty of porcelain veneers is their ability to resolve several problems in one, quick solution including:

• Discoloration
• Crooked teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Teeth which appear too short
• Chips
• Cracks
• Gaps
• Broken teeth
• Misshapen teeth

Porcelain veneers are a great solution for teeth which do not respond to tooth whitening. They are often referred to as “instant orthodontics” because they can correct the appearance of crooked teeth without the process of straightening your teeth.

Learn more by reading our Porcelain Veneers Questions.

Smile Makeover

What is a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover is the ultimate in cosmetic dentistry, solving all of your dental problems from the ground up in a coordinated set of procedures designed individually for you.

Why should I get a Smile Makeover instead of having individual procedures as I feel I need them?

A smile makeover starts by addressing underlying problems and involves a plan for your procedures and solutions so that they work together and compliment each other. Working on individual problems, without a plan for future dental work, can mean addressing your needs out of order, and conflicting or overlapping solutions, in other words, more dental work in the long term.

Learn more by reading our Smile Makeover Questions.

Neuromuscular Dentistry

What is neuromuscular dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry goes beyond the teeth and joints, addressing the nerves, muscle, and the alignment of the jaw for a more complete and healthy approach.

What can neuromuscular dentistry do for me?

The benefits of neuromuscular dentistry are vast. The most dramatic benefits are seen in patients with TMD. Neuromuscular dentistry also prevents TMD, which can be caused by poor dental solutions. Restorations will fit and work comfortably and last longer when created by a neuromuscular dentist.

Learn more by reading our Neuromuscular Dentistry Questions.

You can learn more by reading about Cosmetic Dentistry, Prosthodontics, and Neuromuscular Dentistry. Please contact our New Jersey cosmetic dentist today to schedule you free initial cosmetic dentistry consultation, in New Jersey.