Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry

We Provide Freeport, NY with Excellent Cosmetic Dentistry Services

For patients who desire truly perfect teeth, a brilliantly white smile is only a few sessions away. At Herrmann Dental Associates, our comprehensive services include bonding, bleaching, porcelain laminates, and ceramic crowns to help craft a smile that can grace the front cover of any magazine.
Bonding
The dental bonding procedure utilizes a composite resin and can be used for a variety of structural as well as cosmetic purposes. A parallel can be drawn between dental bonding materials and a sculptor's clay. By using dental composite resin bonding, your dentist can restore chipped or broken teeth, fill in gaps and reshape or recolor your smile.

A very mild etching solution is applied to your teeth to create very small crevices in the tooth's enamel structure. These small crevices provide a slightly rough surface, which permits a durable resin to bond materials to your teeth. The resin is then placed on your tooth and high-intensity light cures the resins onto your tooth's surface - with each individual layer of resin hardening in just minutes. When the last coat has been applied to your tooth, the bonded material is then sculpted to fit your tooth and finely polished.

The resin comes in many shades so that it can be matched to your natural teeth. Due to the layers involved, this procedure will take slightly longer than traditional silver fillings due to the need for multiple layers of the bonding material to be applied. Typically, bonding takes anywhere from an hour to two hours depending on your particular case.

For small corrections
These are one appointment fillings which are color-matched to the tooth and are bonded to the surface for added strength. These are most appropriate for small fillings and front fillings as they may not be as durable for large fillings.
Healthy white teeth
Bleaching
Whitening of the teeth is a service provided for patients who desire a brighter smile. Tooth whitening can be performed to reduce discoloration and staining, or simply to provide the patient with a whiter, brighter smile.

Overview of Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is often used if the patient wants to correct discoloration of the teeth by removing brown or yellow staining. The term "tooth whitening" can refer to a number of techniques to improve the brightness of the patient's teeth. Among them are chemical whitening, abrasive teeth brightening, mild acid whitening, and  laser teeth whitening, which is the newest technique.

Teeth Bleaching
Teeth bleaching is a chemical process that is used to lighten the color of the patient's teeth. The procedure can be performed entirely in the cosmetic dentist's office or it can be done by the patient at home, in which case the dentist will provide the materials. The home method is often used because it saves the patient the inconvenience of having to make an office visit for each treatment.

Before the patient starts the home teeth whitening regimen, the cosmetic dentist creates a custom mouth tray for the patient. The custom tray is a critical component of the treatment. It ensures that the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that the patient's teeth are properly exposed to the whitening solution. The custom-made mouth tray provides for a better fit than a one-size-fits-all mouth tray and also helps increase the margin of patient safety.

The steps in the home tooth whitening regimen are fairly straightforward. The cosmetic dentist's office provides the patient with materials and instructions and can also answer any questions the patient may have about the routine. Your dentist's office can also provide you with off-site supervision should you have any questions once you've begun.

A home whitening session lasts for one hour, during which time you will have the tray and solution in your mouth. Depending upon your needs the and results you desire, your dentist may instruct you to keep the tray in your mouth overnight. Typically, you will follow your home teeth whitening regimen for two to three weeks, after which time you will return to your cosmetic dentist for a follow-up visit.

How long does tooth whitening last?
Tooth whitening must be maintained. Results can last for one or more years, depending upon your personal habits. In most cases, the whitening procedure is very effective and the patient is pleased with the results.

Laser Bleaching (In-Office)
Using a laser with a whitening gel, this is an in-office bleaching system. The translucent bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and a laser light is used to activate the crystals to absorb the energy from the light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the teeth. The length of time in the cosmetic dentist's chair depends on the degree of discoloration you have.

Advantage: It usually only takes one visit to achieve a bright smile.

Disadvantage: The sudden change of color is likely to be noticed by those around you right away. This is the more expensive of the procedures available, but also the quickest.
Porcelain Laminates
Porcelain veneers, also called tooth veneers, can be used to correct both color and shape problems and make for a great smile makeover.

Overview of Tooth Veneers
Often an alternative to crowns, veneers are very thin pieces of specially-shaped porcelain or plastic that are glued over the front of your teeth. Little or no anesthesia is needed They are the cure for teeth that are severely discolored, chipped, misshapen or crooked, have small holes or pits, or for the correction of unwanted or uneven spaces. Unlike crowns, veneers usually won't require the dentist to remove much of the tooth itself. It is important to find out from your cosmetic dentist how much of the tooth will be removed. In some cases more of the tooth will need to be removed, which may increase the risk of trauma to the tooth. Veneers are created from an impression taken in your cosmetic dentist's office. Your custom veneer is then glued directly onto your tooth. Typically, since they cost less than crowns, veneers won't stain, making them a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last between ten and fifteen years, and come in colors that will brighten dark teeth without the worry of them changing color.

How are Tooth Veneers Attached to your Tooth?
In your first appointment, it is important to initially discuss with your cosmetic dentist whether you will want to “try in” your veneers with temporary cement that is the same color as will be used for the permanent attachment. During this “try in” phase, you should look at your veneers in natural light in addition to the office light. Teeth are prepared for veneers by lightly buffing to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Veneers are very thin, like contact lenses, and will usually only need tooth reduction of 0.5mm to 1.0mm. If a drastic change is being made for the result you want, reduction may be 1.0mm to 2.0mm. A mold is taken of the teeth, which are used to model the veneers. Temporary veneers will be placed and worn until your permanent veneers are ready. While wearing the temporary veneers, advise your cosmetic dentist of any adjustments or changes you would like made, such as in  size or shape. These changes will be translated into your permanent veneers, so good communication between you and your dentist is essential to achieving your new smile.

Your dentist will place the veneers with water or glycerin on the teeth to verify their perfect fit and the shade or color. The color cannot be changed after the veneers are adhered to your teeth. The tooth is then cleansed with chemicals to achieve a durable bond. Once the glue is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden the glue/cement.
Ceramic Crowns
Resin and Porcelain Caps
The new reinforced resin or bonded all-porcelain type of cap has the most attractive appearance. This cap can be made either from pure ceramic or a from a new reinforced composite resin, and is almost indistinguishable from natural teeth. The new bonding technology involved provides an exceptional bond for your tooth. This procedure is metal-free, and thus satisfies the needs of patients with metal sensitivities. This type of procedure is used to correct only the parts of your tooth that are in need.

You’re Just One Phone Call Away From Tremendously Brighter Teeth!
Call Our Oral Surgeon Today At 516-378-3200.

Share by: