Dr. Kenn Kakosian D.D.S., P.C.

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No More Ugly Fillings: 3 Options for Attractive Cosmetic Fillings

Traditional amalgam fillings can be an eyesore in an otherwise bright, beautiful smile. Fortunately, today’s advanced cosmetic dentistry offers alternatives that match your natural tooth color. Read on to learn about the various types of cosmetic fillings we offer:

Composite Fillings:

Composite fillings are a mix of resin and fine particles, made to mimic the color of your natural teeth. These fillings chemically bond to the tooth, resulting in increased support for teeth compromised by decay. In addition, less tooth structure needs to be removed than with amalgam fillings. Composite is versatile and can be used for chipped, broken, or worn teeth in addition to fillings.

Porcelain Fillings:

The material used in porcelain fillings is a combination of porcelain, glass powder, and ceramic. Like composite fillings, porcelain fillings are made to mimic the color of natural teeth. As a result, the material is ideal for use in crowns, veneers, onlays, and inlays. Porcelain fillings provide better resistance to staining than composite fillings, but can wear down opposing teeth.

Ionomer Fillings:

Ionomer fillings are fabricated using tooth-colored materials such as glass and acrylic resins. Although these fillings are less resistant to biting pressure and are more fragile, they are still a valuable cosmetic filling option for cavities at or below the gum line. Ionomer fillings release a small amount of fluoride to help strengthen enamel and prevent further decay.

If you’re tired of your visible amalgam fillings and are looking for an alternative, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kenn Kakosian DDS, a cosmetic dentist serving Manhattan and the greater NYC area. In addition to cosmetic procedures like Invisalign, dental implants, and teeth whitening, Dr. Kakosian also offers general dentistry services. To schedule an appointment, call (888) 775-8116.

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The Benefits of Lumineers

Dental veneers are one of the newest and most technologically advanced ways to improve your smile, with Lumineers being the most sophisticated veneer option currently available. Lumineers have several advantages over traditional porcelain veneers:

Quick and Easy:

Unlike porcelain veneers, Lumineers can be completed in just two short appointments. At your first appointment, you’ll meet with your cosmetic dentist to discuss your goals, evaluate your teeth, take a mold of your teeth for the lab, and pick the shade of your Lumineers. Once your Lumineers are ready, you’ll see your cosmetic dentist for your second appointment. During this visit, the dentist will check the fit of your Lumineers and lightly etch your teeth before bonding the Lumineers onto them.

Pain-Free:

Traditional veneers require extensive shaping and grinding of the teeth before application. These procedures can be painful and may require anesthetic shots. In contrast, Lumineers are ultra-thin and do not require the removal of dental enamel from the tooth surface. In addition to avoiding the pain of the enamel removal, the procedure for Lumineers also prevents the need for any shots.

Reduced Risk of Tooth Sensitivity:

Because enamel is not removed during the Lumineer procedure, the risk of tooth sensitivity is greatly reduced. For patients who already suffer from dental sensitivity, this aspect of the Lumineers procedure is a great advantage.

Reversible:

Although Lumineers are a permanent solution with proven endurance of over 20 years, they can also be removed. Traditional veneers permanently change your natural teeth, so once you have committed to veneers, you’ll always need some type of veneer. However, with Lumineers, the process can be reversed in the future if you desire.

To learn more about Lumineers or to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, call Dr. Kenn Kakosian DDS at (888) 775-8116. Dr. Kakosian provides both general and cosmetic dentistry services in Manhattan.