You may have heard the terms “veneers” and “bonding” for tooth restoration and thought they were the same process. But they aren’t, and here’s why —
Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain strips that cover the front of each tooth. They are very durable and can last for many years with proper application. Veneers are custom-made to both widen and lengthen teeth if needed. Since their commercial introduction in the 1980s, veneers have become very popular for solving several dental issues:
- Discoloration
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Creating a uniform tooth appearance
- Giving a person a new smile
- Bonding is normally done in a single visit, where veneers can take several visits to complete
- No anesthetic is needed
- No tooth surface is removed
- Bonding is useful for a single tooth repair
- Bonding can be easier to repair rear teeth not seen when smiling
- It is normally a less expensive repair for one or two teeth
- Can last a lifetime if maintained properly
- Are sturdier and more stable than dentures
- Require a certain level of jawbone health and mass
- Minimal to no insurance coverage
- Usually last 5 to 7 years before needing replacement
- Reduction in the sunken-in appearance of cheeks and chin
- Are often covered by insurance
- Require healthy gums but not dependent on jawbone mass
It is important to note that a small amount of each tooth surface must be ground away to make room for the veneer attachment. New veneers are very thin so very little tooth removal is needed. Any discomfort to the patient can be alleviated with a local anesthetic if needed. When the tooth surface is prepared the veneer is cemented to the tooth and cured with light. The underlying tooth can still decay so careful dental hygiene is needed after veneers are attached.
Bondings
Bondings use a composite resin that is shaped to a tooth to cover minor defects or discolorations. The tooth is first given a treatment which roughens the tooth surface for a stronger bond. Once the bonding is in place it is also cured with light. Since there is less tooth surface preparation versus veneers, bondings typically require no anesthetic.
Advantages of each type
Veneers
Ceramic veneers are stain-resistant; bonding resins are somewhat porous and can absorb stains over time
Veneers typically have a longer useful life than bonding
Veneers are normally used on visible front teeth to create a new smile
Bonding
Every patient is different, so Dr. Lattinelli will perform a visual inspection of your teeth and recommend the best course of action for you. For more information about our services please call 212-752-7188.
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As we are looking at another Halloween come and gone, as well as all of the frightfully fun activities that go along with it, we are also reminded that millions of kids across the country will be stuffing their mouths full of as much candy as their parents will allow.
This also reminds us of the importance of teaching children about oral and tooth care, and there is no better time of the year to do it than right now.
That’s why Dr. Lattinelli and his staff are helping parents with a couple of helpful suggestions about how to not only get their kids brushing properly but also making it not seem like such a chore:
Get Back to the Brushing Basics
Many times, people (and especially children) may not actually be aware of the proper way to brush and clean their teeth. Take a few minutes to talk with your kids about the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums, and offer a little reminder demonstration of how to correctly brush them.
Such things as getting the ones hiding all the way in the back, as well as brushing the gum line more gently are very important.
Brushin’ to Some Tunes
Let your kids pick out their favorite songs to brush to, then set them to shut off after two minutes. This will help to condition your child to brush the proper amount of time, while also introducing an element of fun into it.
So, if you want to make sure that your child (and you) have the brightest and healthiest pearly whites that you can, give Dr. Lattinelli and his associates a call today at 212-752-7188. You can also stop by and see them in person at 121 East 60th St, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
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Until the advent of cosmetic dentistry, people were forced to work around any flaws in their teeth and had few options to repair broken smiles. Thankfully, it is the 21st century and there are more options than ever to tackle troublesome teeth. The following are just a few of the procedures available to help you with a healthy smile:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are ceramic ‘covers’ for problematic teeth. Each one is custom made of extremely thin material that can conceal stains, breaks, and spacing. Veneers are relatively easy to apply and can quickly and painlessly address many minor problems.
Lumineers
These are very similar to veneers, but they are reversible. Traditional veneers require alterations to the tooth that cannot be undone, whereas lumineers can be removed at a later date. These are particularly useful in situations that require a temporary fix so that a patient can prepare for a more extensive procedure.
Porcelain Fillings
Cavities require fillings in order to prevent further damage and decay. Traditional fillings are usually metal and are quite visible, which can disrupt an otherwise beautiful smile. Porcelain fillings are a fantastic alternative, providing the necessary repair with a material that blends in with natural enamel.
Dental Bonding
By applying a moldable material to the surface of teeth and then hardening it, bonding can be used to restore surfaces on teeth and provide other aesthetic improvements.
Laser Treatment
While only recently introduced to dentistry, compared to medicine, laser treatments have proven to be immensely helpful. Laser application can be used to recontour gums and provide visual enhancement to a smile that was unachievable in the past.
Teeth Whitening
Simple and popular, teeth whitening is still most effective when performed by a dentist with professional-grade materials. Whitening is a quick way to rapidly improve an otherwise unsatisfactory smile.
No matter your particular need or desire, there is likely a treatment available. If you have any questions about cosmetic procedures or dental issues in general, Dr. Latinnelli’s staff is happy to answer your questions. We can be reached at 212-752-7188 and we look forward to helping you!
Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? It’s true! During October, those working in the dental hygiene industry work extra hard to promote good dental and oral hygiene habits. It’s in this spirit that we here at Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD and Associates would like to offer you some tips to help keep your whole mouth clean:
Brushing your teeth alone isn’t enough to maintain good oral health. Your teeth are important but don’t forget your tongue. Brushing or scraping your tongue can minimize bacteria that cause bad breath (or halitosis). Mouth wash is also great for the same purpose.
You should floss, but only once a day. Flossing is effective at cleaning between the teeth and along the gum line. However, flossing every time you brush is unnecessary and excessive.
Your toothbrush doesn’t have a very long lifespan and should be replaced every three or so months. It can be difficult to tell when you need to replace your toothbrush because visual cues may not be readily apparent. You need to feel the bristles and ensure they are still firm. As they lose resistance they become ineffective at scrubbing.
Learn how to take care of your toothbrush. This is incredibly important for its longevity as well as your health. The ADA recommends that you thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after every use to remove any lingering paste. A brush should be allowed to dry in an upright position so that the back of the head and the bristles aren’t making contact with any surface. Finally, if you keep your toothbrush in any kind of case, wait until it has completely dried before putting it in. Leaving it in a closed space while it’s damp can promote bacterial growth in the bristles.
If you’d like to learn more about good oral hygiene, Dr. Lattinelli can help! Visit our office at 121 East 60th Street in New York, or give us a call at 212-752-7188 and schedule an appointment.
Whether you’ve lost a tooth or need a tooth pulled, you are likely interested in tooth replacement. You can achieve an attractive and symmetrical smile that can increase your confidence when you opt for dental implants. For tooth replacement, dental implants are best! Read on to learn more about dental implants.
Unlike other tooth replacement alternatives, dental implants replace the root of the tooth. By replacing the root, your dental implants can appear and function like a regular tooth. Dental implants are implanted firmly into the jaw bone, offering stability and strength. Dental implants don’t impact neighboring teeth. If you are worried about irritating or damaging your other teeth with dental implants, have no fear. Dental implants are an appealing tooth replacement option because they can easily be added to single gaps in a smile without irritating the other teeth.
If you are self-conscious about needing a tooth replacement, dental implants can offer the discretion you are looking for. Dental implants are realistic and stable, so people may not even be able to notice that your dental implants aren’t your real teeth. You can eat and talk just like you used to, and you don’t have to worry about your dental implants shifting.
Dental implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement option. You may be interested in dental implants because they can last for decades. Alternative tooth replacements only last around 5 years. Dental implants are a worthwhile investment that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
If you are interested in dental implants, get in touch with Dr. Lattinelli. At the offices of Joseph C. Lattinelli, D.M.D., we can provide patients with dental implants. To learn more about our services and to book your consultation, visit our website or give us a call! You can reach the office of Dr. Lattinelli at 212-752-7188 today!
Due to a wide range of reasons such as medical conditions, accidents or genetics, our teeth might turn crooked thereby affecting our smile, the way we chew on food and even impact our self-esteem which is quite priceless. However, most people think that braces are the only solution to such teeth. The good news is that you no longer have to get metal on your teeth to keep them in line and regain your incredible smile.
Most issues can be corrected with Invisalign but it’s always to consult with us before you begin. Depending on the results of your scans and tests, we can give you between 10 to 40 clear aligners so that you can switch them up about every week to gain maximum efficiency. With time, they will straighten your teeth with much fewer appointments to see us than the traditional braces.
Benefits of Invisalign over Traditional Braces
Better Aesthetics
Since these trays are transparent and nearly invisible to the naked eye, you can carry on your day without worrying that people will see wires or brackets in your mouth. Meaning you don’t have to feel self-conscious as you speak to people.
Easier Maintenance
Since these aren’t as permanent as braces are, you are free to eat what your heart desires without worrying about dirtying them. You can take them out, eat, brush and place them back in their place.
Blends Well with Patient’s Lifestyles
If for one reason or the other you cannot make it for an appointment as recommended by us, you can always keep multiple trays at home. If you are constantly on the move because of work or are in college, you can carry them with you and switch them up as recommended. If you don’t have additional ones, you can just wear the last ones without worrying about negative repercussions until you can go in for another appointment.
As such, if you need to get some Invisalign, please do it at a professional’s such as ourselves at Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD. Not only can we take care of all your dental needs, but also we treat you with the utmost respect and care. We are located at 121 E 60th Street in New York. You can also contact us at 212-752-7188 to book an appointment today!
It is estimated that over 175 million adults in America have at least one tooth missing, while more than 40 million are missing all of them. This is not only a serious issue due to the health and wellness concerns it causes, such as not being able to chew food or even speak properly, it can also cause embarrassment and even depression.
Modern dental science has a number of options when it comes to correcting this problem however, with the two main choices being dental implants and dentures. Here’s how they stack up against each other:
Dentures vs. Implants
There are a number of differences between the two most common options in tooth replacement. Here is a breakdown of a few of the particulars regarding implants:
In contrast, here are some things you can expect from dentures:
So if you are tired of struggling with the inconvenience and social issues that accompany missing teeth and you are looking to solve the problem once and for all, stop by and see us at Joseph C. Lattinelli and Associates located at 121 East 60th Street, 10th Floor, in New York. Our experienced professionals are ready to help you find the best dental solutions for your needs.
If you can’t make it in person, you can reach us by phone at 212-752-7188 to ask any questions or to schedule an appointment. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you with whatever you may need.
A smile makeover is not just about cosmetics, it’s also about oral health. Certainly, cosmetic aspects like tooth whitening and straightening are important for improving your smile, and your appearance. It’s also important that you stop and correct tooth decay, gum disease, and even bone loss. All of these things and more are problems Dr. Lattinelli can correct. He has had excellent training in dentistry and is very involved in advances in dental ceramics techniques, and full mouth rehabilitation.
Smile Makeover Specifics
A smile makeover is not just superficial work in a 30-minute office visit. Usually, a smile makeover is a combination of two or more procedures, to improve the appearance of your smile. Those procedures can include porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, clear braces, cosmetic bonding, and metal-free restorations.
Porcelain veneers are shells made of a thin layer of dental porcelain; they are attached to the front of your teeth and cover flaws. Teeth whitening uses gel to removes stains and discolorations from teeth. Cosmetic bonding takes tooth-colored resin to fill in chips and cracks. Clear braces are aligners for straightening teeth. Metal-free fillings are used to rebuild teeth without the old dental amalgams of silver, tin, copper, and other metals.
Smile Makeover Benefits
One obvious (and quick) benefit of a smile makeover is a significant improvement in your appearance. That leads to an increase in self-confidence, and to an increase in the self-reinforcing positive impressions that people have about you. A bright, white smile will enhance your attractiveness, likeability, and youthfulness.
If you have an extensive smile makeover, that includes repair, reconstruction, or replacement of multiple teeth, it can even change the shape of your jaw and mouth. That can result in an improved appearance, including reducing or removing the “hollow-cheeked” look of an elderly person.
If you would like more information or a consultation, please reach out to our offices by calling 212-752-7188. The offices of Dr. Lattinelli can’t wait to help you achieve the smile makeover of your dreams!
If you are less than satisfied with your smile, dental implants may be for you. Dental implants are quickly becoming the go-to- solution for individuals with a less than perfect smile. To learn if dental implants are for you, just keep reading.
Dental implants are most popular for people with missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants can improve the appearance and function of your teeth. They are also built to last. Bridges and dentures act as short term fixes, while dental implants are designed to last a lifetime.
Additionally, dental implants stay put. The implants are fused to your jawbone naturally, so there’s no need to worry about shifting or clicking.
If you are missing teeth, you run the risk of deteriorating your jawbone. Dental implants support the jawbone, which can keep your jaw healthy and even encourage further bone growth.
When it comes to the most natural solution for your smile, dental implants are the answer. Dental implants look like teeth, feel like teeth, and function like teeth. This can give you the smile and the confidence you deserve.
If you are looking for a quick solution to your missing or damaged teeth, dental implants are an immediate solution. The dental implant procedure is quick and the downtime after the treatment is short. We can repair your smile right away, so you can get the results you want immediately.
Thinking about getting dental implants? If so, get in touch with Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD! At the offices of Dr. Lattinelli, we are dedicated to helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams. Our office is located at 121 East 60th Street in New York. You can schedule a consultation with our office by calling 212-752-7188or by visiting our website. We hope to work with you soon!
An even, bright smile has the power to transform your appearance. For many people, however, this seems wholly unattainable. If you’re struggling with teeth that are discolored or uneven, don’t worry – you can still achieve the perfect smile. All you have to do is invest in a modern solution for this modern concern. And for many patients, porcelain veneers turn out to be a great option. Let’s take a look at some of their benefits and why you might consider investing in them today!
Whiter Teeth
Are you searching for some way to turn your teeth the perfect shade of white? Porcelain veneers can help. They can transform your teeth from varying shades of yellow to a uniform and bright white appearance. If you find yourself unable to receive whitening treatments or are simply looking for a solution that has more predictable results, veneers might be the best choice for your needs.
Improved Stain Resistance
In addition to dramatically improving the overall color of your smile, porcelain veneers can also help you maintain your newly whitened teeth for longer than whitening treatments alone. Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, which means that your teeth while staying whiter for longer than they otherwise might.
A More Even Appearance
Teeth that aren’t uniform in appearance are very common and can have a big impact on self-confidence. The good news is that it’s possible to attain an even, uniform smile via porcelain veneers. They can help eliminate issues with the length, width, and shape of your teeth that might call attention to your smile for the wrong reasons.
Are you interested in attaining the perfect smile? With quality porcelain veneers, that dream can easily be a reality. Reach out to Dr. Joseph C. Lattinelli in Manhattan today for more information! Call us at 212-752-7188 or visit us at 121 East 60th Street in New York.