Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Have Additional, Unanswered Questions?

What is the difference between a dental veneer and a dental bonding?

Veneers and bonding have the same goal in mind: improving the appearance of your teeth by correcting misaligned, discolored, and chipped or broken teeth. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that sit on the front layer of your teeth, and they normally require about 3 visits. Bonding is a more general term used to describe all the processes that involve placing a filling material on the front surface of a tooth. In a nutshell, veneers (for the most part):

  • are more permanent while bonding usually lasts 10 years.
  • take longer to have done because they involve a laboratory step.
  • are slightly more costly.

Both are powerful cosmetic procedures that can completely change the appearance of a smile. Dr. Patton would be happy to help you decide which would be best for you.

How effective is teeth whitening?

Most agree that teeth whitening treatments are well worth the cost. If your teeth are not-so-white anymore because of diet, age, or trauma, we would love to speak with you about our teeth whitening treatments. Options for putting the shine back in your smile range from in-office bleaching to at-home bleaching, and after a brief consultation, our team can help you discern what would be best for you.

What are the different kinds of teeth whitening treatments?

In-office bleaching, also known as chair-side bleaching, usually calls for just one office visit. We would apply a protective gel to your gums and then bleach to your teeth. The other kind of teeth whitening treatment that we offer takes place in the comfort of your home with custom-made trays. We give instructions on how much and how long.

Why do I need a dental crown on my root canal treated tooth?

Dental crows are most often needed after root canals because they boost the odds of the tooth surviving for years to come. They are usually required on molars, premolars, and other teeth toward the back of the mouth. Crowns protect against grinding and further breaking, cracking, and decay.

Why did one of my teeth turn dark and how can I fix it?

Teeth turn black because of damage that has happened inside the tooth or outside the tooth. More specifically, causes range from cavities, dental restorations, infections, nerve damage, staining, medications, tartar, or tobacco. Once you have come in for a consultation, we can advise you on best next steps.

What is a dental implant?

Highly durable, a dental implant is a replacement for an irreparable or missing tooth, and it consists of three parts: a titanium post, an abutment and a crown. The post is placed within the jaw and permanently fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. The abutment fits inside the post and connects it to the crown, which looks and feels exactly like a natural tooth. We specialize in placing the crown on the surgically placed implant, finishing off the procedure that your oral surgeon began.

What type of night guard is recommended for teeth grinding or clenching habits?

There are an abundance of options when it comes to night guards, so many that you may find yourself overwhelmed when you begin your search. We are here to guide you through the process of narrowing down your choices. It may take a few tries before you find the perfect fit, but when shopping for the best night guard for you, you may want to make sure it is:

  • Comfortable
  • Easily customized
  • Affordable
  • Durable

Call Downtown Dental Brooklyn Phone Number 718-576-3730 with questions and to schedule an appointment.