About Cosmetic Dentistry

We aim to give you the best smile you have had. We use different techniques to solve many cosmetic problems.  Dr. Horowitz’s art background in painting, drawing, and sculpture combined with her knowledge of the latest materials make for the “perfect storm.” She wants to help her patients feel good about themselves and their oral health.

Gum Disease

We believe at New York Family Dentistry that looking after the foundation of the teeth i.e. the gum and surrounding supporting bone is important. If weak foundations are present the teeth will not be able to function optimally.

Dr. Horowitz is able to give you the hygiene clean that will clean away the bacteria, plaque and tartar that builds around your teeth. With her exceptional background and skill as a dental hygienist (a graduate from University of Pennsylvania) prior to becoming a dentist, you can be sure you're receiving excellent care. Dr. Horowitz spends 45 minutes -1 hour  or more with her patients for the cleanings. While she uses ultrasonic scalers to clean,  she always takes the time to do a thorough scaling with hand scalers . This cleans below the gums and between the teeth. This is followed up with polishing the mouth and flossing of the teeth (including underneath any bridgework).

Patients with removable appliances are also given the royal treatment, thoroughly cleaning their dentures and partials. Finally, time is also spent with regard to home care and preventative measures.  Dr. Horowitz, personally reviews with her patients tooth brushing techniques, flossing methods,  and customizes any other techniques needed to help the patient achieve the best oral health.

When bacteria, plaque and tartar is removed you get fresher breath and talk confidently to work colleagues, friends, and family members.

Oral Hygiene

There are five surfaces to our teeth. Remember to brush your teeth 3 times a day because plaque forms on your teeth within an hour of eating foods or taking sugar drinks. The toothbrush can clean the biting surface and the cheek and tongue surfaces well. However to clean the surfaces in between teeth can only be done using flossing aids.

It is important that you floss in between your teeth every day. Flossing aids or holders allow you to clean your teeth without putting your fingers in the mouth. The back teeth can be cleaned very effectively with it when shown how to use it properly.

When the spaces between our teeth are wide then using interdental  brushes called proxybrushes (which appears like a bottle brush) to clean is ideal. The brushes come in different shapes, sizes, colors and even ones for travel. eg. Oral-B and TePe products.
Lastly to clean under bridges the use of Super Floss is ideal. On one end of the floss it is slightly stiff and helps get under the bridge. Once under there is a foam part of the floss that will help clean the bridged tooth.

Fillings

Cosmetic fillings allow you to smile more.  It’s also a good material to use to replace outdated restorations and for other restorative needs.  When we use these tooth colored fillings, we use the best. We decided to use these materials so that you get better color matching and longevity. You can remain confident that you have the best in your mouth.

When preparing for these cosmetic fillings there is less tooth that needs to be removed compared to metal mercury fillings.  The material is a resin.  It has a soft consistency allowing to place the material carefully in increments.  The material adheres to tooth structure.  It is then hardened, contoured, and polished.  However, it does take longer than silver fillings to place into the tooth.  Because of this, we schedule longer appointments to provide the necessary time for best results and your dental satisfaction.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers like cosmetic resin restorations can be used to treat many conditions such as broken or chipped front teeth, spaces, cracks, discolored or stained teeth, and teeth that are malaligned or crooked.  The veneer is attached to the existing tooth structure with special bonding liquids and materials.  Sometimes, orthodontics is recommended in combination with these cosmetic restorations to achieve the best cosmetic results.

Crowns and Bridges

Dental Crowns
Tooth decay weakens teeth severely sometimes. There can be a high risk that the tooth may fall apart. Also root canal treatment, where the pulp of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels is removed, can also weaken a tooth, especially if it has a large filling. Teeth can wear down over time because of grinding.

In these cases a crown is often the best way to save a tooth and strengthen it. A crown fits over the existing natural tooth and replaces the natural crown, the part of the tooth that is seen above the gums.

Dental Bridges
Bridges replace one or two missing teeth and are permanently cemented to your adjacent teeth after teeth preparation. They consist of an artificial tooth anchored to the natural teeth on each side of the gap. However it is becoming more popular to replace a missing tooth with an implant because the adjacent teeth are not disturbed.

Crowns and bridges are usually made of porcelain. Porcelain is strong and can be made to match the color of the natural teeth.

It is important to keep your teeth for as long as possible because they have other functions apart from chewing and biting. So missing teeth should be replaced for the following reasons: 1) To improve appearance 2) To prevent stresses causing damage to other teeth 3) To prevent the teeth near the gap from shifting 4) To maintain the natural bite and 5) To improve chewing ability.

Implants

Implants are a wonderful restorative method used to replace areas of missing teeth where it is possible. It is also used to secure removeable prostheses such as dentures. This has become a popular alternative to fixed bridges or removeable prostheses.

The implant itself is a medical device made of titanium and its use requires meticulous planning. A team approach is needed where more than one doctor is involved in the process. The team is led by the general dentist or the prosthodontist. In more complex cases, a specialist as a prosthodontist is recommended. Dr. Ronald Knoll, Dr. Horowitz's husband, is a prosthodontist who treats such cases (refer to Articles and News). Dr. Knoll has extensive experience in planning and restoring implant cases. He, also, has vast knowledge in the use of various implant systems.

Implants have become more commonplace and has the closest function next to what nature has provided us with our natural teeth. Implants can give a feeling of confidence. 

Discuss with Dr. Horowitz and Dr. Knoll to see if you can benefit from having implants.

Invisalign

We are now providers for the newest method of aligning teeth called Invisalign. The treatment uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. This is a great alternative to the traditional orthodontic braces for a patient who is a candidate for this treatment.

To read more refer to News.