Morristown, Morris County - Cosmetic Dentistry - Laser Dentistry, Veneers, and Teeth Whitening

• Technology
• Porcelain Veneers
• Composite Bonding
• Teeth Whitening
• The Customized Smile Makeover
• The Non-Invasive Wrinkle Eraser
• Composite Fillings
• Patient Information
• Dental Resource Links

Technology - Laser Dentistry and More

An Aesthetic Smile Is Created With One-of-a-Kind Equipment
As part of an ongoing commitment to his patients and to help them achieve the ultimate smile, Dr. Romano and Dr. Vaccaro have outfitted his office with the most state-of-the-art dental technology available. Very few dentists in the country have access to the type of machinery necessary to implement a true “Smile Makeover.” The following are tools of the trade unique to our practice:

Intra-Oral Camera
This micro-mini camera takes up-close and personal photos of the back teeth and gums, allowing patients to view exactly what the dentist sees - decay, cavities, or receding gum lines. With this knowledge, patients can make educated decisions regarding their dental work.

Digital Radiography
At Aesthetic Smiles of New Jersey, we use state-of-the-art computerized “x-rays” to instantly evaluate teeth for decay and gum problems with a 90 percent reduction in radiation exposure to the patient. This allows us to see any problems in advance of your smile makeover and correct them swiftly so as not to detract from your new smile.

Computer Imaging Machine
A highly skilled technician utilizes this computer to illustrate the potential end results of a complete Smile Makeover. Patients are invited to “try-on” their new smile before the process begins. The color screen is split into two, showing a before and after image of the patient's teeth while the technician uses a wand to change the shape and color of the teeth.

Laser Dentistry
The office is equipped with several lasers, each performing a specific task.

1) The Argon Laser is used for curing the resin cement to place your porcelain veneers. It allows the cement to set quickly and strongly to give you the best results possible.

2) The Diode Laser is used to reshape the gum line. It cuts the gums in less than five seconds without pain or bleeding. This allows us to afford you the most beautiful smile possible.

3) The Erbium Yag Laser helps us reshape and contour teeth and, in many cases, a local anesthetic is not needed.

CEREC 3
The CEREC3 allows us to make porcelain inlay and onlay restorations right in the office. The convenience to the patient is one visit with no temporaries or gooey impressions to taste and gag on. The restoration also provides for a very cosmetic and strong tooth.

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Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are laid onto the teeth and bonded to the surface. Although they can be made of different materials, porcelain is frequently used because of its durability and realistic appearance. Porcelain veneers are a more conservative alternative to crowns since they require less removal of the tooth's original surface. With porcelain veneers in place, patients can expect straighter, whiter, and more even looking teeth.

The Veneers Procedure

Before undergoing the procedure for veneers, you and your dentist will discuss the process of placing porcelain veneers and the options available (e.g. types and shades of veneers). Once you have decided on veneers, your dentist removes a very small layer of each tooth's outer enamel. A local anesthesia may be used, but is typically not necessary. Using the CEREC 3, your dentist will create your customized veneers directly after taking measurements. Once the porcelain veneers have returned from the lab, the patient makes his or her final dental visit. The dentist applies the porcelain veneer to the tooth using a bonding material. When exposed to light, this bonding material dries and hardens.

Following the Veneers Procedure

Patients may experience some sensitivity in the teeth, especially with contact to hot or cold substances. This sensitivity should lessen within two weeks. If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, your dentist can fit you with a mouthguard to protect the teeth. Porcelain veneers are quite strong and can withstand considerable force when a patient bites down, but they may fracture or break if twisted. Patients should therefore avoid hard or sharp foods such as ice or pistachios that may cause undue stress. Porcelain veneers should be cared for in much the same way as normal teeth, which includes daily brushing, flossing, and periodic check-ups with a dentist. Given the proper care, porcelain veneers can keep you smiling for decades to come. Contact Doctor Ed A. Romano, Matthew M. Vaccaro and Aesthetic Smiles of NJ if you are interested in porcelain veneers.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a technique used to improve the appearance of your teeth. The term composite bonding refers to any composite material, either a plastic or resin, that is bonded to an existing tooth. Bonding is ideal for fixing chipped or cracked teeth, hiding discoloration on the tooth's surface, or reducing the gaps in between teeth. Whatever the specific intent, composite bonding creates more aesthetically pleasing teeth and a more vibrant smile. Unlike porcelain veneers or crowns, composite bonding removes little, if any, of the original tooth.

The Advantages of Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a quick process, typically lasting less than an hour. Compared to porcelain veneers or crowns, it is a popular choice because it does not reduce the tooth's original structure. As well, composite bonding is relatively inexpensive. And finally, composite resins are available in many different shades. The shade can be chosen to match the natural color of the original tooth.

The Process

The dentist begins by examining and cleaning the tooth to be bonded. Once the tooth is properly prepped, the dentist rubs the tooth with a mild solution that facilitates the bonding of the composite resin to the tooth. The composite resin is then applied in several coats. Each coat is hardened (or set) using a specially designed dentist's light. Once the dentist has placed an adequate amount of resin on the tooth, the bond is sculpted for the desired shape and texture. Bonding is performed in the dentist's chair and usually does not require any anesthesia.

After Composite Bonding

Proper care of the bonded tooth insures the longest possible duration of the bonding. The bonded teeth, just like the rest of your teeth, should be brushed and flossed daily. This is especially important if you drink coffee, tea, or smoke tobacco, all of which stain composite bonds. Bonds typically do not last as long as porcelain veneers or crowns, and they may need to be retouched or replaced every five to 10 years. Contact Doctor Ed A. Romano, Matthew M. Vaccaro and Aesthetic Smiles of NJ if you are interested in composite bonds.

Teeth Whitening

Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, it is inevitable that, over time, some yellowing or discoloration will occur. This gradual change can be caused by aging, substances that stain your teeth (such as coffee and tobacco), excessive fluoride, or the deterioration of a tooth's nerve. A tooth whitening treatment can be performed either as an at-home, dentist-supervised process or in the dentist's chair. While neither of these methods stops future discoloration, these treatments bring about whiter teeth and help create a more vibrant smile.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

The most popular method of teeth whitening is the at-home, dentist-supervised option. During your visit to the dentist, he or she takes a mold of your teeth and creates a comfortable, customized mouthtray. The mouthtray holds a mild solution whose main ingredient is carbamide peroxide, a substance that reacts with water to release a non-toxic bleaching element (hydrogen peroxide). The mouthtray is placed inside the mouth and sits only against the teeth, thereby avoiding contact with the gums. Patients can choose either to wear the mouthtray throughout the night or for stretches that last from two to four hours. When the mouthtray is worn throughout the night, the treatment lasts for one to two weeks. Patients with more sensitive teeth may opt for the latter approach, which lasts for three to five weeks.

Laser Teeth Whitening

The alternative method for teeth whitening is laser tooth whitening, performed at the dentist's office. This treatment involves coating the teeth with a paste-like form of carbamide peroxide. When the laser is applied to this paste, the tooth's enamel takes on a whiter appearance. This technique takes approximately one hour in the dentist's chair and involves no further at-home treatment. While more convenient than at-home tooth whitening treatments, it is more expensive and the results are not as long lasting.

Patient Concerns

When using the at-home tooth whitening treatment, patient's teeth may feel a heightened, but temporary, sensitivity. The gums may also feel more sensitive or burn slightly. Not all people experience the quality of whiteness they had hoped for on their first treatment, and they may require a “touch-up” treatment. Whitening treatments begin to fade in one to four years. It should be noted that tooth whitening treatments have no effect on the artificial materials used for bonds, veneers, or capped teeth. Contact Doctor Ed A. Romano, Matthew M. Vaccaro and Aesthetic Smiles of NJ if you are interested in teeth whitening in the Morris County area.

The Customized Smile Makeover

A Smile Makeover by Dr. Romano and Dr. Vaccaro is easy, painless, and can change your entire appearance overnight! Friends and relatives will wonder what's different - a new hairstyle, sudden weight loss, or plastic surgery. No one would imagine that a two-day visit to the dentist could generate image enhancing, life-changing results.

A Smile Makeover takes as little as four days to complete in a two-session office visit. The procedure starts with an initial consultation where patients can view their future smile makeover via computer imaging. Imaging allows the doctor and the patient to decide together what would be the most beautiful, natural-looking smile achievable. Because each patient is different, Dr. Romano and Dr. Vaccaro assess several factors that impact the outcome of the smile, including:

Face Shape - The shape of the face affects the shape of the teeth. For example, if a patient has a round face, we creates long, square-shaped teeth that will ultimately have a slimming affect on the patient's face.

Tooth color - The color of the teeth corresponds with the age of the patient - the younger the whiter. Dr. Romano and Dr. Vaccaro suggest patients go two to three shades lighter, but beyond that range, the color may look artificial. Also, your personal style - such as the color clothes you wear - can influence the shade selection of the porcelain veneers.

Tooth size - Longer teeth are synonymous with youth. Older teeth are shorter because of years of wear and tear. For a more youthful appearance, Dr. Romano and Dr. Vaccaro typically lengthen the front central teeth.

After the blue print is devised, the real reconstruction begins. To create a new smile without surgery or pain, we uses two very effective techniques: reshaping the gum line and rebuilding the teeth with porcelain veneers. The Diode Laser reshapes the gum around the tooth in less than five seconds without bleeding, correcting irregular gum lines and lengthening the appearance of each tooth. The veneers, which are equivalent in width to a baby's fingernail, are strong and durable and can completely change a patient's smile. They are custom made by master ceramists to repair almost any disfigurement including:

Crooked teeth - Without orthodontics, we can correct crooked teeth by filling in spaces with porcelain veneers, giving the appearance of straight, perfectly aligned teeth.

Discoloration - Porcelain veneers can cover stained, discolored teeth or be applied to whiten and brighten the entire smile. The veneers can be made to match existing teeth.

Worn teeth - By bonding a longer porcelain veneer to the original tooth, we can add length to short, worn teeth, making them look younger and stronger.

Chipped teeth - Porcelain veneers can cover chipped teeth, repairing any imperfection.

The final result is a beautiful, custom-designed smile. The “Smile Makeover” generates breathtaking results, and many patients say the change is “liberating” and gives their overall appearance and self-confidence an instant boost. Contact Doctor Ed A. Romano, Matthew M. Vaccaro and Aesthetic Smiles of NJ if you are interested in procedures for a customized smile makeover.

The Non-Invasive Wrinkle Eraser

As a result of revolutionary, non-invasive, and pain-free techniques that deliver age-defying results, we can deliver the wrinkle eraser. we can improve the lower third of the face, where wrinkles pop up around the upper lip area, through manipulation of tooth width and size, while still keeping a natural looking appearance.

Weeks of recovery from painful plastic surgery, all in an effort to erase a few years off the face and reestablish self-esteem, are no longer necessary. Now, we offers a new option to help achieve a more youthful appearance by diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, plumping up lips, and perfecting smiles, which makes patients look years younger safely and efficiently without surgery. To do so, Dr. Romano and Dr. Vaccaro enhance the teeth with thin porcelain veneers custom designed by ceramists who create veneers that match color, size, and shape of the natural teeth. Listed below are just some of the advantages to his revolutionary dental techniques:

Immediate Gratification Plastic surgery takes about six weeks and numerous visits to the doctor; the Scalpel-Free Face Lift can be completed in just two appointments.

Pain Free The scalpel-free face lift is performed without incisions.

Zero Recovery Leave the office without discomfort. The procedure is non-invasive, and there are no scalpels, needles, or cutting necessary. The procedure decreases the appearance of facial lines using safe, reliable procedures. How does he do it? With various adjustments that affect facial appearance from the inside out, including:

Porcelain Veneer Enlargement Laugh lines are decreased when the upper portion of a normally paper-thin veneer is thickened. Dr. Romano and Dr. Vaccaro build-out the porcelain veneer and, as a result, the facial area above the veneer is pushed out, thereby smoothing upper lip wrinkles while causing lips to appear more full and pouty.

Porcelain Veneer Elongation Shorter teeth signify aging, so porcelain veneers are made longer, creating the appearance of younger, longer teeth. The mouth appears fuller with longer teeth, as they actually push out the lower lip, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Buckle Corners Correction Buckle corners are the dark, negative space seen in the back corners of the mouth when a person smiles. To correct this, we widen the width of the back teeth with veneers. This broadens the smile and imparts it with more whiteness.

Porcelain Veneer Shading Stained teeth age people considerably. Placing a natural-looking, whiter porcelain veneer over discolored teeth brightens the face and creates a more youthful appearance. Contact Doctor Ed A. Romano, Matthew M. Vaccaro and Aesthetic Smiles of NJ if you are interested in the procedure used for a non-invasive wrinkle eraser.

Composite Fillings

Until recently, dentists filled and sealed cavities exclusively using a silver and mercury amalgam. Unfortunately, these fillings (or restorations) often weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that has to be removed. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to composite fillings as a strong, safe, and more natural looking alternative. Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic substance that includes a hardening agent.

The Fillings Procedure

During your initial visit, your dentist will begin by anesthetizing the tooth and removing any remaining decay. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist places the composite into the tooth where it binds to the original surface. The process is typically performed in several layers, wherein each layer is cured or hardened with the use of a hardening light. Composite restorations (fillings) for the back teeth are referred to as inlays. If the inlays need to be custom-made at an off-site dental lab, two visits to the dentist may be required. Once the dental office receives the custom inlays, the patient returns to the dentist's office, where the inlays will be bonded into place.

After the Fillings Have Been Placed Patients may have increased sensitivity in the tooth for several weeks following the procedure. Unlike veneers, composite fillings are porous. Over time, they may become stained from coffee, tea, tobacco, etc. Many dentists place a clear covering over the filling to avoid any future staining. Composite fillings typically last three to 12 years, depending on the location of the restoration, an individual's occlusion (or bite), and several other factors.

Pros and Cons of Composite Fillings The major advantage of these fillings is that they come in a range of shades that closely match the color of an individual's tooth. Due to the increased strength of modern composite material, they can now also be used in the back teeth. Unfortunately, composite fillings are one-and-a-half to two times more expensive than traditional restorations. Dental insurance typically covers the cost of composite fillings up to the price of the silver/mercury fillings. Contact Doctor Ed A. Romano, Matthew M. Vaccaro and Aesthetic Smiles of NJ if you are interested in composite fillings.

Patient Information At our Morristown cosmetic dentistry practice, we make it our goal to give patients all information available on our procedures so that they can make informed decisions about their treatment. Read more about cosmetic dentistry and other procedures in our index of dental treatments.

Dental Resource Links

• Smilelink Newsletter
• Patient Education
• Dental Health Guides
  

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