You should feel great about your smile!
Cosmetic dentistry is not officially recognized as a specialty within the field. However, it is vital to many patients who want to enhance their teeth and smile. Cosmetic dentistry is also one of the more popular dental services that Dr. Richard Sousa offers.
Dr. Sousa spends time with our patients to thoroughly evaluate the fit and function of the bite. He also assesses the overall appearance of their smile. Dr. Sousa will address any underlying dental problems before applying cosmetic treatments. Failing to do so will compromise the integrity of the results.
A cosmetic dentist with training and experience will only perform a cosmetic treatment on a stable and healthy smile. Achieving a healthy smile first is the key to lasting dental health and a smile that feels as good as it looks.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services
Dr. Sousa offers several cosmetic dental treatments to tackle a full range of dental imperfections. We gear each treatment and procedure towards improving your smile while supporting your dental health.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring (gum reshaping or a gum lift) is a dental procedure we use to improve the gumline. This cosmetic dental treatment is for patients with uneven or excessive gum tissue that affects their smile aesthetics.
During the procedure, Dr. Sousa will carefully trim and reshape the gum tissue. This cosmetic treatment will create a more balanced and symmetrical gumline to help you reach your smile goals. To learn more about how gum contouring works, see Gum Contouring.
Minimal Prep Veneers
Minimal prep veneers will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile with minimal alteration to the natural tooth structure. Unlike traditional veneers that involve removing enamel, minimal prep veneers involve only a slight etching of the tooth surface. This type of dental veneer preserves more of the natural tooth, fostering better oral health in the long term.
A key advantage of minimal prep veneers is their ability to provide a seamless, natural look. Dr. Sousa can achieve this look while addressing issues such as stains, chips, minor misalignments, and gaps between teeth. To read more about the benefits of minimal prep dental veneers, see Minimal Prep Veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are one of our most popular cosmetic treatments. A tooth veneer made from porcelain is simply a shell about 0.5mm thick. We use them to provide aesthetic enhancements to smiles. The veneer will only cover the front surface of the tooth.
Porcelain veneers can address cosmetic issues with your smile such as stains, chips, gaps, and minor tooth alignment. The process to apply veneers involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth, ensuring a perfect fit. To learn about dental veneer procedure, see Porcelain Veneers.
Tooth Bonding
Teeth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure where Dr. Sousa will apply a tooth-colored composite resin to teeth. He uses this cosmetic dental technique to address several minor dental issues, including chipped, cracked, discolored, or decayed teeth. Unlike porcelain veneers, tooth bonding does not require removing enamel from the teeth.
Dr. Sousa will simply prepare the surface of the tooth by gently etching it and applying a conditioning liquid. This ensures that the bonding material sticks to the tooth’s surface properly. Dental bonding is the most cost effective treatment we offer that provides dramatic results. To learn about the benefits of dental bonding, see Tooth Bonding.
Professional Tooth Whitening
Professional tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that will deliver a brighter smile by whitening teeth. Dr. Sousa offers the ZOOM™ professional whitening procedure. This procedure uses advanced whitening agents and a special light that activates it.
Professional whitening is more effective and safer at treating discolored teeth than over-the-counter products. Dr. Sousa can perform the procedure in about an hour to whiten your teeth up to 8 shades.
We also offer take-home kits that you can use in the comforts of your own home, on your own time. To learn more about how these professional whitening treatments work, see Teeth Whitening.
Smile Design: Thorough Planning, Excellent Results
East Hills Dental Associates is your dental home for personalized smile makeovers. We can deliver a better smile using our Smile Design process for the most natural-looking results possible.
Dr. Sousa works closely with each patient to provide a preview of their smile to help them find the right treatments. We want to ensure we are helping you achieve your cosmetic goals and understand your options before beginning.
Evaluating the tooth-to-tooth relationships and your functional requirements is critical. A thorough assessment will aid in choosing the right treatment plan for you. Once Dr. Sousa considers the fundamentals, he will look at the gum line, tooth form, size, and color.
Developing a complete smile makeover may include one or several procedures, depending on your unique situation.
- Digital photography: Dr. Souas will take high-resolution pictures of your mouth from all angles. He will use the images to evaluate your facial structure.
- Wax mock-up: Unlike many cosmetic dentists, Dr. Sousa will create a wax model of your new smile. This visual will help you see how the treatments he suggests will impact your appearance.
Our in-house dental laboratory is where we make most of our custom dental restorations. As a trained Master Ceramist, Dr. Sousa will oversee the fabrications.
Our dental office provide attention to detail and consist care to transform patient’s smiles. This level of care lays the foundation for results that will withstand the test of time and support long-term oral health.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Cosmetic dentistry is a popular dental service we offer. If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, we can help you choose the best treatment. Our frequently asked questions sections displays the answers to our most commonly asked questions. Our staff is available to take your call if you have additional questions.
Does insurance pay for cosmetic dentistry?
The answer depends on the type of insurance you have and the specific procedure. Many insurance plans will cover some forms of cosmetic dentistry. For instance, your insurance may cover a dental crown if they deem it medically necessary. However, most policies do not provide coverage for purely aesthetic procedures such as teeth whitening or reshaping.
How long do professional teeth whitening services last?
The longevity of your results depends on the type of treatment you choose. Your results will also last longer if you follow post-treatment instructions.
Professional treatments typically last for a few months. However, you can extend this with good oral hygiene habits and regular touch-up treatments. At-home kits such as whitening strips or gels may last up to six months if used properly.
Do porcelain veneers ever fall off?
Porcelain veneers are durable and generally last for several years with proper care. However, they can chip or fall off if you do not properly maintain them or if excessive force occurs. You must follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to enjoy your restorations for many years.
Is tooth bonding a permanent solution?
Dental bonding is not a permanent solution. Tooth bonding is a semi-permanent solution. While it can last several years with proper care, it may need repair or replacement every so often because of normal wear and tear.
Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure the longevity of your tooth bonding. Committing to aftercare will also reduce the risk of staining that may require replacement.
Who is a candidate for gum contouring?
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that helps reshape the gum line. This cosmetic treatment will create a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile. Candidates for this procedure include an uneven gum line and excessive gingival tissue covering part of their teeth. Someone with a “gummy” smile because of excess tissue can benefit from gum contouring.
Who is a good candidate for no-prep veneers?
No-prep veneers are a type of porcelain restoration that can improve the appearance of your teeth. The procedure does not require any alteration to the existing tooth structure. Candidates for this procedure should be in good oral health with no active gum disease or decay and proper home healthcare habits.
Schedule An Appointment
Ready to feel great about your smile again? Schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Sousa to learn about cosmetic dentistry in the East Hills, NY, and Roslyn Heights, NY area. In addition to cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Sousa can also address complex dental issues. We provide many treatments that will improve your oral health and smile such as dental implants and inlays and onlays.
East Hills Dental Associates welcomes new patients from many local communities. Dr. Sousa provides individualized dental care in a warm, compassionate environment. Contact us at (516) 253-6873 or request an appointment online.