NYC Smile Design Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

NYC Cosmetic Dentists Serving Manhattan and New York, NY

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June 04, 2020

Woman with jaw pain, sitting on a park bench

TMJ is not one condition, but rather an umbrella term for any number of issues that can impact jaw alignment. In some cases, the underlying cause of TMJ is arthritis. In others, it may be trauma. Some instances are self-inflicted through bruxism or poor stress management, and others still are the result of underlying bite irregularities.

How do I Know if I Have TMJ?

Regardless of its cause,...

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April 15, 2020

What are braces?

Braces are an orthodontic treatment consisting of brackets and wires. The brackets, attached to the surface of the teeth, are strung through with archwire that is gradually tightened to pull the teeth into their optimal position.

Close up of girl wearing ceramic braces

What are ceramic braces?

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April 06, 2020

There are two types of tooth staining: intrinsic, which occurs below the enamel, and extrinsic, which occur on top.

Food, beverage, and lifestyle choices are often the primary causes of extrinsic stains with some of the biggest culprits being:

  • Coffee and tea
  • Red wine
  • Soda and sports drinks
  • Dark foods and sauces

Inadequate oral hygiene can also cause extrinsic stains.

Intrinsic stains are typically caused by antibiotic and fluoride use during childhood. These may appear as mottled areas of the teeth or ribbons of white underneath the enamel. Unlike extrinsic stains,...

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March 10, 2020

Dental care can be extremely expensive. Whether an unplanned dental emergency or a planned smile makeover, figuring out how to finance your procedure can prove challenging. Dental benefits offered through insurance will often pay for at least a portion of your care – but most coverage will not pay for services deemed cosmetic or “unnecessary” by your plan provider. This leaves covering the cost of many dental treatments up to the patient.

Do Dentists Let You Pay in Installments?

Installment payments are sometimes available through dental offices....

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February 17, 2020

Dark lines around dental crowns and veneers can be very off-putting. After all, porcelain is selected for dental restorations, at least in part, due to its aesthetic abilities.

The good news is, black lines around porcelain veneers or crowns poses no physical dangers. The bad news is, unless replaced, black lines cannot be removed from dental restorations.

What Causes Black Lines Around Porcelain Restorations?

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February 09, 2020

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only “special” day in February. While this candy-filled holiday takes the spotlight in what is traditionally the coldest month of the year, another – albeit less enticing and not as official – observance takes place on the 9th of this month, National Toothache Day.

What is Toothache Day?!

National Toothache Day is a day set aside to either celebrate the fact that you are toothache free or to finally pick up the phone and call a dentist about your lingering tooth pain.

According to TimeandDate.com, no one is sure where Toothache Day came from, though it is strongly suspected it...

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January 17, 2020

There are two types of tooth stains:

  • Extrinsic. External stains can be caused by darker foods and beverages, tobacco use, and inadequate brushing
  • Intrinsic. Internal stains may result from trauma, tooth infection and gum disease, excess fluoride, certain medications, and the process of aging

To whiten teeth, stains must either be removed or covered. Which option will be the most useful for your smile is dependent on the cause, location, and extent of your tooth discoloration.

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December 16, 2019

Woman with glasses laughing while sitting at a deskPorcelain is an incredibly strong and functionally reliable material. Used for plates, bathroom fixtures, and other items that must be strong enough for frequent use but should also look and feel appealing.

For...

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December 02, 2019

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, an effort by Prevent Blindness America (PBA) that asks us to consider the age-appropriateness of a gift before giving it to a child. Primarily focused on preventing injury, recommendations from PBA include:

  • Inspecting toys before purchase
  • Avoiding toys that shoot or have flying parts
  • ...
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November 22, 2019

Job Interview Going PoorlyA recent study from the ADA found that 28% of young adult respondents and 29% of lower-income adult respondents believe that the appearance of their smiles has negatively impacted their ability to get a job. And they are, in all likelihood, correct.

Your smile...

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