cosmetic dentistry
Did you know that cosmetic dentistry can be used to make subtle changes that create dramatic differences in the way you look to others… and how you feel about yourself?
Watch chipped, broken, discolored teeth, or unsightly gaps and spaces disappear with cosmetic dentistry from Dr. Markowitz.
We offer porcelain laminates/veneers and crowns, tooth-colored fillings, tooth whitening and Invisalign (the clear braces) to bring out your very best smile.
Are you ready for your new smile? Call us today for a smile consultation with Dr. Markowitz.
Dr. Markowitz uses the Astra Tech Dental Implants system, provides our patients with long lasting teeth that work, feel and look natural.
Tooth Whitening can lighten most stains caused by age, tobacco, coffee, and tea.
Veneers can fix most cosmetic problems and completely transform a smile in just two appointments.
Check out our Smile Gallery
Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is made of titanium and shaped like a screw. The implant is placed into the jawbone and serves as a secure root for the new tooth. Once in place, the implant can be used to attach different types of dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. With Dr. Markowitz using the Astra Tech implant system, you are able to get long lasting teeth that work, feel and look like natural ones.
Why are dental implants the best option for replacing missing teeth?
Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling; you may even forget you ever had a missing tooth. The confidence you have about your teeth affect how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Maybe you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Perhaps your dentures don’t feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence than dental implants are what you need! Under proper conditions, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants.
What implants can do?
- Replace one or more teeth without affecting neighboring teeth.
- Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
- Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable. The Astra Tech implant system has a unique design, which has been proven in clinical studies to give safe and predictable long-lasting results.
How long does it take?
With the Astra Tech implant system your treatment will be customized for your particular situation. Dr. Markowitz will determine your best treatment option and decide how long the treatment will take in your case. The exact duration depends on your health, the quantity and quality of your jawbone and the planned treatment.
Let us help you decide on the best course of action on replacing a missing tooth. Dr. Markowitz provides the dental implants to permanently solve problems of lost or damaged teeth. As an expert in dental implant procedures, Dr. Markowitz will discuss with you how we can restore your perfect smile. Give us a call to arrange for a convenient date for your free, private consultation on dental implants.
Tooth Whitening
Is whitening for me?
Whitening procedures are effective in lightning most stains caused by age, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Based on clinical studies, 96% of patients see some lightening effect. The best candidates are those patients with yellow and light brown teeth, stained over a period of years. While darker brown or grayish stains, such as those produced by tetracycline use or fluorosis (too much fluoride), require special techniques. If you have tooth-color fillings, bonding, and veneers when your teeth are bleached, the whitening will not lighten them. Dr. Markowitz can advise you if Zoom! is right for you.
What are the different whitening options?
While research continues into all types of bleaching systems, tooth bleaching is sure to continue to grow in popularity. Dr. Markowitz will explain which methods are best for you, and he could suggest one or a combination of the following for best results.
At-home bleaching kits:
The most popular whitening option. It’s an affordable and effective way for many people to achieve excellent whitening results. One of Dr. Markowitz’s knowledgeable staff members will take impressions of your teeth and create plastic trays customized to fit your own teeth. At home, you’ll fill the trays in with the whitening brand Dr. Markowitz feels is suitable to your needs. Some trays are worn for 30 min, others through the night.
Bonding:
A composite resin (plastic material) that is molded onto the teeth to change their color and to reshape them. However, the resin material can stain and chip over time. It is a moderate cost to you, the patinet. And for your convenience, Dr. Markowitz can usually do them in one office visit.
Porcelain Veneers:
While this option is the most expensive one, it is also the most effective. These shell-like facings can be bonded onto stained teeth and they never discolor. They are used to reshape and/or lengthen teeth as well as to whiten. Veneers can be completed in, usually, two office visits.
In-office whitening:
Sometimes called laser bleaching. Extensive research and clinical studies have shown that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dental professional is safe. In-office whitening is also the fastest way possible and most of the time, gets instant results. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only the teeth exposed. Dr. Markowitz applies a whitening gel to the surface of the teeth and it remains on the teeth for about 15 -30 min. In some instances a laser or special light can be used to assist the gel in the whitening process.
What is Zoom! whitening?
Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. Most people make good candidates for the Zoom! procedure which produces excellent results in little more than an hour. The clinician applies the propriety Zoom! Whitening gel, which was designed to be used with a specially designed light. The Zoom! light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. With proper care your smile will dazzle for years.
Why is whitening from Dr. Markowitz better than an over-the-counter whitening product?
These products have proved to be not as effective or long lasting as the techniques offered at Dr. Markowitz office. Also the trays that hold the whitening gel are not customized to fit your teeth. Which leads to leakage and that will irritate gums.
What preparation does Dr. Markowitz do before whitening the teeth?
Your first appointment is a consultation appointment. Dr. Markowitz will do a thorough examination of your teeth and decide if you’re a good candidate for Zoom! A dental cleaning is always a good idea to make sure the whitening gel adheres to the clean prepared surfaces of the teeth.
What results can I expect?
Typical results can produce a change of several shades of whiteness, lasting 3-5 years. Different factors, such as diet, affect how long the process takes to whitening. The whitening method is also a factor in how long the whitening lasts.
Veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers, also called dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are thin shells of porcelain that cover just the visible portion of your teeth. The porcelain is extremely hard and durable as well as very resistant to staining. Porcelain veneers can fix most cosmetic problems and completely transform a smile in just two appointments. They are similar to artificial fingernails in size and appearance, and serve a similar function as they are bonded to the natural surface to improve appearance. Dr. Markowitz routinely uses porcelain veneers as a means to make cosmetic changes for teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned.
Am I a candidate for porcelain veneers?
If you have a severe case of dull or discolored teeth, mild chipping, cracking, spacing, or uneven teeth, dental veneers may be your answer. Veneers have the benefits of longevity and a proven ability to enhance the appearance of the mouth, smile, and possibly other areas of an aged face that would be better supported by properly shaped teeth. Although veneers require a large commitment, the results are typically well worth it.
What can veneers do for me?
In addition to being esthetically pleasing, dental veneers can also serve a functional purpose by protecting the surface of a damaged tooth.
Because veneers are so thin, they might require little-to-no tooth reshaping when bonded onto the tooth. Once veneers are bonded into place they are relatively strong and durable; however, care must be taken so as not to abuse veneers because the thin porcelain shells can damage or break. Dr. Markowitz may advise you against certain dietary tendencies (such as biting into a carrot) and may recommend you wear a protective appliance while you sleep (night guard).
Once I have veneers, what can I expect?
Once the veneer is in place, it will function just like a regular tooth. A veneer is considered a permanent tooth restoration, but that doesn’t mean it is expected to last forever. Proper care and habits and regular dental exams and cleanings will allow you to keep your veneers looking beautiful for ten years or more.