A person’s mouth attracts constant attention, whether smiling, speaking, expressing emotions, or eating. Because humans are social creatures, people often notice the condition of a person’s teeth during these interactions. As a person’s exterior appearance can provide clues to their general health and habits, teeth that are in poor condition often detract from their overall looks. A famous smile makeover, performed by New York City’s “Dentist to the Stars,” Dr. Marc Lazare, D.D.S., M.A.G.D. can be an excellent solution to patients’ cosmetic dentistry needs.
What is a Smile Makeover?
Similar to cosmetic medicine, a smile makeover (also called ‘smile design’) often needs to address more than one of the patient’s concern with multiple dental procedures, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry techniques, in order to provide the best aesthetic result. When a person undergoes smile makeover treatment at Dr. Lazare’s Manhattan practice, they can elect to receive:
- Bleaching
- Enamel reshaping
- Teeth-straightening
- Veneers
and other bonding type procedures designed to build-up or reshape the teeth.
A long-term smile makeover process may also begin with Invisalign, where the patient is custom-fit with clear, removable aligners. After a customized combination of treatments, the patient’s smile will look beautiful, healthy, and vibrant.
A Customized Treatment Plan During Each Smile Design
Teeth Whitening
White teeth are the hallmark of a memorable smile, but there are a number of reasons why the color of the teeth may require refreshment. Teeth may become stained from different foods and beverages, or habits like smoking and chewing tobacco. These natural and synthetic color pigments can dull the sparkle of the teeth, but by lifting them, the teeth are restored to a whiter, brighter smile.
The simplest way to transform a smile is through teeth whitening. A patient can often whiten their teeth by several shades during a single office visit. During the appointment, a stronger concentration of peroxide is utilized and may be activated by a light source.
If patients prefer to bleach their teeth at home, Dr. Lazare can provide custom whitening trays and a milder peroxide solution to be used over a longer period of time.
Tooth Bonding
Composite bonding uses the material that tooth-colored fillings are made from. The synthetic resin is available in a variety of shades that can be expertly layered and matched to the patient’s teeth by Dr. Lazare. Tooth bonding is a cosmetic technique that uses the resin material to smooth ridges and chips, reshape and elongate the teeth, fill gaps, and create a more uniform smile. These fixes can typically be performed during a single visit and can provide immediate results.
Tooth bonding can be added to a regularly scheduled dental visit, and may not require any anesthesia. By creating cosmetic fixes in the structures of the teeth, Dr. Lazare can enhance the appeal of the smile. Tooth bonding is generally performed for minor adjustments to specific teeth while veneers generally are performed for more extensive issues or a more comprehensive smile makeover.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental Veneers are made of a tooth-like material, created in tailor-made sheets to optimally shape the patient’s teeth. Once they are created, the porcelain veneers are adhered to the front surface of the teeth to restore their shape and appearance. While tooth bonding can generally be performed during a single visit to Dr. Lazare’s office, undergoing veneer preparation, fitting, and placement is typically completed during two appointments.
Dr. Lazare provides his patients with Lumineers brand veneers when appropriate, which are produced by the dental company Denmat. Composed of porcelain and leucite crystals, the ultra-strong material is very thin, creating the ideal tooth overlay.
Enamel Reshaping
An excellent way to alter the look of the teeth is through enamel reshaping, where the outer surface undergoes a slight reshaping process in certain areas as needed. During enamel reshaping, it is not usually necessary for Dr. Lazare to administer topical numbing or local injections, unless the patient has extremely sensitive teeth. The reshaping and buffing may be performed to smooth ridges on the biting surface of the front upper and lower teeth, to level a minor chip, or to create even-looking teeth that appear better aligned (straighter). This routine cosmetic procedure can also address oversized teeth so they appear in harmony with the rest of the mouth.
Once Dr. Lazare buffs away imperfections in the teeth, the smile will show instant improvement. Though some of the natural material is removed from the tooth, this is done in a conservative manner, protecting as much of the natural tooth as possible. Enamel reshaping is often performed in conjunction with composite tooth bonding, which can fix the look of mild crowding or rotations (essentially, “crooked teeth”) without the use of traditional braces or Invisalign.
Biomimetic Dentistry Techniques
Biomimetic dentistry techniques are methods of performing dental work while preserving the natural tooth structure as much as possible. The goal in this form of dentistry is to perform less invasive procedures that damage permanent features of the teeth and to maintain what already exists. Dr. Lazare’s practice is unique in that it specializes in this form of dental medicine. Just a few others are trained in biomimetic dentistry in New York City and its surrounding areas. Dr. Lazare’s patients who are able to undergo this form of conservative dentistry can expect fewer root canals, the preservation of teeth and avoiding the conventional crowning process, and fewer fillings due to advanced sealant techniques. In order to perform biomimetics, dentists employ modern technology and proven approaches to dentistry.
Benefits of a Manhattan Smile Makeover
New York City’s Dr. Lazare has been dubbed “Dentist to the Stars” for his loyal celebrity following. The Upper East Side dentist is passionate about maintaining dental and oral health for each of his patients, while expertly addressing their cosmetic needs. While many high-profile patients seek expert cosmetic dental care, so do countless New Yorkers who see Dr. Lazare for their care.
Aesthetic dentistry is key in any cosmetic rejuvenation. Many people undergo anti-aging procedures with their plastic surgeon or at a local med spa, but don’t realize that their teeth also age with time. By improving the teeth, patients can redesign one of their most important features: their smile.
Smile Makeover Candidates
Nearly anyone is eligible to work with Dr. Lazare and improve the look of their teeth if they are in good dental health and wish to alter the appearance of their adult teeth. In patients who may require necessary dental fixes prior to cosmetic work, Dr. Lazare is an expert in general dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry, so he can address any oral health concerns prior to the cosmetic procedures. Dr. Lazare specializes in conservative care, preventative maintenance, and great-looking smiles.
Good candidates for smile makeovers should be able to explain which features of their teeth and overall smile they dislike. Many people have concerns with tooth coloration as well as irregularities in the teeth, like gaps or a lack of uniformity in tooth size and shape.
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Smile Makeover FAQs
It was once believed that only those in the entertainment industry needed to maintain their youthful appearance with a beautiful smile. These men and women’s looks are showcased on big screens and televisions across the country and are scrutinized by critics and fans alike. Though celebrities’ images tend to be especially important to their work, there are other reasons why everyday people are more conscious of how they present themselves now, too. Different industries may focus on appearances, including the beauty and business worlds. In addition to professional standards, people want to enhance their looks to improve their self-esteem and to feel more attractive to others.
Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures of the face and body have increased steadily over the years, and cosmetic dentistry has also experienced a surge in popularity. In the same way, a person seeks anti-aging procedures to treat their changing features, cosmetic dental techniques can reverse signs of aging and damage in the teeth. In addition to turning back the hands of time, Dr. Lazare’s patients can look more put together and refined with simple in-office treatment plans.
One of the most essential characteristics of an attractive smile is straight teeth, which can be achieved through the Invisalign tooth aligning system. When combined with whitening and minor fixes, like tooth bonding for chips or small gaps, the overall look of the teeth is greatly improved. In other cases, aesthetic treatments can be combined with traditional techniques in dentistry for a total smile boost.
Teeth that undergo a root canal may be discolored prior to the treatment, which can be fixed through internal bleaching. Another fix that improves dental health and the look of the teeth is when failing silver amalgam or gold fillings are replaced with tooth-colored fillings made of materials like porcelain, composite resin, and other conspicuous fillings. When a tooth is not present and must be replaced, a dental implant replaced the necessary root structure in the jawbone, preventing the bone mass from further decline and restoring a healthy bite.
These two solutions are both excellent options when it comes to reshaping the teeth and creating a brighter, whiter smile. There are some main differences that will determine which procedure will better suit a patient’s needs. Tooth bonding is a quick fix that can be performed without delay but is not ideal for more extensive cases. It can address parts of the teeth and smile, but Veneers and Lumineers provide a more complete makeover. Interested patients should schedule a consultation at Dr. Lazare’s Upper East Side office to learn which technique may be best for their individual needs.
Dental anxiety is very common among patients, and Dr. Lazare can employ a number of techniques to help patients remain calm while in the chair. He may prescribe calming medications, or use special gasses during the treatment to help ease the patient’s mind. There are also in-office distractions, like movies, that help take the patient’s focus away from the treatment. Dr. Lazare is an expert in patient education and can offer in-depth explanations of the treatment plan so the patient knows what to anticipate. The ultimate goal is a comfortable experience and patient satisfaction, and proper pain management is also a part of this process.
In addition to accommodating anxious patients with additional support, Dr. Lazare performs biomimetic dentistry techniques, where he seeks to preserve more of the natural structures of the teeth and mouth. He may also opt for less invasive procedures, which is common in cosmetic dentistry. Patients should feel free to ask any questions and make suggestions that will help ensure their mental health is a priority during these procedures.
Why Choose NYC Dentist, Dr. Lazare?
- B.A. University of Pennsylvania (Major: Natural Sciences)
- D.D.S. New York University College of Dentistry (Class President)
- Intern in General Practice Residency Program, Department of Dentistry North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, N.Y.
- Chief Resident in General Practice Residency Program, Department of Dentistry North Shore University Hospital
- Present Active Member of the Attending Staff- North Shore University Hospital
- Present Member of the Clinical Faculty- NYU College of Dentistry
- Master in the Academy of General Dentistry – Awarded in 2011
- Serves on the Board for the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry
- Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry
- Fellow in the International Academy for Dental-Facial Esthetics
- NEW YORK LICENSE #046840 ISSUED1996
Contact the Upper East Side New York, NY office of Dr. Lazare at 212-861-2599.