HIGH-TECH FAMILY DENTISTRY | HARRISON, NY 

How has the practice of cosmetic dentistry changed and evolved in recent years?

Cosmetic dentistry has been radically changed by computer science and material science.

Computer science and graphic arts first changed cosmetic dentistry by enabling the dentist to use graphic arts programs to design a patient’s beautiful smile using the mathematics that have been determined to create beauty and symmetry.

DYK: The very first “cosmetic imaging” program in dentistry was one that Westchester County Dentist Dr. Kenneth Magid brought over from plastic surgery.    

Using this computerized smile design in our office, we are able to show the patient the way they will look after their makeover and discuss changes and options to achieve the perfect smile without touching the patient’s teeth.

As recently as a couple of months ago this has been improved with software that can “place the new smile” in the patient’s face, allowing them to move and function while looking into a computer tablet and actually try on different changes to see the one that most appeals to the patient and dentist.

DIGITAL DENTISTRY

3D technology in Dentistry

With computer graphic changes, your dentist can then determine the changes to the patient’s teeth that will be necessary to create the beautiful smile.  The new computerized preview can then be sent to a 3D printer to create a virtual makeover which can be used for the temporary “trial” veneers.

Once the teeth have been appropriately prepared, computer graphics can be combined with CAD-CAM systems to create a digital “impression” of the preparations.

The top Westchester County dentist or cosmetic dental laboratory can then choose to mill out the new veneers from an assortment of ceramic materials or mill out wax materials for further processing into the new veneers.

TECHNOLOGY IN DENTISTRY | WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY

What are some of the techniques, materials and approaches that have shaped these changes recently?

Material science has radically changed the options available for cosmetic dentistry.  The original material for “porcelain” veneers has always been feldspathic porcelain.  This material is used in a powder state which is hand built up by talented dental ceramists to create beautiful veneers.

It takes many years of experience for a ceramist to create the beautiful effects that feldspathic porcelain can provide and this is still the “gold standard” used for the vast majority of our veneers.

As a result of the introduction of materials such a lucite reinforced porcelain such as Empress or lithium disilicate materials like eMax, dentists or dental laboratories can utilize CAD CAM to produce beautiful veneers with different physical properties than feldspathic porcelain.

In cases of patients that have habits such as tooth grinding and nail biting or patients with very difficult “bites” these newer materials make veneers possible.

Our innovative technology keeps us on the cutting edge.

We’ve recently gotten our fifth generation of CAD- CAM system. For those of you who have been amazed at the ability to do a crown or onlay in one visit while you watch the robotic mill create the restoration, the process has been made even faster and more exact, and the capability of this amazing technology has been expanded.

Combined with our 3D printer and 3D CT scan x-ray, we can do amazing things with computer guided implants, clear aligner orthodontics, and reconstructive dentistry.

We have expanded our use of light technology called transillumination to supplement or replace X-rays. Dr. Magid pioneered this technology and wrote one of the first publications on its use.

HIGH TECH DENTAL OFFICE WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY 

3D Imaging Technology | Dental Technology | Harrison, NY

Cosmetic Dentistry in Harrison, NY 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR | DR. KENNETH MAGID DDS

Dr. Kenneth Magid is currently the Director of Pre-Doctoral Laser Dentistry and Associate Clinical Professor at NYU College of Dentistry and is the Assistant Director of Honors Esthetics.  He has appeared on national television and radio shows to discuss high tech and cosmetic dentistry including ABC and The New York Times. Dr. Magid lectures throughout the U.S. and Canada and is a contributor to many journals on topics including “Minimally Invasive” Dentistry, Laser Dentistry, Digital Radiography, Air-Abrasion dentistry, “21st Century Dentistry” and Cosmetic Dentistry. 

Dr. Magid received his dental degree from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Magid had practiced dentistry for over 40 years and practices at Advanced Dentistry of Westchester in Harrison, NY. Dr. Magid was inducted into The International College of Dentists (ICD) in recognition of his services to the field of dentistry. The top 4% of dentists worldwide are offered fellowship to The ICD, the pre-eminent honorary organization of the world’s top dentists who have by their actions demonstrated an interest and concern for their communities and profession. 

What kind of dental emergencies occur with children in Westchester County and what is the best way for parents to respond? 

Kids get bumps and bruises and the mouth is no exception!  It can be pretty scary to see your child hurt themselves, and even scarier if they’re bleeding.  Most often, a little blood in the mouth is from a bitten lip or tongue.  Try some cool water to wash it off gently, and some ice to reduce swelling.

It is important to be sure there is nothing worse going on, and the swelling and bleeding are under control.  It is rare that stitches are required.  Also pay attention to the teeth, particularly those in the front.

Make sure the teeth and surrounding bone have not moved and are not loose.  If the tooth comes out completely, do not clean it.  Put it in some milk and call the dentist, as this can save a big tooth in particular.  If a “baby” or deciduous tooth sustains some trauma, this can result in the tooth later becoming dark gray, which is caused by a drop of blood in the tooth pulp.

Although unaesthetic, this may cause no further problems.  The trauma can also cause the tooth to become infected which can result in its loss.  The good news is that unless this is ignored, it will not affect the permanent teeth. Whenever a child has a dental emergency, it is important to call the dentist, see the pediatrician, or go to urgent care.

EMERGENCY DENTAL APPOINTMENTS IN HARRISON, NY

When a child chips a tooth, is it important to treat the chip right away? Is there harm in waiting to treat (or not treating) a baby tooth? 

Treating a chipped tooth depends upon how much is chipped.  If there is a major loss of structure the tooth can be very sensitive to temperature and require prompt treatment.  Blood coming from the tooth itself may require more treatment due to a compromised tooth nerve.  A more minor chip may be an aesthetic concern, but is not something that is emergent in nature.  Make sure that the lips and tongue aren’t being cut on sharp edges.

What are some common causes of toothaches in kids and teens and what can caregivers do to ease the pain? 

Toothaches in children can often be caused by erupting teeth also known as teething.  As a child gets their first and then second set of teeth, the process can be uncomfortable.  This is best treated by palliative measures such as cold (ice cream works).

Another cause of tooth pain in children can be dental decay that is either untreated or was allowed to progress to the point that even if treated may result in the nerve of the tooth dying.  This has to be treated by a Westchester County dentist.  Analgesic medications such as Advil or Tylenol can mitigate the pain until professional treatment is accomplished.

If a child is complaining of a toothache, it is best to have a dentist evaluate the source of the pain.

HARRISON, NEW YORK | EMERGENCY DENTIST

What is one thing Westchester parents are surprised to learn regarding pediatric dental emergencies? 

Parents are often concerned that their child’s permanent front teeth erupt through the gum towards the inside of the mouth while the baby teeth are still there.  Although occasionally this needs professional intervention, most often as the permanent teeth grow in the action of the tongue pushes them forward and results in the natural loss of the baby teeth.

Emergency Dentist Nearby | Harrison, New York |  Family Dentistry

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