Standards of beauty differ from person to person and across cultures and history, but the appeal of a healthy smile is universal. Several factors affect the attractiveness of your smile, including the color, shape, size, and spacing of your teeth. Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, a cosmetic dentist in Astoria, NY, explains that the best treatment for you depends on which of these qualities you hope to improve.
The Basics of Tooth Contouring
The tooth contouring procedure is designed to make subtle changes to the shape of the tooth by carefully and precisely removing or buffing enamel. If your teeth show minor overlapping or crookedness, Dr. Leibowitz can use contouring to create the appearance of straighter teeth without orthodontic intervention. In some cases, a single contouring procedure can achieve results comparable to wearing braces for a year. If any of these statements apply to you, you may be a candidate for tooth contouring:
- Not all of my teeth overlap or are crooked, just a few.
- My teeth are large enough that some enamel could be removed without appearing unnatural.
- I prefer a shorter treatment time and fewer office visits.
An Overview of ClearCorrect Invisible Braces
ClearCorrect invisible braces are a subtle alternative to traditional metal or ceramic braces. Unlike tooth contouring, which creates the illusion of straightening, braces physically shift teeth into position without the need to remove any part of the tooth structure. Treatment time varies based on the degree of straightening required to move teeth in place, an average of 12 months. Consider invisible braces if these statements apply to your situation:
- Most of my teeth are crooked and require straightening.
- The crookedness of my teeth is so severe that it makes cleaning them difficult.
- I am willing to consider a longer treatment time to achieve the desired results.
More Options to Consider
After your consultation with Dr. Leibowitz, you may find that other cosmetic procedures more closely fit your needs. We also offer porcelain veneers and dental bonding, which are ideal for patients who have multiple problem areas but do not want to undergo multiple treatments. For example, veneers can address stubborn stains that don’t respond to teeth whitening, fill gaps between teeth, and add length or volume to smaller or worn-down teeth in only a few visits. Dental bonding, an alternative to veneers, serve a similar purpose but can be completed in a single office visit.
Need a cosmetic dentist in Astoria, NY? Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, a graduate of the SUNY Buffalo College of Dental Medicine, offers a full palette of smile-enhancing services, as well as preventive and restorative dentistry for patients living in Astoria, Queens, upstate New York, and New Jersey. To request a consultation with Dr. Leibowitz, contact us at (718) 228-8320.
