Are you considering cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile? There are several different procedures to choose from and investing in these treatments is just the beginning. From teeth whitening to porcelain veneers, each procedure requires specific care to ensure long-lasting results. In this interview with TechBullion, Dr. Michael Kosdon, a top cosmetic dentist in NYC, shares ways to maximize your investment in cosmetic dentistry.
Please tell us more about yourself?
My name is Dr. Michael Kosdon and I’m a cosmetic dentist that focuses on transforming smiles with porcelain veneers. My office where all the magic happens is across from Central Park in New York City. I’m originally from Los Angeles where I also maintained a practice in Beverly Hills until the pandemic happened. I feel like I won the lottery with choosing my career as it’s very rewarding to help others and be creative.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry and why is it in demand? Could you give us an overview of the market size for this dental practice and how technology is influencing this industry?
Cosmetic Dentistry encompasses dental procedures that focus on improving the appearance of one’s smile. This may include teeth whitening, bonding, porcelain veneers, gum reshaping and orthodontics. These treatments can address a variety of cosmetic concerns, such as dark and discolored enamel, gaps between teeth, short, chipped, cracked and missing teeth.
In today’s competitive world, having an attractive smile can have a positive impact on one’s self confidence and make the difference in getting that desired job or finding that special someone.
According to some reports, the U.S. cosmetic dentistry market size was valued at almost 7 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow 5.8% annually until 2028.
Technology has helped expand the market to younger generations including millennials and Gen Z. With the amazing cameras on today’s smartphones and the explosion of social media, having an attractive smile has never been more important. Digital imaging, CAD/CAM technology, and the use of lasers have also played a significant role in advancing the field.
Who are your patients or clients, what specific services do you provide to anyone considering cosmetic dentistry to enhance their smile and what are the procedures involved in getting your services?
We are lucky to have a diverse group of patients from all walks of life who seek us out to improve their smiles. We see a lot of younger patients who want to look and feel their best when interviewing for a job. Many middle aged people come in to rejuvenate their smiles and erase the decades of coffee stains and teeth grinding.
I encourage anyone who is considering cosmetic dentistry to come in for a consultation to discuss what their goals are and to see if they are a good candidate. At this appointment we can also take molds of your teeth and design a new smile for you to come back in at another date and try on. This Smile Prevue gives you the opportunity to see what a new smile would look like on your face before committing to moving forward.
Tell us more about Teeth Whitening, what does it involve, how does it work and what specific care do you need to ensure long-lasting results?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that involves removing stains and discolorations in teeth to lighten their appearance. Some of the ways to whiten your teeth include professional in-office treatments, at-home methods such as over the counter products and natural remedies. Generally most whitening methods involve using a bleaching agent to clean the dirt and stains from the pores of the enamel. Some methods involve using an ultraviolet light to activate the whitening gel. To ensure the longest lasting results, it’s important to practice good hygiene including brushing and flossing at least twice daily. I would also recommend avoiding foods that tend to stain teeth, especially right after whitening. Some of these foods include coffee, tea, turmeric and red wine. If you must indulge, try using a straw. It is also good to rinse and brush your teeth right after.
What is Invisalign, what are the procedures involved in this option and how do you maximize your investment in Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear removable aligners to straighten teeth. It’s an alternative to traditional metal braces and is usually preferred by people who want a more discrete way to straighten their teeth. Invisalign treatment starts with an initial consultation to determine if you are a candidate for treatment. A scanned model of your teeth and bite that will help us develop a treatment plan that achieves our goals. Then a series of custom clear plastic aligners will be fabricated for you to wear one week at a time for a minimum of 22 hours a day. We recommend you only take them out to eat, brush and floss. Like everything in life you get out of it what you put into it and Invisalign is no different. It’s important to wear your aligners as indicated and then commit to a lifetime of retainers to keep your teeth straight.
On the option of Porcelain Veneers, what makes it special, what are the processes involved and how do you maximize the result?
Porcelain veneers are special because they can be used to correct a variety of different cosmetic concerns. They are the best and longest lasting cosmetic dental solution for improving the appearance of teeth. Porcelain veneers are wafer thin shells of porcelain that are permanently bonded to the front surface of the tooth. They can be used to cover most imperfections and create a more attractive smile.
Some of the key benefits of porcelain veneers are that they can be used to whiten stained teeth and correct the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, misaligned, or too small. Veneers can also be used to close gaps between teeth and improve the overall shape and symmetry of the smile. When done properly no one would ever know that you had veneers.
Getting porcelain veneers is typically done over 3 appointments. The first appointment involves an initial consultation to make sure that you are a good candidate. We may take a set of X-rays to see if your teeth are healthy. At this appointment, we take impressions of your teeth in order to design a new smile. At the second appointment, we will prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers and place a temporary set of veneers. The temporary will give us a chance to evaluate both the aesthetics and color. It gives us the opportunity to see your new smile prior to having it finished. The third appointment is when we permanently bond and adhere the porcelain veneers to your teeth.
Veneers are an investment and there are several things you can do to protect them and ensure they last as long as possible. Most importantly, wear a night guard to protect them from teeth grinding. Also, some common sense things including avoiding hard and/or sticky foods. Never open anything with your teeth and no chewing on ice.
What are some of the myths and challenges people are facing when it comes to cosmetic dentistry practices and how do you address these?
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about cosmetic dentistry is that it’s only for vanity. The reality is cosmetic dentistry can have significant health benefits, such as improving oral function, preventing tooth decay, and correcting bite problems. It can also add to your self confidence which guarantees a much better life!
With porcelain veneers, many people are misled to think that it’s painful and your teeth need to be ground down to little pegs and destroyed. The truth is, getting porcelain veneers is usually done under anesthesia and is painless. It’s one of the most conservative procedures we perform and often involves little to no tooth preparation.
People also read that veneers only last 10 years or so, which is completely misleading. When done properly and maintained, porcelain veneers can last decades. Costs are one of the biggest challenges people face when considering cosmetic dental procedures, especially porcelain veneers as insurance doesn’t cover these elective procedures. Most offices offer financing options to help make treatment costs more manageable.
Finding the right cosmetic dentist for you can also be a challenge. Dentists don’t all deliver the same results and it’s important to look at their recent before/after pictures and read what their patients say about their experience. Finding a dentist who listens is essential for getting the results you’re looking for.
The importance of a good smile cannot be overemphasized, enlighten us more on what must be done to increase the awareness of good dental care and what your firm is doing in this aspect?
Education is the most important factor in helping spread the importance of good dental care. Many people separate their mouths and teeth from the rest of their bodies, they don’t realize the connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body. There have been numerous studies linking the bacteria in gum disease with other health problems including diabetes, cardiovascular and Alzheimer disease. We spend time with all of our patients and educate them on the importance of proper dental care and some of the potential consequences if they don’t come in for their regular dental check-ups.
From your unbiased expertise and decades of experience to becoming a top cosmetic dentist in NYC, could you share some of your best times and success stories with us?
Nothing makes me happier than helping my patients with their smiles. It’s beyond gratifying to have a part in the transformation of their lives. Having an attractive healthy smile makes all the difference in life and is a great motivator. So many of our patients go on to take better care of themselves after fixing their smiles. They start working out and lose weight, elevate their dress and wardrobes. Many have gone on to better jobs, relationships and just over all happier lives!
It never gets old seeing the excitement in my patients eyes when I hand them the mirror so they can see their new smiles for the first time.
What are you currently working on and where do we see the future of cosmetic dentistry? Do you have more exciting tips to share with our readers today?
Right now I’m working on developing my Youtube channel so I can help educate more people on the benefits of cosmetic dentistry. I also want to provide answers to some of the questions I get all of the time and dispel some of the misinformation.
With the prevalence of social media and an aging population, the number of cosmetic dental procedures performed annually will only increase with time. We can create personalized treatment plans that use minimally invasive procedures to fit your unique needs and goals of each patient, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach. While avoiding foods that stain your teeth is important, try eating more foods that naturally brighten teeth over time. These include strawberries, pineapple, carrots and cheese.
For more information, visit the website: https://www.smilesofnyc.com/
Related Items:Cosmetic Dentist, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental health, dentistry, Dr. Michael Kosdon, featured, interview, Invisalign, New York, NYC, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening
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FAQs
What are the goals of cosmetic dentistry? ›
Cosmetic dentistry aims to create a more balanced, symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. Common cosmetic dental services include teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and tooth and gum contouring.
What makes a good cosmetic dentist? ›Top cosmetic dentists mostly perform restorative and cosmetic procedures. They have more experience with cosmetic dentistry treatments and have advanced equipment that is traditionally not available at a general dentist.
Which problems can cosmetic dentistry solve? ›- Missing teeth. When a tooth goes missing, not just the smile suffers. ...
- Chipped teeth. Especially as we grow older, our teeth are susceptible to damage. ...
- Stained teeth. ...
- Gapped or misaligned teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is the primary dental resource for patients as they strive to maintain their health, function, and appearance for their lifetime.
Is cosmetic dentistry a need or a desire? ›Cosmetic dentistry procedures are necessary because when someone has a smile they can be proud to show off, they are much more likely to smile.
What are the 5 purposes of restorative dentistry? ›Recapping the benefits of restorative dentistry
Improve functionality for eating and speaking. Distribute the force of your bite, helping you avoid jaw pain. Protect your teeth from shifting into gaps left by missing teeth. Keep your bite properly aligned for better biting and chewing.
- 1.Teeth Whitening. One of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments for improving your smile is teeth whitening (or bleaching). ...
- 2.Porcelain Veneers. ...
- 3.Dental Bonding. ...
- 4.Invisalign Braces. ...
- 5.Dental Implants. ...
- 6.Composite Fillings.
General dentistry focuses on preventing and treating oral ailments while cosmetic dentistry deals with the overall aesthetic appearance of teeth. Knowing the difference between the two can help you work out which type of dentist is right for you.
What defines a successful dentist? ›Successful dentists enjoy the work they do every day and are fascinated by the mouth and all of the connections it has to the rest of the body. Passionate about providing care to those in need. Dentists often participate in community service, helping those in need with oral care and treatment.
What is the biggest problem facing dentistry? ›Finding quality staff is one of the biggest challenges of running a dental practice. It's only compounded by the major risk of not being able to pay them long-term if patient billings and collections are insufficient to support their wages.
What is the opposite of cosmetic dentistry? ›
The purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore function, while the purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to improve visual appearance. Restorative dental treatments focus on restoring decayed, damaged, or missing teeth in order to maintain proper function and oral health.
How can cosmetic dentistry improve your oral health? ›Healthier Teeth and Gums
Cosmetic dental procedures can eliminate all sorts of issues, from problems related to jaw alignment to being able to speak effectively. Cosmetic procedures like bonding help maintain healthier teeth, and gum contouring can help correct an uneven gum line.
Also called esthetic or aesthetic dentistry. Procedures that correct imperfections in the appearance of a smile. Can include teeth whitening,veneers, etc.
What is another name for cosmetic dentist? ›Prosthodontics is one of only 12 officially recognized dental specialties. “Cosmetic dentistry” is not an ADA specialty as it is precisely the specialty of prosthodontics. Prosthodontists are cosmetic dentists.
What are expensive fake teeth called? ›Veneers are often called “Hollywood teeth." Living up to that name, this process can cost up to $500-$1,300 per tooth.
What are some ethical issues in dentistry? ›- Breaches of confidentiality.
- Failure to disclose dental mistakes.
- Over treatment and poor quality dental treatment.
- Requests for fraudulent documentation.
- Requests for narcotic medications.
- Requests for inappropriate treatment.
- Deceptive dental marketing and advertisements.
Deband or Debond: Usually cause for celebration! This is the removal of cemented orthodontic brackets and may signify the end of treatment.
What is the difference between aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry? ›Aesthetic dentists will look after tooth implants and dentures, crowns, veneers, bridges, and lumineers. Dental Implants, on the other hand, are the primary focus of cosmetic dentists. This is because a single dental implant can significantly influence a patient's appearance.
What are the 4 R's in dentistry? ›Green dentistry is a whole - earth approach to tooth care that reduces the environmental impact of dentistry and creates a caring environment for patients. It is based on the model of four R's – Rethink, Reduce, Re-use and Recycle [Table/Fig-1] [3].
What are the 4 pillars in dentistry? ›These principles, which we shall look at more closely in this post, are autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice.
What are the 9 principles in dentistry? ›
- The 9 Principles.
- Communicate effectively with patients.
- Obtain valid consent.
- Maintain and protect patients' information.
- Have a clear and effective complaints procedure.
- Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients' best interests.
- Maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills.
Which procedures have a higher profit margin? They include implants, endodontics, porcelain veneers, and crowns and bridges. These dental procedures typically generate more profit than your standard care treatments.
What is the most expensive procedure at the dentist? ›Root canals are one of the most expensive dental procedures because they usually require multiple visits to the dentist and are done on the most sensitive teeth in the mouth. Root canals are usually done on the back teeth, like the premolars and molars.
What kind of dentist do the Kardashians use? ›Los Angeles cosmetic dentist Kevin Sands, DDS has treated some of the most well-known celebrities in the world, including Kim Kardashian, Shaun White, Charlie Sheen, Elle MacPherson, George Lopez, and Britney Spears.
What kind of dentist is best for veneers? ›If oral health concerns exist, then a general dentist is likely the best professional to visit. If the concern is purely cosmetic, then a cosmetic dentist may be a better option. For alignment concerns, visiting an orthodontist for veneers (or another form of teeth straightening) may be the most appropriate solution.
What does esthetic mean in dentistry? ›Esthetic dentistry is necessary or elective dentistry done with cosmetic materials. Whether or not it is necessary to address decay, disease, or function, the dentist is asking the patient to make a personal choice to invest in his or her own dental care and personal dental appearance.
Is cosmetic dentistry healthy? ›Yes, cosmetic dentistry is safe, but only if you visit a dentist to get the treatments.
Who is the richest dentist in the world? ›Manual dexterity
Superior eye-hand coordination as a dentist is critical to ensuring the safety of your patients and the integrity of the profession.
The most important qualities a good family dentist should have are being knowledgeable, being an expert in their field, and being trustworthy. A dentist should have excellent communication skills and be compassionate. Your family dentist should be local and operate convenient office hours.
What is one of the most challenging issues for dental professionals? ›
Oral health maintenance is one of the crucial challenges people face. Laziness and lack of initiative often initiate the diseases in the teeth. Oral health mainly encompasses non-communicable diseases and if not taken care of can cause massive pain disfigurement and discomfort.
What are the challenges of dentistry in 2023? ›The top three challenges facing dental practices are staffing, rising operating costs and stagnant insurance reimbursement levels, according to insights from the ADA Health Policy Institute's January Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry Poll.
What is the number one reason people avoid dental care? ›Cost is the number one reason why people avoid seeing the dentist, according to a recent survey from the American Dental Association. But what many people don't realize is that postponing a dental appointment and care can actually cost more money in the long run.
What is the aesthetic side of dentistry? ›Focused on Dental Aesthetics: Aesthetic dentistry is mostly focused on improving the color, shape, size, position, and alignment of the teeth as well as the overall appearance of your smile.
What is the difference between orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry? ›Cosmetic dentistry is the type of dental care you need when you wish to improve the way your smile looks. Orthodontics, on the other hand, is a specialized type of dental care focused on improving the position of teeth and the jaw to overcome an improper bite.
How can I improve my dental services? ›- What makes your practice unique? ...
- Create an office culture. ...
- Expand your services. ...
- Flexible financial options. ...
- Remember to engage. ...
- Improve patient referrals. ...
- Upgrade your scheduling system. ...
- Make sure your staff is trained.
Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque. Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures. Do not use any tobacco products.
How can I improve my dental clinic marketing? ›- Dedicated online market presence. ...
- Make local events. ...
- Start a community referral program. ...
- Consistent email marketing reminder program. ...
- Make a company Google business page for regular updates. ...
- Update educational awards and achievements.
While it may be interchangeable, the word “cosmetic” tends to imply work that's on the surface, such as adding dental veneers, while aesthetic dentistry make deal with more significant changes, such as dental implants.
How do I choose a cosmetic dentist for veneers? ›When choosing a cosmetic dentist, ask about the quality of the materials they use. Also find out if the dental ceramist (the individual who makes the veneers and crowns) has received accreditation through the AACD.
Why are dentists good for facial aesthetics? ›
As part of their professional training, dentists are required to have in depth knowledge of the facial anatomy – in particular, muscles of facial expressions -so they are best placed to determine how to achieve a harmonious, natural look from injectable facial rejuvenation treatments like dermal fillers.
What is the official name for a cosmetic dentist? ›In sum, prosthodontists are highly specialized cosmetic dentists with professional training in restorative dental procedures.
Do celebrities get veneers or implants? ›FAQs About Dental Implants, Bridges and Veneers
Long-term studies show dental implants may last 25-30 years. Do most celebs have veneers? Quite a few celebrities have veneers. Chances are, if you see a Hollywood A-lister with a perfect smile, that's their secret.
Porcelain veneers are the best option because of their superior look, durability, and longevity. But let's consider the two materials side by side. It's important to note that there are actually two types of composite veneers: direct composite veneers and indirect composite veneers.
What looks better veneers or lumineers? ›Since Lumineers are a lot thinner, many patients find they feel and look more natural. That's because the special thin ceramic used in Lumineers is more translucent than the porcelain used in regular veneers, so it tends to reflect light more like your natural teeth.
What is the hardest Speciality in dentistry? ›orthodontics. This is probably the hardest one to be accepted into. There is also a good future and remuneration for this specialty. Parents will always put their children first and tooth malocclusion will be more and more prevalent as different homogeneous gene pools intermix.
What is the psychological impact of dental aesthetics? ›The students most affected by poor dental aesthetics had lower self-esteem and higher levels of perfectionism. The men exhibited higher levels of perfectionism than the women, while the latter displayed greater self-confidence in their dental aesthetics.
How can I improve my smile with cosmetic dentistry? ›- Smile makeover.
- Invisalign teeth straightening.
- Porcelain veneers.
- Teeth whitening.
- Composite fillings ('white' fillings)
- Face and lip treatments – Skin smoothing, Restylane for face, and Restylane for lips.
Composite Bonding – Lasts 8 to 15 years
A treatment option that continues to grow in popularity, direct composite bonding covers a wide range of cosmetic complaints. And with a life expectancy of 8 to 15 years, it's clear to why so many people are opting for this treatment option.
Are veneers bad for your teeth? There is a common misconception that veneers are bad for your teeth but, in reality, this is not the case. Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures and they do not harm your teeth, providing that the procedure is carried out by a skilled dentistry professional.
Can you eat with cosmetic teeth? ›
Yes, you can. You should be able to eat like normal while wearing your Snap-On Smile, though certain foods that are particularly hard or difficult to chew may provide some level of challenge as they would if you were wearing a partial set of dentures.