New York Smile Institute

New York Smile Institute is one of NYC’s best-reviewed dental offices thanks to the excellent care provided by our trusted team of dentists. We are committed to checking and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, while also keeping you comfortable and happy throughout your appointments. Some of the general dentistry services we offer to keep your smile both healthy and attractive include: What Is General Dentistry? General dentistry is for all ages and focuses on preventive care and timely treatment of dental issues for optimal oral health. The goal of a general dentist is to preserve your oral tissues and natural teeth and look for signs of oral cancer. This area of dentistry includes bi-annual dental exams, teeth cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and gum disease and tooth decay prevention. Dental Examination At your biannual checkup, one of our dentists will inspect your mouth for irregularities like gum disease, cavities and even oral cancer. Unless there is prior pain or bleeding, the symptoms for these problems are often minor (especially in their early stages), so it is a good idea to have a trained professional detect any dental issues before they become larger problems. If your examination does turn up any issues, our dentists have the knowledge and skills to perform the procedures. Smile with Confidence As dental professionals it is our priority to provide quality dental care you can trust. Read our testimonials Professional Teeth Cleaning general dentist exam NYC During the same appointment as your checkup, our hygienists will carefully remove any plaque and tartar present on your teeth. Our custom dental tools allow us to address parts of your mouth that a toothbrush and floss have difficulty reaching. Although brushing and flossing at home is undoubtedly the best way you can maintain your oral health, having a regular, deep cleaning at New York Smiles Institute will ensure that your teeth stay their cleanest. Our hygienist and dentists will discuss your oral hygiene routine at home and may make recommendations to improve your dental health. Brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once a day is best. You may want to rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after meals. We may recommend techniques for better brushing, such as using a lighter touch, brushing in slow circles, or switching to a water flosser and electric toothbrush. These dental hygiene tips can ensure less plaque and tartar buildup at your next visit and reduce your risk of gum disease and cavities. Fluoride Treatment During the cleaning, the hygienist will apply fluoride to your teeth. The enamel — the protective outer layer on teeth that safeguards teeth from cracking — is strengthened by this fluoride application. Fluoride also prevents and helps to reverse tooth decay. Fluoride is especially important for children to promote the growth of healthy teeth. Dental Sealants Some teeth, particularly the molars, have so many crevices that it can be difficult to remove all the plaque and bits of food even with frequent toothbrushing. Sealants cover up some of the nooks and crannies to decrease the chances of developing decay and cavities. While sealants do not replace the need for brushing, they make it easier to get the job done effectively. Dental X-Rays To make accurate assessments of your oral health, our dentists have state-of-the-art X-ray equipment in our office. This technology allows us to safely detect tooth decay, health issues hidden beneath the gumline, abscesses, bone loss and cancer. X-rays are especially good at catching dental problems in their early stages before any symptoms manifest. The earlier treatment begins, the easier and more cost-effective it usually is to resolve the issue. What Are the Benefits of General Dentistry? Dental exams, cleanings, and preventive treatments, such as fluoride treatment and dental sealants, can help you avoid gum disease and tooth decay. These appointments may catch oral cancers early when they are more likely to respond to treatment. X-rays during your exam can detect cavities in their earliest stages, before they cause severe damage. General dentistry is personalized dental care for your needs, including fluoride application, mouthguards or nightguards to prevent tooth damage, dental sealants, home hygiene instruction, and nutrition and oral health counseling. Gum disease is linked to certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Untreated gum disease can spread infection into the bloodstream, making it more challenging to control blood sugar and worsening heart issues. General dentistry can lower this risk by addressing or preventing gum disease for good oral and overall health.

The renowned team of dentists at New York Smile Institute recognize that having a healthy smile is not always the same thing as having a beautiful smile. If your teeth are not as aesthetically perfect as you hoped, cosmetic dentistry is the best way to achieve the kind of teeth you are pleased to show off to the world. While the primary purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the look of your teeth, many of the procedures have the added benefit of improving their longevity and functionality. Some of the cosmetic procedures available at New York Smile Institute include: Porcelain Veneers Achieving a “perfect” smile — however you may choose to define that — is attainable with porcelain veneers. You may want a veneer or two to cover up problem teeth that are discolored, crooked or cracked. You may also choose to cover up an entire row of teeth with veneers for a full smile makeover. In either case, the porcelain shields your dentist attaches to the front of your natural teeth will correspond with your ideal size and shade of white. Smile with Confidence As dental professionals it is our priority to provide quality dental care you can trust. Read our testimonials Porcelain Inlays If you have a large cavity in the middle of your tooth, you may want to ask your dentist about an inlay instead of a traditional filling. This tooth-colored device is custom made to completely fill a hole and even out the top of the tooth. Many patients find inlays more attractive than alternative treatments. Porcelain Onlays While onlays are similar to inlays, the primary difference is that an onlay can cover more of the surface of the tooth, including one or more cusps. Cusps are necessary to chew food, so it is not a good idea to leave a molar or premolar with a flat surface. After examining your mouth, your dentist should be able to recommend whether an inlay or onlay (or neither option) is the best way to address a particular cavity. Tooth Colored Fillings Fillings are an essential treatment for infected teeth. Although ordinary fillings are made of silver amalgam, these composite resin fillings are ideal if you want to avoid having a metallic shimmer in your mouth. The resin is blended to match the precise color of your existing teeth, whatever shade that happens to be. Teeth Whitening Stained teeth become yellower over time. While at-home whitening kits can help to restore some of your teeth’s whiteness, nothing compares to the effectiveness of a professional in-office teeth whitening. This safe and painless treatment takes about one hour and will make your teeth appear between five and 10 shades whiter. What Is Cosmetic Dentistry? Before & After Cosmetic dentistry New York Cosmetic dental work focuses on aesthetic concerns and tooth imperfections that affect the appearance of your smile. These procedures and treatments can renew your teeth with teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other options. While other areas of dentistry focus on preventive care or functional problems, cosmetic dentistry is an elective option for people unhappy with mildly crooked teeth, severe discoloration, misshapen teeth, and other concerns. What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry? Cosmetic dentistry can address most aesthetic problems, including: Chipped or cracked teeth Gapped teeth or small gaps between teeth Overcrowded teeth Stained teeth Teeth that are too long or short Misshapen teeth Addressing these issues can enhance your smile and boost your self-confidence. Cosmetic dentistry can balance your smile, conceal chips and cracks, and improve tooth shape. Tooth imperfections may impact your self-esteem and make you shy away from smiling around others and in photos. Cosmetic dentistry gives you a smile you’re proud to brandish and may make you seem more friendly and welcoming to others. Confidence in your smile can give you the push you need to ask someone on a date or apply for a promotion. Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry? You must have healthy teeth and oral tissues before pursuing cosmetic dental treatments. If you have dental caries (cavities), gum disease, damaged teeth, or other oral health concerns, these must be addressed with the appropriate treatment first. Most people with tooth chips, stains, gaps, etc., will qualify for cosmetic dentistry. However, some procedures, such as teeth whitening, may not be a good fit for people with extremely sensitive teeth. Patients with certain medical conditions may need special consideration for cosmetic dentistry, such as heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions that may complicate recovery. What Is the Recovery Time for Cosmetic Dentistry? Recovery after cosmetic dental work depends on the procedure. Porcelain veneers, inlays, and onlays may require some healing time and lifestyle modifications, but teeth whitening may not have these caveats.

Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on repairing or replacing the teeth to keep your mouth fully functional. New York Smile Institute’s skilled restorative dentists can tackle all of your restorative needs. Restorative Dentistry Services Failing to deal with dental problems as they are discovered increases your risk for developing additional problems that may require more involved (and expensive) procedures. If you are experiencing oral pain, have trouble speaking or eating in a normal manner or just want to restore a healthy and attractive smile, allow the dentists at New York Smile Institute to get your teeth back into great shape. Commonly performed restorative dental procedures include: Smile with Confidence As dental professionals it is our priority to provide quality dental care you can trust. Read our testimonials Dental Implants A dental implant involves a minor surgery in which a post is attached to the jawbone. After your dentist has confirmed that your gum tissue has healed and the post has securely latched to the bone, he will screw a prosthetic tooth (made to look like your natural teeth in size and color) onto the post to permanently fill in the gap and complete your smile. Dentures and Partial Dentures If your mouth can benefit from replacing multiple teeth (particularly multiple teeth in a row), dentures and partial dentures are a great option. Custom designed to fit in your mouth, these prosthetic teeth will restore a smile that is both attractive and functional. Because dentures are removable, they are easy to keep clean as well. Dental Bridges A bridge is a device that fills in the gaps in your smile with a prosthetic tooth or row of prosthetic teeth. Filling in this space not only prevents your natural teeth from shifting out of place, but it should restore your biting motion. New York Smile Institute offers four different types of bridges, each of which can address different dental problems commonly found in the mouth. Dental Crowns When a tooth has become weakened from crack or decay, our dentists may need to strengthen the tooth by putting a cap, better known as a crown, on top. By reinforcing a tooth, a crown allows your mouth to chew and function in a normal manner. Crowns are available in a variety of materials, though porcelain is the most popular option because it looks the most like a real tooth. Root Canal If a decaying tooth goes unfilled for too long, your tooth is liable to become infected. To prevent the tooth from falling out eventually, our dentists will need to clean out the contaminated soft pulp in the middle of your tooth and then replace it with composite material. Filling this space with composite should prevent the infection from returning in the future. What Are the Benefits of Restorative Dentistry? Restorative dentistry improves the function and appearance of your smile. These procedures offer many advantages, including: Repairs tooth decay Replaces missing teeth Preserves jawbone strength and integrity Eliminates tooth and jaw pain Improves chewing abilities Reinforces the facial structure and shape Dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures reduce the risk of losing additional teeth. Losing just one tooth can significantly impact oral health because the bone tissue surrounding the empty socket can degrade or resorb up to 25% in the first 12 months after a tooth is lost. That affects your facial shape and mouth function and may even make you appear older than your chronological age. Restorative dentistry may help you look younger with a complete set of teeth. Am I A Candidate for Restorative Dentistry? Dental restorations are necessary to improve your oral health and prevent more damage. People missing one or more teeth or with severe tooth decay qualify for restorative dentistry. Some patients may require a multi-step process with tooth extraction for severe decay or damage before getting bridges, dental implants, or dentures to replace the lost tooth or teeth. However, you must have healthy gum tissue and enough gums and jawbone structure to support these restorations. Some patients may require periodontal treatment or a bone graft first. What Is the Recovery Time for Restorative Dentistry? Recovery after a dental restoration depends on the type of procedure and number of teeth requiring treatment. One cavity may not require much downtime, but one or more dental implants involve six months of healing and procedures. Denture recovery depends on whether you need one or more teeth extracted first. Dental bridges typically take about two weeks to heal with sensitivity, and dental crowns may cause sensitivity and irritation for one to two weeks. How Long Does Restorative Dentistry Last? The longevity of your dental restorations depends on good oral hygiene, proper care, and regular dental exams and teeth cleanings at New York Smiles Institute.

At our practice, we understand that your time is valuable. That’s why we offer advanced CEREC technology, allowing us to provide same day crowns and other restorations in a single visit. Ahead, learn more about the benefits and process of one-visit dentistry. What Is CEREC? CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s a state-of-the-art dental technology that allows dentists to design, create, and place high-quality ceramic restorations in just one visit. This means you can walk in with a dental issue and walk out with a beautiful, functional restoration, all in the same day. CEREC Technology CEREC uses advanced digital imaging and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing) technology to take precise 3D images of your teeth. These images are then used to design your custom restoration. Once the design is complete, the restoration is milled from a block of high-quality ceramic right in the office. The entire process is completed in a single visit, eliminating the need for temporary crowns or multiple appointments. Benefits of Same-Day Crowns with CEREC One-visit Dentistry in New York, NY Saves Time: The most significant benefit is the time saved. Traditional crowns require at least two visits — one for taking impressions and placing a temporary crown, and another for fitting the permanent crown. CEREC crowns are made and placed in one visit. Comfort: No need for uncomfortable temporary crowns. Since the crown is made and placed on the same day, there’s no waiting period. Precision and Fit: The digital imaging used in CEREC provides an extremely accurate model of your teeth, resulting in a perfect fit for your crown. Aesthetics: CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic that mimics the natural look and feel of your teeth. They are also color-matched to your existing teeth for a seamless appearance. What Can I Expect During a CEREC Procedure Consultation and Digital Scan: Dr. Vafiadis will first examine your tooth and discuss the treatment. A digital scan of your mouth will then be taken using a small, camera-like device. Design: Using the CEREC software, a 3D model of your tooth is created, and the design of your new crown is customized to fit your bite and aesthetic needs. Milling: The design is sent to the CEREC milling machine, which carves your new crown from a block of ceramic. This process takes about 15-20 minutes. Placement: Once the crown is ready, Dr. Vafiadis will check the fit and color match before permanently bonding it to your tooth. The entire process usually takes between one and two hours. Am I A Candidate? Ideal candidates are those who: Want to save time and avoid multiple dental visits. Have a damaged or decayed tooth that requires a crown. Desire a highly aesthetic restoration. Dr. Vafiadis will assess your specific situation and determine if CEREC is the right choice for you. Improve Your Smile While Saving Time Same-day dentistry with CEREC offers a convenient, efficient, high-quality solution for dental restorations. Dr. Vafiadis and his team are dedicated to providing the best care with the latest technology. If you have more questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact our office today. Your smile is our priority.

When your teeth need a complete overhaul, your dentist may recommend taking serious action to revive the health, functionality and appearance of your teeth. Full mouth restoration is a combination of procedures aimed at either replacing or rehabilitating your existing teeth to create an amazing smile. The dentists at New York Smile Institute are experts at an extensive list of advanced dental techniques, making them the ideal choice to handle the full range of procedures that full mouth restoration often entails. We are committed to providing excellent, friendly care to improve the function and appearance of your mouth effectively and efficiently. Smile with Confidence As dental professionals it is our priority to provide quality dental care you can trust. What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction? Full Mouth Reconstruction New York Does your mouth need more repair than any single dental treatment can provide? Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive plan that combines multiple reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry procedures that transform the health, functionality, and aesthetics of your teeth. Sometimes called full mouth rehabilitation or full mouth restoration, this customized plan is the best way to restore your beautiful smile in a way that looks and feels natural. The doctors at New York Smiles Institute are among the top dental professionals in NYC. For the best results, you need experienced dentists who specialize in cosmetic and implant procedures. Our team knows how to combine complex dental treatments for maximum effect so that you are proud to show off your smile once again. Am I a Candidate for Full Mouth Reconstruction? You may be a candidate for full mouth restoration for any number of reasons, including: Long-term poor oral hygiene (i.e., insufficient brushing and flossing) has left your mouth in disrepair A serious accident has caused damage to or the loss of many of your teeth Periodontal disease has advanced to the point where your teeth may not remain in the gums Certain genetic conditions make your teeth especially susceptible to infection and decay Patients are often embarrassed over needing full mouth restoration, regardless of whether their dental problems are their fault. The important thing to understand is that no matter the specific reasons you may need full mouth reconstruction, the team at New York Smile Institute will provide top-notch care, treating you with dignity and without judgment. Furthermore, you will experience less embarrassment once you have restored a full set of teeth in your mouth. Benefits of Full Mouth Restoration First and foremost, our full mouth restoration patients are excited to have attractive, complete smiles once again. Being able to smile without hesitation boosts their self-confidence and, in turn, increases their professional and social opportunities. Beyond that, the benefit of having a functioning mouth cannot be overstated. Having a full set of teeth allows you to chew properly and speak without impediment. You should notice an improvement to your overall oral health. Your full set of teeth will also protect the structure of your jaw, which can otherwise start to deteriorate without teeth present, in turn creating a sunken facial appearance. Full mouth restoration is usually a smart decision from a financial perspective, as well. The cost of gradually fixing and replacing infected teeth is likely to be higher than devising a solid, all-encompassing plan. How Do We Plan Full Mouth Reconstruction? Every full mouth reconstruction begins with a thorough examination of your mouth, which includes taking digital images/X-rays of your teeth to properly assess the presence and extent of any decay or infection. During a consultation, your dentist discusses the problems he has found and the recommended treatments for rehabilitating your mouth. Often, multiple treatments are possible for a specific problem. Your dentist can guide you through all your options so that you can choose the one that best corresponds with your goals and budget. If overriding health issues like tooth decay, jawbone erosion, or periodontal disease are present, these will need to be addressed first — before beginning any restorative procedures. Appropriate treatments will be incorporated into the larger full mouth reconstruction plan. Procedures Included in Full Mouth Reconstruction As every patient comes to us with his or her own unique dental problems, there is no one set plan for full mouth reconstruction. Instead, our dentists will devise a plan customized to your specific mouth following an examination. While some patients need every tooth need replaced, others will be able to hold on to some healthy teeth.

If you deal with chronic jaw pain, you likely suffer from temporomandibular joint and muscle (TMJ) disorder. With TMJ, the joints that connect the skull to the lower jawbone become inflamed and/or irritated. Resting these joints is difficult since they are necessary for talking and chewing. Nearly one in 12 Americans have TMJ, though nearly half fail to seek treatment. Enduring this pain is usually unnecessary since relief is achievable for many patients. At New York Smile Institute, our elite dentists offer TMJ treatments such as bite therapy to minimize your ongoing discomfort. Smile with Confidence As dental professionals it is our priority to provide quality dental care you can trust. TMJ Symptoms Visit your dentist to discuss TMJ if you notice these symptoms: Frequent pain around your jaw, ears, face and/or neck Difficulty or pain when you chew Popping or clicking noises when you move your jaw Intense headaches Causes of TMJ TMJ is attributed to a variety of causes, including: Grinding or clenching of the teeth, especially at night Injury Misaligned teeth or jawbone, particularly an overbite Arthritis If the dentist can determine the likely cause of your TMJ, it becomes much easier to correct the problem. Bite Therapy In many cases, bite therapy can help to relieve symptoms of TMJ. One of the most successful methods is an oral splint. Your dentist can custom create this oral appliance to fit your mouth. Wearing this non-invasive splint should help make your biting motion smoother and generate less pain. Similarly, your dentist may recommend a nighttime oral appliance that stops you from grinding your teeth at night. After wearing this device while sleeping, you should no longer wake up with a sore jaw. Tmj disorder NYC Other bite therapy techniques include repairing or replacing fillings, crowns, dental implants, etc. so that your bite is unimpeded by missing or uneven teeth. Your dentist may also recommend orthodontics to restore the proper alignment of your teeth. Sometimes, exercises, massages and cold compresses may be sufficient to relieve your TMJ discomfort. At an appointment, your NYSI dentist can provide a list of tips and tricks to manage moderate cases of TMJ. However, the most severe cases of TMJ could potentially warrant surgery. While surgery is only recommended to patients who have exhausted other options, a highly trained dentist can surgically correct a misaligned jaw with the aim of fixing the bite and reducing pain. How Much Does TMJ Treatment Cost? The price for TMJ care depends on the exact course of treatment you and your dentist agree to. The good news is that insurance often covers some or all TMJ care. Health insurance is more likely to offer benefits for TMJ than standard dental insurance. If you would like to make payments toward your total cost of care, New York Smile Institute accepts financing plans through CareCredit, a leading medical lender. Minimize or Eliminate Your Jaw Pain with Bite Therapy Do not be one of the millions of Americans who needlessly decide to tolerate their chronic jaw pain. Instead, seek care from Manhattan’s most reputable dental practice. Our dentists can evaluate your bite and develop a treatment plan that will allow your jaw to function in a normal manner again. To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, please call (212) 319-6363 today.

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances. Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist – a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile! Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear. Reasons for dental implants: Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth. Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space. Restore a patient’s confident smile. Restore chewing, speech, and digestion. Restore or enhance facial tissues. Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable. What does getting dental implants involve? The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months. X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time. After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient. You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.