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/
