Located in the Heart of Armonk Village, Right in front of Town Hall
video: Why dental crowns?
Dental crowns protect a cracked tooth, restore a broken tooth, support a tooth with a large filling, hold a dental bridge in place and cover a discolored tooth.
Video: Want to improve your smile?
If you want to improve your smile, consider dental implants. Dental implants are replacement teeth. They are durable and convenient and match your natural teeth.
Video: Fractured teeth affecting your smile?
Is your fractured teeth affecting your smile? Dental veneers may be the best option for you. Dental veneers can change the appearance of chipped teeth. It shows immediate results, repairs deep discoloration, effective for stained teeth, minimize gaps between teeth and last but not the least, dental veneers are affordable and long lasting.
Why You Should Get Dental Veneers
If you are worried about a small chip or fractured teeth affecting your smile, dental veneers may be your best option. Veneers are thin shells, custom-made to fit the shape and color of your teeth. Dental veneers allow you to change the appearance of your teeth. Once in place, the color, shape, length and size of the tooth with the veneer is changed.
Here are the few reasons for why you should go for dental veneers:
- Shows immediate results: Dental veneers can improve the look of teeth that has fractures, chips, cracks and discolorations immediately.
- Dental veneers can repair deep discolorations: Tetracycline and fluorosis can cause deep discolorations on the surfaces of your teeth. It is very difficult to remove these strains through the bleaching procedure. But, dental veneers can cover up these deep discolorations.
Effective for stained teeth: Some stains on the teeth cannot be removed even with the best whitening procedures. But dental veneers placed on your teeth can cover the stains and improve the appearance of your teeth.
- Dental veneers can minimize gaps: Gaps between teeth, also known as diastema, can be unsightly depending on the individual or size of the gap. Dental veneers can reduce diastema and improve your teeth’s appearance.
- Dental veneers are affordable and long lasting: Dental veneers are not expensive and the procedure is painless. With proper care, they can last for almost two decades.
Cosmetic dentistry services in NY and CT
Dr. Aki Shirakura, DDS has been providing cosmetic dentistry services, including getting veneers fitted, for many years. At the office of Aki Shirakura DDS, our goal is to allow every patient to walk out of our office feeling great about themselves. We provide our services in Westchester and Armonk in New York and Greenwich in CT.
Contact Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates at 914-303-6150 to schedule an appointment. We can tell you if veneers are right for you.
Different Types of Dental Veneers
Veneers are either made with the materials composite or porcelain. When you decide to have dental veneers fitted, decide on the type of material that will suite your needs.
Porcelain Veneers
This is the most common type of veneers because of its impressive results. Porcelain veneers help those who want to see drastic improvements in the appearance of their teeth. They are effective in improving tough stains, discoloration, chipped teeth, crooked teeth, and uneven teeth. Porcelain veneers have a very natural finish and are more stain resistant than composite veneers.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made using a composite resin. They are a good for those who want to see some change in color, shape and size of their teeth. Composite veneers can be fitted in a single appointment. The dentist can even make the veneers directly on prepared teeth. The veneers will look like natural teeth once they are smoothed and polished. Composite veneers are cheaper and a good option for those who do not require drastic improvements on their teeth. However, composite veneers can discolor over time and will require areplacement.
Dental Veneers at Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates
Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates provide cosmetic dental care to improve the appearance of teeth. We believe that keeping patients knowledgeable and up-to date on their dental health and well-being is essential. Contact us to learn more about dental veneers. Call us at 914-303-6150 or email: draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com.
How to Protect Your Damaged Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a metal, ceramic, or porcelain crown that is custom made to fit over the tooth from the chewing surface to the gums. To place a dental crown, a dentist begins by treating the underlying issue, such as tooth decay or an infected pulp. After that, a dental filling material is placed as needed to improve the underlying structure. The tooth is shaped to hold the crown, and then the crown is slide over the tooth. This process typically requires two appointments.
What Causes Damaged Dental Crowns
There are a number of ways this type of crown can become chipped, cracked, warped, or misaligned.
- Caries: If the decay damages the enamel beneath the crown, it may become dislodged or begin to slip off of the tooth.
- Malocclusion: Undue pressure can be put on the crown from an improper bite, causing it to shift, fracture or chip.
- Injury: Oral trauma or the force of an accident can crack, chip, or misalign the crown.
- Teeth grinding: Some people suffer from a condition known as bruxism, in which they grind their teeth together due to stress, misalignment, or other oral problems. Teeth grinding can wear down the chewing surface or break a crown.
- Poor dental habits: Behaviors such as biting on ice cubes and using the teeth to open packages can damage the crown. Additionally, failing to properly brush, floss, and rinse the teeth can damage the crown by raising the risk for decay, gum disease, or other issues in the surrounding enamel.
What Are the Symptoms of Damaged Crowns?
You may have a damaged crown when:
- You see a hole, crack, chip, or any other abnormality with your crown when you brush and floss your teeth.
- You see that your gums have become more sensible to heat, cold, and pressure near your crown.
- Your teeth feel misaligned all of a sudden.
- You notice a sharp or rough texture on the chewing surface of your mouth or the sides of your teeth.
How to Protect Dental Crown
Excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups have been shown to lengthen the duration of many tooth crowns. Although it may seem like a hassle to take an extra few minutes every day to floss and brush your teeth, those extra few minutes can extend the life of your cosmetic dental crown and save you money on a replacement.
Your cosmetic dentist should be able to tell you beforehand if your cosmetic dental crown will likely need to be replaced at some point down the road. The better the crown is cared for, the longer its lifespan is likely to be. Poor eating or hygiene habits may force you to undergo crown replacements sooner than would have been necessary.
Contact Dr Aki Shirakura for Dental Crown Procedure
If you would like to undergo a dental crown procedure, call the office of Dr Aki Shirakura today. Our staffs is dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs and expectations of each and every patient who walks through our doors, and we will give you the individualized professional care that you need and deserve. You can call us at (914) 303-6150 or email: draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com.
What is Tooth Decay and How it Can Be Prevented
Tooth decay is a degenerative oral health condition that takes place due to the breakdown of tooth enamel. The destruction of tooth structure associated with decay may result in the development of holes in the teeth, more commonly referred to as cavities. It is often caused as result of dietary choices and bad oral hygiene habits. The foods that we eat contain sugars and starches. When these foods are left on the teeth, plaque combines with the bacteria that live in the mouth, producing acids that damage the tooth enamel causing tooth decay.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Tooth decay affects millions of people, but it can be easily prevented. To prevent tooth decay:
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste. It is recommended to brush after each meal and especially before going to bed.
- Floss daily to remove food debris from in between the teeth. It is an important part of oral hygiene that removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot always reach.
- Maintain a healthy diet of nutritious foods. Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit the amount of junk food you consume. Avoid foods rich in carbohydrates such as candy, pretzels and chips as they can remain on the tooth surface. If you eat sticky foods, brush your teeth soon afterwards.
- Use an alcohol-free dental mouthwash that contains fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. Mouthwash should not be used directly after brushing. Choose a separate time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch. It is advisable not to eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.
- Have dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) placed on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. This will protect them from decay.
- You may drink fluoridated water. At least a pint of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect children from tooth decay.
- Visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and oral examination.
Call Dr. Aki Shirakura DDS, at 914-303-6150
If you are having problems with tooth decay and want to know how to prevent tooth decay in the future, call the office of Dr. Aki Shirakura, DDS for advice. You can call us at 914-303-6150 or email us at draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com. We provide beneficial tooth decay treatment.
Different Teeth Straightening Solutions
According to the British Orthodontic Society, over one-third of children require their teeth to be straightened. A similar number of adults are also equally affected as well, if they didn’t have treatment as a child. Misaligned or crooked teeth can create a lack of confidence and making a person smile less, which can have an effect on his/her personal and social life. Thankfully, there are many orthodontic teeth straightening solutions available. Teeth straightening can dramatically improve a person’s appearance and as a result boost his/her confidence and self-esteem.
There are many different cosmetic dental techniques available to straighten teeth. Below are some popular cosmetic braces that can help straighten your teeth.
Fixed Orthodontic Braces
It is a traditional way to straighten teeth and typically associated with young children. Metal wires are attached to the front surfaces of the teeth with brackets. These brackets and wires are progressively tightened over time by applying gentle pressure to the teeth and encouraging them to move into a straighter position.
Inman Aligner®
This method produces very quick results, with teeth visibly straighter within six to 18 weeks. It works using aligner bows that are positioned at the front and back of the teeth. There is a coil spring that pushes the two bows together, using gentle pressure to guide the teeth into a straighter position. Inman Aligner is a removable brace that can be taken out when eating and drinking.
Invisalign®
The Invisalign braces do not use any metal or wires. Instead, a completely clear brace, like a transparent gum shield, is worn over the teeth, making them almost invisible. The aligners are changed every two weeks. The Invisalign braces can be removed to clean the teeth or while eating.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces work in the same manner as regular fixed braces and they can be used to treat all sorts of problems, from crowding to unsightly gaps. They are fitted to the inside (back) surfaces of the teeth, so they are not visible from the front.
Damon Braces®
Damon braces are an alternative to conventional treatment. They do not use elastic ties that can make dental hygiene more difficult to maintain. They are more comfortable and provide faster tooth straightening results.
Six-Month Smile®
It is a new orthodontic treatment that uses tooth-colored brackets and wires that are less visible. This treatment focusses only on the teeth that are visible when you smile.
Contact the Office of Dr. Aki Shirakura DDS at 914-303-615
If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, call the office of Dr. Aki Shirakura DDS at 914-303-6150 or email at draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com. Our desire is that each and every client who walks through the doors of Aki Shirakura DDS has a dental experience that they feel great about. Our goal is to allow you to not only feel confident in our work, but to allow you to feel good about yourself.
Can a Chipped Dental Crown or Tooth Be Repaired?
Teeth are tough due to the enamel that covers it. Enamel is considered the hardest material in the body. It assists in protecting the nerves and roots inside the teeth from decay and pain. However, teeth are not unbreakable. They can get chipped from:
- wear and tear
- a fall or a blow
- biting something hard
- teeth grinding
- tooth decay
A chipped dental crown or tooth can be repaired. If you chip your tooth and feel any pain or discomfort make an appointment with Dr. Aki Shirakura DDS. We will examine your chipped tooth and provide you with the best options for repair.
How a Chipped Dental Crown Can Be Repaired
A dental crown is made of metals, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, ceramic or porcelain. Dental Crowns are not easy to chip, but it can happen.
Porcelain crowns can chip, and like normal teeth, if the chip is not too large, it can be repaired using resin that matches the color of the crown. The durability of dental crowns are five to fifteen years, or more. However, porcelain crowns are more delicate and may need to be replaced.
How a Chipped Tooth Can Be Repaired
It is possible to repair a chipped tooth, but the treatment may be different depending on the situation:
- How much of the tooth is chipped
- Where the chipped tooth is located
- The condition of the tooth
If the chip is small, it can be easily repaired by bonding. Bonding is a simple process where a material called resin is placed on the tooth and then shaped to look like the natural tooth. The resin is made to match the color of the natural tooth. Bonding is especially useful when the chipped tooth is a front tooth. The process is painless and doesn’t require numbing the tooth.
If a chip is large, then it can be repaired with a filling. This is the same process that is used when a tooth is decayed. If a chip in the tooth is too large and unable to be repaired, then it may need to be covered with a dental crown. This will protect the tooth from further damage.
Do You Have A Chipped Dental Crown Or Tooth? Get Dental Repair From Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates!
Our desire is that each and every client who walks through the doors of Aki Shirakura DDS has a dental experience that they feel great about. Our goal is to put make you feel good about yourself by providing excellent dental care. Our knowledge and experience allows us to feel confident in our work. We look forward to seeing you smile! Call us today at (914) 303-6150.
Different Tooth Restoration Procedures
Tooth restoration is any artificial substance or structure that replaces missing teeth or part of a tooth in order to protect the mouth’s ability to eat, chew, and speak. Tooth restoration procedures may include fillings, crowns, bridges, implants and veneers.
Different Procedures of Tooth Restoration
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are restorations that are done to repair damage caused by tooth decay. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth using a high-speed drill or an air abrasion system, shapes the cavity walls and replaces the tooth structure with a filling of silver amalgam, composite resin or gold. The filling is then placed in the cavity as a liquid or soft solid. It sets within a few minutes and continues to harden over the next several hours. Silver amalgam is more commonly used to fill cavities on the biting surfaces of the back teeth, because it is strong enough to endure the tremendous pressures of grinding and chewing. Composite resin is typically used to fill cavities in the front teeth and any other teeth that are visible when a person smiles because its color can be matched to the tooth’s surface. Gold filling is not very common. It is more expensive and less easily applied. It also does not trigger the sensitivity reactions that some patients have to silver amalgam.
Dental Crown
The crown of a tooth is covered by enamel. A restorative dental crown replaces this outer part to protect the tooth. A dental crown becomes necessary when a tooth cracks or when its entire structure becomes weakened by decay. The dentist first removes the decayed portion of the tooth and prepares it for a crown. The tooth may be shaped on the outside edges to a peg, reinforced with a cast metal core or rebuilt with both a cast metal core and a post. The dentist then makes a wax impression of the prepared tooth and the teeth next to it. The new crown is made to fit this mold. A dental crown may be made of gold or stainless steel alone, metal with a veneer of tooth-colored porcelain or resin or of porcelain or resin alone. The finished crown is then placed over the prepared tooth, adjusted and cemented into place.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are done when one or more permanent teeth are lost or pulled. A gap results from the lost or pulled teeth and it has to be filled to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. If the other teeth shift, they may cause pain in the jaw joint. As the teeth move and become crooked, it also becomes more difficult to keep the teeth clean. This may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, increasing the likelihood that additional teeth will be lost. A bridge is thus inserted to prevent such risks. Bridges are non-removable appliances of one or more artificial teeth anchored by crowns on the adjacent teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to secure crowns, bridges and dentures in the mouth. In a dental implant, a hard plastic or metal fixture is implanted through the soft tissue into the bone. Over time, the bone grows around this fixture, firmly anchoring it. The exposed end of this fixture is covered with a crown and may serve as a stable support for a bridge or denture.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers change the appearance of teeth. There are two types of dental veneers, porcelain veneers and dental porcelain laminates. The veneers are thin shells, custom-made to fit the shape and color of the teeth. Thinness is important because veneers bond to the front of the tooth. Once in place, the color, shape, length and size of the tooth with the veneer is changed.
The material used to make veneers determine the results. Veneers made from porcelain offer more stain resistance than those made from resin composite materials. Porcelain also has similar light reflecting properties like natural teeth. Veneers made with resin composite materials are thinner than those made with porcelain. Since resin composite materials produce a thinner veneer, the surface of your tooth does not have to be as thin as with porcelain. Veneers are good for situations, such as:
- Your teeth are no longer white, due to age, stains, medications or other dental procedures (such as fillings that affect tooth color).
- Your teeth are broken, chipped or worn.
- Your teeth are uneven, out of place or oddly shaped.
- Your teeth have gaps between them.
Call the Office of Dr Aki Shirakura DDS to Know About Tooth Restoration Procedures
If you are in need of tooth restoration and finding it difficult to choose the right tooth procedure, call the office of Dr. Aki Shirakura DDS, to help you decide the best restoration procedure for you. You can call us at (914) 303-6150 or email us at draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com. You can also contact us online.