Cosmetic dentist explains the differences of porcelain veneers and Lumineers to Rye, NY area patients

Patients in the Rye, NY area seeking a dentist who provides a variety of cosmetic procedures are welcome to book a visit with the staff at Chester Hill Dental Associates, PLLC. Drs. Chi Fu and Kay Oen are two dentists in the area who offer a wide range of treatments at their practice for patients who want to enhance their smiles. From professional teeth whitening to extensive smile rehabilitation, they provide it all. They are also excited to offer patients solutions such as porcelain veneers and Lumineers.

Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are both types of veneers that are used to disguise problems within the smile. These are facings bonded to the front of a tooth for optimum coverage. Concerns such as gaps between teeth, broken teeth, or teeth that are misaligned are easily resolved with the use of veneers. Drs. Chi Fu and Kay Oen are proud to offer both varieties for patients and help them understand the different.

The primary difference between traditional porcelain veneers and Lumineers is the amount of tooth structure removed for the placement. Conventional veneers require the removal of enamel from the front of the tooth before impressions are taken. This eliminates added bulk to the teeth when the veneers are bonded in place. However, Lumineers are extremely thin and do not require preparation of the tooth. This means not only does the patient get to maintain their natural tooth structure, but the procedure can be reversed later as it does not permanently impact the tooth itself. This is highly beneficial for many of our patients who may be unsure as to whether or not they want to make permanent changes to their natural teeth for porcelain veneers.

Drs. Chi Fu and Kay Oen of Chester Hill Dental Associates, PLLC offer services to patients in and around the area of Westchester, Rye Brook, Port Chester, Greenwich, and Rye, NY. Contact their team today to schedule a consultation appointment and speak to a cosmetic dentist with knowledge of the many ways in which Lumineers and porcelain veneers can be used to enhance the smile. Call (914) 939-2132 or visit in person at 150 Purchase Street, Suite 1 in Rye, NY.

Discover Answers to Your Coverage Questions

Insurance can have a lot of moving parts to keep track of, understand, and use to your advantage. Luckily for you, to help explain and get the most of your coverage, your Rye NY dentist Dr. Fu has staff members specially trained in the art of “decoding” dental insurance for you. You can always reach out to our office before your next appointment to review the ins and outs of your plan, but in the event you wanted to check out some of that information on your own at home, below are some definitions and tips that may be of help.

The Terms to Know

• Deductible:

  the amount you first must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company will start to cover the cost of treatment.

• Co-Pay:

  a fixed amount you must pay for a service or appointment. Your provider will set this amount for you before purchasing your plan.

• Co-Insurance:

  a plan where you pay only certain percentages of the cost of a service.

• Annual Maximum:

  the highest possible amount an insurance company will pay for services within a specific time frame, typically within a calendar year.

Tips to Get the Most of Your Plan

Make sure to review what your dental insurance will cover and make the most of it! A majority of plans will cover your twice-yearly recommended dental cleanings and exams, so make sure to schedule those visits with us! These cleanings can help save you from more substantial dental issues which can result in loss of money, time, and cause discomfort.

While taking full advantage of your plan, it is also important to track what you have used responsibly. Going over your maximum coverage can result in paying out of pocket, which can be both costly and inconvenient.

For more information on how your Rye NY dentist can help you maximize your dental benefits- give us a call today at (914) 939-2132.

Teeth whitening provides amazing results for Westchester, NY area patients seeking a brighter smile

A bright, brilliant smile can exude beauty, health, and confidence. However, not everyone has a naturally beautiful smile that is as white as a Hollywood grin. Many patients also struggle with darkening of their teeth due to the foods and drinks they enjoy. When patients are unhappy with the color of their natural teeth, they often begin to look at teeth whitening options available to them in the Westchester, NY area. This may include visiting Chester Hill Dental Associates to learn about professional-grade solutions.

Discoloration of the teeth can be addressed with one of two teeth whitening options available at our practice. The first is our in-office power bleaching. This method utilizes peroxide gel that is administered onto the surfaces of the tooth enamel and activated using a special whitening light. By doing this, patients can have a whiter smile in as little as one hour. Additionally, we provide take-home whitening trays which some patients may prefer if they are interested in a more economical solution with gradual results. These trays are custom-made for our patients right in our practice using impressions of the smile for precise fit and function. Patients are sent home with bleaching gel to use with the trays to brighten their smile in the privacy of their own homes.

Both whitening options available at Chester Hill Dental Associates are quality, professional-grade treatment solutions that are not available over-the-counter. Many drugstore offerings do not have the high concentration of bleaching gel that can effectively brighten the smile and provide long-lasting results. This is why many patients turn to dental practices for their services to see amazing brilliance in a short period of time.

Drs. Chi Fu and Kay Oen of Chester Hill Dental Associates encourage patients to avoid the over-the-counter treatment options and consider brightening the smile with professional-grade products instead. Contact their practice today by calling (914) 939-2132 and speaking with our quality staff about scheduling an appointment. our practice is located at 150 Purchase Street, Suite 1 in Rye, NY servicing patients in and around the community—including Westchester, NY.

Greenwich CT Cosmetic Dentist Emphasizes Importance of Wearing a Mouth Guard While Playing Sports

As enjoyable and benefitting as sports can be, there are moments when accidents happen and a patient can suffer from dental trauma. It’s a no-brainer to wear helmets, shin guards, and shoulder and knee pads when you’re playing sports, but what about your teeth? Athletes, typically kids and teens, will avoid wearing mouth guards if it’s not mandatory. More than 40% of all sports injuries involve the face, typically the teeth, lips, and gums. Learn more about mouth guards, what types there are, and why the use of mouth guards can save your smile with the help of your Greenwich CT cosmetic dentist.

A mouth guard is a protective and comfortable piece of athletic gear that goes over your teeth in order to save any potential issues from occurring on your teeth, lips, gums, tongue, jaw, and overall facial structure. There is also research that shows wearing mouth guards can even reduce the severity of a concussion. This is an essential part of playing sports for every athlete and for a good reason!

Previously mentioned, almost half of sports injuries involve the face. You can save yourself from severe damage to your teeth, gums, lips and more by simply wearing a mouth guard. Many young athletes, typically teens and young adults, don’t always wear mouth guards when they should because they feel it’s uncomfortable, whether it’s too big or too small.

If you find yourself uncomfortable wearing a sports mouth guard you’ve purchased at the store, visit our office for a consultation on getting a custom-made mouth guard. These are the best solutions that are much more comfortable, protective, and overall practical. We take impressions of your teeth and create a guard that fits perfectly over your smile.

After you’ve received your personal mouth guard, don’t be afraid to ask us about how to take care of your mouth guard while you’re playing and when you’re not. To make these last as long as possible, it’s important to clean, maintain and store your mouth guard the right way.

Contact your Greenwich CT cosmetic dentist to learn more about custom mouth guards and what we can do for you by calling our office at (914) 939-2132 today!

Dentist near Greenwich CT Warns Patients about Severity of Gum Disease

One of the most, if not THE most, common health issue in the US is periodontal disease. While it may seem unlikely, there is a large majority of people who suffer from gum disease and face the consequences. This is more common than heart disease, stroke, or different forms of cancer. Below, your dentist serving Greenwich CT will share what gum disease is, why it’s important to monitor, and what you can do to protect your smile.

Periodontal disease had two different stages—gingivitis, which is a mild case, and periodontitis, which is an advanced case. This infection damages the gums and bone that support your teeth. When plaque hardens into tartar below the gum line, it makes the rest of your mouth, gums and tissues vulnerable. Combined with a poor diet and bad habits, the infection can spread much faster than you may think.

Unfortunately, many patients don’t recognize that they’re suffering from periodontal disease until it’s too late. There aren’t many extreme symptoms that patients will recognize are overtly dangerous. You’ll have red, swollen gums that will bleed when you brush your teeth, but this is something that patients ignore since they’re overall health isn’t reacting to the issue. For a majority of the symptoms, patients don’t think that they will warrant a visit to the dentist until something drastic happens, like extreme dental pain or tooth loss.

When periodontal disease gets to its advanced stages, there is no cure. This is why visiting our office bi-annually for your routine dental check-ups can help detect any early warning signs. Prevention is the best way to protect all of your teeth—brushing every morning and night, flossing, and having a proper diet will dramatically improve your oral and dental health.

We have periodontal treatment for patients who suffer from periodontitis, but it won’t completely remove the disease. You’ll want to frequently visit our office for extensive cleanings in order to protect your teeth from consistent pain.

Call our office to schedule an appointment or consultation with your dentist near Greenwich CT by reaching us at (914) 939-2132 to discuss your periodontal treatment.

Your Westchester NY Dentist Warns You about Other Potential Dental Dangers

The choices that we and our families have for snacks, meals, and beverages probably far exceeds what any of us would ever need. Most people stick to a circle of favorite consumables; often those that they believe are more “friendly” to the teeth and the body than others. For instance, many parents today do not purchase soda for their children due to the inclusion of high-fructose corn syrup. Instead, kids are routinely given the alternative of some type of sports drink. Older kids may choose to quench their thirst with these and even the occasional energy drink. Because there is no sugar in most of these beverages, there is the idea that they are safer for teeth. Not so, and here’s why.

It is not only sugar that damages teeth. Interestingly, it really wasn’t until the popularity of sports and energy drinks began to soar that we realized that there could be another danger lurking in food choices – acid. Yes, acid. If you are envisioning the effects that some type of acid has if you pour it over, say, metal; the smoke, the peeling or bending, you aren’t far off from envisioning what mild acids in foods and drinks do to enamel.

Acid-washing your Teeth

You wouldn’t really want to acid-wash anything that you do not wish to alter. However, this is what happens when acidic beverages are consumed. The liquid does not stay in line, as if passing through the mouth in an invisible tunnel. No. It washes over every tooth, in between teeth, in the tiniest crevices. When it sits, it causes erosion, the widespread wearing down of the tough outer shell of teeth. When enamel wears down, or erodes, the result is higher sensitivity that is difficult to reverse, and also an increased risk for cavities.

Saving your Teeth

Secondary to creating new, healthier habits, the way to save teeth from erosion is to rinse the mouth out after drinking soda, a sports drink, or an energy drink. If a beverage has acid as an ingredient, rinse the mouth. By the way, coffee is also highly acidic. Rinsing with water can dilute acid and wash some of it away. Brushing should be postponed about an hour after an acidic beverage, though, because brushing enamel in a state of weakness can do more harm than good.

Your Westchester, NY dentist is here to support you. Call (914) 939-2132.

Cosmetic Dentist in Westchester NY Shares how Lumineers can Restore Your Smile

Cosmetic dentistry has given hundreds of thousands of patients the ability to completely restore and rejuvenate their smile into the one that they’ve always dreamed of. There are a number of cosmetic procedures available that patients can and have benefitted from. Dentistry as a whole has drastically evolved, allowing patients to keep their natural, but improved smile. With the help of your cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY, patients can receive lumineers, an advanced cosmetic option for your smile.

Lumineers are contact lens-thin and are applied to your teeth by your dentist without the need of grinding or shaving down your natural teeth. They help transform your teeth into a beautiful, natural-looking smile that’s made to fit you! Not only can they be placed over your natural teeth, but they can also be placed over other dental work as well, including bridges and crowns, without having to replace them. There’s no surgery, no pain, just a brand new smile!

While general veneers are also helpful, lumineers have more cosmetic advantages to them. Traditional veneers are usually thicker, which means that your dentist must extensively prepare for this procedure—your natural teeth may have to be reshaped in order for the veneers to fit properly and look naturally. This can result in some discomfort and pain, whereas lumineers eliminates that entire process.

In just 2 to 3 visits, you’ll be able to have the opportunity to have a completely new smile with the help of lumineers that can last for up to 20 years. To learn more about this procedure and what it can do for you, contact your cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY by calling our office at (914) 939-2132 to schedule an appointment or consultation.

Cosmetic Dentist in Westchester NY Shares how Lumineers can Restore Your Smile

Cosmetic dentistry has given hundreds of thousands of patients the ability to completely restore and rejuvenate their smile into the one that they’ve always dreamed of. There are a number of cosmetic procedures available that patients can and have benefitted from. Dentistry as a whole has drastically evolved, allowing patients to keep their natural, but improved smile. With the help of your cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY, patients can receive lumineers, an advanced cosmetic option for your smile.

Lumineers are contact lens-thin and are applied to your teeth by your dentist without the need of grinding or shaving down your natural teeth. They help transform your teeth into a beautiful, natural-looking smile that’s made to fit you! Not only can they be placed over your natural teeth, but they can also be placed over other dental work as well, including bridges and crowns, without having to replace them. There’s no surgery, no pain, just a brand new smile!

While general veneers are also helpful, lumineers have more cosmetic advantages to them. Traditional veneers are usually thicker, which means that your dentist must extensively prepare for this procedure—your natural teeth may have to be reshaped in order for the veneers to fit properly and look naturally. This can result in some discomfort and pain, whereas lumineers eliminates that entire process.

In just 2 to 3 visits, you’ll be able to have the opportunity to have a completely new smile with the help of lumineers that can last for up to 20 years. To learn more about this procedure and what it can do for you, contact your cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY by calling our office at (914) 939-2132 to schedule an appointment or consultation.

Westchester NY Dentist Shows Why Desserts in the Daytime can Harm Your Smile

Having a smile that you’re proud of is something worth sharing—whether you’re at work, at home, or on the go. In order to protect your teeth, you have to make sure that you’re monitoring your diet since you’re the one who’s in control! Sometimes, it’s difficult to ignore particular food items in the workplace, including desserts like cakes and cookies. With the help of your Westchester NY dentist, we’ll explain what “cake culture” is and how it’s damaging adults’ oral and dental health.

In a workplace setting, it’s common for coworkers to bring in desserts to share with everyone! For brithdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations, it’s fun to gather around with your friends and enjoy delicious foods and drinks together. Unfortunately, this can become a bad habit for people who get used to indulging in these sweet treats on a daily basis.

Many adults admit to consuming more sugary items at work than they do at home; whether it’s because they simply don’t buy it at home or aren’t in the mood isn’t specified. But when dessert items are “free” and readily available in your common kitchen area, it’s hard to find a reason to ignore these delicious treats.

There are healthier options that we want our patients to consider when they think about snacking! Instead of bringing in cookies, brownies and the like, try substituting those for fruits and vegetables platters. If you continue to indulge in desserts, you’re more likely to suffer from cavities and tooth decay. Not only will this affect your smile, but your overall health is at risk, as well. Those who are struggling with diets and weight loss may succumb to the tasty, sugary sweets if they’re right in front of you.

Your smile deserves to be taken care of and we’re here to help! Schedule an appointment with your Westchester NY dentist by calling our office at (914) 939-2132.