Top NJ Cosmetic Dentists

Drs. Lapine and Vocaturo

Top NJ Cosmetic Dentists

Are you looking for a quality NJ cosmetic dentist? At the Cosmetic & Wellness Center of New Jersey you get two- Drs. Donald Lapine and Anthony Vocaturo. More than just oral health professionals, Drs. Lapine and Vocaturo have been changing the way people smile for decades. It is no wonder they see the likes of models, rock stars, Miss USA beauty queens and celebrities walk through their doors every day. Dr. Vocaturo was named the best dentist in America by his peers, a very prestigious accolade.

The dental treatments we utilize at our office may not be the standard treatments you see at other offices. There is a difference between good dentistry and great dentistry. At our NJ cosmetic dentistry office our objective is to not just restore or enhance your smile, we strive to make you look more attractive and confident based on what your goals are. It all starts with your personal consultation where we will work with you to determine what your smile goals are and how we can achieve them.

In addition to providing and being known for cosmetic dentistry, we also offer a number of general dentistry treatments and preventative exams as well as cleanings. Dentistry is not all about enhancements; many of our cosmetic patients also come in for routine cleanings and for other treatments like TMJ therapy or dental fillings. Whatever the reason, we treat each patient with respect and try to make them feel welcome regardless of the extent of their procedure.

Check out our Facebook page to see some of the famous faces we have worked with. Recently Carson Kressley came in for some dental treatments as did some other famous personalities.  We look forward to working with you, please contact us today to learn more about our treatments or to schedule a consultation.

1-800-701-2238

Is It Possible to Cut and Paste a Smile?

Cut and Paste

Is It Possible to Cut and Paste a Smile?

For many patients it makes sense to bring in a picture of their favorite celebrity and tell Drs. Lapine and Vocaturo to emulate that for their smile design. Although it is ok for patients to admire beautiful smiles and look at them as pictures of what could be, “cutting and pasting” a smile is not necessarily the most ideal way for a patient to get a smile that fits their face.

When we say “cut and paste” we are referring to the act of attempting to produce the same smile of a celebrity (or anyone else) and produce those results on a patient’s face. Smile design is a very individualized process and one that is done based on the characteristics of a person’s unique features. At the Cosmetic & Wellness Center of New Jersey, we determine the possibilities of a patients smile and blend them into what will be the most natural look possible. By considering the lips, mouth, gums, nose, eyes, hair color, hair style, facial features and even a patient’s profession, we design a smile that works with what features a person has.

The reason we do this is because your features and the smile have to complement each other to get a look that matches who you are. Essentially we are getting the frame (your face) and deciding what picture would go best in it with your input and goals.

The patient, of course, will be very involved in this process and will be able to see what their smile will look like before it is permanent. Through the use of temporaries we are able to showcase what a smile makeover can look like and what a person can expect if they get a smile designed by our expert dentists. To learn more about how a smile design works contact our office for a consultation today.

New Jersey Dentists Answer: What Are the Best Teeth Whitening Treatments?

teeth whitening

What are the best Teeth Whitening treatments?

Consumers have a lot of choices when it comes to brightening their smiles and often wonder what the best treatment for their teeth is. Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment and our practice specializes in teeth whitening in New Jersey. The more powerful whitening agents must be administered by trained professionals which is why the FDA does not approve most of the over-the-counter whiteners on the marker today. Used incorrectly, OTC tooth whiteners can harm gums, result in uneven whitening, and yield poor results thus wasting time and money. Regardless of what choice you make as a consumer to whiten your teeth in New Jersey, you should know the results of whitening and the length of the treatment to help you determine what is right for you.

Teeth Whitening Results VS Length of Treatment

There are three categories of teeth whitening including:

  • In-office whitening such as Zoom Whitening
  • Professional prescribed take home whitening kits
  • Over-the-counter whitening such as tooth pastes, strips, rinses, etc.

Over-The-Counter- OTC products are known for their affordability yet also known for taking the longest time and yielding the least results. These products can take months to work and only whiten teeth a few shades.

Take-Home Kits- Take home kits prescribed by your dentist are molded to fit your teeth and are worn either during the day or night. These kits are extremely effective at whitening teeth and are considered safe. While costing more than OTC products, they work much quicker which is why there price point is in between that of OTC whitening products and the best whitener, in-office whitening.

In-Office Whitening- Our practice utilizes Zoom Whitening because it offers patients the best whitening results with the shortest treatment times. Zoom Whitening can brighten teeth up to seven or more shades and can be completed in about an hour.

The Cosmetic & Wellness Center of New Jersey offers in-office and take-home whitening kits so that our patients can benefit from the convenience of whitening at home or more quickly in our office. To learn more about teeth whitening in New Jersey contact us today.

1-800-701-2238

Dental Crowns Restorations and Implants in Bayonne, NJ

Dental crown restorations

Dental Crowns Restorations and Implants

There are essentially two uses of a dental crown: one is for restoring a damaged tooth and the other is for a tooth-like restoration that is created to be placed on top of a dental implant. Drs. Lapine and Vocaturo make custom dental crowns by hand before sending them off to a dental lab so that they can determine how they will look in relationship to the rest of your mouth and overall appearance. Many dentists have the lab send them what they think is best for the patient but have never actually worked with the patient and understand the aesthetic benefits it presents in addition to the health benefits.

Dental crowns that are used to restore damaged teeth include teeth that are cracked, have excess decay and have been drilled down or are used to replace existing crowns. Dental crowns are usually considered when a tooth requires a significant restoration and cannot benefit from more simple restorations such as dental bonding, veneers or inlays or onlays. They are also often used for patients who have undergone root canal procedures and have had excessive amounts of their dental tissue removed to eliminate unhealthy tooth structure.

Dental crowns for dental implants are designed similarly to dental crowns for tooth restoration except they are replacing the entire tooth rather than restoring an existing tooth. They also differ in that they sit on top of the abutment of the implant. These crowns must customized so that they look, feel, and respond like natural teeth and sustain the impacts of every day wear and tear as well as diet.

The dental crowns provided by the Cosmetic & Wellness Center of New Jersey are designed to look like your original teeth. They require the same care as natural teeth with every day brushing and flossing and require the same measures that are taken to prevent the teeth from accumulating plaque and the onset of gum disease.

To learn more about the best dental crown dentists in New Jersey contact us today.

Dr. Vocaturo to be Featured in New You Magazine

Dr. Anthony Vocaturo

Dr. Vocaturo in New You Magazine

Dr. Vocaturo will soon be featured in a national magazine titled New You. New You is a magazine devoted to exploring aesthetic and anti-aging medicine. The articles contained seek to inform readers about the latest cosmetic and anti-aging procedures that are available to them and to help them locate the best cosmetic doctors in the country. As Dr. Vocaturo has performed on the likes of rock stars, celebrities and beauty queens, it seemed that he was an ideal candidate for the magazine.

The article containing Dr. Vocaturo has not yet been published although will appear in the magazine in the coming months. Daniel E. Lofaso, lead writer for the ACE dental association will be discussing with Dr. Vocaturo cosmetic procedures and how they transform patients’ lives.

Drs. Vocaturo and Lapine have undergone some of the most advanced training in dentistry to bring patients the best in aesthetic dental treatments. The Cosmetic and Wellness Center of New Jersey is famous for being able to provide patients with numerous options to improve their dental health and overall appearance, all under one roof. This kind of service is traditionally only offered by multiple specialists. The advanced training of Drs. Vocaturo and Lapine greatly benefits the patient as they can work with one professional from the beginning to the end of their treatment. This helps maintain goals and allows the doctors to get the desired look that the patient really wants.

When the new article featuring Dr. Vocaturo is published we will be sure to let you know. In the mean time you can learn about all the great cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments we provide in our Bayonne, NJ office that help our patients to get the smiles of their dreams.

Advantages of Dental Bonding and Tooth-Colored Fillings

At the Cosmetic & Wellness Center of NJ we utilize dental bonding with tooth-colored materials that are matched to the natural color of your teeth. We can use dental bonding for cosmetic purposes as well as to restore teeth that have experienced damage or cavities. Modern cosmetic dentistry treatments have seen dental bonding used to do the following:

  • Close spaces between the teeth
  • Make teeth look longer
  • Brighten teeth
  • Change the shape of teeth

Additionally dental bonding can be used for the following:

  • Fill cavities
  • Repair chipped teeth
  • As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
  • Repair damaged teeth

Benefits of Dental Bonding

Because the treatments we use match the color of your natural teeth, your teeth look much more attractive than that of dated fillings such as silver or gold. These tooth-colored resins are bonded to your teeth and unlike gold or silver amalgam fillings, expand and contract with your teeth when they experience hot and cold sensations from food or drinks thus eliminating the risk for damage. Dental bonding is also one of the least expensive of all cosmetic dentistry treatments and can be done quickly by our highly trained dentists Drs. Vocaturo or Lapine.

Dental Bonding Candidacy

To determine whether or not you are a candidate for a dental bonding procedure utilizing tooth-colored resins Drs. Vocaturo or Lapine will have to conduct an examination of your teeth and dental health. This may include an x-ray evaluation as well as an evaluation of your gums. Cosmetic dental bonding is generally used for minor cosmetic changes. If it is determined that you need a more advanced dental procedure such as Invisalign, a dental crown or veneers, our dentists will recommend the best treatment for your individual situation.

Contact us today to learn more about dental bonding in New Jersey and New York.

Why Our Teeth Suffer From Discoloration

Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening

If you are one of the many American’s who suffer from a less than vibrant smile you are not alone. Stained or yellowish teeth are a common occurrence but can be reversed with effective teeth whitening treatments. There are a number of reasons why teeth become discolored as our diets, lifestyles and genetics can play an important factor into how white our teeth stay. Food and diet are the most common reasons for teeth discoloration but there are additional causes that result in stained teeth. Our teeth started out bright white, so why have they lost their luster?

The Science Behind Tooth Discoloration

When we were young our teeth started out a dazzling white and likely have discolored to a noticeable degree. The reason is likely the enamel in our teeth has started to hold stains within its pores and becomes more visibly transparent. The transparency of the teeth makes the tooth’s core material, dentin, which is yellowish in nature, to show through. Enamel is the tooth’s protectant against the harmful effects of chewing, gnashing, trauma and acid attacks caused by sugar. Over time stains and debris accumulate within the porous substance of the enamel and the teeth develop the dull appearance so many of our patients come in to remove.

Stain Removal

The good news about tooth discoloration is that it can be reversed with proper teeth whitening treatments. We offer Zoom Whitening to help our patients quickly and effectively remove the stains and discoloration from their teeth, often leaving them with teeth that are up to nine shades whiter. Zoom Whitening has a powerful whitening agent that gently removes stains from the teeth and utilizes a patented light that helps brighten teeth for a Hollywood smile. The procedure only takes about an hour and the results are immediate.

Contact us to learn more about Zoom Whitening or other teeth whitening treatments or to schedule an appointment.

Cosmetic and Wellness Center of NJ Supports our Soldiers Smiles

veterans day

Happy Veterans Day

Dr. Anthony Vocaturo has teamed with other Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE) dentists to form “A Soldiers Smile,” a charity event that helps our troops have access to restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments they need. The events, which were kicked off this past weekend in Scottsdale, AZ, mark a big step for the ACE dental association and the dentists involved. The dentistry treatments should help a large number of US vets get the dental care they need to have good oral health and to feel good about their smiles. Dr. Vocaturo and other dentists are dedicating their time and resources to help provide professional dental treatments such as smile makeovers, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, crowns, Invisalign and more.

In addition to the support being provided by the ACE dentists and the association, celebrity talk show host and celebrated Navy veteran Montel Williams is also endorsing the A Soldiers Smile events. Montel has a very interesting military background having served in two branches of the military and is known for his support and awareness actions which are aimed to provide advocacy for goodwill causes for our troops. As such, Montel Williams’s support has been extremely beneficial in getting the word out as he has already appeared on national TV and discussed both the event and the ACE dentists involved.

You may not be aware but this cause is really making differences in soldiers’ lives as having access to necessary health care can often be difficult if not impossible. In fact, law has restrictions on providing health care for veterans based on their condition in or out of service and their income level. This means that many of our soldiers who have fought in violent countries and been away from their families for years may not have access to necessary dental care. Instead of waiting for our government to make change, ACE dentists like Dr. Vocaturo are taking matters into their own hands and making a difference today.

Friday November the 11th is Veteran’s Day. Remember to thank a vet for their service to our country.

Are You at Risk for Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease

Are you at risk of Gum Disease

Gum disease and its effects on health have been increasingly documented and dentists are placing more emphasis on its prevention and diagnosis. Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease and is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues that surround the teeth. It is the number one cause of tooth loss in America and is one of the most common diseases in the world. The good news is that gum disease is preventable and good at-home oral hygiene as well as routine visits to your dentist can help you live a healthy life.

Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque around your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria and is evident by that sticky colorless film that develops on your teeth. If too much plaque accumulates around the gums they become inflamed and can even start bleeding. Other early signs of gum disease include sensitive, red or swollen gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Gum disease can be prevented with effective brushing and flossing as they disrupt bacteria from accumulating around your teeth. Unfortunately at-home care alone is not enough to break up the plaque that forms in your mouth and dental visits are necessary to help remove the film and to prevent it from becoming more damaging.

The chance of getting gum disease is increased as you get older as well. This is due to the fact that as we age there is more of a chance that plaque has been left on the teeth and in contact with the gums. Genetics also play a role in your susceptibility to periodontal disease. If your parents suffered from tooth loss there may be a chance that you are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. Your dentist will be able to determine what your risk level is for developing gum disease and if more frequent visits may be necessary to help optimize your oral health.

 

Invisalign vs. Traditional Orthodontics

Invisalign versus traditional braces

Invisalign VS Braces

Invisalign has become known as a household name when it comes to orthodontic alternatives to traditional metal and wire braces.  Many adults and teens prefer Invisalign over braces because they feel that braces will detract from their mature image but still wish to straighten their teeth in an effective and clinically proven manner. Invisalign is a proven technology that works just as well as braces in most situations and offers roughly the same cost.

Other reasons Invisalign is a popular alternative are that unlike traditional braces they are not bonded to your teeth.  Invisalign are a series of removable aligners that allow you to take them off for brushing and cleaning but are recommended to remain on your teeth at least 20 hours a day for optimum treatment.  Brackets from braces can cause soreness and irritation of the inside of the lips, cheeks, and tongue, and can put limitations on what patients can eat or chew.  Good oral hygiene is also a bit more challenging with traditional braces because teeth are tougher to clean around the braces. With Invisalign you simply remove the aligners and clean your teeth as you normally would.

Though not as esthetically pleasing, wire-and-bracket braces are still the preferred use for complex bite problems that Invisalign may not be able to fix.  Patients who suffer from extreme malocclusions (misalignments) may not be candidates for the clear aligners.  Only a dentist can help determine which option may be right for you, so the first step to see if you are eligible for Invisalign would be to schedule a consultation with the Cosmetic & Wellness Center of New Jersey and Dr. Vocaturo or Dr. Lapine will help you decide what options are available to you.

 

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