As your dental health professionals, we want you to be confident knowing that we are a team of highly trained and skilled clinicians. We pride ourselves in providing the care you need to keep your smile healthy. To give you the best possible service and results, we are committed to continual education and learning.

We attend dental lectures, meetings, and dental conventions to stay informed of new techniques, the latest products, and the newest equipment that a modern dental office can utilize to provide state-of-the-art dental care. Also, being members of various professional dental associations helps us to stay abreast of the changes and recommendations for our profession.

Dr. Todd E. Shatkinis the director of dentistry at theAesthetic Associates Centre, and performs all aspects of General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Shatkin proudly serves patients in Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Buffalo, Western New York, the United States and Internationally.

He has been in private practice in dentistry since completing dental school at the University of Pacific. Dr. Todd E. Shatkinprovides all types of cosmetic and implant dentistry, including the newest mini dental implants, which can be immediately loaded with dentures or prosthesis, to offer an immediate solution to poorly fitting dentures or one or more missing teeth. He has been in the forefront of new dental procedures and is an expert in Dental Bleaching, and is the developer of tooth whitening products throughout the dental industry.

Dr. Todd E. Shatkin is a proud recipient of the Five Star Diamond Award for customer care, an honor bestowed upon only a handful of dentists in the entire country. He lives in the community he loves and serves and gives back to the community through a multitude of charitable organizations, events, and sponsorships.

Dr. Powers has been a practicing dentist for over 20 years. He graduated from Loma Linda University in 1993. He moved his office to Temecula in 2012 after being in Moreno Valley for many years to be closer to home.Dr. Powers has been the President of theInternational Academy of Mini Dental Implantsand resides as one of its Diplomats. Dr. Powers has extensive training & experience which he uses to treat his patients with compassion while providing them with the highest quality of dental treatment. Some of his credentials include:

Welcome to the Aesthetic Associates Centre. Dr. Todd Shatkin works closely with his brother, Dr. Samuel Shatkin, Jr. have been in practice here for over 30 years, bringing the latest in cosmetic dentistry and plastic surgery to Buffalo and the Western New York Community.

We have recently expanded our facility and added 15,000 square feet onto our existing 13,000 square foot facility. We now have 21 dental operatories, three surgical operating rooms, and a whole host of other plastic surgical treatment rooms that my brother is using. Were thrilled to be expanding here in Amherst for the community.

For the last 5 years in a row, we are honored to have received the Five Star Diamond Award for customer care. This is quite an honor because only a few dentists in the entire country have received this prestigious award. Were a Five Star Diamond Award dental office, and that means we provide you with the utmost customer care and customer service available anywhere. We look forward to having you come into our office so you can see what Five Star customer service is all about.

We can stabilize loose dentures in one visit. We can replace a missing tooth in one or two visits. We can even replace a whole set of teeth in one or two visits with the mini dental implants. This is a fantastic procedure and its changed the lives of thousands of our patients.

Do you suffer from a fear of going to the dentist? Youre not alone. Thousands and thousands of Americans suffer and are scared to go to the dentist because theyve had a bad experience when they were younger, or theyve got tooth pain, or for whatever reason maybe theyre afraid its going to be a lot of money, theyre embarrassed to smile. Whatever it might be, we see those patients every single day. You dont have to be scared. You come in and see us, and well make it very comfortable, very relaxed for you. We dont criticize you if you havent been to the dentist in five or ten years; thats not my place. My place is to help you, and we will help you be comfortable in our office, from our massaging chairs to our relaxation music.

If you need sedation, we provide oral conscious sedation, we have nitrous oxide gas, and we even have an MD anesthesiologist who will come in and give you an IV and put you in a twilight sedation mode so that you really wont feel or think of anything other than sleeping during the procedure. Theres no reason to be scared of the dentist anymore. With our technology, with the equipment we have in our office, we make it very easy and comfortable every time youre there.

Are finances keeping you from going to the dentist? Youre not alone. We have been helping patients finance dental work for my entire career. We use four different finance companies to help you get the funds you need, so you can get the dental work done now and pay for it later. Whether you need two years interest-free financing or if you need more time, all the way up to ninety months, we have a solution for you for a low monthly payment to provide all the dental care you need for your mouth or your loved ones mouth.

How often you should see the dentist depends on a variety of different factors. The general rule of thumb is to have dental exams and dental cleanings performed at least every six months. If you have dental issues, such as increased plaque production and build-up, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits, such as four times a year.

Regular dental visits and cleanings help to ensure the health and wellness of your teeth and gums. While daily oral hygiene is important, regular visits allow for potential issues to be discovered and addressed before they become bigger issues and lead to tooth loss.

But it isnt just your teeth that make regular dental care so important. Regular visits allow your dentist to notice signs and symptoms of other potential medical concerns. Many systemic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogrens, lupus, and diabetes can show initial symptoms in the mouth first. Identifying these symptoms and alerting your physician can help keep you healthy. Other conditions, such as oral cancer, can be caught sooner when regular examinations are done. Catching these conditions early allows for better treatment options. Schedule a dental visit with Dr. Todd Shatkin today.

During our routine dental exams, we thoroughly exam your teeth and look for any possible concerns that may not be visible to the naked eye. Using x-rays, we can spot areas of decay in the teeth that a physical exam may not see.

After examining the x-rays, we perform a full mouth exam, starting with your teeth. If x-rays showed decay, these areas will be closely checked to see if you have any cavities. We also looks for areas of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. We will also examine your bite for any problems.

Next, we perform a full examination of your gums. A special tool helps us to measure the depth of the tiny spaces between your gums and teeth. Spaces should be shallow. Deeper spaces can be an indication of gum disease.

In addition to your teeth and gums, we will examine your head, face, neck, throat and tongue, looking for any signs of redness, swelling, or signs of underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune disease or cancer.

A dental cleaning is the second part of routine dental care and is essential for the health of your teeth. Tartar cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing, so the dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove the tartar and clean the teeth. During a cleaning, you may have a fluoride application, children may have sealants applied, and tooth stains can be treated. If your dental care at home is not keeping up with plaque, you may receive education and instruction on how to better care for your teeth.

If your dental exams show signs of gum or periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. This procedure is known as scaling and root planing. This method of cleaning focuses on the tartar buildup on the surface of the teeth as well as in the deep pocket between the tooth and gums. This can be performed with manual or ultrasonic instruments. If you need a cleaning and checking, contact Dr. Todd Shatkin today!

Whether you have unsightly silver or gold fillings in your mouth and you want to replace those with white, beautiful, natural tooth-looking fillings, we can do that for you. Maybe you like the gold and you want more gold in your mouth we can do that, too! Cosmetic dentistry is particular to the patient. Some people want a beautiful white, white smile. Other people want their smile to look more natural. Whatever your needs are, we can provide that here at the Aesthetic Associates Centre.

Similar to cosmetic medicine, a cosmetic dentist provides a form of dental care that you chose to undergo in order to change your appearance. While some of these treatments can also address underlying problems with tooth health and function, the main goal is to improve your smile. Some general procedures these days cross the line into cosmetic dentistry as well. Years ago, when you needed a filling, a general dentist would turn to a metal filling, often visible when you smiled. With todays dentistry, composite fillings or inlays and onlays are used to match the natural tooth color, often making the filling near invisible.

Teeth shaping and bonding are other ways we can address misshapen or chipped teeth. With teeth shaping, or enamel shaping, we can reshape a tooth my filling or removing enamel on the tooth. Tooth bonding uses a tooth-colored material that is applied to the surface of the tooth and can be molded to adjust the shape of a tooth or used to repair small chips or cracks in the tooths surface.

While each of these procedures mentioned can address one concern, many people are looking for the entire package. Experienced Buffalo cosmetic dentist Todd Shatkin DDS can work with you to make a complete smile change by combining a variety of these procedures to achieve the smile you are looking for.

In cases where you are missing a tooth or have decaying and broken teeth that need removal, traditional options used to be a bridge, a crown, or dentures to give you back your smile. However, now you have a much more permanent option with dental implants. Dental implants provide a natural and permanent solution to tooth loss while helping to maintain your jaw structure and natural smile.

Dr. Todd Shatkin provides the latest techniques in implant dentistry. We utilize all different sizes and different shapes of implants to fit into your jaw, so whatever situation you may have, we can work around it. If youve lost a lot of bone, we may use very short and very narrow implants. If you have a lot of bone, we might use a little wider implant, depending on the need for your mouth.

Mini dental implants are one of the things that we do every day, and its a fantastic procedure where we can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth in one short visit. We can even stabilize a loose denture in less than an hour, and we can replace the full arch of teeth, if youre missing all your teeth, with permanent teeth.

Your speech will be better, youll be able to taste the hot and cold liquids, and youll be able to be comfortable and confident that your dentures will not move because we have mini implants that they snap onto. They will not fall out. You no longer have to use that glue to hold them in place.

Dental implants are a permanent dental appliance used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. They consist of three main parts. The first part is a titanium screw that is surgically implanted into the jaw bone and allowed to fuse together with the bone. Once the screw and bone fuse and heal, the second part, or abutment, is connected to the screw. The third piece, a natural tooth-like crown made to match your other teeth, is attached to the abutment.

In cases where multiple teeth are missing and your choice used to be a denture, implants with as little as four titanium posts can replace a full set of teeth. This dental implant then becomes a permanent replacement, giving you back your smile. Unlike crowns or dentures that need replacing or can move around in your mouth, dental implants replace missing teeth and can last for years and years.

Dental implants are an option for any adult looking to replace a missing or broken tooth or a full set of teeth. While they can be an option for teenagers, they are not recommended until full facial growth and development is complete.

While dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth, there are cases where they are not recommended. Dental implants are not available for young children as their jaw and dental structure is still developing. If you have inadequate bone structure in the jaw, this could also be a limiting factor, as is severe periodontal disease. When considering dental implants, you must take into consideration the need for the titanium screw to heal and fuse with the bone. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, as well as smoking, can hinder the healing process as well as the ability for the screw to fuse, reducing the chance of a successful implant. In these cases, your dentist may recommend against an implant.

On the day of surgery, once you are sedated, the surgeon will make a small incision into the gum to expose the jaw bone. A hole is drilled into the bone and the titanium screw is put into place. At this point, this part of the procedure is complete, and you are sent home to heal. The healing process can take several months. Once healed and the screw has fused to the bone, you will return to the office and the surgeon will attach the abutment and crown, completing the dental implant.

As with any dental procedure, you can expect to have some facial swelling, gum irritation, bruising of the face and gums, minor bleeding, and pain after the dental implant procedure. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications to help. In addition, you may receive a prescription for antibiotics to combat any potential infection. Other minor risks that can occur include minor nerve damage, blood vessel damage, and possible sinus complications with upper dental implants.

Bone loss as a possible factor limiting the possibility of dental implants. If your surgeon determines that your current jaw bone will not support a dental implant, there are ways around this. Currently, three different techniques can be used: bone augmentation, ridge expansion, and a sinus lift. These techniques work to build and better stabilize the jaw bone, allowing for dental implants.

In addition, bone implants themselves can help avoid bone loss. As you age, lose teeth, or have certain medical conditions, you can experience bone loss. This is common in patients with dentures. Without teeth, the jaw bone tends to shrink. By using dental implants, the fusion of bone to the screw promotes bone growth and you do not experience traditional bone loss. Dental implants actually help you maintain your natural jaw bone structure.

Unlike dentures and bridges that must be replaced every few years, dental implants offer a more permanent solution. In addition, the fusion of the implants with the bone help you maintain your natural bone structure, keeping your smile relatively close to what it was before tooth loss.

If youve been embarrassed or self-conscious about your smile, wont go out of your house and wont smile in public, dont want to go out for dinner because youre afraid your teeth are going to hurt and you just are very depressed and sad about your smile, you can be you again.

Come and see Dr. Todd Shatkin and let him help transform your smile into a beautiful work of art, so that you can go out and smile as wide as you want, and eat whatever foods you enjoy, and be around your loved ones without being embarrassed or hiding behind your smile. Cosmetic and implant dentistry procedures that we perform every day for our patients comfortably, affordably and quickly, will transform your smile into a new you.

Mini dental implants can do that for you, where regular conventional implants might take six months to a year to complete that process. Mini implants can be done quickly, affordably and comfortably without the need for any surgery.

The mini dental implants can replace a single tooth, for example, here in the front of the mouth, where we would put a small mini implant in and then immediately cement the permanent crown on. We could also do the same thing with a bridge, where were missing multiple teeth. In this case, we put four mini implants and cement the permanent bridge right in place. That can all be done in one short visit.

If you have one or more missing teeth, please give Dr. Todd Shatkin a call at the Aesthetic Associates Centre. It doesnt matter if youre from Western New York, Ontario, or anywhere else; we welcome patients from all over the world to our amazing facility here in Amherst, New York. We have a hotel right across the street where you can stay, or your loved ones can stay with you, so that you can get your dentistry done and get back on the road, back to your hometown, at any time. Give us a call. We look forward to meeting you and taking care of your needs.

Caring for your mini dental implants begins with traditional denture cleaning. Remove and clean your dentures as instructed by your dentist. In addition to cleaning your dentures, you must clean and take care of the implants. Brushing the posts, as you would natural teeth, helps remove plaque and bacteria that can build up. Make sure to thoroughly clean and brush both the ball of each implant and around the O-rings. Keeping these areas clean helps to ensure your dentures will sit properly and stay in place.

We have been in practice here in Western New York for over 30 years, but Ill bet you didnt know that Dr. Todd Shatkin was one of the first dentists in Western New York to offer porcelain veneers back 30 years ago. Why did he do that? Because he was trained in San Francisco at the University of the Pacific, which was a state-of-the-art cosmetic dental school. He learned cosmetic dentistry well before many other dental schools were even teaching cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain laminate veneers. We have been doing these for three decades. We have done thousands and thousands of porcelain veneers and smile makeovers for so many patients, and we love doing porcelain veneers. In fact, today we cemented 15 of them just today. Theyre the greatest procedure to improve your appearance in one or two short visits.

Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental option and are used for patients looking to improve their smile. They can help cover up dental discoloration where procedures like bleaching have been ineffective. Porcelain veneers are a great option when you experience a small chip or crack in a tooth. If you have small gaps or spaces between teeth and dont want to invest in braces, porcelain veneers can be an alternative choice. They are able to fill in small gaps and even adjust the size, shape and length of an individual tooth.

In a non-cosmetic approach, porcelain veneers can help maintain dental health in patients with weak or damaged tooth enamel. Because the veneers cover and bond to the tooth surface, they provide a protective barrier in cases where weak enamel may not.

Porcelain veneers are a minimally invasive procedure, with minimal risks. The most common complication associated with porcelain veneers is tooth sensitivity. Because some of the enamel is removed, patients can experience temporary tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold. A sensitivity toothpaste is often recommended, and the sensitivity typically goes away within a few weeks.

Because a veneer is a thin piece of porcelain, it can become worn down and prone to chipping or breaking. Minor chips can typically be repaired with dental bonding, but more major damage can require a replacement veneer.

As you age, your gums shrink and pull away from the body of the tooth. When this happens, the margin around the veneer may show. In this case, you may opt to replace the veneer with a new one in order to match the new gum line.

When it comes to caring for your new porcelain veneers, there are a few things to consider. Because these veneers are a thin piece of porcelain, they arent necessarily as strong as your tooth. Your dentist may recommend against eating hard foods, such as raw carrots or hard candies, as these could lead to cracks or chips in the veneers. If you grind your teeth at night when you sleep, your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your veneers from grinding and potential damage. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings help ensure the life of your veneers and alert the dentist to any potential problems before they become bigger.

If you have a full set of dentures and missing all your teeth, weve got an amazing solution for you. You can throw those dentures in the garbage, and you can leave our office with a full set of permanent teeth, that stay in your mouth all the time, that are made out of zirconia porcelain material, that only get taken out when you come to the dentist. Once or twice a year youll come to the dentist, have these removed and cleaned and then snapped right back in. This is what we call our Fix on Six Restoration.

It utilizes six to ten mini implants and a porcelain zirconia bridge, with no plastic anywhere, and it snaps right on to the implants, and it can be done in one or two short visits at the Aesthetic Associates Centre. Dr. Todd Shatkin patented this procedure, we developed it, and we have hundreds of patients who love their new smile and their new teeth using this patented procedure to stabilize and replace all of their teeth in one visit, completely eliminating the need for any plastic denture material in your mouth, nothing at all on the roof of the mouth. This is all that goes in your mouth, and you will love eating again. Mini dental implants can change the way you live, change the way you speak, and change the way you eat.

If you suffer from loose dentures, we have a great solution for you. Mini dental implants can stabilize those loose dentures in just one visit. In less than an hour, we can put four to six mini implants in your upper or lower jaw and you can leave with stable, secure dentures snapped on to those mini implants. You can easily remove them, take them out and clean them after meals, and snap them right back in your mouth. You can even sleep with them in your mouth, so you dont have to worry about going to be without teeth anymore. You never have to use any denture glue or adhesive; the dentures will snap right onto your mini implants and theyll be very secure. You can eat corn on the cob, you can bite into an apple, and you can have that steak. Mini dental implants can change your life.

Full dentures are a removable dental appliance that fit into your mouth, replacing the teeth along the top or bottom jaw. They are designed to mimic natural teeth and your natural bite. If you only need a top or bottom denture, it will be designed to match up with your existing teeth, creating a natural bite.

If you are already missing all of your teeth, the dentist will mold your gumline and make a denture to match. However, in most cases, a denture is made and put in place after decayed teeth are removed. There are two ways to achieve this. Traditional dentures are made and placed in the mouth after all teeth have been removed and given time to heal. The disadvantage to this method is you may go for some time without teeth.

While full dentures are designed to replace an entire set of teeth, partial dentures fill in the gaps or missing teeth while anchoring to remaining teeth. When an adult tooth is lost, the gums shrink and the surrounding teeth can shift. This movement and instability can affect biting and chewing and result in further damage or loss of surrounding teeth. Because of this, your dentist will recommend a partial denture.

Because a partial denture attaches to the surrounding teeth, the dentist will need to evaluate the health and stability of the teeth. If the anchor teeth do not provide enough stability for a partial denture, your dentist may recommend a crown be put in place to increase stability and success for the partial denture.

Once you and your dentist have decided on a partial denture, the dentist will take molds of your teeth in order to create the partial denture. Once the laboratory has made the denture, you will come in and the dentist will show you how to put the denture into place. At this time, Dr. Shatkin may need to make some adjustments so that your partial denture fits properly.

When you first get full dentures, it may feel awkward and take some time to adjust. Speaking and eating will seem different, you may experience soreness in the gums and mouth, and have increased saliva flow. All these issues will normalize with time as you and your mouth adjust to the new dentures.

While a partial denture is a little easier to get used to than a full denture, it may still take some time adjusting. Start out with soft foods until you get used to eating with the denture in place. You may experience mouth sours as your mouth gets used to the denture.

Whether you have full or partial dentures, they both require special care. While they should be removed at night and placed into a special container with a denture cleaning solution (If your partial has exposed metal parts, ask your dentist about overnight cleaning methods), they also require regular brushing to help remove food particles and buildup.

With age, injury, or dental care challenges, tooth loss can occur. Fixed bridges, as the name applies, creates a dental bridge between your natural teeth and helps you keep your natural face shape. If you have suffered from a tooth loss, your dentist may suggest a bridge to fill in the gap the missing tooth has created, helping you maintain your natural bite and keeping your other teeth where they should be. A fixed bridge is a common dental procedure Dr. Todd Shatkin performs every day.

We can replace those missing teeth with either implants or fixed bridge work, or a combination. Sometimes we are not able to do an implant because the bone is resorbed so much or the sinus cavity is so low that we have to do a fixed bridge where we put crowns on the adjacent teeth and bridge across that space. More times than not, were able to replace those missing teeth with mini dental implants in one or two short visits. Occasionally, we use a combination of implants and natural teeth to do permanent fixed bridge work all over the mouth.

A traditional fixed bridge is used to replace a missing tooth when the natural teeth on both sides are strong enough to support the bridge. A bridge is a fake tooth, or pontic, that is attached and held in place by dental crowns placed on the surrounding teeth. These crowns, known as abutments, are cemented onto the healthy teeth. The pontic looks and acts like a natural tooth, returning your natural smile as well as helping to maintain your natural facial structure.

While a missing tooth may not bother you when it comes to your appearance (especially if it is in the back and not noticeable), a missing tooth can cause have long-term consequences. Your teeth maintain their natural position because of each other. When a tooth is lost and a space opens, teeth can shift. This can affect your bite as well as place added stress on other teeth, leading to possible pain and additional tooth loss.

When a tooth is missing, it can also contribute to shrinking jaw bones. This shrinkage can affect how the jaw supports your lips and cheeks, often leading to facial shape changes and an older appearance.

In addition to shifting and facial changes, missing teeth can contribute to chewing and eating problems, loss of confidence, missed job opportunities, depression, and more. A2015 study by the American Dental Associationshowed a connection between lower self-esteem, lower quality of life, compromised mental health, and missed job opportunities because of poor dental health and missing teeth.

It showed that one in four adults avoid smiling because of dental issues while one in five experience anxiety because of poor dental health and missing teeth. Fixed bridges are one treatment option that can help restore your confidence and help create a healthy mouth.

A fixed bridge procedure typically takes more than one dental visit. During the initial visit, the dentist must prepare the natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. Because the crowns will attach to these teeth, the dentist must remove some of the surface enamel.

In cases where the missing tooth only has a supporting tooth on one side, a cantilever bridge can be an option. In this case, the bridge and pontic is attached to only one crown. The downside to this is that the bridge is not as stable as one held in place on both sides. However, this is often the option for a back molar that only has one neighboring tooth available.

In cases where there are numerous missing teeth or the neighboring teeth are not stable to support a bridge, an implant-supported bridge is often used. In this case, an implant post is surgically inserted into the jaw bone to hold the pontic in place. This helps to stabilize the surrounding teeth as well.

Caring for your fixed bridges is essentially the same as caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings help maintain good oral and bridge health and allows the dentist to notice any possible problems with your fixed bridges before they becomes a problem. Because your natural support teeth have crowns, avoid eating hard foods and candies that can damage the crowns.

Were also going to be providing crystal clear aligners in the iSmile Spa, which is the way to straighten teeth in a very short time. In six to nine months your teeth can be beautiful, white and straight. Give Dr. Todd Shatkin a call at the Aesthetic Associates Centre and ask about our new iSmile Spa, where we can provide all of those great offerings for you. In one or two short visits, well change your smile.

As a baby, your teeth typically erupt through the gums as pearly white little nuggets. Unfortunately, over time, many different things can contribute to tooth discoloration, leaving you with a smile that just isnt quite as bright. These days, everywhere you look you can find products claiming to whiten teeth. Everything from special toothpaste and at-home treatments, to professional whitening and bleaching done by your dentist. When choosing a tooth whitening option, it is essential to know all the information before you get started.

When it comes to tooth discoloration, the causes can be broken down into two main factors: internal and external. Internal changes occur when something affects the enamel or underlying dentin of the tooth. Some of the most common internal causes of discoloration include frequent antibiotic use, tooth decay, dental restorations, and trauma to the tooth or gums when the tooth is developing.

Unlike internal causes that are often unavoidable, external causes are something you have a little more control over. The most common causes of external discoloration are smoking and certain beverages, such as coffee, tea, and sodas. With a few lifestyle changes, you can minimize discoloration from occurring and, should you choose to whiten your teeth, you must consider these external factors, as they will continue to discolor your teeth.

When most people think about brightening their smile, they think of whitening their teeth. For this reason, the term whitening is often used to cover every treatment option available to restore a white color to the teeth. However, there is a distinct difference between whitening products and dental bleaching. Teeth whitening products, such as toothpastes, are designed to remove particles and stains on the surface of the tooth. While this can be beneficial and provide great results for removing external tooth discoloration, they will not address any internal discoloration of the teeth.

In order to address internal discoloration, a tooth whitening treatment with a bleaching agent that can penetrate through the enamel and break down internal discoloration is necessary. While over-the-counter products can be effective for mild internal discoloration, the bleaching concentrations are lower than those that cosmetic dentists offer and can take multiple applications to achieve the change you are looking for without the increased risk of potential side effects. Your best bet when it comes to really whitening your smile is visiting a cosmetic dentist and discussing your best options.

Cosmetic dentists specialize in restoring beautiful smiles and this is the best place to start. In-office teeth whitening is the safest and most regulated option for treating tooth discoloration. Before applying a whitening treatment, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any plaque or debris that can affect the whitening process. A check extractor is put into place to minimize contact of the bleaching agent to your skin and lips. A protective agent is also applied to the gumline to reduce contact. Your dentist will apply the bleaching agent to each tooth, making sure the tooth is completely treated. This chemical remains on your teeth for 15 to 30 minutes and, in some cases, a special light is used to enhance the whitening process.

In cases where only mild bleaching is necessary, or to help you maintain your new white color, the dentist can opt to send you home with a whitening kit. These kits are different than the ones that you can pick up at a local store. The bleaching concentration is higher, and they typically include a mold specifically made for your mouth to ensure that the chemical spreads evening over all your teeth.

While repeated teeth whitening can wear away at the tooths enamel, occasional whitening is safe and comes with little to no side effects. After a whitening treatment, you may experience temporary tooth sensitivity, though this typically goes away within a few days. Your dentist may recommend a toothpaste designed for tooth sensitivity after a whitening treatment. Gum irritation can occur if the chemical comes in contact, but this typically resolves within a few hours.

After a tooth whitening treatment, there are a few things to consider. Remember that external factors can still contribute to tooth discoloration. If you can give up your morning coffee, consider brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste after you have had coffee, tea, or soda. This will extend the life of your new and bright smile.

If youve been told you need a crown or you need some of your big fillings replaced, well replace them with all tooth-colored restorations. Theres no metal in anything we do, so you can forget about worrying about having those gray/black lines up by the gum line or seeing metal when you open your mouth and tip your head back. You wont have any metal in your mouth. Were going to use all tooth-colored restorations, the most modern cosmetic dental procedures that are available with bonding, bleaching, veneers, zirconia crown and bridge work, and mini dental implants.

Dental crowns are one of the most common procedures performed in dental offices today. They are a restorative dental prosthetic that can help to restore damage teeth and provide additional stability to weak teeth. They are used in connection with a variety of different procedures and dental restoration, including root canals and partial dentures. They provide a strong, permanent solution to many dental problems.

A dental crown is essentially a cap that is placed over and bonded to a damaged tooth, completely covering the surface area of the natural tooth. It is designed to restore shape and stability to the tooth while providing a look similar to a natural tooth. Dental crowns vary in composition and come in four main varieties.

Ceramic dental crowns are most commonly used on the front teeth because they have the ability to blend and match best with the natural teeth, giving you a beautiful and natural looking smile. Porcelain-fused metal dental crowns are very similar to ceramic, but the metal base provides a stronger option with more stability. Gold alloy dental crowns are a mix of metals and are much more durable, with no risk of fracture or wear. You and your dentist may opt for this on a back molar that is not seen when you smile but is most prone to wear. Base metal alloys are again a strong and durable metal option most used for back teeth.

Dental crowns are used for a variety of restorative reasons. They have the ability to protect weak teeth, restore the natural shape to teeth that have been broken, help keep cracked teeth from additional damage, support teeth with large fillings, and increase stability of anchor teeth for people needing partial dentures. Dental crowns are also used as anchors for dental implanted teeth, to stabilize supporting teeth for a bridge, and to cap teeth after root canal therapy. For those looking at a purely cosmetic solution to tooth discoloration or uneven tooth shape, dental crowns can also be used to improve your smile.

Caring for a crown is, for the most part, similar to caring for your natural teeth, with some considerations. Regular brushing and flossing will help remove plaque and buildup from your teeth and keep your gums healthy, providing an environment that will maintain the life of the crown. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the crown for any signs of chips or cracks or signs that the bonding of the crown is coming loose. If he finds these problems, he can address them before they cause greater damage. With ceramic and porcelain dental crowns, you must use care to avoid cracks and chips. Try and avoid hard candies and other food, such as ice cubes, as these can damage the crown. Regular checkups will monitor any extreme wear occurring with the crown and make adjustments as necessary. While minor cracks or breaks can be fixed, larger damage can require the removal of the crown and the need for a replacement.

When it comes to cavities and the need for fillings, traditional amalgam fillings, known as silver fillings, are a mixture of metals that have been used since 1895. While these provide an economical and long-lasting filling option, they are very noticeable and can affect a persons self-confidence. Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin of ceramic and plastic mimic the appearance of natural teeth and are often unnoticeable to others.

Composite fillings are made with a mixture or ceramic and plastic material. They are made to perfectly match the color of your natural teeth and, when put in place, they are invisible. They bond easily to the surface of the tooth and require less drilling, so the dentist is able to maximize the amount of natural tooth remaining. One downside to a composite filling compared to an amalgam filling is they dont last as long, often needing to be replaced every five to seven years. The other downside is they are more expensive than amalgam fillings, but many dental insurance plans do cover composite filling.

A composite filling is used to fill a tooth after the dentist removes the decayed portion of a cavity. In addition to cavities, composite fillings can also help repair cracked or broken teeth, offering a natural solution. If your teeth are worn down from nail-biting or teeth grinding, a composite filling can help provide additional stability.

While amalgam fillings can be used, composite fillings are used more often now because of the fact they are nearly invisible. In a society that puts a lot of weight on appearance, choosing an invisible filling over a mouth full of metal is typically the preferred choice.

If you are getting a composite filling done due to a cavity, your dentist begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Using a drill, air abrasion instrument, or a laser, he will remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Once all the decayed material is removed, the dentist will clean the tooth and remove any bacteria or debris present.

Composite fillings are applied in layers in order to fill the area. After each layer is applied, a special light helps to cure and harden the composite. Once all the layers are applied, the dentist will trim and shape the material into the desired shape, checking that your natural bite is not affected. Finally, the composite will be polished and completed.

Because of the anesthetic used during the procedure, your mouth is likely to still be numb when you leave the office. It is very easy to bite you tongue, cheek, or lip in this case, so it is advised not to eat anything until the numbness goes away.

Caring for your filling depends on a variety of different factors. As with all your teeth, regular brushing and flossing is essential to maintain good oral health and your filling is no different. Composite fillings can stain and discolor over time, so be aware of this if you are a smoker or drink coffee, tea, and wine. If the composite filling is in a front tooth, use caution when biting into hard foods.

Schedule regular dental visits so that your fillings can be checked for cracks or shrinkage before it becomes a problem. While these fillings are strong, they can shrink and will sometimes fall out. If this occurs, contact your dentist immediately. Notify your dentist if you notice a crack or chip in the filling.

Are you tired of having all those little x-rays taken of every single tooth in your mouth? You dont have to worry about that anymore. We do one picture of your entire mouth. Its in 3D, its a cone beam cat scan, its very ultra-low radiation, and we see all the teeth in your mouth in less than 15 seconds. You dont have to put all those little things in your mouth, we dont have to gag you with the instruments in your mouth.

Dental x-rays are an essential part of any dental practice as they allow the dentist to see things that they cant with a simple visual examination. X-ray technology allows dentists to see and treat dental problems before they become serious. Newer technology and the development of dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) allow dentists to take x-ray imaging one step further and deliver a three-dimensional image of your dental structure, soft tissues, nerve paths, and bone, allowing for more precise treatment planning.

Traditional dental x-rays give the dentist the ability to look inside your teeth, the tip of the roots and underneath your gums. This area is not visible to the naked eye, so this gives the dentist a better idea of what is going on inside your mouth. In the dental office, you may receive bitewing, periapical, and panoramic dental x-rays.

Bitewings show the crown portion of the teeth and allow the dentist to check for early signs of decay. Periapical dental x-rays look at the bone height and root tips of the teeth. A panoramic dental x-ray creates an image of the entire oral cavity and this can help identify things like impactions, cysts, tumors, jaw disorders, or bone irregularities.

Depending on your dentist and your need for care, other x-rays, such as occlusal x-rays, help a dentist evaluate tooth growth in children, while cephalometric x-rays help orthodontists plan orthodontic treatments.

Children and teens with a history of cavities or those that are experiencing tooth development abnormalities may require additional dental x-rays as often as every six months in order to evaluate oral health and track development. Adults with extensive fillings or dental restorations may need dental x-rays more often to look for decay beneath previous work.

If you have underlying medical conditions, such as Sjogrens, or take medications that can cause dry mouth, your dentist may request more frequent x-rays in order to better monitor for signs of decay. Because saliva helps regulate the pH in the mouth, dry mouth reduces the pH, causing minerals to break down in the teeth and allow for increasing decay.

Root canal therapy is a form of endodontic dentistry that deals with the pulp and root of the tooth. With root canal therapy, the inside of the tooth is treated in order to maintain the tooths structural integrity. It is used everyday to help save millions of teeth each year. Because damage occurs inside the tooth, it is not always noticeable and does not always cause symptoms, so regular dental visits are essential to catch potential problems and the need for root canal therapy. Dr. Todd Shatkin performs root canal therapy for patients throughout Western New York.

When you look at your teeth, you see the outside structure. You see the surface enamel and the hard layer of tooth known as dentin. What you dont see is the tooth pulp that lies within. This pulp contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. The pulp is responsible for helping your teeth grow during development, but once the teeth are established, it is not necessary because the tooth receives nourishment from the surrounding tissue and gums.

Deep decay on the outside of a tooth can penetrate into the pulp, resulting in inflammation and infection. When this occurs, a root canal is necessary to remove the infection and the pulp. By doing this, the dentist is able to save the structural integrity of the tooth.

Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. Bacteria can enter the pulp through cracks in the tooth, deep decay that penetrates into the pulp, an injury to the face that can cause unnoticed internal damage to a tooth, or around the gum line entering into the root itself.

Not all infections and inflammation in the pulp cause symptoms, so you wont always know there is a problem. If you do experience symptoms, they can include pain and tenderness of the tooth, pain when chewing, new sensitivity to hot and cold, a discoloration of the tooth, an abscess in the gums around the tooth, or painful and red gums. Regular dental checkups can catch inflammation and infection in the teeth if you dont experience symptoms, making them an essential part of good dental care.

Using small tools, the dentist will work to remove all the pulp from the main chamber and each canal, leaving an open cavity. Once all the pulp is removed the dentist will fill the canals and main cavity with gutta-percha, a rubbery material that is sealed into place with an adhesive cement. If the structure of the tooth is unstable and unable to support a crown, the dentist may opt to place a metal post inside the tooth cavity as well. At this point, a temporary filling is put into place while you wait for the crown to be created in a dental lab.

With good oral hygiene, a root canal and crown can last for years, maintaining healthy tooth structure and stability. Regular brushing and flossing, along with regular checkups help to ensure there are no problems or allow the dentist to catch potential problems before they become bigger. Because the root canal is covered with a crown, it is best to avoid hard foods, such as ice or candies, that could crack the porcelain crown.

While many dentists opt to use fillings made from composite or amalgam, porcelain inlays, known as indirect fillings, are another option that provides a well-fitting, stronger, and longer-lasting solution, that is both functional and esthetically pleasing. Porcelain inlays are used when the decay occurs within the center of the tooth.

When you have a traditional filling, the tooth is filled with a material right there during the procedure. This material is typically a composite or amalgam material. Porcelain inlays are different in that they are created indirectly in a dental lab before being fitted and bonded to the tooth.

The porcelain inlay is made to match the natural tooth color, so they blend in with the tooth and there is no visible sign of a filling. Porcelain inlays offer a superior fit and preserve more of the natural tooth than regular fillings. They are naturally stain-resistant, so they do not discolor over time and some composite material does.

Porcelain inlays are used in place of traditional fillings where there is only a small amount of decay, not involving the cusps of the teeth. If the cusps are involved, an only becomes the option. Inlays are recommended when a tooth experiences decay, a break, or a fracture that does not affect the cusp, the injury or decay is extensive and requires a large filling that could weaken the remaining tooth, or in cases where there is not enough tooth material to support a crown.

In most cases, a porcelain inlay procedure will require at least two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will address the damaged tooth. This involves removing decay and preparing the tooth for a filling. Once completed, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth and the area where the inlay will be placed. This impression is then sent to the lay that will make the porcelain inlay. At this point, the dentist will put in a temporary filling.

While many people choose porcelain inlays because they match their natural color of their tooth (making it an ideal cosmetic choice), there are additional benefits over traditional fillings and crowns. Porcelain inlays do not require as much of the tooth be removed as other fillings or crowns do, leaving more original tooth structure remaining.

When it comes to fit, inlays are far superior in certain conditions. If you have minimal decay that extends into flossing areas, the unique and custom fit of an inlay ensures no loose edges that may get caught in the floss and pull out. Traditional composite fillings can shrink over time but, because inlays are custom made to fit a specific space, they will not change in size, ensuring a long-lasting and precise fit. In teeth with larger areas of decay, porcelain inlays can help to stabilize and save the tooth. In addition, because of their custom and precise fit, inlays provide a better choice for fillings between teeth. Inlays seal these areas better than composite fillings and reduce the risk of bacteria getting into the filling and causing more decay.

Because of their improved fit, porcelain inlays are very easy to care for. Regular brushing and flossing will help maintain healthy oral hygiene. Regular dental cleanings allow for the dental office to monitor inlays and catch any concerns before they become a problem. With good oral care, your inlays can last for years and years.

When you have dental decay and a cavity that needs fillings, your dentist has a variety of different options. Porcelain onlays are a form of dental restoration often used in place of traditional composite or amalgam fillings when the decay is present on the chewing or biting surface of a tooth. What your dentist decides to use depends on a variety of different factors, including where the tooth is located, the structural integrity of the tooth, and which option works best for your particular case.

Porcelain onlays are designed to fit into cavities that extend into the biting or chewing surface of the tooth. Your dentist may decide to use an onlay in cases where the decay has damaged enough tooth that the main structure is weak and using a composite of amalgam filling could put the tooth at risk of cracking. A porcelain onlay is also a possible replacement for a crown when there is enough healthy tooth remaining. Using an onlay allows the dentist to keep more of the natural tooth, whereas a crown would require additional tooth structure removal. This restoration method is also available to replace previous fillings that may have fractured or fallen out. Because of their custom fit, onlays provide a much more stable filling option.

will prepare the tooth, removing all the decay to reveal the healthy tooth structure. Once complete, the dentist will make a mold of your tooth that will be sent to the laboratory so they can make the onlay.

Porcelain onlays provide many different benefits over standard fillings and crowns. Standard fillings often require the removal of more tooth structure, leaving the tooth in a weaker state and more prone to further damage. Onlays allow the dentist to preserve more of the natural tooth and, because they are custom-fitted, they provide a seal for the tooth that keeps out bacteria that could cause more decay.

In cases where a crown is needed, onlays provide an alternative that again keeps more of the natural tooth, making it a stronger and healthier option. In front teeth, onlays provide a nearly invisible restoration option as they are designed to match your natural tooth color and the fit is so precise it is often unnoticeable. While not all cavities are good candidate for onlays, talk with your dentist and discuss how they could benefit you.

When it comes to porcelain onlays, care begins before the onlay is even in place. Once the temporary filling is in place, it is essential to take care around that tooth. Do not floss in that area or eat hard or sticky foods, as these things can pull out the temporary filling, leaving the tooth nerves exposed. Always return to have the permanent onlay put into place.

You know, you can lose a tooth for a couple reasons. You can get it knocked out from an injury, you can have bad tooth decay and have a tooth that cant be restored, or you can lose it because of gum disease, periodontal disease. No matter what the problem is, Dr. Todd Shatkin can solve it at the Aesthetic Associates Centre. If youve got severe gum disease, periodontal disease, bad breath, pockets, bleeding gums, anything like that, you need to go to the dentist. Its very important for you to get to the dentist because thats infection, and that infection can spread through your body, through your blood stream. It can go to your heart, go to your other organs, and it can even cause strokes and heart attacks.

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, ligaments, and bones around the teeth. The early stage, known as gingivitis, affects only around the gumline. Deep pockets develop in the space between the gums and the teeth, allowing bacteria to become trapped. This leads to swollen and bleeding gums, which is the first sign of periodontal disease.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. This serious gum infection begins to damage the soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth. If left untreated, this can affect the stability of the tooth, often leading to loose teeth or tooth loss.

Plaque is the sticky substance filled with bacteria that forms on your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help remove the plaque build-up on your teeth before it forms tartar. If oral hygiene is not up to par or if there are underlying medical conditions, that plaque can fall below the gumline into pockets between the gums and teeth.

Here, the bacteria are protected and allowed to thrive. As the bacteria creates an infection, your bodys immune system kicks in and releases a substance to fight the bacteria, but it also causes inflammation and the destruction of the gums, supporting tissue, and bone. This leads to bleeding gums and gingivitis and, if left untreated, progresses to periodontitis and tooth loss.

The main goal of periodontal disease treatment is to treat the infection by thoroughly cleaning out the pockets and preventing damage to the surrounding tissue and bone. Non-surgical treatments include deep cleanings and antibiotics. During a deep cleaning, scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the tooth surface and from the pockets in the gum. Root planing soothes the surfaces of the tooth root.

In advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical intervention may be necessary. Flap surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, cuts and pulls back the gum from the tooth root and allows for deeper scaling and planing, as well as bone recontouring if necessary. Once complete, the dentist sutures the gum back into place.

When periodontitis destroys the bone surrounding the tooth, a bone graft is often necessary. Small fragments of your bone or synthetic bone are put in place to help stimulate regrowth of natural bone and help prevent tooth loss. Guided tissue regeneration is another method to help stimulate bone regrowth. Dr. Todd Shatkin has been helping patients treat periodontal disease for over 30 years.

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is good oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing help to remove the plaque on your teeth. Regular dental visits and cleanings allow your dentist to help you maintain good oral care, as well as catch periodontal disease early, before it severely damages tissue and causes tooth loss.

A childs first visit to a pediatric dentist can be a scary and intimidating experience. As a parent, you want this experience to be as painless as possible. While all general dental practices can treat children, pediatric dentistry focuses on the special needs of children, including making them feel safe and secure during their first visit to the dentist. This specialized form of dentistry takes a young childs fear into consideration, while providing the specialized care that new teeth need. If you are looking to schedule a dental visit for your child, contact Dr. Todd Shatkin today!

Pediatric dentistry specializes in the treatment of children from infancy to their late teen years. When it comes to oral care, pediatric dentistry focuses on things such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants, working to promote good dental health from an early start. They will take the time to educate both you and your child on things like nutritional habits for healthy teeth, how to properly brush and floss teeth, and address potential issues, such as thumb sucking, that can contribute to dental issues and tooth alignment as your child gets older.

A pediatric dentist specializes in dental issues common with children. For instance, the premature loss of a baby tooth due to injury or decay can affect the development and alignment of an adult tooth. Spacers put in place can help prevent other baby teeth from shifting and maintain the location for the adult tooth to erupt through the gum.

As a pediatric dentist monitors your childs oral care from the start, they can watch the growth and placement of teeth, keeping an eye out for early signs of alignment issues and recommend early orthodontic care. If your child sucks their thumb, the pediatric dentist may recommend an oral appliance that helps deter thumb sucking and the complications in alignment it can cause.

While many parents wait until their child has a full set of teeth to visit a dentist, it is recommended that a child have their first dental visit around their first birthday, even if they dont have very many teeth. This allows the dentist to spot possible problems, like missing baby teeth. While any general dentist can treat children, most general dentists are not set up to treat children this young.

When it comes to healthy teeth, good oral hygiene is your best line of defense! Pediatric dentists know the importance of starting out with good habits and they work with parents and children, educating them in proper oral care. They will spend the time teaching your child how to brush and floss their teeth, often making it fun with chewable tablets that color the plaque to show children where they missed when brushing.

They will talk with you and your child about good eating habits and how too many snacks and sweets can contribute to tooth decay. As adult teeth begin to erupt, a pediatric dentist will recommend sealants to extend the health of the teeth as your child gets older. As your child enters school, they may decide to play team sports, a leading cause of dental injuries. A pediatric dentist may recommend a custom mouthguard to help protect the teeth as your child plays.

All general dentists can treat children and address childhood dental issues. The benefits of pediatric dentistry begin with the fact that all they treat is children. They are comfortable treating young children and know how to make them feel comfortable. Offices are designed with children in mind, often offering toys, games, and even cartoons while they undergo dental procedures.

While many pediatric dentists have their own practices, you can also find family dental practices that offer general dentists and a pediatric dentist all under one roof. This is beneficial in a couple of ways. Not only can your entire family be seen at the same practice, but as your child grows into adulthood, they can move to a general dentist in the same practice.

As many children reach adulthood, seeing a dentist is often overlooked. Being familiar with a dental group and having an established care program in place is often enough to continue dental care as they get older.

Dr. Todd Shatkin along with his broth Samuel Shatkin are proud sponsors of many organizations around Western New York. We support the Albright-Knox Foundation. We support The Ride for Roswell, Amherst Symphony Orchestra, many youth sports teams throughout Western New York the Amherst Alumni Foundation, the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabers, the Buffalo Bisons. You name it, we do it. Its very important to me to keep our community looking beautiful and feeling great. Come see us at the Aesthetic Associates Centre and learn about all the great things you can have done to make yourself feel better about yourself here in Western New York

Dr. Todd Shatkin has been in practice serving Buffalo and the Western New York Community for over 30 years. He graduated from Amherst High School right here in town. He attended the University of Rochester, just down the road, for his Biology degree, and then went all the way out to San Francisco, California to the University of the Pacific to learn the latest cosmetic and implant surgical techniques, graduating in 1989.

Back then, they really werent teaching cosmetic dentistry and implant dentistry much in Western New York, or on the East Coast, so Dr. Todd Shatkin decided to go all the way out to California to get the latest and greatest education on those procedures. He is very excited to be able to bring all of those procedures back to Buffalo and provide the latest in cosmetic dentistry to the Western New York Community he knows and loves.