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COSMETIC LASER CENTER OF MANHATTAN ~ NEW YORK CITY
120 Central Park South
59th Street between 6th & 7th Avenue
Manhattan, New York 10019
212.262.0950
E-mail address
lazersmile@aol.com

Martha Cortes DDS
Diplomat Member of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics
Accredited Member American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Fellow American Society for Lasers in Medicine & Surgery
Fellow International Academy for Dental-Facial Esthetics
Member & Educator Academy of Laser Dentistry
Faculty for Institute of Natural Dentistry
Biological & Holistic Dentistry
Mount Sinai Hospital Faculty

~ Smile Design ~ Cosmetic Laser Dentistry ~

The enhancement of the oral cavity is of major impact on how an individual perceives himself and how society perceives them as an open, energetic and contributing member of society. Smiling is physically and psychologically a transformational act both for the sender and the receiver. Facial anatomy, as well as body posturing is influenced by smiling as well as feelings of well being and happiness. The most important centralizing aspects of the face are the eyes and the mouth, which include the teeth and the gums. Beauty is the removal of disease and the enhancement and restoration of the dentition. Beautiful teeth allow for the inner expression of the individual to articulate in a manner that is pleasant, beautiful and desirable. The first step in facial enhancement is the cosmetic restoration of the teeth, as these are used for eating, drinking, speaking, laughing and smiling. Once, the teeth are restored then other facial considerations may be attended to by skin care, dermatology and or cosmetic plastic surgery to complete or compliment the work. Outer and inner beauty are interacting and interdependent attributes of the human, without one the other remains deficient, leading to incomplete intimate and social interactions with others. A beautiful smile allows for confidence - reflecting inner positive emotions to be expressed to others. It also has the capacity to transform facial structures, for if the bite is restored anatomical changes are restored and a youthful look and appearance regained.

Cerac CAD/CAM technology
Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Milling is a revolutionary in office system used in Europe and the USA for the design and milling of porcelain inlays, onlays and crowns. There are no laboratories used in the process, so it is a one-visit dental appointment instead of the traditional two or three visit dental appointment. Super biocompatible porcelain made of a solid block is used to make the prosthesis, this is not layered porcelain used normally in laboratories, which can fracture and produce other unwanted problems. This is an ideal material for the replacement of large metal fillings, as it is durable, has a good wear on opposing teeth and is considered very biocompatible for the health of the patient. Porcelains are a metal free alternative to metal and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) prosthesis that is used in conventional dentistry.

Bioesthetic & Neuromuscular Treatment of TMJ for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Therapy requires restoring the bite & correcting the vertical dimension of the teeth (height of teeth) to a functional level so that clicking & pain disappear altogether. The use of a dental orthotic (MAGO) is part of treatment; the orthotic helps to place the mandible in the correct spatial orientation to the upper jaw & skull. Treatment helps to realign the head, neck & shoulders, which affects the rest of the body as these are contiguous & inter-related to each other in structure & function. The restoration is both esthetic & functional, restoring health through bio-compatible materials & proper structural alignment. Treatment rejuvenates the face & neck muscles, as they are pulled up by the change in vertical dimension of the teeth, removing that clench & collapsed look we sometimes get as we age.

Multi-Problematic Root Canal with Periodontal Involvement
When presented with a difficult case, such as an emergency root canal involving an oral abscess and periodontal swelling, the tooth will be opened & drained using traditional root canal therapy, the laser will then be used as an antimicrobial to address the oral abscess & the associated gum swelling. The laser is used to debride (clean out) the site of bacterial contamination and speed up the healing process - making for a quicker and healthier recovery. Biocompatible materials (Endocal or Biocalex) to seal the root canal are used to enhance the health of the oral cavity and the body. Laser literature states that laser kills microorganism by 97% to 99 %, meaning that practically all microorganism are eliminated from the canal & the gum tissue, allowing for an aseptic (free of bacterial contamination) sealing of the canal & removal of bacterial plaque from the gum tissue.

Jaw Infection/Cavitation/NICO
Residual bone infections are easily treated with the dental laser; traditionally jaw infections are treated with a drill, where large amounts of bone is removed in an attempt to eliminate the infection. The procedure can be painful and difficult to treat, often using a combination of a drill, surgical tools & antibiotics. The laser eliminates many of these surgical steps, as a minimal amount of bone is removed to access the site & possible infection. Antibiotics are many times unnecessary as the laser acts as a microbial eliminator. The procedure is painless and very efficient, as the laser drops into the site delivering a lethal dose of thermal energy to the bacteria while stimulating the local immune function; enhancing bone regeneration, which is absolutely necessary to resolve the lesion.

Periodontal Therapy
Bacteria is a key issue in the treatment of gum disease where deep pockets have already formed. Bacteria in these pockets form colonies, releasing toxins and attacking the bone to which your teeth are anchored. The strongest antibiotics are unable to kill or do away with these tower high bacterial plaques. Unfortunately periodontal disease is a slow and methodical killer of the mouth's Eco-system, and can affect and even compromise the over-all health of the individual if left untreated. Treatment can be necessary if there is slight redness, bleeding, and slight swelling of the gums and bad breath. An extreme condition can involve mobile teeth, receding gums, pus found between bone and gum or teeth, and again bad breath; (if not treated the patient can lose all their teeth). Dr. Cortes has helped to pioneer the laser as a painless alternative to the traditional cut and suture approach practiced by traditional dentists & periodontists.

Porcelain Veneers
The ultimate for a cosmetic makeover! Whether the teeth are very chipped or fractured, severely tetracycline stained, misaligned front teeth or to create a brand new smile; porcelain veneers lend themselves to be customized for optimal shape and color. Create a complete makeover for a different look and smile; have the look you have been waiting for. Porcelain veneers are strong and virtually last forever, and when properly designed they look and feel like natural teeth. This is what all Hollywood stars do to achieve such beautiful perfect teeth and smiles.

Cosmetic Bonding
Instant results in one visit without the laboratory wait necessary with other techniques. Bonding is perfect for dark permanent stains, diastomas (spaces between the teeth), chips and/or misaligned front teeth. Bonding can change the color and shape of teeth, repair chips or breaks, and can even give the illusion of having straight even teeth. Even posterior (back) teeth can now benefit from resin bonding, which is a non-metal tooth restoration.

Laser Bleaching & Whitening
We offer true laser bleaching (utilizing an Argon Laser, which penetrates deeper than a plasma bulb) along with passive (home) bleaching; these techniques can be combined in many different ways to enhance the natural white of teeth and return a more youthful look. With 15 years of bleaching expertise, we offer experience and know-how. Forget nature, age, lifestyle; laser teeth whitening will bring back the original whiteness back in a single 2-hour visit. So if you are on the go, this is the technique for you. Laser whitening can lighten the most darkened stained teeth faster and more efficiently than any other technique known. Light white teeth are a confidence builder, allowing the individual to smile broadly and with grace in social and intimate settings.

Combination Techniques
Smile design is a combination of the latest techniques that will give you that ultimate look. Laser bleaching in tandem with home bleaching to bring out the natural white of the teeth, orthodontics to straighten misplaced teeth, bonding to enhance shape and color of teeth, porcelain and composite veneers and natural looking anterior and posterior bridges to complete the picture. Dr. Cortes has presented many combination cases internationally and nationally to other cosmetic dentists since 1992.

Cosmetic Contouring
Sometimes we need to change the shape of our teeth and our gums for a more esthetically pleasing smile. Teeth can be changed cosmetically by altering the shape of the teeth by using crowns, veneers, and composite or by redesigning the natural shape of the teeth themselves. To further enhance the smile line, the gums are reshaped using laser techniques; such as laser gingivectomy. These add a smooth soft natural curve to teeth that were once gummy and/or crowded by too much soft tissue. Forget the cutting and suturing once associated with these techniques, forget the pain and weeks of healing, forget the wait and have a natural esthetically pleasing smile with laser that is minimally invasive.

Amalgam Removal
Do you desire to remove those unsightly metal fillings that are dark or corroding, or has your medical provider or health practitioner suggest you remove the metal fillings from your mouth for health reasons. We follow a holistic protocol for the removal of metal fillings, in accordance with holistic and biological methods and philosophy. Metal fillings can be replaced with biologically friendly composite or porcelain fillings, which will not interfere with organ function or energetic potentials in the body.

As seen in magazines:

  • US World News Report, Oct 27, 1997
    p. 104 best jobs for the future
  • Self Magazine, June 1996
    p. 156 consultation first

On Television:

  • Channel 47, interview on latest technology virtual dentistry
  • Channel 41, July 1995, Red Cross - Queens Chapter, award for service as professional and community leader
  • Channel 5, Fox 5, general dentist

On Radio:

  • Bernard Meltzer, Cosmetic Dentist, 1994
  • Bernard Meltzer, Treating Dental Phobic and Anxiety Patients, 1994
  • WNYC 1998
  • WNYC 1999
  • WEVD 1050, Your Health Choices with Dr. Fratellone, March 23, 2000
  • WEVD 1050, Your health choices with Dr. Fratellone, June 22, 2000

Publications:

  • PPNA April 1998 supplement (Practical periodontics and aesthetic dentistry), Visual Dentistry, A subsecond approach to in-office tooth whitening.
  • Mundo Odontológico, No 23, 1997, especial de cosmética y estética dental, El impacto de la Sonrisa (The Impact of the Smile).
  • Current Opinion in Cosmetic Dentistry, 1994, p. 134, Smile Psychology.
  • Mundo Odontológico, No 15, 1996, Treating the Dental Phobic.
  • Dentistry Today, Volume 18 No. 2, February 1999, Esthetics, Laser-Assisted Cosmetic Dentistry, Part 1.
  • Dentistry Today, Volume 18 No. 4, April 1999, Esthetics, Nd: YAG Laser-Assisted Gingivectomy, Bleaching and Porcelain Laminates, Part 2.
  • Lasers in Surgery and Dentistry: Part Two 2001, Chapter XLIII, Laser Dentistry: The impact on beauty, oral health and systemic diseases. European Medical Laser Association. Vitagraf D.O.O, Rijeka, Croatia.
  • Lasers in Dentistry, Revolution of Dental Treatment in the New Millennium: Proceedings of the 8th International Congress on Laser in Dentistry, held in Yokohama, Japan, between 31 and 2 August 2002: The elimination of bacteria and biofilms in periodontal disease via the thermal laser. 2003, Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Lasers in Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry: Part Three 2003, Chapter LIII: The Photo/Thermal Dynamics of Lasers in the Destruction of Oral Biofilms in Periodontics, Endodontics and Necrotic-Osteomyelitis of the Jawbone. European Medical Laser Association. Locarno, Switzerland.