Meet the Whitening Pro
Recently featured as a New Yorker of the Week on cable television network NY1, Dr. Laura Torrado is a New York City dentist, who has established a go-to practice for her ZOOM! Whitening treatment. The practice offers full mouth rehabilitation, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening, endodontics, periodontics, cosmetic orthodontics (six months smiles), as well as botox and dermafillers.
A graduate of NYU College of Dentistry, Dr. Torrado received a  fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2005. She completed post-graduate programs in full mouth rehabilitation, fixed and removable prosthetics and advanced esthetic dentistry.  In addition, Dr. Torrado belongs to the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Tell us a bit about your practice – what is your specialty?
My practice has been at its present 116 Central Park South location since 1999, specializing in reconstructive, cosmetic and implant dentistry. Our goal is to have a collaborative environment for making informed decisions in a safe, worry-free setting for achieving the best smile health and esthetic goals.
What are the best whitening treatments available now?
Since whitening treatments have become so popular, many of them have evolved to produce less post-operative sensitivity. Recently, my associate Dr. Shawn Sadri and I have been using KOR in our office with great success. The oxygen from the system’s whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stain molecules and the effects are permanent. It’s also cost-effective and takes only one visit, which makes it an easier process for the patient.
What are some of the new developments in cosmetic dentistry?
The advances in stronger, more esthetic porcelains have made a big difference in crafting beautiful smiles. Unlike the unnatural, miss-sized or off-colored porcelains of the past, new options are incredibly natural and seen on many celebrities. Another amazing development has been in CAD CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) technologies. This innovation allows a digital image of the prepared tooth to be taken, after which a milling machine can create a tooth within an hour. This removes the need of gooey impressions and second appointments, making the process more comfortable and effortless.
Can dentists administer Botox? What is the advantage of going to a dentist for this treatment?
While we may not be the first thought when considering this beauty treatment, the anatomy of the face is actually in the field of dentistry. The action of every muscle is something we are completely familiar with. Also, we use injections every single day so administering Botox is second nature for a trained dentist. It is a perfect aid to finish an esthetic veneer case. Lip enhancement with dermafillers and Botox for small lines has been used in our office for the past year.
Bad breath is such a turn off – what is the best way to freshen breath naturally?
The first thing to consider when you start feeling less than minty fresh, whether there are any problems in your gums, teeth, throat, stomach or lungs. If there is nothing medical to account for the issues, there are some natural fixes. An easy one is to drink water. Dry mouth can cause bad breath, so grabbing some water can be a quick fix. Diet also has a lot to do with breath of course, and it’s not just the usual culprits like garlic that will affect you. Certain compounds, like those found in spicy foods, can be a culprit is causing bad breath as well. If you’re out to dinner and need a quick fix, chew some of the parsley garnish on your plate or order a minty drink like a mojito. If those don’t help, consider investing in a green juice or green powder regimen in the morning, and of course brushing regularly will help.
What is your advice for putting forth your best smile in a photograph?
I always recommend that when you’re going to take a picture, to say “EEE” and swallow saliva at the same time. It will give you a natural mouth shape without looking forced or uncomfortable. If your teeth are a source of embarrassment, there are also temporary solutions like “snap on smiles” for events, or you can try and look coy with a half-smile. To standout, a quick, inexpensive teeth whitening can be achieved with over the counter bleaching strips or a whitening toothpaste from your dentist.
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