Dental Topics

Blog posts about oral health and dental treatments.

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Types of Same Day Dental Treatments

For many years, patients who visited our dental office needed to make several appointments so our dentist could complete a dental restoration or other procedure. While there are still a few procedures that require more than one office visit, there are many more that no longer require several visits. The standard restorations required patients to make between two and three visits to our cosmetic dentist. Generally, your treatment went much like this example. • Our dentist initially examines your teeth and based on the nature of your problem, and the condition of your teeth makes a recommendation. • The dentist prepares the tooth that will receive the restoration • A member of our staff makes an impression of the tooth that goes to an offsite lab location • At the lab, dental technicians use the impression as a guide to create the restoration and send it to our office usually within two weeks • You return to our office, and our dentist places your restoration. Thanks to breakthrough Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology, our office offers you the option of same-day dentistry. Same-day dentistry is useful for patients in need of restorative dentistry. Our office uses this service for a number of treatments, including: • Dental caps • Porcelain veneers • Emergency dental treatment Initially, the experience is the same as a regular restoration. We numb the area, and our dentist examines and prepares the tooth or teeth in need of care. The next step is where the treatment becomes dramatically different from the traditional restoration route. Our dentist used a handheld scanner to get highly detailed images of the tooth. These images transmit to a milling unit in another part of our office. This machine uses the scan and makes the necessary dental work from a single small block of porcelain. Our dentist places the restoration, and your appointment is complete. If you think you may be interested in learning more about our same-day treatments, please feel free to contact our office. The staff can give you useful information to help you make a good informed decision about your restorations.

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The Benefits of One Visit Dental Treatments

Our dental professionals pride themselves on keeping up to date with the latest advances in the field. Their reason is simple, to provide our patients with the best care possible. The advent of one-visit-crowns is an example of a revolutionary change in dentistry. Many patients can remember the standard procedure when a patient needed a crown. Typically, crowns required two or often three office visits before completion. Additionally, patients spent several weeks waiting on their permanent crown to arrive at our office. Our cosmetic dentist uses technological breakthroughs in the areas of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to change patients’ experiences with crowns and other dental treatments. Our dentist diagnoses and prepares the tooth for a crown, but the traditional messy dental impression is not necessary. Instead, a specialized scanning device creates an image that goes to a milling unit in our office. The machine creates a dental crown from a single cube of porcelain, based on the scanned image. Our dentist can then permanently attach the crown to the tooth, and the procedure is complete. There are various benefits to single visit crowns and other dental treatments. These include: • PRECISION- The digital scan of your tooth is more detailed and accurate than dental impressions • EFFICIENCY- We understand that your time is valuable. Many patients struggle with making the time for just one visit to our office; adding extra appointments makes the process more difficult. Being able to create and apply the necessary dental treatment in a single office visit eliminates the stress associated with fitting dental appointments into your busy schedule. • COMFORT- Because you leave our office with your new crown in place, you will not need to wear uncomfortable plastic temporary crowns while waiting on the permanent crown. • AESTHETICS- Your same-day crown will match your permanent teeth and fit perfectly on your tooth. If you would like to learn more about the one visit dental treatments, please contact our office. Our staff can give you more information about your options as well as set up an appointment for a consultation with our dentist.

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When are Dental Implants Necessary?

At our office, we often treat patients who have lost one or more teeth. Typically, patients come to us if the missing tooth is in a noticeable spot. However, patients often neglect dental work for back teeth that are missing, Our dental implants dentist in San Francisco believes patients need to know that dental implants are not just for aesthetic value. They serve an important purpose. Below the gum line, the roots of permanent teeth stimulate the nerves and blood vessels within the tooth socket. In turn, the brain gets a signal to send nutrients to the socket. When a patient loses a tooth, the socket is empty, and there are no longer roots to stimulate the nerves and blood vessels. Because there is no signal to the brain to send necessary nutrition to the area, the bone begins to deteriorate. After enough time passes, bone loss will occur because the area cannot sustain itself. Eventually, the area experiencing bone loss will start to cave in changing the shape and appearance of the patient’s face. At one time, when bridges and dentures were the only options for missing teeth, this bone loss and facial caving were inevitable. However, patients do not need to fear bone loss as a result of missing teeth because of dental implants. When our dentist places an implant, the process starts below the gumline. A small titanium screw goes into the empty socket. After between three and six months, the screw will be a part of the jaw through a process called osseointegration. After the screw fuses to the jawbone, our dentist will place an abutment on the screw and then places a natural-looking dental implant. The recovery time is minimal, and most patients do not need much time away from their usual routine when they are getting dental implants. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like more information about dental implants, please feel free to contact our office. Our staff can give you material that details dental implants or set up a consultation and examination with one of our dentists.

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Endocrine Disease and Dental Care

We value our patients and want them to experience good oral health as well as good overall health. Because the world of medicine is constantly discovering new things, it can be difficult to stay on top of the latest findings. In order to help our patients to enjoy the best lives possible, we strive to provide as much helpful information as possible. One area of your overall health that can affect your dental health is your endocrine system. This surprises many people because there is no immediate connection between oral health and endocrine disease. Your endocrine system is responsible for producing and regulating the hormones present in your body. When the system is working well, various glands secrete the hormonal compounds that control many functions in your body, including: • Development • Growth • Metabolism • Reproduction • Moods Various diseases can strike the endocrine system causing a great deal of disruption, sickness, and potentially death. Some of the most common diseases of the endocrine system include: • Adrenal Insufficiency • Cushing’s Disease • Diabetes • Hyperthyroidism • Hypothyroidism • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Dental professionals now know there are links to dental well-being and various disorders of the endocrine system. Our dentist stays on top of the latest research findings, so he can help patients who have problems with their endocrine system enjoy the best dental health possible. Frequently, patients with endocrine disorders have higher instances of gum disease than other patients. This often happens because the hormone imbalances can alter how your body fights bacteria. Also, many patients with endocrine system disorders experience dry mouth as a side effect of medications or as a function of the disease. Insufficient saliva leads to a build-up of bacteria because it clings to the teeth and gumline. Some patients have an overabundance of yeast in their mouths because of an absence of the good bacteria designed to keep the yeast in check and others have significant problems with sores or cuts healing. If you are interested in learning more about endocrine diseases and how they can impact your dental health, please feel free to contact our office. If you have any concerns about your endocrine health and how it may impact your dental health, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our associate dentists.

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Link between Cavities and Risk of Head and Neck Cancer

The staff here at our office enjoy finding new research studies. We know that fresh information can help our patients stay healthy and maintain their beautiful smiles. Occasionally, a finding will surprise the staff as well as our dentists. Learning the nature of the link between cavities and head and neck cancer was very surprising. Researchers at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York discovered that there is a strong correlation between dental cavities and a lower instance of head and neck cancer. While some experts call the study inconclusive, it raises interesting questions about cancer treatments. Finding that dental cavities lead to fewer cases of head and neck cancer was a significant shock to those conducting the study. Cavities are normally associated with health concerns, poor oral hygiene, or habits like tobacco use. Nothing in past studies indicated cavities could link to something positive. Previous studies that looked at links between periodontal disease and cancer of the head and neck found an increased instance of cancer in patients with gum disease. The study compared 339 individuals with head and neck cancer against 221 similar people who did not have cancer. Researchers learned that the test subjects who had the most cavities had the lowest likelihood of head or neck cancer. When researchers accounted for factors such as smoking, alcohol use, sex, and marital status, those subjects with the most cavities still had a 32% lower probability of head and neck cancer. The risk of cancer is lower because the same types of bacteria predominantly used in making yogurt are creating cavities. The bacteria provide protective benefits for digestive and immune systems. When levels of the bacteria are lower, a greater instance of allergies, obesity, and cancer occur. Researchers highlight the fact that a reduced chance of head and neck cancer is not a sufficient reason to ignore dental hygiene. They recommend a commonsense approach to oral health and avoid upsetting microbial balance. If you are interested in learning more about this study, please feel free to contact our office. Our staff will be happy to help you find more information. If you feel a reason for concern regarding this study, contact us to schedule an appointment for a consultation with one of our dentists.

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Can Porcelain Veneers Get Stained?

Our dentists treat many patients who come to us for porcelain veneers. Veneers are a very successful way to give patients white smiles, mask small tooth injuries, or cover slight alignment imperfections. Improvements to veneers continue to make them an easy and generally painless way of achieving a gorgeous smile. As the name suggests, porcelain veneers are a thin layer of porcelain. Many people compare the veneers to tiny translucent shells. Our cosmetic dentist in Huntington Beach custom creates the veneers so you can be sure of a perfect fit. The porcelain is a strong and durable material. Your veneers will come with a glaze to help resist cracking, chipping, and staining. Unfortunately, things like age and wear will take a toll on porcelain veneers. Even high-quality veneers will not look perfect forever. Here are the top reasons porcelain veneers discolor.  • Veneers may develop slight discoloration near the gumline. Generally, this happens after several years with the veneers when your gums may begin to recede. • Darkening of the back of the teeth will sometimes show through veneers, especially if the veneers are translucent. • Excessive wear can damage the gloss coating on veneers. This leads to staining on the surface because the protective cover is missing. • Veneers can last between 10-15 years with good care, but eventually aging will catch up with you and discoloration becomes a problem. If stains on your veneers are troubling you, here are a few suggestions that can help. • Try bleaching the backs of your teeth if you have translucent veneers. As the back whitens, the lighter shade will show through the veneers. • Carefully clean the area where veneers meet your gums. This will prevent gum recession and debris buildup.  • Consult your dentist, sometimes the only way to help stained veneers is a replacement. If you would like more information about porcelain veneers or other types of cosmetic procedures that will improve your smile, feel free to contact our office. We can provide information or set up an appointment for a no-obligation consultation with our dentist. At your appointment, your options and potential care plans explained.

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What Makes Invisalign Express Effective?

Patients who visit our practice for orthodontic intervention ask about Invisalign. In fact, it is one of the most requested treatments. Two decades of excellence stand behind Invisalign and our patients and staff are always confident that there will be wonderful results at the end of the treatment.  Occasionally, our dentist in Huntington Beach encounters a patient who is very interested in treatment with the Invisalign system but has minimal alignment issues. In years past, the patient would have no choice except to use the entire course of Invisalign treatment, even though their teeth were not significantly misaligned. While the patient had the anticipated result, beautiful straight teeth, the year wearing aligners that were not necessary seemed pointless and wasteful.  Invisalign’s parent company, Align Technology, listened to its customer base and the dental professionals who serve the customers and the Invisalign Express alignment system arrived.  The Invisalign Express system is nearly identical to traditional Invisalign. As a patient, you receive customized clear alignment trays that we replace at our office every few weeks. The biggest difference is that patients who wear the Invisalign Express alignment trays will spend approximately half as long using the alignment trays as those with traditional Invisalign.  Typically, a patient will wear Invisalign for 12-18 months. With the patients using the Invisalign Express system, the intended results arrive in about half as much time.  Invisalign Express is well known for its success transforming patients’ smiles in a short amount of time. Part of what makes the treatment so effective is the simple routine patients adopt. Most patients are very comfortable wearing the alignment trays for the required 20-22 hours each day as well as removing the trays to eat or drink and cleaning them carefully. Wearing the express trays for a shorter amount of time makes maintaining excellent compliance easier for the Invisalign Express patients much simpler. Otherwise, the patients benefit from the intelligent design behind all of Align Technology’s breakthrough orthodontic treatments.  If you would like to learn more about Invisalign Express, please call our office. Our staff are happy to help you get the treatment information you need. 

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What to Know about Children’s Dental Care

Parents want to do what is best for their children, but sometimes knowing the best strategies is difficult and even confusing. As your children’s dentist in North Hollywood, we strive to do all we can to help you keep your child’s teeth healthy and beautiful throughout their life. Here are some strategies to help give your child a great start.  • Many parents do not realize that good dental care for their babies begins before the child is born. An expectant mother should eat a diet rich in calcium. It is necessary to build a good foundation for the developing baby’s teeth.  • Even before your baby’s teeth appear, be sure to gently wipe out their mouth and gums with a soft, moist towel. This keeps bacteria from forming and also normally feels good to little ones who may be on the verge of teething.  • Schedule your child’s first dental appointment near their first birthday. Not only does this give our North Hollywood dentist a perfect baseline to work from, but it sets your child up for good habits and no fear of the dentist.  • Be sure to brush your baby’s teeth, even if there is just one. Make it a positive experience and help your little one to get used to the idea that brushing is part of the daily routine from now on.  • Parents of children younger than seven should remain in charge of tooth brushing. Very young children do not have the coordination necessary for thorough tooth brushing.  • Limit sugary snacks and beverages and do not allow toddlers to go to bed with a bottle.  Often new parents tell us that they had no idea how time-consuming dental care for babies and very young children is. We want to encourage you with the thought that the time you spend helping with dental care now will help build an excellent foundation of good future dental hygiene. If you would like more helpful tips or have questions about your child’s oral health, feel free to contact our office.

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Invisalign Options

One of the most popular treatments we provide for our patients is the Invisalign system. For over two decades, Invisalign transformed the smiles of millions of people. Even though the alignment system works wonderfully, for many years, it was not available to teens. Now, because of advances in technology, Invisalign offers two more options and dentists and patients are overjoyed.  Initially, Invisalign could not accommodate the needs of teen’s growing jaws and the unerupted third set of molars. However, Invisalign responded to the public and launched Invisalign Teen. An alignment system created to allow space for growing jaws and erupting molars. Invisalign Teen allows teens to enjoy the comfort and flexibility of Invisalign. In addition to accommodating the growth of teen jaws, Invisalign added a compliance indicator dot to make sure teens wear the trays for the required 20-22 hours a day.  Our Invisalign dentist in Huntington Beach is also excited about the Invisalign Express treatment system. The express system works, in the same way, the other Invisalign Systems work. However, this part of the Invisalign family is for patients who need slight adjustments. While the original Invisalign typically takes between 12 and 18 months, the Express system often is complete in as little as six to eight months. Our patients love the fact that they can have the same wonderful care as patients with the full Invisalign systems in just about half of the time.  If you are interested in learning more about any of the Invisalign products, feel free to call our office. Our dentist can evaluate you during a no-obligation consultation. Once you know which kind of Invisalign will provide the best results, you will be on your way to a wonderful smile. All three options offer discrete, convenient, and effective realigning of your smile, using the transparent aligner trays. Contact our office for an appointment soon, your perfect smile is waiting for you.

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How Does Tooth Bleaching Work?

Tooth bleaching is the most requested cosmetic dental treatment throughout the United States, and for a good reason. Numerous studies show that people view others with beautiful white smiles as smarter and more attractive than their counterparts, even without saying a single word.  Our Van Nuys cosmetic dentist offers tooth bleaching to patients looking for a simple and effective way to improve their smiles. While there are numerous drugstore whitening products available, they are nowhere near as effective as bleaching from a professional.  Professional tooth bleaching is a straightforward process done in our dental office. You will need no anesthetic, and the process takes about an hour.  After cleaning your teeth, we apply a protective barrier on your gums and mouth to prevent sensitivity and unsightly pale spots where the whitening solution may come in contact with your gums.  We apply our whitening gel, which contains a significant concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The gel works on both your extrinsic stains (on the surface of your teeth) and your intrinsic stains (on the inner layers of your teeth near the dentin.)  Once the gel is on your teeth, it will go to work seeping within the microscopic cracks in your enamel to bleach away years of build-up. At the same time, the bleaching gel removes the outer layer stains. Your final result is a brilliantly white deeply cleaned smile.  This process works wonders for most patients. However, if you have crowns, dentures, dental implants, bonding, bridges, or veneers the bleaching will not whiten your teeth. This is because it is made to work on the natural layers of teeth. If covered, or if a surface is not natural tooth enamel, the gel will not penetrate to whiten.  If you are not happy with your smile, and you are interested in learning more details about tooth bleaching, feel free to contact our office. Our staff can assist you with helpful information or make an appointment for a consultation with our dentist.

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Teeth Whitening Tips

We see many patients who are interested in whitening their teeth. The trend towards brilliantly white smiles that began a few decades ago seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future. There is a positive payoff for our patients who opt for professional teeth whitening. Not only do they look better, and in many cases younger, but they gain the sort of confidence that only comes from a fabulous smile.  While there are multitudes of products available that claim to whiten teeth, there is perhaps a handful that can do an adequate job. While our cosmetic dentist in Van Nuys believes most of these products are not harmful, many of the whiteners fall far short of the claims you see in the advertising. Additionally, we caution our patients to be sure to follow the directions that come with the product.  Our top teeth whitening tip is simply to have your teeth professionally whitened either in the office or by purchasing a professional kit and whitening at home. Our teeth whitening dentist in Van Nuys has access to products that are superior to those purchased in a local retail shop.  Another important tip for teeth whitening is to schedule a teeth-whitening appointment after a cleaning and exam. This will ensure that your teeth are in great shape and also helps to lessen any sensitivity you might experience.  Do not attempt whitening composite or porcelain bonding. The whitening agents do not affect these surfaces. If you try to whiten these teeth, the surrounding teeth will become white, and the shade of your teeth will look as if they do not belong next to the dull teeth.  When deciding just how many shades whiter you want your teeth to be, try not to over-do it. We have some patients with a preset idea of how very white they want their teeth to look. While over-white teeth are not physically harmful, they can look out of place and unattractive.  A professional whitening will last longer if you remember to limit the number of staining foods and beverages. If you consume staining foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards. Also, avoid tobacco products to eliminate staining. 

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Tooth Replacement with Dental Bridges

While we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the latest dental advances, there are times when a tried and true treatment is in a patient’s best interest. This is the case with dental bridges. While the procedure is not new, many improvements to the process over the years make dental bridges an excellent way to fill in missing teeth.  A dental bridge, as the name suggests, literally bridges a gap in your mouth created by a missing tooth or missing teeth. The bridge consists of a false tooth (called a pontic) and crowns on either side of the pontic. The crowns will attach to healthy teeth on either side of the gap and hold the false tooth in place. A pontic typically is porcelain, especially if it is in a conspicuous area of the mouth. Our Northridge dentist can make your pontic from metal alloys, or gold. These choices are best for molars hidden from view.  Our patients need two office visits to get a dental bridge. During the first visit, our dentist prepares the teeth on either side of the gap for the crowns. This normally involves some recontouring so that the crowns will have enough space. After making impressions to serve as patterns for the crowns and pontic, our dentist makes a temporary bridge for you to wear while a dental lab prepares your permanent bridge.  A dental bridge provides several benefits for our patients. These include:  • Distribute your bite force by replacing the missing tooth or teeth  • Help to maintain the shape of your face and prevent a sagging caved in look  • Keep your teeth from sliding out of the correct position  • Restore your capacity to chew and speak correctly  • Return your smile  If you are missing one or more teeth and are interested in learning more about how a dental bridge could help you, please contact our office. A member of our staff can give you more information and schedule an appointment for an exam with our dentist to see if a bridge would be a good option for you. 

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How Gum Disease Affects Your Teeth

The majority of our patients are familiar with the term gum disease. In recent years, the American Dental Association as well as the makers of various oral care products have highlighted the problem and suggested ways to combat it. This is empowering information because it gives our patients a heads up to the potential problem of gum disease.  Experts from the Center for Disease Control estimate that 47 percent of adults have some form of gum disease. This number rises as we age. An estimated 70 percent of adults over the age of 65 have gum disease. With such high numbers of afflicted patients, it is essential to understand the condition and learn to prevent it. Our dental office strives to keep you informed about relevant topics like gum disease.  While it is easy to diminish the importance of preventing gum disease, it is a serious issue with unpleasant consequences. Some of the results of untreated gum disease include:  • Chronic bad breath that is not improved by oral hygiene, gum, or breath mints • Changes in the ability to taste foods • Loose teeth  • Missing teeth  • Jaw bone loss  • Change in the shape of your face  The most severe effects of untreated gum disease take time to manifest themselves, and early intervention often leads to a reversal of the disease’s progression. This is the reason our periodontist in Torrance prefers checking your teeth twice a year to stay ahead of gum disease and also address it when the first symptoms occur.  Gum disease generally starts slowly and is unnoticed in its initial stages. It begins as a buildup of bacteria-laden plaque in your mouth. This is often from improper dental hygiene. Consistent brushing and flossing to keep bacteria in check can prevent gum disease. Over time, the plaque hardens and along with the bacteria, irritates your gum line. Eventually, if untreated, gum disease will cause your gums to recede, and your teeth to loosen and possibly fall out. At this stage, you are likely to experience bone loss.  Because it takes time for gum disease to deteriorate your oral health to the point of no return, please contact our office at the first sign of a problem. 

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How to Care for Teeth after Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most requested dental treatments in our practice. It is a painless and simple way to boost your self-confidence and take years off of your smile. As with most cosmetic dental procedures, it is essential to care for your teeth after whitening treatments correctly.  There are two approved ways that our cosmetic dentist in Torrance whitens teeth. The first is an in-office-whitening; the second way is with supervised at home whitening kits. Our office does not endorse using over-the-counter whitening kits. We find that at best, the outcomes are uneven and at worst you will see no results whatsoever.  Once your whitening process is complete, it is vital for you to follow your whitening with these simple aftercare procedures.  • Practice excellent oral hygiene to maintain your beautiful white teeth. A good dental hygiene regimen includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing each night. By doing this, you are strengthening your tooth enamel which will help your teeth to resist stains.  • Avoid foods with natural colors or dyes for 24-48 hours after your whitening procedure. This period of time is a crucial window because the pores of your tooth enamel are open, and stains occur easily. Foods and drinks to avoid immediately following a whitening include:  1. Dark beverages like cola, coffee, tea, or red wine  2. Tomatoes and tomato sauce  3. Carrots, beets, and other colorful vegetables  4. Chocolate  Additionally, making some life-style changes will help you to keep your smile white.  • Stop smoking, it is a sure way to re-stain your teeth, and it is also a leading cause of many dental maladies including periodontal disease and oral cancer.  • Do not consume acidic foods or drinks because this wears down the tooth enamel.  • If you wear lipstick, opt for smudge-proof brands or lip stains. Lipstick that transfers from your lips to your teeth causes stains.  Some patients experience minor tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening. The increased sensitivity lasts less than two weeks typically and often eases when using a desensitizing gel and an over-the-counter pain-relieving medication. Additionally, brush gently for several days after your whitening and avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages.  Should you encounter any unusual reaction, like severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, be sure to contact our office or a local medical center. 

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Is Invisalign Effective for Teenagers?

Over 20 years ago, when Invisalign aligner trays debuted to the public as a way to discreetly straighten teeth, they were enthusiastically received by dentists and patients. It seemed as if this was the revolutionary treatment that everyone was waiting to try. Removable, transparent, and comfortable were never used to describe orthodontic devices before Invisalign.  The Invisalign treatment is not complicated. Clear plastic alignment trays are shaped to fit over your teeth. As your course of treatment progresses, you periodically change aligners as the Invisalign trays steadily move your teeth into the proper place. After roughly 18 months, your teeth are correctly aligned. Aside from being clear, another benefit of Invisalign is that the trays are removable. This feature frees orthodontic patients from the food restrictions which come with regular braces.  The only drawback to the Invisalign system was that the aligners would not accommodate teens with growing jaws and permanent molars that were not yet in place.  Recently, Invisalign introduced a unique style of alignment trays made especially for teenagers called Invisalign Teen. Our younger patients and their parents are excited for the opportunity to experience the convenience and excellent results that are hallmarks of Invisalign.  The Invisalign Teen treatment is made the same way and corrects misaligned teeth using the same method as the traditional Invisalign system. Our San Francisco dentist takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to the lab which makes your alignment trays. Our teen patients will wear the aligners using the same type of schedule, changing trays as prescribed. Invisalign teen aligners must be worn 22 hours a day and removed for any eating and drinking unless the beverage is water.  The most significant differences between traditional Invisalign and Invisalign Teen is that the Invisalign designers altered the teen system to remove the challenges that many teens have with the conventional Invisalign system: erupting molars, growing jaws, and compliance. Invisalign Teen has a tab that allows for jaw growth and the eruption of molars. To eliminate compliance concerns, a small compliance indicator which is part of the aligners. If the teen is wearing the aligner, a blue dot on the tray will slowly fade. Parents who notice the gradually vanishing dot, know their teen is wearing their aligners long enough each day.  If you or your teen believes that Invisalign Teen could be the best choice for orthodontic care, contact our office. We would be happy to make an appointment for a no-obligation consultation. 

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What You Should Know about Smile Makeovers

People often use the term smile makeover when talking about various dental restoration treatments. But here at our office, we find that many people do not know what happens during a smile makeover.  Smile makeovers are more than whitening or veneers when you get a smile makeover here with our cosmetic dentist; you receive comprehensive care that addresses all of your smile problems. Your smile makeover begins with a consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists. Here you can explain what you like about your smile and things you would want to change. Our dentist also weighs in with specific suggestions or variations of treatments and together you create your smile makeover care plan. You also receive an approximate timeline, so you will be able to track your progress. It is crucial that you use this time to open up about any issues that concern you. Often procedures need to follow one another in a specific order, so you may not have a chance to change ideas or work in new adjustments once the makeover begins. Because each patient is different, there is no one set of procedures that we do for everyone we treat. Generally, a smile makeover is a combination of methods which address all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. The most common issues we see are tooth color, misalignments, missing or broken teeth, and gummy smiles. Please note that the processes we recommend often vary by individual, such as suggesting professional tooth whitening for a patient who has stains from tobacco use while opting for dental bonding to cover stains which are a result of Tetracycline use. Rest assured that our dentist will put his years of training and experience to work for you so that you will have a smile that you are proud to show the world. If you have multiple cosmetic issues that bother you, consider finding out more details about our complete smile makeovers. Through some careful planning and cutting-edge technology, we are able to correct several problems nearly simultaneously and give you the smile of your dreams.

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Is Invisalign an Option for Me?

Over 20 years ago, orthodontic patients gained an option for freedom from traditional metal braces and the changes they require as Invisalign integrated into mainstream orthodontic practices. Over time, the popularity of this useful and discreet way to improve smiles has skyrocketed. It is apparent why this particular procedure is so well-liked. Throughout your alignment therapy, you wear customized plastic alignment trays. The aligners are clear plastic and very thin. Invisalign gently pushes your teeth into the optimal position. As treatment progresses, our dentist modifies the alignment trays until your teeth are in the right place. You receive new aligners every two weeks, so the realignment is not painful. A typical Invisalign patient wears the trays for about 12-18 months; metal braces take two years or longer to correct misalignment. Our Tarzana cosmetic dentist often gets questions about Invisalign and what patients can benefit from the Invisalign system. While we evaluate each patient as an individual, in general, we see many more patients who are good candidates for Invisalign than those who cannot use the system. You are likely a good candidate for Invisalign if: • You have gaps in your smile • You are an older teen or an adult • Your tooth misalignment is minor to moderate  It is important to remember that there are some circumstances where a patient is not a good candidate for Invisalign but could be with some adjustments. Our Invisalign dentist in Tarzana may be able to fit you for alignment trays after you have corrected problems such as: • Impacted wisdom teeth  • Many cavities • Periodontal disease Unfortunately, there are a few dental issues which make Invisalign an ineffective treatment option. These include: • Bridges- Many dental bridges (especially large bridges) would be in the way of the aligners, although smaller bridges may not hinder the work. • Dental Implants- Because implants are permanent and immobile, they would prevent Invisalign aligners from repositioning teeth. • Temporomandibular Joint Problems- The swelling and pain of TMJ make sufferers poor candidates for the Invisalign system. If you would like to learn more about Invisalign, please contact our office to make an appointment for a consultation and examination.