10/9/2018 0 Comments Best Teeth Whitening PracticeSo many of our patients tell us about how much happier and more confident they feel after professional teeth whitening. It is much easier to show the world your smile when you know your teeth are beautifully white.
Teeth whitening is a treatment that always seems popular. Our teeth whitening dentist in Torrance stays current on all of the best techniques so that our patients can get the best smiles in the shortest amount of time. We strongly recommend that our patients come to our Torrance cosmetic dentist if they want to whiten their teeth. While the drugstore kits used to whiten teeth at home are typically harmless, they lack the concentration of whitening peroxide to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the appearance of your teeth. Our office offers two options for professional whitening, in-office whitening and professional kits purchased for at-home use. Both options will whiten and brighten your smile. IN-OFFICE WHITENING- This is a fast and easy way to see the results you want in just one visit to our office. However, on occasion, patients who have a substantial build-up of stains on their teeth may require another visit to get the desired shade. The process of whitening is painless, and patients do not need anesthetics. To whiten your teeth, our dentist applies the peroxide gel to your teeth and then uses a specialized lamp to help the solution react quickly. PROFESSIONAL KITS USED AT HOME- To use a professional whitening kit at home, we take an impression of your teeth and make a tray that holds the whitening gel. You fill the upper and lower trays and place the mouthpieces over your teeth. You need to leave the trays in your mouth for the amount of time our dentist suggests. It will be necessary to repeat this process as often as needed to get the results you would like. Professional whitening is a simple and quick way to get the brilliant smile of your dreams. Call our office if you want to learn more about getting your teeth whitened professionally.
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9/25/2018 0 Comments How Invisalign Corrects TeethPatients who visit our dental office are often interested in ways to correct their misaligned smiles. We frequently receive questions about the Invisalign system, how it can adjust their teeth, and what is involved in getting the alignment trays.
For nearly two decades, Invisalign has provided a way for patients to achieve beautiful straight teeth while avoiding traditional metal braces and the years of brackets, wires. Painful adjustments and eating restrictions. If you decide you would like Invisalign, our orthodontist examines you and makes a detailed impression of your teeth. This information goes to an Invisalign lab where a technician fashions a series of transparent plastic alignment trays. Most patients receive 20 to 25 aligners, but the number varies according to your specific needs. The clear trays are thin, fit securely over your teeth, and are so lightweight most patients hardly notice them. Invisalign transforms your smile over time as the alignment trays guide your teeth to the preferred position in your mouth. This is a gradual process, yet most of the patients our Invisalign dentist in Huntington Beach treats complete their treatment in 18 months or less. Because Invisalign has no wires to adjust, you must change alignment trays approximately every two weeks. The aligners will move your teeth a little at a time. Each new Invisalign tray brings you closer to your ideal smile. Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you need to wear the alignment trays between 20-22 hours each day in order to get optimal results. Remember to take out your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything; although you may wear the alignment trays if you drink clear water. It is necessary to clean the trays and brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners. Throughout the course of treatment, you will make periodic visits to our office so our dentist can check your progress. Our patients tell us that because the aligners are clear, they do not feel self-conscious when wearing them. To learn more about the Invisalign system and what it can do for your smile, contact our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation. While we perform many dental procedures at our office, the treatment with the worst reputation is the root canal. Although it is common to try and ignore the reputation of the root canal, we believe that patients do much better if we give them a brief history of the root canal.
In the past, the ability to numb a patient before a root canal was not efficient. While this is understandable when you consider the fact that the nerves and blood vessels around the site of the root canal are dead or dying, the knowledge of this does not improve the fear. Additionally, our dentist in Encino wants our patients to understand the details of the root canal. We find that our patients who are well informed tend to have an easier time with the procedure. To begin, not all our patients know what happens during a root canal or why they need to have this treatment. A root canal is a dental procedure that saves a tooth from extraction. Our dentist recommends this treatment for patients who have a tooth damaged internally. Inside the tooth, you would find a substance called pulp. The pulp holds the blood vessels and nerves. A tooth with a crack or a cavity is at risk for bacteria entering the tooth and infecting the pulp. Infected pulp is rotting, and it cannot heal itself. This rotting and infection typically causes excessive pain and brings the risk of the infection spreading to other teeth. Patients often have excessive discomfort and are at risk of tooth loss and the infection spreading. A root canal will remove the dead and dying pulp from the tooth. After numbing your mouth, our dentist removes the dead pulp and fills the area within the tooth with a material called gutta–percha. The tooth is permanently sealed. Our dentist may opt to fit you with a crown to provide cover for the tooth. You are under local anesthesia during the root canal, and you will feel no pain. Once the procedure is complete, you go home to rest for at least 24 hours. If you can make time for a more extended rest that is a good idea. While no one likes to have a root canal, our dentist does everything possible to keep you comfortable. 8/1/2018 0 Comments Types of Braces for AdultsFor decades braces and teenagers went together like a hand in a glove. However, at our office, we now see just as many adults getting braces as teens. This influx of adult orthodontic patients is related to some of the new and discrete kinds of braces we offer our patients. Our dentists are current with the latest and best ways of giving our patients the braces they need for the smile they want.
The braces we offer work well for our teenage and adult patients. While some types may be preferable to certain patients, our dentist will guide your decision to be sure your braces will give you the best results. Here are a few different types of braces that are popular with our patients. TYPES OF BRACES • Wired Braces- The wired braces offered today are smaller and less noticeable than braces used years ago. These are used to remedy many orthodontic issues. Wired braces made up of brackets, an affixing agent, an archwire, and elastic ligature bands. These work together to create a consistent pressure designed to move the teeth into the correct position. • Self-ligating braces- These wired braces rely on a device similar to a door to adjust the pressure on the teeth. Aside from having no elastic bands, these work the same way regular wired braces do to correct your teeth. • Clear braces- These braces are either clear or tooth-colored material, so they are nearly invisible. This is the most notable distinction that sets clear braces apart from wired braces; both kinds of braces straighten teeth the same way. • Lingual braces- Lingual braces work the same way as regular wired braces. However, the brackets and wires attach on the inside of your mouth to your teeth. INVISALIGN ALIGNMENT TRAYS- Technically, the Invisalign system is not a type of braces, but they give our patients the orthodontic correction needed to have beautiful teeth. This system has no wires or brackets. Invisalign works with customized clear plastic trays which push teeth into the right position. We can help you create the smile of your dreams. Call our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation with or dentist to learn which kind of braces will work best for you. 7/30/2018 0 Comments What Does Pinhole Surgery Do?Many of our patients have problems with receding gums. Exposed roots are an easy target for bacteria to build and cause decay. Loose teeth, as well as heightened tooth sensitivity, are also common problems our patients with receding gum lines encounter.
Until recently, a patient with gum recession had one option for repair, a gum graft. The gum graft is a surgical procedure, and although it is not major surgery, you will experience discomfort and need several weeks of recovery time. The dentist takes skin from the roof of your mouth, stitches the tissue to your receded gum line, and sutures the roof of your mouth. We are happy to offer our patients with receding gums the option of pinhole surgery instead of a gum graft. The procedure for pinhole surgery is not complicated or painful, and it is usually complete in around two hours. What sets pinhole surgery apart from grafting is the fact that there are no scalpels or stitches necessary. Your procedure begins as the doctor numbs your mouth using a local anesthetic. After your mouth is numb, our dentist in Huntington Beach uses a small needle to puncture a hole in your gum. Then specialized dental instruments go through the hole and under your gums. Our dentist will loosen the gum tissue and slowly stretch it over the exposed area of the tooth and into proper position, covering the roots of your teeth. Your gums will reattach without any stitching or other help from our dentist. There are several good reasons to opt for a pinhole surgery rather than a conventional gum graft. • No skin needs removing from the roof of your mouth • Results are nearly immediate • The recovery time required is short, usually just one or two days • Your gums have a smooth and natural look because there is no cutting or stitching If receding gums are a problem for you, call our office, and we can set up an appointment for a consultation with no obligation. 7/2/2018 0 Comments Teeth Whitening with LasersTeeth whitening is a fast, highly effective, non-invasive way to transform smiles that have become dark, discolored or stained. Aging naturally leads to darker teeth, but some kinds of foods and drinks can also stain teeth. Although teeth whitening systems are available just about everywhere, not all of them are equally effective. Our San Francisco cosmetic dentist often recommends laser whitening to ensure the best results.
Peroxide is the active ingredient in most teeth whiteners. Laser teeth whitening uses not just a powerful prescription-strength peroxide-based whitening gel but also laser activation to get teeth their whitest in a minimal amount of time. To begin. Our dentist uses a special rubber dam to protect the patient’s gums. Next, the bleaching gel is applied to each tooth. The laser activates the gel, and the oxygen penetrates into the enamel of the teeth. Once it reaches the stains, it will break them up so that teeth are left sparkling white. For the best results, a professional cleaning before laser whitening is recommended. This is done to remove any plaque, tartar or buildup that could interfere with whitening results. Laser teeth whitening can lighten teeth dramatically in about an hour. Teeth can be whitened five to eight shades or more, so when patients leave our office, they will have noticeably brighter smiles. Many people with healthy teeth and gums are candidates for laser teeth whitening. However, this procedure might not be right for patients with sensitive teeth, receding gums, pregnant women or children under the age of 16. A dental consultation is needed before whitening to ensure candidacy and discuss various options. Once their teeth have been whitened, patients can maintain their smiles with good dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing will keep teeth clean and free of stain-causing buildup. Avoiding staining substances can prevent new stains. Big offenders include coffee, soft drinks, wine and tobacco. Periodic touch-up whitening may also be recommended. Patients who are interested in teeth whitening should contact our office to schedule an appointment with our teeth whitening dentist in San Francisco. 6/12/2018 0 Comments Do I Have Sleep Apnea?Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea, and many are not aware that they have this chronic disorder. Our patients are often surprised when we ask about various sleep-related issues during dental checkups. We do this because there are numerous signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that many people do not know. In fact, most of our patients are not aware that dental professionals are usually the first to spot signs of sleep apnea and then refer patients to a medical doctor for an official diagnosis.
It is a typical misconception that loud snoring is the only symptom of sleep apnea. There are several indicators of sleep apnea that are commonly noticed by a dentist. These include: • Teeth Grinding- Also called bruxism, teeth grinding occurs along with sleep apnea. Grinding the teeth is one way that the brain signals the body to wake up and breathe. • Jaw Clenching- Recent studies show that the action of jaw clenching occurs as the body’s way of trying to prevent the throat from relaxing too much, as this often leads to sleep apnea. • Dry Mouth- Those who have sleep apnea tend to be mouth breathers. Breathing through the mouth is the body’s way of attempting to get more oxygen. • Worn Teeth- Tooth grinding causes teeth to wear down because of the constant friction. • Morning Headaches- Jaw clenching or tooth grinding often cause these, but a marked lack of oxygen is also a cause of morning head pain. • Broken or Cracked Teeth- Another by-product of bruxism and jaw clenching, these are both symptoms of sleep apnea which motivate patients to see a dentist. • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder- More commonly known as TMJ disorder, this is an issue characterized by painful and stiff jaws. It often comes about because of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. These are both associated with sleep apnea and exacerbate the symptoms of TMJ. While it is true that a specialized medical doctor must officially diagnose sleep apnea, our dentist in Northridge is skilled at finding symptoms and looking for information that indicates sleep apnea. Additionally, there are various dental appliances which are very effective in treating some of the structural causes of sleep apnea. Our dentist can help you find a device to help you overcome sleep apnea. If you have one or more of the symptoms of sleep apnea, do not hesitate to contact our office. We can help get you on the road to a good night's sleep. Technological advances and improvements make this an exciting time to be a part of a dental practice. Treatments that seemed like science fiction several years ago are now cutting-edge procedures which allow our dentists more ways to help patients. A good example of this is the use of lasers to treat soft tissue problems.
Lasers are becoming more common in dentistry, and our dental office in Huntington Beach is no exception. Aside from using lasers to help with teeth whitening and removing cells for biopsies, the laser (specifically the diode laser) is now a frequently used tool that aids our dentist in treating periodontal disease. The diode laser has several attributes which make it an excellent tool for use with soft tissue. • This type of laser is compact and easy to manipulate during delicate procedures. • The laser’s wavelength is compatible with soft tissue procedures. When it comes in contact with tissue the wavelength is absorbed in the soft tissue’s melanin and hemoglobin. This absorption allows the diode laser to make precise cuts, congeal, or evaporate the problematic tissue. • Research shows the diode laser possesses unique abilities to kill bacteria in the long term. In our practice, the laser is useful for various periodontal therapies with excellent responses from our patients. In particular, patients who fear cutting and suturing were pleased that the laser eliminated the need for these techniques. Our patients needing scaling and root planing were noticeably more comfortable with the laser as opposed to traditional metal dental instruments. Additionally, our dentists felt the results were preferable and that the patients healed much faster with laser scaling and planing. The diode laser eliminates excessive bleeding when used as a part of periodontal work. In addition to expertly cleaning between the teeth and gums, the laser kills the pathogens which contribute to periodontal disease. With so many advantages, lasers as a part of soft tissue procedures are good for both the practitioner as well as the patient. If you would like to know more about laser treatments, contact our office. 5/8/2018 0 Comments What Can Invisalign Do?The Invisalign treatment system provides our patients with an alternative to traditional metal braces. With more than 20 years of experience creating over five-million beautiful and straight smiles, the Invisalign system is the gold standard of alignment tray orthodontic treatments.
Patients often ask our Huntington Beach dentist to explain what Invisalign therapy can do for their teeth. The most significant results of Invisalign include: • Properly aligned teeth- Correcting misalignments is the primary reason people seek orthodontic care. The Invisalign system is successful in treating malocclusions which are mild or moderate. Our Invisalign dentist in Huntington Beach will carefully assess your misalignment before proceeding with Invisalign therapy. Patients with spaces between their teeth that are greater than ¼ inch per arch will not benefit from Invisalign. Additionally, patients with extreme tooth rotation (more than 20 degrees) or severe incline (more than 45 degrees) are not eligible for Invisalign. • Correct bite problems without surgery- While Invisalign is not made to replace necessary dental surgical treatments, it is helpful to our patients who have overbites or underbites caused by tooth problems. Some bite problems, such as an open bite need more detailed intervention to correct the issue. • Improve speech impediment- Some speech difficulties are caused by misaligned teeth which interfere with the tongue moving as freely as necessary for proper speech. Using the Invisalign system to realign teeth often helps eliminate this type of problem. • Solve eating problems- We see many patients with bite problems who struggle to eat food that enjoy because over time the overbite or under bite progressed to the point of making eating favorite foods a painful chore. When Invisalign corrects these problems, our patients are free to enjoy food which may have been off limits before Invisalign. • Enhanced self-esteem- Many of our Invisalign patients are acutely aware of their less than perfect teeth. In some cases, fear or a sense of self-consciousness about their teeth can hold some people back from things that they would like to be a part of in their daily lives. If you or someone you love is considering Invisalign therapy, but you have questions, do not hesitate to contact our office for helpful information. Your ideal smile is closer than you think. For decades, the words orthodontist and braces brought images of teenagers with mouths full of metal to mind. Advances and fresh ideas in orthodontics made a change in the approach to orthodontic treatments especially regarding the age of patients receiving braces and other orthodontic procedures.
Recently, orthodontists discovered that it is possible to prevent many of the oral problems which lead to braces. The key to this sort of prevention is early intervention by an orthodontist. Our Torrance dentist firmly believes that children should visit an orthodontist for an evaluation by the age of seven. While this seems quite young among traditional schools of dentistry, there are several signs that early orthodontic treatments are a good idea. • Excess spaces between teeth • Extra teeth • Extremely crowded teeth • Missing teeth • Narrow upper or lower jaw • Overbite, under bite, cross bite • Severely protruding or buck teeth If you notice any of these problems with your child, early orthodontic intervention may eliminate or shorten time wearing braces. There are a number of issues early orthodontic intervention can repair. Many of these include either a reduction in the time spent wearing braces or the elimination of braces in the future. • Cutting down the treatment time with braces • Decreasing the need for tooth removal at a later date • Develop good self-esteem and foster a healthy self-confidence at a time when children begin to seek approval of their peers • Enhancing symmetry by affecting jaw growth • Lessening the risk of trauma to front teeth which protrude • Making more space for crowded permanent teeth about to erupt • Potentially remove the need for braces as the child ages • Saving space for permanent teeth which are still under the gum line Early evaluation and treatment by our orthodontist in Torrance have the potential to improve a child’s dental alignment and hygiene vastly. However, just because orthodontic treatments are beginning earlier, this does not disqualify adults of any age who consider looking to an orthodontist for help straightening misaligned teeth. Our office sees more adults than ever getting orthodontic treatments for crooked teeth which have plagued them throughout their lives. We have options for discreet orthodontic care to help our adult patients have the smile of their dreams. |
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