Do I Need Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a fast and versatile treatment that can be used for restorative and cosmetic reasons. The procedure uses tooth-colored composite resin to make small changes in the shape, size or color of your teeth and can be a great alternative to conventional metal fillings. In some cases, it can also be used to protect roots that have been exposed as a result of gum recession.

You may benefit from dental bonding if you have:

•    A chipped, worn or otherwise damaged tooth
•    A tooth that is discolored
•    Gaps between your teeth
•    Exposed roots
•    A small cavity

The process can be completed in a single appointment with our best Los Angeles cosmetic dentist. Many times, you may not even need anesthesia. We start by finding the right shade to match your teeth. The tooth to be treated is then gently etched to create a rough surface, which helps the bonding material adhere securely. A conditioning liquid that acts as a primer is painted onto the tooth before the composite resin is applied in thin layers, molded and smoothed into the right shape. A special light is then used to cure the material. Once the liquid has turned hard, we will then trim, shape and polish it to blend seamlessly with the rest of the tooth. Call us today to find out more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in dental bonding in Los Angeles.

How Dental Bonding is Applied

A dental bonding is a minor procedure that can be used to fill small cavities or to repair a chipped, fractured or stained tooth. It is one of the fastest and most affordable cosmetic treatments, and can be a great option for making minor cosmetic changes, or for fixing small areas of damage. Our West Hollywood cosmetic dentists can help you decide if dental bonding is right for you.

1.  Choosing the right color
We use a shade guide to find just the right color composite to match your tooth. This ensures the most attractive results.

2.  Preparing the tooth
If decay is present, it is first removed. Then the surface of the tooth is roughened, and a conditioning liquid is applied to prime the surface and ensure a strong bond.

3.  Bonding application
The resin has a moldable texture like putty, and we apply it in thin layers, shaping it as we go. Once we have completed the restoration, we harden the bonding material using a special light. The material is trimmed, polished and perfected so that it blends seamlessly into your smile.

Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in dental bonding in West Hollywood.

Black Gums and Treatments to Improve Them

Something as simple as a smile can transform the way you look at the world and how you feel about yourself. Studies have shown that smiles are associated with positive feelings, as we tend to react more positively towards a person who is smiling. If dark gums are hiding your smile from the world, now is the time to create and unveil a new smile.

We offer dark gums treatments that can eliminate the dark or stained tissues. This procedure begins with a careful evaluation of your gums and dental health to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo cosmetic treatments. If you have any untreated gum disease, this will need to be addressed before you can proceed with the treatment. If you are a candidate for gum bleaching, we will then apply a special bleaching solution to the affected tissues. This solution gently lightens stains and discolored tissues.

A gentle dermabrasion procedure may also be appropriate. This removes the discolorations and exposes the natural pink tissues. Not all treatments are right for every patient, but we can find the right gum lightening solution for you. You could be leaving with smooth, pink gums that highlight your smile today. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment for your black gums treatment.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Gummy Smile Surgery?

An imbalanced gum-to-tooth ratio can cause other dental issues and can make some people feel uncomfortable about their smile. Luckily, this can be corrected with gummy smile surgery. Several procedures can be used, including lip lowering, crown lengthening and gum contouring. Although these are minimally invasive procedures, they are considered surgery and do require recovery time. The gummy smile surgery recovery can vary based on the type and extent of your treatment, though.

Stitches or bandages may be applied over the surgical site immediately following the procedure. Our surgeon will go over how to care for these and when to return if needed. You may need to avoid flashing big smiles or laughing with a big smile for a few days to a week, as this can pull the stitches or cause pain. We will explain how to properly clean your teeth while you heal, also. You will need to use a gentle hand while brushing and floss carefully to avoid disrupting the healing tissues.

Most people recover fully within two weeks after a minor procedure. If large amounts of gum and bone tissue were removed, your recovery may be somewhat longer. Yet, the recovery can be shorter if the procedure was less extensive or involved only the lip. Call us to learn more about correcting gummy smiles or to schedule an appointment with our team.

Typical Cost of Gum Bleaching

Several things can affect the cost of gum bleaching. The degree, depth and location of the discolorations are among the biggest factors. We may also need to determine the cause of the gum discoloration and if there are other factors contributing to the problem. For the best results, your gums should be healthy and free of gum disease.

In many cases, black gums are simply a natural variation due to genetic factors. Those with naturally darker skin have more melanin in their skin, and this can carry over to the gums, as well. Dark gums can also occur as a result of smoking, systemic conditions, metal restorations or the use of certain medications. While the gum discoloration may not be a dental health issue, it can make you feel uncomfortable with the look of your smile. With our gum bleaching procedure option, your gums can be permanently lighter. Our team will provide a nicely colored background against which your teeth can shine brightly.

During the procedure, a topical numbing paste will be applied to ensure your comfort before the bleaching solution is used. Some patients may benefit from an additional dermabrasion or minor surgical procedure to create a more flattering appearance. Call us today to learn more about gum bleaching, the gum bleaching cost or to schedule an appointment with our team.

Issues with Veneers

Veneers are a long-lasting way to make dramatic changes to your smile. They are attached to the fronts of the teeth after a small layer of enamel is removed, making them a permanent restoration. Each veneer is fully customized to the exact size, shape and color specifications the patient needs and wants.

This permanence is both one of the biggest advantages and biggest disadvantages of porcelain veneers. They can last for many years, but if they fail, they will need to be replaced. Unfortunately, the outer layer of the tooth that has been removed cannot be put back, and patients will need to get new veneers.

Other issues with veneers are rare. Veneers that have been properly crafted can last 15 years or more. However, a veneer that is made with a poor quality material or improperly bonded can develop stains or discolorations. Chipping, cracking, fractures and premature failure can occur if you bite your nails, use your teeth to open packages, grind your teeth or have other potentially damaging habits. Call us to learn more about getting the most out of your veneers or to schedule an appointment with our expert in dental veneer in Los Angeles.

Can All Dentists Perform Smile Makeovers?

A smile makeover varies with the needs of the patient, but it often consists of mainly specialized cosmetic treatments. This means that the smile makeover cannot be performed effectively by a general dentist who does not specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Furthermore, reputation is an important indicator of the quality offered by a provider of smile makeovers.

Skills Necessary for the Smile Makeover

To perform a smile makeover, a dentist must have completed the training required for the individual procedures involved. In addition to cosmetic specialization, the dentist should be certified to perform certain treatments, such as Invisalign. Completion of continuing education courses in dental implant placement and other smile makeover options is also ideal.

Reputation Can Indicate Quality

In many cases, the reputation of a cosmetic dentist indicates the quality patients can expect. For example, local media may highlight the achievements of certain dentists in improving the appearance of high-profile patients. Membership in professional organizations for cosmetic dentists is also a sign of high-quality treatment.

To get the best results from a smile makeover, patients should only seek it from a dentist with the qualifications to deliver excellent results. To learn more about why the smile makeover cannot be performed by just any dentist, patients can schedule a consultation with our smile makeover expert in Beverly Hills.

How Often to Have Dental Exams

“How often should I get a checkup?” This is a common question, but there is not one right answer. The American Dental Association recommends biannual dental checkups as a general rule of thumb. Most people can benefit from two checkups a year with our top dentist in Los Angeles. This is frequent enough that we would be able to catch any problems early in their development and monitor ongoing issues. However, it is also a one-size-fits-all recommendation that may not adequately address all potential risk factors.

You may need more frequent checkups if you:

• Smoke
• Have a chronic health problem such as diabetes
• Have active gum disease
• Have a weakened immune system
• Are prone to plaque and tartar buildup
• Are susceptible to cavities
• Are pregnant or trying to conceive
• Have other issues that would benefit from regular monitoring

Some patients may need less frequent checkups. If you have a history of good dental health, take excellent care of your teeth at home and rarely experience problems, we may suggest a different checkup schedule. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in dental exam in Los Angeles.

Can a Dental Implant be Knocked Out?

Among all tooth replacements, dental implants are the most stable option. The crown visible above the gum line is actually attached to the implant itself, which is fully integrated with the jaw bone deep below. Although implants could potentially be knocked out, the likelihood of this happening is extremely low.

How Stable Are Implants?

Once fully healed into the jaw bone, implants cannot be removed unless the jaw bone is cut. The titanium used to make implants is renowned for its strength, which far surpasses that of natural tooth roots. This means that a direct impact would need to be forceful enough to rip the bone apart in order to knock out the implant.

Impacts After Other Damage

Implants may be more easily knocked out if the bone holding them has been damaged beforehand. In certain cases, physical trauma could cause the jaw bone to deteriorate, making the implant less stable. For this reason, implant recipients who receive a blow to their tooth replacements should be examined right away to confirm continued stability.

Patients can help their implants remain stable by brushing and flossing daily and visiting our dentist regularly for check-ups. A consultation with our dentist can be scheduled by patients who want to learn more about the resistance of implants to being knocked out.

Use of Oral Appliances in Treatment of Sleep Apnea

The first treatment option for sleep apnea is positive airway pressure. With this treatment, the airway is kept open using air pressure that is administered through a mask placed over the nose or nose and mouth. While the treatment is effective, it can be uncomfortable for many. If you cannot tolerate positive airway pressure therapy, you may be a good candidate for oral appliances.

More than 80 different styles of sleep apnea oral devices are available, but they largely work in one of two different ways. One style moves the lower jaw to a position that helps open the airways. The other style prevents the tongue from falling into the back of the mouth in such a way that the airway is blocked. These mouthpieces are customized to fit you and are usually easy to use. Most people adapt quickly and find that they are able to get a better night’s sleep when using their appliances as prescribed. Some patients may need to use the oral appliance with the positive airway pressure machine, also. This is usually needed only in more complex cases.

Oral sleep apnea appliances are not available over the counter and should only be fitted by a qualified sleep doctor. Call us to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in sleep apnea oral appliances in Thousand Oaks. 

Is Invisalign Always Better Than Braces?

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment for teens and adults alike that offers many benefits over traditional braces. Because they are removable, patients often find that they can keep their teeth cleaner during treatment and can continue eating their favorite foods. The aligners are clear, making them more aesthetically appealing as well. Although Invisalign offers many advantages over conventional braces, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Our dentist can help you decide if aligners are right for you.

Braces may be a better option if you need dramatic tooth movement or have a complex case. They may also not be a good option if you are susceptible to losing things. Invisalign aligners must be removed when you eat, drink anything other than water, or brush your teeth. This means that they can easily get misplaced. While Invisalign Teen does offer some replacement aligners, regularly misplacing aligners can get expensive and can derail your treatment plan.

For Invisalign to work properly, you must be fully committed to following your treatment plan. You will need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day every day of the week, and you will need to switch aligners every two weeks. Skipping a few hours of wear-time or forgetting to change to the next set of aligners can lead to delays. Call us today to find out more about choosing between Invisalign and braces or to schedule an appointment with our expert in Invisalign in North Hollywood.

Is Dental Porcelain Stain Resistant?

Dental porcelain can be used to restore the health, function and appearance of your smile. The porcelain has a naturally translucent appearance that reflects light in much the same way that dental enamel does. Our dentist can use dental porcelain in many different restorations, including inlays, onlays, porcelain crowns and veneers.

Along with its strength and longevity, one of the best benefits of having dental porcelain is its stain-resistance. When you eat and drink staining substances, such as wine, coffee or berries, chromogens can penetrate through the porous dental enamel and discolor your teeth. These stains can stay locked inside the structure of your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach and the need for whitening treatment is increased.

Dental porcelain is different. Its surface is impermeable and cannot be stained by most substances. Protecting the porcelain restorations is one of the best ways to keep your teeth bright and stain-free. Avoid using any harsh abrasive toothpaste that could disrupt the glazed surface of the veneers. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Santa Clara.