Are Teenagers Eligible for Invisalign?

Teens are often self-conscious about their appearance as they grow up, making Invisalign an appealing option when they need orthodontics. But, does our Beverly Hills Invisalign dentist offer this treatment to patients in this age group? While Invisalign Full may be an option for most adults, Invisalign Teen is likely to be a good option for teens depending on the bite irregularities involved.

Invisalign Full is the standard form of Invisalign treatment. Designed with adults in mind, this treatment requires fully mature jaws for it to work properly. Some teens that are 17 years of age and older can receive Invisalign Full, but most younger adolescents will not qualify.

Fortunately, Invisalign has created a Teen version of its treatment for younger patients. Invisalign Teen not only works with growing jaws, but it also includes additional features to help younger patients stay on track. For example, Invisalign Teen aligners include eruption bumps that accommodate continuous growth. Indicators are also present to help our dentist track their progress. Invisalign Teen also comes with extra aligners to make up for any that are lost or broken by active teens.

Teens may need conventional braces if they require vertical movement or a major rotation of some teeth. In some cases, other appliances may also be necessary. At a consultation with our expert in Invisalign Teen in Beverly Hills, patients can learn more about this option and its candidacy requirements.

New Trends in Orthodontic Treatments

We offer orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages in order to help each of our patients find the best way to get the smile of their dreams. The right orthodontic treatment can align a bite, straighten teeth, improve dental health and beautify a smile.

Some of the most advanced treatment options are leading the trends in orthodontics. These include:
•    Aesthetics and privacy
As more adults turn to orthodontics, orthodontists must find ways to keep their smiles attractive during treatment. We offer clear braces, Invisalign and other orthodontic treatment options that allow you to undergo your treatment in complete privacy.

•    Simplicity and convenience
A flexible treatment schedule, treatments that do not interfere with your lifestyle and treatments that require no special rituals or techniques are all in demand. We offer treatments that can help you improve your smile without having to sacrifice anything.

•    Comfort
With smooth plastic aligners, smaller self-ligating brackets and other advances, we are capable of straightening your teeth with greater comfort for you. These changes not only ensure a more comfortable treatment experience, but they can also make it easier for you to brush and floss your teeth or maintain a healthy diet.

Call us today to find out more or to schedule an appointment with our Cupertino orthodontist.

Typical Cost of Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is a set of treatments that are selected based on the cosmetic goals of the individual and the recommendations of the dentist. Since each treatment varies in costs, the combinations of them will also vary in price. However, a look at the options involved can help prospective patients determine how much they should expect to pay.

Low-Cost Options

Some of the treatments offered for individualized plans are known for their affordability. For example, teeth whitening and bonding are both fast and effective, but low in cost. While bonding may not be as permanent as other alternatives, such as veneers, their inclusion in this plan can help patients pay less overall.

More Expensive Options

A few makeover options do tend to carry significant costs. For example, the price of veneers, crowns and Invisalign treatment can be higher depending on the extent of the issues being concealed or corrected. With the selection of more high-cost makeover treatments, the overall price is bound to rise.

So, how much does a smile makeover cost? The answer varies depending on the cosmetic issues involved and the treatments selected to correct them. Yet, certain procedures are known to be more expensive than others. At a consultation with our dentist, patients can find out how much a smile makeover will cost for them.

Cosmetic Effects of Dental Implants

Dental implants perform just like natural teeth in terms of appearance and function. When comparing the cosmetic value among implants, dentures and bridges, there is simply no doubt that implants are best. Here is more about the immediate and long-term cosmetic effects of dental implants.

As soon as the implant is placed, patients can smile without feeling self-conscious, since there is no hardware present above the gum line. As can be seen in dental implants before and after pictures, the artificial crown that tops the implant is also tinted and shaped to match the surrounding teeth. During meals and conversations, implants stay firmly in place just as your natural teeth would.

The resilience of implants against stains is another major cosmetic benefit. Unlike natural enamel that pigments can bind to and stain, porcelain is non-porous and almost impervious to discoloration. This lets patients maintain an attractive smile over time and without needing teeth whitening treatments.

For patients seeking to replace the look of their natural teeth as thoroughly as possible, dental implants are ideal. There is simply no match for dental implants in terms of aesthetics, performance and comfort. Patients can schedule a consultation with our Beverly Hills dental implants expert to learn more about what this treatment can do for their smile.

Differences of Digital Dental X-Rays

Thanks to the advanced technology of digital dental X-rays, we are able to make the diagnostic and treatment planning process faster, safer and more convenient for you. X-rays have long been a part of modern dentistry. We can use X-rays to see things that are not yet visible to the unaided eye or issues between teeth or below the gum line. They enable us to catch problems at an earlier stage and identify potential treatment strategies.

Digital X-rays work similarly to conventional X-rays but have some important differences. We insert a digital sensor into your mouth, and this sensor captures images of your teeth. This is much like the film of conventional X-rays, but the sensor takes an electronic picture that is then transmitted to our computer screen where we can more easily view it.

By incorporating digital X-rays into our practice, we can make your next visit much simpler. You will be exposed to less radiation, enjoy a shorter visit and view higher quality images. We can even quickly and efficiently transmit your images to other dentists to better coordinate your care when needed. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our Hawthorne dentist.

What are the Pros and Cons of Veneers?

In terms of a smile makeover, porcelain veneers have a proven track record. These thin, translucent shells bond adhesively to your natural teeth to disguise any chips, cracks, or stains. Yet, each case is different and the results are not guaranteed. By overall knowing the porcelain veneers pros and cons, you can make a sound minded decision as to if porcelain veneers are the right investment for your smile:

Pros
•    They appear just like natural teeth, by virtue of being stain-resistant and color-safe. Veneers are quite good at mimicking the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.
•    They are procedurally conservative, and require only minor adjustments to the affected teeth. In terms of timetable, your porcelain veneers procedure can be completed in as few as two sessions.
•    Veneers are long-lasting and durable, providing most patients with at least a decade of use.

Cons
•    A tiny percentage of enamel is removed from affected teeth, so the process should not be considered reversible.
•    Once chosen, the color and shape of the laminate cannot be altered. Unlike your natural teeth, the color and shape will not change over time, so you will need to practice good oral hygiene to keep your smile color equal.
•    Porcelain veneers are priced by tooth and can be expensive. You may incur costs of over $3,000, depending on the complexity of your case, the number of veneers desired, and the expertise of your doctor and lab professional.

If you still have questions or concerns, schedule a consult with our expert in porcelain veneers in Pasadena.

Can Teeth Whitening Damage Veneers?

Teeth whitening is a popular treatment for almost anyone, but many people with veneers are advised against undergoing the process. This is not because the whitening damages the veneers. In fact, peroxide-based whiteners have never been associated with clinically significant damage to veneers. However, while teeth bleaching products will not change the color of the veneers, it can instead create a mismatched look between your veneered teeth and your natural teeth.

You may be a candidate for whitening even if you have veneers, but with certain circumstances. If the veneers were placed years ago and your natural teeth have since stained, whitening can be used to restore the natural color of the natural teeth and create a more esthetic appearance. Abrasive whiteners, such as whitening toothpastes, are not recommended, because they can damage the polished surface of the porcelain and increase the risk of staining.

Although veneers are designed to be highly stain resistant, they can become discolored after heavy exposure to wine or certain other staining substances. The teeth below the veneers may also become darker or stained. We can help you decide the best procedure to restore an attractive lighter color and give you back your smile confidence. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our Los Angeles teeth whitening expert.

Pros and Cons of Lumineers

Our Los Angeles cosmetic dentist may recommend Lumineers if you have minor cosmetic flaws, such as stains, chips, worn enamel, small teeth or gaps. Lumineers cover the fronts of teeth with a thin layer of translucent porcelain. They can be placed with little to no preparation, meaning that teeth will not need to be cut down or drilled in preparation before placement. Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide if Lumineers are right for you.

Pros

•    Lumineers can last 10 to 20 years or more.
•    They can be made to look identical to natural enamel, so no one will ever know you are wearing them.
•    You can enjoy your new smile right away.
•    The procedure is less invasive than conventional veneers.
•    They are painless, and there is no need for anesthesia.
•    The procedure is entirely reversible if desired.

Cons

•    Lumineers might not be right for every patient.
•    They can make teeth look larger in some cases.
•    They may not be appropriate in patients who grind their teeth.
•    Lumineers cannot necessarily correct big problems without some preparation, such as misalignments.

We can help you decide if Lumineers are a good option for you. Call us today to make your appointment with our expert in Lumineers in Los Angeles.

How are Dental Fillings Placed?

If you have gone through life without ever having a cavity, consider yourself a good practitioner of proper oral hygiene. Even the most diligent among us, though, may at some point find themselves being told by their dentist that they have a cavity. If this is the case, you will most likely receive a dental filling.

Our Beverly Hills dentist will first give you a localized anesthetic, and then remove the decayed part of your tooth. They will then proceed to clean and dry the affected area. At this point, the dentist will place the dental filling into the portion of your teeth where the cavity was removed. Dental fillings can be molded to fit right into the affected tooth. Once set, the filling will help protect your tooth from further decay.

Our expert in dental fillings in Beverly Hills has several kinds of dental fillings available. Gold fillings are a very good option, but they tend to be expensive. Silver fillings, or amalgam fillings, are cheaper, but far more noticeable when you smile. This is why amalgam is usually only placed in the back of the mouth. Composite resin fillings and porcelain fillings are more natural-looking options, but porcelain is more resistant to stains from coffee and wine that the composite resins fillings. Your choice of filling may depend on what your insurance covers.

Candidates for Mini Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most popular forms of restorative dentistry. However, the cost can be exorbitant, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover it. If you are one of the 40 million Americans that are without teeth and do not have dental implants, chances are it is because they are too expensive. Fortunately, now there are mini dental implants, a strong option for the more budget-conscious.

You may still be a good candidate for mini dental implants even if you were told that you require a bone graft for regular dental implants. Due to their small size, mini dental implants require very little bone for placement.

If you are free of periodontal disease, are not diabetic or suffer from an uncontrolled chronic condition, you should qualify for mini dental implants. Any of our dental implants doctors in Los Angeles will confirm that you should be in good standing, unless you have an irregular bite or jaw configuration issues.

Our expert in mini dental implants in Los Angeles will advise you that mini dental implants began as a temporary measure, and are best used to solve issues with a single tooth. This is especially true in the places where bite forces are low, such as the bottom front teeth. For other questions about mini dental implants, schedule a consult with our team.

How to Care for Invisalign Braces

During Invisalign treatment, special care of your aligners is required in order to avoid needing replacements. Some of the main tasks involved in the aligner care include avoiding certain activities while wearing the aligners, storing the aligners properly and cleaning them correctly. Here is more about each of these aspects of Invisalign care.

You should never smoke, eat or drink anything other than water while you are wearing your aligners. The main advantage with Invisalign aligners is that they are easily removable. Before putting the aligners back in, rinse your mouth with water to avoid staining the aligners. Always store your aligners in the provided cases to prevent them from being crushed or otherwise damaged.

Each time you brush your teeth, clean your aligners with mild liquid soap, not toothpaste. Ideally, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush that has not been exposed to toothpaste. Afterwards, rinse the aligners in cold water as hot water could permanently distort their shape. Never try to wash your aligners in a dishwasher.

Caring for your aligners will reduce your chances of having to pay for extra aligners. At the same time, keeping the aligners clean can help protect you from tooth decay, tooth stains and gum disease. You can schedule a consultation with our expert in Invisalign braces in Torrance to learn more about aligner care.

How are Dental Bridges Placed?

Nobody ever wants to lose a tooth, but if this unfortunate even happens to you, a dental bridge can normally be placed into your mouth to fill in the gap. The placement of a dental bridge usually takes at least two trips to the dentist before it can be fit into your mouth.

On your first visit, our dentist in Beverly Hills will prepare your mouth for the bridge. You will first be given a local anesthetic so the dentist can alter the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth (or teeth) to be able to support the bridge. Usually this involves removing parts of the adjacent teeth and placing a crown on top of them. If these teeth are too badly damaged or decayed, a root canal may first need to be performed, and then a dental implant may be placed. The goal is to make the supporting teeth strong enough to support the bridge. Once this is done, our expert in dental bridges in Beverly Hills will make an impression of the prepared teeth, and use this impression to design your bridge. You will receive a temporary bridge at this point.

Upon your return visit, the permanent bridge will be placed. Dental bridges are usually made of porcelain fused to metal, or ceramics, and can last for five to seven years with the proper care.

When are Dentures Recommended?

Dentures, or false teeth, are removable appliances that service your smile by replacing multiple missing teeth. Dentures have been around for millennia, as Etruscans in Italy in the 7th century B.C. experimented with human and animal teeth held together by gold bands. Dentures are still a popular salve to drastic or inevitable dental change. Our Westlake Village dentist would advise you that patients who get dentures have greatly improved eating and speaking ability over patients who remain without teeth.

There are two principal types of dentures:

•    Partial dentures. These are for patients who are missing some teeth on a particular arch. There are two subcategories: fixed partial dentures, which are made from crowns fitted to the remaining teeth, and flexible partial dentures, which are made from cutting-edge digital technology and have visual advantages over fixed partials.

•    Complete dentures. These are for patients who are missing all of the teeth in a single arch.

As you age, you may notice teeth loosening or shifting, or the gaps between teeth widening. Or you may have already lost two or more teeth, which means your remaining teeth are experiencing unreasonable strain. Under any of these circumstances, you should consult with our expert in dentures in Westlake Village.

What Makes i-CAT Different

Computerized axial tomography scans, or CAT scans, have been used for years to provide doctors with cross-sectional 3D images of various organs and the body structure. The incredible detail and versatility that has made CAT scans so popular with doctors is the same benefits that make i-CAT so popular with dentists. We can use i-CAT dental imaging to provide us with the precise information to allow us to plan your treatment and ensure the best possible outcomes.

i-CAT scans offer many benefits over traditional dental X-rays. We can use them to determine the quality and density of the jawbone, identify the location of nerves, plan dental implant procedures, spot impacted teeth, and diagnose tumors or other dental health problems at earlier stages. With i-CAT, we can plan your treatment faster and more easily than with dental X-rays. We are also able to share the information with you in an easy-to-understand format. With the option to zoom in on specific areas, we are given the opportunity to evaluate a structure in even greater detail. i-CAT can reduce treatment time, improve results and lower the overall costs. Call us to learn more about your options or to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Northridge.

How Long Veneers Last

If you are considering investing in veneers, you may be curious about how long they last. The good news to your curiosity is that veneers are designed to beautify your smile for many years. In fact, veneers can last 20 years or longer with the right lifestyle and dental hygiene habits.

The best way to keep your veneers in great shape is to maintain excellent dental hygiene. Use a soft-bristled brush to brush your teeth about two minutes at a time. Also, you should brush at least two times a day or after meals. Flossing regularly, or at least once a day, will help keep the borders between your veneers and tooth structure clean of bacteria or plaque to reduce the risk of decay in these areas. Regular cleanings and checkups should be scheduled at least twice a year to determine other problems that can affect the longevity of your veneers.

Avoid grinding your teeth and refrain from habits, such as chewing on pencils or other nonfood items, and opening packages with your teeth. These habits can damage both the natural teeth and the veneer covering them. If you grind at night, wear a mouthguard to reduce the risk of damage. Also, drink alcohol in moderation, as excess alcohol consumption can be bad for your teeth and gums, and can damage the veneers, as well. Call us today to learn more about protecting your veneers or to schedule an appointment with our Beverly Hills porcelain veneers Specialist.