When are Veneers a Good Option?

Veneers are effective at concealing an incredible array of cosmetic problems. Moreover, they represent a long-term solution to some recurring issues with stains. Here is more about what dental veneers from our cosmetic dentist in Northridge can do and when you might want to consider it.

Are Your Teeth Damaged or Misaligned?

If your teeth are cracked, chipped, broken, too long or too short, then veneers provide a solution for you. These thin, porcelain shells will normalize the appearance of your teeth and can even help support teeth that have been damaged.

Do You Have Heavy or Internal Tooth Stains?

If your teeth are discolored internally or heavily on the surface, then veneers can most likely cover it. However, the heaviest of stains may be better covered by crowns instead.

Are Your Teeth Slightly Crooked?

If you have teeth that are improperly positioned and cause no other issues, then veneers may be a fast, affordable alternative to orthodontic treatment.

Of course, veneers are particularly beneficial for patients whose teeth have more than one of these flaws. When surface stains keep occurring, getting veneers as a solution can not only fix your tooth color, but it can also prevent future discoloration. You can schedule a consultation with our expert in porcelain veneers in Northridge to learn more about when this treatment is the right choice.

Getting a Root Canal

A root canal is a type of treatment that is used when the inner soft tissues of the tooth are infected, inflamed or dead. These tissues consist of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues that are located inside a hollow chamber. They extend into the canals of the tooth, which continue all of the way through the roots. Most teeth have between one and four canals. If our dentist in West Hollywood recommends a root canal, here is what you can expect.

1.    Comfort
We begin by numbing the tissues in the area in which we will be working with local anesthesia. Sedation may also be available to help you feel calm and relaxed. Our goal is to ensure your experience is entirely comfortable and painless.

2.    Treatment
After we make an access point in the tooth, we will then remove the infected or diseased soft tissues. This process will alleviate any pain you were previously suffering and can help prevent worsening infection.

3.    Restoration
Once the diseased tissues have been removed, we will then clean out the canals, reshape them and seal them against future contamination. The tooth can then be fully restored with a permanent filling or porcelain crown.

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

Holistic Dentistry and Its Advantages

Holistic dentistry emphasizes treatment of the whole patient rather than focusing on just their immediate symptoms. Through a variety of non-toxic procedures, our dentist resolves oral health problems in ways that are sustainable for long-term wellness. Here is more about holistic dentistry and the benefits it offers.

General Advantages of Holistic Dentistry
While holistic dentistry addresses oral health problems naturally and comprehensively, it does these things without complicating treatment. Using non-toxic alternatives to more common materials can give patients better results, and it can save the health and money of patients in the long term. Prevention is emphasized over simply needing cures, which is used for empowering patients to better avoid tooth decay, gum disease and associated complications. When treatment is necessary, procedures are chosen with respect to the overall health of the individual rather than only as a solution to their immediate symptoms.

Examples of Holistic Dentistry in Action

The use of tooth-colored fillings rather than mercury amalgam fillings is one focus of holistic dentistry. Not only does this material lack the toxicity and unsightly appearance of mercury, but it also requires less removal of tooth structure and better preserves treated teeth over time. For patients who already have metal fillings, our dentist offers removal and replacement with composite material.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by orofacial problems, making it ideal for treatment with holistic dentistry. A variety of treatments can resolve the problem without causing the discomfort and inconvenience of conventional CPAP treatment. Besides oral appliances that keep the jaw and tongue from blocking the airway during sleep, soft tissue surgery can be performed to widen the airway permanently.

Holistic dental care is a future-oriented approach to oral health that also supports the overall well-being of the patient. Through a selection of specialized procedures, our dentist gives patients beautiful smiles with consideration for their long-term health. At a consultation with our Agoura Hills holistic dentist, patients can learn more about available holistic options and their benefits.

How is Periodontitis Treated?

Periodontitis is a serious infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can damage and destroy the tissues, and this can eventually lead to tooth, gum and bone loss. Our periodontist in Los Angeles offers treatments that can control the infection and stop the spread of the disease. 

Non-surgical treatments are generally recommended before surgery. These can include: 

·         Scaling and root planing
This is a special deep cleaning procedure that is used to remove any buildup from your teeth and below the gum tissue. We may use small instruments and ultrasonic devices to remove hardened or mineralized deposits. This procedure also is used to smooth the roots of the teeth in order to discourage future buildup.

·         Antibiotic therapy
Both topical and oral antibiotics can be used to control the bacteria. Topical antibiotics are usually administered as a mouthwash, but it may also include the placement of antibiotic fibers or gels between the roots of the teeth and the gum tissues.

If the infection has progressed considerably, conservative treatments may not be enough to stop it. In this case, we may recommend surgery. Surgical periodontal treatments are designed to address the tissue loss and halt the progression of the disease. They can include soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, pocket reduction surgery and guided tissue regeneration. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in periodontitis treatmentin Los Angeles.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

About one out of every four Americans suffer from some degree of dental phobia. While some patients with a dental phobia can feel anxious or nervous before a trip to the dentist, others suffer from anxiety that is severe enough to prevent them from going to the dentist entirely. Unfortunately, missing out on routine care can cause minor problems to snowball into severe problems that can threaten your entire smile. If you are one of the many Americans suffering from dental anxiety, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry can be a good choice for many people, including those who: 

·         Have a history of traumatic dental experiences

·         Are afraid of dental treatment

·         Deny dental issues until the pain becomes intolerable

·         Have avoided dental care for years

·         Make and cancel dental appointments frequently

·         Have a sensitive gag reflex

·         Have sensitive teeth

·         Have difficulty getting numb

·         Feel embarrassed about the extent of your dental problems

·         Need numerous or complex dental treatments

We can help you decide if sedation dentistry is right for you and choose the best type of sedation for your needs. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as you can be. We can use mild, moderate or even deep forms of sedation to ensure the best results based on your individual needs. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our sedation dentist in West Hollywood.

What is Elk Tooth Jewelry?

There are many ways to express yourself with jewelry, from flamboyantly to a subtle kind of wisdom. You may prefer a flashy diamond, the stalwart sensation of gold, or a polished, elegant silver. You can also choose a more rustic approach, when all you really want to convey is a memory or impression of nature. Perhaps, the whim of a hike or hunt, or the way the earth feels in the forest.

If you interested in jewelry design from the last category, elk tooth jewelry is a beautiful and understated obsession that is growing among jewelry fans. Elks are magnificent animals, and hunting them is a noble and daring enterprise. Many hunters of elk are proud to commemorate their victory by enshrining an elk tooth in an artifact, commonly known as a memento. Designers and jewelry makers work with taxidermists to preserve the thrill of the lived experience in a ring, cufflink, bracelet, or pendant.

This form of teeth jewelry can bring you closer to the outdoors that you already love so much. Not to be taken lightly, putting an item, such as an elk tooth, on you physically is a tribute to all of the ways that you know yourself. Elk tooth jewelry can be a great way in showing off the ways you have made your life worthwhile.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

Invisalign uses transparent aligners through a customized process that shifts teeth into their correct alignment. As a form of orthodontics, Invisalign requires making slow, measured changes to tooth positions that can vary in length with the needs of the individual. Predicting how long it will take is more simple when one considers the factors involved.

Among all of the factors affecting Invisalign treatment time, the most important are the types of bite irregularities present. During an initial consultation, our Beverly Hills Invisalign specialist identifies all issues requiring correction and notes the steps necessary to resolve them. Both the number and the severity of irregularities matter in deciding the length of treatment.

On average, Invisalign takes about 15 months to complete. However, some patients may finish in as little as nine months, while others may require as much as 24 months of treatment. For patients who are candidates for Invisalign Express to make only very slight adjustments, treatment may last anywhere from three to nine months.

How long does Invisalign take? This is determined on an individual basis after an exam performed by our dentist. During treatment, you can help keep correction on schedule by wearing your aligners as much as instructed and by attending all appointments on time. You can schedule a consultation with our dentist to find out how long your personalized treatment will take. 

Do At Home Whitening Treatments Work?

Many people choose at-home whitening treatments to brighten their smiles for the convenience and cost. There are several different types of at-home products available to choose from. These include toothpastes, whitening strips, rinses and gels that are either painted on or applied using an applicator tray. The effectiveness of the product can vary based on the product and application, though.

Toothpastes use abrasive materials to scrub the stains from teeth. This is only effective on superficial stains, such as stains from coffee, tea, and berries, but it can give your smile a bit of a boost. Whitening rinses simply do not stay on teeth long enough to provide much of an effect. Whitening strips and gels tend to be somewhat more effective, but it takes more time for any signs of whitening. These products stay on your teeth longer and can lighten your teeth by a few shades.

If you want significant whitening results, you may have better results with a professional whitening treatment. Professional whitening uses more concentrated peroxide for brighter results. These products are applied in a professional setting, meaning that your safety and well-being are monitored throughout the process. Overall, professional whitening products can lighten teeth from eight to 10 shades with a single treatment, and your teeth will stay whiter with good dental habits. Call us to learn more about your ideal teeth whitening treatment or to schedule an appointment with our Los Angeles tooth whitening expert.

Good Foods for Your Teeth

Everything you eat must first go through your mouth. While you may assume that this means that food and beverages take a toll on your teeth, the truth is that some foods can have extremely positive effects on your teeth. What should you be adding to your diet to boost your smile health?

1. Cheese
Cheese is high in calcium and is good for your bones, including your teeth. Yet, that is not the only thing that makes it a tooth-friendly choice. Cheese helps neutralize the acids from plaque bacteria, which can help prevent enamel erosion. It also stimulates saliva production, which rinses away debris and bacteria.

2. Tea
Add a tall glass of iced tea to your meals or enjoy a warm cup of hot tea in the morning. Both green and black teas are rich sources of polyphenols, which combat oral bacteria. One study found that rinsing with black tea several times a day can even reduce the amount and stickiness of oral plaque.

3. Crunchy apples, carrots, cucumbers, celery and pears
These crunchy fruits and vegetables offer a lot of benefits for your teeth. First of all, they help mechanically scrub your teeth, which is handy when a toothbrush isn’t nearby. Second, they also stimulate saliva flow, which rinses the plaque and bacteria away.

4. Sugar-free gum
Chewing gum after eating can sweeten your breath, and it can also help neutralize oral acids through the power of saliva production. Make sure your gum is sugarless, though, as regular gum can have the opposite effect and increase the risk of cavities.

Call us to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Westlake Village.

Can Invisalign Help me with My Teeth?

Invisalign is versatile, as well as discreet, making it an ideal orthodontic treatment option for most adults today. A majority of bite irregularities can also be straightened with this treatment, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, overcrowding and incorrect rotation. Here is a look at how you can determine if Invisalign can improve your smile.

Looking at the experiences of other patients is a good way to find out what Invisalign can do. You are likely to find patients whose teeth were once similar to your own in the reviews and in the Invisalign before and after pictures. While only an exam can precisely identify the types and severity of your personal irregularities, these resources are valuable for prospective Invisalign recipients.

If your teeth have more severe irregularities, they may require the addition of a special appliance to your treatment plan. A palatal expander, which is used to widen a narrow palate, is one example of an appliance that may be used in conjunction with Invisalign.

If your eligibility is confirmed and you choose treatment with Invisalign, you will enjoy a fast treatment time that results in a lifetime of teeth that look and perform better. At a consultation with our Rocklin orthodontist, you can learn more about this treatment and determine how well it can address your needs.

Can Teeth Whitening Work on Crowns?

Dental crowns are usually made of porcelain or porcelain that is fused to metal. Porcelain is a strong material that can withstand normal bite forces, and it can be made in shades that match your natural teeth. Once it has been crafted, it can resist staining, and it will usually remain the same color until you replace it.

A glaze is applied to the porcelain to create the shiny, translucent finish, but it prevents any teeth bleaching solution from penetrating into the crown material. If the glaze is damaged or removed, the crown may become stained or discolored. If you want a whiter smile but have a crown restoration in a visible part of your smile, you may want to consider replacing the crown instead. Lighten your teeth to their desired shade first, and then have a new crown designed and bonded to prevent any discoloring.

Once your crown is the desired color, you will need to perform periodic touch-up treatments to keep your teeth as white as the new crown is. To reduce the risk of staining your natural teeth, limit your consumption of wine, coffee and staining soft drinks, while maintaining good brushing and flossing habits. Call us today to learn more about whitening your smile or to schedule an appointment with our expert in tooth whitening in Los Angeles.

Why Are Early Orthodontic Treatments Important?

Early orthodontic treatment is performed during childhood, usually around the age of seven. Braces are best sought early when they are necessary, because properly aligned teeth and jaws positively impact facial growth, social development and overall health. At the same time, orthodontic treatment is most effective and a quicker treatment time when it is early in life.

A host of issues can cause the teeth and jaws to form improperly. Certain habits, including mouth breathing and thumb sucking, can impede normal orofacial development to affect their appearance for life. Correcting these issues and guiding proper development at this stage can have lasting positive effects on young patients.

Orthodontic treatment often works more quickly in younger patients, because the jaws and teeth are growing rapidly during this time. These developing tissues quickly adapt to the changes enforced by braces. With early orthodontic treatments completed, another course of braces may not be necessary during adolescence, when patients are often more self-conscious.

Metal braces may be the only form of treatment required for many patients, but combining it with other appliances may be beneficial in some cases. Narrow palate and severe overbite are two examples of issues that require these appliances, which may be used at the same time as braces. Patients can schedule a consultation with our orthodontist in Rocklin to learn more about why early orthodontics are important.