How Much to Pay for Lumineers

Financial benefit comes up rather quickly in discussion of Lumineers. The product is highly desired but a lot of patients worry about cost, especially since most insurance providers do not cover Lumineers.

Before being swayed by a financial concern, it is important to consider the advantages of Lumineers over typical veneers. Lumineers is more than a brand name, but is the definitive choice in no-prep veneers. The ultrathin laminates go over your existing teeth with no need for injection or anesthetic. In addition, the doctor will not need to modify tooth structure as with ordinary veneers. Enamel need not be removed for Lumineers to fit naturally.

As with almost all cosmetic procedures, the cost of Lumineers will vary from case to case, and even from office to office. You will want to ensure your Lumineers specialist has a high number of performances, as veneers should not be trusted to a novice. You may see a slight price increase when your doctor has a strong Lumineers credential.

Ultimately, it is impossible to state with certainty how much Lumineers cost until you meet with your doctor. Depending on the state of your teeth and the number of laminates prescribed, you may be pleasantly surprised at how cost-effective Lumineers can be. Contact our dental group for more information.

Can Veneers Cause TMJ?

Veneers that are placed correctly will not cause TMJ, but improper placement could potentially strain the jaws and result in the condition. On the other hand, veneers can be used to address the imbalanced bite that sometimes causes TMJ and the cosmetic issues that often result. Here is more about how veneers interact with TMJ.

TMJ Causes or Treatments

Veneers should be positioned so as not to interfere with normal closing of the mouth. If veneers cause front teeth to extend too far, they could strain the jaws when patients speak or chew. However, veneers can also be used strategically to balance a bite that has contributed to TMJ because of such irregularities.

Cosmetic Issues, TMJ and Veneers

Many patients with TMJ have an imbalanced bite, including teeth that do not meet as they should. Over time, the force between improperly positioned teeth can cause unsightly cracks, chips and uneven wear. Veneers can be used to hide all of these flaws.

Veneers can contribute to or help treat TMJ depending on the skill of the dentist placing them. To ensure a great-looking and comfortable smile, patients should choose their cosmetic dentist carefully. At a consultation, our expert in porcelain veneers in Los Angeles can tell patients whether veneers will help their TMJ.

Treatment Options for Snoring

Snoring can keep you and your sleeping partner awake at night. You may feel like you have not gotten a good night’s sleep, or you may suffer from a sore throat or dry mouth in the morning. If your snoring is keeping you or someone else awake at night or causing other unwanted symptoms, our Los Angeles dentist can help.

When you sleep, your muscles throughout your body relax. This includes the muscles around the airway. The airway then narrows, and tissues can drop into the passage. As the air passes over the tissues, they vibrate, creating that characteristic snoring sound. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss or alcohol cessation can be helpful, but they may not be enough to completely eliminate the snoring.

We offer oral splints, or snore guards, that can stop the snoring. These splints guide the lower jaw forward slightly, which helps stabilize the soft tissues to prevent them from collapsing into the airway. We customize the splint to fit you precisely for greater comfort and effectiveness. You may be a candidate for an oral splint if you snore regularly. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our expert in treatments for snoring in Los Angeles.

When is Dental Bonding Used?

Bonding is a fast, non-invasive procedure used for aesthetic and restorative purposes. As its name suggests, bonding essentially involves adhesion of a composite material to teeth. Here is a look at situations in which our cosmetic dentist in West Hollywood may recommend bonding.

Cosmetic Uses for Bonding

When teeth have stains or mild structural damage, our dentist may apply bonding to hide the flawed areas. Teeth that are too short or otherwise misshapen can be altered with bonding. Finally, excessive space between teeth can be closed with bonding.

Restorative Uses for Bonding

Bonding material can be used instead of mercury amalgam to fill cavities or other damage, preserving natural appearance as a result. Teeth that are chipped or cracked can be repaired with bonding to guard against infection and further breakage. If tooth roots are exposed, causing sensitivity, those roots can be covered with bonding.

Bonding begins with cleaning of the teeth to be treated. After roughening target areas, our dentist applies the composite material and sculpts it to match the surrounding tooth shape. Finally, our expert in dental bonding in West Hollywood uses a light to harden the material and polishes it smooth. Most patients need little or no anesthesia during this fast and simple procedure.

Types of Dental Fillings

In the current dental marketplace, you do not have to accept an inferior product as a tooth filling. As our expert in dental fillings in Beverly Hills has noted, patients have trended away from metallic in recent years, preferring the natural simplicity of tooth-colored fillings. But you can still take your pick. Below are some common types of dental fillings, and their characteristics.

Amalgam

These are typically stowed in back teeth, as they are not very visual. Amalgam fillings contain a mix of tin, zinc and other materials, and are not tooth-colored. They are a less costly alternative, and hold up well to bite forces.

Gold

Gold fillings are still around, despite having fallen out of fashion. They are incredibly strong, but cost a lot more than the other fillings.

Composite

Between amalgam and gold in price are the tooth-colored composites, which are steadily outpacing the other products due to their realism. Composites can be color-matched to your teeth. Their only negative is their shorter shelf life (about 5 years).

Glass Ionomers

These fillings are used a lot by pediatric dentists, as they are better for kids whose dental maps are still emerging. They can also contain fluoride, making them a strong anti-decay resource.

Our cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills can help you choose which type of filling is best for you.

Can TMJ be Treated?

TMJ disorder is a highly treatable condition. TMJ is a common disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint. It can develop as a result of arthritis, injury, overuse, bruxism or other factors and can range from mild to severe. Our dentist in LA can help you decide on the treatment plan that will best ease your symptoms and restore full function.

Common treatment options include:

•    Rest, which may involve a soft diet, no gum chewing and addressing other habits that could be straining your jaw muscles excessively
•    Compresses to soothe and relax sore muscles
•    Medication to combat inflammation and pain
•    Oral splints, which address bruxism
•    Orthodontic treatment to correct a misaligned jaw and underlying bite problems that could be causing or contributing to the problem
•    Injections, which can include Botox to relax the muscles or cortisone to manage inflammation and other symptoms
•    Surgery to correct injuries or joint abnormalities

Most patients recover fully and with conservative care. However, more invasive options may be needed for patients who do not find relief with non-invasive treatments. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our expert in TMJ in Los Angeles.

How Long Does Treatment with Invisalign Express Take?

For patients that only have to correct mild orthodontic issues, the makers of Invisalign have created a product called Invisalign Express. The mechanics of Invisalign Express work the same way as traditional Invisalign, with a new set of clear plastic aligners being worn every two weeks until the treatment is completed. The main difference is that traditional Invisalign usually requires 20-30 sets of aligners, while Invisalign Express cases need to be able to be remedied using 10 or fewer sets of aligners. This usually puts treatment time for Invisalign Express at around six months.

Because of the rapid treatment time, Invisalign Express is only able to address mild orthodontic issues. It tends to work best for patients that are trying to correct minor alignment issues with their front teeth, address cases of orthodontic relapse from a previous treatment, or make minor alignment changes so that they are better prepared for other dental work that may need to be done.

You will still need to go to checkups with your dentist or orthodontist every 4-6 weeks, just like you would with traditional Invisalign. Additionally, you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day or your length of treatment may be extended.

If you are wondering if you qualify for treatment with Invisalign Express, contact our Invisalign dentist in Los Angeles to schedule a consultation.

Dental Bridges and Dental Implants

Dental bridges and dental implants can be used together to replace several lost teeth. If you have lost multiple teeth in a row, our dentist can use an implant-supported bridge to replace the teeth aesthetically and comfortably.

As with any bridge, an implant-supported bridge consists of porcelain crowns that are connected to prosthetic teeth. These crowns are placed not on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap but on implants. The implants act as the abutments, eliminating the need for abutment teeth. They can create a strong, stable bridge that can last for years without requiring other teeth to be cut down the way conventional bridges do.

If you are a candidate for an implant-supported bridge, the implants will first be placed, and the implant sites will be allowed to heal. Our dentist will place a temporary restoration to fill the gap until the implants can be permanently restored with your new bridge. The bridge can be attached to the abutments on the implants once they have fused with the bone tissue.

As with all restorations, good dental hygiene will continue to be important. Brush the bridge and nearby teeth thoroughly two times a day. You may need to use a special floss threader to thread the floss above and around the bridge. Call us to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our dental implants dentist in Santa Clara.

When are Dental Crowns Necessary?

A dental crown is a special type of restoration that can provide long-term strength and stability to a tooth. It is stronger and more durable than a dental filling, but it is also a more extensive treatment that requires more preparation. Our emergency dentist in Los Angeles may suggest a dental crown if your tooth has been severely damaged, decayed or otherwise compromised.

When do you need a dental crown?

1. When a tooth is cracked or broken
2. When a tooth has had a root canal treatment
3. When a tooth has a large dental filling
4. When a lost tooth has been replaced with a dental implant
5. When a tooth is being replaced with a dental bridge

To place a crown, you will likely need two dental visits. The tooth will be prepared at the first visit, and at the second visit, the crown will be bonded to the tooth. We design your crown to match your natural teeth beautifully and to blend flawlessly into your smile. Crowns can last many years and can keep your teeth strong, healthy and functional. Call us today to find out more or to schedule your appointment with our expert in emergency dental crowns in Los Angeles.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments

When you are unhappy with your smile, it shows. You may not smile as often as others, and you may avoid speaking publicly or with new people. Our cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles can use orthodontic treatments to help you get the smile you want.

There are many benefits to orthodontic treatment, including:

1.    A healthy smile
An aligned and balanced bite is simply a healthier bite. Teeth are less prone to abnormal wear and tear, and they are easier to clean, which means less vulnerable to decay and gum disease.

2.    A comfortable bite
Teeth that align properly are easier to use, and you are not as likely to suffer from bruxism, TMJ disorders or other painful conditions associated with a bad bite.

3.    New self-confidence
A straight, attractive smile can boost your confidence and help you feel good about the way you look.You may be more committed to keeping it healthy through good dental practices, too.

Most orthodontic treatments can be completed in 12 to 18 months, and your new smile will be ready to share before you know it. Call us today to find out more or to schedule your consultation with our orthodontist in Los Angeles.