Pros and Cons of Getting a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is generally not just one event. While there are some who may only need teeth whitening services to achieve their desired results, most patients will want to have several various procedures completed in order to obtain the smile they want. Each smile makeover is unique. The process will be decided in agreement between you and your dental care provider. You can also determine the pros and cons by talking with your smile makeover dentist in Beverly Hills, CA.

It can be difficult to address each possible pro and con associated with a smile makeover, because there are so many various procedures that can be used. Some of the most common overall benefits include a more attractive smile, increased confidence, and enhanced self-esteem. Some common overall negative aspects of these procedures include the length of time to achieve final results, cost of extensive treatments, and irreversible nature of some treatments.

For example, there are different teeth-straightening methods that vary in effectiveness, cost, and convenience. Veneers can create a nearly perfect smile, but are typically not reversible. Insurance will typically not cover cosmetic procedures, s you will have to pay yourself.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments

Gum disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The former, an early stage, can be treated with improved at-home dental hygiene, such as attentive brushing, flossing, and recommended mouth wash. If this is not successful, or gingivitis is not identified in time, conditions can develop into periodontitis, or severe gum disease.

There are both surgical and non-surgical treatments for periodontitis. Our dentist in San Fernando Valley will most often begin treatment with a non-invasive method, called a scaling and root planing. This involves using a sharp tool to remove plaque and tartar from just at and just below the gum line. This may be enough to reverse the effects of periodontal disease.

If it is not successful, there are several surgical methods that can be used. A pocket reduction is much like a scaling and root planing, but reaches the root surfaces to eliminate more harmful substances. Gum flap surgery takes this a step further by lifting up the gum tissue to access more of the root surfaces. The gum tissue is then stitched back into place.

If the gums or jaw bone has diminished due to the disease, our dentist will perform a graft to replace the missing tissue. This material can come from another area of the mouth or body, from another person, or simply synthetic material. 

Teeth Whitening Kits

When whitening toothpastes, rinses, and strips are not enough to get you the pearly whites you have always wanted, you may be thinking about what options you have left. Teeth whitening kits can be purchase over the counter at your local store. These typically involve the use of a gel or a past-like substance that you mix up by combining water with a special bleaching powder.

To use the teeth-whitening kits at home, you will fill trays as directed with bleaching solution. You will then insert these trays and wear them as directed on the package. A major drawback with at-home kits is that they do not always fit snugly against your teeth for a firm and proper fit. This can allow gaps for uneven or less-than-ideal results. Also, if any of the bleaching agents comes in contact with your gums, this can result in burning or discomfort. Teeth may also become sensitive for a short time following treatment.

For better results, you may want to talk with your dental whitening dentist about your options. Kits from your dentist generally fit and work better to help you to achieve whiter teeth over a short period of time.

How Invisalign Works

Orthodontic treatment works by applying physiological forces to teeth. With braces, the teeth are pulled in a specific direction. With Invisalign aligners, the teeth are instead pushed in a specific direction. The end results are a straight smile and balanced bite. Our Huntington Beach cosmetic dentist can explain the Invisalign process at your consultation.

Once we determine your candidacy, we will create a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan is based on a 3D model of your teeth. We plan each movement of the teeth in order to create the aligner trays. The aligner trays move teeth separately and just a fraction of a millimeter at a time. You will need more aligner trays and longer treatment if your teeth need to move greater distances than patients whose teeth only need to move a little bit.

Every two weeks, you will switch aligners so that your teeth will keep moving. You will need to wear your aligners the appropriate amount of time to maintain steady pressure. Once active treatment is complete, you will move into the retention phase of treatment, in which you will wear Invisalign retainers to maintain your results. Call our Invisalign dentist in Huntington Beach today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.

Tips for Avoiding Chipped Teeth

Even though teeth are very strong, there is always a chance that you might experience a chipped tooth. If the chipped area is small, you might not notice it right away. It might take until your tongue runs over the sharp edge or your cheek gets caught against it. You may not notice until the next time you brush and floss your teeth. Larger chips may result in noticeable pain. An expert in treatment of chipped teeth in Los Angeles can help to repair your teeth with small or large chips with a variety of methods.

There are some ways that you can reduce the risk of chipped teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to keep the protective enamel strong. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to reduce damage. Floss as directed by your dentist. Do not bite or chew on hard objects. Eat a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition for your teeth. It is also important to see your dental care provider on a regular basis in order to catch potential issues early. Talk to your provider if you grind or clench your teeth for additional treatment options.

Can You Get Veneers if You Have Gum Disease?

If you have advanced gum disease, most dentists will grant only provisional approval for your veneers. That provision is typically treatment of all gum disease and the ridding of its effects before going ahead with veneer placement.

Gum disease can undermine bone integrity and cause pockets to form, leaving the teeth wide open to further infection and even tooth loss. Fortunately, most gum disease can be reversed, by scaling and root planing or pocket reduction. Once this minimal invasion is finished and any tooth decay fixed with fillings, you can usually start thinking about veneers.

If the gum disease progressed far enough to cause a loss of bone density, you may not qualify for veneers.

Dental veneers are an important piece in smile design, and the effects of gum disease can bring your smile down functionally and visually. Since veneers act to camouflage imperfections or blemishes in teeth—such as chips or discoloration—you can proceed with your smile maintenance without much surface correction. But your teeth will have to be trimmed to ensure your veneers fit.

Please note that if you have multiple crowns and bridges already, this may also affect your veneer candidacy. Talk to our Beverly Hills veneer provider for more.

When Are Dentures the Best Option?

Dentures have been used to replace teeth for centuries. While dental implants and bridges have emerged as alternatives more recently, dentures remain popular for several reasons. Here are some situations in which dentures can be the best choice.

Saving Time and Money

Compared to bridges and dental implants, dentures can be made more quickly and cost far less money. Patients can often receive their dentures within days of starting the process with our dentist in Houston. Dentures with additional features, such as All-On-Four, can cost more than conventional dentures, but still far less than whole-mouth implants.

Understanding Limitations

Good candidates for dentures will understand the limitations of the appliance. For example, dentures do require a special cleaning process. Dentures also may require multiple replacements throughout life as the gums and jaws change shape beneath them. Finally, removable dentures may slip occasionally as patients eat or speak.

Both full and partial dentures are available for patients who need to replace all or some of their teeth. Different styles of artificial teeth and gums can also be used to give dentures a natural look that appeals to them. At a consultation with our dentures dentist in Houston, patients can find out if dentures fit their goals.

Are Dental Bridges the Best Option for Me?

Missing teeth can be replaced by our dentist in San Francisco in a variety of ways, including with dental bridges. While bridges are not inserted into the jaw bones, as dental implants are, they are stationary and permanent. Read on to get a better idea of whether this is the best choice for your smile.

Alternative to Implants

A bridge may be a better alternative to an implant for a few reasons. For example, you might prefer a bridge if your jaws lack the density that implants require, if you do not want to wait for implants to heal, or if money is a factor.

Alternative to Dentures

Dentures require daily cleaning and can slip or click when you speak or eat. Bridges do need some extra cleaning, but they do not need to be removed first as dentures do.

Requirements for Bridges

If you have adjacent teeth to support a bridge or are willing to get a couple of implants to serve this purpose, you are probably a candidate for this restoration.

You are more likely to qualify for a bridge than for an implant, but you can still expect stable results. You can schedule a consultation with our dental bridges dentist in San Francisco to learn more about bridges and other tooth replacements.

Dental Treatments for Children

Dental care for children is similar to treatment for adults in many ways. However, certain procedures may offer extra benefits to patients during childhood, when the teeth and gums undergo rapid growth. Here are some of the treatments children may receive depending on their oral health and risk factors.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is valued for its beneficial effects on teeth. Although fluoride is commonly added to tap water supplies and toothpastes, some patients benefit from extra fluoride. In addition to applying fluoride in our dental office, our dentist may prescribe products with the mineral for convenient use at home.

Sealants

Sealants are clear plastic varnishes painted over teeth to form a barrier against cavities. Often used in vulnerable areas, such as crevices, sealants can last for years before re-application becomes necessary. Having sealants applied can also save patients money by reducing their risks of needing fillings or other restorations later.

Like adults, children may need a variety of restorations, such as fillings. Our dentist offers restorations in tooth-colored versions for a smile-friendly result. Dental sedation is also available for eligible children with anxiety, movement disorders, or other needs. At a consultation with our dentist for children in Houston parents can learn more about treatments that kids can receive at our office.

Reasons for Having a Dental Extraction

Dental extraction, or tooth removal, is a very common procedure. Patients may have teeth extracted in many situations and receive a variety of benefits in the process. Below, you can learn about some of the reasons extracting a tooth may be necessary.

Severe Damage

Extensive damage to teeth or gums can make repair impossible. While tooth decay and physical trauma are among causes of severe tooth damage, gum disease can destroy the tissues that secure the teeth in place.

Patient Preference

Patients sometimes have the option for repair but prefer extraction instead. Extraction can be performed quickly in a single appointment, and can also be more affordable compared to alternatives, such as root canal.

Orthodontic Reasons

When patients are getting ready for orthodontic care at our dental office, they may need to have teeth removed beforehand. This may be done to make room for movement of teeth or to prevent bite irregularities from emerging during normal development.

Extraction is made easier with anesthesia and sedation for eligible patients. After having teeth removed, patients may be offered one or more replacement options, such as dental implants. Patients can schedule a consultation with our expert in dental extraction in Boyle Heights to learn more about how this procedure is performed.

How are Periodontal Pockets Treated?

Periodontal pockets form when the gum tissue pulls away from teeth in response to the inflammation and swelling that occurs as a result of plaque and tartar buildup. The pockets between the teeth and gum tissue can become quite deep and offer bacteria the perfect environment to breed. More plaque and tartar develop in these hard-to-clean pockets, and eventually, the bone around your teeth will be at risk. Our periodontist in Los Angeles will recommend a personalized treatment program for you.

The first step in treating these pockets is cleaning them thoroughly. This usually requires a procedure called scaling and root planing, or SRP. SRP is a deep-cleaning procedure designed to clean the pockets around the teeth and remove all of that plaque and tartar buildup. After the teeth have been scaled, the roots will be planed, which means that they will be smoothed. This makes it easier for the gum tissue to heal and reattach.

In early stages of periodontitis, SRP may be enough to control the infection and allow the gums to heal. In later stages, surgery may be needed. Pocket reduction surgery is a procedure used to tighten the gum tissue around the teeth. Gum grafts and bone grafts can also be helpful. Call our office today to learn more about your gum treatment options or to schedule a consultation with our expert in treating periodontal pockets in Los Angeles.

Es seguro el blanqueamiento dental?

Hay muchas cosas que encontramos en la vida cotidiana que pueden manchar nuestros dientes. Ciertos alimentos, como bayas y salsa de pasta, y muchos líquidos, como refrescos y bebidas energéticas. Algunas opciones de estilo de vida también pueden hacer que nuestros dientes más oscuros, como fumar. Dientes blanqueamiento está disponible para la mayoría de los pacientes que desean aclarar su sonrisa, pero algunos pacientes se preguntan si este tratamiento es seguro.

El tratamiento para blanquear los dientes está disponible de varias maneras: en la oficina, kits para el hogar y kits para llevar. Es importante estar bien informado sobre cada opción, con el fin de blanquear los dientes correctamente. El tratamiento en la oficina es la opción más segura, ya que nuestro dentista cosmético en Los Ángeles tiene el conocimiento y las herramientas adecuados. Como el agente blanqueador es más fuerte, el tratamiento es más eficaz, y verá dientes más blancos en una sola cita.

Nuestro dentista puede recomendar un kit para llevar a casa con usted. En este caso, es importante seguir las instrucciones. Si se utiliza demasiado líquido o gel, los niveles de peróxido podrían dañar el esmalte y el tejido de las encías. Este es el caso con cualquier tienda compró kits, también.

Dientes blanqueamiento puede ser muy beneficioso y seguro si las instrucciones se siguen o cuando se hace en nuestra oficina dental.