Process of Zoom Whitening

Teeth have several layers. The outer layer is composed of tightly packed mineral crystals called enamel. Stains can penetrate the enamel, causing it to become yellow or dark in color, or enter the deeper dentin layer. Stains are most commonly associated with dietary or lifestyle factors, but our Los Angeles smile makeover dentist offers whitening treatments that can bleach them and leave your teeth white and bright.

Zoom is a powerful light-activated whitening treatment that uses hydrogen peroxide as its active ingredient. Most people with healthy teeth and gums are candidates for Zoom, but you might need to undergo a professional cleaning and polishing first to remove any buildup from your teeth. Your gums and lips will be protected, and we then paint the Zoom peroxide gel onto the surface of your teeth. Once each tooth is fully covered, we activate the Zoom lamp, which increases the effectiveness of the treatment 33 percent.

During the procedure, you can sit back and relax while the Zoom goes to work. It will penetrate deep inside the structure of the teeth. As the peroxide breaks down, oxygen will enter the enamel and dentin and break stains into smaller molecules which will be less visible. Your teeth can be up to eight or more shades lighter by the end of treatment.

Call our office to learn more about Zoom whitening or to schedule your consultation with our dentist.

How Dental Appliances can Help Sleep Apnea Patients

Sleep apnea has effects that show up both when you sleep and during the day. Patients who are unaware that they are suffering from this condition may still recognize certain signs, such as frequent bathroom breaks during the night, headaches in the morning, and cravings for sugary foods. Fortunately, there are some dental appliances that can help eliminate this health condition.

Our dentist begins this process by taking impressions of the teeth. These impressions are used to create custom-made dental appliances, of which there are two types. One works by shifting the lower jaw forward in order to create more space in the air passageway. The other moves both the lower jaw and tongue forward, creating even more space. Patients will need to return to our dentist periodically for adjustments to the appliance to ensure it maintains its effectiveness.

These dental appliances will reduce blocking in the throat and therefore eliminate sleep apnea symptoms. You will likely experience less fatigue, weight loss, and other positive life changes. If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea in Los Angeles, we can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment and in-lab test.

Most Used Orthodontic Options

Orthodontic problems typically involve improper bite or spacing between the teeth. The most common treatment options involve the use of braces. Braces can be used to shift the position of the teeth for a straighter, more attractive smile. Braces can also be used to reposition teeth for a proper bite.

In the past, the most commonly utilized option was that of metal braces. Metal brackets are attached to the teeth with wires. The braces are tightened on a regular basis to gradually shift teeth into proper position. Today’s metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than in the past. There is now also the option of clear braces. While metal wires are still used, the brackets that attach to the teeth are clear.

A newer treatment option in orthodontics that is quickly gaining popularity is the use of Invisalign clear plastic aligners. These aligners are worn nearly all of the time and are only removed while eating or cleaning the teeth. The patient will wear a set of aligners for the specified time period then will return to the office to get a new aligner. Many different aligners will be used to slowly shift teeth to their desired position.

How Do Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances Work?

The effects of sleep apnea can be detected both while asleep and during the day. Snoring, interrupted breathing, and waking up frequently are signs that show at night, while weight gain, moodiness, and headaches are typical during the day. These all occur due to the soft tissues in the throat blocking the airway, making it difficult for patients to breathe. Our Los Angeles sleep apnea doctors prescribe oral appliances in order to aid proper airflow.

There are two main types of oral appliances used for sleep apnea, which both fit like a mouth guard would. One appliance works to shift the lower jaw forward, which creates more room in the throat for air to flow though. This eliminates snoring and breathing difficulties. The other type of oral appliance moves both the lower jaw and the tongue forward, creating even more space.

Many patients find success with the use of oral appliances. Eliminating the symptoms of sleep apnea can greatly benefit health and happiness in everyday life, including the prevention of serious issues such as diabetes, depression, and heart attacks.

If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea, schedule an appointment and in-lab test today.

Gum Disease Causing Other Systemic Diseases

Dental infections have been linked to several systemic diseases. Although there is not yet enough research to demonstrate oral infection as a causal factor in these conditions, there is substantial evidence that allows researchers to determine that oral health and overall health are inextricably linked. Our periodontist in Los Angeles recommends good dental habits not just to maintain a healthy smile but also a healthy body.

According to the NIH, oral infections can affect your body systemically several ways. The infection can spread as bacteria enter the bloodstream, and the immune system can become damaged by the oral toxins, which trigger an immune response. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is one of the primary dental problems that has been linked to systemic problems, and it is associated with:

·         Atherosclerosis

·         Heart attack

·         Stroke

·         Infective carditis

·         Bacterial pneumonia

·         Low birth weight and other pregnancy complications

·         Diabetes mellitus

Gum disease is caused by oral bacteria. They grow in a biofilm called plaque, which is constantly growing on teeth. Brushing is needed to remove the plaque and the bacteria. With good brushing habits, you can keep plaque under control and reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. You also need to clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental cleaner and schedule routine professional cleanings. Call our office today to learn more about periodontitis prevention in Los Angeles. 

Porcelain Veneers and Their Advantages

Veneers camouflage flaws in existing teeth. They are strong but light laminates that are thinner than credit cards in most cases.

They can be applied a tooth at a time, which is generally how they’re priced, or as a full arch. Most patients, in consultation with their dentist, choose veneers for the number of teeth that are visible in their smile zone.

Veneers require some invasion, which means our Northridge cosmetic dentist must make some changes in your tooth anatomy to guarantee the best fit. However, veneers only cover the front of the tooth, instead of fitting over the entire structure like a crown.

The porcelain in veneers is high-quality, and can even mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. This produces an extremely lifelike effect, especially when the shade of the veneers is calibrated. In teeth with a darker shade, opaque cement is sometimes added to increase the light expectation.

Conventional ceramic can accommodate multiple colors and shades by a hand-layering process. Heat-pressed ceramic shapes the veneer using a mold, which limits color but allows the veneer to be glazed. Some dentists mill veneers on site, which expedites the process but guarantees your veneers will be more generically cut—from a single block of ceramic.

Our expert in porcelain veneers in Northridge is waiting for your call.

Process of Zoom Whitening

The process of Zoom whitening is completed entirely in our office in a single appointment. The whitening procedure takes about an hour, but the whole appointment can last up to ninety minutes, depending on your needs. First, we will need to examine your teeth to ensure that you are in good dental health. If it has been a while since your last dental cleaning, we might also recommend a cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Next, you will be ready to whiten. We prepare your gums, lips, and other oral soft tissues to protect them from the whitening solution and the light. We paint a protective layer directly onto the gums, and finally, apply the Zoom gel directly onto the teeth. The gel is activated with a laser, and for the next fifteen minutes, it will go to work scrubbing the stains off your teeth. At the end of the first session, we reapply the gel and continue with the second session. Most patients will have three to four sessions total for maximum whitening.

After the final session, we will rinse your teeth thoroughly and list the foods and drinks that you will need to avoid for the next two days. These include anything that could deposit stains on your teeth. Call our Huntington Beach cosmetic dentist today to learn more about the Zoom whitening process, or to schedule an appointment with our team.

How Often is a Dental Exam and Cleaning Required?

Most people should have a professional exam and dental cleaning at least two times a year. A regular dental exam and cleaning are essential to maintaining your dental health and preventing future dental problems. We can also recommend specific dental hygiene regimens or preventive care that can benefit you between visits.

Some other things that you can expect at your next dental visit include:

·         A review of your medical history that includes a list of any new medications, illnesses, or medical conditions

·         Diagnostic X-rays to detect tooth decay, cysts, bone loss, tooth position, and other dental issues

·         Gum evaluation for signs of periodontal disease

·         And oral cancer screening, including a thorough exam of the lips, throat, tongue, gums, and other oral tissues

·         Examination of dental restorations to ensure all are in good condition

·         Calculus and plaque removal

·         A review of your lifestyle and dietary habits that could affect your dental health

Visiting us twice a year is sufficient for most patients, but if you are at a high risk of dental problems, more frequent visits might be in order. This includes patients who smoke, who have systemic health problems, and those with a history of periodontal disease. Call our North Hollywood dentist today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our team.

Different Orthodontics Options

In the not so distant past, the only orthodontic appliance available was braces, much to the chagrin of most patients. Orthodontics today, however, is very different. Patients now often have their choice between several different appliance options. Here is a short description of the most popular choices.

Braces: despite the fact that braces are rarely the first choice for most patients, they are still the best at straightening the teeth and correcting the bite. They are comprised of a metal bracket on the front surface of each tooth, and a metal wire that runs through them. The wires are tightened from the back in order to create pressure and pull the teeth together.

Invisalign: typically the first choice for patients, Invisalign is constructed very differently than braces. Invisalign treatment consists of aligners, which are shaped much like mouth guards, and push the teeth into place. Patients love that these aligners are removable, comfortable, and nearly invisible.

Damon braces: this option is also great for patients who wish for a more discreet option. They work very similarly to traditional braces, but feature brackets made of ceramic. Ceramic is often used in dentistry due to the fact that it is very similar in color to dental enamel.

Other orthodontic services available from our cosmetic dentist in San Francisco include self-ligating braces and AcceleDent.

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

Teeth-whitening toothpastes combine cosmetic dentistry with everyday oral hygiene. However, they are not necessarily suited to every patient in every situation. Here are the pros and cons of these products so you can decide whether to use them for yourself.

Pros

These toothpastes are convenient. You already brush every day, so why not whiten your teeth at the same time? Many types are also available, including several flavors and an array of brands. Finally, the cost of teeth-whitening toothpastes is low, so you can easily factor them into your oral hygiene budget.

Cons

Many whitening toothpastes are based on abrasive substances, such as baking soda, which work by grinding off the outer layer of enamel. Even if a whitening toothpaste is based on peroxides, however, you should only use it occasionally to prevent damage. These toothpastes also only work on mild stains. They could take far too long to clear away moderate stains, and they may not affect severe stains at all.

Adding teeth-whitening toothpastes to your dental regimen can help keep your smile looking good, but it is no substitute for professional teeth whitening, You can schedule a consultation with our teeth whitening dentist to learn more about the upsides and downsides of these products.

Cómo las dentaduras reemplazan los dientes

El acto de reemplazo por dentaduras postizas varía ligeramente, dependiendo del grado de reemplazo. Hay dentaduras postizas completas y prótesis parciales, diseñadas para diferentes tipos de pérdidas.

Los pacientes que son completamente edentulous, o sin dientes, lo más probable es calificar para prótesis completa. Se trata de bases de color carne de acrílico que encajan en las encías, utilizando la succión natural para permanecer en su lugar. El arco superior cubre el techo de la boca, y el arco inferior tiene forma de herradura para acomodar su lengua.

Las prótesis dentales se elaboran en un laboratorio de las especificaciones exactas. Hay básicamente dos tipos de dentadura completa: inmediata y convencional. Las prótesis dentales inmediatas entran después de que todos los dientes y tejidos restantes han sido removidos. Las prótesis convencionales se colocan después de que su boca se haya curado por completo de la extracción, lo que puede tardar meses. Las dentaduras inmediatas parecen preferibles, pero tienen que ser rebasadas mucho antes.

Si sólo necesita una prótesis parcial, se puede incorporar con coronas, o puede utilizarse en lugar de un puente dental. La prótesis parcial se apoya en una estructura metálica que se conecta a los dientes restantes.

Pregunte a su dentista de Los Angeles para obtener más información sobre dentaduras postizas.