Dental Bonding Process

Do your teeth feature small cosmetic flaws you are unhappy with? Minor flaws can make the smile and look unhealthy, and the person look less than put together. However because they are only small flaws that do not affect your dental or oral health, you might be unwilling to undergo extensive treatments to eliminate them. Our dentist in Agoura Hills offers a solution with dental bonding.

Dental bonding is a material that sticks to the teeth, filling in or covering damaged areas. It can be used to repair teeth that are:

·         Chipped

·         Cracked

·         Stained

·         Slightly crooked

·         Small

·         Misshapen

·         Gapped

·         And in some cases, broken

The process involves with dental bonding is simple. Our dentist will prepare the tooth by applying an etching liquid, used to roughen up the area. This allows the material to adhere better to the surface. The dental bonding is then applied in thin layers, and shaped to match the area. A special curing light is then used to harden it. Finally, is it further shaped, and then polished to match the surrounding dental enamel.

Our dentist can work with you to choose the color and shade of material you want. If you believe your smile could benefit from dental bonding, schedule an appointment today.

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.