Dental Veneers and How Long They Last

Part of the reason dental veneers have become so popular over the years is because of their durability. Advances in the production of the porcelain veneers in particular have made them capable of lasting years, while advances in the bonding agents have made the likelihood of them falling off almost a non-issue.

How long a particular veneer might last is dependent on a number of factors. The first is the type of material used. The two primary materials used as a dental veneer are porcelain and composite resin. Both have significant staying power, but resin is more likely to stain. This staining may result in their being replaced sooner.

Another factor in their lifespan is how well you take care of them. Chewing on your nails or pencils or pen caps is definitely frowned upon. Doing so can cause small fractures to develop, ultimately causing them to crack and break.

All that said, our dental veneers specialist in Los Angeles has seen dental veneers last five years, but more commonly extending into or beyond ten years. It is also not uncommon for dental veneers to last as long as twenty years.

If you are considering dental veneers, contact our office to learn about their proper care and expected lifespan.

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Crowns

Dental crowns are used to provide a weakened tooth with enough strength and support to survive. Crowns can also be used to improve the aesthetics of misshaped or discolored teeth. Additionally, if a patient receives a dental implant, a crown is the device that is placed on top of it. Porcelain crowns are a specific type of crown that is becoming an increasingly popular choice with patients. There are some pros and cons associated with this type of crown.

A major pro of porcelain crowns is that they are tooth-colored and can be made to match the shade of the surrounding teeth. They are also used for patients who suffer from metal allergies. No other crown mimics the natural tooth aesthetic as well as porcelain crowns. Indeed, this is the main reason most patients request porcelain crowns from our cosmetic dentists in West Hollywood.

There are a few cons associated with porcelain crowns. They are unfortunately not as strong as some of the other crowns, such as metal crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. And since porcelain is a very hard material, porcelain crowns run the risk of wearing opposing teeth down a bit more than the other crowns.

If you are interested in learning if porcelain crowns are right for your dental needs, contact our expert in porcelain crowns in WestHollywood to schedule a consultation.

Effectiveness of At Home Whitening Treatments

Given the number of photos that we post online nowadays, it is no wonder that the popularity of tooth whitening treatments continues to increase. While there is a certain convenience involved in being able to whiten your teeth from home, do these at-home whitening treatments actually work?

Most whitening treatments are peroxide-based, whether it is a professional whitening treatment or an at-home whitening product. The peroxide works to break down intrinsic and extrinsic stains that are affecting the teeth. At-home products come in a variety of forms, including toothpaste, whitening strips, and whitening trays. While these at-home products are generally seen as effective, there are some risks associated with them. For instance, whitening trays that are designed for at-home application use a one-size-fits-all approach in delivering the whitening agent. If the mouth tray does not fit you properly, you run the risk of whitening solution leaking and irritating your gums. If left on for too long, the peroxide can even burn the soft tissues of your mouth.

The advantage of seeing our cosmetic dentists in Northridge for a professional whitening is that the experience is custom-designed for your mouth. The trays that are used during a professional whitening treatment are made by using molds of your own teeth to craft the tray. This prevents leakage and helps keep your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth safe.

If you are interested in whitening your smile, contact our expert in teeth whitening in Northridge to schedule a consultation.

What is Involved in Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is your best line of defense against the harmful effects of tooth decay and gum disease. A good preventive dentistry regimen is brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, along with visiting the dentist every six months for a professional exam and cleaning.

When it comes to practicing preventive dentistry at home, brushing and flossing is the most important thing you can do. It is recommended that you use fluoride toothpaste when you brush. Also be sure to use the proper technique. Hold your brush at a forty-five degree angle to the gumline and use gentle circular motions to clean the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. It should take about two minutes to properly brush your teeth. For flossing, make sure you avoid using sawing motions to clean in between your teeth. It is much better to floss using up-and-down motions.

No matter how good you are at brushing and flossing, it is unfortunately impossible to remove all of the plaque from your mouth on your own. That is why it is so important to visit the dentist biannually for a professional exam and cleaning. During the exam, the dentist will check the health of your teeth and gums. He or she will also screen you for oral cancer. X-rays may also be used to help identify dental issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye alone. The earlier our preventive dentist in Agoura Hills identifies an issue, the easier it is to treat it before it becomes a more serious problem. During the cleaning, the dentist will remove all the plaque and tartar you were unable to reach.

What Should be Done in Case of Extreme Tooth Decay

In the case of extreme tooth decay, it is likely that you are experiencing a pretty high level of pain. When decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, it can easily form an infection. Your treatment options at this point are either having a root canal to save the tooth or dental extraction. Sometimes decay is so prevalent that a root canal is not possible, in which case dental extraction will be the only option.

If your tooth is able to be saved through a root canal procedure, our Los Angeles emergency dentists will need to remove the infected pulp from your tooth. This procedure is known as a root canal treatment. The dentist will first isolate the affected tooth to keep it clean and dry. An access hole will then be drilled into the top of the tooth and the decayed portion will be removed. Using a special instrument, the pulp will then be removed from the root canals of your tooth. Once this has happened, the root canals will be flushed and cleaned. Antibiotics will be administered at this point. The root canals will then be filled with a rubbery substance called gutta percha and topped with a dental filling. The last step will be restoring the tooth with a crown.

If you are experiencing extreme tooth decay, contact our expert in emergency tooth extraction in Los Angeles immediately.

Best Dental Cleaning Techniques

Brushing our teeth can become such an ingrained habit that we never notice when we slip into potentially bad habits while doing it. Periodically reviewing your hygiene routine can help you keep your smile on track and get a clean bill of dental health at your next dental cleaning.

1.    Brushing properly
When you brush, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums and use small, circular movements to brush the entire tooth surface. Brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Brush about two minutes at a time to thoroughly clean your teeth, and brush twice a day to keep plaque under control.

2.    Flossing regularly
Floss every day. Use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between each set of teeth. If you have a bridge or braces, use a floss threader tool to thread the floss around the appliance.

3.    Using the right tools
Fluoride toothpaste is essential for hardening your enamel and combating oral bacteria. Use a soft-bristled brush to reduce the risk of damage to your teeth or gums.

If you are unsure about your technique, let us know at your next appointment. We can show you how to get more out of your brushing and flossing and keep your smile going strong. Call us today to find out more or to schedule your next appointment with our dentist in Santa Clara.

How Long Does it Take for Invisalign to Work?

Invisalign will begin to work as soon as you start wearing your first set of aligners. Each set of aligners is designed to move your teeth incrementally closer to your treatment goal. Though you may not notice any difference in the position of your teeth at first, after about two months you should see some visible progress. As far as the total length of your treatment goes, it will depend on the severity of your case.

You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks before replacing them with a new set of aligners. The more that your teeth need to move, the more aligners it will take to get them there. The average number of aligners needed for an Invisalign treatment is usually between 20-30 sets of aligners. The total number of aligners that are required for your individual treatment will be planned out in advance by your orthodontist. In fact, you will know from the very start of your treatment how many aligners you will need to reach your goal. And be sure to remember that wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours a day is one of the most important steps for Invisalign treatment to be successful.

If you have any additional questions about treatment with Invisalign, contact our Los Angeles Invisalign doctor to schedule a consultation.

Benefits of Digital X-Rays

While our Northridge dentist will visually evaluate the health of your entire mouth during the exam portion of your visit, digital X-rays may also be taken to ensure that the exam is as comprehensive as possible. Indeed, there are several benefits associated with using digital X-rays for dental care.

The truth of the matter is, no matter how thorough a visual examination, there are certain things that the naked eye is unable to detect. Digital X-rays help dentists to fill in the gaps. Decay between teeth or issues at the root will present themselves clearly on a digital X-ray, as will other potential trouble areas. With oral care, the earlier that a health issue is caught, the more simple the treatment. This is especially true for conditions like oral cancer.

While analog X-rays were also useful for the above purposes, digital X-rays offer some additional benefits over their analog predecessors. One of these benefits is that once the digital X-ray is taken, the results are available almost immediately. The quickest turnaround for analog X-rays was about 15-20 minutes, which slowed down your visit. Digital X-rays are also easier to enhance, which allows our dentist to be more thorough. Incredibly, digital X-rays also expose the patient to about 85% less radiation than analog X-rays.

If you have not had a professional cleaning and exam done lately, contact our expert in digital x-rays in Northridge to schedule a consultation.

Cosmetic Purposes of Dental Crowns

Many people already know that dental crowns can be used to restore a tooth that is too weak from decay or injury. After a root canal procedure, for instance, a crown is used to give the treated tooth enough strength to survive chewing forces. A lot people do not realize that crowns can also be used for purely cosmetic reasons.

If you have a tooth that is misshapen, our San Fernando Valley cosmetic dentist can use a crown to restore it to a better aesthetic. The same holds true for a tooth that has been severely discolored. Especially for a tooth in the back of your mouth, it may make more sense to have a crown fit as opposed to a veneer. Sometimes in the case of bruxism, crowns can be used to hide the damage that has been caused to your teeth.

In the past, it was more common to restore a tooth with a metal crown. Today, porcelain crowns offer a way to replace a metal crown with a more aesthetically pleasing, tooth-colored crown.

If you have a cosmetic reason that you would like to have a dental crown placed, contact our expert in porcelain crowns in San Fernando Valley to schedule a consultation.

Pros and Cons of Veneers

Porcelain veneers can be a wonderful upgrade to a smile that has fallen out of date. But it is important to know all the facts before proceeding. Veneers are a good deal more permanent than other makeover processes, and once you have them there is no reversal. Consider this the first con, if you will. Here is a list of pros and cons of veneers:

Pros

•    Unlike crowns, veneers do not require lengthy modification of tooth structure
•    Veneers are highly visual, and reflect light just like natural teeth.
•    Veneers are durable, and can last for up to 15 years.
•    Due to the glass-like surface of the laminate, veneers are very stain-resistant.
•    You can pick the color you think is best, in consultation with our expert in porcelain veneers in Van Nuys.

Cons

•    Relative fragility—the laminates are tough, but not as tough as real teeth. They lack the same bite force, and you have to watch out for hard, break-y foods.
•    Expense—The number of laminates you select is one of the factors that influences price, but the procedure should be costly enough to guarantee artfulness. Not everyone is good at making and placing ceramic veneers.
•    Since enamel is removed to accommodate the veneers, your teeth may have increased sensitivity.

For more about veneers, contact our cosmetic dentist in Van Nuys.

What Causes Tooth Infection

Tooth infections involve invasion of bacteria into the pulp inside teeth. When the tissue that normally protects the pulp is broken, these bacteria can enter and create severe pain and serious complications. Understanding the causes is helpful for recognizing when a visit to our San Francisco dentist is warranted.

The damage to tooth structure that comes before infection can occur quickly or over time. With physical trauma, such as from accidents, the damage may be virtually instant or develop rapidly along a fracture. Long-term untreated decay is slower but very common. Left alone, cavities can eventually reach the pulp.

Root canal therapy or surgery is the standard method of treating tooth infections. In rare cases, infections can re-occur after this treatment, particularly if the infected tissue is not completely removed or if the tooth is not properly protected afterwards. In such cases, our San Francisco endodontist may recommend re-treatment.

Done correctly, root canal treatment can give patients decades more comfort, performance and aesthetic enjoyment from their natural teeth. Modern techniques and anesthesia make root canal an easy procedure for patients to tolerate. At a consultation with the dentist, patients can learn more about what causes tooth infections and how treatment is performed.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency can occur suddenly but have lasting consequences for sufferers. Fortunately, timely treatment can often eliminate or at least minimize the effects of these incidents. Here is a look at examples of emergencies for which you should immediately contact our dentist in San Francisco.

Among the most common dental emergencies is intense tooth pain. In many cases, this signifies that an infection is present inside of a tooth, placing patients at risk of tooth loss and potentially systemic infections. Tooth damage, whether it involves cracking or complete breakage, is also an emergency. Gum injuries, particularly when swelling is present, should also be treated right away.

A dental emergency is also present when teeth or restorations are knocked out or lost. Treated quickly, knocked-out teeth may be able to be re-seated for the continued comfort and appearance of patients. If fillings, crowns, inlays or onlays come loose, their fast replacement is vital to avoid pain, decay and other complications.

If you experience a dental emergency in San Francisco, you should contact our dentist right away to schedule an appointment and get instructions on what to do in the meantime. Making your dental emergency a priority can help you avoid tooth loss, serious complications and potentially expensive restorations later.

Purpose of Full Mouth Reconstruction

The purpose of a full-mouth reconstruction is to rebuild all of the teeth in the mouth and restore the health of the various oral structures. Our dentist in Los Angeles may recommend a full mouth reconstruction after a dental accident, widespread decay or advanced periodontitis. If you are a candidate for a full mouth reconstruction, here is what you can expect.

1.    Periodontal treatments
Healthy gums are crucial to the long-term success of a full mouth reconstruction. If you have advanced periodontitis, we may recommend surgical procedures to improve your gum health and antimicrobial treatments or periodontal maintenance to help keep them healthy.

2.    Dental surgery or extractions
Gum grafts, bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, extractions and guided tissue regeneration may be needed to ensure a strong, healthy foundation for your new smile.

3.    Restorations
Each damaged or diseased tooth will need to be restored using a dental filling, inlay, onlay or dental crown. We can also restore missing teeth with dental implants or bridges.

4.    Orthodontic treatment
Jaws that do not align properly or teeth that are crooked or improperly spaced will need to undergo orthodontic treatment to improve dental health and ensure long-term satisfaction with your smile.

5.    Cosmetic treatments
While full mouth reconstructions are largely focused on dental health, we consider the aesthetics of your smile as well. We may recommend tooth bleaching, dental veneers, dental bonding or other procedures to perfect and enhance every millimeter of your smile.

Call us today to learn more about full mouth reconstructions or to schedule an appointment with our expert in full mouth reconstruction in Los Angeles.

What Could Cause Jaw Pain?

The jaw is a complex joint, and pain in this area can be caused by several different things. If you are suffering jaw pain, our dentist in Huntington Beach may recommend an evaluation to determine the source of the problem before creating your treatment plan.

Pain that radiates to the ear, neck or shoulders or tenderness and aching in the face may signal TMJ disorder. This occurs when the joint is injured or has other problems interfering with its proper function. Treating TMJ disorder will generally alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the disease.

Deep, throbbing pain that seems to be in the jawbone or at the base of the teeth may indicate an infection or abscess. An infected or abscessed tooth occurs as a result of deep decay and can lead to pain that radiates from the tooth and into the jawbone. A root canal treatment is a common treatment for this kind of infection and will resolve the pain.

Occasionally, other things can lead to jaw pain, including arthritis and trigeminal neuralgia. If your jaw pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, pain in the arm, nausea, sweating, dizziness, fatigue or vomiting, it could be a symptom of a heart attack and should be evaluated immediately.

Call us today to learn more about what causes jaw pain or to schedule your appointment with our expert in treatment of jaw pain in Huntington Beach.

Dentists Specializing in Invisalign

If you require orthodontic work to be done, you may be interested in pursuing treatment with Invisalign. It is important to realize that Invisalign is not available at every dentist office, though. In fact, special training is required in order for a dentist to be able to offer Invisalign as one of their services.

During your Invisalign consultation, the dentist must first evaluate you to make sure that you are a good candidate for Invisalign. While Invisalign is able to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, in some cases it may not be recommended. The dentist will then be required to take detailed imaging of your mouth and face. The dentist will have to take X-rays, pictures, impressions of your teeth, and also an impression of your bite. Using this information, they will come up with a detailed treatment plan. Every single movement of your teeth will be plotted out and explained to you. The dentist will then send these detailed records to the Invisalign laboratories where your aligners will be designed. If a dentist builds enough experience as an Invisalign provider, they can be designated a Premier Preferred or Elite Preferred provider.

If you are interested in pursuing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, contact our Invisalign specialist in Beverly Hills to schedule a consultation.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is the application of custom-tinted composite resin to teeth and hardening it. This treatment is useful for numerous cosmetic goals, including concealing tooth damage or stains and reshaping or building up misshapen or broken teeth. Like other treatments, bonding has both pros and cons.

Bonding Pros

The speed with which bonding can be done is a major advantage, letting patients gain results in just a single short visit to our West Hollywood cosmetic dentist. Bonding is also inexpensive compared to many other cosmetic options. The procedure works for concealing not only chips and cracks but also stains, both internal and external. Finally, a lack of invasiveness makes bonding very tolerable.

Bonding Cons

The composite material used in bonding can become discolored over time, especially with exposure to substances like coffee, tea, wine and tobacco. It also may last only a few years before requiring replacement. While bonding works for many stains, it may be less effective than veneers or crowns for some cases of heavy discoloration.

Patients can help their bonding results last longer by avoiding staining foods and habits and taking care to brush and floss every day and get regular check-ups. By scheduling a consultation with our expert in dental bonding in West Hollywood, patients can find out if this procedure can deliver the results they seek.

Dental Crowns and Their Advantages

Dental crowns are designed to either cover a tooth that has been damaged or to fit over a dental implant that has been used to replace a missing tooth. They can be made of porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or composite resin.

Dental crowns offer several distinct advantages. If you have had a root canal treatment to save a tooth that has been badly injured by decay or trauma, it is restored with a crown after the treatment has been completed by our dentist in LA. A crown will provide the treated tooth with the strength necessary to survive. Crowns not only give the tooth added support, but they also serve as a protection against plaque and further decay. In the case of somebody who has lost a tooth or several teeth, crowns that have been affixed to dental implants restore the natural look, function, and feel of the missing tooth. Since they look like your natural teeth, they are very effective at restoring confidence back in your smile.

A common complaint about dentures is that they are uncomfortable and make eating and speaking difficult. These issues are eliminated when you opt to have your teeth restored through crowns affixed to dental implants. They are also much more natural-looking than dentures.

If you are looking to protect or restore a tooth, contact our expert in dental crowns in Los Angeles to set up a consultation.

The Difference Dental Implants Make

If you are missing a tooth, it is very important to have it replaced. A dental implant is by far your best option for replacing it. There are several reasons that this is true.

When you lose a tooth, your body reacts by starting to absorb the jaw bone that is located below the missing tooth. If this is allowed to occur, it will actually cause your face to sink in. Furthermore, your other teeth may try compensating for the additional space by starting to shift. A dental implant is the only way to stop this process from occurring. This is because a dental implant is drilled directly into your jawbone. It will take your jawbone around six months to fuse with the implant, but once it does, it will keep your jaw bone stimulated and prevent further bone loss.

A dental implant will allow you to eat and speak as you normally would. It will also restore the aesthetics to your smile and give your face a fuller volume. Check out some dental implants before and after photos online to see how dramatic the results can be.

If you are looking to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, contact our dental implant doctor to set up a consultation.

Cosmetic Purposes of Dental Fillings

It used to be that if you had a cavity that needed to be filled, your only real options were silver amalgam or gold fillings. Gold fillings tend to be expensive, and many people do not care for silver amalgam fillings because of the mercury that is contained within them. At this point, there is a more cosmetically pleasing option for dental fillings called composite resin fillings.

Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored, so nobody will even know you ever had a cavity when you smile. Many patients who were fit with silver amalgam fillings in previous years will actually go to our cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles just to have them replaced with composite fillings. While composite fillings are not quite as strong as metal fillings, they often times create a better seal when placed. In addition to filling cavities, composite fillings can also be used in some cases to fix teeth that have suffered minor levels of damage.

It is important to remember that in order for any dental filling to be effective, a certain amount of healthy tooth must still remain. If too much of the tooth has been damaged to allow for a composite filling, there are tooth-colored inlays and onlays made out of porcelain that can be used to treat the tooth instead.

If you have any additional questions about composite fillings, contact our expert in dental fillings in Los Angeles to set up an appointment.

How Often to Have a Dental Exam

Your smile is more than just another facial expression. It offers a window into your dental and overall health. Our dentists in WeHo recommend routine dental exams as one of the best ways to track your smile’s health.

Dental exams allow us to spot problems when treatment is likely to be the most simple and affordable. When little areas of decay or gingivitis are not identified early, they can lead to more extensive problems, which translate into more expensive problems. However, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for exam frequency.

You may need to visit us more often if you:
•    Have periodontal disease
•    Have had many cavities in the past
•    Smoke
•    Have diabetes
•    Have other systemic conditions
•    Use medications that cause dry mouth
•    Drink heavily

Most people need to visit us about every six months. At your next checkup, we will explain the most appropriate exam schedule for your needs. This may be shorter or longer than every six months, and the dental schedule may change over the course of your life depending on your oral health needs. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in dental exam in West Hollywood.

Who Can Use Invisalign

Invisalign is a system of clear plastic aligners that are designed to straighten your teeth. Due to their clear nature, the Invisalign aligners are effectively invisible while they are being worn, which makes them an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces. But can everyone use Invisalign?

Treatment with Invisalign is best suited for cases of overly crowded teeth, gapped teeth, and cases of mild to moderate bite issues. You may not be considered a good Invisalign candidate if you are suffering from a severe malocclusion, or have teeth that need to be rotated by more than twenty degrees or moved vertically. Additionally, if you have had bridgework done, that may also prevent you from being able to receive orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.

In order for treatment with Invisalign to be effective, patients must wear their aligners for 22 hours a day. Patients that do not feel that they have the necessary discipline to wear their aligners for this length of time each day might want to consider treatment with conventional braces instead.

While Invisalign does offer a Free Smile Assessment on their website to give you an idea as to whether or not Invisalign may be right for you, only your orthodontist will be able to say for sure which treatment will work best. If you are interested in learning if you would make a good candidate for Invisalign, contact our Beverly Hills Invisalign expert to set up a consultation.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which breathing stops repeatedly throughout a patient’s sleep cycle. Sleep apnea will either partly or fully awaken a patient dozens or hundreds of times per night, which deprives the body of oxygen and raises numerous health risks. Today, patients with this disorder can often find relief through new dental treatments.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

Patients with sleep apnea often feel fatigued and breathless during the day without knowing why. Although many patients snore, not all of them with sleep apnea do. A sleep study, in which patients have their breathing and oxygen levels monitored overnight, is the standard diagnostic technique.

Sleep Apnea Treatments

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is the traditional option for treating sleep apnea, but it can be uncomfortable for many and is not always effective. By visiting our West Hollywood dentists, patients can explore their dental treatment options, including oral appliances and soft-tissue removal surgery. Whereas oral appliances work by keeping the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep, surgery can expand the airway to prevent this collapse.

If sleep apnea is left untreated, patients have a higher risk of suffering diabetes, heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac death, dementia and fatal accidents. Prompt diagnosis and treatment from our expert in sleep apnea in West Hollywood is key to regaining quality of life, along with their health.

How Dental Crowns Protect Teeth

Dental crowns are prosthetic devices that are made to resemble natural teeth, and they are placed over teeth that have been damaged in order to protect them. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, porcelain, and resin.

Teeth that have suffered large amounts of decay may require more than just a dental filling in order to be strong enough to withstand normal chewing forces. Crowns offer the necessary support. They can also be used to hold together the parts of a cracked tooth. In this capacity, they act like a splint for the damaged tooth. A crown may also be used by our Los Angeles cosmetic dentist to restore a tooth that is severely discolored or worn down.

After a root canal procedure, the tooth is no longer strong enough to support itself. That is why a crown is placed over it once the procedure has been finished. The crown is able to absorb the pressure that is exerted on the weakened tooth structure.

If you are wondering if a crown may be the best way to protect your teeth from further damage, contact our expert in porcelain crowns in Los Angeles to set up a consultation.

Dental Implants and Oral Health

Dental implants are a critical piece of restoration after tooth loss or extraction. In fact, they can easily and permanently replace a lost tooth, or soften the awkwardness of dentures.

Simply put, implants are replacement roots that anchor replacement teeth in your jawbone. A crown will fill the void where your natural tooth was, but providing a stable fixture is the titanium root that fuses smoothly with your jaw. This process is undertaken by a series of safe and convenient procedures, where the root is placed, the jaw is left to heal and fuse with the implant, and the implant is restored with a crown. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, though.

Our expert in dental implants in Van Nuys has found a common use for implants to be a good support for a bridge or set of dentures at times when a crown is not the best option. Dentures must fit properly in your mouth or it will take a performance hit. Dentures without implants can cause you to have difficulty speaking or chewing if they slip. Implants ensure that you can eat any food or snack without worry, acting as restraints against unwanted movement.

Improvements in oral health can be expected at first, since implants do not require adjacent teeth to be surgically altered in any way. Implants are also a healthy choice when concerning missing teeth and what can happen in their absence. Teeth tend to shift, and any gaps can attract movement over time. Implants guard against this, filling out your smile with finesse and finality.

Schedule an appointment with our Van Nuys dentist today.

Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards

The standard form of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is usually most effectively done through continuous positive airway pressure therapy, or CPAP therapy. However, new research from The Netherlands’ University of Groningen shows that oral appliances are an effective alternative form of treatment. This is especially true for those suffering from mild to moderate apnea. Fortunately for those who are uncomfortable with the forced air pressure and mask associated with the CAP therapy, there are a number of mouth guard appliances to choose from for treatment.

A mouth guard for sleep apnea can function in two different ways: MAD or TRD. The mandibular advancement device, or MAD, is very similar to the typical sport’s mouth guard or orthodontic retainer in appearance. This oral appliance functions by positioning the lower jaw forward to hold it in place throughout the entire time you are asleep. By placing the jaw forward, this alleviates any form of blockage from occurring at the back of the throat. This allows for the air to flow naturally in and out of the airways during sleep. TRD, or the tongue retraining device, is the alternative form of the sleep apnea mouth guards. The TRD holds the tongue in place as a splint, restraining it from falling to the back of the throat during sleep.

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, there are more than 100 different oral appliances approved by the FDA for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. There are plenty of mouth guard appliances that can be bought over-the-counter, but they are not as effective as a custom-fit mouth guard provided by a sleep apnea specialist. Being fitted for your mouth guard is easy, though, as some dentists are trained in sleep apnea to provide this form of treatment.

If you are unsure about whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea, contact our sleep apnea center in Los Angeles to schedule a sleep study for proper diagnosis.

Periodontitis and Available Treatment Options

There are several treatment options that exist for treating periodontitis, but the treatment you receive will depend on the level of periodontitis that you are experiencing.

Gingivitis is the beginning stage of periodontitis. This condition is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily during every day routines, such as brushing and flossing. At this point, scaling and root planing is the preferred treatment. This procedure is non-surgical and can help reverse gingivitis if it is caught early on. Scaling involves the dentist scraping away the plaque and tartar that has accumulated above and below the gumline. Root planing involves the dentist removing the rough bacteria deposits that have formed at the root of the tooth. If your gum disease has progressed past the point of gingivitis, then your gums have most likely started pulling away from your teeth. At this point, surgery may be required.

Pocket reduction surgery involves the dentist placing incisions into your gums and then lifting them back to remove the tartar. While this is very similar to a scaling and root planing, this procedure allows the expert in periodontitis treatment in Los Angeles to give you a fully deep clean. The gums are then positioned back in such a way that they snugly heal around the tooth. Sometimes pocket reduction surgery is paired with guided tissue regeneration in order to restore any lost bone or tissue. In some cases of gum disease, excessive bone and tissue has already been lost. In these cases, it may be necessary to have a bone or tissue graft performed to effectively treat your periodontitis.

If you are suffering from periodontitis, contact our Los Angeles periodontists to learn more about your treatment options.

How are Teeth Makeovers Done?

Extreme teeth makeovers, also called smile makeovers, are carefully planned combinations of cosmetic procedures chosen to completely renew the oral appearance. While each teeth makeover is unique for addressing the goals of the individual, a common process can be identified across different makeovers.

Planning First

The first step towards a smile makeover is scheduling an appointment for a discussion of goals and selection of treatments. At this visit, our dentist identifies issues to be improved in the smile and then explains the many options that patients have available to them. The chosen procedures are then mapped out for efficiency over the course of a schedule that may last days, weeks or longer.

Order of Treatments

The order in which treatments are performed can vary significantly. For example, if a patient has decay on a tooth that needs a treatment with a veneer, then a tooth-colored filling will most likely be performed first so that the veneer can be seated properly to last. Some patients may wish to have more efficient treatments, such as a teeth whitening, performed first to gain visible improvements without delay.

Just as the procedures composing makeovers will vary in their complexity, so will the extent of the makeovers in time and outcomes. In all cases, makeover recipients will receive a better-looking smile and an increased self-confidence that comes with it.

What is Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign Teen is the smooth, modern alternative to traditional braces for those in their adolescents. It powers the Invisalign technology through a program designed for teenagers and their attendant growth. If your teen wears the Invisalign aligners as directed, she will enjoy straight teeth with none of the stigmas associated to metal braces.

Metal braces are historically the mark of a “brace face.” Unfortunately, that is how most kids have seen it. Invisalign Teen eliminates this pressure by straightening the teeth in near-invisibility, keeping your teen in high spirits about their appearance. The result is not only straighter teeth, but a better emotional state for the growing years.

The patient will be fitted for the aligners and instructed to wear them for at least 22 hours of the day, taking them out only to eat or drink anything other than water, as well as for cleaning. Every two weeks, a new set of aligners is inserted. Each new set is programmed to work the teeth in a linear formula, building on the previous goals of the aligners before.

Our expert in Invisalign Teen in Burbank recommends Invisalign Teen for teeth that are crooked or rotated, as well as for teeth that are excessively gapped or spaced. In addition, Invisalign Teen can effectively treat low-level orthodontic troubles, such as with the bite or jaw.

If you are interested in having your teenager try Invisalign, contact our Burbank Invisalign expert today.

Are Dental Implants Cheap?

Any high-quality dental treatment will require some investment, and dental implants are no exception to this. However, implants can be surprisingly affordable, particularly when their long-term value is considered. Here is a look at the factors behind the cost of implants and how the treatment justifies its price.

Most important among dental implant price factors is the number of implants ordered. Naturally, more implants will cost more money. Beyond this, patients may pay more or less depending on whether they need bone grafting. The type of restoration chosen will also affect the implants cost to top the implant, such as crowns or dentures.

Implants do cost more than bridges and dentures at first, but they frequently cost little to nothing more than their up-front costs afterwards. By contrast, dentures or bridges may require replacement and can necessitate further dental work later on, because they allow the jawbones to deteriorate. Practicing proper brushing and flossing, as well as attending regular checkups from our Beverly Hills dental implant dentist can help your implants last for a lifetime.

Cheap dental implants in Beverly Hills can permanently normalize the appearance, comfort and functionality of a smile. An initial investment is necessary with this replacement method, but maintenance costs are generally minimal. To learn more about how much implants will cost to address specific goals, patients can schedule a consultation with our dentist.