Can Gum Contouring Correct Gummy Smiles?

Gum contouring is a procedure that is used to reshape and sculpt the gum tissues surrounding your teeth. Our expert in periodontics in Los Angeles can use gum contouring to smooth out an uneven gum line, and to improve the look of a gummy smile.

When your gums cover too much of your teeth, they can make your teeth look abnormally small or strangely shaped. Gum tissue can become overgrown for several reasons. In some cases, it is a natural variation, which may be due to genetic factors. In other cases, you may have a gummy smile due to bite abnormalities or certain medications. Gums can also recede, often in response to aging or gum disease. Unfortunately, left untreated, gum recession can leave your teeth vulnerable to root decay and tooth loss.

Our team can use gum contouring to address both issues. We can replace lost gum tissue in areas of recession and remove excess tissue covering the teeth. Our expert will carefully sculpt and contour the gums to create a flattering gum line and smile. Gum contouring may be used alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as lip lowering, to create a complete smile transformation.

Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in gum contouring in Los Angeles.

Which Dental Problems Disqualify You for Invisalign?

 Many people are intrigued by the Invisalign system, as it offers a clear alternative to the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. Because the Invisalign aligners are designed from a clear plastic, most outside observers do not even realize when somebody is wearing Invisalign. As great as that sounds, are there dental problems that would disqualify somebody from being able to use Invisalign treatment for straightening their teeth?

Unfortunately, there are a few dental problems in which Invisalign is not the best option. While Invisalign treatment is aesthetically more pleasing, it does not provide the same level of control for some issues that traditional braces can more easily address. One such issue is if a patient has canines or premolars that need to be rotated. Similarly, Invisalign cannot address teeth of a patient that need to be moved vertically. Additionally, Invisalign is not intended to be used if a patient suffers from back tooth bite issues. Furthermore, patients with bridgework are also not the best candidates.

Patients interested in Invisalign treatment also need to keep in mind that Invisalign requires a great level of discipline. The aligners are removable, but they must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. If you are somebody who cannot make that sort of commitment, then Invisalign might not be the best option for you.

As with any dental procedure, issues should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. If you are wondering if you qualify for Invisalign, contact our Beverly Hills Invisalign expert to set up a consultation.

Is Invisalign Really Effective?

Invisalign treatment has been used to correct bite irregularities discreetly for almost 20 years. In that time, the Invisalign process has been continuously improved and can now address almost every issue that metal braces can. Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign offers the best results when it is administered by a qualified provider.

Among many patients, the primary reason for seeking Invisalign is its virtual invisibility. As the treatment straightens teeth, it remains unseen by onlookers, because it lacks both wires and brackets. Invisalign is also effective in terms of functionality. Besides addressing common bite problems, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite and issues of rotation and spacing, this treatment is ideal for maintaining oral health. Invisalign aligners can be easily removed for regular brushing and flossing purposes. After taking the aligners out, patients can brush and floss unimpeded. Overall, this treatment from our Beverly Hills Invisalign doctor keeps patients comfortable if they play instruments or contact sports, as these activities can abrade the inner cheeks when metal braces are worn.

Patients who want to learn more about the performance of this treatment can read about the experiences of others in Invisalign reviews. Not only do reviews inform patients on its aesthetic achievement and other properties of Invisalign, but they can also provide important feedback on the high quality of this treatment at our office.

Surgery for Placement of Dental Implants

If you have empty spaces or gaps where teeth used to be, then dental implants may be the solution your smile needs. To get your dental implants, you will have to undergo oral surgery.

Implants are placed in stages, beginning with the initial consultation from your North Hollywood dentist to determine that you are a good candidate. Most people are already good candidates, although some do require grafting if they do not have sufficient bone mass.

Your first procedure will be performed by either a periodontist or a general dentist with special training in implants. This dental professional will surgically place a titanium post directly into your jaw and then close the incision. Your jaw is then given a few months to accept the transplant. Bone typically grows around the titanium without incident during this process, also known as osseointegration.

Once the jaw has accepted the transplant, your doctor will make an addition to the post, called an abutment. This will allow the doctor better access to the area once it is time for the dental crown. Sometimes both the post and abutment can be installed in the same procedure.

In the final stage, you will receive your crown. This will be a prosthetic tooth, fashioned in a laboratory, and it is made to function just like the tooth it is replacing.

Total treatment time can vary from case to case, as can the type of anesthesia and procedural details. For more information about dental implant surgery, contact our expert in dental implants in North Hollywood.