If you have been thinking about improving your smile, take a few moments and ask yourself the following questions to see if cosmetic dentistry is right for you.
Are you embarrassed about smiling in front of people?
Do you ever put your hand up to cover your smile?
Do you dislike your smile in photographs?
When you look through magazines do you envy the models’ smiles?
Do you wish your teeth were whiter?
Do you think you show too much or to little of your teeth when you smile?
Would you like to change the way your teeth or gums are shaped?
Do you have gaps or spaces between your teeth?
Are you considering braces for that perfect smile?
Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The deciding to change your smile can be a life-altering decision.
Improve Your Smile, Improve Your Life
In a recent survey of couples in Men’s Health Magazine, a non-white, yellowish-brown smile was ranked as the third most offensive quality in the opposite sex. Yet healthy smiles have the opposite effect and radiate excitement and vitality. Fortunately, healthy smiles can be acquired through the field of cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry has progressed beyond basic fillings and caps in contributing to enhancing personal appearance. In recent surveys, 92.5 percent of people agreed that an attractive smile is an important social asset. Another 88 percent said they always remember someone with an especially attractive smile. Furthermore, 85 percent of people agreed that an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing, and 74 percent believed that an unattractive smile could hurt a person’s chance of career success.
Although cosmetic dentistry can be promising, it does require some research if you’re considering treatment. A few “dos and don’ts” you’ll need to keep in mind if you’re considering a smile makeover include:
1.Don’t bargain hunt. Although it’s impossible to quote a fee for a smile makeover, the cheapest is not the best. Extreme caution is advised in selecting a doctor based on price alone. A bargain fee could buy you an inexperienced doctor.
2.Do ask to see before and after pictures of patients previously treated. Also, ask
about the extent of a doctor’s post-graduate education in cosmetic dentistry. It’s
extremely important to understand the doctor’s skill level and if he or she has the
ability to create smiles that suit people’s facial characteristics.
3.Don’t rush. A doctor who promises to have your smile completed in a week is
rushing the procedure. Patients are required to wear temporary teeth for at least
two to three weeks to ensure that their speech adapts. This can take even longer if there are changes in the patient’s bite.
4. Do make sure you pass the initial screening. Most people are able to proceed with smile changes but if there are signs of jaw joint troubles, especially if there’s
difficulty in opening the mouth, this should be treated first. Any medical problems
should also be discussed in detail with the doctor.
5. Don’t cut your smile short. When you decide to have your smile changed,
carefully examine your full smile from all sides. Treating only the front two, four
or six teeth may result in dissatisfaction with the final results. If there are
unattractive silver fillings or teeth that appear yellowish, brown or black, the new
smile will look unnatural and incomplete.
6. Do expect to have photographs and molds taken of your teeth. These will allow the cosmetic dentist to study your smile in more detail. More importantly, communication with the dental laboratory is essential in producing the final
results.
7. Don’t allow a doctor to touch your smile unless he or she has a laboratory
experienced in cosmetic dentistry and occlusion (how the teeth bite together).
Avoiding this warning will result in poor results and total dissatisfaction. In many
occasions, cosmetic dentists have been asked to re-treat the teeth to achieve the
desired results.
8. Do continue to have regular check ups and cleanings, as these allow the doctor to monitor the treated teeth. It is imperative that excellent home care continues.
9. Do choose a doctor who performs this type of treatment daily and who has limited his or her area of practice to cosmetic and rehabilitative dentistry. Be sure the entire dental team has also upgraded their skills in this advanced area of dentistry.
Changing your smile can be a very rewarding life experience. Those who value and take pride in their appearance have felt the difference a new smile makes in their lives.
At the conclusion of every case, I am fascinated to watch an individual’s personality transform and evolve. It is truly a humbling experience to watch an individual look in the mirror and smile with confidence for the first time.
In a recent survey of couples in Men’s Health Magazine, a non-white, yellowish-brown smile was ranked as the third most offensive quality in the opposite sex. Yet healthy smiles have the opposite effect and radiate excitement and vitality. Fortunately, healthy smiles can be acquired through the field of cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry has progressed beyond basic fillings and caps in contributing to enhancing personal appearance. In recent surveys, 92.5 percent of people agreed that an attractive smile is an important social asset. Another 88 percent said they always remember someone with an especially attractive smile. Furthermore, 85 percent of people agreed that an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing, and 74 percent believed that an unattractive smile could hurt a person’s chance of career success.
Although cosmetic dentistry can be promising, it does require some research if you’re considering treatment. A few “dos and don’ts” you’ll need to keep in mind if you’re considering a smile makeover include:
1.Don’t bargain hunt. Although it’s impossible to quote a fee for a smile makeover, the cheapest is not the best. Extreme caution is advised in selecting a doctor based on price alone. A bargain fee could buy you an inexperienced doctor.
2.Do ask to see before and after pictures of patients previously treated. Also, ask
about the extent of a doctor’s post-graduate education in cosmetic dentistry. It’s
extremely important to understand the doctor’s skill level and if he or she has the
ability to create smiles that suit people’s facial characteristics.
3.Don’t rush. A doctor who promises to have your smile completed in a week is
rushing the procedure. Patients are required to wear temporary teeth for at least
two to three weeks to ensure that their speech adapts. This can take even longer if there are changes in the patient’s bite.
4. Do make sure you pass the initial screening. Most people are able to proceed with smile changes but if there are signs of jaw joint troubles, especially if there’s
difficulty in opening the mouth, this should be treated first. Any medical problems
should also be discussed in detail with the doctor.
5. Don’t cut your smile short. When you decide to have your smile changed,
carefully examine your full smile from all sides. Treating only the front two, four
or six teeth may result in dissatisfaction with the final results. If there are
unattractive silver fillings or teeth that appear yellowish, brown or black, the new
smile will look unnatural and incomplete.
6. Do expect to have photographs and molds taken of your teeth. These will allow the cosmetic dentist to study your smile in more detail. More importantly, communication with the dental laboratory is essential in producing the final
results.
7. Don’t allow a doctor to touch your smile unless he or she has a laboratory
experienced in cosmetic dentistry and occlusion (how the teeth bite together).
Avoiding this warning will result in poor results and total dissatisfaction. In many
occasions, cosmetic dentists have been asked to re-treat the teeth to achieve the
desired results.
8. Do continue to have regular check ups and cleanings, as these allow the doctor to monitor the treated teeth. It is imperative that excellent home care continues.
9. Do choose a doctor who performs this type of treatment daily and who has limited his or her area of practice to cosmetic and rehabilitative dentistry. Be sure the entire dental team has also upgraded their skills in this advanced area of dentistry.
Changing your smile can be a very rewarding life experience. Those who value and take pride in their appearance have felt the difference a new smile makes in their lives.
At the conclusion of every case, I am fascinated to watch an individual’s personality transform and evolve. It is truly a humbling experience to watch an individual look in the mirror and smile with confidence for the first time.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Your health is important to us, which is why we take your blood pressure at each periodic check-up in our office. A blood pressure reading over 120/80 is considered high. One in three people have hypertension or high blood pressure and are not aware of it. We offer blood pressure monitoring at no extra charge, because we understand how important keeping your blood pressure under control is to your cardiovascular health within our office. Sometimes blood pressure is increased due to anxiety and stress associated with visiting the dentist. We may recommend using a sedative the night before or during treatment to make sure you are comfortable. In addition, our soothing atmosphere and special “pampering” features such as neck pillows, blankets and headphones with your choice of music or movies will help you to relax.
If you have high blood pressure, we will advise you to do the following before your dentist appointment:
.Get a good night's sleep
.Avoid caffeine
.Eat a regular meal
.Allow ample time to get to your dentist appointment
We take every measure to make sure you are comfortable during your visit. It is our goal to cater to the needs of each patient, and to provide the gentle, relaxing dental care that makes you forget you’re at the dentist!
If you have high blood pressure, we will advise you to do the following before your dentist appointment:
.Get a good night's sleep
.Avoid caffeine
.Eat a regular meal
.Allow ample time to get to your dentist appointment
We take every measure to make sure you are comfortable during your visit. It is our goal to cater to the needs of each patient, and to provide the gentle, relaxing dental care that makes you forget you’re at the dentist!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Cold Sores and Fever Blisters
That familiar "tingle" tells you one is coming. How bad will this one be and how long will it last?
We offer a new treatment with our soft tissue diode laser that is totally painless. It is critical that the cold sore be treated in the "tingle" stage. The treatment will lessen the duration and severity of the current outbreak and amy prevent it from ever recurring in this area again.
Treatments are only $45 and will take five minutes.
Treatments are only $45 and will take five minutes.
Friday, November 9, 2007
The Latest Tool Against Gum Disease
DMDx Testing Kit
Periodontal Pathogens
Scientific research has shown that the presence of certain marker bacteria is associated with periodontal disease activity. Knowing the infection level at any given time helps clinicians make the most appropriate risk assessment for further attachment loss. Importantly, the absence of these marker bacteria is indicative of health. The MicroDenteX DMDx test detects up to eight marker bacteria associated with periodontal disease activity (Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans(Aa), Elkenella corrodens (Ec), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Campylobacter rectus(Cr), Prevotella intermedia(P.), Fusobacteriu nucleatum (Fn), Bacteriodes forsythus (Bf), and Treponema denticola (Td)). These bacteria are the consensus pathogens of major periodontal research institutions. These tests improve patient care by providing you with key information to help you:
- Select appropriate treatment options
- Diagnose and monitor your periodontal patients
- Make the most accurate prognosis about the patient's condition
- Provide excellent documentation for patient's files at any given point in time
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Smile Makeover
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They're made by a dental technician, usually in a dental lab, working from a model provided by your dentist.
If you have any questions about veneers please contact us at (310)836-6161.Thursday, September 20, 2007
Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatments
How Oral Appliances Work
Oral Appliances are placed in the mouth and are worn much like an orthodontic appliance or sports mouth protector. They are worn during sleep to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat so that the airway stays open during sleep. The appliances promote adequate air intake and help to provide normal sleep in people who snore and have a medical condition known as sleep apnea. Oral appliances can be used alone or in conjunction with other means of therapy such as continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). Determination of proper therapy can only be made by joint consultation of your dentist and sleep physician.
Types of Oral Appliances
Currently, over 40 different types of oral appliance are available to specially trained dentists to treat sleep disordered breathing. In our office, we use several mandibular repositioning devices depending on your specific needs.
Mandibular Repositioning Appliances
Mandibular repositioning appliances maintain the lower jaw (mandible) in a protruded position during sleep. This serves to open the airway by indirectly pulling the tongue forward since the tongue is attached to the lower jaw, by stimulating activity of the muscles in the tongue and making it more rigid, and by holding the lower jaw and other structures in a stable position to prevent opening of the mouth.
Appliance Used in Our Office (TAP)
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP®) is a custom-made two piece adjustable appliance that is worn while sleeping. The trays of the appliance snap over the upper and lower teeth and hook together. The design is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. The TAP® holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not shift nor fall open during the night. This prevents the airway from collapsing. The more you pull your jaw forward, the more your airway will open.
The TAP® is the only mandibular advancement device that can be adjusted easily by the patient or practitioner while in the mouth. This feature allows the patient to always be in control of their treatment. The unique design also allows the patient to fine-tune their treatment position at home to achieve maximum results.
Most patients experience relief the very first night they wear their TAP®. Although it may take up to a week to get used to wearing a TAP® appliance, this is a small hurdle for patients. Nine in ten patients wear the device all night, every night – making the TAP® a highly effective solution for both snoring and sleep apnea.
SNORING HEADS
Features
* Patient-friendly* Superior results* Easy to fit* Infinitely adjustable* Precise control of advancement* Interchangeable hooks* Freedom for lateral movement* More room for tongue* Allows lips to close
The TAP® can help prevent conditions linked to sleep apnea:
* Chronic daytime sleepiness* High blood pressure* Heart attack* Stroke* Heartburn, reflux* Morning headaches* Depression
FDA Approval: Approved for both snoring and OSADate of FDA Approval: August 21, 1997FDA Registration Number: K972061
Oral Appliances are placed in the mouth and are worn much like an orthodontic appliance or sports mouth protector. They are worn during sleep to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat so that the airway stays open during sleep. The appliances promote adequate air intake and help to provide normal sleep in people who snore and have a medical condition known as sleep apnea. Oral appliances can be used alone or in conjunction with other means of therapy such as continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). Determination of proper therapy can only be made by joint consultation of your dentist and sleep physician.
Types of Oral Appliances
Currently, over 40 different types of oral appliance are available to specially trained dentists to treat sleep disordered breathing. In our office, we use several mandibular repositioning devices depending on your specific needs.
Mandibular Repositioning Appliances
Mandibular repositioning appliances maintain the lower jaw (mandible) in a protruded position during sleep. This serves to open the airway by indirectly pulling the tongue forward since the tongue is attached to the lower jaw, by stimulating activity of the muscles in the tongue and making it more rigid, and by holding the lower jaw and other structures in a stable position to prevent opening of the mouth.
Appliance Used in Our Office (TAP)
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP®) is a custom-made two piece adjustable appliance that is worn while sleeping. The trays of the appliance snap over the upper and lower teeth and hook together. The design is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. The TAP® holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not shift nor fall open during the night. This prevents the airway from collapsing. The more you pull your jaw forward, the more your airway will open.
The TAP® is the only mandibular advancement device that can be adjusted easily by the patient or practitioner while in the mouth. This feature allows the patient to always be in control of their treatment. The unique design also allows the patient to fine-tune their treatment position at home to achieve maximum results.
Most patients experience relief the very first night they wear their TAP®. Although it may take up to a week to get used to wearing a TAP® appliance, this is a small hurdle for patients. Nine in ten patients wear the device all night, every night – making the TAP® a highly effective solution for both snoring and sleep apnea.
SNORING HEADS
Features
* Patient-friendly* Superior results* Easy to fit* Infinitely adjustable* Precise control of advancement* Interchangeable hooks* Freedom for lateral movement* More room for tongue* Allows lips to close
The TAP® can help prevent conditions linked to sleep apnea:
* Chronic daytime sleepiness* High blood pressure* Heart attack* Stroke* Heartburn, reflux* Morning headaches* Depression
FDA Approval: Approved for both snoring and OSADate of FDA Approval: August 21, 1997FDA Registration Number: K972061
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Interactive Smile Style Guide
This interactive program and book guides us in building a Smile Style through tooth shape and length selection. The program is designed for the doctor and patient to work together to develop the shape of the new smile. The 3 step process simplifies your choice from 72 Smile Styles to choosing between 3 shapes, then 6 shapes, then finally from 4 length variations! Only 13 Smiles to view to choose between 72 variations! The results of your choices are shown in close-up front view, side views and in both male and female portraits.
Step One
Select the desired cuspid style from the lateral smile view
Flat Cuspid
Pointed Cuspid
Round Cuspid
Select the desired cuspid style from the lateral smile view
Flat Cuspid
Pointed Cuspid
Round Cuspid
The clear alternative to braces INVISALIGN
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit you. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you'll be proud of.
Remove your aligners to eat, brush and floss
Change aligners every two weeks
Your teeth move little by little
Regular progress checks with your dentist or orthodontist
Results often in 6 months to 1 year
Remove your aligners to eat, brush and floss
Change aligners every two weeks
Your teeth move little by little
Regular progress checks with your dentist or orthodontist
Results often in 6 months to 1 year
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Monday, July 2, 2007
Cosmetic Dentistry Checklist
The following checklist will help you to find the right cosmetic dentist for you. It is a good idea to print out and take this list with you when first consulting with a prospective dentist for cosmetic procedures. The relationship with your cosmetic dentist is a shared responsibility. While the dentist should explain each treatment option in detail, including its benefits and drawbacks, it’s important that you tell your dentist about yourself, your needs and the results you’re looking for. Ask the dentist and office staff as many questions as needed to help you understand the recommended treatment.
1. When you first call for a consultation, does the person who answers treat you courteously and with respect?
2. Are you provided with a timely appointment?
3. What is the cosmetic dentist’s educational background?
4. How many years in practice?
5. Does the dentist carry malpractice insurance?
6. What are the dentist’s additional education/training, memberships, and accreditation in cosmetic dentistry?
7. Are before and After Photos available for your type of procedure(s)?
8. Are the majority of procedures performed by the practice cosmetic procedures?
9. May you contact a patient who has had your type of procedure performed?
10. Are payment terms and/or financing available? What are the terms?
11. Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
12. What arrangements are made for handling emergencies outside of office hours?
13. Does the doctor have a philosophy of care that will assure you of long-lasting dental health?
14. Will you be properly consulted regarding your dental problems and offered sound treatment options and solutions?
15. Is your prescribed treatment comprehensive, prioritized into phases, and planned over a reasonable period of time?
16. Does the doctor use modern diagnostic and treatment technology? (as example:digital diagnostic cameras and imaging software; magnification and fiber optics;digital x-ray imaging; micro-abrasion and adhesive bonding.
17. Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems? Is dental health instruction provided?
18. Does the doctor employ the most skilled technical laboratories and highest quality materials to fabricate your dental restorations?
1. When you first call for a consultation, does the person who answers treat you courteously and with respect?
2. Are you provided with a timely appointment?
3. What is the cosmetic dentist’s educational background?
4. How many years in practice?
5. Does the dentist carry malpractice insurance?
6. What are the dentist’s additional education/training, memberships, and accreditation in cosmetic dentistry?
7. Are before and After Photos available for your type of procedure(s)?
8. Are the majority of procedures performed by the practice cosmetic procedures?
9. May you contact a patient who has had your type of procedure performed?
10. Are payment terms and/or financing available? What are the terms?
11. Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
12. What arrangements are made for handling emergencies outside of office hours?
13. Does the doctor have a philosophy of care that will assure you of long-lasting dental health?
14. Will you be properly consulted regarding your dental problems and offered sound treatment options and solutions?
15. Is your prescribed treatment comprehensive, prioritized into phases, and planned over a reasonable period of time?
16. Does the doctor use modern diagnostic and treatment technology? (as example:digital diagnostic cameras and imaging software; magnification and fiber optics;digital x-ray imaging; micro-abrasion and adhesive bonding.
17. Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems? Is dental health instruction provided?
18. Does the doctor employ the most skilled technical laboratories and highest quality materials to fabricate your dental restorations?
Periodontal Disease and Coronary Heart Disease
The mouth is the window to the body. It is both an indicator of the body's overall health, and a potential starting point for inflammation of the gums (periodontal disease), which affects three out of four adults age 35 and over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Periodontal disease not only causes tooth loss-researchers have also linked it to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and premature birth. Conversely, researchers are making the connection that these diseases can make an individual more susceptible to periodontal disease.
http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.heart.htmPeriodontal disease not only causes tooth loss-researchers have also linked it to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and premature birth. Conversely, researchers are making the connection that these diseases can make an individual more susceptible to periodontal disease.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)