Tooth Whitening Los Angeles

Younger Smiles — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:42:01 +0000

As you age, you may begin to notice that your teeth aren’t quite the same shade of white that they were in your youth. Typically, noticeable discoloration begins in the late 20s and early 30s. A variety of factors can speed up the discoloration process including chemical staining from drinking dark colored liquids and smoking, a genetic predisposition to early yellowing, and the onset of gum and tooth disease. The good news is that most tooth enamel can be easily returned to a sparkling white with professional whitening treatments. If you are self-conscious about the color of your teeth, cosmetic tooth whitening may be a great alternative for you to consider. Dr. Eddie Siman has a variety of tooth whitening systems for you to choose from.

Tray Whitening

Tray whitening is a popular and very successful method of whitening and brightening your teeth at home. After Dr. Siman makes your custom molded whitening trays, he will help you create an at-home schedule for treatment. Your custom-fitted tray is filled with a highly-concentrated whitening gel, and temporarily adheres to either the bottom or top row of teeth. The tray is worn for several hours over the course of a few weeks, depending on the level of whitening desired, and may be worn at night. The tray ensures maximum contact with the teeth and ensures consistency of results.

In-Office Whitening

In-office whitening systems generally produce the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time. There are several choices for the in-office teeth whitening treatments, including the increasingly popular laser whitening. Dr. Siman utilizes a highly effective laser whitening treatment, during which a high concentration of lightening agent is applied to your teeth and then heated for several minutes with a laser light.

Laser Whitening

In-office light-activated teeth whitening treatments use laser light to speed up the whitening process by allowing the agent to be absorbed more quickly into the tooth enamel. Many patients choose laser whitening for the quickness and convenience it offers. In about an hour, your teeth can appear 6 to 10 shades whiter!

Over-the-Counter Whitening

Although some patients use over-the-counter treatments as a supplemental whitening enhancer, these treatments are not recommended as alternatives to professional whitening. The concentration of over-the-counter whitening agents may be significantly lower than you need and often will not produce the dramatic results that many patients desire. Also keep in mind, over-the-counter products cannotguarantee length of whitening and will not produce custom results.

Tooth Sensitivity

Most tooth and gum sensitivity following whitening is temporary and should subside within a few days following treatment. To minimize tooth sensitivity, Dr. Siman may advise you to reduce your whitening treatment time and increase the time between treatments. You may also want to use a sensitivity toothpaste, fluoride rinse and a soft bristle toothbrush. Ibuprofen may also help relieve some of the discomfort if physician approved. If your tooth sensitivity is persistent or painful, contact Dr. Siman for other suggestions.

Tooth Whitening: Examining Your Options

Younger Smiles — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:00:29 +0000

Everyone wants whiter, brighter teeth. Stains and discoloration to tooth enamel are a natural – and, in most case, unavoidable – part of life, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t accompanied by feelings of shame and embarrassment. A smile that is badly stained can affect your confidence and leave you feeling hesitant to speak, laugh or even smile in public; thus, an effective whitening regimen could greatly improve more than your looks – it could actually enhance your entire life. But before you make a decision about whitening your teeth, you’ll need to examine and evaluate the pros and cons of all of the different options available to you, both at home and in the dentist’s office.

One of the first lines of defense in combating tooth discoloration is to purchase an over-the-counter whitening kit from the drugstore. While some of these kits can brighten your teeth a shade or two, keep in mind that the whitening agent will be less concentrated that what you would receive from a dentist, making the product less effective overall. Drugstore whiteners usually take longer to work, and offer less dramatic results when they finally do. Additionally, if you have sensitive teeth or gums, they could prove to be irritating. However, some patients do turn to OTC whiteners between in-office whitening sessions for basic smile maintenance.

The next step up from drugstore kits is tray whitening. Tray whitening can also be performed at home, but it involves using custom trays that have been molded to the shape of your teeth by your dentist for maximum effectiveness, as well as a highly concentrated whitening gel that is stronger than what you can purchase over the counter. The custom molded trays ensure even, consistent whitening that will improve every nook and cranny of your teeth; on the downside, you will have to commit yourself to the whitening process for several weeks in order to achieve maximum results.

Another option that is more effective than whitening at home is to ask your dentist about in-office whitening procedures. There are many different choices available to patients who are interested in improving their smiles via in-office whitening, and in general, you can count on this option to produce the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time. Plus, since you’ll be under the supervision of your dentist at all times, in-office procedures are the safest for your teeth and gums, and particularly recommended if you suffer from tooth sensitivity.

Finally, laser whitening is currently the fastest and most effective whitening option available. A highly concentrated whitening agent is applied to the teeth and then set with a laser, which allows the agent to penetrate the tooth enamel almost instantly. With this technique, you can expect to see teeth that are up to 10 shades whiter in just one hour! For more information on laser whitening or to find out which option is right for you, contact your dentist today.

How to Enjoy a Trip to the Dentist

Younger Smiles — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:59:12 +0000

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who is afraid of the dentist, you already know how challenging it can be simply to keep your appointment for a basic checkup and cleaning, let alone for more involved dental work! By some estimates, more than 30 million people avoid going to the dentist out of fear or apprehension – and almost half of the U.S. population fails to visit the dentist regularly. Unfortunately, when you avoid the dentist, you’re compromising more than the aesthetic appeal of your smile; in fact, you may actually be putting your health in jeopardy. Untreated tooth and gum disease can lead to persistent pain or even secondary infections that can affect your entire body – not just your mouth. Even if you don’t actively avoid the dentist, you probably view it as a “necessary evil.” But what if you could actually enjoy a visit to your dental healthcare professional? It may sound unbelievable, but it is possible! All you have to do is find a dental provider that seeks to create a soothing, holistic atmosphere that nourishes your body and your soul. If you live in the greater Los Angeles area, look no further than Millennium Dental in Sherman Oaks, California.

What sets Millennium Dental apart from the crowd? Essentially, it’s their focus on giving patients an experience that attends to their dental needs without sacrificing comfort and indulgence. Instead of a cold, clinical office, you’ll enter through a lush outdoor courtyard. Once inside, you’ll be treated to an inviting lounge that entices all of your senses, from the calming sounds of a waterfall to the olfactory pleasures of aromatherapy. That’s a far cry from the bare white walls and out-of-date magazines that greet you at most dental practices! Once you’re called in for your appointment, the real pampering can begin. Millennium Dental offers a variety of spa services that you can actually indulge in while your dental needs are taken care of, ranging from reflexology to facial treatments.

Whatever your skincare concerns may be, Millennium Dental and its knowledgeable staff – including a resident aesthetician with over twenty years of experience – is equipped to address them. Choose from acne corrective treatments and microdermabrasion services, LED light therapy to even skin tone and heal scars and rosacea, or a refreshing and enzyme-rich pumpkin peel treatment. Whatever you choose, your skin will be left soft and glowing – and your smile will be luminous as well. So why treat a trip to the dentist like a chore (or worse!) when you can spend an hour or two relaxing in a comfortable memory foam chair at Millennium Dental? Before you know it, you’ll be finding excuses to visit the dentist, rather than looking for reasons why you can’t keep your appointments!

Dentures or Dental Implants?

Younger Smiles — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:58:03 +0000

Whether from accident, aging or illness, losing your teeth can be both an embarrassing and inconvenient experience. You may not want to smile as widely as you used to and it can be harder to eat the foods that you once took for granted eating. You could be missing one tooth or all of your teeth; either way, it is a major life adjustment. If you have missing teeth and need to find the right option for replacing them, you are going to be faced with a choice: dentures or dental implants? How do you know which is the right dental choice for you? There are several factors to consider when making this decision and it is best to be completely informed before you make your choice. You don’t have to continue to feel self-conscious about your missing teeth or a less-than-ideal smile. There are dental solutions available that can restore your confidence.

Dentures

It used to be that if you were missing teeth, your only option was to get dentures. Dentures usually are affixed to the existing gums with a paste or adhesive. They are not permanent and need to be taken out each night in order to be cleaned. You can also choose to get a partial denture if you are only missing a few teeth. Partial dentures are made of plastic and metal and can be uncomfortable. However, since they affix to your existing teeth, installation is easy and some people may prefer that.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. The implants are attached directly to the jawbone so they appear as natural teeth in both look and function. Depending on the amount of teeth you are missing will determine the type of implant that is right for you. There are single tooth replacements, multiple tooth replacements and full arch replacements that can be done with dental implants.

Dentures -vs- Dental Implants

When comparing both of these solutions, if you are looking for overall comfort, functionality and security, dental implants come out on top. The only advantage that dentures have over dental implants is that they are relatively more affordable and have an easier installation. However, they do not replace the real tooth experience. They require constant additional maintenance and cannot be eaten with as freely as dental implants allow. When you are looking for a solution that is going to let you live your life to the fullest, there is no comparison.

Are you a candidate?

The best candidates for dental implants are people who have good oral health in general and maintain good oral hygiene. Also, it is important to have enough jawbone to secure the implants. However, even if you do not fill all of these requirements, there are still ways to make implants work for you through bone grafts and sinus augmentation. Talk with your dentist to see what options are available to you and start living your life without hesitation.

Dental Crown FAQs

Younger Smiles — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:56:13 +0000

If your teeth are severely broken, cracked, decayed or discolored, you may feel like your dream of having perfectly straight, white, healthy teeth will never be a reality. Fortunately, cosmetic dentists have ways of making even the most neglected smiles look naturally beautiful, including capping damaged teeth with dental crowns. If you’re considering investing in dental crowns, you probably have questions about the process and what you can expect to gain from it. Here are answers to several of the most frequently asked questions regarding crowns:

Q: What are dental crowns?

A: Before you decide whether or not crowns are right for you, you’ll need to understand exactly what they are! Crowns are essentially caps made from translucent porcelain that are custom fit to the shape of your teeth so that they can be placed over the tooth in order to strengthen the tooth’s structure and repair visible damage. Having crowns placed on your teeth is also know as having your teeth “capped,” and it can help people with serious dental problems, as well as those who are simply trying to beautify their smiles.

Q: Am I a good candidate for crowns?

A: Dental crowns are versatile and can be used for a variety of applications. You may be a good candidate for the procedure if you have teeth that are weak from decay, cracked or broken, teeth that have cavities but are too unstable to support a filling, or teeth that are severely misshapen or discolored. In this way, crowns can offer an alternative to other procedures, such as laser whitening or veneers. Patients who need sturdy teeth to anchor a dental bridge or those who have recently had dental implants should also consider crowns.

Q: How are crowns created?

A: Crowns are made in a collaborative process between cosmetic dentists and dental laboratories. First, your dentist will make an impression of the tooth or teeth you’re intending to cap. Then, the dental technicians at the lab will craft a porcelain crown from that mold. The process should take around two weeks, but you will be given a temporary crown to wear in the meantime. Once the crown is complete, it will be affixed to your tooth with a long-lasting dental adhesive.

Q: How long can I expect my dental crowns to last?

A: Dental crowns are a long-term solution, but they are not permanent. You can expect your crowns to last anywhere from five to fifteen years, depending on how well you care for your teeth. Additionally, habits like tooth grinding can seriously compromise the lifespan of your crowns, so be sure to ask your dentist for special mouth guards or other strategies to prevent yourself from grinding and protect your crowns.

Q: What alternatives are there to dental crowns?

A: One of the most common alternatives to a traditional crown is the onlay. Onlays are similar to crowns, but whereas the crown covers the natural tooth completely, onlays offer partial coverage. If you’re unsure about whether you would be better suited for crowns or for onlays, consult your cosmetic dentist.