Dental Services in Century City, Beverly Hills & Los Angeles
Smile! It’s your best accessory.
If you’re looking to enhance your image, there are a wide number of modern and sophisticated dental treatments available to suit both your needs and your budget.
GENERAL DENTISTRY
If chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth make you self-conscious about your smile cosmetic dentistry provides many solutions that can help revive your smile.
Veneers: Porcelain laminate veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material placed over the teeth to close spaces, change color, or straighten the teeth. Veneers are an exciting procedure for anyone wishing to improve their smile.
Veneers are routinely used to fix:
- Teeth that are discolored — either because of root canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the tooth
- Teeth that are worn down
- Teeth that are chipped or broken
- Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
- Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)
Porcelain Crowns: Crowns are dental restorations otherwise known as “caps”. They are used to restore teeth that have been broken or are at high risk of doing so due to old, over-sized fillings or fractures. There are a variety of materials used to construct these, and by working with the finest laboratories in the country, we are pleased to produce crowns that look and feel like your real teeth. As we get a little older, our teeth begin to change and are prone to decay. There are many possible reasons for this change in your smile. These reasons can include bruxism (teeth grinding), general decay, cracked fillings, root canals, and many others. If your tooth is beyond repair with a filling material, we may recommend that the best viable option to save the tooth is a full crown. The reasons for this type of restoration in a badly damaged tooth are durability, cosmetic appearance, and overall support of the chewing function.
Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?
- A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:
- To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover misshapened or severely discolored teeth
- To cover a dental implant
Dental Implant: Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. With over 3 million successful restorations, and a 95% success rate, the procedure itself is quite easy and may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
There are many advantages to dental implants, including:
- Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
- Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.
- Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
- Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
- Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
- Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
- Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing your dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep your dentures in place.
If you’re missing a lot of teeth or your teeth are in extremely bad shape, dentures are another, though not necessarily ideal, option. Full dentures have a major disadvantage; a person wearing a one often can’t chew as comfortably as they could with an implant or their own teeth. The denture rests on soft gum tissue and can hurt when pressed too hard. All dentures collect and trap food around them when eating and should be removed at night to give your mouth a rest.
Bridges: Bridges are constructed to replace one or more missing teeth. The teeth on either side of the existing space are used to anchor the bridge. We are now able to construct beautiful porcelain over metal as well as full porcelain and resin-based bridges to produce the best results for each particular situation.
A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.
Bridges can:
- Restore your smile
- Restore your ability to properly chew and speak
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
Tooth colored fillings: To treat a cavity, we will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material once lived. Composite resins and ceramics are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. They allow us to combine beauty and strength when filling teeth.
There are two types of indirect fillings – inlays and onlays.
- Inlays are similar to fillings but the entire work lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the tooth.
- Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns.
Inlays and onlays are more durable and last much longer than traditional fillings (up to 30 years). They can be made of tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain, or gold. Inlays and onlays weaken the tooth structure, but do so to a much lower extent than traditional fillings.
Note: Over the past several years, concerns have been raised about silver-colored fillings, otherwise called amalgams. Because amalgams contain the toxic substance mercury, some people think that amalgams are responsible for causing a number of diseases, including autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Whitening: Bleaching teeth is one of the easiest and most gratifying procedures we perform in our office. It is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color.
Tray-Based Tooth Whiteners
Tray-based tooth whitening systems, purchased either over-the-counter or from your dentist, involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution — which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent — and wearing the tray for a period of time, generally from a couple hours a day to every day during the night for up to four weeks and even longer (depending on the degree of discoloration and desired level of whitening).
In-Office Whitening
In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment. But to achieve dramatic results, several appointments are usually needed. However, with in-office bleaching, dramatic results can be seen after the first treatment. This type of whitening is the most expensive technique.
Who Should Not Undergo Teeth Whitening?
Whitening is not recommended or will be less successful in the following circumstances:
- Age and pregnancy issues. Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Teeth whitening under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Teeth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.
- Sensitive teeth and allergies. Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums, and/or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth-whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product.
- Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth-whitening procedure. Cavities need to be treated before undergoing any whitening procedure. This is because the whitening solutions penetrate into any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots because roots do not have an enamel layer.
- Fillings, crowns, and other restorations. Tooth-colored fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges) do not whiten. Therefore, using a whitening agent on teeth that contain restorations will results in uneven whitening — in this case, making the teeth without restorations appear lighter than those with restorations. Any whitening procedure should be done prior to the placement of restorations. Individuals with numerous restorations that would result in uneven whitening may be better off considering bonding, veneers, or crowns rather than a tooth whitening system. Ask your dentist what strategy is best for you.
- Unrealistic expectations. Individuals who expect their teeth to be a new “blinding white” may be disappointed with their results. Smokers need to be aware that their results will be limited unless they refrain from continued smoking, particularly during the bleaching process. A healthy guide as to a reasonable degree of whiteness to achieve with a whitening process that would give a natural appearance to a person’s teeth is a slightly whiter color than the whites of your eyes.
- Darkly stained teeth. Yellowish teeth respond well to bleaching, brownish-colored teeth respond less well and grayish-hue or purple-stained teeth may not respond to bleaching at all. Blue-gray staining caused by the antibiotic tetracycline is more difficult to lighten and may require up to six months of home treatments or several in-office appointments to successfully lighten. Teeth that have dark stains may be better candidates for another lightening option, such as veneers, bonding, or crowns. Your dentist can discuss the options best suited for you.
Bonding: If you have misshapen or rotated tooth or if the shape of your teeth create a smile you don’t like, then a trained dentist can change your smile painlessly by adding a bonded composite material. Dental bonding was one of the first and most promising techniques for “instant ” smile enhancement. Dental bonding is not as durable as porcelain veneers, but is still suitable in many cases to correct broken or misshapen teeth.
For What Conditions Is Dental Bonding Considered?
Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:
- To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
- To repair chipped or cracked teeth
- To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- To close spaces between teeth
- To make teeth look longer
- To change the shape of teeth
- As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
- To protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede
Recontouring/Reshaping of the Teeth: In some instances, simple reshaping of the front teeth may produce dramatic results to correct jagged, chipped, or slightly uneven teeth.
Gingival Sculpting: Uneven gums can create a misshapen smile. Teeth may look slanted, or unusually large or unusually shaped. We can correct a “gummy smile” by sculpting them to better frame your teeth.
Post and Core: This procedure is required to rebuild the proper support for a crown when a tooth is damaged to the extent that there is not sufficient support for a restoration like a crown.
Dental Hygiene/Periodontal Health
Why Healthy Teeth Are Important?
Apart from the cosmetic value of possessing shining white teeth there is also the more important functional utilities of teeth- chewing, grinding and tearing food to facilitate eating dental health and oral well being also serves as a parameter of internal health.
Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque which is a clear film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth. After you eat, bacteria go crazy over the sugar on your teeth, like ants at a picnic. The bacteria break it down into acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing holes called cavities. Plaque also causes gingivitis, which is gum disease that can make your gums red, swollen, and sore.
Some effective ways to prevent plaque from forming is to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Brushing your teeth will help stimulate your gums and in turn keep them healthy and less susceptible to gum diseases. Brushing the teeth also cuts down on tooth decay, ginigivitis and other gum disease. An electric toothbrush can do all this more. A study comparing those who used an electric toothbrush to those using a manual toothbrush showed that while the manual brush did an acceptable job, the electric toothbrush cleaned comparably better.
While at our office, we make sure that you receive the highest level of service and ensure that our dental work is of the highest quality.
To ensure that you maintain great oral health, this level of quality needs to extend into your personal oral hygiene routine. We can help you establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep your teeth healthy and white. If you have any questions about your current hygiene plan, please ask us. Your teeth are not the only important part of your mouth. Your gums are essential to oral hygiene as well. We can provide periodontal cleanings and treatment, or refer you to one of our recommended specialists. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Oral cancer screenings
Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. With the advances in modern technology, we are now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution. The ability to do so is extremely important in being able to treat any issues prior to them becoming a major irreversible problem. The oral cancer screening is often completed with an ultraviolet light or similar device that allows us to view issues that can’t always be detected by the human eye under normal conditions. Certain lifestyle choices can have a great impact on the health of tissues and your overall health in the mouth. If you are a smoker or heavy drinker, make sure to get regular screenings when you visit the dentist.
Scaling and Root Planning
Often there is plaque and tartar that accumulates below the gum line. In this scenario, we will clean and smooth this area with special instruments to ensure that the area is completely spotless. If this area is not kept clean the entire area can become irritated with the bacteria that resides in the tartar and plaque. It’s very important to have this area checked if you have bleeding during brushing.
Chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry provides many solutions that can help to revive your smile.
If you’re looking to enhance your image, there are a wide number of modern and sophisticated dental treatments available to suit both your needs and your budget. We utilize a number of dental treatments to improve the beauty of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can include a variety of techniques, from re-contouring the teeth or gums to placing veneers on a number of teeth. Below are some of the more common cosmetic procedures we perform daily in our office:
Comprehensive Dentistry
Bridges:
If you have one or more missing teeth, your smile and dental health can be seriously affected. Missing teeth can cause a shift in the alignment of your teeth and put you at increased risk for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), tooth decay and periodontal disease. Bridges adhere to your natural teeth and cover gaps created by one or more missing teeth.
Crowns:
Often referred to as “caps”, crowns can restore crooked teeth, broken teeth, over-sized fillings and fractures and for teeth that show wear and tear. We are proud to share that by working with the finest laboratories in the country, we get magnificent results by making crowns that look and feel like your real teeth.
Dentures:
If your teeth are in bad condition and/or you are missing a lot of teeth either the upper arch, lower arch, or both, dentures can be an option for you. Dentures are custom fitted to your mouth and gums and can help restore a natural looking and secure bite and smile. A denture can replace lost bone and gum tissue contours. Implants are occasionally used as support for dentures when indicated. We pride ourselves on creating dentures that are very similar in appearance to your natural teeth, and can improve a smile or facial appearance.
Implants:
If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat with comfort and confidence, dental implants are the perfect treatment option for you! Dental implants are teeth that look and feel just like your own and best of all, with proper maintenance, implants can last you a lifetime. Consider dental implants if you are looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss.
Tooth Colored Fillings:
Also referred to as white fillings, tooth colored fillings are widely used to restore decayed areas and for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. This popular procedure is helpful in closing gaps between teeth; repairing chipped teeth and making teeth appear to be straighter. Tooth colored fillings are a safer and more attractive alternative to older silver/ amalgam fillings.
Whitening:
We all dream of a pearly white smile. Unfortunately, keeping our teeth white is a lot more complicated than it sounds. For those of us who drink coffee, wine and/or smoke, our teeth are getting stained on a daily basis. Even certain foods we eat that are high in acid content can cause discoloration of the enamel over time. Fortunately, teeth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color. Whitening teeth is one of the simplest and most gratifying procedures we perform in our office.
Veneers:
This effective cosmetic procedure involves bonding a thin layer of porcelain laminate to the prepared tooth surface. Veneers can make teeth look whiter, close spaces and make teeth look straighter. Most commonly used to fix cracked teeth and fill in the gaps found between the two front teeth. Porcelain veneers are an exciting and gratifying procedure for anyone wishing to improve their smile.
Bonding:
An instant smile enhancement. Bonding can correct crooked, broken or misshapen teeth, and/or change the shape or color of teeth. Bonding is often also used as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings, or to protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed by receding gums.
Recontouring/Reshaping of the Teeth:
If you have a minor defect with your teeth, a simple reshaping of the front teeth may produce dramatic results to correct chipped, crooked or slightly uneven teeth. Recontouring is a conservative dental technique that removes small amounts of tooth enamel in an effort to change the shape, length, or surface of teeth improving the appearance of your smile. Tooth reshaping is ideal for patients in need of tiny adjustments or repairs.
Gingival Sculpting:
Uneven gums can create a smile that looks slanted, large or unusually shaped. Additionally, when gum tissue extends down to cover too much of the tooth, teeth can start to look stubby and small. Fortunately, with the help of our soft tissue laser, we can correct a “gummy smile” by shaping them to better frame your teeth. This procedure is virtually painless and can be completed in a single visit.
TMJ
Did you know… That more than 40 million people in the US alone suffer from chronic headaches, jaw aches, neck pain, shoulder pain and dental damage from their bite, forcing them to miss more than 157 million workdays a year?
According to numerous estimates, TMD/TMJ is stated to be the third most common medical ailment in the United States, yet one with which the general public is largely unfamiliar. Since the symptoms are so varied and random and not typically associated with dental issues, even physicians often tend to misdiagnose and /or overlook this condition. Many people suffer from headaches, neck pain and jaw joint problems associated with an improper bite relationship of their teeth, but never make the connection because the symptoms seem unrelated to a bite problem.
Why this happens?
When the teeth do not fit together properly (misaligned bite) and TM joints are unstable, the chewing system begins to breakdown, causing the teeth, bone, muscles, joints and face to age prematurely. As with any chronic diseases, TMJ dysfunction may take several years to develop before you become aware of its damaging effects.
When the chewing system is out of balance, caused either by a misaligned bite, trauma, dental work, or orthodontic treatment, the joints must be pulled by the muscles away from their ideal, stable biologic position to make the teeth fit together. Early on, the jaw joints may be able to adapt to this position without any joint or muscle pain or visible damage to the teeth. Over time, however, this biomechanical and physiologic imbalance may result in severe damage to the chewing system, leading to a wide range of symptoms listed below:
- Loss of sleep
- Diminished productivity
- Headaches/ Migraines
- Earaches/ Hearing loss/ Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
- Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Jaw or facial Pain
- Clicking or Popping of Jaw Joints
- Depression
- Irritability
- Numbness or Tingling in Hands / Arms
In our practice, we frequently see an alarming number of new patients who are desperately seeking an answer for their painful symptoms. We understand the negative impact TMJ discomfort can have on your life and we look forward to helping you relieve your pain without the need for invasive surgery or expensive over-the-counter prescription drugs.