BREATH
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
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West LA Dental
is proud to provide patients with a wide range
of Breath Rx material. The take home kit contains
BreathRx Purifying Toothpaste, BreathRx Gentle
Tongue Scraper, BreathRx Anti-Bacterial Tongue
Spray, and BreathRx Anti-Bacterial Mouth Rinse. |
ZOOM®
1-HOUR TEETH WHITENING
Let’s face it — you’re busy, and sometimes
it seems like there’s no room in the appointment
book for a little pampering. Well now you can pencil
us in! Give us just one hour to treat your teeth right,
here at W LA dental and we’ll give you the dazzling
white smile you’ve always wanted.
If you’ve felt like the real
you is hiding behind dull teeth, we’re ready to
help. You’ll be amazed to see how whitening can
take up to 10 years off your appearance. While you enjoy
some much needed relaxation, we’ll comfortably
brighten your smile as much as eight shades.
Taking care of yourself doesn’t
have to take all day — call
310.390.6212 or come in today for a consultation.
At W LA Dental, we’re ready to give you something
to smile about.
INVISALIGN
Invisalign
® is a new orthodontic treatment system that works
to straighten teeth through the use of a series of clear
plastic molds (aligners). Invisalign® "invisible"
braces eliminate the metallic smile that is characteristic
of traditional orthodontic braces.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
To ensure the most precise outcome, Dr. Mastour and
Dr. Sabbagh-fard will use computer imaging to create
your invisalign® braces. After taking bite impressions
of your mouth, they will use the invisalign® three-dimensional
computer imaging system to create a series of clear
retainers. The first one will fit your current configuration
of teeth. Each successive retainer will act like invisible
braces, using gentle pressure to move your teeth to
their target alignments.
The number of invisalign® trays
used will depend on each individual case but the average
is between 18 and 30. Each clear invisalign® retainer
is removable and worn for two weeks (24 hours a day,
except during meals) and then the next aligner is used.
This process is repeated until the teeth are in the
desired position. The entire invisalign® treatment
takes the same amount of time as traditional orthodontic
braces.
Benefits of Invisalign®
Perhaps the most apparent benefit of invisalign®
is that patients can straighten their teeth without
anyone knowing. Most adults would rather live with crooked
teeth than spend two or more years with the metal braces
that they remember from their teenage years. The clear
invisalign® retainer was developed to introduce
some much-needed aesthetics to the field of adult orthodontics.
The invisalign® system also boasts
improved hygiene over traditional braces. Because the
clear retainers are removable, patients can brush and
floss as they normally would, reducing the chances of
possible staining and decay that often occur with traditional
braces. Food and drink choices are less restrictive,
as well. If patients wish to eat sticky candy or drink
soda, they may do so after removing their clear invisalign®
retainer.
There are very few problems associated
with the invisalign® system. People who fail to
wear their clear invisalign® retainer at all times
may find that their teeth don’t change position
as quickly as they would like. Some people with sensitive
teeth and gums may feel some discomfort when they switch
to a new aligner in the series. These problems with
invisalign® are minor and most patients feel that
the benefits far outweigh any problems.
How Much Does Invisalign®
Cost
Treatment with invisalign® costs about the same
as regular braces. Dental insurances cover about half
of the amount. The exact figure will depend heavily
on several factors, including the extent of treatment
required and how many aligners need to be created. If
your individual case is a minor case, cost would be
reduced by half.
Your dental insurance may cover treatment with invisalign®
braces. Most patients find that their coverage is the
same for invisalign® as for other types of orthodontic
treatment. You may contact our office with your insurance
company information to determine whether the cost of
invisalign® is fully or partially covered.
PORCELAIN
CROWNS
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Join
us in decay prevention. Give the kids something
to smile about. Call us for your complimentary
kit today. |
DENTAL
IMPLANTS
Dental
implants are artificial tooth replacements that are
used to counter tooth loss. The procedure is categorized
as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry,
though it also falls into the category of cosmetic dentistry
as well.
Strong, durable, and natural in appearance, implants
are among the most succesful dental procedures performed.
Although you have a number of restorative
options for the treatment of missing teeth, none has
proven to be as functionally effective and esthetically
natural as implants. In many cases, dental implants
may be the only logical choice for the restoration of
all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting
structures.
Tooth Loss
Teeth are lost because of:
- Aging
- Trauma to the mouth
- Poor oral hygiene
People who have lost teeth might feel
too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting
irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative
effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary
health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the
nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants
may provide a simple remedy with proven results.
Advantages of Implant Dentistry
Dental implants are stronger, more durable, and more
natural than their restorative counterparts (bridges
and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to
tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction
with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness.
For example, an implant can serve as an anchor for a
dental bridge or as a replacement for missing back teeth
needed for a bridge. Implants can also be used with
dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue
irritation.
Procedural advancements, including the development of
narrower “mini” implants, mean that more
people than ever before are finding themselves candidates
for implantation. However, candidacy for implantation
still varies, meaning that your dentist may determine
that you should opt for an alternative restoration.
Keep in mind, too, that dentists do not need a specific
license by law in order to perform implant dentistry,
but prosthodontists have extensive training with restorations
such as dental implants and therefore should be adept
at performing the procedure.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Today's dental implants are virtually indistinguishable
from other teeth. This appearance is aided in part by
the structural and functional connection between the
dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically
placed in a single sitting but require a period of osseointegration.
Osseointegration is the process by
which direct anchorage of a dental implant root and
the bone of the jaw occurs. Osseointegrated implants
are the most commonly used and successful type of dental
implant. An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from
three to six months to anchor and heal, at which point
your dentist can complete the implant procedure. Once
the implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial
prosthesis may be attached and the process is done.
If osseointegration does not occur, the implant will
fail.
Dr. P . Eli Mastour is a clinical instructor at USC
School of Dentistry.
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