While a smile with white, evenly straight teeth is what most people desire, the wear and tear of age, the food and drink they consume, as well as simple genetics may keep them from this. In fact, perfectly nice people may be uncomfortable that their teeth make them look a little more evil than they are. And this can affect self-esteem and confidence. The quality of life of some people may suffer because they are so concerned about the state of their smiles and their teeth, or are in actual physical pain due to a bad bite. For people like this, and perhaps even you, a cosmetic dentist can change all of this with a smile makeover.

Rather than a simple tooth whitening procedure, a smile makeover may involve several cosmetic treatments. The smile makeover can restore issues of:

• Broken or chipped teeth

• Crooked teeth

• Gapped teeth (diastema)

• Long or uneven gums

• Missing teeth

• Stained or discolored teeth

• Uneven teeth

• Overall appearance of smile

Virtually any problem you have with your teeth can be improved with a smile makeover. Changing the length, width, shape, and color of your teeth is possible through the use of:

• Porcelain crowns – When damage or decay to your teeth is extensive, the cosmetic dentist may recommend these. Porcelain crowns are either all-porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-gold. They have a natural appearance and are placed over the broken, decayed, or damaged teeth.

• Porcelain veneers – These are made from dental porcelain or composite resin and are placed over severely damaged or discolored teeth. They can also correct gaps and stained fillings. They are extremely thin and custom-made, giving your teeth a bright, new appearance.

• Porcelain inlays/onlays – These caps are similar, but more conservative than crowns. They are used to correct moderately broken or chipped teeth, as well as to fill gaps between teeth when the damage is not severe enough to warrant a crown. They can also replace old or damaged amalgam fillings.

In addition to porcelain crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays, other cosmetic procedures may be required. Orthodontia, gum recontouring (getting rid of “gummy smiles”), bridges, and tooth whitening are also possible. Sometimes the problem is a bad bite that may cause serious pain and migraines. This is due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which affects one of the biggest nerve clusters in your body. In this case, a cosmetic dentist who practices neuromuscular dentistry may help end the pain that has plagued you for months, years, or even decades.

A smile makeover can give you a smile that can change your life. Beyond the aesthetically pleasing look, correcting many of these problems will put you on the road to good oral health, and an overall healthy outlook on everything around you – something every hero needs.

Thank goodness for today’s modern dental technology and two of the most advanced dental treatments:

Porcelain Veneers (‘Instant’ Orthodontics)
Invisalign (‘Invisible’ Orthodontics)

Each of these simple, affordable and painless treatments offers a unique and permanent solution to straighter, more beautiful teeth.

Which way is best for you?

Porcelain Veneers: The “Instant” Orthodontics

Porcelain veneers can straighten teeth or fill in gaps between teeth without the use of metal braces or Invisalign aligners. Porcelain veneers are created from thin shells of ceramic material bonded directly to the outside of your tooth. In most cases, veneers cover the front four teeth, but cosmetic dentists like Dr. Kevin Sands have advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and can apply porcelain veneers to as many as ten teeth for superior straightening and whitening.

Because porcelain veneers are strong, durable, long-lasting and offer fast application, they are the treatment of choice for many individuals with crooked, gapped or misaligned teeth. Porcelain veneers straighten your teeth in just one or two visits. Imagine whiter, straighter teeth almost instantly! And imagine the incredible difference straighter, whiter teeth will make to your life.

Invisalign: The “Invisible” Orthodontics

Invisalign is a series of clear, removable, plastic aligners custom-made to comfortably fit your teeth using advanced 3-D computerized technology. Approximately every two weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners. Slowly and gently, your teeth are shifted to a more natural, straighter position.

Invisalign aligners are worn more or less continuously, other than when eating or drinking. In fact, you can take them out whenever you want; for example, for that big night out or when you’re having your picture taken. But the more often you wear your Invisalign aligners, the faster you’ll achieve your treatment goal of more perfect teeth.

Treatment lengths vary individually, and your cosmetic dentist can answer all of your questions about how long treatment might take. In most cases, Invisalign treatment takes about one year. So, in about the same time as it takes metal braces to correct your crooked smile, Invisalign can finish the job and no one ever has to know how you did it! No wires, no brackets…just a beautifully straight smile you’ll be proud to show off.

Best of all, when combined with teeth whitening, both porcelain veneers and Invisalign produce spectacular results for overall straightening and whitening that will refresh and rejuvenate your smile and your self confidence.

Decay
Unevenness
Staining
Chips

If you face these or other dental issues, a Smile Makeover may be the best solution for you.

Depending on your dental issues, a complete smile makeover might include several different types of treatments. Although teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and tooth-colored fillings are among the most popularly requested procedures, other effective treatments might include:

Porcelain crowns
Dental implants
Instant orthodontics
Tooth bonding
Inlays and Onlays
Invisalign

Regardless of the treatments your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist suggests, the overall result is enhanced beauty, increased self-confidence and a dazzling Hollywood smile.

For many dental patients in the Hollywood area, Dr. Kevin Sands is the only Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist they trust. Dr. Sands’ reputation for innovation and excellence has created smile makeovers for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Halle Berry, Robert Downery, Jr., Tori Spelling, Dean McDermott, Denise Richards, Nick Lachey and Britney Spears, just to name a few. If these famous people trust Dr. Sands to create smiles that look dazzling under Hollywood’s hot lights and the media’s endless scrutiny, it makes sense that your smile will really be outstanding!

A complete Smile Makeover can correct dental issues related to:

Stains
Crookedness
Broken teeth
Chipped or cracked teeth
Disfigured smiles
Worn teeth
Missing teeth
Poorly spaced teeth
Recessed teeth

Dr. Sands has helped many dental patients throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Of course, your smile is unique, and so are your dental issues. That’s why every Smile Makeover begins with a thorough private consultation in the inviting office of Dr. Sands, only one block off Rodeo Drive.

The consultation offers an opportunity for Dr. Sands to:

Review your dental and medical history
Perform a comprehensive evaluation
Outline a treatment plan to achieve your desired results

Most Smile Makeovers take justone or two visits, and include affordable payment options that make it even easier to achieve the dazzling smile of your dreams.

What do general dentists do?

<a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=http://www.beverly-hills-cosmetic-dentist.com/general-dentistry.html>General dentists</a> are licensed to practice all areas of dentistry. A general dentist will assess your oral health by completing a dental exam, which allows him or her to determine what factors may play a role in poor oral health. A general dentist will then figure out what the best is for eliminating each factor contributing to your deteriorating oral health. The ultimate goal of all dental treatment is your optimum oral health. You may find that some factors can not be fully eliminated if, for example, they are too severe or have gone untreated for too long for it to be possible to return to complete ideal oral health. However, unhealthy mouths can certainly be transformed with the help of a general dentist.

What does a general dentist do during an exam?

During a complete dental exam, your general dentist will assess your oral health history. He or she may then perform a soft tissue exam and/or a periodontal exam. X-rays of your temporomandibular joint, as well as individual and panoramic x-rays, may also be taken. Your general dentist will then gather all the information about your mouth, and formulate a treatment plan. You may also be referred to a specialist when your general dentist is not qualified to perform a procedure you need.

How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?

Good oral hygiene begins at home and should be combined with regular cleanings. You should brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush that should be replaced every two to three months. Floss with at 10-inch strand of floss between each tooth and curve around the tooth at your gumline. Use a floss threader to get between bridges and artificial teeth. Make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings and x-rays to help prevent the need for cosmetic or restorative dentistry.

What are the stages of gum disease and how are they treated?

Gum disease has several stages, beginning with gingivitis, the infection of your gum tissue (called the gingival). With this stage, your gums will become swollen and red and are prone to bleeding. In the later stages, your underlying bone will become affected which can lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Treatment depends on the stage of gum diesease. In the early stages, it can be treated by removing plaque and tartar the pockets of your gums. Severe stages of the disease may require bone and gum grafts.

How does fluoride help prevent tooth decay?

Fluoride helps by removing acids that can create weak spots on your teeth that result in cavities. By “remineralizing” your teeth, flouride can help reverse early stages of tooth decay. It also strengthens your teeth, protecting them against future decay. Flouride disrupts bacteria’s ability to metabolize sugars, which results the deterioration of your tooth enamel.

What is sedation dentistry and how can it help me?

<a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=http://www.beverly-hills-cosmetic-dentist.com/sedation-dentistry.htm>Sedation dentistry</a> involves the use of sedative drugs to calm and ease any anxiety and discomfort for patients who fear the dentist. You will take a pill about an hour before your dental appointment, and arrive at the dentist’s office relaxed and ready to undergo treatment pain-free and with no recollection of your procedure(s). If you have put off getting dental care because of fear or anxiety associated with the dentist, sedation dentistry can enable you have a relaxing experience, while undergoing treatment necessary to your oral health.

What are the causes teeth grinding (bruxism) and how is it treated?

Teeth grinding can be caused by various emotional and physical factors, including:

Stress An abnormal bite Crooked or missing teeth Sleep disorders

It can be treated by relaxation techniques, physical therapy and/or a plastic mouthguard that is worn while you sleep.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Sands is Hollywood’s Dentist to the Stars and your very best choice for a complete smile makeover. His patience in understanding your goals and his elite LVI training in advanced treatment techniques address every dental issue, including:

• Stains

• Crookedness

• Broken teeth

• Chips

• Disfigured smiles

• Worn teeth

• Missing teeth

• Poorly spaced teeth

• Cracked teeth

• Incorrectly aligned teeth

• Recessed gum lines

Of course, your dental issues are uniquely your own, so your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist will spend as much time with you as necessary to determine your needs and outline the procedures that will create your most beautiful smile.

While the most popular procedures are tooth whitening, porcelain veneers and tooth-colored fillings, other common smile makeover procedures include:

• Instant orthodontics

• Porcelain inlays and onlays

• Porcelain crowns

• Dentures or partials

• Dental implants

• Tooth bonding

Tooth whitening is available as in-office laser whitening, or as an at-home procedure using custom fitted bleaching trays and gel. For patients who choose BriteSmile laser whitening, bleaching trays are usually provided for home use to maintain your pearly whites.

Your Complete Smile Makeover begins with your initial consultation with your personal Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kevin Sands. Most smile makeovers can be completed in just a few visits.

Some things that can cause your teeth to darken are avoidable, while others are less so. Avoiding certain foods and beverages and maintaining excellent dental hygiene can keep your smile in better shape, but sometimes your enamel darkens anyway, leaving your teeth less than ideally white.

Some common factors that can cause the teeth to darken are:

Coffee and tea
Tobacco products
Teeth grinding, or bruxis
Trauma or injury to the teeth
Lack of proper dental care
Aging

Tooth whitening can help correct many of these issues, making your smile sparkle again. While over-the-counter tooth whitening products are popular, you’ll get the best results at your dentist’s office. A qualified cosmetic dentist can provide powerful whitening agents that can lighten your teeth several shades in a single treatment.

Other causes of tooth darkening are more difficult to correct and might require more aggressive treatment. Some of these include:

Exposure to excessive fluoride
Use of certain prescription drugs
Genetics

Exposure to fluoride and use of prescriptions drugs, including some antibiotics, most often cause discoloration to the teeth while they’re still developing. In addition, some people are simply born with darker enamel. In these cases, tooth whitening products might not be able to significantly change the color of your teeth.

There are other options available, though, if tooth whitening isn’t sufficient for your particular issue. A cosmetic dentist might recommend porcelain veneers or crowns to restore a bright, white smile you can be proud of.

Porcelain veneers are very thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. Because porcelain is slightly translucent, like natural enamel, porcelain veneers can give your teeth a bright, white, natural look. Crowns can also restore the original color to your teeth if your dentist feels veneers won’t be appropriate for you. In both cases, the material of the veneers or crowns is carefully color matched to the rest of your teeth.

Taking good care of your teeth and avoiding discoloring foods, beverages, and tobacco can help prevent staining, but if your teeth have accumulated a great deal of discoloration, causing you to be self-conscious about your smile, you might want to consult a cosmetic dentist to see what he can do for you to restore your confidence.

If you’re in the Orange County, California area, please contact Dr. Norman Huefner at Sensational Smiles for answers to your questions about how tooth whitening can improve your smile.

Porcelain veneers can be used to:

• Restore worn or chipped teeth
• Cover stained teeth
• Close gaps between your teeth
• Lengthen your teeth
• Straighten crooked teeth

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers provide you with an excellent way to cosmetically improve your smile. They resemble your natural tooth structure more than other materials used in tooth restoration. The porcelain material is very durable and will last a long time. Veneers allow your cosmetic dentist to adjust the color and translucency in order to match the appearance of your natural teeth. They are also very stain-resistant, which will help keep your smile bright for years to come.

Why Do Porcelain Veneers Look So Natural?

The ceramic material used for porcelain veneers is translucent and therefore closely mirrors the properties of your natural tooth enamel. When light hits your teeth, it goes through your enamel and reflects off of the dentin, the opaque inner substance of your teeth. It is this translucency of your enamel that provides your teeth with their shine. The translucent properties of porcelain veneers enable them to reproduce the luster of natural teeth.

The Importance of Using an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist

The installation of porcelain veneers requires an artistry generally lacked by general dentists. When done right, porcelain veneers will provide you with a vastly improved smile that will leave you beaming with self-confidence. When done poorly, they will look terrible and leave you wondering why you wasted your money.

In order to achieve the proper results, it is important to have your porcelain veneers done by an experienced cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentists approach dentistry with a keen artistic eye and have as their main purpose the aesthetic improvement of your smile. General dentists, on the other hand, are usually much more concerned with functionality than with aesthetics. As a result, veneers installed by a general dentist may not provide you with the improved appearance that you desire.

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialization that requires a great deal of training beyond dental school. By going to a highly trained cosmetic dentist, you will ensure that your porcelain veneers accomplish the desired purpose of making your smile as dynamic and beautiful as possible.

To learn more about porcelain veneers, please contact the Los Angeles, California cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Sands today to schedule a consultation.

Many celebrities visit a cosmetic dentist for porcelain veneers. This “Hollywood” treatment is gaining popularity for its durability, custom fit and convenience.

Multi-purpose

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin (.3 to .5mm) shells of porcelain that a cosmetic dentist chemically bonds over your natural teeth. Best known as a whitening treatment, porcelain veneers can address several issues, including:

§ Stubborn stains and discoloration

§ Misalignment

§ Discolored fillings

§ Overspacing

§ Chipped teeth

§ Misshapen teeth

Because porcelain veneers can help straighten teeth, they may sometimes eliminate the need for larger-scale orthodontic work.

A Quick Transformation

The entire procedure usually takes three visits. Some Beverly Hills cosmetic dentists, like Dr. Kevin B. Sands, can squeeze the treatment into two visits for their busy celebrity clientele or for anyone short on time.

§ During the first visit, you consult with your cosmetic dentist, discussing your needs, the procedure, and what results you can expect.

§ Your dentist prepares your teeth by buffing away a small fraction of your tooth enamel to make room for the porcelain veneers.

§ A mold is taken of your teeth to ensure a custom fit; the mold is used to create your veneer.

§ During your last visit, your dentist bonds the veneers to your teeth using a special light.

Custom-fitted

The consultation, molding, and bonding processes are designed to work with your natural teeth, making them over to achieve your ideal smile. You can choose to cover only one tooth, or completely remodel your entire smile. Your cosmetic dentist will also adjust the color of the porcelain to match the tint and translucency of your original teeth.

Natural-looking

The texture and appearance of porcelain is indistinguishable from that of your tooth. Your teeth will appear entirely natural-only better.

A “Hollywood” smile

Veneers grant several smile upgrades:

§ Whiter, brighter teeth without treatments

§ Protection from future stains and enamel wear

§ Protection from sensitivity

§ A straight, professional smile

§ Teeth that fit together like a glove

Durable

Porcelain veneers resist stain and discoloration. After they are chemically bonded to your teeth, they become extremely hard and glasslike in texture. The strengthening and brightening of your smile is permanent with the application of porcelain veneers.

It doesn’t take a miracle to have whiter stronger teeth. Ask a cosmetic dentist about porcelain veneers, and take advantage of this amazing smile-transforming procedure.

There are quite a number of over the counter orange county teeth whitening methods which claim to provide you with pearly-white teeth, but only a teeth whitening treatment performed by a qualified dentists in los angeles can give you the best results.

Common Techniques

The most popular and effective los angeles teeth whitening procedures done by the professionals today are the in-office teeth whitening and the at-home teeth whitening procedure using custom-fit trays.

The in-office teeth whitening method is the preferred method by dentists in los angeles for their patients with sensitive teeth, as this condition will require a closer supervision by the cosmetic dentist. The process involves the use of a blend of bleaching gel and the application of laser light on the discolored or stained tooth. The teeth are carefully isolated from the lips and gums before the bleaching gel is applied in the affected region.The laser application caps the procedure to hasten the whitening process.

There are several options available for patients who prefer at-home orange county teeth whitening procedure. The dentists in los angeles may take imprints of your teeth to make custom-fitted trays which the patient can take home to complete the tooth whitening process. Patients may also check out other teeth bleaching kits and other over-the-counter teeth whitening products available to brighten your smile.

Your cosmetic dentist is the best person to determine which procedure is best for you. An in-depth discussion of your concerns is of paramount importance to get full satisfaction from the chosen los angeles teeth whitening procedure.

·         Tooth decay

·         Cavities

·         Gum/periodontal disease

·         Jaw/joint pain

·         Bone loss

·         Speech difficulties

·         Oral health issues

·         Chewing difficulties

Now there is a way to straighten teeth through a series of “clear braces.” The Invisalign® orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear plastic aligners to secretly shift your teeth into alignment. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear braces are:

·         Virtually undetectable – most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them

·         Removable – for ease in eating, brushing and flossing

·         Comfortable – no wires or brackets

What makes the Invisalign treatment so effective?

Because every patient’s dental concerns are unique, the Invisalign process is customized from the very beginning of treatment. A trained, experienced cosmetic dentist will use a 3-D computer imaging technology to create a visual representation of the patient’s initial smile before treatment and then how the smile will begin to change during the process and ultimately to the final result. The patient is able to see just what his new smile will look like after the Invisalign treatment is completed.

From this computer imaging, the dentist will be able to create a series of aligners to achieve the desired results. Each aligner tray is worn for at least 22 hours per day for two weeks; most patients will require 18-30 trays. Through controlled, specially-timed force, the teeth gradually shift into place with each aligner tray. The aligner trays should only be removed while eating, brushing and flossing.

Is there anything a patient should avoid when using Invisalign?

Patients wearing Invisalign clear braces should not chew gum as the gum may become stuck to the aligners. In addition, patients are encouraged not to smoke while wearing the aligners as they can become stained. Aside from these two restrictions, Invisalign patients can remove the aligners to eat and drink normally. Patients should brush their teeth after meals before reinserting the aligners.

How much does Invisalign cost?

As with any orthodontic procedure, the cost of Invisalign varies from patient to patient depending upon the complexity of your situation. Generally Invisalign treatment can cost approximately $3,500-$5,000, which is comparable to traditional metal braces.