What are veneers?

Dental veneers are incredibly thin shells that are custom made to cover the surface of a patient’s teeth in order to improve appearance.

Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of a wide range of flaws, such as the discoloration of some or all teeth, or severely worn-down, chipped or broken teeth. They can also assist with correcting teeth that are misaligned, irregularly shaped, or separated by gaps.

Veneers are composed of either porcelain or resin and are tooth-colored. We usually work with patients to customize the best shade to match the rest of the teeth, but sometimes patients use veneers to boost the whiteness of their smile, and that’s perfectly fine. In fact, we encourage it – a whiter smile makes you look and feel great.

Porcelain veneers are more durable and look more realistic than other coverings, but can be difficult to insert. This is why we strongly recommend a consultation to see if veneers are right for you.

Getting veneers is a three-step process:

1. Consultation: we meet with the patient and discuss the merits of dental veneers and other individualized options.

2. Preparatory treatment: we give your teeth a thorough cleaning and exam to ensure that no other procedures are needed before the veneers are placed.

3. Veneer installation: we set the veneers in place and provide post-placement touch-ups, as needed.

The consultation is free – contact us today!

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Seven Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth can be a painful and difficult problem to have when trying to live our daily lives. The pain caused by tooth sensitivity can be cause by a variety of issues, including hot or cold temperatures, and sweet and sour foods. There are a number of ways to reduce tooth sensitivity that can be achieved with ease (and with the help of a qualified dentist).

1. Regular Brushing
Improving general oral hygiene can be a simple way of reducing the sensitivity that affects many people. Brushing teeth at least twice a day and combining this with a daily flossing regimen will keep teeth healthy and reduce sensitivity levels.

2. Softer Bristles
A major cause of sensitivity is simply brushing your teeth too hard. Brushing too hard exposes the dentin beneath the layer of enamel, causing sensitivity to worsen over time. Hard-bristled brushes can create major problems with lost enamel. A soft-bristled brush will reduce the irritation felt on gums and help protect the remaining layer of enamel.

3. The Right Toothpaste
Finding the best toothpaste – one designed to reduce sensitivity – is always a good idea. Every mouth is different, so buy small tubes until you find the best toothpaste for you.

4. Lower-Acid Foods
Those who are already affected by sensitivity should consider what they eat and avoid foods that are high in acidity. The enamel is further damaged and its protective qualities are reduced by acidic foods, which should only be consumed in small quantities.

5. Fluoride Mouthwash
Adding a fluoride mouthwash to the daily oral health routine will help reduce sensitivity, as well as help fight gum disease.

6. Mouth Guards to Help Grinding
Grinding the teeth is a major cause of dental problems for many people. This damages the enamel on the teeth and increases sensitivity. Our dental staff helps with grinding problems by fitting patients for mouth guards to reduce the effects of this problem.

7. Visit Your Dentist
Visiting a dentist on a regular basis is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and reduce sensitivity. At least two visits to the dentist each year can help reduce the pain of sensitive teeth and limit other oral problems.

If you’re in Studio City, CA, give us a call today for a free consultation!

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What is the Difference Between Teeth Cleaning and Teeth Whitening?

Many people mistakenly believe that teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are the same thing.  Not so.  A person’s teeth may be clean, but far from white – and vice versa.  Over time, teeth may become stained for a variety of reasons, ranging from plaque buildup to certain types of food to tobacco use and more. Teeth whitening removes stains and restores the natural white of your teeth.

When it comes to teeth whitening products, the over-the-counter options seem limitless.  There are toothpastes, paint on tooth gels, mouth trays, strips, gum, and more. These products tend to be safe and offer some improvement on the whiteness of your teeth.  But by far the most effective way to get the whitest and brightest smile is to have a dental professionally whiten your teeth for you. Having a knowledgeable and experienced professional is the surest way to guarantee both safety and optimal results.  Cosmetic dentists are trained to take care of any issues that may arise, including common side effects such as sensitive teeth, and even the less common ones, such as unknown decay, etc.

Our process is non-invasive and painless, yet still highly effective. We use whitening systems with strong agents, providing noticeable results while also protecting your tooth enamel as well as the rest of your mouth.  Plus, professional-teeth whitening give you visible results in just one visit, rather than the gradual whitening effect of over-the-counter products.

Having a great smile is important personally and professionally.  A bright smile can make the difference between a good first impression and one that is just average, particularly in the entertainment industry, where a white smile can make or break an audition. That is why tooth whitening in Los Angeles is so important. White teeth are essential to a beautiful smile.  Regular dental hygiene, including teeth cleanings, is the easiest and surest way to prevent yellowing.  But if your teeth are a bit more yellow or brown than you’d like, tooth whitening is a must.  And the best, most effective way to do it is to let a dental professional take care of you.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/difference-teeth-cleaning-teeth-whitening/

Root Canals: What Not To Fear!

I was sitting at home on a beautiful Sunday evening, biting into some chips and WHAM! A shooting pain that started from my tooth and went straight down my spine! The thought that this pain in my tooth might be the cause of a possible root canal downright scared me to death. Although I am in this field myself, when it came to the term “root canal” it sounded scary merely because of all the horror stories we have all heard with Dentists in Los Angeles.

So the time had come for my visit and I must say I was quite nervous. The procedure started with local anesthesia (numbing the tooth). Once I was numb, I honestly didn’t feel a thing! I was surprised because I thought it was going to be very painful and as long as you are numb, you should be comfortable.

During a root canal treatment, the infected or inflamed nerve is removed. This infection or inflammation can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or trauma, such as chips or cracks in the tooth. Once the nerve is removed, the inside of the tooth is disinfected and cleaned thoroughly, then filled with a rubber like material. Afterwards the tooth is restored with the proper crown or filling for protection.

This process didn’t take too long. Each case is different and will vary depending on the involvement of the tooth. However, rest-assure that it isn’t as horrific as an experience as you might think. It sure wasn’t for me. I must say I did have slight soreness in that tooth for a couple of days, although it wasn’t anything a little Advil or Tylenol couldn’t fix!

So next time you have a strong pain in your tooth, don’t hesitate to call Studio City Dental Center and get treatment of root canal in Los Angeles and we will guide you in the right direction, even if it means referring you to an Endodontist for a root canal!

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