Are you afraid to smile? Would you rather take a picture then be in it? Are you afraid to yawn for fear of revealing all of those silver fillings? Many of my patients think that their teeth are to dark, too crooked, overcrowded, chipped, or just misshapen. They want that "Hollywood Smile", and they often bring a magazine to my office, point to the cover and say, "I want a smile just like that!" There are a wide range of cosmetic dental enhancements available that can help you achieve the look you want. Though these enhancements are only "skin deep", they can bring you pleasure, and perhaps give your self-confidence a little boost.
Bleaching and Whitening
Extrinsic stains, or stains on outer surfaces of the teeth, can usually be removed during a thorough professional dental cleaning. However, intrinsic stains, which are stains within the tooth itself, must be removed through bleaching. Not everyone is a candidate for bleaching. One reason is that the bleaching product does not work on any fillings, crowns, or any porcelain restorations in your mouth, only on the natural surface of your teeth. Also be careful with over the counter whitening products since these may cause sensitive teeth and irritate the gums. So ask a dental professional for there recommendation on whats best for you.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are alternatives to silver fillings now, which is the composite filling material. Many patients with silver fillings have the option to remove old silver fills and exchange for the white material. Its amazing how much the tooth changes color when there removed. I get more gratification and many more thanks from patients when I use tooth-colored fillings. Plastic fillings are only made for the smaller problems or cavities. Teeth that have a larger problem would need something with a stronger structure. Composite is a very hard plastic material, but its only its best on smaller things.
Porcelain Veneers
I recommend porcelain veneers to the majority of my patients. Its the best alternative in my opinion. If the patient wants to change tooth color, shape, size, if there crooked, have gaps or chips this is going to change there smile 360 degrees. Veneers are very strong pressed ceramic restorations, that are made to look like natural teeth. Its amazing how naturally beautiful they are, and there very strong. You can almost think of false nails to give you an example. Its a thin porcelain shell that fits over your natural teeth. Of course some of your natural tooth structure does have to be removed to accomplish this procedure. There bonded on with very strong permanent cements. With veneers you can always achieve a more consistent result. My patients often don't remember what there old smile looked like. If your trying to achieve that "Hollywood Smile" I suggest you spend the money and do it the right way the first time.
If you have a hankering for a smile overhaul, rest easy. There are many options available, so give us a call 866-76-SMILE and Dr. Rose will help point you in the right direction.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
We've Heard Every Excuse in the Book
Trying to cancel your dental appointment again? Think you have a great excuse? Well you know we've heard them all. We know making time in your busy life's to see the dentist is difficult for some, but for you others, we don't think you see the importance of a healthy mouth. There are many health problems related to bad oral hygiene, including heart disease. I guess when your not in pain, its hard to see the importance. What's crazy about your mouth is that allot of the times you won't have pain, and perio disease is called the silent killer. We've heard some wacky excuses in our years, so here's a list of just a few. We thought you would find this humorous.
1. I forgot, I am at work right now.
2. I have a meeting.
3. I just got a flat tire, and I am on the freeway
4. My dog has fleas, he's going to the vet.
5. My cat is stuck in a tree and the fire department is on the way.
6. I locked my keys in the car.
7. I have to pick up my kids from school, but its summertime, oh ya she's in summer school.
8. My dog ran away, I am searching for him.
9. My boss said I couldn't have the day off.
10. I am doing laundry, and I completely spaced out.
11. I am out of town.
12. I don't have a ride.
13. I missed my bus.
14. I missed my plane, I am stuck in New York.
15. I was out of town this weekend and got snowed in.
16. I am stuck in Mexico.
17. I have a cold.
18. I have a headache.
19. My car was stolen, I'm in the middle of filing a police report.
20. I scheduled two appointments on the same day and time, so I am canceling my dentist appointment.
21. Last night was my birthday and I am hungover.
22. I have to pick us someone from the airport.
23. I thought my appointment was next week?
24. I am to busy today.
25. I made my hair appointment at the same time, so I can't make it today.
So what do you think? Have you ever used one of these excuses? You know, we all have for one reason or another. We are all busy, and life gets in the way sometimes. But just remember your health is important, and without your health you have now life. It's just a thought.
1. I forgot, I am at work right now.
2. I have a meeting.
3. I just got a flat tire, and I am on the freeway
4. My dog has fleas, he's going to the vet.
5. My cat is stuck in a tree and the fire department is on the way.
6. I locked my keys in the car.
7. I have to pick up my kids from school, but its summertime, oh ya she's in summer school.
8. My dog ran away, I am searching for him.
9. My boss said I couldn't have the day off.
10. I am doing laundry, and I completely spaced out.
11. I am out of town.
12. I don't have a ride.
13. I missed my bus.
14. I missed my plane, I am stuck in New York.
15. I was out of town this weekend and got snowed in.
16. I am stuck in Mexico.
17. I have a cold.
18. I have a headache.
19. My car was stolen, I'm in the middle of filing a police report.
20. I scheduled two appointments on the same day and time, so I am canceling my dentist appointment.
21. Last night was my birthday and I am hungover.
22. I have to pick us someone from the airport.
23. I thought my appointment was next week?
24. I am to busy today.
25. I made my hair appointment at the same time, so I can't make it today.
So what do you think? Have you ever used one of these excuses? You know, we all have for one reason or another. We are all busy, and life gets in the way sometimes. But just remember your health is important, and without your health you have now life. It's just a thought.
We Have A Winner!
Congratulations to our Winner! Joy Yoseski was picked on May 29th for the $50 Gas Card. Yahoo! Its funny, when we did decide to give gas cards as the prize, gas was a little cheaper (Ha Ha $3.28 so cheap), and now almost $5 ugh! but hopefully she can get at least a half a tank. Well, I guess every little bit helps, gas prices are outrageous! Well don't worry if you didn't win in May you have a chance in June. The contest continues, same rules apply. Just keep your June appointments and enter at the front desk. We also want to thank all our wonderful patients who did keep there appointments in May. Good Job! We know you all have busy lives, but your oral health is important. So if you still need to schedule an appointment with us, give us a ring. Thanks Again and Cheers to Joy! (562) 496-3230
Friday, May 30, 2008
Diet and Dental Health
Summer is almost here and I have a great summer project for you. That project is your health!
I’m not talking about toning up, dieting or anything else that is so ambitious. What I suggest is that you observe your health over these summer months. That might provide you with an idea of just exactly where you and your family members are when it comes to your overall health.
Here is the project I propose. Take the next three summer months to keep a food journal. Simply make a log of what you eat and when you eat it. This usually gives people a pretty good insight into areas they might be able to improve nutritionally.
In terms of your dental health, you may want to look for how and when you eat certain foods. Look for times when you eat certain foods. It is commonly known that sugar causes tooth decay. So, you should know that a good habit is to brush within 20 minutes of eating a big sugary snack or treat. This cuts down on the amount of time the sugar will attack the teeth. Acids caused by sugar breaking down attack the teeth for up to 20 minutes. On a food journal, you will see when you routinely leave yourself open to greater effects of high sugar foods.
Also, watch for those isolated snacks. Foods that are eaten as part of meal cause less harm on teeth because more saliva is produced during a meal. This helps wash foods from the mouth, thus lessening the effect of sugars on the teeth.
You will learn more about yourself if you try this summer food journal. No need to be perfect. Just give it a try and if you want to bring it in to review with me on your next cleaning visit, then I will be happy to help you interpret the results and, hopefully, help you continue good oral health.
I’m not talking about toning up, dieting or anything else that is so ambitious. What I suggest is that you observe your health over these summer months. That might provide you with an idea of just exactly where you and your family members are when it comes to your overall health.
Here is the project I propose. Take the next three summer months to keep a food journal. Simply make a log of what you eat and when you eat it. This usually gives people a pretty good insight into areas they might be able to improve nutritionally.
In terms of your dental health, you may want to look for how and when you eat certain foods. Look for times when you eat certain foods. It is commonly known that sugar causes tooth decay. So, you should know that a good habit is to brush within 20 minutes of eating a big sugary snack or treat. This cuts down on the amount of time the sugar will attack the teeth. Acids caused by sugar breaking down attack the teeth for up to 20 minutes. On a food journal, you will see when you routinely leave yourself open to greater effects of high sugar foods.
Also, watch for those isolated snacks. Foods that are eaten as part of meal cause less harm on teeth because more saliva is produced during a meal. This helps wash foods from the mouth, thus lessening the effect of sugars on the teeth.
You will learn more about yourself if you try this summer food journal. No need to be perfect. Just give it a try and if you want to bring it in to review with me on your next cleaning visit, then I will be happy to help you interpret the results and, hopefully, help you continue good oral health.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
What are you doing with your tax rebate?
Last week, the first tax rebate checks started to arrive. So, what are you going to do with your piece of the economic stimulus? Many people are taking care of some basics that have been put off. If your dental health or appearance has fallen into that category, this could be your opportunity to care for yourself a little.
In the past few months, I have blogged about replacing black or grey fillings with white resin fillings. This has a direct relation to you long term health. If you short-term dental health needs include cleanings, routine checkups and screenings or if you have been putting off asking me about a pain or problem, why not spend a little of your rebate on your dental health.
If you are up-to-date on your dental health maintenance, are feeling now jaw, neck or head pains that could be associated with TMJ and you generally feel good, you may want to consider visiting me to whiten your teeth. If you have never tried it or if you are ready for another whitening after a few years, just contact our office to schedule an appointment.
In the past few months, I have blogged about replacing black or grey fillings with white resin fillings. This has a direct relation to you long term health. If you short-term dental health needs include cleanings, routine checkups and screenings or if you have been putting off asking me about a pain or problem, why not spend a little of your rebate on your dental health.
If you are up-to-date on your dental health maintenance, are feeling now jaw, neck or head pains that could be associated with TMJ and you generally feel good, you may want to consider visiting me to whiten your teeth. If you have never tried it or if you are ready for another whitening after a few years, just contact our office to schedule an appointment.
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