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Comments Off on This One Incredible Photo Shows How Effective Teeth Whitening Can Be
How Effective Teeth Whitening Can Be

This One Incredible Photo Shows How Effective Teeth Whitening Can Be

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How Effective Teeth Whitening Can Be

Stained and yellow teeth are a real bummer. They can affect your entire appearance and make you feel self-conscious about smiling.

Nobody should ever have to feel bad about showing their smile.

Fortunately, you can get amazing results from professional teeth whitening, just like in this photo!

Whitening treatments applied at a dentist’s office have higher concentrations of whitening agents than at-home whitening kits. That means you’ll get even more dazzling and long-lasting results.

Here’s what to know about professional teeth whitening…

Better results than over-the-counter whiteners

Although over-the-counter whitening products, like strips and gels, can provide results, professional teeth whitening delivers the best results possible. And it doesn’t take much time at all. In fact, you can get it done in a single 60 to 90 minute visit to a dentist.

Getting your teeth whitened professionally is also safer than using products at home. A dentist trained in teeth whitening knows how to protect your lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue from the whitening agents.

How teeth whitening works

Professional teeth whitening is a fairly simple dental procedure. The first step is for the dentist to examine the current shade of your teeth and show you about the shade you can expect when the procedure is complete.

Before applying any whitening agents, your teeth will then be cleaned to remove surface plaque. Gauze and dental retractors may be placed in your mouth to kto keep the whitening agent away from soft tissue areas like the cheeks, lips, and tongue.

eep the teeth dry and They will also place a barrier along your gums to protect them from exposure to the whitening agent.

Then, the whitening solution is applied and left on your teeth for 30 to 60 minutes. The dentist may use a curing light to activate the solution. Finally, the teeth are rinsed off, and the dentist may apply fluoride to reduce sensitivity after the treatment.

What to expect afterward

You may need to schedule additional dental visits until you reach the shade of teeth that you want. How many treatments you will need depends on how stained your teeth are to begin with.

For the first 24 hours after a teeth whitening treatment, you should avoid foods that are known to cause stains:

  •       Coffee
  •       Tea
  •       Tomato sauce
  •       Mustard
  •       Beets
  •       Candy
  •       Red wine

It’s also best to avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, which can tarnish the results. The longer you can avoid these, the more lasting your whitening results will be.

In addition to avoiding foods and products that could restain your teeth, it’s a good idea to avoid extremely hot or cold foods for the first day after the procedure. This is to avoid the pain associated with tooth sensitivity, which is common after bleaching.

Alternatives if professional teeth bleaching is not for you

If your previous dental work or poor gum health prevents you from receiving teeth bleaching treatments, there are some other things you can do:

  •       Get regular dental cleanings done at a dental office to remove plaque and stains.
  •       Get veneers or bonding to improve the appearance of teeth with restorative work.
  •       Use a whitening toothpaste.

Taking steps to whiten your teeth really can make a difference in how you look and feel. Talk to a dentist about your options.

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Advantages of Getting Invisalign

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Los angeles ca dentist

The advantages of using the Invisalign system are greater than simply achieving a beautiful smile. With Invisalign’s clear, comfortable, and removable devices, you can expect to see significant and lasting results as well as a variety of oral health benefits.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a highly effective teeth alignment program that provides a welcomed alternative to traditional wire braces—in less time. Invisalign corrects any tooth abnormality, including over-bites, under-bites, cross-bites, overcrowded, gapped and protruding teeth. But that’s not all. Here are some of the added benefits of using Invisalign:

Overall health

In addition to fixing crooked, crowded and gapped teeth, Invisalign also corrects abnormal bite functions: for example, when the upper and lower jaws fail to align properly when your mouth is closed. If bite issues are left unmanaged, they can lead to further oral health problems, like cavities, tooth loss, gum infections, erosion of tooth enamel and difficulty speaking and/or eating.

Gum disease is a major factor in mouths where teeth are too widely spaced or crowded. Once your teeth are properly aligned, gums fit around them more snugly, providing a stronger defense against infections. The straighter your teeth, the healthier your mouth.

Comfort

Invisalign aligners gradually and gently move teeth into their proper positions, without the unsightly metal brackets that come with traditional braces. Invisalign appliances are made from medical-grade polyurethane resin; their smooth, soft edges provide greater control throughout the teeth-straightening process, shifting your teeth slightly, vertically and horizontally. They are virtually indestructible, invisible and best of all, comfortable—and, also unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to brush and floss your teeth as normal while maintaining a greater level of oral hygiene.

Convenience

Another benefit to choosing Invisalign is that you get to spend more time doing what you love, and less time in a dentist’s chair. Unlike conventional fixed braces, typical Invisalign treatment plans last about 12 months, with the aligners worn roughly 22 hours per day. That means fewer in-person check-ups!

Invisalign also grants you the freedom to continue enjoying the foods you love. Simply remove your aligner and tuck into corn on the cob, whole apples, and other previously tricky solids that wreaked havoc on wire braces and allowed for trapped debris, thus leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Boost in confidence

Invisalign can drastically boost your self-confidence by allowing you to show off your beautiful smile—with the added knowledge that your oral health is in top condition.

Teens and young adults

Protruding, crooked or even missing teeth can have a detrimental effect on the self-esteem of teenagers and young adults, resulting in feelings of unattractiveness. Teens who experience low levels of self-confidence during their formative years are vulnerable to negative influences and are more likely to become depressed. Fortunately, teens are now opting for the Invisalign treatment over conventional braces due to the former’s discreet and unnoticeable fit.

If you still have questions about Invisalign, our experts at Shervin M. Louie, DDS are always available to help. Call today!

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Comments Off on 3 Things You Should Know About Tooth Contouring

3 Things You Should Know About Tooth Contouring

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Tooth Contouring

Tooth contouring, a procedure also called enameloplasty) is a way to alter the shape of a patient’s tooth, not to mention the surface, which can start to become stained and experience plaque and tartar buildup over time.

Pits and bumps can also start to develop in the tooth which can lead to bacterial growth and cavities.

The benefits of a tooth contouring and reshaping procedure at Shervin M. Louie, DDS extend beyond simple aesthetics and reach into functional and preventive as well.

Below are a few things you should know about the tooth contouring procedure.

1.) Tooth Contouring is Painless!

Many dental procedures involve the use of novocaine or some other type of numbing agent. But not the tooth contouring procedure. Tooth contouring is simple, fast, and relatively pain-free.

2.) You Have to Have a Sufficient Amount of Enamel

The best candidates for the tooth contouring procedure already have a fair amount of tooth enamel to work with. For those of our patients who are in need of more major dental restoration work or lack the necessary amount of enamel for the procedure will want to consider other options like dental veneers.

3.) Tooth Contouring is an Easy Way to Boost Self-Confidence

A great smile will open new doors you didn’t know existed before. Having a smooth, contoured set of pearly whites will help you stand out in a crowd and leave you with a smile more often — on a daily basis!

If you have any questions about the tooth contouring procedure, please contact Shervin M. Louie, DDS to schedule your consultation today. We have a long track record of giving our patients the celebrity treatment, whether they’re a celebrity or not! Don’t wait another day to achieve the smile of your dreams.

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Dental Myths: Fact or Fiction?

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Woman flossing teeth

There are lots of myths surrounding dental care and treatment. Inaccurate information may make you feel confused and anxious, wondering if some daily habit is destroying your teeth. In times like this, it’s good to seek out expert knowledge. Los Angeles cosmetic dentist Dr. Shervin Louie is here to put an end to these dental misconceptions and misinformation.

Myth #1: Sensitive Teeth are Signs of Dental Decay

FICTION. When you experience tooth sensitivity, it does not necessarily mean that you have a decaying tooth. Tooth sensitivity can have multiple causes, such as gum recession that exposes the tooth’s roots. You may just have naturally sensitive teeth. If you do, then it is advisable that you visit a professional dentist like Dr. Louie who will perform an examination and establish the exact cause of your tooth sensitivity. In the case of a gum recession, a filling can be done to cover the exposed root.

Myth #2: Bleeding Gums are Normal and should not be Brushed

FICTION. If you have not established a flossing habit, then your first time flossing may make your gums bleed. This is normal and your gums will build up a tolerance if you continue. But in any other case, bleeding gums are not normal. They may be a sign of gingivitis. The good news is that this condition can be treated.

mouth

There is also a misconception that bleeding gums should not be brushed and should be allowed time to heal before they can be cleaned again. But the bleeding is itself a result of not brushing. Gums that have not been brushed enough tend to develop bacteria around and beneath them that irritates the gum and makes it bleed. Regular brushing will help get rid of all the bacteria.

Myth #3: More Sugar Means More Cavities

FICTION. Whereas it is true that cavities are a result of bacteria breaking down sugary substances into harmful acids that corrode your teeth, it is not true that more sugary foods will necessarily result in tooth decay. The important factor is the amount of time that sugary substances stay on your teeth. The longer they stay, the more the chance of cavities and decay. For example, if you drink soda through a straw, the liquid bypasses your teeth and does not contribute to decay. But if you eat a bar of chocolate and allow the sticky reside to coat your teeth, cavity formation is greatly accelerated. It is always advisable to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after every meal and especially after eating sugary foods.

Myth #4: Dental Problems Lead to Bad Breath

FACT. While many factors contribute to bad breath, from the last food you ate to even what time of day it is (“morning breath” is a real phenomenon), bad teeth do lead to bad breath. Many people with bad breath resort to using breath fresheners and mouthwashes, which is treating the symptoms rather than the cause of the problem. Daily brushing and flossing will significantly reduce bad breath. But if it persists, you should visit a professional like Dr. Louie to see if you have any serious dental issues.

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How Visiting the Dentist Can Help Improve Your Overall Health

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How Visiting the Dentist Can Help Improve Your Overall Health

3D CBCT ScanYou may think twice about avoiding the dentist once you realize how a simple dental visit can lead to an early diagnosis to other issues in your body. Advances in medical technology has really made some huge leaps in the last few years. These marvelous advances in the dental radiography world has made it possible for you to get a more detailed diagnosis from dental x-rays next time you visit the dentist!

Los Angeles dentist Dr. Shervin Louie has always taken pride in keeping his practice up-to-date with the latest dental technology. He is able to provide his patients with more than just dental care. With the help of his 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scanner he is able to detect other health issues to improve the overall wellness of each and every one of his patients.

Below you can discover how Dr. Louie utilizes his 3D CBCT Scanner to get very detailed three dimensional x-rays of your head to better assist you with your overall health in 3 major ways:

TMJ Disorder

This 3D CBCT Scanner is able to get clear images of your temporomandibular joints. These joints are a vital location to your face and jaw. When your temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, it can cause a range of symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, the sensation of overloaded neck muscles, limited ability to open your mouth, clicking while moving the jaw, or jaw clenching. Visiting Los Angeles dentistry Smile in LA will allow Dr. Louie to scan your jawline with the latest dental technology allowing you to get much more detailed treatment compared to other dentist who still use 2D scanning methods.

Sleep Apnea, Snoring, Restless Breathing

3D x-rays can also allow your favorite Los Angeles dentist to capture a vivid visual along your airway passages to help diagnose sleep apnea, snoring issues, and restless breathing. The scanner is able to let your Los Angeles dentist know the size of your airway passages, see the nasal complex, and your pharynx (which is the membrane-lined cavity behind your nose and mouth connecting to your esophagus). Visiting Los Angeles dentistry Smile in LA might just be the solution you needed to helping resolve restless nights due to sleep apnea or snoring.

Sinus Issues

Due to the fact that a 3D CBCT scanner can scan your entire head and get multifaceted images of your nasal passages, it can allow your dentist to discover if a sinus issue is due to a problematic tooth. This diagnosis is possible since your dentist can turn and motion your x-ray to see any angle of your entire head. This shows Dr. Shervin Louie problematic areas that can not be seen in the typical 2D x-rays.

To experience modern dentistry at its finest, visit everyone’s favorite Los Angeles dentist Dr. Shervin Louie over at Smile in LA. Call his friendly staff to schedule your next dental appointment today or visit www.smileinla.com for more information.

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Emergency Dentist Los Angeles

Los Angeles Dental Emergencies Increase in Warmer Weather

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Dental Emergencies Los Angeles

summer-timeAs the summer months are quickly approaching, you may begin planning your summer activities and travel ventures. While the summer season brings life to an array of exciting options, it is also important to take extra precautions in preventing an LA dental emergency.Dental Emergencies Los Angeles

Dr. Shervin Louie, your Los Angeles dentist, is available to provide you with important tips to protect your smile this summer. In situations where an emergency may be unavoidable, it is also vital to understand what to do when a dental emergency does occur. Dr. Louie, best dentist in Los Angeles, has put together a list of things you should keep in mind if a dental emergency does occur:

Knocked Out Tooth

If a tooth is knocked out, retrieve and save the tooth. Dr. Louie tells his patients to place something cold on the tooth—preferably a glass of milk. Take the tooth with you to the emergency room or to Dr. Louie’s Los Angeles dentistry right away.

Apply an ice pack to help minimize swelling, and if bleeding occurs, bite down gently on a wet towel or gauze. It is important to visit Dr. Louie as soon as possible after a tooth is knocked out because the sooner the tooth is re-inserted, the better the chance the tooth will survive.

Fractured Tooth

For broken teeth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the affected area. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and call Dr. Shervin Louie, Los Angeles emergency dentist, right away.

Loose Tooth

If an accident causes a tooth to become loose, have the tooth examine right away by Dr. Louie, Los Angeles cosmetic dentist. The tooth may re-attach, but you will need to act quickly. Dr. Louie will make sure the root of the tooth is not dying, which would require a root canal.

Whether you or your child experience a dental emergency, stay calm, act fast and contact Dr. Shervin Louie, dentist in Hollywood, right away. If you are not sure it is an emergency, a general rule is: If it hurts, it is an emergency. Even the smallest injuries can affect the living tissues inside teeth so don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Shervin Louie.

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Comments Off on If Your Head Hurts, it could be more than Just a Headache—It Could be Dental
Patient

If Your Head Hurts, it could be more than Just a Headache—It Could be Dental

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Dental Headache Los Angeles

Could that nagging headache and painful jaw be tied to your oral health? If you suffer from headaches, Dr. Louie, West Hollywood dentist, urges you to consult his office for further diagnosis because headaches might be related to your oral health. Pain is centered in the nerves and muscles running throughout the face and neck, as well as poor habits that they discomfort may cause, can trap sufferers in a painful loop, with head pain triggering jaw and neck pain, and vice versa.

The average person swallows 2,000 times per day, which causes the upper and lower teeth to come together and push against the skull. If you have a poorly aligned bite or missing teeth, you may suffer from frequent headaches or sleep disorders because your jaw muscles must work harder to bring your teeth together, which then strains the surrounding jaw muscles. Often, headaches experienced in the morning can be associated with temporomandibular joint disorders, which are disorders that are associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Individuals suffering from TMJ disorders often experience jaw and facial pain, a misaligned bite and a jaw that locks upon opening it. Severe head and neck pain are also some of the most common and debilitating symptoms. A visit to your medical doctor may bring you temporary relief, but your problem may actually be something that Dr. Louie, your LA dentist,can diagnose and heal completely.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders include:

Trauma to your jaw or jaw joint can sometimes play a role in TMD, but in many cases the cause of the disorder is unknown. It is suggested that certain tasks, whether mental or physical, may cause or aggravate TMD, such as stressful situations or teeth grinding. Most discomfort is caused from the overuse of the muscles, specifically clenching or grinding of the teeth, otherwise known as bruxism. These habits exhausted the jaw muscles and lead to discomfort, such as headaches or neck pain.

Temporomandibular disorders come in varying degrees of severity. In many cases, people suffering from TMJ disorder report chronic pain in the jaw, face, head, ears, neck, or shoulders, or any combination of these areas. Other common symptoms include:

  • Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
  • Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing or an uncomfortable bite
  • Snoring, grinding of teeth, frequent ear infections and/or a restricted airway
  • Swelling on the side of the face

Treatment for TMJ Pain

Because TMJ is most commonly the result of a misaligned bite, which places stress on joints and muscles, Dr. Louie, dentist in Los Angeles, will first identify and correct the unstable bite so that the teeth, joints, and muscles are all aligned. Using precise instruments to first relax your jaw muscles, Dr. Louie can determine the correct bite that provides the healthiest, most relaxed state of the muscles, eliminating the tension, which causes pain.

TMJ mouth guards may also be an option for treating TMJ—soft, plastic protectors that slip over the upper and lower teeth to prevent grinding. Mouth guards make it difficult to clench the jaws, a leading cause of TMJ pain. Dr. Shervin Louie may also recommend routine jaw exercises to ease the clenching or grinding that is contributing to the stress on the lower jaw.

If you are suffering from chronic headaches and/or a painful neck, schedule an appointment with Dr. Shervin Louie, the best dentist in Los Angeles, who is trained to handle and promote complete healing for TMJ disorder.

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Comments Off on Don’t Get Spooked by Tooth Decay this Halloween: Take Care of Your Teeth
teeth whitening orange

Don’t Get Spooked by Tooth Decay this Halloween: Take Care of Your Teeth

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Tooth Decay in Los Angeles

With Halloween just around the corner, it is important to take extra steps in protecting your teeth from tooth decay and other damage. While you may be concerned about what costume to wear for this frightful occasion, be sure to not skip out on daily oral hygiene practices. As children, our dream was always to get lots of candy on Halloween—bags full. However, lots of candy can be a parent’s nightmare. Rather than avoid trick-or-treating, it is important to understand that you can take Halloween as a time to teach your children good oral health habits for life, without depriving them of Halloween treats completely.

Don’t Give an Ultimatum

Yes, a lot of parents want to tell their children, “Halloween candy or cavities, you choose,” but this is not the way to handle this situation—don’t deny your children the Halloween experience. By denying children the joys of trick-or-treating, you could be making candy seem even more irresistible than before, which can lead to other problems. After your children get back from trick-or-treating or a party, go through their bags of candy together. Tell your children to pick the 10 treats they would like the most. The treats that are not picked should be placed out of sight. At this point, you can donate them, or even freeze them for later.

This may also be an appropriate time to teach, or even remind, your children that it isn’t just excess sugar that can lead to cavities—other snacks can as well. Snacks such as pretzels, with starches that stay in the mouth longer, can also lead to cavities—just like fruit juices can as well. By letting your children decide what is a reasonable amount of candy doesn’t send the message that candy is bad, but that, in excess, it can lead to cavities. From this, children then learn how to control their diets, and that what they eat relates to oral health, not just physical health.

Prevention is Key

Prevention is the absolute best approach when it comes to caring for your child’s teeth. This season, remember to do the following to help promote oral health in your children:

  • Mix in healthy snacks along with Halloween candy
  • Be the tooth-healthy house on the block
  • Take the fear out of flossing
  • Make tooth brushing fun

This is an excellent time to reinforce the twice a day brushing routine and the daily flossing regimen. Always remember that children will mostly do as they see, so take the brushing and flossing to a new level by showing your children how you brush and floss daily. An ideal scenario is that children, even adults, should brush after the consumption of candy. Additionally, it may also be important to limit the time children are allowed to eat candy. Instead of snacking throughout the day, children should eat candy during a designated time, followed by rinsing away some of the sugar by drinking a glass of water.

Remember that Halloween is an excellent time to contact your dentist in Los Angeles to schedule a checkup. With proper oral health care, you and your family can enjoy the sweets in moderation while having fun this Halloween.

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