Braces or veneers, which of these 2 cosmetic dentistry procedures can give you a beautiful smile? Here are some of the things you need to consider before you make a decision.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are made of thin porcelain and customized to recreate the natural shape and color of the teeth of the wearer. They are considered to be the pinnacle of aesthetic cosmetic dentistry and are less intrusive compared to crowns or braces. Veneers are used on teeth discolored by root canal treatment or stains from medicines and large resin fillings, worn down, chipped or broken teeth, and misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth. They can also be used to close gaps between teeth.

How Our Office Does Veneers

It only takes as little as 2 appointments to set veneers in place. The first meeting is for making an impression of the tooth and removing tooth enamel to provide space for the veneers. The second appointment is for setting the porcelain veneers in place.
Here at Dr. Frey’s office, we perform what we call a “trial smile” on our patients. Temporary veneers are created and placed on your teeth, perfectly replicating what your permanent veneers would look like. This allows you to adjust to the shape and size of your new teeth and allows us to make adjustments and tweak your smile before it becomes permanent.

Advantages of Veneers

The primary advantage of veneers over expensive orthodontic treatments is that it only takes a short time to apply. In addition, veneers are stain resistant, so patients can expect the same brilliance in their smiles for years to come.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a field in dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. Orthodontics makes use of fixed appliances such as braces, and removable appliances such as aligners and lip and cheek bumpers. Orthodontic procedures can be used to correct conditions such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, misplaced midline, spacing problems like gaps, and crowding.

Considerations for Getting Orthodontic Treatments

One of the main draws of orthodontics is that it offers long-term satisfaction. After removing one’s braces, for example, one will only have to wear a retainer every now and then – a small price to pay for the lifetime benefits of having correctly aligned teeth and jaw. At the same time, the biggest disadvantage of orthodontic treatments is the time it usually takes to correct the dental condition. Braces can be worn anytime from 1 to 3 years and require numerous visits to the dentist. Some people also feel that braces can look a bit goofy. Braces are also more expensive than a single tooth veneer application.
The best way to find out which of these 2 procedures can give you the result you are looking for is to consult with your dentist or orthodontist.
Set an appointment with Dr. Frey to discuss your options for a perfect white smile today by calling our Beverly Hills dental office at (310) 276-4537.

Having damaged, tarnished, or distorted teeth can cause a tremendous blow on a person’s self esteem. Thankfully, there are now a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures that make the reinvention of one’s smile possible. Among such procedures is the application of porcelain veneers.

Made of a thin layer of porcelain that appears exactly like the surface of healthy teeth, porcelain veneers can be used to cover up fractures, discoloration, and other unsightliness, giving patients that Beverly Hills smile they have always wanted.

Why choose porcelain veneers?

At our office, we specialize in complete smile makeovers with porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers can be used with similar procedures like dental bonding, and patients get to see the results in as little as two visits.

Porcelain veneers are very durable and can last for decades with regular brushing and oral care. They are incredibly lifelike and can really blend well with your natural teeth to make your smile look truly fantastic. What’s more, the porcelain material should never stain or discolor, provided that you follow recommended hygiene and maintenance procedures.

Do you need porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are typically used to improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth. As a cosmetic dentistry procedure, it can be used to improve the look of chipped, stained, discolored, misshapen, or gapped teeth. However, the veneers also have the added benefit of helping protect the teeth from further damage and also restoring their morphology, which means that the teeth become more functional because of their improved form and structure.

Reinventing your smile with porcelain veneers: How it is done

At our office, customizing a smile for our patients takes two major visits. During your first visit, we will create for you a “trial smile,” which involves applying a cosmetic bonding material over your teeth in order to prepare them for the veneers. The bonding material will be the same color as your teeth, and it will be sculpted to simulate the veneers that will be used later on.

It is necessary for you to get the trial smile because you may need some time to adjust to the size, shape, and feel of the veneers. Furthermore, you’ll also get to see how your new customized smile will look. Likewise, it provides the opportunity for us to see your teeth, allowing us to modify any details so as to create a truly perfect permanent smile for you.

You don’t have to worry about not being able to use your teeth properly during this period because your trial smile is completely durable. You’ll be able to use it as you would your normal teeth.

On your second visit, the porcelain veneers can be permanently fitted onto your teeth. It’s quite a clear-cut procedure that first involves removing a very thin layer of the teeth’s enamel to make room for the veneers. Next, the teeth will be roughened just a little bit so that the veneers can properly adhere to them.

Before we apply the veneers with dental cement, we will first apply them using a firm gel, which will allow you to see your new smile before it becomes permanent and to have us make final adjustments if necessary. If you are completely happy with how your teeth look, the veneers can then be cemented permanently.

The application of porcelain veneers can take anywhere between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how many of them need to be applied.

If you want to have a new, healthier looking smile, please get in touch with us today. We specialize in porcelain veneer application and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, providing services to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Orange County, and surrounding communities in California. We also welcome patients from other parts of the U.S., as well as international clients.

Temporomandibular joint disorder, more commonly known as TMJ disorder, is a condition in which a patient experiences pain in the temporomandibular joints that connect the jawbone to the skull.

The condition is usually characterized by constant headaches, frequent pain in the jaw, ear, face, or neck, and discomfort when chewing food. The jaws can also get locked when yawning or chewing, creating added pain or soreness for the affected individual. Often, this locking is accompanied by popping or clicking sounds.

Preparing for Your Appointment

TMJ disorder can happen when the joint is overworked, misaligned, or injured from a hard blow or impact. Before you go to our clinic for appointment, you can prepare by determining the answers to the following questions:

TMJ Disorder Treatment with Dr. Frey

Dr. David S. Frey is one of Southern California’s leading specialists in neuromuscular dentistry, having provided TMJ disorder treatment services to hundreds of patients from Beverly Hills, Orange, County, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas. He’s also worked with clients from other parts of the United States and from other countries.

Dr. Frey specializes in correcting the position of the jaw, teeth, and surrounding tissues, discovering their ideal form and structure to produce a more balanced bite and to treat TMJ disorder symptoms.

Our office’s approach is divided into two different phases:

Curing the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Full-Mouth Rehabilitation

TMJ disorder can cause unnecessary pain in discomfort. Consult with Beverly Hills neuromuscular dentistry expert Dr. David S. Frey to learn about your treatment options.

Contact us today to learn more about our TMJ treatment procedure. We will be more than happy to explain in detail what you can expect from the treatment and how it can improve your quality of life and even your physical appearance.

While the adage “prevention is better than cure” is particularly true in caring for a child’s teeth, is a matter of fact that many children suffer from cavities. In many cases, cavities even make seemingly irreparable damage to children’s teeth. While seeing a child’s baby teeth ravaged by cavities can worry a parent, it shouldn’t be a cause of despair because damaged baby teeth will be replaced in due time.

It’s different when cavities severely affect a child’s permanent teeth, though. In this case, parents have to actively look for ways to undo the unsightly damage on the set of teeth that their children will carry for life. Fortunately, modern dentistry has made cosmetic dental procedures a safe option for children.  Here are some of the common cosmetic dental surgeries that restore the damage caused by cavities.

  1. Crowns – Using a crown or cap is the most convenient and easiest way to restore dental function to a tooth damaged by cavities. It is used on teeth that can no longer benefit from cleaning, fillings, or other common dental procedures. A crown is a dental device that encases the tooth’s surface, restoring it to its original size and shape, and protecting it from external damage. It usually takes 2 sessions to fit a child with dental caps.
  2. Dental implants – Dental implants offer a permanent solution to unsalvageable cavity-riddled teeth. Meant to replace missing teeth, dental implants are usually made up of 2 parts: a tooth prosthesis and a root made of titanium that will be attached to the bone. Dental implants can replace anywhere from 1 tooth to an entire smile. This procedure can be an excellent option for teens whose jaws have already stopped growing.
  3. Dentures – Missing baby teeth due to cavities can also impede the development of a child’s speech. Dentures, which are closely designed to resemble natural teeth, can fill up empty spaces and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.
  4. Veneer – Veneers are thin and durable pieces of porcelain that are shaped to suit the patient’s teeth. Considered the pinnacle of cosmetic dental surgery, veneers are a solution to discolored, misaligned, damaged, or crooked teeth. It takes a minimum of 2 visits to install the veneer. It is a non-permanent fixture that requires regular maintenance from your child’s dentist.

Set an appointment with Dr. Frey to discuss the best options to restore your child’s damaged teeth by calling (310) 276-4537 today.  After treatment, you can be sure to look forward to brighter and healthier smiles from your kids.

The smile, though simple, is such a powerful gesture. It is the expression of joy, calmness, content, and even the occasional moment of serendipity, and it is no surprise that people who smile often are seen as confident and more approachable. Yet many refuse to smile as a result of poor dental health or crooked and misaligned teeth.

From tooth decay, discoloration, and crooked teeth, the average human being may experience more than one type of dental problem. Some may even result in physical pain and soreness, or even infection from sores.

Traditional metal braces can correct the alignment of teeth but do not address other types of damage, such as decay, cracks and chips, or large gaps between teeth. Braces are also uncomfortable, perhaps painful, and unpretty.

Porcelain veneers can correct many of the problems that braces cannot, and with a much shorter treatment time too.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are custom-made for each patient. The veneer is attached to the surface of a natural tooth and results in a natural and healthy-looking smile in as little as two visits to a dentist’s office.

This practice has been used since the 1920s and has never been easier or more doable than it is today; in fact, the founder was inspired by the glamorous and dazzling Hollywood smiles he saw on movie screens.

Why Veneers Are Better Than Braces

Quite frankly: porcelain veneers can address more dental health issues than braces and in a much shorter amount of time. Furthermore, braces are painful and uncomfortable. Patients will have hard time speaking and eating each time the braces are tightened throughout the treatment. Braces can also limit the foods that patients are allowed to eat.

Veneers can be maintained with regular dental care, unlike metal braces which require more detail and special care. Porcelain veneers can also correct multiple dental imperfections such as gaps, chips, and stains, and are durable and scratch-resistant.

What To Consider When Asking Your Dentist About Porcelain Veneers

The cost of porcelain veneers varies between patients and also between the dentist you choose to apply them. Always choose the dentist with an extensive professional background and with whom you feel most comfortable.

Be sure to ask your dentist about the state of your natural teeth – are they strong enough to support veneers? And how long will they last? These answers depend on your oral care habits and also on the type of activities and work you enjoy.

The human anatomy is a marvel to behold. It is composed of various systems, layers of skin and bone, and somehow manages to keep them intact and make everything seamlessly connect with one another. Because of the mutual relationship they share, people are able to achieve simple tasks. People must remember this – especially when they feel ill – because it is possible that the problematic area may not lie in the location where the pain is felt.

The first impulse to treat aches and pains in the head and neck may be massage or medication. These remedies can result in temporary relief but will not likely address the root causes of the pain. Very rarely do people consider having their jaws checked whenever they feel these discomforts, because they always associate this area with their teeth. However, dental researchers have discovered that a percentage of head and neck aches are actually caused by their jaws and bites.

When Can The Jaw Or Bite Be An Underlying Cause Of Neck Pain And Headaches?

It’s easy to forget that many different muscles are working together for simple tasks like talking and chewing. If these muscles are strained from a misaligned bite or malocclusion it can be difficult for the jaw to repeatedly open and close. It is also possible that the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – which is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull – is worn or damaged.

Those with TMJ disorder often report the symptoms below:

The Benefits Of Bite Correction

Bite correction (also known as Occlusal Equilibration) is the process where a person’s jaw or teeth are reshaped and re-contoured to create the ideal “minimum-stress” bite. By leaving enough room for the jaw to operate, the patient can experience fewer headaches, neck pains, and muscle tensions around this particular area of the face.

Types Of Bite Correction Procedures

The bite can be corrected through surgical and non-surgical procedures, and depending on the severity of the patient’s condition the dentist may resort to using one of any of these procedures.

NON-SURGICAL

  1. Dental Reconstruction And Replacement

The goal of this process is to give patients perfect and healthy teeth. Dentists will need to repair existing dental work that has been damaged or worn out over time, and reconstruct those that have experienced cracks or large cavities.

  1. Orthodontics

Dental braces and orthodontic retainers are just some of the most common types of dentalware which orthodontists use to correct a person’s bite. However, the overall process can take between 12 to 24 months. This type of procedure is most effective with younger patients because the jaw is still developing.

  1. Night Guards

A night guard is a custom-made plastic dental device which is fitted over the top or bottom of the teeth. They are usually worn during the evening and helps reduce the damages that are caused by severe teeth grinding.

  1. Tooth Reshaping

Tooth reshaping is the preferred and most effective treatment for bite correction. It is typically used when the patient’s teeth are not touching perfectly, even though they may appear to be aligned. Dentists will ask the patient to bite into a piece of coated paper, which reveals the problematic area when the bite is released.

SURGICAL

  1. Upper Jaw

Also known as a maxillary osteotomy, this surgery is done inside of the patient’s mouth. The surgeon will begin by cutting the bone above the teeth so that the entire upper jaw can be moved as one unit. It is then moved forward until it has reached perfect alignment with the lower teeth. Tiny screws and plates are then placed to hold the bone in its new position. This procedure can be performed to correct these following bite/jaw issues:

  1. Lower Jaw

Surgeons will cut behind the molars and down the jawbone (lengthwise) until the front of the jaw can be maneuvered as one unit. It is then moved smoothly into the new position and held together by screws until it heals.

  1. Chin Surgery

A deficient chin is sometimes caused by a severely receded lower jaw. Surgeons will fix the problem by performing genioplasty. Genioplasty is the process wherein surgeons will cut the patient’s chin bone to secure a new position. Typically this procedure will also give the surgeons an opportunity to restructure the whole jaw.

Remember that smile care extends beyond brushing, flossing, and whitening and that oral health can be linked to a number of issues “outside the mouth” such as headaches and neck pain. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms overviewed in this article we recommend speaking to a professional cosmetic dentist about bite alignment or correction.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.

In order for your body to function smoothly, you need to have a good set of teeth. Your teeth are important because they facilitate nourishment by breaking down the food you eat, they help you speak your mind by making speech possible, and they also allow you to showcase your glowing personality through your beautiful smile

There is nothing better than knowing that your teeth are healthy and complete, but just like all organic things, there will come a time when they will weaken, deteriorate, and eventually fall out. Children who lose their first set of teeth will not have to worry because these will be replaced with a permanent set of teeth in no time. For older generations, however, they will never get that chance again.

Although it is common for people to lose a tooth or two, there are some people who are not comfortable knowing that their teeth are incomplete. Massive gaps and exposed gums can displease your overall mouth feel and simple tasks such as chewing your food can become difficult. Luckily, a dentist can help you remedy these situations by simply fitting your mouth with the proper dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

During a dental implant surgery, the dentist technically replaces your missing or weak tooth with an artificial one. This replacement is screwed into the jawbone beneath your gums, so that the stability within your mouth can return. Dental implants do share some similarities with dentures, but unlike dentures, they cannot be easily removed and offer a more natural feel and look. There are two types of procedures to choose from, namely endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. With endosteal implants, the artificial tooth is directly implanted into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants utilize metal frames that are fitted onto the jawbone below the gum tissue.

Benefits Of Dental Implants

Normally, people with weak or missing teeth find it difficult to chew, eat, and talk. While dental implants do resolve these problems, they can do a whole lot more.

Looks And Feels Natural

Although dental implants are made from artificial materials, they are designed to match your existing teeth – creating an all-natural feel and appearance. You will not feel them move around in your mouth because they are permanently attached.

Built To Last

Unlike most traditional tooth-supported dental appliances, dental implants offer a long-term benefit. They may need to be periodically checked for adjustments, but they can last a whole lifetime as long as they are properly maintained.

Preserves Your Natural Smile And Face Shape

If your mouth has gotten used to having missing teeth, chances are that your lower jaw will begin to sag inward, permanently giving you a sad expression as a result. With the help of dental implants, the structure of your teeth, mouth, and jaws are retained, thus fortifying your face’s shape. Having empty spaces inside your mouth can lead to very serious health issues which can definitely affect the bones on your face. Without the proper support, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate and slowly lose its strength and firmness. The only way to remedy this situation is with dental implants, because they are able to preserve and stimulate your natural bone.

Keeps Your Teeth In Your Mouth

Unlike dentures, dental implants are secured inside your mouth. In most instances there is no need to remove them for cleaning. You will no longer worry about opening your mouth too wide because they will not fall out or feel them move about whenever you are eating.

Cavity Free

Although these teeth look and feel natural, they are not living teeth and it’s highly unlikely that they will develop cavities. However, to maintain their color and durability, and to ensure the health of the gums upon which they are anchored it’s important to make sure to visit your dentist regularly to get them checked.

Improves Your Appearance

Everyone knows that the best smiles always come from a full set of teeth. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it also gives the person the confidence to feel good. It will be difficult to be proud of your pearly whites when there are a few missing pieces, but with the help of dental implants, regaining that perfect white smile will become easier.

Gives You A Long-Lasting Smile

Dental implants do not experience wear in the same ways that natural teeth experience wear, and can last a lifetime.

Very Convenient

One of the great things about dental implants is that you can treat them like real teeth. You do not have to get braces to keep your teeth aligned nor purchase a set of dentures to replace missing teeth. They are permanent, durable, and lifelike. Simple dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing will aid in prolonging their lifespan.

Who Can Benefit From Dental Implants

Anyone with missing or extensively damaged teeth should consider dental implants, but it’s important to discuss your current health and the long-term care of dental implants with your dentist to help decide if they’re for you.

Always choose a dentist with whom you feel comfortable and be sure to follow his or her professional recommendations for the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible.

A smile has been known to be one of the most beautiful features that can be found on a person’s face. By simply revealing your pearly whites, a wave of uncharted emotions is sent to the receiver, thus giving you an additional hint of mystery and charm. However, not everyone is born destined to have perfect teeth, so in order to preserve its tiptop form, a daily dental regimen must be implemented. Sadly, proper oral hygiene is sometimes the last thing people think of before they wake up or go to bed. People sometimes forget to brush their teeth after meals, miss their dental appointments, and continue eating food that can damage their teeth. Although the common excuse people give is “I’ll do it next time,” chances are, they will forget to do them again.

It is imperative that you perform your daily oral hygiene routine. Though it may not seem immediately important, ignoring the health of your teeth can result in numerous types of damage that may affect more than just your mouth. Cavities, a cracked tooth, visible plaque and other dental issues may begin small, but when left unattended, they could get worse and interfere with simple tasks such as chewing, talking, and smiling.

Basic Oral Hygiene

Braces And Retainers

Do your best not to miss any of your dental appointments. Your teeth’s health is dependent on how you take care of your braces/retainers.

Dental Implants

You can maintain your dental implants the same way you treat your ordinary teeth. However, if you want to give your implants all-around clean, additional cleaning aids, such as an interdental brush and floss are also available in the market. Proper, and gentle, cleaning for dental implants is a must to prevent stains and avoid potential infection.

Dental Bonding

Those with bonded teeth need to make sure that the resin that has been attached on their teeth/tooth’s surface remains intact. Proper dental bonding aftercare is very similar to basic oral hygiene, and includes:

Keeping your teeth clean and healthy should always be part of your daily care routine. With a little time and effort, maintaining your pearly whites will become less of a chore. By simply brushing, flossing, and regularly visiting the dentist, not only will your teeth last longer, they will also look great whenever you flash a smile.

A person’s appearance can inspire generations and start new movements in fashion and style. While these trends change constantly there’s a certain beauty and confidence from a healthy and perfect smile that is timeless.

An illustrious smile is immediately noticed by others. It’s the perfect compliment to a new outfit and can match any hairstyle. How can you achieve a smile that is perfectly aligned and white? Just contact a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry procedures.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that improves the color, alignment, position, shape, and size of one’s smile. These benefits are not just visual – bite correction and jaw alignment can reduce headaches and soreness in patients too.

The term gained popularity during the 90’s but has been practiced for centuries. Etruscan and ancient Egyptian civilizations would use ivory, bone, gold, and seashells to create dental crowns and bridges, replace missing teeth, and visually enhance smiles. These practices are the foundations of modern cosmetic dentistry.

What Are The Most Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

Tooth reshaping is usually recommended for those with mis-shapen or teeth with unequal lengths.

Bonding is a process during which an enamel-like dental composite material is applied to the tooth’s surface and then sculpted and polished to match the surrounding teeth.

Bridges and implants are permanently installed to replace one or multiple missing teeth.

Veneers are custom-made, ultra-thin porcelain laminates that are bonded directly to the teeth to close gaps, enhance tooth shape, and even to fix discolored teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening.

Gum lift involves raising the gum tissue and possibly reshaping the bone underneath to create the appearance of longer or more symmetrically aligned teeth.

Bite reclamation is for individuals with excessively worn teeth caused by grinding or chewing on hard foods. Acid reflux can also alter the vertical dimensions of teeth.

Chemical whitening is sometimes called “tooth bleaching,” and is the most common procedure for quickly brightening smiles.

Laser whitening is a more advanced and effective procedure than chemical whitening alone. An argon laser is used to activate the whitening agent and is said to be six times more effective than chemical whitening.

Keeping your teeth in good shape is not always easy. While it’s important to brush and floss your teeth and eat the right foods for optimal oral health, it’s also recommended to visit dentist for regular checkups and cleaning.

More extreme conditions such as chipped teeth, bleeding gums, and jaw soreness can be an indication of serious health problems and should not be ignored. Over the counter treatments and home remedies can often make these problems worse, and a visit the dentist is strongly encouraged for treatment.

But is your fear of the dentist hurting your oral care routine?

The Fear Of Dentists And Dental Care

Dentist “phobia” or dentophobia is also called odontophobia and dental-anxiety. It’s the name used for “fear of the dentist” and is more than a strong dislike of dental procedures.

What Are The Causes Of Dentophobia?

There are two types of experiences that can result in a phobia:

A direct experience is the most common way for someone to develop a fear, and usually begins with a traumatic or painful event.

An indirect cause can be just as powerful, and some examples of indirect causes include:

Never Fear The Dentist Again With Sleep Dentistry

Just as the name suggests, sleep dentistry (a.k.a. sedation dentistry) is a procedure where the dentist will use medication to help calm a patient. This practice can also be used to complete more dental work in a single visit.

There are 4 levels of sedation that may be used:

Sleep dentistry can be used to complete multiple procedures in fewer visits, and may also help patients with a dental phobia overcome their fears and anxieties. If you’re interested in sedation dentistry, ask your dentist if the treatment is right for you.

For more than 150 years dentists have used silver or amalgam as the go-to filler for tooth cavities. The material is less-expensive than others and is relatively easy to care for.

Metallic fillings do have drawbacks, and research has demonstrated that silver fillings can expand and contract depending on hot and cold temperatures in the mouth. When the metal expands under increased temperatures the surrounding tooth can crack. In colder temperatures the metal can contract and allow acids and germs to seep into the cavity.

Concerned groups have also highlighted the negative health effects of mercury found in metal fillings. In larger amounts mercury may be linked to headaches, nausea, and memory loss, or even brain damage and death in the most extreme circumstances. It’s important to note that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finds no reason for concern over the mercury content in silver amalgam but that other health associations disagree with this decision.

Everyone agrees that metallic fillings are ugly, and many dentists now recommend the use of porcelain fillings over silver amalgam.

What Are The Advantages Of Porcelain Fillings?

Porcelain fillings have become an increasingly popular choice among patients who value oral hygiene and pleasing aesthetics. Here are the main reasons to consider porcelain fillings for any new cavities and also to consider replacing old metalling fillings with porcelain.

Porcelain fillings may be more expensive than metallic fillings but the advantages of porcelain outweigh the added cost in all instances.

It’s always best to contact a respected dentist for a professional recommendation.