All posts by Alan Zabolian

concept image of dangers of sleep apnea

Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea, ,

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes breathing problems during sleep. Many people dealing with sleep apnea do not even realize that they have the condition. But if their partner or family member reports a heavy amount of snoring, this could be a sure sign that something is wrong. Let’s investigate the dangers of sleep apnea.

Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Your dentist in downtown Los Angeles often connects some important links between sleep and oral health. There are many dangers of sleep apnea that could be affecting you if let it go untreated. Some patients may even suffer brain damage due to underlying sleep apnea conditions. Take a look at the following information and get in touch with us to schedule your sleep apnea appointment with us ASAP.

Sleep Apnea Causes and Symptoms

How does sleep apnea begin? If it’s not treated promptly, sleep apnea could prove fatal. Your partner or you may both be able to identify the most common signs of sleep apnea while sleeping. Some symptoms include:

  • Constant fatigue
  • Insomnia or trouble falling asleep
  • Changes in mood
  • Sleeping in a coma-like state
  • Gasping for air or choking when you wake up
  • Frequent headaches in the morning
  • Forgetfulness

Sleep apnea could be made more likely by certain risk factors. Your risk factors include sudden weight gain, a family history of sleep disorder, smoking, and alcohol consumption. You may feel mood and happiness problems if you have sleep apnea as well, which could lead to the need for mental healthcare.

Sleep Apnea and its Mental Effects

On the subject of mental health, it is possible that the more common symptoms of sleep apnea might not be obvious immediately. Sometimes it may take some time to realize something is wrong. Research has demonstrated a stronger link between sleep apnea and mental health than we previously thought, which helps to speed along the diagnosis process. People with sleep apnea, especially if it is not diagnosed early on, can have higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Additional studies have shown an increase in cognitive impairment. Reduced brain function is to blame, as sleep apnea cuts off oxygen from your body’s control center. Over time, this could make you feel more and more sick, increasing the urgency of your need to see a doctor.

Sleep Apnea And Memory Loss

Some forms of sleep apnea can cause memory loss and, in extreme cases, can lead to the forgetting of important life events. Sleep apnea is linked to memory loss, which is not surprising considering the fact that it can also cause fatigue. Patients may find it difficult to recall details about life events. Sometimes, patients mistakenly perceive long-term memories as short-term memories and forget how much time has passed between that event and now.

Restoring Brain Damage from Sleep Apnea

According to some studies, sleep apnea can be reversed. Although there is no cure for sleep apnea, the chances of getting a complete recovery are high. There are several ways to improve your brain’s functionality and health.

A CPAP machine, which you can use while you sleep, is the most popular and effective treatment. Studies show that people who have used CPAP for a year can improve and regrow their white matter, thereby reducing the damage.

Get the Best Sleep Apnea Treatment Today

Sleep apnea is most commonly associated with memory problems, mental health issues, sore throats, snoring, and heart problems. This condition can have serious consequences for your whole body if not treated properly over time. Get in touch with your trusted doctor or dental experts today to learn more about an effective solution to your sleeping problems. Get the best sleep apnea treatment in Downtown Los Angeles when you sign up for a personal consultation ASAP.

concept image of taking kid to the dentist

Tips for Taking Your Kid to the Dentist

Pediatric Dentistry, , ,

You are a new parent and you want to do the right thing for your child. It is important to schedule regular checkups and appointments. How about your child’s oral health? When is the best time to schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist? How can you prepare your child for a positive experience at the dentist? Here we have some tips for taking your kid to the dentist.

Tips for Taking Your Kid to the Dentist

Before you take your child to see the dentist, it’s important that you have all of these questions answered. You should be able to help your child feel at ease once that time arrives. Here are some top tips for taking your kid to the dentist, courtesy of your board-certified dentist in downtown LA.

Know What to Expect

Your child’s dentist will probably perform a brief and gentle exam during this first appointment. This will take between 30-45 minutes and depends on the condition of your child’s mouth. Your little one might also need to have X-rays taken and their teeth cleaned, depending on the situation. As they grow older, the dentist will teach your child proper flossing and brushing.

Help Your Child Learn the Value of Oral Health

Sometimes, it takes an expert to convince a child to take good care of their teeth. A healthy smile will make you a better person in the long term. Our dentists can provide treatment and care depending on the needs of your child. It helps to visualize the problems and pains your child would experience if they had to deal with dental issues.

Teach At-Home Oral Care Options

You will want to encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene habits before and after their first appointment with the dentist. To prevent plaque and other harmful bacteria from building up on your teeth, you should brush and floss daily.

These are just a few other tips that you can use to help your children feel more encouraged to practice daily dental hygiene:

  • Use a soft toothbrush to start. Start with a soft toothbrush and then gradually increase the number of bristles that you use to brush your child’s teeth.
  • Bottle tooth decay is a serious problem. Baby bottle tooth decay is common in babies who drink too much.
  • To clean their gums, use a damp cloth. Even though your child has all their teeth, their oral health is still important. Make sure you give them a gentle clean every day.
  • Teach your child how to brush their teeth. As they get older, teach your child how to brush their teeth properly. By age 7, they should be able to brush their teeth independently.
  • Limit sugary foods before the age of 8. Sugar can lead to tooth decay in children younger than 8, especially if they are still learning how and when.

It is crucial to begin monitoring your child’s oral health early. You should be alert for signs that your child may have oral problems as they grow.

Throw an After-Visit Party

Your child should visit the dentist approximately every six months for a checkup and cleaning. You can make going to the dentist a pleasant and enjoyable experience, even though everyone hates it. Instead of making the dentist’s chair intimidating and scary, teach your child about the many ways dentists can help you keep your teeth healthy. You can reward your child’s visit with something extra. You can take your child to a theme park or let them play hooky at school. Or throw a party at your home to celebrate good oral health!

Invest in your Child’s Future Now!

Even though they might not like to go to the dentist, it’s important that your child visits at least twice a year to get a deep clean and to look out for any oral health issues. There are many ways to help your child feel comfortable and calm when visiting the dentist. They are sure to enjoy our state-of-the-art office of pediatric dentistry in Downtown Los Angeles, where your young one can receive care from one of the best dental experts in the area. Get in touch with Samaritan Dental Arts today to learn more!

Concept image of color-matched dental fillings

Can I Have Color-Matched Dental Fillings?

General Dentistry, ,

Composite dental fillings are tooth-colored fillings that match the color of your natural teeth. Composites can blend seamlessly with virtually any tooth color by custom crafting the color. Composites are a popular cosmetic option for treating your smile’s cavities. But can you have color-matched dental fillings?

Can I Have Color-Matched Dental Fillings?

A lot of patients who visit their dentist in Downtown Los Angeles ask, “Can I have color-matched dental fillings?” The short answer is yes. Dental professionals can match your tooth color with white fillings made of composite resin. Similar matching can be done for any other dental restoration procedure. Learn more about tooth-colored restorations with our helpful information below!

About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings with tooth-colored teeth are a popular alternative to metal. They have gained popularity among patients and dentists over the past decade. These types of fillings do not use metal and instead use acrylic or ceramic materials to repair damaged teeth. For optimal aesthetic results, the material is color-matched to each patient’s tooth. Because of their cosmetic benefits and other factors, younger patients are more likely than older patients to have tooth-colored fillings. However, these fillings are widely available and can be made with one easy office visit.

Why Patients Like Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite fillings have become the modern choice for fillings. Composite fillings are custom-made to match the natural color of your tooth, making them almost invisible. They are attached to the tooth by bonding the material to it so that they don’t fall off. Composite fillings are a popular choice for patients who want to replace old gold and silver fillings. There are other benefits:

  • Beautiful in appearance
  • All completed in one visit
  • No leaks over time
  • There is less chance of teeth cracking

Composite resins can be color-matched to natural teeth to make white fillings virtually invisible. Composite tooth-colored fillings bond to the tooth, unlike silver or gold fillings. This helps prevent tooth fractures and protects the tooth from extreme temperature changes. Composite fillings are less likely to fall out than metal ones, making them a preferred choice by patients young and old.

Are Color-Matched Fillings Affordable?

Prices for every procedure vary, but generally white fillings are more expensive than metal ones. We have found that white fillings are more appealing than metal because of their unique ability to bond with the teeth and natural appearance. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of dental fillings since they are a preventative treatment that gets rid of cavities in your mouth.

Replacing Your Metal Fillings with New Color-Matched Options

For cosmetic reasons, white fillings can be more beneficial than metal fillings. Many patients don’t want any brightly colored metal parts to be visible when they smile and eat. White fillings will not cause people to spot your fillings, even when you are pointing them out. Sometimes, even trained dentists can’t see composite fillings!

Metal fillings can also require more tooth removal and replacement. This can lead to issues down the road, as the metal expands or retracts at different temperatures. Some patients still want to have their mercury fillings removed as they can cause different health symptoms including mercury poisoning and chronic infection. Tooth-colored fillings don’t just look better; they are better for your dental health, too!

Get Natural-Looking Fillings with Your Dentist Today!

Samaritan Dental Arts offers a variety of services and treatments that will help you achieve your best smile. You can get professional dental treatment for your dental health, including dental fillings and cosmetic bonding. Contact our experts today to schedule a consultation for your oral health concerns, and see how you can benefit from the best dental fillings in Downtown Los Angeles that support a long life of good dental health.

concept image of care for dental crowns

Top Ways to Care for Dental Crowns

Cosmetic Dentistry,

Dental crowns are a great way to save your natural teeth and improve the function of your mouth. Dental crowns can be used to prevent you from having to have more extensive dental work in the near future. Crowns have many benefits, including their durability. With proper care, they can last for many years. It is important to know how to prevent damage. These five tips will help you maintain beautiful smiles for years, regardless of whether you have one crown or many. Let’s look at the top ways to care for dental crowns.

Top Ways to Care for Dental Crowns

Porcelain crowns can be used to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. The benefits of porcelain crowns don’t end with the procedure. To ensure your porcelain crowns last a lifetime, there are some aftercare guidelines our emergency dentist in Downtown LA has that you can follow.

Brush and Floss Your Crowns Daily

Dental crowns typically last between five and fifteen years. Your oral hygiene and other habits will determine the lifespan of your dental crown as well as your natural teeth. However, permanent crowns require less care than temporary ones. Regularly brush your teeth and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. Treat your crowns like you would your regular teeth, making sure to keep them free from plaque and tartar by engaging in daily dental activities.

Invest in a Night Guard for Restful Sleep

Nightguards are similar to retainers and protect your upper and lower teeth from touching. This is a good option for those who grind their teeth while sleeping. Grinding can cause your crown and other teeth to wear down. The best dental nightguards are comfortable enough to sleep in while helping you break your bad dental habits. To prevent unnecessary damage and rising restorative dentistry costs, practice prevention with a nightguard to keep your crowns and natural teeth protected.

Stop Bad Dental Habits

Avoid bad habits such as grinding your teeth or chewing your nails. They can cause damage to the crown. People also enjoy chewing ice, which can cause damage to the crown. When performing your daily oral hygiene, be sure to pay attention to the gum line. Brushing too harshly or eating hard items can cause irreparable damage to your gums, which can contribute to a lifetime of gingivitis or gum disease. Stop these habits as soon as you can to keep your crowns and all of your dental health safe.

Avoid Chewing Hard or Chewy Foods

Although crowns are strong and durable, they can still be damaged just like natural teeth. You should replace your crown sooner than usual if you are chomping on hard candy or ice. Sticky and chewy foods can also cause problems. They can weaken or loosen your crown, or cause sticky bits to stick between your gum and your crown. Avoid these foods whenever possible.

Remember that the durable porcelain used in crowns is resistant to staining. It can’t be bleached like natural teeth because of its resistance to staining. To ensure your crown looks the best, it is a good idea to get a professional whitening treatment before you have it done. If you do decide to whiten your teeth in the future, your crown will match your natural teeth perfectly.

Learn More About Dental Crowns Today!

You might have difficulty eating or speaking if you have chips, cracks, or missing gaps in your teeth. Your smile might not be what you want when you look in the mirror. Our top-of-the-line dental crowns in downtown Los Angeles can restore your smile and give you the functionality you have always wanted. Call our friendly professionals today to find a customized treatment plan catered to your budget and oral health needs. To ensure your crown fits perfectly, we can arrange a personal consultation with you. Contact us today to start your journey to good dental health!

Man running representing older patient with dental implants look real

Do Dental Implants Look Real?

Dental Implants, ,

Implants are a popular choice for restorative dentistry. Implants can be a great option for people who have lost or damaged teeth and are having difficulty chewing, breathing, or even smiling. And, implants give patients a chance to live a normal, comfortable life. But do dental implants look real?

Do Dental Implants Look Real?

But a lot of patients want to know: How do implants work? Do dental implants look real enough to pass off as real teeth? Do they feel good, too? If there’s one thing our dentist in downtown Los Angeles knows, it’s that dental implants should be built to last a lifetime. High-quality implants can look and feel just like real teeth. If you want to improve the functionality and health of your smile, read on!

How Dental Implants Work

Implants can serve as a permanent fixture in your mouth and act just like natural teeth. They should feel and act almost identical to your natural teeth over time. To ensure they last long, it is important to understand how they function in the first place. Dentists typically follow these steps to determine how many implants you need and how the procedure will take place:

  • Your dentist will determine how many teeth should end up replaced by dental implants.
  • Your dentist will surgically attach posts on your jawbone that will attach to the implants later.
  • The posts will fuse to your bone as you heal and provide permanent security for the implants.
  • The posts will hold your dental implants. They will look and feel just like your natural teeth.

Once your implants are removed, your permanent dentures will become more comfortable in your mouth. They will become your natural teeth over time and you will feel normal again.

Your Candidacy for Implants

For more information on whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant, schedule a consultation with your dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth to determine if they have damage or missing parts. This will allow them to determine the type of restorative dentistry treatment that best suits you. Candidates typically exist in good general health with one or more missing teeth needing replacement by implants. If you are dealing with bone loss in your jaw, you may not be a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Custom Made for Your Smile

A prosthetic crown is the visible portion of a dental implant. It attaches to an implant’s surface called an abutment. Crowns are made of a composite material, which is custom-made to match the color and shade of the tooth enamel. This is what makes it look just like a real tooth. Your dentist can also mold, sand, and shape crowns to match the shape of the tooth they are replacing. Implants look and function just like normal teeth.

The benefits of implants are not limited to aesthetics. The jawbone will ultimately fuse with the titanium elements of the implant. This integration stimulates the healthy gum tissue and jaw growth. It also prevents jaw and gum recession which can lead to serious problems for not only the area surrounding the missing tooth but for the entire arch. Not to mention, you’ll be able to chew and smile again like new!

Dental Implants are a Lifetime Benefit!

We at Samaritan Dental Arts understand how important it is to maintain your dental health. You won’t enjoy many of the everyday activities that you can do if your smile isn’t healthy enough. Implants can give you a second lease on life, extending your comfort and well-being for many years to come. Contact us now to find out more about the best dental implants in downtown Los Angeles and to schedule a consultation immediately!

Tooth with root canal bandage on blue background to explain how dental inlays and onlays are different.

Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

Dental Emergencies, , , ,

A mild toothache could indicate that you have a cavity or an injury. A serious toothache is a sign of something much worse. Radiating pain that won’t go away usually means that you are dealing with a tooth infection. The longer the toothache lasts, the further the infection will spread throughout the body. The best way to prevent total tooth loss in the event of major pain is to visit your emergency dentist in Downtown LA. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need to get a root canal done. But is a root canal a dental emergency?

Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

Is a root canal a dental emergency, though? Are toothaches something that needs to be addressed right away? While the answer can vary on a case-by-case basis, a root canal is typically considered to be a dental emergency. This is especially true because bad infections could reach the bloodstream, which can be deadly. Keep reading to prepare yourself for the emergency root canal procedure should you find yourself in this situation.

Biggest Signs of a Root Canal Emergency

You should always be able to get in touch with an emergency dentist to handle your root canal treatment. Some people’s symptoms may be milder, while others may be more severe. The biggest signs that you need emergency dentistry treatment right away are intense pain, bleeding, and tooth damage that exposes the pulp. If you aren’t sure how bad your tooth infection has become, you should give yourself the benefit of the doubt and contact your endodontist as soon as you can.

How Root Canals Work

Root canals are the go-to procedure for urgent situations where an advanced infection is present. Once a tooth has become infected, it must be filled with a cavity filling. Or else the infection will get worse. Eventually, it can spread to the pulp of the tooth, which is where the tooth stores its nerves that connect to the rest of the body. Once the infection reaches the pulp, it is classified as a dental emergency and a root canal treatment is needed to remove the affected pulp.

The typical steps of a root canal treatment are as follows:

  • X-Rays and testing. Your dentist will take pictures of the damaged tooth to determine whether treatment is necessary – and if so, what type of treatment would be best.
  • Infection treatment. If you have a bad tooth infection, your dentist may want you to take antibiotics to get rid of the infection before you go through the root canal procedure itself.
  • Pulp and nerve removal. During your procedure, the dentist will use a numbing agent in your mouth so you don’t feel pain throughout the process. Your pulp and nerves will be removed from the tooth, getting rid of the infected material.
  • Tooth sealing. After the tooth is cleaned out from the inside, your dentist might have to seal it with a special material. In a future appointment, the restoration will be completed with a crown or dental bonding.

Patients are famously afraid of root canal procedures. And it is understandable why anyone would have hesitation about enduring a treatment like this. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we make it a priority to help you feel comfortable and at ease while giving you the best treatment for your symptoms. Root canals are nothing to be afraid of; the whole process will be over and done with before you know it!

Get an Emergency Root Canal ASAP

If you have a toothache that just won’t go away or infectious pain that is just getting worse, you should visit your emergency dentist right away. Be sure to get in touch with our root canal specialist in Downtown LA and schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Don’t delay your health any longer!

Father and child practicing good home dental habits brushing teeth

Best Home Dental Habits

Dental Care at Home, ,

Everyone knows that the key to a healthy mouth is a daily routine of brushing and flossing. You should also visit your local dentist in downtown Los Angeles for regular checkups and deep cleanings to ensure that there are no serious dental problems building up in secret. But on most days, you should engage with the best home dental habits to keep oral health issues at bay.

Best Home Dental Habits

Let’s review some of our favorite at-home dental habits that can keep you on the path to good oral hygiene for the rest of your life. As some of the most common medical issues around the world, tooth infections and cavities only get worse over time if you don’t properly treat them. Here are some steps you can take at home to make sure your teeth never get that bad!

Brush – and Don’t Forget to Floss

The core part of your daily routine includes brushing your teeth, but the maintenance shouldn’t stop there. It is also important to floss to get rid of plaque and tartar that may have built up in between your teeth. These are tight and hard-to-reach spaces that the toothbrush can’t reach. And according to the ADA and the CDC, you should floss your teeth once per day to prevent a buildup of bacteria.

Invest in Mouthwash

Still looking for that extra bit of cleanliness after you have brushed and flossed? There’s one more thing you can do on the regular: Use mouthwash! This is a good way to flush out those extra bits of bacteria that might not have gone away with the brush. Additionally, mouthwash can keep other dental issues like gingivitis and even hard plaque at bay.

Use More Fluoride

There are a lot of reasons why toothpaste and mouthwash products can effectively clean your teeth, but the biggest reason is fluoride. This chemical is very good for your teeth as it helps to kill bacteria while washing away any other unsavory particles. It is essential that you invest in tooth-cleaning products that contain fluoride. In fact, products without fluoride cannot protect you against cavities. If you are actively looking for ways to keep your teeth clean at home, you must get your hands on some products that contain fluoride.

Try to Stop Smoking

Nobody is at fault for forming a bad habit. A lot of people smoke, and it’s the effort to stop smoking that can really make a difference. Over time, tobacco and nicotine can inhibit your body’s immune system and make it more difficult for you to recover from dental maladies. If you have to get dental treatment, recovery from the procedure could be a lot slower as well.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly!

Maintaining your dental health at home is vital to your overall health. You should also check in with your local experts at least every 6 months for a full examination. A certified dental hygienist can clean your teeth and perform x-rays to get a deeper look at what’s going on underneath the surface. If there are any issues such as cavities or plaque, they will be resolved right away. We recommend visiting your dentist twice a year, but you may need to visit more, depending on your individual needs.

Practice the Best Home Dental Habits Every Day

The best way to prevent dental maladies is to protect your teeth as best as you can. This includes a daily routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash that contains enough fluoride to combat bacteria and waste. It is also a good idea to visit your dentist every few months for a checkup and additional treatment if needed. Learn more about preventative dentistry in Los Angeles when you get in touch with our pros at Samaritan Dental Arts today!

Woman smiling without side effects of teeth whitening

Common Minor Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Dentistry, , ,

Teeth whitening is the most common and popular cosmetic dentistry treatment in the world, and it has many major benefits. If you are dealing with yellowing teeth or dark spots in unsightly places, you could benefit from this affordable and pain-free procedure. Now, let’s look at some minor side effects of teeth whitening.

Common Minor Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

People who visit their local dentist in Downtown Los Angeles often ask about the after-effects of the teeth whitening procedure. Are there any dangers to be aware of? Is it always safe for adults looking to whiten their teeth? Below, we will review the common minor side effects of teeth whitening you may experience alongside all of the benefits.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

For a short amount of time, you might be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Be careful while eating and drinking things that might be frozen or piping hot. There are specific kinds of toothpaste you can buy that will help lower your sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Still, you can expect this sensation to naturally fade away after a few days following your tooth whitening procedure.

Gum or Skin Irritation

If the bleaching agent used to whiten your teeth comes into accidental contact with your gums or your skin, you may experience a little bit of irritation. If you feel irritation or burning anywhere, you should notify your dentist immediately. It can be treated by flushing the area out with water. Any feelings of irritation should subside pretty quickly.

Discomfort – But Not Pain

If you are someone who already experiences natural tooth sensitivity, you might be in a little bit of discomfort after your tooth-whitening procedure. It is important to note that most patients do not report experiencing any pain, but there may be some discomfort as the teeth become more sensitive than usual for a short amount of time. If you have trouble eating, drinking, or even breathing while dealing with discomfort in the mouth, get in touch with your local dentist right away.

Tooth Tingling

Another interesting sensation you might want to expect is tooth tingling. Patients have said that their teeth and gums feel like they are tingling. But not in a way that is uncomfortable or painful. This is sometimes a side effect of the bleach used in the whitening agent, but it should not last very long. You can discuss these concerns with your dentist during your follow-up appointment if you are still experiencing tingling days after your tooth whitening procedure.

Throat or Stomach Pain

If you accidentally swallow some of the bleaching agents, you may experience burning or painful sensations in the throat and stomach. This usually does not occur, as the agent does not typically touch your tongue or get into your mouth. The agent is applied directly to your teeth and dried with a UV light, making no contact with any other part of your body. In the event the bleaching agent does get somewhere else, you should wash the area with water right away. If swallowed, contact the doctor immediately.

Get the Best Tooth Whitening Results at Samaritan Dental Arts Today!

You deserve to enjoy a smile filled with bright, dazzling teeth. If you want your teeth whitened the right way, visit us at Samaritan Dental Arts! We provide a wide range of high-end services and products to help you achieve perfect teeth whitening in Downtown Los Angeles. Worried about some of the minor side effects of teeth whitening? You can schedule a personal consultation with one of our dental experts right away. We look forward to helping you improve the health and look of your smile!

Woman with dental veneers

Things That Harm Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers,

Everyone wants to feel good about the way they look, and teeth are an important part of beauty. It can be difficult to smile in public or look in the mirror if you have blemishes, stains, cracks, or chips on your teeth. Porcelain veneers can help you feel good both inside and outside. Now, let’s look at things that harm dental veneers.

Things That Harm Dental Veneers

Our dentist in Downtown LA offers premier dental veneers made from porcelain and composite materials that can give your smile a new facade. But you need to take care of them in order to keep them looking strong and pristine for many years to come. Here are some of the biggest things that harm dental veneers over time if you do not invest in good oral hygiene.

Physical Harm

If you are susceptible to physical damage, you might not want to get veneers. Porcelain veneers are just like real teeth in that they can be damaged by sudden injury or a physical accident. Contact sports and similar activities can be too dangerous for your veneers if you don’t wear the proper mouth protection. Veneers should be treated like porcelain caps that sit on top of your real teeth, so you might not want to put them in harm’s way.

Poor Dental Hygiene

It is important that you keep up with a daily routine of brushing and flossing. Veneers may physically cover up some of the damage on the surface of your tooth, but that tooth still needs to be cleaned. Otherwise, it can start a rapid spread of decay and infection. If you get a cavity under the tooth that has veneers on it, you may need to have your veneers permanently removed.

Grinding Your Teeth

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can severely affect your oral health. A lot of people grind their teeth due to stress or pain without even realizing it. Unfortunately, a lot of tooth grinding happens overnight. This constant clenching and gnashing of the teeth can cause veneers to crack and break. This same damage can occur to your natural teeth as well, which is why it is important to seek treatment for bruxism right away.

Too Much Stress

One reason why you may grind your teeth (or chew your fingernails) a lot is due to stress. The buildup of stress and anxiety can have real physical results, which can negatively impact your health. Are you constantly biting things and chewing on objects that shouldn’t go into your mouth, Then this applies too much force to the veneers which could cause them to break apart.

Bad Installation

This doesn’t happen very often. But it is possible for your dentist to do a bad job applying the veneers to your teeth. A porcelain shell must be made to match the shape and size of the surface of your tooth. So it can be properly applied with dental bonding. In some rare instances, the bonding may not apply all the way or the veneers could be misaligned after the procedure. It is best to get them redone right away.

Find Your Favorite Cosmetic Dentistry Solution in LA Today

Samaritan Dental Arts is your local solution for the best porcelain veneers in Downtown Los Angeles. Whether you are looking to repair chipped, broken, or stained teeth, you can get the help you need from certified specialists in your area. Get in touch with our friendly staff members today to schedule a personal consultation so you can learn about our wide range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments. Learn about veneers aftercare so you can enjoy a dazzling white smile for many years to come!

Woman asking questions of her dentist about Invisalign.

6 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign

Invisalign, ,

Orthodontics may be an option if you have crooked or misaligned teeth. But, a lot of people don’t want to deal with metal in their mouths. With Invisalign, individuals can have a more beautiful smile in a shorter time. The Invisalign system works by gradually shifting your teeth using a series of removable aligners. Invisalign is quickly becoming a popular choice for patients of all ages. Here are the top questions to ask your dentist about Invisalign.

6 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign

Most of our LA patients want to know whether this procedure is safe and effective. Our dentist in downtown Los Angeles will show you the most important questions to ask your dentist about Invisalign before you invest in the procedure.

Is Invisalign Safe?

Both adults and adolescents can have straighter teeth with Invisalign. You can wear these aligners comfortably at home and in daily activities. If patients are required to wear mouthguards while competing in high-impact sports like boxing and wrestling, they should take off their aligners. Although this decision is not always easy for everyone, many parents decide to not give their children braces or removable aligners. They are likely to damage or lose them. Plus, their teeth may not yet be fully grown in.

How Do They Work?

Invisalign uses flexible and removable aligner trays, rather than traditional braces, which use wires to pull teeth down into the correct alignment. To be effective, Invisalign aligners must be worn for between 20 and 22 hours per day. Just because you can remove them doesn’t mean they should be left off. If you want good results, you should only remove them when you eat and when you clean them during your dental hygiene routine.

What Are the Most Common Dental Problems that Invisalign Can Treat?

Invisalign can solve many common issues. These include issues such as underbite or overbite. Invisalign is also able to straighten your crooked teeth, remove crowded areas, or close gaps between teeth. If you require any major tooth movement after severe misalignment or injury, you may require metal braces to assist you after an Invisalign treatment.

Can Invisalign Allow Me To Eat While Wearing the Aligners?

Remember that you must remove Invisalign aligners before you start to eat. This is because food can cause damage to the aligners and slow down the process of straightening your teeth. The more damage you get, the less effective the overall Invisalign treatment will be. Make sure to clean your trays before and after you eat, and every day before you replace them.

What Is the Best Thing to Drink with Invisalign?

Patients should really only drink water while actively wearing Invisalign. Because hot beverages like tea and coffee can cause alignment warping and staining, it’s best not to touch them. Sugary drinks like Gatorade, juice, and soda can also stick into the space between your teeth. When wearing your trays, this sugar will end up stuck and advance the production of decay. It remains important to reach out to your dentist right away when this problem comes up.

What Is the Typical Duration of Invisalign Treatment?

Many patients are curious to know how long a usual Invisalign treatment will last. Invisalign aligners should be consistently used for 9-12 months. Patients may need more time, particularly if the aligners are broken or not being worn correctly. If you are curious about whether or not you are a likely candidate for Invisalign treatment, reach out to our LA dentist right away.

Find the Best Dental Treatment for You Today!

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we invest in the highest-quality treatment for all of our patients. We want you to get the most out of an innovative solution for invisible braces in Los Angeles. Contact our orthodontic specialists today to see the benefits of Invisalign for yourself!