cosmetic dentistry Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Westside Dental Associates

Renew Your Smile in 2015 with West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers

January 10, 2015

Do you want a new smile for the New Year? If you have resolved to finally fix your teeth in 2015, Westside Dental Associates can help. With a new set of porcelain veneers, you can quickly and easily correct discolored, chipped, broken, and crooked teeth for good. West Los Angeles porcelain veneers can help you achieve the “picture perfect” smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t spend another year hiding your teeth. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner for your new set of West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers today. Westside Dental Associates restores smiles daily throughout West Los Angeles and the surrounding communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

What Are West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers?

West Los Angeles porcelain veneers are custom designed, ultra-thin shells of tooth-colored materials placed over the front surface of your teeth to improve or correct cosmetic imperfections.

How Are West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers Attached? Porcelain veneers usually take three visits to complete.

First, you’ll come in for an initial consultation. Dr. Latner will discuss the cosmetic results you wish to achieve. You’ll get a full dental examination to ensure that West Los Angeles porcelain veneers are the most appropriate procedure for your situation. You may also get x-rays and impressions taken of your teeth.
At the second visit, Dr. Latner will prepare your tooth for the veneer by removing about half a millimeter of enamel from the surface. This amount is equal to the thickness of the porcelain veneer to be placed. Next, Dr. Latner will make an impression of your tooth to be sent out to a dental lab for fabrication. The fabrication process can take a couple of weeks.
At your final visit, Dr. Latner will place the porcelain veneer over your tooth to examine its fit and color; trimming the veneer if needed. Before the veneer is permanently bonded, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and roughened to achieve a strong bond. Then, Dr. Latner will apply a special curing light to the veneer to activate the bonding cement. Finally, the excess bonding cement will be removed, your bite will be evaluated, and any final adjustments will be made. You may need to schedule a follow-up visit to ensure that your West Los Angeles porcelain veneer placement has been completely successful.

What Can West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers Fix? Porcelain veneers are an incredibly versatile cosmetic dentistry tool. They can easily fix:

Crooked teeth
Chipped teeth
Cracked teeth
Spaced teeth
Discolored teeth
Misshapen teeth
Misaligned teeth

West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers Appointments

It’s time to rejuvenate your smile. Make your West Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Your 90064 dentist serves families throughout West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and nearby areas.

Straighter Teeth in Just Six Months? It’s Possible with Six Month Smiles

December 29, 2014

183238224 Some adults believe that braces are just for kids, and there is nothing they can do to straighten their teeth. But they would be wrong. There are many quick, convenient and discreet orthodontic treatments available for busy parents and professionals. Six Month Smiles is one such treatment. With Six Month Smiles you can correct orthodontic issues like misalignments or crowding in just six short months. Would you like to have a brand new smile just in time for summer? Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates. Westside Dental Associates restores smiles daily throughout West Los Angeles and nearby areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

The Six Month Smiles Procedure

Consultation– During your initial consultation, you will receive a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums and oral health to determine if you are a candidate for Six Month Smiles
Modeling– The dentist will take detailed x-rays, intraoral and facial photographs and impressions of your teeth for use by the Six Month Smiles These models will also be used to calculate the exact tooth movement necessary to achieve the desired straightening results and placement of the clear brackets and tooth-colored wires.
Placement and Bonding– At the next appointment you will be fitted with the clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. The brackets are fused to your teeth with a bonding adhesive. They come positioned inside a custom-fabricated tray that enables the dentist to place them precisely where they need to be on your teeth. The adhesive is then hardened with a high-intensity light to ensure stability. Finally, the dentist will attach the tooth-colored wires and adjust them to ensure proper tooth movement.
Follow-up Appointments– You will need to visit the dentist monthly for adjustments and tightening until your treatment is complete. These appointments should only take about 15 minutes. Once treatment is complete, the brackets and wires are removed. This process usually takes just six months to complete.

Six Month Smiles Orthodontic Treatment in West Los Angeles, CA

Six month Smiles braces are quick, convenient and barely noticeable thanks to the clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. Don’t wait any longer to get the straight beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to get the confident smile you deserve. Westside Dental Associates provides Six Month Smiles orthodontic treatment to patients throughout West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.

Meet Dr. Latner, Your 90064 Dentist

December 15, 2014

Are you looking for a Super Dentist? If you want a highly qualified Los Angeles dentist, committed to your overall good health, skilled in all aspects of dentistry, and respected in the dental community, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Latner today. Dr. Latner completed his masters in Kinesiology at UCLA, received his dentistry degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and served a two year residency in pediatric dentistry at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Latner is also a devoted Bruins fan who served many years as the UCLA football team’s dentist. For the past 30 years, your 90064 dentist has been providing quality and comprehensive dental care to patients throughout Los Angeles. And in 2014, Dr. Latner was named one of Southern California’s “Super Dentists.”

Your 90064 Dentist is:

Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
A master of the Academy of General Dentistry
A member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
A clinical assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry
A published author in the Journal of the American College of Dentists
President of the Los Angeles Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Your 90064 Dentist Offers Patient Centered Dental Care

At Westside Dental Associates, patient satisfaction is priority #1. Dr. Latner loves his work and it shows. Dr. Latner understands that restoring a smile can change a life. He enjoys seeing his patients gain back their confidence and take control of their health. For those with dental anxiety, your 90064 dentist offers conscious oral sedation to eliminate apprehension and reduce discomfort for every procedure. Likewise, Dr. Latner and his team are committed to helping each and every patient afford the dental care they need. That’s why he also offers help for patients who need to file insurance claims or apply for Care Credit.

Your 90064 Dentist: Solutions for Every Smile

No matter what condition your mouth is in, Dr. Latner has a dental care solution for you. Over the years Dr. Latner has gained much experience with extreme cases of decay and malocclusion. That’s why he takes a compassionate approach to understand each patient’s unique situation and to find the path toward good dental health that works for them. Your 90064 dentist is also great with children. During his time as a dentistry resident at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, he also learned to master the unique requirements that maintain a child’s dental health. For patients 1 to 100, with dental problems A to Z, whether you have only minor cosmetic concerns, or are in need of immediate pain relief, Dr. Latner can help. Westside Dental Associates offers a comprehensive selection of dental services for the entire family including dental sealants, gum disease and root canal therapy, full mouth restoration , porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, dental implants, and Zoom whitening.

Your 90064 Dentist Appointments

If you’re looking for a truly exceptional dentist, both accomplished and compassionate, make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Your 90064 dentist serves families throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Pediatric Dentistry: What is Dental Fluorosis?

November 15, 2014

120104044 Check any tube of toothpaste on the market today, and you will see that fluoride is at the top of the list of ingredients. That’s because fluoride can prevent cavities and even reverse early tooth decay. But studies have shown that if young children are given too much fluoride they can develop severe tooth discoloration, known as fluorosis. The problem is that many years ago, we recognized the benefits of fluoride so we set minimum fluoride requirements in public water sources. It’s estimated that the fluoride in our tap water has reduced cavities by as much as 40%. Today however, we also include fluoride in all dental care products including toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. It turns out that too much fluoride during early childhood, when permanent teeth are forming under the gums but haven’t erupted, can cause young children to develop fluorosis. Once permanent teeth have erupted, fluorosis cannot be developed. If you have noticed tiny white spots, streaks or severe discoloration with a blotchy brown or pitted appearance in your child’s teeth, it’s time to have them checked for fluorosis. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for your pediatric dentistry needs. Westside Dental Associates serves families throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Los Angeles Pediatric Dentistry: Risks of Fluorosis in Children

Your child may be at risk for developing fluorosis if they are:

Getting fluoride in drinking water
Using too much toothpaste and then swallowing it rather than spitting it out
Taking too much of a fluoride supplement
Using a fluoride supplement when the water they’re drinking already contains sufficient amounts of fluoride

Fluorosis Treatment for Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA

Only a dentist can determine if your child’s tooth discoloration can be attributed to fluorosis. If it is determined that your child has discoloration due to fluorosis, there are many dental treatments available. Treatment options include simple techniques like microabrasion, bleaching, veneers or full crowns. The risk of developing fluorosis is just one more reason to make sure your child visits the dentist for a check-up every six months. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for a pediatric dentistry dental check-up. Westside Dental Associates serves kids and adults throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Are Genetic Dental Problems a Myth?

September 29, 2014

177035393 The answer to this question is both yes and no. Genetic dental problems are no myth. Scientists have found that genetic factors cause about 60% of the risk for tooth decay. While tooth decay isn’t an actual gene in the body, your genes do determine factors that are directly related to your ability to avoid tooth decay. Dr. Latner is an experienced Los Angeles area dentist that can help you find a treatment plan to fix your dental problems if you find yourself on the losing end of genetic tooth decay risk factors.

Genetics Can Increase the Risk of Developing Dental Problems

You can’t blame your parents for all of your dental problems, but you can blame them for passing on a few risk factors. Scientists have identified five genetically determined factors that affect your body’s ability to combat tooth decay.

Sweet Preference- The stronger your genetic preference for all things sweet and sugary, the more likely you are to overindulge, which will increase your risk for tooth decay.
Enamel Strength- If you have inherited soft enamel, it will be easier for bacteria to find a home there, which can lead to more cavities.
Tasting Ability- Some people possess the ability to perceive a wider variety of flavors than others. Though research has not yet discovered why this is the case, studies have revealed links between taste ability and cavities. The greater measure of your ability to taste a variety of flavors, the less likely you are to have tooth decay.
Saliva Strength- Saliva plays a big role in the proper metabolization of nutrients like calcium and potassium. Genetics make some people better at this metabolization process than others.
Microbiome- Your body’s immune system response to these communities of bacteria in the mouth can affect your ability to fight off tooth decay.

Dr. Latner Can Help Los Angeles, CA Patients Fight Genetic Risk Factors for Dental Problems

The remaining 40% risk of tooth decay can be attributed to environmental factors. These include your diet, dental hygiene habits, smoking habits, access to dental care, culture, and some socio-economic factors. The most widespread environmental factor increasing the risk of tooth decay is the consumption of sugary drinks. Although tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in the world, an important factor to decrease your risk of tooth decay is to get regular dental check-ups from an experienced dentist. Dr. Latner has been helping his patients fight tooth decay and perfect their smiles for many years. You can contact Dr. Latner today to fight back against tooth decay and protect your healthy smile. He proudly serves all Los Angeles, CA communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and West LA.

Three Cheers for Laser Dentistry!

September 22, 2014

160047568 Dentistry has come a very long way in a relatively short time period. Advancements in Laser Dentistry have made many routine dental treatments less invasive and have significantly cut down on the time required for treatment and healing. By eliminating the need for incisions, certain laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia. Laser dentistry also minimizes bleeding because the high-energy light beams aid in the clotting of exposed blood vessels, thereby inhibiting blood loss. Lasers are useful for patients who are fearful of dental work, don’t like anesthesia, or don’t like the sound of the drill. Dr. Latner utilizes laser technology in his practice to aid in the comfort of his patients throughout Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

Laser Dentistry is less invasive and yields better results than drills and needles. It helps to minimize the spread of bacterial infections because the high-energy beam sterilizes the area being worked on. Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized and wounds heal faster as tissues are easily regenerated. Dental lasers may also be used to seal tubules (located on the root of the tooth) that are responsible for hot and cold tooth sensitivity. There are two basic kinds of dental lasers.

Laser Dentistry: Soft Tissue Lasers

Soft tissue lasers help with the healing process after surgeries and during soft tissue procedures. Soft tissue lasers can be used to reshape gum tissue to expose healthy tooth structure, improve the appearance of a gummy smile and for crown lengthening procedures. A soft tissue laser can also be used to perform a frenectomy, which is an ideal treatment option for children who are tongue tied, babies who are unable to breast feed adequately due to limited tongue movement, and to eliminate speech impediments. Soft tissue lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of soft tissue folds often caused by ill-fitting dentures.

Laser Dentistry: Hard Tissue Lasers

Hard tissue lasers also offer many advantages to the dental patient. Cavity detector lasers detect small amounts of decay inside the tooth. This is decay that visual exams and x-rays will not be able to find. Cavity detecting lasers, such as Dr. Latner’s Diagnodent system, consists of a small light probe that scans the teeth with harmless pulses of laser light. When the pulse reaches decay inside a tooth, the decay emits a fluorescent light. This light bounces back to the sensors and is translated into a digital readout. In general the higher the number the greater amount of decay. This laser accurately finds decay in its earliest stages. For dental fillings, some lasers may eliminate the need for a local anesthetic injection and the traditional turbine dental drill. Lasers used in dental filling procedures are capable of killing bacteria located in a cavity, potentially leading to improved long term tooth restorations. However, dental lasers are not appropriate for the replacement of amalgam fillings, onlays or crowns.

Laser Dentistry for Los Angeles, CA Patients

Laser Dentistry allows your dentist to detect cavities, remove bacteria, perform speech impediment surgery, crown lengthening, gum contouring and treat periodontal disease while minimizing your treatment time and discomfort. Contact Dr. Latner to find out how laser dentistry could aid in your dental treatment. Dr. Latner serves patients in and around Los Angeles, CA including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

Pediatric Dentistry and Sports

September 15, 2014

76649015 No matter how old your children are, protecting their teeth is a top priority. Injuries to teeth have the potential to affect your child for the rest of his or her life. The key to protecting their beautiful smiles is prevention. You should start bringing your child to regular dentist appointments as early as age two. As they grow and become more active in activities like soccer, football, karate and cheerleading, it becomes necessary to protect their teeth from sports injuries as well. If you’re thinking about allowing your child or teen to participate in contact sports, contact Dr. Latner for an appointment today. Dr. Latner serves families in Los Angeles, CA Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

Pediatric Dentistry and Custom Mouthguards

The first step to ensure your child is protected while participating in any contact sport is to take them to the dentist to be fitted for a custom mouthguard. While almost all sports organizations require children to wear mouthguards, there is no strict quality standard for the mouthguards themselves. This means that your child may not be adequately protected from injury.

You have three choices in mouthguards. The cheapest option is the stock mouthguards sold in sporting goods stores. They are not customizable and rarely fit well. This lack of protection could cause your child serious injuries if they were to be hit near the jaw bone or back teeth. The next best option is the “boil and bite” mouthguards which are somewhat more customizable. However, they may still be unable to protect the back teeth, or stay in place. If your child must clench the mouthguard to keep it in place, their ability to speak or breathe correctly could be hindered. A custom mouthguard made specifically for use in sports and recreational activities is the single most effective option.

Pediatric to Adolescent Dentistry

As your child grows into a teenager, his dental needs will grow and change as well. While encouraging your teen’s healthy dental habits — like brushing and flossing regularly — is important, you also need to make them aware of the unhealthy habits that will affect their oral health. For example, the sugar and acidic flavorings in soda can cause their tooth enamel to erode and can cause the development of cavities. Experimenting with tobacco products can, among other things, cause their teeth to turn yellow or brownish shades and can eventually lead to oral cancers. Developing eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia can also cause permanent damage to the mouth, gums and throat. At this stage in their development, parents must be proactive in making sure that their teens develop good oral health habits.

Trusted Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Latner can be a trusted resource for every stage of your child’s healthy smile development. Bringing your child in for visits early and often will foster a positive attitude towards visiting the dentist that will keep their teeth healthy for the rest of their lives. Contact us today to schedule your child’s next appointment. Dr. Latner serves children and adults throughout Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

The Cosmetic Dentistry Boom

September 10, 2014

187872302 It’s hard to think of dentistry without thinking of teeth whitening, veneers, or natural looking porcelain crowns. However, dental treatments weren’t always focused on improving both the health and appearance of your teeth. In the not so distant past, dental treatment only concerned itself with the treatment and cure of dental maladies like tooth decay and gum disease. Today, having good-looking teeth has merged with having a healthy mouth, and cosmetic dentistry is now a part of an all-inclusive dental treatment package. Although not an official branch of dentistry according to the ADA, cosmetic dentistry has fast become one of the most popular type dental solutions. Dr. Latner works to provide Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities with comprehensive treatment plans, each designed to address both the health and appearance of their teeth.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry encompasses any procedure that improves the appearance of your teeth. This includes: removing teeth stains, professional teeth whitening, reshaping teeth, filling gaps and cracks, placing crowns, veneers, bridges, dentures, dental implants and oral restorations through dental fillings. Advancements in technology have made it possible to get these restorations done and enhance the appearance of your teeth in a single dental visit. Whitening or bleaching is by far the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the United States.

Why is cosmetic dentistry so important?

Many surveys have shown that tooth loss and decay can significantly deteriorate quality of life for most people. Improved appearance is directly proportional to improved self-esteem. Imperfect smiles can effect personal self esteem and diminish confidence. This can affect your ability to form healthy personal relationships, and can also affect school and work productivity. Simply put, your smile is important.

Representing approximately 41 percent of the total population, Baby Boomers are the first generation to realize the importance of a great smile. The appearance of our teeth naturally changes as we get older. They may stain, yellow or decay. Baby Boomers made the move from hygiene to image enhancement. This desire to improve appearance — partnered with significant advances in the cosmetic dental industry itself — has contributed to the rise of cosmetic dentistry.

Quality Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA

Although having a great looking smile is important, your first priority should be to have a healthy smile. Dr. Latner will work with you to achieve this goal while also addressing your aesthetic concerns. In this case, health and beauty go hand in hand. Continuing advancement in biomimetics (mimicking nature) and biocompatibility (implants that match perfectly with the body and work permanently without causing any harm) have set the stage for the future of cosmetic dentistry industry. Contact Dr. Latner today to achieve your perfect smile. Dr. Latner proudly serves all of Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening

August 27, 2014

103801783 One thing that many people strive for is the smiles they see in the magazines or on television, and one thing all of those smiles have in common is the fact they are dazzling white. Having a beautiful white smile is definitely a lasting, positive first impression, and many people are willing to do whatever they have to in order to accomplish that. Unfortunately, our smiles are not resistant to stains, causing them to really affect the overall aesthetic of our smiles as time goes on. Luckily, Dr. Les Latner is able to brighten your smile using teeth whitening at his Los Angeles, CA dental office.

We offer two forms of teeth whitening. The first is in-office teeth whitening, which is able to completely revolutionize your smile in as little as an hour. When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Latner will apply the Zoom! Whitening gel onto your smile and activate it with a lamp. As you sit and wait, years of stains are effortlessly being lifted off of your smile! At the end of the appointment, your smile is up to ten shades brighter!

The second option is at-home teeth whitening, which is favorable to our patients who wish to have a gradual change in their smile. With this, Dr. Latner will make impressions of your smile in order to have your custom whitening trays made. Not only does this ensure amazing results, but it also allows you to have a cosmetic procedure completely tailors to you and your needs. We will also be able to supply you with the whitening gel that you use to fill the trays. All you do is follow the instructions, wear the trays for an allotted amount of time each day, and in about two weeks, your smile is drastically whiter! If you would like Dr. Latner’s assistance brightening your smile with teeth whitening, schedule your appointment today!

Call us today to reserve your appointment for Dr. Latner. We offer general and preventative care to patients from Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, West LA, and the surrounding communities.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

August 19, 2014

177232118 There are many reasons why someone would be insecure about their smiles, and living with a smile you feel as though you are settling for is never easy. Having teeth missing from your smile can have detrimental effects on the way you feel about yourself as well as the way you interact with the people around you. Because many people consider a smile a first impression, not being able to be one hundred percent confident is an awful feeling to have. Fortunately, Dr. Les Latner is able to restore your smile using dental implants to his patients in the Los Angeles, CA community.

The important first step to dental implants is making sure you have a consultation with Dr. Latner. There, he will be able to evaluate your smile in its current condition, evaluate your bone density, and determine whether or not dental implants are right for you. You can also take that opportunity to bring up any questions or concerns you may have, as we think it is important you remain as comfortable and knowledgeable throughout this entire process as possible.

If you are a candidate for dental implants, a titanium post will embedded into your jaw. Not only does this replace the missing tooth root, but it also fuses with your jaw bone over time, generating new and healthy bone growth as well as establishing a strong bond. With proper time and healing, the crown is then added. The crown resembles a tooth exactly, so your new smile will look natural and beautiful! At the end of the procedure, you have the smile you have always wanted that you cannot wait to show off! If you would like Dr. Latner’s help restoring your smile using dental implants, contact our office today!