The Cosmetic Dentistry Boom

September 10, 2014

187872302It’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.

Dental Implant Post-Op Diet: Must-Know Tips from Dr. Les Latner in Los Angeles

April 2, 2014

shutterstock lumineers smileAt the Los Angeles dental practice of Dr. Les Latner, we provide our patients with the thorough instruction and accurate information they need to ensure lasting oral health. The success of any surgical procedure, including the placement of dental implants relies largely on how well the body is cared for. An important aspect of the recovery process is nutrition in the days and weeks following surgery.

The Importance of Diet Following Dental Implant Surgery

The tissues located in your mouth are among the most rapidly healing in the entire body. In order to heal properly and completely after any type of surgery, the body requires quality nutrition and sufficient rest. For the duration of your recovery period, you’ll follow specific instructions provided to you by Dr. Latner and our team. A portion of these instructions will include how to properly cleanse the surgical site after eating so as to promote full healing and minimal discomfort. Other important diet-related tips include:

  • Stay hydrated. For the first few days following your procedure, the amount of solid food that you’ll be able to eat will be limited. Six to eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day can help keep you hydrated as your gums heal, giving your body the necessary tools it needs to recover. Do not drink through a straw at all until healing is complete; doing so can result in the dislodging of the clot that is essential to successful healing.
  • Avoid excessively hot foods. Instead, stick to a variety of cold, soft foods until all bleeding has ceased and signs of wound healing are apparent. Applesauce, Jell-O, yogurts, and smoothies are typically among the best options, soothing the gums rather than irritating them.
  • Keep it simple at first. Until your dental implant has completely fused with the jaw bone, eating anything that requires crunching or applying immense pressure should be avoided. When osseointegration is complete, your implanted restoration will be just as strong as the rest of your dentition, allowing you to eat and drink normally once again.
  • Don’t stop eating. It’s common to experience a diminished appetite following surgery, particularly one that involves the delicate structures of the mouth. It is important, though, to ensure that you’re giving your body the vitamins, minerals, and proteins it needs to heal. We are always here to help if you have any questions about a specific type of food or drink after your implant procedure.

Optimal Oral Health through Proper Nutrition

Whether you have already begun the dental implants process or you’d like to learn more about post-op care, Dr. Latner and our entire team are here to help in every way we can. We will always provide you with the close, personal attention and superior care you deserve. From our conveniently located dental practice in Los Angeles, CA, we also warmly welcome patients from surrounding communities in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Venice, Brentwood, Culver City, Rancho Park, West LA, Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, and beyond. Contact our office today to discover what a difference our commitment to you and your family can make in your next dental experience!

Reclaim Your Smile with Implant-Supported Dentures

May 17, 2012

If you’ve had trouble adjusting to your dentures, you’re not alone. For many, traditional dentures are uncomfortable and make speaking difficult. And while they may restore your appearance for awhile, they ultimately can’t prevent you from losing more bone mass in your jaw over time.

That’s why, if you live in the Los Angeles area, you should consider implant-supported dentures from Westside Dental Associates. With implant-supported dentures, you can reclaim your quality of life and your winning smile!

What Makes Implant-Supported Dentures Different?

Whereas traditional dentures rely on suction or adhesives, implant-support dentures are anchored by dental implants. That means they come in two parts. What your friends and family will see are your beautiful, natural-looking dentures. What they won’t see are the dental implants anchoring them.

Dental implants are made from a biocompatible metal that works with your existing bone tissue to creating a firm foundation for your dentures. It’s this strong foundation that gives implant-supported dentures their advantage over traditional dentures.

But as great as implant-supported dentures, not every patient is a candidate for dental implants. Which is why, if you live in Los Angeles and have been considering implant-supported dentures, you should call us today. We’d be happy to schedule a consultation visit for you with Dr. Latner. During your appointment, Dr. Latner will be able answer all your questions, in addition to performing a thorough oral exam and making a recommendation about what service is most right for you.

Are you ready to improve your quality of life? Call us today! We can’t wait to help you smile.

Save Money: Floss!

June 19, 2011

Do you understand the importance of flossing? Judging by the patients who come into my office, I’d estimate that about 90% of you aren’t flossing. I’m guessing that’s because you really don’t understand why you need to. After all, you can whiten your teeth, either here in our Los Angeles dental office, or take home whitening kits. You brush, at least at night, right? So why not just add a round of flossing and save your teeth (not to mention save money–see below).

Here are the reasons why you should be flossing:

  • Flossing makes your breath sweeter!
  • Flossing gets the food out of your teeth: duh!
  • Flossing prevents cavities: the floss gets in the areas where the brush doesn’t; leftover food builds up bacteria and that causes cavities.
  • Flossing prevents gingivitis (gum disease): keeps your gums healthy. Flossing keeps irritating bacteria away from your gums. Bacteria are like sandpaper to the gums. The irritation sets up a chain reaction that results in tenderness and bleeding which is a sign that your gums are suffering!
  • Flossing will save your teeth! The biggest reason for tooth loss? Gum Disease. You can prevent tooth loss by flossing.

How much does a floss container cost? $3. I’ll give ’em to you free if you come in for your 6-month checkups!

Here are the prices for dental work if you don’t floss:

  • Regular surface filling runs around $300.
  • A root canal runs around $750-900
  • A crown runs around $1200
  • If you lose your tooth and need a dental implant, that runs around $3500.

As you can plainly see, it’s much less expensive to floss!

Floss comes in many varieties: waxed and unwaxed (which I prefer, it’s more efficient at cleaning but if you have really tight contacts between teeth, try Glide floss).  You can also enjoy flavored floss. Whatever makes you floss, do it.

How often should you floss?

Minimum: At least once a day.

Brush 3 times a day and floss once.

Like I always say: Beverly Hills quality at West LA prices…and free parking!

Les Latner, DDS

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