Cosmetic Dentistry 411

A common activity that many toddlers and children partake in is thumb sucking, which can sometimes lead to problems with the development of the teeth. Due to the pressure made when sucking on the thumb, there is a risk of disrupting the natural path of growth and malocclusion can occur.

Some of the unpleasant features that may take place include crooked tooth development, open bit, excessive overjet, low forward rest position of the tongue, open mouth when the lips are in a rest posture, and some speech impediments. The best way to determine if thumb sucking is going to cause problems is by visiting with a trained and qualified orthodontist. During a visit, the patient has X-rays taken and the extent of the thumb sucking is discussed in order to determine the best course of action. Usually, the first step will be to stop the patient from continuing the habit, followed by corrective orthodontics if malocclusion has already started. Patients who are older and are experiencing the unpleasant effects of thumb sucking, more aggressive measure may be necessary.

Be sure to visit an experience orthodontist to learn more regarding malocclusion correction; Kevin B. Sands of Beverly Hills can help you or your child achieve a better-looking smile. You may browse his website to learn more regarding Invisalign ®, an alternative to traditional braces.

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Dental procedures are serious matters that should not be taken lightly – you only get one set of teeth, which is why it is important to take great care of them in order to maintain a healthy, shining smile. In order to help you prevent and/or treat dental problems, I highly recommend visiting with a qualified and trained dentist who can help meet your needs. Regardless of the treatment needed – routine cleaning, fillings, or dental implants – it is important to meet with a dental provide who has the skills and experience to provide satisfactory results.

Some things to take note of when searching for a dentist include their education, involvement in accredited associations/organizations, and specializations. Depending on the procedure you need, there may be additional training necessary to perform the treatment; it is imperative to learn of your dentist’s background in said procedure. In addition, being a part of dental associations ensures that he/she is up-to-date on the latest guidelines in dentistry and safety standards. Another important factor to consider is the techniques and technology that your dentist is incorporating into the procedures. Some of today’s advancements in dentistry have provided patients with faster results and less discomfort.

Equally important are the dentist’s before and after photos. Be sure to view several examples of his/her patient results to make sure that you are pleased with the results you may anticipate. Although no two patients are alike, it is still of great benefit to get an idea of the work that your dentist is capable of doing prior to your treatment.

Many patients are uneasy about having dental work done, which is why it is important to find a dentist who is understanding of this and can provide a comfortable environment. This extends to the staff at his/her office, who should be able to help answer questions and concerns regarding the practice, dentist, and procedures. A pleasant staff is often an indication of what patients may anticipate from their dental provider.

Those who visit my Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry practice may look forward to a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, and particularly my attention to detail throughout the entire process. As a Beverly Hills “Smile Sculptor,” I am dedicated to providing you with a brighter, natural-looking smile.

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American Idol is a show that pits aspiring musicians against one another in order to identify the next breakout star based on their vocal talents and showmanship. But anyone who watches the show religiously knows that the real hunt is for the rising star who most embodies the American ideals of authenticity, work ethic, and in many cases, overcoming of adversity. And these qualities are precisely what got Crystal Bowersox into the final rounds.

Although her musical chops were significant, her small town roots, her years struggling as a busker in Chicago and her relatable spirituality, and relationship woes (she broke up with her longtime boyfriend just hours before the final performance) made her a fan favorite during the ninth season of American Idol.

But just before embarking on her nationwide American Idols Live! Tour, she made a controversial reveal. Bowersox, who previously commanded a certain unpretentious, au natural appeal with her earthy dreadlocks and conspicuously gap-toothed smile, had apparently visited a cosmetic dentist. San Diego’s CBS 8 ran the TV Guide story that showed a picture featuring the 24-year old singer/songwriter with a pearly white row of gorgeous, perfectly aligned teeth.

Bowersox’s decision to invest in cosmetic work initially touched off some knee jerk backlash from her fan base. Some fans lamented the loss of her distinctive gap while others accused her of succumbing to vanity in the face of blinding stardom. But there’s more to the story than appearances.

Just prior to the final round of voting, Bowersox disclosed that she had been a longtime sufferer of diabetes. According to a USA Today interview, Bowersox had been reduced to begging outside of pharmacies in order to afford her insulin. “No one should ever have to do that,” she said, while pledging to use her platform as a celebrity to raise awareness and support for childhood diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are highly susceptible to dental health problems, which likely explains Bowersox’s own issues, which were not mentioned in the story circulated by CBS 8 San Diego.

Dental bonding, dental implants, and other cosmetic dental procedures have helped Bowersox rectify a symptom of her diabetes in a way that is symbolic of her crusade to help undo the damage that too little awareness of childhood diabetes has wrought upon the public at large.

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When people refer to the pearly white grins of the rich and famous as “million dollar smiles,” they’re only being a little facetious. After all, those perfectly aligned, brilliantly white and impeccably shaped teeth may very well have cost a lot to get that way.

The stars of the big and small screens, many leading high-octane lifestyles fueled by coffee, cigarettes and alcohol, can’t be expected to have naturally gorgeous smiles. They pay top dollar to the finest cosmetic dentists for professional tooth whitening; and considering a dazzling smile can make or break their career, the investment is typically well worth it.

But what about the rest of us regular folks? We rise early, sip lattes, and indulge in an occasional cigarette or cocktail, as well. Unfortunately, over the years, our teeth pay the price. But unlike the stars, many may not get away with deducting professional tooth whitening as a business expense.

So the demand for affordable tooth whitening for the average consumer sent the industry scrambling for solutions. The first attempt came in the form of over-the-counter tooth whitening pastes, gels, and strips. To this day, these products promise movie star whiteness but deliver B-film results at their very best. The true breakthrough for accessible tooth whitening doesn’t come from a box – it comes from technology.

The breakthrough technology is called Laser “Zoom” Bleaching and combines a topical bleaching gel along with a special light treatment that activates the whitening agent. This is the element that is missing in at-home whitening kits and provides a far more uniform and dramatic tooth whitening. San Diego’s Dr. Scott Meester and Dr. Mel Olafsen use Zoom whitening to get patients’ teeth up to 10 shades whiter in as little as an hour.

A properly trained and equipped San Diego cosmetic dentist can perform these procedures as quickly and easily as a routine checkup or cleaning. From fillings to fluoride, the field of dentistry is always evolving to better serve the masses.

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