Cosmetic Dentistry Archives - Lovebites Dental

How to Maintain Your Dental Implants

alwin.laguindab — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Are you thinking of getting dental implants? If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are likely the best replacement option for you. They offer many benefits, such as giving you a beautiful smile, letting you bite and chew normally, and always being fixed firmly in your mouth.

But perhaps the best benefit of dental implants is that they can last a lifetime if cared for properly. What does proper care mean? Some people think that they can neglect dental implants because they can’t get cavities. Dental implants are indeed immune to cavities. Dental implants’ titanium and advanced ceramics don’t develop cavities like natural tooth material. However, dental implants depend on your natural gums and bones for support. For your implants to stay in place, you have to make sure you keep these support tissues healthy. Plus, you have to make sure any natural teeth you still have stay healthy, too.

Here are some tips to help you keep your support tissues healthy so your implants can last a lifetime.

Tips for Maintaining your Dental Implants

Your dentist or periodontist and hygienist will advise you to religiously do the following to keep your dental implants in the best condition for the longest time possible:

1. Follow Your Dentist’s Orders

Your implant specialist will create a unique dental checkup schedule as well as a specific care plan for you. To get the best results with your implants and avoid problems like peri-implantitis (inflammation in the tissue surrounding the implant), follow each specific guideline of your dentist’s plans.

Whenever you have care questions, go to your dentist’s specific instructions. If your question isn’t answered, call to talk to your dentist. After all, dental implants are custom appliances, and yours might be different. It’s best to ask the dentist who placed them.

2. Visit Your Hygienist Every 3 to 6 Months

Unlike regular teeth, implants cannot handle the typical metal cleaning tools hygienists regularly use. You need special and softer cleaning tools for your implants, and you might need cleanings more often than with your natural teeth. Your dentist may require you to see the hygienist as often as every three months. However, people develop plaque and tartar at different rates, so you might still only need to visit your dentist and hygienist twice a year. Ask your dentist what’s best, and be prepared to change your routine as necessary.

3. Floss, Floss, & Floss!

Flossing with implants is as essential as it is with regular teeth simply because it reaches that narrow space between implants that brushes cannot get.

The proper approach to flossing depends on the structure of your implants and your restorations. For some people, traditional dental floss works best. A proxy brush also called an interdental brush, is better for others. Other times, a water flosser might be a better choice. Be prepared to try different tools. Plus, you might need a combination of techniques to get the best results.

At each of your cleaning appointments, your hygienist will let you know how well you’re doing and whether you might need to try different tools.

4. Ask about Mouthwash

Another valuable technique for cleaning around your dental implants is a mouth rinse. This might be a valuable addition to your daily hygiene routine for some people. There are many different types of mouth rinses on the market, including alcohol-based or non-alcohol-based mouthwash. Ask your dentist whether you should use mouthwash and which type is right for you.

5. Pick The Right Toothpaste

Use a toothpaste that’s designed to provide extra protection for your gums. You need protection against oral bacteria and other gum problems. Ask your dentist for recommendations on good kinds of toothpaste to use with your dental implants.

6. Watch for Signs of Trouble

You are the first line of defense for your dental implants, so it’s crucial for you to keep an eye out for signs of possible complications. This includes any deviation from the expected course of healing, setbacks in your healing, or new symptoms around your dental implants, such as redness, pain, or looseness. Natural teeth have some movement, but dental implants should be firm and have no motion.

7. Always Give Your Dentist a Visit

Stay in touch with your dentist. For the slightest pain, discomfort, or questions, always run to your implant specialist before things worsen. The first few months of using dental implants are always the most critical, so extra care is needed, especially against infections around the healing tissues. To learn more about proper maintenance or address your concerns regarding dental implants, please call (619) 656-6785 or contact Irresistible Smiles in San Diego today.

The post How to Maintain Your Dental Implants appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

How to Maintain Your Dental Implants

alwin.laguindab — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Here are some tips to help you keep your support tissues healthy so your implants can last a lifetime.

Tips for Maintaining your Dental Implants

Your dentist or periodontist and hygienist will advise you to religiously do the following to keep your dental implants in the best condition for the longest time possible:

1. Follow Your Dentist’s Orders

2. Visit Your Hygienist Every 3 to 6 Months

3. Floss, Floss, & Floss!

Flossing with implants is as essential as it is with regular teeth simply because it reaches that narrow space between implants that brushes cannot get.

At each of your cleaning appointments, your hygienist will let you know how well you’re doing and whether you might need to try different tools.

4. Ask about Mouthwash

5. Pick The Right Toothpaste

6. Watch for Signs of Trouble

7. Always Give Your Dentist a Visit

The post How to Maintain Your Dental Implants appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

How to Gain Access to the Best Cosmetic Dentistry at a Low Price

alwin.laguindab — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Did you know that you don’t have to pay full price to get the cosmetic dentistry treatments you want? No, we don’t mean traveling to another country to get cheaper cosmetic dentistry. You can get discounted cosmetic dentistry treatments right here in the US from highly qualified dentists. Keep reading to find out how!

Dr. Safarian Founded lovebites dental

Several years ago, Dr. Safarian came to the realization that patients were spending too much on cosmetic dentistry and dentists were spending too much on restorations from dental labs or getting cheap restorations from unreliable labs. To solve all problems at once, he founded lovebites dental. lovebites dental is a community of cosmetic dentists who provide cosmetic dentistry at a discounted price. To provide patients with discounted cosmetic dentistry, lovebites dentists all use the same trusted high-quality dental lab in the US.

Benefits of Visiting a lovebites Dentist

If you’re searching for a cosmetic dentist in San Diego, look no further than a lovebites dentist. When you work with a lovebites dentist, you can look forward to a number of benefits.

High-Quality Lab

One of the top benefits of visiting a lovebites dentist is knowing that the treatments you receive from a dental lab come with the highest quality possible. Usually, patients don’t know where their restorations are made unless they’re made in the office. A dentist might use a lab outside the US that uses cheap materials and patients might not know about it.

When you visit a lovebites dentist, you can feel confident and secure knowing you will have high-quality restorations that won’t fail in the near future. Instead, you can look forward to them lasting long, looking beautiful, and functioning well. Getting dental work from a dentist who uses a high-quality lab will save you money in the long run. Otherwise, you will have to replace your restorations more often which can add up.

Cheaper Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

One of the biggest benefits of using a lovebites dentist is that patients can enjoy cheaper cosmetic dentistry procedures. One of the biggest factors that prevent everyday patients from improving the appearance of their smile is the cost to improve it. When you visit a lovebites dentist, you will gain access to discounted cosmetic dentistry so you can save money but enjoy gorgeous results.

Lots of Dentists to Choose From

If you live here in San Diego, you can simply book an appointment with Dr. Safarian to gain access to the lovebites discount. Just make sure to mention “lovebites” when you book your appointment.

If for any reason you don’t live in San Diego, you’re moving, you’re traveling, or someone you know is searching for a cosmetic dentist, the lovebites dental network extends past San Diego. In fact, there are dozens of dentists around the US who are lovebites dentists and offer the same discount. Start browsing all available lovebites dentists today.

Access to Wide Range of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

The best part about working with a lovebites dentist? Most cosmetic dentists offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry procedures.

If you’re not sure whether cosmetic dentistry is right for you, it’s helpful to know what types of problems cosmetic dentistry can solve. Typically, you will benefit from cosmetic dentistry if you experience one or more of the following issues.

Stained or discolored teeth
Crooked, crowded, misaligned teeth
Gapped teeth
Missing teeth
Broken, cracked, or damaged teeth
Worn teeth
Misaligned bite
Unnatural looking restorations
Old restorations

If you need cosmetic dentistry, here are the most common types of procedures you can get from lovebites dentists.

Porcelain Veneers – These thin porcelain sheets can change the entire appearance of your tooth and can make your teeth appear whiter, more symmetrical, more shapely, and hide any underlying damage or problems.
Teeth Whitening – Remove years of stains and discoloration with the power of professional whitening.
Dental Crowns – Replace missing teeth or restore broken, worn, or damaged teeth back to health by placing a natural-looking dental crown.
Dental Bonding – Cover up small flaws like cracks, chips, worn teeth, and gaps with dental bonding.
Dentures – Replace an entire jaw of missing teeth.
Dental Bridges – Replace one or more missing teeth.
Dental Implants – Replace single or multiple teeth with support from dental implants.
Orthodontics – Straighten your teeth with different orthodontic treatments including Invisalign.

During a consultation with a lovebites dentist, they will inform you of the best treatments for your needs.

Schedule an Appointment With lovebites dentist, Dr. Safarian Today!

If you’re searching for a cosmetic dentist in San Diego, look no further than Dr. Safarian. Call us at (619) 656-6785 and mention “lovebites” when booking your appointment to gain access to lovebites discounts. We look forward to helping you achieve your dream smile! Make sure to tell all your friends and family about lovebites so they can get discounted cosmetic dentistry too.

The post How to Gain Access to the Best Cosmetic Dentistry at a Low Price appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

Wait Before You Visit a Dentist in Mexico to Save Money

alwin.laguindab — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 06:00:00 +0000

If you’re unhappy with your smile but feel that the dental treatments you need like cosmetic dentistry or dental implants won’t fit your budget, you might have searched for alternative solutions like dental tourism. Here in Chula Vista, we’re just a few miles north of the border. With such close proximity to Mexico, you might feel tempted to make a day trip to Tijuana to get cosmetic dentistry or dental implants to save money. Although tons of dentists in Mexico advertise amazing prices and results, you should err on the side of caution for several reasons.

Communication

One of the biggest reasons why you shouldn’t visit a dentist in Mexico to save money is because there will be communication limitations. Unless you’re fluent in Spanish, don’t expect to understand everything your dentist or their team has to say. Of course, there will be dentists that speak fluent English. This doesn’t mean their forms or everyone on their staff will.

In comparison, a patient visiting a dentist in the U.S. can be sure his or her problem will be understood. This is because it’s required by law for a medical provider to provide translation services if needed.

Safety Regulations

Hygiene and safety standards are not uniform across countries. A dentist in Mexico might see 10 times the amount of patients that a US dentist might see per day. This means they spend significantly less time with you. If they’re short on time, they might take shortcuts by not taking all the same safety and hygiene precautions as a US dentist. They also might not pay as much attention to detail if they’re short on time.

Without the same standards as the US, visiting a dentist in Mexico comes with additional risks. They might use outdated techniques, hygiene practices, and technology. Each of these factors can contribute to infections or short-lived results. Without regulations, your dentist in Mexico might prescribe stronger painkillers or sedation dentistry than what is actually necessary.

Accreditations

Just like safety regulations aren’t the same, so are accreditations. A doctor accredited by a dental association in Mexico doesn’t have the same value as one accredited by the American Dental Association. Their association might not have as rigorous standards such as needed education and training experience. With less training and experience, you risk the results of your dentistry procedures.

Fixing Botched Treatments Isn’t Easy

If your procedure goes wrong, you might have a hard time getting your dentist in Mexico to fix it. Since regulations aren’t the same in Mexico as they are in the US, your dentist might not offer to fix your problem in order to salvage their reputation. You will also have to spend extra time and money traveling back and forth to make things right. There are no guarantees with dental tourism. You might end up spending more time and money traveling back and forth to get dentistry in Mexico than you would to just see a dentist in the US.

Travel Expenses and Time

Another reason why dental tourism might not be right for you is that not all procedures take one visit. For instance, if you’re getting dental implants in Mexico or porcelain veneers, you will require at least two visits to the dental office. Although Tijuana is a short drive away, crossing the border can take hours out of your day. It can also cost you a lot of travel time. If you’re traveling somewhere besides Tijuana, you might have to pay for a hotel and flight depending on where you’re traveling to. With high gas prices and long border crossing times, is it really worth the time and money to travel to Mexico for dentistry?

Mexico Isn’t The Safest Destination

Not only do you risk problems going wrong with a dental procedure, but you also risk being a victim of a crime while you’re in Mexico. Tijuana ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the world in 2019. Most areas of Mexico have a travel warning due to non-violent and violent crimes. As a tourist, you might become the victim of gang activity, kidnapping, human trafficking, murder, carjacking, robbery, sexual assault, and extortion.

How To Get The Best Value Dentistry For Your Money

Instead of spending a lot of time and money on traveling to Mexico for dentistry and questionable results, you can get amazing care right here in the US at Irresistible Smiles in Chula Vista Dr. Safarian offers a wide range of dental treatments and an impressive resume of continuing education, experience, and happy patients. Additionally, we will help you find financing options that work for your budget so you can get exceptional care and results without stress.

Contact our Chula Vista dentist today for an appointment by calling (619) 656-6785.

The post Wait Before You Visit a Dentist in Mexico to Save Money appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

7 Fascinating “Fun Facts” About Cosmetic Dentistry You May Not Know

alwin.laguindab — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile, specifically your gums and teeth. There’s a variety of procedures that can fix pretty much any concerns you have. Sometimes one treatment can address multiple issues. Meanwhile, some patients might need more than one procedure to achieve the “perfect” smile.

There are things you may think you know about cosmetic dentistry. Below are some interesting “fun facts” you might not be aware of.

1. The History Of Cosmetic Dentistry

There have been incredible strides in cosmetic dentistry practice recently, thanks to technology. However, some treatments have been around for many, many years. In fact, the Etruscans dabbled in dentures in-and-around 700 B.C. At that time, they were ivory and bone. Teeth were taken from dead animals or humans, then sold to those in need of them. It’s important to note that these “dentures” didn’t last too long, often deteriorating quickly and smelling odd. However, this did lead to the start of dentures, which lasted through to the 1800s and beyond. The dentures we use these days have certainly evolved!

The Etruscans didn’t stop at dentures. By 200 A.D. they came up with tooth restoration ideas. Gold was the material of choice for dental bridges and crowns. With that said, this was more of a “fashion” statement, at times.

2. Improves Your Teeth’s Health and Function

The ultimate goal for cosmetic dental treatments is to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. However, there are times they also improve the function and health of your teeth. Missing a tooth affects your smile. It also can lead to issues around chewing and eating. Failing to address missing teeth can create other long-term health issues like:

Gum disease
Facial bone loss
TMJ pain

If you are suffering from tooth loss, there are options. Dental bonding, bridges, and crowns will improve your smile. Plus, they’ll also help with oral health and tooth functionality.

3. Helps Address Tooth Sensitivity

In addition to health and function, there’s a treatment that helps decrease tooth sensitivity. If you suffer from this, you can effectively deal with it through porcelain veneers. This treatment covers stained teeth, chips, and cracks, plus, so much more. Thin porcelain strips placed over your tooth will change its look and reduce sensitivity, too.

4. You Are Not Alone

You are your own worst critic when it comes to your smile. The good news is, you aren’t alone in this. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently conducted a study. Results revealed that over one-third of U.S. adults are unhappy with their smiles. Plus, close to 50% of Americans aged 18-24 have “untagged” themselves in a Facebook picture because of their smile!

In addition, a 2019 study noted that close to 60% of Americans cover their mouth when laughing. This is due to insecurities around their teeth. As well, one in two participants stated they smile with their mouths closed. In addition, and 61% said they wished they could change something about their smile.

5. Females Are Fonder

As per the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), female patients represent two-thirds of total cosmetic dental treatments. Typical age ranges include 41 to 60. There’s no other data around the reason “why” there are more female than male patients. Perhaps, women like to smile more?

6. Teeth Whitening Is Very Popular

As per another study, 81% of Americans want whiter teeth. Over-the-counter products found at big box stores simply do not work as effectively as a treatment at your local Chula Vista dentist. The procedure is simple, and results are noticeable after one application.

Interestingly enough, porcelain veneers can do the whitening trick, as well. Therefore, you’ll save time and money in the long run as you won’t need as many whitening treatments. The great thing about cosmetic dentistry is that you have options. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

7. You’ll Be Happier

Whatever cosmetic dental treatment you choose, you’ll want to show off your new pearly whites right away. Smiling more will make you a happier person. That’s because smiling releases serotonin and dopamine. These are the chemicals and hormones in your brain responsible for well-being and happiness.

Smiling more also exudes confidence and helps to boost your self-esteem. This positive projection will help in both your personal and professional life.

Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry In Chula Vista, CA

Interested in learning more about a specific cosmetic dental treatment, and how it can transform your smile? There are many different procedures you can choose, depending on your needs.

Regardless, reach out to Irresistible Smiles today! You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (619) 656-6785 or booking a visit online. During an initial consultation, we can go over your smile goals and answer any questions you have. As a leading practitioner of cosmetic dentistry in Chula Vista, Dr. Safarian uses advanced technology and his commitment to your personal care to provide ultimate comfort and lasting results. You’ll be smiling more, in no time!

The post 7 Fascinating “Fun Facts” About Cosmetic Dentistry You May Not Know appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

The Top 10 Benefits of Invisalign

alwin.laguindab — Thu, 13 May 2021 06:00:00 +0000

If you’re searching for an orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, you’ve likely explored a few different options. Usually, most people choose between the two most popular treatments—Invisalign or traditional braces. Is one treatment really better than the other? For some patients, the benefits of one might outweigh the benefits of the other. To help you decide whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you, we’ve compiled a list of their top benefits in comparison to traditional braces.

1. Comfort

One of the top benefits of Invisalign in comparison to traditional braces is their level of comfort. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to straighten the teeth. These can feel sharp against the sides of the mouth, the lips, and the tongue. It’s common for those with metal braces to experience cuts and sores in their mouths from the braces. With Invisalign, there is significantly more comfort involved. Instead of sharp metal resting against the cheeks, it’s smooth plastic. The clear plastic aligners won’t cause any irritation or discomfort like traditional braces.

2. Appearance

Some patients might feel bothered wearing metal braces because they’re painfully obvious—especially if they’re an adult seeking orthodontic treatment. If you would prefer a more discreet treatment that not everyone knows about, Invisalign is the better option. You will wear clear plastic aligners that are nearly invisible. You can keep your treatment a secret between you and Dr. Safarian. Throughout your treatment, you won’t feel self-conscious about your treatment because it will look so invisible.

3. Convenience

One of the best benefits of Invisalign is how convenient it is. The aligners are completely removable and you can remove them for up to two hours per day to eat, brush your teeth, snap a photo, or do whatever you want. With traditional braces, the brackets are bonded to your teeth until your treatment is over.

4. Speed

Another major difference between traditional braces and Invisalign is that Invisalign tends to work a little bit faster. This is because Invisalign moves the teeth in smaller increments. Instead of large movements every six weeks with traditional braces, you switch the aligners every two weeks. This allows the treatment to move along faster.

5. Easier to Clean Your Teeth

Since you can remove the clear aligners, you don’t have to invest in any special tools to clean your teeth effectively. Instead, simply remove the aligners and brush and floss like you normally would. Visiting the dentist for regular cleanings is also easy because you only need to take your aligners out instead of getting the wire removed first.

6. Fewer and Shorter Office Visits

When you have traditional braces, you typically need to visit the dental office every four to six weeks to tighten your braces. These appointments can take as long as an hour sometimes. With Invisalign, you will have all the aligners you need at home so you can switch to the next set without coming to our office. Instead, you will visit us about every six weeks so we can quickly check on the progress of your treatment. The visits will be short so you can spend less time at our office and more time enjoying your life.

7. Better Oral Hygiene

With traditional braces, it’s hard to maneuver between brackets and wires to effectively brush and floss. This can result in poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, and gum disease. Since you can easily remove your clear aligners for brushing and flossing, you will remove more plaque and bacteria from your mouth. As a result, you will have better oral hygiene than someone with traditional braces.

8. Eat Whatever You Want

The metal brackets and wires with traditional braces can easily become damaged. This is why when you get traditional braces, you’re given a list of foods you shouldn’t eat like chewy or sticky food, hard food, or food you bite into. If you eat the wrong foods, it can break your bracket or wire and require you to visit the dentist to fix it. With Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want throughout your treatment because the aligners are removable.

9. Beautiful Results

Invisalign can address most mild to moderate cases just as well as traditional braces. Only when there are severe misalignment or bite problems would someone not be a good candidate for Invisalign. In six months to two years, you can expect beautiful, straight teeth.

10. No Dental Emergencies

Since you never have to worry about breaking a bracket or dealing with a poking wire, you won’t have to worry about dental emergencies and extra visits to the dentist. The only type of emergency that might happen with Invisalign is losing your aligner or your dog getting ahold of it. However, if you keep it in your case whenever it’s not in your mouth, you should be fine.

Get Invisalign in Chula Vista Today

If Invisalign sounds like the right orthodontic treatment for your needs, you don’t have to just read about the benefits of Invisalign. You can experience them for yourself. Or, combine traditional braces with Invisalign. It really depends on your needs. Contact Irresistible Smiles at (619) 656-6785 in Chula Vista today to schedule a consultation.

The post The Top 10 Benefits of Invisalign appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

6 Treatments That Can Transform Your Smile in 2021

alwin.laguindab — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000

After what many deem as one of the worst years ever, most people are looking forward to the new year and making 2021 their best year yet! We can get behind making 2021 an amazing year. One of the ways you can help make it your best yet is by finally achieving that gorgeous smile you’ve been dreaming about. Fortunately, Irresistible Smiles Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offers a wide range of treatments to help you accomplish your goals. Explore some of the treatments that can transform your smile in 2021.

1. Orthodontics

Orthodontics aren’t just for teenagers, they’re for all ages. It doesn’t matter how old you are; if you want straighter teeth, one of our orthodontic options can help you. Straighter teeth can make your smile look more attractive, help your bite feel more comfortable, and make it easier to effectively brush and floss your teeth.

Stop looking in the mirror and feeling embarrassed about your crooked, gapped, crowded, or misaligned teeth. We offer several options that can help! The sooner you start your orthodontic treatment, the sooner you will finish it and have the perfect smile.

Choose from functional orthodontics and orthopedics, fixed and removable appliances, and Invisalign. Children can take advantage of our other treatments like simple tooth movement, early orthodontic treatment, and space maintainers. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Safarian to find out which treatment is right for you.

2. Teeth Whitening

Another dental treatment that can transform your smile next year is teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening in San Diego is a great way to get rid of years of stains from your teeth and give you a glowing white smile. Your new whiter teeth will help everyone see just how gorgeous your smile really looks. Our cosmetic dentist offers both in-office and take-home whitening products. No matter where you decide you want to whiten your teeth, we can guarantee our professional Zoom! Whitening products will provide you with amazing results you won’t get with any over the counter whitening product.

3. Porcelain Veneers

Instead of getting several different cosmetic dentistry procedures like orthodontics and teeth whitening to perfect your smile, you might just need one or a few veneers instead. Porcelain veneers can change the color, shape, size, and overall appearance of your teeth. The procedure only takes two appointments to complete and provides instant results! Once you get porcelain veneers, you won’t have to worry about how long your orthodontic treatment takes to achieve results or whether or not that glass of red wine stained your teeth. Instead, you get a picture-perfect smile that lasts for years to come.

4. Dental Implants

Once you lose a tooth, you either have to replace it or leave an empty space in your mouth. Of course, we always recommend replacing it. If you don’t replace it, your jaw bone will begin to go away in that area and your surrounding teeth might shift into the empty area.

On the flip side, if you lost your tooth or teeth years ago and wear dentures now, you might feel tired of dealing with how insecure and unstable they feel in your mouth.

Dental implants are your solution for missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation to hold your replacement teeth in place while also retaining bone. The overall result is a nearly natural-feeling tooth replacement. You will soon forget you ever lost your natural teeth to begin with. Dental implants are the best tooth-replacement option on the market. Let 2021 give you your smile and confidence back with help from dental implants.

5. Composite Tooth Fillings

Metal amalgam fillings might restore your tooth after removing a cavity, but they don’t look natural or attractive at all. Fortunately, we can replace your metal fillings with composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and reduce any risk of mercury poisoning. If you’re unhappy with the sight of your metal fillings, let our San Diego cosmetic dentist replace them with tooth-colored fillings. This small procedure will leave your teeth healthier and more attractive.

6. Dental Bonding

Porcelain veneers aren’t your only option to change the shape or size of your tooth or hide minor flaws like discoloration or chips and cracks. Dental bonding is an alternative solution. Dental bonding can provide similar results but with a shorter lifespan. It also doesn’t require any preparation of your tooth to complete the procedure. Let us fix your minor flaws with this instant result cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Get Cosmetic Dentistry in San Diego

If you really want 2021 to be your best year yet, you will need to feel confident in your smile and in your life. If you don’t like the appearance of your smile, it might affect you more than you think. With our help, we can help you feel amazing every time you let your smile shine. The more confidence you have in your smile, the more confidence you will have in your life.

Contact Dr. Safarian at Irresistible Smiles in San Diego to book a cosmetic dentistry consultation today. Please call (619) 656-6785 to get started.

The post 6 Treatments That Can Transform Your Smile in 2021 appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

Could That Dark Spot be a Cavity?

alwin.laguindab — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0000

When we have dark spots on our teeth, our immediate reaction is to find the best whitening solutions. Many people bypass the dentist and go straight for the at-home whitening strips and trays. However, the dark spots may not go away. Even worse, they might get larger or darker after whitening.

If your teeth showed no improvement after at-home whitening, one of two things happened. Either you need professional whitening from your dentist or you have underlying issues that are discoloring your teeth. Whatever the case, Dr. Safarian can whiten your smile to its former glory.

Why Should You See a Professional for Whitening?

We often get the DIYers in our office after multiple rounds of at-home treatment. Instead of going through all that trouble, we recommend coming in for professional whitening the first time. Professional whitening can save you discomfort, time, and even money.

First things first, let’s talk about your comfort level. Without the precision of a professional dentist, at-home whitening can be quite painful and uncomfortable. The more powerful whiteners will get all over your gums and cause discomfort. With these whitening methods, sensitive teeth may also become even more sensitive. Additionally, the less powerful whiteners make almost no difference to the color of your teeth. Because of this, these whiteners will cause more discomfort, too, since you will need to apply a large amount of product to see any results.

At-home whiteners will also cost you time and money in the long-run. The slight difference in tooth coloration will have you buying and trying many different whitening solutions. Instead, you could visit your dentist and have beautiful pearly whites in just one visit.

Other Reasons Your Teeth Aren’t White

If your teeth have other underlying issues, whiteners will not be the best route for you. In fact, whitening your teeth will remove your enamel and make matters worse. If you see your dentist before trying at-home tooth whitening methods, he can identify the issue and save you the trouble. Whether you have a cavity, chipped tooth, or cracked teeth, your dentist will identify and resolve the discoloration with cosmetic dentistry solutions.

When you visit our dental team, we will help you decide what’s best for your smile. Whether you need fillings, dentures, or dental implants, your new smile will dazzle your family and friends.

Your Cosmetic Dentist in Chula Vista

If you need tooth whitening services in Chula Vista, come visit us at Irresistible Smiles. You’ll get the bright white smile of your dreams in just one visit. Give us a call at (619) 656-6785 or schedule an appointment online.

The post Could That Dark Spot be a Cavity? appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

Teeth Whitening Can Be Fast, but Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Put It Off

alwin.laguindab — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Here’s to hoping that your special event this summer in the San Diego area has not been canceled because of COVID-19. And if it’s going forward, you’re going to want to get your smile looking the best it can be. This might include a cosmetic dentistry procedure like teeth whitening.

One of the benefits of teeth whitening is that it can be done very fast. With Zoom! teeth whitening, you can have a dramatically brighter smile in under an hour. That way you could potentially have the procedure done the day before or even the day of your event.

However, there are good reasons not to wait that long when getting teeth whitening.

Your Stains Might Be Stubborn

Teeth whitening is a powerful procedure, and it can remove most stains from the surface of your teeth. However, it doesn’t always remove all the stains. If your teeth are badly stained, your results might not be as bright as you want after a one-hour whitening session.

If that’s the case, you have options. We offer a powerful daily teeth whitening system that you can use at home to improve and maintain your results from an in-office whitening. But this can take time. It may take six weeks to achieve maximum whiteness with an at-home system.

Especially if you’ve never had your teeth whitened before, it’s a good idea to get it done several weeks before your event so you can achieve the white smile you desire.

Discoloration Might Not Be Stains

Teeth whitening works by removing stains from your teeth. But stains aren’t the only reason why teeth get discolored. Sometimes tooth discoloration comes from within the tooth. This could be due to defects in the enamel such as those caused by dental fluorosis or it might be caused by thin enamel letting the dark-colored inner layers of the tooth show through. In some cases, discoloration might even be from tooth decay or even an infected tooth.

If your problem is something other than stains, you might need different treatment, such as fillings, veneers, or even root canal therapy to address the cause of discoloration.

Whitening Might Reveal Other Problems

If your teeth are badly discolored, that might be the only problem you notice about your smile. But once you remove the stains, you might notice other problems.

We see this all the time. People realize that their teeth weren’t just discolored, they might also be a little crooked. Or maybe they’re a little small, which is part of the reason why their smile doesn’t seem as bright as it should.

If you notice other problems related to your smile, it’s good to have time to address those problems before your big event. Veneers are a great solution to most cosmetic concerns that might crop up at this stage, and they can usually be completed within a few weeks. Doing whitening a few weeks before your event will give us the time we need to pursue plan B.

Safe Cosmetic Dentistry

Irresistible Smiles is now open for all types of dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry. We have implemented all recommended safety procedures to ensure it is safe for our patients to visit the office for even routine and elective procedures such as cosmetic dentistry. Plus, our new virtual consultation means that you can talk about cosmetic dentistry and have your smile evaluated without ever coming into the office.

To learn more about getting the beautiful smile you want for your big event this summer, please use our form to schedule a virtual consultation or call today for an appointment with a San Diego cosmetic dentist at Irresistible Smiles in Chula Vista.

The post Teeth Whitening Can Be Fast, but Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Put It Off appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

Mind The Gap: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention of Diastema

alwin.laguindab — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Diastema, otherwise known as a tooth gap, pertains to the spacing between two or more teeth. It is most often seen on the front teeth and occasionally the back teeth.

In adults, however, the diastema is most likely permanent and requires orthodontic treatment for correction.

Causes of Diastema

There are many different causes of diastema. The most common cause of diastema is the discrepancy between the size of the teeth and that of the jaw. Spacing occurs when the teeth are normal in size but the jaw is too big. If the jaw is normal in size but the teeth are too small for it.

A special condition called a peg lateral refers to the developmental defect of the lateral incisor, resulting in the gap between the lateral incisor and the teeth adjacent to it (central incisor and canine).

Other causes of diastema include missing and unerupted teeth, oral habits (such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking), periodontitis, mesiodens, and oversized labial frenum.

Meanwhile, oral habits such as tongue thrusting, improper tongue rest, and thumb-sucking push the upper front teeth forward, creating space as they flare out.

Periodontitis, on the other hand, refers to the advanced form of gum disease characterized by bone loss in addition to the inflammation of the gums. The aggressive form of this disease results in the fast destruction of the supporting bone and using the affected teeth to become mobile.

Another cause of diastema is missing or undersized teeth. If the lateral incisors are missing for any reason, it’s likely a gap between the two front teeth will develop.

Midline Diastema Causes

Mobility results in gap formation, which tends to worsen over time without treatment for periodontitis. The labial frenum, a small band of soft tissue located found just above. The two upper central incisors may also cause diastema if it is large enough.

If this tissue extends far below its normal position and passes between the two central teeth it prevents these teeth from naturally closing the space between them.

Lastly, mesiodens cause diastema in the same way as an oversized labial frenum – it grows at the back of the central incisors. It thereby prevents the teeth from coming together to close the gap.

Treatment of Diastema

Although diastema doesn’t have any adverse effects on one’s health, most patients prefer to have it corrected for aesthetic purposes.

The most recommended method for closing a diastema is orthodontic treatment. It involves the installation of braces on the upper and lower teeth to pull the teeth together and close the space.

But if the cause of the problem is an oversized labial frenum or mesiodens then the patient requires surgery before getting braces. Otherwise, the problem may only recur once removing the appliance. The surgical procedure for removing frenum is called a frenectomy.

For small gaps, the patient may opt for the placement of composite restorations or crowns instead of orthodontic treatment.

If space is due to a missing tooth, then tooth replacement options like fixed bridges, removable dentures, and dental implants should be considered.

Following the consultation, we will splint the involved teeth, install braces, or restore with a fixed bridge or denture.

Prevention of Diastema

When the cause of diastema is developmental defects, then there’s no way to avoid it. Orthodontic treatment is also preferred as early as possible. If periodontal disease is to blame, proper oral hygiene is the solution. This will stop the gap from widening even further. Brushing and flossing can do so much to halt the progression of periodontal disease.

For cases caused by oral habits, the most logical thing to do is to break such a habit. You can go to your Chula Vista dentist for counseling and placement of appliances that can help control the habit.

The post Mind The Gap: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention of Diastema appeared first on Lovebites Dental.