The Benefits of All-Porcelain Crowns

March 31, 2013

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , — Les Latner @ 7:41 am

When teeth become damaged or badly decayed, restorative care becomes essential. For a single tooth in need of help, dentists often turn to all-porcelain crowns. With an all-porcelain crown, it’s possible to provide patients with restored functionality, as well results that blend in with the rest of their smile and look natural.

How is that possible?

It has to do with the way all-porcelain crowns reflect light. Instead of looking unnatural, they reflect light the way natural tooth enamel does. Compare this with the more opaque look at a porcelain-covered metal crown.

Crown Placement

An all-porcelain crown can be placed in just a couple of visits. During the first, your dentist will prep the tooth by numbing area with a gel and a local anesthetic. Then, when the damaged portion of the tooth has been removed and an impression has been taken, a temporary crown will be put in place.

Based on the impression and your doctor’s unique plan for you, a trained ceramist will carefully create a custom-made crown. When it’s finished the patient will return for a second appointment, during which the final crown will be put in place.

Do you need to repair a decayed or broken tooth with an all-porcelain crown? Call us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.

Get Ready for Summer with Six Month Smiles

March 29, 2013

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — Les Latner @ 7:38 am

Spring is here and that means spending more time outdoors with friends and family. With that being the case, the last thing you want to do is worry about how your smile looks. After all, not everyone has a naturally straight smile.

That’s why Dr. Latner and his team at Westside Dental Associates in Los Angeles offer a service like Six Month Smiles. With Six Month Smiles, patients have a simple, fast orthodontic solution that makes treatment more discreet.

That’s because Six Month Smiles uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires instead of traditional brackets and wires, which can stand out and mar a professional image. Within just a few months, Dr. Latner can help you move your teeth into their ideal alignment, giving you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

Are you curious about how Six Month Smiles can help you? During a consultation at Westside Dental Associates in Los Angeles, we can help you understand your needs and whether Six Month Smiles is right for you.

Call us today to reserve an appointment. We can help you create happy, smiling memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Improved Functionality with Dental Implants

March 22, 2013

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , — Les Latner @ 7:37 am

In our last post, we mentioned that dental implants may one day be replaced by bioengineered teeth grown from stem cells. Until that day, however, dental implants will be one of the best ways to replace missing teeth and enjoy improved functionality.

That’s because dental implants use a prosthetic root to anchor teeth to the jaw. What’s more, your prosthetic root is made from titanium, a biocompatible metal. Over time, your implant(s) will bond with the bone in your jaw to create a stable foundation.

Why is all this important?

Because missing roots lead to bone loss, which can eventually lead to the loss of other teeth. Dental implants try to prevent all that by replacing the missing root and preserving the jaw.

Not every patient is a candidate for dental implants though. To find out about your restorative dentistry options, call Westside Dental Associates to reserve an appointment with Dr. Latner. We’re happy to provide care to patients of all ages from all around the Los Angeles area.

Is It Possible To Grow New Teeth? It May Be In the Future

March 15, 2013

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — Les Latner @ 4:36 pm

Right now, one of the best ways for a dentist to restore the natural functionality of his or her patient’s smile is with dental implants. But that could be changing very soon.

Recently, the Journal of Dental Research published research revealing that stem cells taken from a patient’s own gum tissue can be used to bioengineer new teeth. The result is a new tooth more effective than what dental implants can provide.

The process involves taking gum tissues, isolating a particular combination of cells, and then implanting them in the patient’s jaw. From there, those cells will develop into a new tooth.

You won’t find too many dentists offering this service just yet, though. Bioteeth are still just a matter of research. But with the passage of time, it’s not unreasonable to expect that this process could become the new standard, giving patients a genuinely natural smile again.

To learn more about this revolutionary discovery, click here to read the article. And to find out how Dr. Latner of Westside Dental Associates can help you with a missing tooth, call our office. We serve patients from all around the Los Angeles area.

Cosmetic Dentistry for the Look You Want

March 8, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Les Latner @ 10:05 pm

You’re on your lunch break, quickly visiting the local coffee shop for your midday pick-me-up. And then you see her: the girl of your dreams, standing directly across the shop from you. Your eyes meet and she smiles. Instinctively, you start to smile back, then snap your mouth shut, embarrassed of your yellowed, crooked smile. Don’t be embarrassed—it’s not just you. Millions of Americans suffer from various confidence-killing dental issues. But we have news for you: if your teeth are taking a serious toll on your confidence, you have options. Fight back against the demoralizing effects of a crooked, chipped, or misaligned smile.

For many, personal oral care will not fix the issues in your mouth. From teeth grinding to missing or chipped teeth to unsightly fillings, some issues need more than general care, they need a specialist. Research shows that not only can smiling actually improve your mood, but suppressing a smile can ruin your mood. All this refusing to smile is actually making you feel worse. Solution: let’s get started on creating a confident smile, ASAP! If you wanted a face-lift, you’d seek the best cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles, right? So why not find a first rate cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles to help you find the confidence you need to make new connections in life?

Have no more tight-lipped smiles at birthday parties, and no more fear of smiling at the cutie in the coffee shop. Many of us have issues with our smiles, but Dr. Les Latner, an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, has options for whichever problems you seek to fix. Practicing cosmetic and general dentistry in Los Angeles since 1984, Dr. Latner knows that in this city, confidence is everything. He knows you want to look good, and offers various procedures to help you achieve the look you want. Your smile is a serious investment in your future, so go with the best. Trust Dr. Latner to get you there.

Have Questions? Get Answers.