When you choose a dentist, you want to make sure he or she is someone you can trust — someone with experience, and compassion. Not only that, but you want to feel at home with the whole team so that from the very moment you walk through the door, you feel relaxed and comfortable.
(more…)
Dr. Les Latner, DDS: Your Trusted Los Angeles Dentist
September 8, 2015
Are Genetic Dental Problems a Myth?
September 29, 2014
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.
The Cosmetic Dentistry Boom
September 10, 2014
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.
What If Dental Implants Aren’t Right for Me?
June 6, 2013
For patients who are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can do a lot to restore natural functionality and appearance. But as effective as they are, they aren’t right for everyone. It takes a certain amount of bone to support the implant posts that anchor a dental implants restoration. If that isn’t there, dental implants may not be an immediate option. So what might your alternatives be?
In some cases, it may be possible for you to become a candidate through bone grafting. The bone grafting process involves the transplant of bone tissue to where you need it, or a synthetic material may also be used. The result afterwards is a jaw that’s strong enough to anchor one or more implants.
In other cases, traditional options are always possible. Even though they don’t mimic the natural structure of teeth with a prosthetic root, traditional bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures can help you speak clearer, enjoy a more balanced diet. They can also help you improve the appearance of your smile and your confidence.
Do you have gaps in your smile but have been told that dental implants aren’t right for you? Find out how Dr. Latner of Westside Dental Associates can help. Explore our services to find out about our restorative dentistry options, and call us to reserve a consultation appointment. We’re serve patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and beyond.
Dr. Latner Restores Functionality and Appearance with Dental Implants
March 26, 2012
When you lose a tooth due to accident, injury, or tooth decay, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. Traditional options like crowns, bridges, and dentures can help you restore your smile’s appearance. What they can’t replace is your missing root.
That’s why, at Dr. Latner’s Los Angeles office, we offer dental implants as one of our restorative dentistry options.
Why is replacing a missing root so important?
Because your tooth roots stimulate the growth of new bone tissue, keeping your jaw strong. Without your root, your jaw can begin to atrophy and further tooth loss can occur. Dental implants prevent this by replacing your missing root with a prosthetic root made from biocompatible titanium.
What’s more, dental implants can be combined with crowns, bridge, and dentures, providing more natural results than just these traditional solutions by themselves.
Not every patient is a candidate for dental implants, though. Which is why, if you’ve been considering dental implants as a solution for your smile, a consultation visit with Dr. Latner at our Los Angeles office is a must. As a result of this visit, we’ll be able to suggest a treatment that works best for you.
Call Westside Dental Associates today to schedule an appointment with us. We serve patients from all throughout Los Angeles.