cosmetic dentistry oxnard Archives - Dentist Oxnard, CA 93036

Cosmetic Smile Makeover in Oxnard CA

Posted On May 8, 2023

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of professional oral care that aims to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. A beautiful, healthy smile has many benefits both in professional and social settings – it makes you appear attractive, happy, and confident which helps you feel like anything is possible. But if you’re feeling shy or hesitant about smiling around others because certain aspects of your teeth aren’t up to par (cracks/stains/gaps), consider visiting a cosmetic dentist!

Some of the common aesthetic problems that cosmetic dentists deal with include:

Stained or Discolored Teeth – May be caused by age, food, medications, smoking, and other lifestyle factors
Tooth Decay – Usually caused by plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene, as well as consuming too many sugary items.
Chipped or Fractured Teeth – May be caused by any kind of trauma in an accident, due to a sports injury, or even bad habits such as chewing ice or opening soda bottles with your teeth.
Crooked, Overcrowded, or Misaligned Teeth – The dentist will recommend the appropriate custom dental appliances to gradually move your teeth to the desired position.
Missing Teeth – There are several options for replacing missing teeth depending on the health of adjacent teeth, the health of the gum and jawbone tissues, age, and personal preferences, among others.

When scheduling your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between
Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way?
What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.

If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit your cosmetic dentist today to discuss your case. The dental team will examine your mouth and formulate a custom plan to help you achieve the beautiful, dazzling smile you’ve always wanted.

Cosmetic Dentist Near Me, Oxnard CA

Posted On August 13, 2020

Your smile plays a big part in your appearance. It is the first thing that people notice about you, besides your eyes, which influences how people perceive you. A bright smile is associated with good health, confidence, and happiness, which essentially draws people to you and makes you more successful in your personal and professional relationships. This truth is why many patients visit a cosmetic dentist to learn more about how they can enhance their smiles.

Preparing for the Initial Visit

If you’re looking to restore or improve the health and appearance of your teeth, the first step would be a free cosmetic consultation at a cosmetic dentist near you. To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between
Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way?
What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.

Thanks to technological advancements, dentists today have access to tooth-colored dental materials that help to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. Modern techniques are also less invasive, allowing you to preserve a greater portion of your natural tooth structure during restorations. And with 3D software, your dental team can design your smile and show you the expected results of your treatment plan on a screen before the procedures start.

The Consultation Process

A typical cosmetic dental consultation is a brief appointment with the dentist to discuss any issues that you have with your teeth and smile, as well as the various treatments available and the best options for your case.

Your dental visit will also include a physical examination, a review of your dental and medical history, and dental imaging so the dentist can have a clear look at your teeth. Next, you will establish clear treatment goals based on your needs and concerns. This provides a great opportunity to ask other specific details about procedures you’re interested in.

Please contact your dentist in Oxnard CA to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment.

How a Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Smile | Oxnard CA

Posted On February 26, 2020

Many people can assess your mood and personality based solely on your smile, before saying a single word. If you have a dazzling, bright smile, then this will work well for both your personal and professional relationships. However, a sparkling smile may lose its vibrancy over time due to discoloration, chips and cracks, decay, excessive grinding, and tooth loss. Fortunately, no matter the problem with your teeth, a smile makeover can help to restore your dazzling smile through the right combination of cosmetic and restorative treatments.

Your Custom Smile Makeover

Just as each individual has a unique look, each smile makeover has to be customized by a skilled dentist to address your specific aesthetic needs. A smile makeover can involve multiple procedures, depending on the health of your teeth and gums, as well as other factors such as your facial appearance, hair color, and skin tone.

During your consultation, your dentist will work with you to design the ideal smile, and you will even get to see a smile preview of what you can expect your smile to look like, before any actual dental work begins.

Some of the common problems that can be addressed with a smile makeover include:

Discolored or badly stained teeth
Chipped or fractured teeth – the right procedure depends on the extent of damage
Straightening crooked teeth or a misaligned bite – depending on the severity and your age, your dentist will recommend the appropriate orthodontic treatment
Gaps between your teeth – can be closed to make your smile look more even
Missing teeth can cause functional problems. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate tooth restoration
A gummy smile can also be corrected

Consult Your Dentist for a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can change your life by simply improving the shape, color, size, or length of your teeth, or changing the appearance of your lips or gums to make your smile more attractive.

Please visit your dentist in Oxnard to discuss the best options to help you improve your smile.

Dental Implant Dentist Near Me, Oxnard CA 93036

Posted On January 6, 2020

Dental implants are arguably the best solution for missing teeth. When you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth that cannot be saved with a crown or root canal therapy, then your dental implant dentist may recommend that it be completely removed.

Unfortunately, any spaces left unfilled between your teeth cause adjacent teeth to shift towards the gap, causing bite misalignment and other problems. In addition, without the tooth root to stimulate the underlying bone tissue, the jawbone may begin to lose mass and strength (bone atrophy), which makes your face shrink and look older. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, he/she will also suggest an appropriate tooth replacement option to prevent this from happening.

What to Expect

A dental implant is surgically placed in the jawbone and allowed to fuse with your natural bone, creating a firm foundation for the replacement tooth. Singular implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or to support bridgework for 2 or 3 missing teeth. Multiple implants can also be placed at appropriate intervals to support dentures and keep them from slipping when eating and talking.

Dental implants are the only restorative option that stops bone atrophy after tooth loss. A dental implant comprises three parts:

Titanium post – that is surgically placed into the jawbone
Abutment – used to attach the post to the crown
Crown – section of the tooth above the gum line that is connected to the post via the abutment

Who is the Right Candidate for Dental Implants?

Although the success rate of dental implants is high, at over 96%, the right candidate should:

Have good overall health with no signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or jawbone degeneration
Have sufficient jawbone tissue to support the posts
Have no conditions that put you at risk of surgical procedures, like over bleeding

If you don’t have enough bone tissue to support an implant, the dentist may recommend a bone regeneration procedure to build up the base for the implant. This will, however, increase the duration of your dental implant treatment from the usual 4-6 months.

It is important that you discuss with your dentist in Oxnard CA about your candidacy for dental implants.

What to Expect with Cosmetic Dentistry in Oxnard CA

Posted On December 27, 2019

Your smile forms a central part of your image, which affects your professional and personal relationships. Fortunately, there are numerous cosmetic dentistry procedures that you can use to improve your smile. Even a subtle change to your smile can make a huge difference in the way you look, the way you feel about yourself, and the way others perceive you.

The Consultation Process

To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between
Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.

Even as you express your interests to the dentist, your dental visit will also include a physical examination, a review of your dental and medical history, and dental imaging so the dentist can have a clear look at your teeth. Next, you will establish clear treatment goals based on your needs and concerns. This provides a great opportunity to ask other specific details about procedures you’re interested in. At the end of the visit, you will know:

The cosmetic procedures that are right for your case
The treatment process
How it would benefit you
What to realistically expect after each procedure – based on previous patients before-and-after pictures
When to start your cosmetic dental treatment
How long the treatments will take
The recovery time
How your life would change

If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please schedule your free consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Oxnard today.

What to Expect with Cosmetic Dentistry in Oxnard CA

Posted On November 27, 2019

Going to the dentist doesn’t necessarily need to be for professional cleanings or emergency tooth repairs. Although routine visits and restorative procedures help to maintain and/or restore the optimal health, function, and appearance of your teeth and mouth, you can also visit your dentist with the sole purpose of improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry comprises a range of procedures used to whiten, straighten, reshape, and repair your teeth in order to improve your smile and appearance. Some of these procedures serve multiple functions, like repairing damaged teeth using tooth-colored material to improve the appearance as well. Depending on your specific cosmetic needs, your dentist can:

Close spaces
Lighten discolored teeth
Restore worn or short teeth
Adjust the alignment of crooked teeth
Replace missing teeth

Generally, your dentist can alter the shape, size, shade, and alignment of your teeth, fill gaps, and replace missing teeth to improve your appearance while solving oral problems.

Preparing for the Initial Consultation

To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching your dentist in Oxnard CA. Generally, you should know:

What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between
Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way?
What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.

It is important that you have realistic expectations about your cosmetic treatment plan. Schedule your initial consultation today to start the process of getting your dream smile.

Cosmetic Dentist Near Me, Oxnard CA 93036

Posted On November 20, 2019

Your smile plays a big part in your appearance. It is the first thing that people notice about you, besides your eyes, which influences how people perceive you. A bright smile is associated with good health, confidence, and happiness, which essentially draws people to you and makes you more successful in your personal and professional relationships. Visiting a cosmetic dentist near you can help you achieve the confident smile you desire.

Preparing for the Initial Visit

If you’re looking to restore or improve the health and appearance of your teeth, the first step would be a free cosmetic consultation at a cosmetic dental practice near you. To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between
Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way?
What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.

The Consultation Process

Please contact your dental team to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments in Oxnard CA, and to schedule your appointment.

What to Expect When Living With Orthodontics in Oxnard CA

Posted On September 11, 2019

Orthodontics treatment plans vary considerably from case to case, as the orthodontist attempts to correct the misalignment of teeth and jaw structure in order to improve your smile and overall oral health. This implies that different patients will have different experiences during their treatment.

Here are some of the things you can expect for the duration of treatment:

Sore Mouth in the First Week

From clear aligners to braces to orthodontic headgear, most orthodontic appliances cause your teeth to feel sore for the first week. It is normal to experience some discomfort during this time as your teeth begin to move from the forces being exerted to straighten them. But after the first week, the treatment becomes much simpler. Your orthodontist will prescribe some pain medication, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol to increase your comfort for these first few days.

Gum Irritation for the First Week

Your gums and cheeks may also become irritated for the first few days, but this should end in 1-2 weeks once they adapt to having braces on the teeth. During this time, your orthodontist may recommend rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. Swish the saltwater solution in your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out in the sink. Repeat this several times, 3-4 times a day until the sores heal.

Change in Diet

The foods you eat also play an important part in the level of comfort that you experience during your orthodontics treatment. If you’re wearing aligners, you need to remove them when eating. This allows you to enjoy many different types of food without the risk of destroying your aligners. But if you’re wearing braces, you need to restrict yourself to consuming soft and “mushy” items that won’t damage the brackets and wires.

Some comfortable soft foods to consume during orthodontics treatment include oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, cooked pasta, soup, and smoothies. Avoid soft drinks, snacks, and candies that have high sugar content, as well as hard crunchy items like peanuts, corn nuts, popcorn, and ice. You may also need to cut your meat and raw vegetables into tiny pieces.

Caring for Your Orthodontic Appliances

Your orthodontist in Oxnard, CA will instruct you on how to brush and floss your teeth and recommend special tools to help you clean underneath the wires if you’re wearing braces. If you’re using aligners, you should also clean them properly to prevent plaque buildup and subsequent damage to your teeth.

What if I Don’t Qualify for Dental Veneers? | Oxnard CA

Posted On July 24, 2019

Dental veneers are the most common cosmetic treatment for people considering a smile makeover. The thin layers of porcelain or composite material cover the front and side surfaces of teeth in the smile zone to improve their appearance. By consulting with your cosmetic dentist in Oxnard, CA, you can determine if you qualify for dental veneers.

Some of the instances where veneers can be used include:

Repair chipped teeth or severely worn teeth due to grinding
Alter the shape of teeth to produce an even smile
Fill gaps between your teeth that make you uncomfortable
Replace old restorations
Improve tooth alignment
Improve the appearance of discolored teeth

Veneers can be used to cover up these defects, giving you the perfect smile. However, you must have healthy teeth that are free of decay or active gum disease to qualify for the procedure. This will affect both the success and durability of your treatment.

Similar to other dental restorations, veneers can be dislodged over time due to normal wear and tear, as well as poor oral hygiene. Both of these factors determine how soon you need to get new ones. It is important that you discuss your expectations and treatment options thoroughly with your dentist before starting the procedure.

Some reasons why your dentist may discourage you from getting veneers include:

Bruxism – Patients who grind their teeth or clench their jaws are not good candidates for veneers, because the excessive forces may cause the thin veneers to chip, peel, or break
Bad habits, such as chewing on ice and other hard objects or biting your fingernails

If the dentist determines that you don’t have enough tooth left, perhaps due to excessive tooth wear or existing large restorations, and veneers are not suitable for your case, then a ceramic crown may be placed instead. Crowns or tooth caps wrap around the weakened tooth, protecting it while restoring its shape, size, and aesthetic. Veneers require less removal of tooth enamel compared to crowns, though the preparation process in both cases is not reversible.

It’s only through a consultation that you can determine whether you qualify for dental veneers. Schedule your visit today.

Crowns vs. Dental Veneers for Smile Improvement | Oxnard CA

Posted On July 17, 2019

A recent survey found that tooth imperfections not only make you appear less attractive but also less trustworthy and less intelligent. In addition, these social biases can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing, resulting in low confidence and damaged self-image. Some dentists may recommend dental veneers for smile improvement and in turn boost self-confidence.

Why Dental Veneers?

Cosmetic dental treatments can change your outlook on life. Dental veneers refer to thin shells that are bonded to the visible (front) part of a tooth for aesthetic purposes. Your dentist may recommend dental veneers:

To cover severely discolored, slightly crooked, or poorly shaped upper front teeth
To improve the color of the front teeth that have become yellow over time, or have a gray tint, and cannot be turned white by bleaching
To correct worn or chipped teeth
To fix uneven spaces between teeth, including a diastema

Dental crowns can also be used to address more or less the same concerns. However, veneers require less removal of tooth enamel compared to crowns. And if the dentist determines that you don’t have enough tooth left for shaving, perhaps due to excessive tooth wear or existing large restorations, they may recommend no-prep veneers.

A ceramic crown is mostly used to wrap around a weakened tooth for added strength. So while veneers are recommended for healthy teeth, crowns might be more suitable for severely damaged or unhealthy teeth.

Otherwise, they share several benefits, including:

Highly customized smile design – porcelain veneers and crowns are fabricated by a dental technician using the prescription provided by your cosmetic dentist to meet your custom design plan. So your smile is highly customized in terms of shade mapping, length, shape, degree of translucency, surface texture, and contours.
No special maintenance needed – there is no special maintenance required beyond good daily oral hygiene. Make sure that you only purchase oral hygiene products that show the Seal of Acceptance for the American Dental Association. Regular dental checkups are also a must for maintaining a healthy mouth.
Strong and durable – they are as strong and resilient as natural tooth enamel.

Final Note

Dental veneers for smile improvement can be made to mimic the reflective properties of natural teeth, giving you an amazing, natural-looking smile transformation. Consult your dentist today to determine if you’re a good fit.