ToothAche San Bernardino, Tooth ache San Bernardino, Toothpain San Bernardino, Tooth pain San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino,Tooth Crack San Bernardino, Tooth Crack San Bernardino,Dental clinic San Bernardino, Dental practice San Bernardino, Dental office San Bernardino, Emergency dentist San Bernardino, Emergency dental San Bernardino, Emergency dental treatment San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dentist, Vijay Patel, B.D.S., Vijay Patel, B.D.S. Dentist for patients in San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino, Dentist in San Bernardino Area, Dentists in San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dental Care, San Bernardino Braces, San Bernardino Tooth Whitening, San Bernardino Dental Implants, San Bernardino Cosmetic dentistry , Dental Care San Bernardino, Braces San Bernardino, Tooth Whitening San Bernardino, Dental Implants San Bernardino, Cosmetic dentistry San Bernardino, teeth whitening San Bernardino, tooth whitening San Bernardino, CROWNS San Bernardino, DENTURES San Bernardino, IMPLANTS San Bernardino, ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS San Bernardino, BRIDGES San Bernardino, TMJ TREATMENTS San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dental Office, ToothAche San Bernardino, Tooth ache San Bernardino, Toothpain San Bernardino, Tooth pain San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino,Tooth Crack San Bernardino, We believe that oral health is very important and we educate our patients so that whatever treatment they receive at out office, they are able to keep and maintain for years to come with their maintanance of good oral health. Esthetic dentistry is a big part of our practice and we treat cosmetic cases with various state of the art procedures such as veneers, full porcelain crowns, etc. We are a mercury-free office and do not do amalgam restorations (silver fillings). We offer a 1 hr. dental whitening procedure (Zoom) as seen on TV's Extreme Makeover. We are complimented on our: Gentle treatment, friendly staff, procedures and treatment plans that are explained in detail, and exceptional dental work. We will only refer our patients to dental specialists we trust and respect. When working with these specialists, our goal is to provide professional dental care to our patients including those that require complex and comprehensive treatment. We believe that first impressions begin with a beautiful smile and our ultimate goal is to be able to enhance and create a beautiful smile…..A natural beautiful smile….a Signature Smile. specializes in beautifying smiles and helping you improve your overall appearance. Our experienced and friendly staff takes great pride in keeping your smile beautiful. Our promise to you is that the crowns, bridges and veneers we create will look as good as or better than the teeth nature gave you. And to make sure we keep that promise, the products we recommend and use are the highest quality and incredibly durable. You can trust your smile with us. SERVICES. CROWNS Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, or is too broken down to be restored with a filling. They are most commonly done after root canal treatment, or when a large filling wears out. The larger the hole made by a cavity that has to be treated, the more likely a crown will be needed. Even after a filling is put in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break. Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are the strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns ride over the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked tooth is a far more serious matter and much more difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well as making for a nice smile. It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the second visit this temporary is removed. Then the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and then cemented in place. ToothAche San Bernardino, Tooth ache San Bernardino, Toothpain San Bernardino, Tooth pain San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino,Tooth Crack San Bernardino, Tooth Crack San Bernardino,Dental clinic San Bernardino, Dental practice San Bernardino, Dental office San Bernardino, Emergency dentist San Bernardino, Emergency dental San Bernardino, Emergency dental treatment San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dentist, Vijay Patel, B.D.S., Vijay Patel, B.D.S. Dentist for patients in San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino, Dentist in San Bernardino Area, Dentists in San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dental Care, San Bernardino Braces, San Bernardino Tooth Whitening, San Bernardino Dental Implants, San Bernardino Cosmetic dentistry , Dental Care San Bernardino, Braces San Bernardino, Tooth Whitening San Bernardino, Dental Implants San Bernardino, Cosmetic dentistry San Bernardino, teeth whitening San Bernardino, tooth whitening San Bernardino, CROWNS San Bernardino, DENTURES San Bernardino, IMPLANTS San Bernardino, ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS San Bernardino, BRIDGES San Bernardino, TMJ TREATMENTS San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dental Office, ToothAche San Bernardino, Tooth ache San Bernardino, Toothpain San Bernardino, Tooth pain San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino,Tooth Crack San Bernardino, DENTURES There are different types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss. When bone loss around the roots of teeth is great enough to loosen them or let them fall out, it's time for dentures. Relax. No one enjoys losing their natural teeth, but you can still eat and talk regularly. The entire mouth is examined and a determination is made as to which teeth will have to be removed, and which will remain. The loose teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to. But once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal functionality and appearance return and one just carries on as usual. Often implants can used to further stabilize the dentures. IMPLANTS A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don't have to be taken out all the time. We also offer mini dental implants. These implants are about half the diameter of traditional implants are used mainly to stabilize lower dentures. These implants can be placed in one appointment and be immediately used. The cost is 50-70% of standard dental implants. Call for a free consult. ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup. A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy. BRIDGES This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth, and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics. It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall." As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before them, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues. TMJ TREATMENTS TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it's where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong a good deal of trouble can result. Problems in this area can cause: * Headaches * Earaches * Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth * Clicking or popping of the jaw * Pain in the jaw muscles * Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. ToothAche San Bernardino, Tooth ache San Bernardino, Toothpain San Bernardino, Tooth pain San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino,Tooth Crack San Bernardino, Tooth Crack San Bernardino,Dental clinic San Bernardino, Dental practice San Bernardino, Dental office San Bernardino, Emergency dentist San Bernardino, Emergency dental San Bernardino, Emergency dental treatment San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dentist, Vijay Patel, B.D.S., Vijay Patel, B.D.S. Dentist for patients in San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino, Dentist in San Bernardino Area, Dentists in San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dental Care, San Bernardino Braces, San Bernardino Tooth Whitening, San Bernardino Dental Implants, San Bernardino Cosmetic dentistry , Dental Care San Bernardino, Braces San Bernardino, Tooth Whitening San Bernardino, Dental Implants San Bernardino, Cosmetic dentistry San Bernardino, teeth whitening San Bernardino, tooth whitening San Bernardino, CROWNS San Bernardino, DENTURES San Bernardino, IMPLANTS San Bernardino, ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS San Bernardino, BRIDGES San Bernardino, TMJ TREATMENTS San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dental Office, ToothAche San Bernardino, Tooth ache San Bernardino, Toothpain San Bernardino, Tooth pain San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino,Tooth Crack San Bernardino, Services Patient Safety To protect our patients and ourselves, our staff wears masks, gloves, glasses, as well as hospital scrub uniforms. We strictly observe all Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) guidelines. All instruments are cleaned, disinfected, and routinely sterilized as recommended by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control. Whenever possible, disposable single use items are used to ensure your safety. Handpieces (drills) are sterilized in a state-of-the-art sterilization unit specifically designed for this purpose. All surfaces in the treatment rooms are cleaned and disinfected after each patient. Patient Comfort You are not alone if you feel anxious about a visit to the dentist. We understand and share your concerns and strive to make every dental visit comfortable. If there is anything else we can do, let us know. In addition to topical and local anesthetic, nitrous oxide ( laughing gas ) is available for those patients who may need a little more. We offer headsets, videos, and in-office cable television, so you can sit back, relax and watch your favorite show. Convenient free parking with security is readily accessible and in close proximity to the entrance of the building. Emergencies can occur any time. Our 24-hour answering service can alert the doctor of your need. With early morning and late afternoon appointments, you can be seen at a time that is convenient for your busy schedule. ToothAche San Bernardino, Tooth ache San Bernardino, Toothpain San Bernardino, Tooth pain San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino,Tooth Crack San Bernardino, Tooth Crack San Bernardino,Dental clinic San Bernardino, Dental practice San Bernardino, Dental office San Bernardino, Emergency dentist San Bernardino, Emergency dental San Bernardino, Emergency dental treatment San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dentist, Vijay Patel, B.D.S., Vijay Patel, B.D.S. Dentist for patients in San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino, Dentist in San Bernardino Area, Dentists in San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dental Care, San Bernardino Braces, San Bernardino Tooth Whitening, San Bernardino Dental Implants, San Bernardino Cosmetic dentistry , Dental Care San Bernardino, Braces San Bernardino, Tooth Whitening San Bernardino, Dental Implants San Bernardino, Cosmetic dentistry San Bernardino, teeth whitening San Bernardino, tooth whitening San Bernardino, CROWNS San Bernardino, DENTURES San Bernardino, IMPLANTS San Bernardino, ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS San Bernardino, BRIDGES San Bernardino, TMJ TREATMENTS San Bernardino, San Bernardino Dental Office, ToothAche San Bernardino, Tooth ache San Bernardino, Toothpain San Bernardino, Tooth pain San Bernardino, Dentist San Bernardino,Tooth Crack San Bernardino, Hygiene An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tarter on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon you individual needs and oral health. During your visit we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer-screening exam, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instructions, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are provided for children under age of thirteen and for adults when appropriate. High Tech Diagnostics Our office uses Computer Dental Radiography or CDR. With CDR, we are able to capture x-ray images of your teeth using 90% less exposure to x-radiation, while at the same time being able to enhance, enlarge, and manipulate the images for better diagnosis. With the immediate on-screen results, patients get much more involved in understanding their treatment needs and options for care. Utilizing an Intra-Oral Camera gives both you and us the opportunity to see potential problems occurring in your mouth, such as decay or fractured teeth. Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant loss of tooth or structure. With the help of the intra-oral camera, problems can be detected earlier, before you experience a toothache. Implants Before After A remarkable procedure, implants can replace any or all of your teeth. The implant becomes integrated with the bone and acts like a "bolt" which will ultimately support a new tooth. The advantages of implants for patients with dentures are: denture stability, increased patient comfort and confidence. While an oral surgeon inserts implants themselves, our role is planning placement of implants and restoring the integrated implants after surgery. Oral Surgery The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of tooth may be the only course of treatment. A panorex x-ray allows us to see a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most minor surgeries are performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases. Periodontal Disease While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition. Childrens Specialist Children's specialist (Pedodontists) have a very important function in the dental office. They are doctors that have completed additional training to become children's specialists. As a child's dental needs are different from adult's and are constantly changing, the pedodontist can more accurately aid in the process of children's dental health both in prevention and treatment areas. Cosmetic Dentistry For the smile you have always wanted, cosmetic dentistry can include reshaping your teeth, veneers or bonding, natural looking tooth-colored fillings and bleaching. PORCELAIN VENEERS BLEACHING TEETH "WHITENING" FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION "DRILL-LESS" FILLINGS Our office now offers a gentle new "drill-less" technology that can frequently be used in place of or in conjunction with the drill to make procedures more comfortable. There is no vibration, no whining sound and less need for anesthetic. This technique uses a stream of kinetic particles to prepare teeth for restorations. Instead of grinding away tooth structure like a drill, this technique gently and precisely sprays away decay. This technique allows for early intervention and conservation of healthy tooth structure, it eliminates the need for acid etching when preparing tooth for bonding and it safely modifies dentin and doubles bond strength. While reducing the need for anesthesia, this allows the dentist to treat multiple sites in the mouth during a single visit, adding to efficiency. Laser Dentistry Laser Dentistry is a widely accepted form of advanced treatment. The laser used in dental offices generates a beam of concentrated light into your month. This helps the dentist remove infection and tooth decay with great precision. Lasers are primarily used in dentistry to perform oral surgery and apply treatments to the gum tissue as in periodontal disease. Benefits include less bleeding, decreased sensitivity and a reduced need for injections. These advancements also allow for more patient comfort by providing faster healing, a lower risk of infection and less time in the dental chair. Dentures Before After Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Denture wearers require regular dental exams to ensure their health, comfort, and appearance. Gum tissues are in constant state of change. Periodic relining of dentures may be necessary to ensure tight and comfortable fit. We provide the services of ONE DAY DENTURES. We have a Dental lab on premises and we can make your dentures in ONE DAY. Crowns A "cap", "jacket", or "crown" will restore a broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to its original size and shape. This may also be recommended after root canal therapy has been completed, as the tooth tends to become brittle and is more apt to fracture. Crowns strengthen and protect remaining tooth structure and improve the appearance of your teeth. Root Canal Therapy If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth. Bridges A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain the structure of your face and jaw. ORTHODONTICS "BRACES" For patients, adults and children who have crowded or crooked teeth, spaces between their teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and trauma due to protruding teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an evaluation by 7 years of age. More than 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Ninety percent of all people who need orthodontic treatment have crowded or protruding teeth (9 out of 10). You or your child may be in this ninety percent and ready to make an important decision about orthodontic treatment. For many years the traditional method of treating crowded and protruding teeth has included removal of premolar, or bicuspid teeth. While this method has saved many patients form disfiguring overbites, a new and superior method of treating crowded and protruding teeth, based on careful research and analysis, has been adopted by a growing number of doctors in both Europe and North America. Another advantage of this treatment is the relatively short span of time takes to see results. Average treatment last anywhere from one year to eighteen months. You deserve a smile that is not only beautiful but functional, smile that reflects a healthy confident self-esteem. Our goal is to provide comprehensive orthodontic care in a friendly fun-loving environment. We hope to enhance self-confidence by creating a harmony amongst facial form, teeth, and jaws, joints and muscles that reflect attractiveness and health. A healthy attractive smile is priceless. The greater portion of the population remembers your smile when they look at you. We want to help make that first impression count. It is our belief that every patient's case is unique and that no one type of orthodontic treatment fits everybody. Our goal is to treat each patient as an individual to the most esthetic, functional and stable result possible in the shortest possible time with comfort and care. We as an ortho team continually strive to provide, with the cooperation of our patients and their family dentist, beautiful smiles and healthy bites, by performing excellent orthodontic treatment with state of the art appliances, techniques and skilled employees in an office environment where, the patients and parents, doctors and staff will enjoy coming everyday. Orthodontic Services CONVENTIONAL BRACING TREATMENT Full fixed brace treatment. Ceramic "Clear" braces. Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces. FUNCTIONAL JAW ORTHOPEDICS Palate (upper jaw) widening. Removable appliances: l Bionator. l Activators. l Schwarz Appliance. ADULT ORTHODONTICS l Full and partial treatment l Ceramic "Clear" braces. l Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces (see section below for more info.) CHILD INTERCEPTIVE THERAPY l Space maintainers. l Serial Extraction Guidance. l Growth supervision and analysis. l Early crossbite correction. l Mixed dentition treatment (ages 4-11). SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS l The orthodontist and oral surgeon work as a team to correct major facial disharmonies. COSMETIC ORTHODONTICS The orthodontist and the cosmetic dentist work as a team to improve tooth appearance: l Space closure. l Minor tooth movement. l Redistributing space for replacing missing teeth. LINGUAL "Concealed" " Invisible" BRACES Lingual braces also known as Concealed, Invisible braces are the only non-visible form of fixed orthodontic therapy. Special instrumentation, equipment, doctor and staff training are required for this technique. These braces can be used on both arches or on combination with outside clear braces on the lower teeth as shown in the following picture. Lingual braces is a highly technical (and therefore very demanding) method of treating crooked teeth, offered routinely only by four or five other orthodontists in the Southern California area. Usually braces are glued on to the front surfaces of the teeth where you can readily see them. Most adults are really embarrassed by crooked teeth. Crooked teeth with braces on them are a nightmare for adults. When I first began to offer clear transparent braces my adult patients breathed a sigh of relief. But when I began to offer them lingual braces they were not only relieved they were ecstatic! Imagine braces that were glued to the back of the teeth. Adults who put them on would tell me how they would go to a party and tell people who were virtually strangers about their new lingual braces and then casually show them of like a kid with a new bicycle. Lingual braces had become a fashion statement, something to be proud of, a badge of distinction, in a word - "classy". Six years ago when I first started to offer lingual braces it was like being a pioneer exploring an exciting and dangerous new frontier. It demanded unusually long appointments (30-90 minutes), new sorts of instruments (more expensive), and totally different head and hand positions (awkward and cramped), and getting used to another kind of patient (quirky). Even today when I'm setting up to insert or adjust lingual braces on a patient in mentally morph myself as though preparing for competition in an Olympic event. It's like a jeweler trying to work on the inside of a small watch that is wet, dimly lit, moves, and has an attitude besides! Initial discomfort with lingual braces (sore tongue and minor speech problems) is more of a problem, but patients seem to readily leap those hurdles. One problem that is sometimes bothersome to me occurs when patients forget they have to refocus their brushing efforts on the inside of the teeth and gums become swollen and interfere with adjustments. On the other hand, the lingual brace appliance is a particularly useful tool for correcting problems involving very deep overbites, which are frequent in an orthodontist's office. CASES TREATED WITH LINGUAL (INVISIBLE) BRACES Before After Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs ) about Lingual (Concealed) Braces ARE LINGUAL BRACES MORE UNCOMFORTABLE THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? Initial discomfort is similar to that of outside braces. The difference is that the lingual braces will affect the tongue and conventional braces affect the cheeks and lips. Patients take approximately 1-4 weeks to achieve a good comfort level. DOES TREATMENT WITH LINGUAL BRACES TAKE LONGER THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? No, treatment time is comparable to that of outside braces and sometimes even shorter. Some cases respond more efficiently to lingual braces due to certain mechanical advantages of the appliance. CAN ANYONE GET LINGUAL BRACES? Most patients are good candidates for lingual braces. There are a few exceptions. Your orthodontist will determine the type of braces most beneficial for your treatment. WILL LINGUAL BRACES AFFECT MY SPEECH? Yes, initially all orthodontic appliances have some effect on the patient's speech. The amount will vary depending on arch form and tongue position. In most patients this will be temporary and of short duration. For any other Questions (FAQ 's ) about l Orthodontics please click www.aaortho.org and you will be linked to the American Association of Orthodontists website. l Dentistry please click www.ada.org and you will be linked to American Dental Association website. KCP® - Treating Tooth Decay KCP® is a new instrument that can be used as an alternative to the drill in many procedures. A microscopically fine powder is carried to the tooth by a stream of air, gently spraying away decay. In a simple sense, you could say it works like a precise miniature sandblaster. STRAIGHT TEETH. NO BRACES Very few people have naturally straight teeth. And for years, braces were the only option. Until now. Introducing Invisalign™. A Revolutionary new way to straighten teeth-- without braces. So Invisible, you'll be the only one that knows. Invisalign™ uses a series of nearly undetectable aligners instead of brackets and wires. So it's really hard for people to tell you're wearing Invisalign™ even up close. Invisalign™can give you the smile you've always wanted without the braces you've always avoided. No braces. Nothing to hold you back. Because there are no metal wires and brackets, Invisalign™ is comfortable. And because it's removable, eating, brushing and flossing are no problem. You can still enjoy your favorite foods and smile without holding back. With Invisalign™, there's nothing to hide. The latest technology makes it possible. Upon an initial examination, your orthodontist decides if Invisalign™ is right for you. Your doctor will write a treatment plan and take an impression of your teeth, which are submitted to Invisalign™. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign™ carefully translates your doctor's instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. You then wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, moving your teeth gradually - week by week , millimeter by millimeter - until you've achieved the intended result:straighter teeth. Generally, you visit your orthodontist no more often than you would with braces and the length of treatment is about the same. Emergency Dental Treatment We have Oral Surgeons, Prosthodontists, Periodontists, Cosmetic - Implant Dentists, providing emergency treatment for abscess pain, dental abcesses, root canals, extractions, denture, tissue swelling, crown problems or any other kind of tooth ache. Emergency Dental Care If you are suffering from a dental emergency, then obviously, you need emergency dental care. There are many kinds of dental emergencies. You should get yourself to a dentist as soon as possible in case of a dental emergency. A dental emergency can be a knocked out tooth, a dislodged tooth, a cracked tooth, severe pain or even a broken jaw. If you're suffering from any of these or any other major tooth-related emergencies you need to get to a dentist immediately. Please give us a call.Choose a clinic nearest to you. Choose a Topic Below Patient Safety Patient Comfort Hygiene High Tech Diagnostics Implants Oral Surgery Periodontal Disease Children's Specialist Cosmetic Dentistry Drill-less Filling Laser Dentistry Dentures Crowns Root Canal Therapy Bridges Orthodontics "Braces" Orthodontic Services Lingual "Concealed" "Invisible" Braces Cases Treated with Lingual (Concealed) Braces FAQs About Lingual (Concealed) Braces KCP® - Treating Tooth Decay Invisalign Dental Emergency Home | About Us | Services | Gallery | Directions | Forms | Contact Us Services Patient Safety To protect our patients and ourselves, our staff wears masks, gloves, glasses, as well as hospital scrub uniforms. We strictly observe all Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) guidelines. All instruments are cleaned, disinfected, and routinely sterilized as recommended by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control. Whenever possible, disposable single use items are used to ensure your safety. Handpieces (drills) are sterilized in a state-of-the-art sterilization unit specifically designed for this purpose. All surfaces in the treatment rooms are cleaned and disinfected after each patient. Patient Comfort You are not alone if you feel anxious about a visit to the dentist. We understand and share your concerns and strive to make every dental visit comfortable. If there is anything else we can do, let us know. In addition to topical and local anesthetic, nitrous oxide ( laughing gas ) is available for those patients who may need a little more. We offer headsets, videos, and in-office cable television, so you can sit back, relax and watch your favorite show. Convenient free parking with security is readily accessible and in close proximity to the entrance of the building. Emergencies can occur any time. Our 24-hour answering service can alert the doctor of your need. With early morning and late afternoon appointments, you can be seen at a time that is convenient for your busy schedule. Hygiene An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tarter on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon you individual needs and oral health. During your visit we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer-screening exam, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instructions, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are provided for children under age of thirteen and for adults when appropriate. High Tech Diagnostics Our office uses Computer Dental Radiography or CDR. With CDR, we are able to capture x-ray images of your teeth using 90% less exposure to x-radiation, while at the same time being able to enhance, enlarge, and manipulate the images for better diagnosis. With the immediate on-screen results, patients get much more involved in understanding their treatment needs and options for care. Utilizing an Intra-Oral Camera gives both you and us the opportunity to see potential problems occurring in your mouth, such as decay or fractured teeth. Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant loss of tooth or structure. With the help of the intra-oral camera, problems can be detected earlier, before you experience a toothache. Implants Before After A remarkable procedure, implants can replace any or all of your teeth. The implant becomes integrated with the bone and acts like a "bolt" which will ultimately support a new tooth. The advantages of implants for patients with dentures are: denture stability, increased patient comfort and confidence. While an oral surgeon inserts implants themselves, our role is planning placement of implants and restoring the integrated implants after surgery. Oral Surgery The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of tooth may be the only course of treatment. A panorex x-ray allows us to see a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most minor surgeries are performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases. Periodontal Disease While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition. Childrens Specialist Children's specialist (Pedodontists) have a very important function in the dental office. They are doctors that have completed additional training to become children's specialists. As a child's dental needs are different from adult's and are constantly changing, the pedodontist can more accurately aid in the process of children's dental health both in prevention and treatment areas. Cosmetic Dentistry For the smile you have always wanted, cosmetic dentistry can include reshaping your teeth, veneers or bonding, natural looking tooth-colored fillings and bleaching. PORCELAIN VENEERS BLEACHING TEETH "WHITENING" FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION "DRILL-LESS" FILLINGS Our office now offers a gentle new "drill-less" technology that can frequently be used in place of or in conjunction with the drill to make procedures more comfortable. There is no vibration, no whining sound and less need for anesthetic. This technique uses a stream of kinetic particles to prepare teeth for restorations. Instead of grinding away tooth structure like a drill, this technique gently and precisely sprays away decay. This technique allows for early intervention and conservation of healthy tooth structure, it eliminates the need for acid etching when preparing tooth for bonding and it safely modifies dentin and doubles bond strength. While reducing the need for anesthesia, this allows the dentist to treat multiple sites in the mouth during a single visit, adding to efficiency. Laser Dentistry Laser Dentistry is a widely accepted form of advanced treatment. The laser used in dental offices generates a beam of concentrated light into your month. This helps the dentist remove infection and tooth decay with great precision. Lasers are primarily used in dentistry to perform oral surgery and apply treatments to the gum tissue as in periodontal disease. Benefits include less bleeding, decreased sensitivity and a reduced need for injections. These advancements also allow for more patient comfort by providing faster healing, a lower risk of infection and less time in the dental chair. Dentures Before After Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Denture wearers require regular dental exams to ensure their health, comfort, and appearance. Gum tissues are in constant state of change. Periodic relining of dentures may be necessary to ensure tight and comfortable fit. We provide the services of ONE DAY DENTURES. We have a Dental lab on premises and we can make your dentures in ONE DAY. Crowns A "cap", "jacket", or "crown" will restore a broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to its original size and shape. This may also be recommended after root canal therapy has been completed, as the tooth tends to become brittle and is more apt to fracture. Crowns strengthen and protect remaining tooth structure and improve the appearance of your teeth. Root Canal Therapy If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth. Bridges A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain the structure of your face and jaw. ORTHODONTICS "BRACES" For patients, adults and children who have crowded or crooked teeth, spaces between their teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and trauma due to protruding teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an evaluation by 7 years of age. More than 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Ninety percent of all people who need orthodontic treatment have crowded or protruding teeth (9 out of 10). You or your child may be in this ninety percent and ready to make an important decision about orthodontic treatment. For many years the traditional method of treating crowded and protruding teeth has included removal of premolar, or bicuspid teeth. While this method has saved many patients form disfiguring overbites, a new and superior method of treating crowded and protruding teeth, based on careful research and analysis, has been adopted by a growing number of doctors in both Europe and North America. Another advantage of this treatment is the relatively short span of time takes to see results. Average treatment last anywhere from one year to eighteen months. You deserve a smile that is not only beautiful but functional, smile that reflects a healthy confident self-esteem. Our goal is to provide comprehensive orthodontic care in a friendly fun-loving environment. We hope to enhance self-confidence by creating a harmony amongst facial form, teeth, and jaws, joints and muscles that reflect attractiveness and health. A healthy attractive smile is priceless. The greater portion of the population remembers your smile when they look at you. We want to help make that first impression count. It is our belief that every patient's case is unique and that no one type of orthodontic treatment fits everybody. Our goal is to treat each patient as an individual to the most esthetic, functional and stable result possible in the shortest possible time with comfort and care. We as an ortho team continually strive to provide, with the cooperation of our patients and their family dentist, beautiful smiles and healthy bites, by performing excellent orthodontic treatment with state of the art appliances, techniques and skilled employees in an office environment where, the patients and parents, doctors and staff will enjoy coming everyday. Orthodontic Services CONVENTIONAL BRACING TREATMENT Full fixed brace treatment. Ceramic "Clear" braces. Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces. FUNCTIONAL JAW ORTHOPEDICS Palate (upper jaw) widening. Removable appliances: l Bionator. l Activators. l Schwarz Appliance. ADULT ORTHODONTICS l Full and partial treatment l Ceramic "Clear" braces. l Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces (see section below for more info.) CHILD INTERCEPTIVE THERAPY l Space maintainers. l Serial Extraction Guidance. l Growth supervision and analysis. l Early crossbite correction. l Mixed dentition treatment (ages 4-11). SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS l The orthodontist and oral surgeon work as a team to correct major facial disharmonies. COSMETIC ORTHODONTICS The orthodontist and the cosmetic dentist work as a team to improve tooth appearance: l Space closure. l Minor tooth movement. l Redistributing space for replacing missing teeth. LINGUAL "Concealed" " Invisible" BRACES Lingual braces also known as Concealed, Invisible braces are the only non-visible form of fixed orthodontic therapy. Special instrumentation, equipment, doctor and staff training are required for this technique. These braces can be used on both arches or on combination with outside clear braces on the lower teeth as shown in the following picture. Lingual braces is a highly technical (and therefore very demanding) method of treating crooked teeth, offered routinely only by four or five other orthodontists in the Southern California area. Usually braces are glued on to the front surfaces of the teeth where you can readily see them. Most adults are really embarrassed by crooked teeth. Crooked teeth with braces on them are a nightmare for adults. When I first began to offer clear transparent braces my adult patients breathed a sigh of relief. But when I began to offer them lingual braces they were not only relieved they were ecstatic! Imagine braces that were glued to the back of the teeth. Adults who put them on would tell me how they would go to a party and tell people who were virtually strangers about their new lingual braces and then casually show them of like a kid with a new bicycle. Lingual braces had become a fashion statement, something to be proud of, a badge of distinction, in a word - "classy". Six years ago when I first started to offer lingual braces it was like being a pioneer exploring an exciting and dangerous new frontier. It demanded unusually long appointments (30-90 minutes), new sorts of instruments (more expensive), and totally different head and hand positions (awkward and cramped), and getting used to another kind of patient (quirky). Even today when I'm setting up to insert or adjust lingual braces on a patient in mentally morph myself as though preparing for competition in an Olympic event. It's like a jeweler trying to work on the inside of a small watch that is wet, dimly lit, moves, and has an attitude besides! Initial discomfort with lingual braces (sore tongue and minor speech problems) is more of a problem, but patients seem to readily leap those hurdles. One problem that is sometimes bothersome to me occurs when patients forget they have to refocus their brushing efforts on the inside of the teeth and gums become swollen and interfere with adjustments. On the other hand, the lingual brace appliance is a particularly useful tool for correcting problems involving very deep overbites, which are frequent in an orthodontist's office. CASES TREATED WITH LINGUAL (INVISIBLE) BRACES Before After Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs ) about Lingual (Concealed) Braces ARE LINGUAL BRACES MORE UNCOMFORTABLE THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? Initial discomfort is similar to that of outside braces. The difference is that the lingual braces will affect the tongue and conventional braces affect the cheeks and lips. Patients take approximately 1-4 weeks to achieve a good comfort level. DOES TREATMENT WITH LINGUAL BRACES TAKE LONGER THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? No, treatment time is comparable to that of outside braces and sometimes even shorter. Some cases respond more efficiently to lingual braces due to certain mechanical advantages of the appliance. CAN ANYONE GET LINGUAL BRACES? Most patients are good candidates for lingual braces. There are a few exceptions. Your orthodontist will determine the type of braces most beneficial for your treatment. WILL LINGUAL BRACES AFFECT MY SPEECH? Yes, initially all orthodontic appliances have some effect on the patient's speech. The amount will vary depending on arch form and tongue position. In most patients this will be temporary and of short duration. For any other Questions (FAQ 's ) about l Orthodontics please click www.aaortho.org and you will be linked to the American Association of Orthodontists website. l Dentistry please click www.ada.org and you will be linked to American Dental Association website. KCP® - Treating Tooth Decay KCP® is a new instrument that can be used as an alternative to the drill in many procedures. A microscopically fine powder is carried to the tooth by a stream of air, gently spraying away decay. In a simple sense, you could say it works like a precise miniature sandblaster. STRAIGHT TEETH. NO BRACES Very few people have naturally straight teeth. And for years, braces were the only option. Until now. Introducing Invisalign™. A Revolutionary new way to straighten teeth-- without braces. So Invisible, you'll be the only one that knows. Invisalign™ uses a series of nearly undetectable aligners instead of brackets and wires. So it's really hard for people to tell you're wearing Invisalign™ even up close. Invisalign™can give you the smile you've always wanted without the braces you've always avoided. No braces. Nothing to hold you back. Because there are no metal wires and brackets, Invisalign™ is comfortable. And because it's removable, eating, brushing and flossing are no problem. You can still enjoy your favorite foods and smile without holding back. With Invisalign™, there's nothing to hide. The latest technology makes it possible. Upon an initial examination, your orthodontist decides if Invisalign™ is right for you. Your doctor will write a treatment plan and take an impression of your teeth, which are submitted to Invisalign™. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign™ carefully translates your doctor's instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. You then wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, moving your teeth gradually - week by week , millimeter by millimeter - until you've achieved the intended result:straighter teeth. Generally, you visit your orthodontist no more often than you would with braces and the length of treatment is about the same. Emergency Dental Treatment We have Oral Surgeons, Prosthodontists, Periodontists, Cosmetic - Implant Dentists, providing emergency treatment for abscess pain, dental abcesses, root canals, extractions, denture, tissue swelling, crown problems or any other kind of tooth ache. Emergency Dental Care If you are suffering from a dental emergency, then obviously, you need emergency dental care. There are many kinds of dental emergencies. You should get yourself to a dentist as soon as possible in case of a dental emergency. A dental emergency can be a knocked out tooth, a dislodged tooth, a cracked tooth, severe pain or even a broken jaw. If you're suffering from any of these or any other major tooth-related emergencies you need to get to a dentist immediately. Please give us a call.Choose a clinic nearest to you. List of dentists in San Bernardino Area. Please visit www.San Bernardinodentaloffice.Com for more information

Choose a Topic Below Patient Safety Patient Comfort Hygiene High Tech Diagnostics Implants Oral Surgery Periodontal Disease Children's Specialist Cosmetic Dentistry Drill-less Filling Laser Dentistry Dentures Crowns Root Canal Therapy Bridges Orthodontics "Braces" Orthodontic Services Lingual "Concealed" "Invisible" Braces Cases Treated with Lingual (Concealed) Braces FAQs About Lingual (Concealed) Braces KCP® - Treating Tooth Decay Invisalign Dental Emergency Patient Safety To protect our patients and ourselves, our staff wears masks, gloves, glasses, as well as hospital scrub uniforms. We strictly observe all Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) guidelines. All instruments are cleaned, disinfected, and routinely sterilized as recommended by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control. Whenever possible, disposable single use items are used to ensure your safety. Handpieces (drills) are sterilized in a state-of-the-art sterilization unit specifically designed for this purpose. All surfaces in the treatment rooms are cleaned and disinfected after each patient. Patient Comfort You are not alone if you feel anxious about a visit to the dentist. We understand and share your concerns and strive to make every dental visit comfortable. If there is anything else we can do, let us know. In addition to topical and local anesthetic, nitrous oxide ( laughing gas ) is available for those patients who may need a little more. We offer headsets, videos, and in-office cable television, so you can sit back, relax and watch your favorite show. Convenient free parking with security is readily accessible and in close proximity to the entrance of the building. Emergencies can occur any time. Our 24-hour answering service can alert the doctor of your need. With early morning and late afternoon appointments, you can be seen at a time that is convenient for your busy schedule. Hygiene An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tarter on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon you individual needs and oral health. During your visit we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer-screening exam, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instructions, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are provided for children under age of thirteen and for adults when appropriate. High Tech Diagnostics Our office uses Computer Dental Radiography or CDR. With CDR, we are able to capture x-ray images of your teeth using 90% less exposure to x-radiation, while at the same time being able to enhance, enlarge, and manipulate the images for better diagnosis. With the immediate on-screen results, patients get much more involved in understanding their treatment needs and options for care. Utilizing an Intra-Oral Camera gives both you and us the opportunity to see potential problems occurring in your mouth, such as decay or fractured teeth. Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant loss of tooth or structure. With the help of the intra-oral camera, problems can be detected earlier, before you experience a toothache. Implants Before After A remarkable procedure, implants can replace any or all of your teeth. The implant becomes integrated with the bone and acts like a "bolt" which will ultimately support a new tooth. The advantages of implants for patients with dentures are: denture stability, increased patient comfort and confidence. While an oral surgeon inserts implants themselves, our role is planning placement of implants and restoring the integrated implants after surgery. Oral Surgery The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of tooth may be the only course of treatment. A panorex x-ray allows us to see a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most minor surgeries are performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases. Periodontal Disease While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition. Childrens Specialist Children's specialist (Pedodontists) have a very important function in the dental office. They are doctors that have completed additional training to become children's specialists. As a child's dental needs are different from adult's and are constantly changing, the pedodontist can more accurately aid in the process of children's dental health both in prevention and treatment areas. Cosmetic Dentistry For the smile you have always wanted, cosmetic dentistry can include reshaping your teeth, veneers or bonding, natural looking tooth-colored fillings and bleaching. * PORCELAIN VENEERS * BLEACHING TEETH "WHITENING" * FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION "DRILL-LESS" FILLINGS Our office now offers a gentle new "drill-less" technology that can frequently be used in place of or in conjunction with the drill to make procedures more comfortable. There is no vibration, no whining sound and less need for anesthetic. This technique uses a stream of kinetic particles to prepare teeth for restorations. Instead of grinding away tooth structure like a drill, this technique gently and precisely sprays away decay. This technique allows for early intervention and conservation of healthy tooth structure, it eliminates the need for acid etching when preparing tooth for bonding and it safely modifies dentin and doubles bond strength. While reducing the need for anesthesia, this allows the dentist to treat multiple sites in the mouth during a single visit, adding to efficiency. Laser Dentistry Laser Dentistry is a widely accepted form of advanced treatment. The laser used in dental offices generates a beam of concentrated light into your month. This helps the dentist remove infection and tooth decay with great precision. Lasers are primarily used in dentistry to perform oral surgery and apply treatments to the gum tissue as in periodontal disease. Benefits include less bleeding, decreased sensitivity and a reduced need for injections. These advancements also allow for more patient comfort by providing faster healing, a lower risk of infection and less time in the dental chair. Dentures Before After Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Denture wearers require regular dental exams to ensure their health, comfort, and appearance. Gum tissues are in constant state of change. Periodic relining of dentures may be necessary to ensure tight and comfortable fit. We provide the services of ONE DAY DENTURES. We have a Dental lab on premises and we can make your dentures in ONE DAY. Crowns A "cap", "jacket", or "crown" will restore a broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to its original size and shape. This may also be recommended after root canal therapy has been completed, as the tooth tends to become brittle and is more apt to fracture. Crowns strengthen and protect remaining tooth structure and improve the appearance of your teeth. Root Canal Therapy If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth. Bridges A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain the structure of your face and jaw. ORTHODONTICS "BRACES" For patients, adults and children who have crowded or crooked teeth, spaces between their teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and trauma due to protruding teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an evaluation by 7 years of age. More than 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Ninety percent of all people who need orthodontic treatment have crowded or protruding teeth (9 out of 10). You or your child may be in this ninety percent and ready to make an important decision about orthodontic treatment. For many years the traditional method of treating crowded and protruding teeth has included removal of premolar, or bicuspid teeth. While this method has saved many patients form disfiguring overbites, a new and superior method of treating crowded and protruding teeth, based on careful research and analysis, has been adopted by a growing number of doctors in both Europe and North America. Another advantage of this treatment is the relatively short span of time takes to see results. Average treatment last anywhere from one year to eighteen months. You deserve a smile that is not only beautiful but functional, smile that reflects a healthy confident self-esteem. Our goal is to provide comprehensive orthodontic care in a friendly fun-loving environment. We hope to enhance self-confidence by creating a harmony amongst facial form, teeth, and jaws, joints and muscles that reflect attractiveness and health. A healthy attractive smile is priceless. The greater portion of the population remembers your smile when they look at you. We want to help make that first impression count. It is our belief that every patient's case is unique and that no one type of orthodontic treatment fits everybody. Our goal is to treat each patient as an individual to the most esthetic, functional and stable result possible in the shortest possible time with comfort and care. We as an ortho team continually strive to provide, with the cooperation of our patients and their family dentist, beautiful smiles and healthy bites, by performing excellent orthodontic treatment with state of the art appliances, techniques and skilled employees in an office environment where, the patients and parents, doctors and staff will enjoy coming everyday. Orthodontic Services # CONVENTIONAL BRACING TREATMENT Full fixed brace treatment. Ceramic "Clear" braces. Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces. # FUNCTIONAL JAW ORTHOPEDICS Palate (upper jaw) widening. Removable appliances: l Bionator. l Activators. l Schwarz Appliance. # ADULT ORTHODONTICS l Full and partial treatment l Ceramic "Clear" braces. l Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces (see section below for more info.) # CHILD INTERCEPTIVE THERAPY l Space maintainers. l Serial Extraction Guidance. l Growth supervision and analysis. l Early crossbite correction. l Mixed dentition treatment (ages 4-11). # SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS l The orthodontist and oral surgeon work as a team to correct major facial disharmonies. # COSMETIC ORTHODONTICS The orthodontist and the cosmetic dentist work as a team to improve tooth appearance: l Space closure. l Minor tooth movement. l Redistributing space for replacing missing teeth. LINGUAL "Concealed" " Invisible" BRACES Lingual braces also known as Concealed, Invisible braces are the only non-visible form of fixed orthodontic therapy. Special instrumentation, equipment, doctor and staff training are required for this technique. These braces can be used on both arches or on combination with outside clear braces on the lower teeth as shown in the following picture. Lingual braces is a highly technical (and therefore very demanding) method of treating crooked teeth, offered routinely only by four or five other orthodontists in the Southern California area. Usually braces are glued on to the front surfaces of the teeth where you can readily see them. Most adults are really embarrassed by crooked teeth. Crooked teeth with braces on them are a nightmare for adults. When I first began to offer clear transparent braces my adult patients breathed a sigh of relief. But when I began to offer them lingual braces they were not only relieved they were ecstatic! Imagine braces that were glued to the back of the teeth. Adults who put them on would tell me how they would go to a party and tell people who were virtually strangers about their new lingual braces and then casually show them of like a kid with a new bicycle. Lingual braces had become a fashion statement, something to be proud of, a badge of distinction, in a word - "classy". Six years ago when I first started to offer lingual braces it was like being a pioneer exploring an exciting and dangerous new frontier. It demanded unusually long appointments (30-90 minutes), new sorts of instruments (more expensive), and totally different head and hand positions (awkward and cramped), and getting used to another kind of patient (quirky). Even today when I'm setting up to insert or adjust lingual braces on a patient in mentally morph myself as though preparing for competition in an Olympic event. It's like a jeweler trying to work on the inside of a small watch that is wet, dimly lit, moves, and has an attitude besides! Initial discomfort with lingual braces (sore tongue and minor speech problems) is more of a problem, but patients seem to readily leap those hurdles. One problem that is sometimes bothersome to me occurs when patients forget they have to refocus their brushing efforts on the inside of the teeth and gums become swollen and interfere with adjustments. On the other hand, the lingual brace appliance is a particularly useful tool for correcting problems involving very deep overbites, which are frequent in an orthodontist's office. CASES TREATED WITH LINGUAL (INVISIBLE) BRACES Before After Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ's ) about Lingual (Concealed) Braces # ARE LINGUAL BRACES MORE UNCOMFORTABLE THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? Initial discomfort is similar to that of outside braces. The difference is that the lingual braces will affect the tongue and conventional braces affect the cheeks and lips. Patients take approximately 1-4 weeks to achieve a good comfort level. # DOES TREATMENT WITH LINGUAL BRACES TAKE LONGER THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? No, treatment time is comparable to that of outside braces and sometimes even shorter. Some cases respond more efficiently to lingual braces due to certain mechanical advantages of the appliance. # CAN ANYONE GET LINGUAL BRACES? Most patients are good candidates for lingual braces. There are a few exceptions. Your orthodontist will determine the type of braces most beneficial for your treatment. # WILL LINGUAL BRACES AFFECT MY SPEECH? Yes, initially all orthodontic appliances have some effect on the patient's speech. The amount will vary depending on arch form and tongue position. In most patients this will be temporary and of short duration. For any other Questions (FAQ 's ) about l Orthodontics please click www.aaortho.org and you will be linked to the American Association of Orthodontists website. l Dentistry please click www.ada.org and you will be linked to American Dental Association website. KCP® - Treating Tooth Decay KCP® is a new instrument that can be used as an alternative to the drill in many procedures. A microscopically fine powder is carried to the tooth by a stream of air, gently spraying away decay. In a simple sense, you could say it works like a precise miniature sandblaster. STRAIGHT TEETH. NO BRACES Very few people have naturally straight teeth. And for years, braces were the only option. Until now. Introducing Invisalign™. A Revolutionary new way to straighten teeth-- without braces. So Invisible, you'll be the only one that knows. Invisalign™ uses a series of nearly undetectable aligners instead of brackets and wires. So it's really hard for people to tell you're wearing Invisalign™ even up close. Invisalign™can give you the smile you've always wanted without the braces you've always avoided. No braces. Nothing to hold you back. Because there are no metal wires and brackets, Invisalign™ is comfortable. And because it's removable, eating, brushing and flossing are no problem. You can still enjoy your favorite foods and smile without holding back. With Invisalign™, there's nothing to hide. The latest technology makes it possible. Upon an initial examination, your orthodontist decides if Invisalign™ is right for you. Your doctor will write a treatment plan and take an impression of your teeth, which are submitted to Invisalign™. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign™ carefully translates your doctor's instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. You then wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, moving your teeth gradually - week by week , millimeter by millimeter - until you've achieved the intended result:straighter teeth. Generally, you visit your orthodontist no more often than you would with braces and the length of treatment is about the same. Emergency Dental Treatment We have Oral Surgeons, Prosthodontists, Periodontists, Cosmetic - Implant Dentists, providing emergency treatment for abscess pain, dental abcesses, root canals, extractions, denture, tissue swelling, crown problems or any other kind of tooth ache. Emergency Dental Care If you are suffering from a dental emergency, then obviously, you need emergency dental care. There are many kinds of dental emergencies. You should get yourself to a dentist as soon as possible in case of a dental emergency. A dental emergency can be a knocked out tooth, a dislodged tooth, a cracked tooth, severe pain or even a broken jaw. If you're suffering from any of these or any other major tooth-related emergencies you need to get to a dentist immediately. Please give us a call.Choose a clinic nearest to you. Patient Comfort You are not alone if you feel anxious about a visit to the dentist. We understand and share your concerns and strive to make every dental visit comfortable. If there is anything else we can do, let us know. In addition to topical and local anesthetic, nitrous oxide ( laughing gas ) is available for those patients who may need a little more. We offer headsets, videos, and in-office cable television, so you can sit back, relax and watch your favorite show. Convenient free parking with security is readily accessible and in close proximity to the entrance of the building. Emergencies can occur any time. Our 24-hour answering service can alert the doctor of your need. With early morning and late afternoon appointments, you can be seen at a time that is convenient for your busy schedule. Hygiene An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tarter on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon you individual needs and oral health. During your visit we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer-screening exam, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instructions, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are provided for children under age of thirteen and for adults when appropriate. High Tech Diagnostics Our office uses Computer Dental Radiography or CDR. With CDR, we are able to capture x-ray images of your teeth using 90% less exposure to x-radiation, while at the same time being able to enhance, enlarge, and manipulate the images for better diagnosis. With the immediate on-screen results, patients get much more involved in understanding their treatment needs and options for care. Utilizing an Intra-Oral Camera gives both you and us the opportunity to see potential problems occurring in your mouth, such as decay or fractured teeth. Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant loss of tooth or structure. With the help of the intra-oral camera, problems can be detected earlier, before you experience a toothache. Implants Before After A remarkable procedure, implants can replace any or all of your teeth. The implant becomes integrated with the bone and acts like a "bolt" which will ultimately support a new tooth. The advantages of implants for patients with dentures are: denture stability, increased patient comfort and confidence. While an oral surgeon inserts implants themselves, our role is planning placement of implants and restoring the integrated implants after surgery. Oral Surgery The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of tooth may be the only course of treatment. A panorex x-ray allows us to see a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most minor surgeries are performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases. Periodontal Disease While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition. Childrens Specialist Children's specialist (Pedodontists) have a very important function in the dental office. They are doctors that have completed additional training to become children's specialists. As a child's dental needs are different from adult's and are constantly changing, the pedodontist can more accurately aid in the process of children's dental health both in prevention and treatment areas. Cosmetic Dentistry For the smile you have always wanted, cosmetic dentistry can include reshaping your teeth, veneers or bonding, natural looking tooth-colored fillings and bleaching. * PORCELAIN VENEERS * BLEACHING TEETH "WHITENING" * FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION "DRILL-LESS" FILLINGS Our office now offers a gentle new "drill-less" technology that can frequently be used in place of or in conjunction with the drill to make procedures more comfortable. There is no vibration, no whining sound and less need for anesthetic. This technique uses a stream of kinetic particles to prepare teeth for restorations. Instead of grinding away tooth structure like a drill, this technique gently and precisely sprays away decay. This technique allows for early intervention and conservation of healthy tooth structure, it eliminates the need for acid etching when preparing tooth for bonding and it safely modifies dentin and doubles bond strength. While reducing the need for anesthesia, this allows the dentist to treat multiple sites in the mouth during a single visit, adding to efficiency. Laser Dentistry Laser Dentistry is a widely accepted form of advanced treatment. The laser used in dental offices generates a beam of concentrated light into your month. This helps the dentist remove infection and tooth decay with great precision. Lasers are primarily used in dentistry to perform oral surgery and apply treatments to the gum tissue as in periodontal disease. Benefits include less bleeding, decreased sensitivity and a reduced need for injections. These advancements also allow for more patient comfort by providing faster healing, a lower risk of infection and less time in the dental chair. Dentures Before After Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Denture wearers require regular dental exams to ensure their health, comfort, and appearance. Gum tissues are in constant state of change. Periodic relining of dentures may be necessary to ensure tight and comfortable fit. We provide the services of ONE DAY DENTURES. We have a Dental lab on premises and we can make your dentures in ONE DAY. Crowns A "cap", "jacket", or "crown" will restore a broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to its original size and shape. This may also be recommended after root canal therapy has been completed, as the tooth tends to become brittle and is more apt to fracture. Crowns strengthen and protect remaining tooth structure and improve the appearance of your teeth. Root Canal Therapy If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth. Bridges A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain the structure of your face and jaw. ORTHODONTICS "BRACES" For patients, adults and children who have crowded or crooked teeth, spaces between their teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and trauma due to protruding teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an evaluation by 7 years of age. More than 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Ninety percent of all people who need orthodontic treatment have crowded or protruding teeth (9 out of 10). You or your child may be in this ninety percent and ready to make an important decision about orthodontic treatment. For many years the traditional method of treating crowded and protruding teeth has included removal of premolar, or bicuspid teeth. While this method has saved many patients form disfiguring overbites, a new and superior method of treating crowded and protruding teeth, based on careful research and analysis, has been adopted by a growing number of doctors in both Europe and North America. Another advantage of this treatment is the relatively short span of time takes to see results. Average treatment last anywhere from one year to eighteen months. You deserve a smile that is not only beautiful but functional, smile that reflects a healthy confident self-esteem. Our goal is to provide comprehensive orthodontic care in a friendly fun-loving environment. We hope to enhance self-confidence by creating a harmony amongst facial form, teeth, and jaws, joints and muscles that reflect attractiveness and health. A healthy attractive smile is priceless. The greater portion of the population remembers your smile when they look at you. We want to help make that first impression count. It is our belief that every patient's case is unique and that no one type of orthodontic treatment fits everybody. Our goal is to treat each patient as an individual to the most esthetic, functional and stable result possible in the shortest possible time with comfort and care. We as an ortho team continually strive to provide, with the cooperation of our patients and their family dentist, beautiful smiles and healthy bites, by performing excellent orthodontic treatment with state of the art appliances, techniques and skilled employees in an office environment where, the patients and parents, doctors and staff will enjoy coming everyday. Orthodontic Services # CONVENTIONAL BRACING TREATMENT Full fixed brace treatment. Ceramic "Clear" braces. Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces. # FUNCTIONAL JAW ORTHOPEDICS Palate (upper jaw) widening. Removable appliances: l Bionator. l Activators. l Schwarz Appliance. # ADULT ORTHODONTICS l Full and partial treatment l Ceramic "Clear" braces. l Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces (see section below for more info.) # CHILD INTERCEPTIVE THERAPY l Space maintainers. l Serial Extraction Guidance. l Growth supervision and analysis. l Early crossbite correction. l Mixed dentition treatment (ages 4-11). # SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS l The orthodontist and oral surgeon work as a team to correct major facial disharmonies. # COSMETIC ORTHODONTICS The orthodontist and the cosmetic dentist work as a team to improve tooth appearance: l Space closure. l Minor tooth movement. l Redistributing space for replacing missing teeth. LINGUAL "Concealed" " Invisible" BRACES Lingual braces also known as Concealed, Invisible braces are the only non-visible form of fixed orthodontic therapy. Special instrumentation, equipment, doctor and staff training are required for this technique. These braces can be used on both arches or on combination with outside clear braces on the lower teeth as shown in the following picture. Lingual braces is a highly technical (and therefore very demanding) method of treating crooked teeth, offered routinely only by four or five other orthodontists in the Southern California area. Usually braces are glued on to the front surfaces of the teeth where you can readily see them. Most adults are really embarrassed by crooked teeth. Crooked teeth with braces on them are a nightmare for adults. When I first began to offer clear transparent braces my adult patients breathed a sigh of relief. But when I began to offer them lingual braces they were not only relieved they were ecstatic! Imagine braces that were glued to the back of the teeth. Adults who put them on would tell me how they would go to a party and tell people who were virtually strangers about their new lingual braces and then casually show them of like a kid with a new bicycle. Lingual braces had become a fashion statement, something to be proud of, a badge of distinction, in a word - "classy". Six years ago when I first started to offer lingual braces it was like being a pioneer exploring an exciting and dangerous new frontier. It demanded unusually long appointments (30-90 minutes), new sorts of instruments (more expensive), and totally different head and hand positions (awkward and cramped), and getting used to another kind of patient (quirky). Even today when I'm setting up to insert or adjust lingual braces on a patient in mentally morph myself as though preparing for competition in an Olympic event. It's like a jeweler trying to work on the inside of a small watch that is wet, dimly lit, moves, and has an attitude besides! Initial discomfort with lingual braces (sore tongue and minor speech problems) is more of a problem, but patients seem to readily leap those hurdles. One problem that is sometimes bothersome to me occurs when patients forget they have to refocus their brushing efforts on the inside of the teeth and gums become swollen and interfere with adjustments. On the other hand, the lingual brace appliance is a particularly useful tool for correcting problems involving very deep overbites, which are frequent in an orthodontist's office. CASES TREATED WITH LINGUAL (INVISIBLE) BRACES Before After Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ's ) about Lingual (Concealed) Braces # ARE LINGUAL BRACES MORE UNCOMFORTABLE THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? Initial discomfort is similar to that of outside braces. The difference is that the lingual braces will affect the tongue and conventional braces affect the cheeks and lips. Patients take approximately 1-4 weeks to achieve a good comfort level. # DOES TREATMENT WITH LINGUAL BRACES TAKE LONGER THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? No, treatment time is comparable to that of outside braces and sometimes even shorter. Some cases respond more efficiently to lingual braces due to certain mechanical advantages of the appliance. # CAN ANYONE GET LINGUAL BRACES? Most patients are good candidates for lingual braces. There are a few exceptions. Your orthodontist will determine the type of braces most beneficial for your treatment. # WILL LINGUAL BRACES AFFECT MY SPEECH? Yes, initially all orthodontic appliances have some effect on the patient's speech. The amount will vary depending on arch form and tongue position. In most patients this will be temporary and of short duration. For any other Questions (FAQ 's ) about l Orthodontics please click www.aaortho.org and you will be linked to the American Association of Orthodontists website. l Dentistry please click www.ada.org and you will be linked to American Dental Association website. KCP® - Treating Tooth Decay KCP® is a new instrument that can be used as an alternative to the drill in many procedures. A microscopically fine powder is carried to the tooth by a stream of air, gently spraying away decay. In a simple sense, you could say it works like a precise miniature sandblaster. STRAIGHT TEETH. NO BRACES Very few people have naturally straight teeth. And for years, braces were the only option. Until now. Introducing Invisalign™. A Revolutionary new way to straighten teeth-- without braces. Hygiene An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tarter on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon you individual needs and oral health. During your visit we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer-screening exam, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instructions, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are provided for children under age of thirteen and for adults when appropriate. High Tech Diagnostics Our office uses Computer Dental Radiography or CDR. With CDR, we are able to capture x-ray images of your teeth using 90% less exposure to x-radiation, while at the same time being able to enhance, enlarge, and manipulate the images for better diagnosis. With the immediate on-screen results, patients get much more involved in understanding their treatment needs and options for care. Utilizing an Intra-Oral Camera gives both you and us the opportunity to see potential problems occurring in your mouth, such as decay or fractured teeth. Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant loss of tooth or structure. With the help of the intra-oral camera, problems can be detected earlier, before you experience a toothache. Implants Before After A remarkable procedure, implants can replace any or all of your teeth. The implant becomes integrated with the bone and acts like a "bolt" which will ultimately support a new tooth. The advantages of implants for patients with dentures are: denture stability, increased patient comfort and confidence. While an oral surgeon inserts implants themselves, our role is planning placement of implants and restoring the integrated implants after surgery. Oral Surgery The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of tooth may be the only course of treatment. A panorex x-ray allows us to see a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most minor surgeries are performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases. Periodontal Disease While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition. Childrens Specialist Children's specialist (Pedodontists) have a very important function in the dental office. They are doctors that have completed additional training to become children's specialists. As a child's dental needs are different from adult's and are constantly changing, the pedodontist can more accurately aid in the process of children's dental health both in prevention and treatment areas. Cosmetic Dentistry For the smile you have always wanted, cosmetic dentistry can include reshaping your teeth, veneers or bonding, natural looking tooth-colored fillings and bleaching. * PORCELAIN VENEERS * BLEACHING TEETH "WHITENING" * FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION "DRILL-LESS" FILLINGS Our office now offers a gentle new "drill-less" technology that can frequently be used in place of or in conjunction with the drill to make procedures more comfortable. There is no vibration, no whining sound and less need for anesthetic. This technique uses a stream of kinetic particles to prepare teeth for restorations. Instead of grinding away tooth structure like a drill, this technique gently and precisely sprays away decay. This technique allows for early intervention and conservation of healthy tooth structure, it eliminates the need for acid etching when preparing tooth for bonding and it safely modifies dentin and doubles bond strength. While reducing the need for anesthesia, this allows the dentist to treat multiple sites in the mouth during a single visit, adding to efficiency. Laser Dentistry Laser Dentistry is a widely accepted form of advanced treatment. The laser used in dental offices generates a beam of concentrated light into your month. This helps the dentist remove infection and tooth decay with great precision. Lasers are primarily used in dentistry to perform oral surgery and apply treatments to the gum tissue as in periodontal disease. Benefits include less bleeding, decreased sensitivity and a reduced need for injections. These advancements also allow for more patient comfort by providing faster healing, a lower risk of infection and less time in the dental chair. Dentures Before After Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Denture wearers require regular dental exams to ensure their health, comfort, and appearance. Gum tissues are in constant state of change. Periodic relining of dentures may be necessary to ensure tight and comfortable fit. We provide the services of ONE DAY DENTURES. We have a Dental lab on premises and we can make your dentures in ONE DAY. Crowns A "cap", "jacket", or "crown" will restore a broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to its original size and shape. This may also be recommended after root canal therapy has been completed, as the tooth tends to become brittle and is more apt to fracture. Crowns strengthen and protect remaining tooth structure and improve the appearance of your teeth. Root Canal Therapy If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth. Bridges A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain the structure of your face and jaw. ORTHODONTICS "BRACES" For patients, adults and children who have crowded or crooked teeth, spaces between their teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and trauma due to protruding teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an evaluation by 7 years of age. More than 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Ninety percent of all people who need orthodontic treatment have crowded or protruding teeth (9 out of 10). You or your child may be in this ninety percent and ready to make an important decision about orthodontic treatment. For many years the traditional method of treating crowded and protruding teeth has included removal of premolar, or bicuspid teeth. While this method has saved many patients form disfiguring overbites, a new and superior method of treating crowded and protruding teeth, based on careful research and analysis, has been adopted by a growing number of doctors in both Europe and North America. Another advantage of this treatment is the relatively short span of time takes to see results. Average treatment last anywhere from one year to eighteen months. You deserve a smile that is not only beautiful but functional, smile that reflects a healthy confident self-esteem. Our goal is to provide comprehensive orthodontic care in a friendly fun-loving environment. We hope to enhance self-confidence by creating a harmony amongst facial form, teeth, and jaws, joints and muscles that reflect attractiveness and health. A healthy attractive smile is priceless. The greater portion of the population remembers your smile when they look at you. We want to help make that first impression count. It is our belief that every patient's case is unique and that no one type of orthodontic treatment fits everybody. Our goal is to treat each patient as an individual to the most esthetic, functional and stable result possible in the shortest possible time with comfort and care. We as an ortho team continually strive to provide, with the cooperation of our patients and their family dentist, beautiful smiles and healthy bites, by performing excellent orthodontic treatment with state of the art appliances, techniques and skilled employees in an office environment where, the patients and parents, doctors and staff will enjoy coming everyday. Orthodontic Services # CONVENTIONAL BRACING TREATMENT Full fixed brace treatment. Ceramic "Clear" braces. Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces. # FUNCTIONAL JAW ORTHOPEDICS Palate (upper jaw) widening. Removable appliances: l Bionator. l Activators. l Schwarz Appliance. # ADULT ORTHODONTICS l Full and partial treatment l Ceramic "Clear" braces. l Lingual "INVISIBLE" braces (see section below for more info.) # CHILD INTERCEPTIVE THERAPY l Space maintainers. l Serial Extraction Guidance. l Growth supervision and analysis. l Early crossbite correction. l Mixed dentition treatment (ages 4-11). # SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS l The orthodontist and oral surgeon work as a team to correct major facial disharmonies. # COSMETIC ORTHODONTICS The orthodontist and the cosmetic dentist work as a team to improve tooth appearance: l Space closure. l Minor tooth movement. l Redistributing space for replacing missing teeth. LINGUAL "Concealed" " Invisible" BRACES Lingual braces also known as Concealed, Invisible braces are the only non-visible form of fixed orthodontic therapy. Special instrumentation, equipment, doctor and staff training are required for this technique. These braces can be used on both arches or on combination with outside clear braces on the lower teeth as shown in the following picture. Lingual braces is a highly technical (and therefore very demanding) method of treating crooked teeth, offered routinely only by four or five other orthodontists in the Southern California area. Usually braces are glued on to the front surfaces of the teeth where you can readily see them. Most adults are really embarrassed by crooked teeth. Crooked teeth with braces on them are a nightmare for adults. When I first began to offer clear transparent braces my adult patients breathed a sigh of relief. But when I began to offer them lingual braces they were not only relieved they were ecstatic! Imagine braces that were glued to the back of the teeth. Adults who put them on would tell me how they would go to a party and tell people who were virtually strangers about their new lingual braces and then casually show them of like a kid with a new bicycle. Lingual braces had become a fashion statement, something to be proud of, a badge of distinction, in a word - "classy". Six years ago when I first started to offer lingual braces it was like being a pioneer exploring an exciting and dangerous new frontier. It demanded unusually long appointments (30-90 minutes), new sorts of instruments (more expensive), and totally different head and hand positions (awkward and cramped), and getting used to another kind of patient (quirky). Even today when I'm setting up to insert or adjust lingual braces on a patient in mentally morph myself as though preparing for competition in an Olympic event. It's like a jeweler trying to work on the inside of a small watch that is wet, dimly lit, moves, and has an attitude besides! Initial discomfort with lingual braces (sore tongue and minor speech problems) is more of a problem, but patients seem to readily leap those hurdles. One problem that is sometimes bothersome to me occurs when patients forget they have to refocus their brushing efforts on the inside of the teeth and gums become swollen and interfere with adjustments. On the other hand, the lingual brace appliance is a particularly useful tool for correcting problems involving very deep overbites, which are frequent in an orthodontist's office. CASES TREATED WITH LINGUAL (INVISIBLE) BRACES Before After Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ's ) about Lingual (Concealed) Braces # ARE LINGUAL BRACES MORE UNCOMFORTABLE THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? Initial discomfort is similar to that of outside braces. The difference is that the lingual braces will affect the tongue and conventional braces affect the cheeks and lips. Patients take approximately 1-4 weeks to achieve a good comfort level. # DOES TREATMENT WITH LINGUAL BRACES TAKE LONGER THAN OUTSIDE BRACES? No, treatment time is comparable to that of outside braces and sometimes even shorter. Some cases respond more efficiently to lingual braces due to certain mechanical advantages of the appliance. # CAN ANYONE GET LINGUAL BRACES? Most patients are good candidates for lingual braces. There are a few exceptions. Your orthodontist will determine the type of braces most beneficial for your treatment. # WILL LINGUAL BRACES AFFECT MY SPEECH? Yes, initially all orthodontic appliances have some effect on the patient's speech. The amount will vary depending on arch form and tongue position. In most patients this will be temporary and of short duration. For any other Questions (FAQ 's ) about l Orthodontics