Los Angeles Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Someone once said, "I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful." But what if you couldn't, because of your discolored teeth? You do not have to despair anymore over problems like this, though. Most cosmetic dental clinics all over the world are now equipped with advanced technology and knowledge to fully satisfy their patients' needs.

For instance, it is already common for people all over the world to have teeth whitening. With the recent Zoom technology, a person can come in the clinic, have the treatment and be out within an hour. The dentist will just need to apply a special kind of gel on your teeth and sweep them with a Zoom light. This same technology can also be done at home. The doctor will just need to make an impression of your teeth, which will be used to make whitening trays that you will bring at home. You will use these whitening trays to treat your teeth every night for about 3 nights. Most people swear by having teeth 10 shades lighter than before the treatment. For more info on Zoom contact a Los Angeles Cosmetic Dental Clinic.

Another preferred dental treatment nowadays is Invisalign. If you visit a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles to consult about a problem about crooked teeth, he will most probably recommend this modern method replacing the traditional braces. It is a series of aligners that you should wear constantly, except when eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. Your doctor will check periodically the progress of aligning your teeth, with the full procedure lasting to as short as 9 months. Contrary to traditional braces, Invisalign cannot be seen and is comfortable. As it is designed using a computer, you will see the predicted result of the treatment even before you start wearing the aligners.
If you need to have tooth fillings, a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles would help make your teeth look and function as if they were never damaged at all. Mercury fillings are not just ugly-looking but also dangerous to your health. In fact, women who would like to be pregnant or who are pregnant are most of the time asked by their doctors to have mercury fillings removed from their teeth, if any. These days, dental experts will apply resin filling with color that is perfectly matched to your tooth or what remains of it.

Of course, even with these modern procedures that can restore your teeth's health and appearance, regular brushing, flossing and dental checkup should still be done regularly to prevent tooth decay and loss and maintain a lovely smile.

Los Angeles Dental Veneers Info

 In recent years, dental veneers have become popular thanks to their gleaming, beautiful appearance and the ease with which they are applied. Los Angeles Cosmetic dentists regularly perform this procedure as more and more patients are discovering that a bright, beautiful smile is within their reach.

Dental veneers had a bad reputation several years ago, as they appeared unnatural and were often too long or bright to match natural teeth. As cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles has evolved and improved, so too have dental veneers. Now constructed of a translucent ceramic material, they are bright and natural and can be shaped to fit well with natural teeth.

Who Can Use Veneers?

Veneers are used to cover teeth that are worn, cracked, dulled or uneven beyond repair. They are not appropriate in all situations, because the preparation for bonding the veneer to the natural tooth damages it permanently. Therefore, it is not recommended for those who could whiten their teeth, undergo orthodontic alignment procedures, or have cracks filled with composite white resin filling and achieve desirable results.
Veneers cannot be used on teeth that are badly broken or damaged because there must be a good bond between the tooth and the veneer. Therefore, crowns are better for badly damaged teeth.

Veneer placement is best for those with:
Enamel worn beyond repair - The hard enamel tooth coating can be damaged by dietary habits, genetics and medications. If the damage or discolouration is so substantial that laser whitening will not restore the tooth to its natural beauty, veneers are a good option.

Uneven or unaligned teeth - Uneven teeth are a cause of embarrassment and low self-esteem for some. Braces can be used to align teeth, but are not suitable in all situations. Your cosmetic dentist will determine whether orthodontic alignment or veneers are a better choice for you.
Chipped teeth - Chipped or deeply cracked teeth respond well to veneers. The veneer can actually prevent further damage by protecting the tooth with it's hard coating.
Spreading teeth - As we age, genetics cause the spacing between our teeth to grow further apart. This can cause embarrassing gaps between the teeth. Since the veneer is placed over the natural tooth, it is often a good option and negates the need for more invasive techniques such as implants.
Veneers Solve Many Cosmetic Issues

Whether your problem is spacing, chipped teeth or discolouration (or a combination of several factors), veneers quickly and easily disguise the unsightly damaged teeth. Because they can be shaped and coloured to match your existing teeth, they are natural looking and attractive.

Depending on your budget and your cosmetic dentist's recommendation, you have two choices: porcelain or composite resin veneers. Composite veneers can be fabricated inside your mouth at the dentist's office and typically last 5 to 7 years. Porcelain veneers are more expensive but last from 10 to 15 years. They are fabricated by a dental technician after the cosmetic dentist has prepared your natural teeth and taken an impression or mold for the technician to work from.

How Do I Get Dental Veneers?

Search the listings for a cosmetic dentist, or ask friends and relatives for referrals. Always ask your dentist for references or view samples of their work. Ensure that they guarantee the procedure - a reputable cosmetic dentist will not promise to do work they cannot guarantee and will fix any mistakes they make.

Once you have found a cosmetic dentist experienced in the application of veneers, you will have a consultation to determine if they are a good solution for your oral problems. Ask questions to ensure that you understand the procedure and the type of results you can expect.

At the preparation appointment, the cosmetic dentist will shave a fine layer, about 0.5mm thick, from your natural tooth enamel. This gives the veneer a good surface for bonding. Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth and may fit temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready. This can take anywhere from one to two weeks.

Once the custom-made veneers are ready, they are bonded to the teeth using a special type of glue. Because they are so thin and were designed specifically for your mouth, there is typically very little reshaping required. The results are instant; after the fitting appointment, your new, natural looking smile is finished!

Keep Your Veneers Gleaming

The life of your veneers depends greatly on how well you take care of your teeth and gums. Drinking coffee, smoking and playing contact sports can all damage your veneers and reduce their life.

Brush your teeth for two minutes, three times per day and floss regularly. See your dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. If you drink coffee, tea or soda, use a straw to prevent staining your beautiful (and expensive!) veneers. Avoid extremely hard foods such as candy to prevent chipping.

When playing sports, use a mouth-guard to prevent chipping or breakage. If you notice any damage or cracking, visit your cosmetic dentist immediately to see if the veneer can be repaired or replaced.

Veneers - Getting Your Money's Worth

Dental veneers cost anywhere from 500-1000 per tooth, depending on the material from which they are constructed and the dentist applying them. If this seems steep, consider using veneers in combination with other treatments. For example, you may be able to use laser whitening to brighten many of your teeth, leaving you requiring only one or two veneers for badly stained teeth. Or you might find that dental implants are a more sensible option if you are young and will have to pay to have your veneers replaced several times throughout your life.

Consult with your cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles to formulate a teeth whitening, implant and veneer treatment plan that best suits your needs, budget and lifestyle. Many cosmetic dentists now offer financing and payment plans to accommodate patients with needs greater than their budgets allow. Considering the embarrassment and poor self-esteem that accompanies many people's oral health problems, cosmetic dentistry is a worthwhile investment!

Invisalign Los Angeles

Nowadays, people are very conscious about their looks and personality. And everything is important for an attractive personality right from the physique to a pleasing smile. A beautiful smile has the power to to enhance your entire appearance. Good appearance and beautiful looks are added advantages for your successful life. One often feel embarrassed in public due to his or her misaligned teeth and avoid such gatherings. Though being an escapist is no solution to this problem. It can only add on to your lack of confidence. In fact instead of hiding yourself, you must consult your dentist who can further guide you with the best possible solutions. Now there are several simple ways that can offer you a perfect treatment. Now for your misaligned teeth, those metal braces are not the only remedy available. Many new techniques have emerged to offer you the most suitable dental treatment with no worry of pain. Invisalign Los Angeles brings to you the option of a safe and hassle free teeth treatment.

Now the traditional metal or ceramic braces are greatly replaced by the invisalign braces. The invention is highly considered as new step in the procedure of teeth-straightening treatments. Earlier, people have no other option than to wear ugly metal braces for the teeth straightening. However, these braces are widely known and very easily accessible. But now more and more people are opting for invisalign Los Angeles. The most positive feature of invisalign braces is that they are invisible. Bit is very popular among the teenagers who have to take this treatment for proper alignment of their teeth and are highly conscious about their looks. A pleasing personality and an attractive look is always admired. Thankfully, the advent of technology and the presence of invisalign Los Angeles have made this cosmetic dentaltreatment easily approachable and very efficient.

The invisalign braces can be fixed to tooth. They are very light in weight and can be easily placed inside one's mouth. However, it is recommended to be little careful with these braces for their better condition. All you have to do is follow the simple set of rules like taking them out while you are eating and etc. For your safety, make sure that all the products you are using for your treatment are certified by American Dental Association. Always consult an experienced cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles such as from invisalign Los Angeles, as it all about your precious teeth.

The expense of the treatment of invisalign braces is fixed by the dentists. They quote the charge according to the duration of the treatment and the number of 'aligners' one gets. On a usual basis, it ranges from $3500-$7000. This broad margin is mainly due to the type and quality of the products used. The period for a treatment is approximately about a year. This is much less in comparison to those conventional alignment treatments. So if you are looking for a quicker and easier method to align your teeth, you must hit the invisalign Los Angeles immediately.

Choosing a Los Angeles Dentist Part 2

Now that you understand the differences in types of general dentistry service categories that exist for Los Angeles dentists, don't be confused if you find that some dentists fall into more than one category. Pick as many categories as you feel apply to your own or your family's needs. Because Los Angeles dentists are situated in the state's "cradle of technology," most are likely to have websites that state what their areas of focus are. This is particularly true of dentists who fall into the first four categories. More than likely, you can locate the type(s) of Los Angeles dentists of interest to you by using a search engine, and then explore what each dentist's range of services and experience is within any given focus area.

Even in technology-savvy Los Angeles, you may find some Family Dentistry and Preventive Dentistry providers who do not have websites and prefer to focus on the more "traditional" range of general dentistry services. They may choose to limit their listings to conventional print phone advertising directories, or general online directory listings. Remember, too, that Comprehensive Dentistry providers usually provide Family and Preventive Dentistry services, in addition to their broader range of services.

Use the categories identified in this article to help you decide which types of services you want - both now and in the future. Narrow the field down to a much smaller number of Los Angeles dentists who are a good match for your needs. Then, contact the ones that look like the best match, and ask any additional questions that might not be answered on their websites or other information that has been made available to you about their practices.

Experience Matters!

As you begin the final round of evaluation to find the general dentist in Los Angeles best suited to your needs, remember that experience is very important to consider, too. Check the initial training of the dentist, but also consider what types of additional clinical experience the dentist received, in addition to the number of years he or she has been in private practice. From a reputation standpoint, how long has the dentist been in practice in the Los Angeles area? If you plan to use cosmetic or comprehensive dentistry services, it may be helpful to ask about the number of similar procedures your prospective dentist has performed. Certainly, looks matter when it comes to cosmetic dentistry results, but function and oral health are very important to preserve during the smile enhancement process.

Dentists in LA

Any condition if not taken care of in time can lead to many complicated conditions. Dental problems are one of such conditions that can make your condition really severe if not taken care of properly and in time. We all know that dentists are professionals who are ready to help out any individuals who may be suffering from dental conditions. Everyone is blessed with natural healthy teeth; in fact most people need to undergo certain dental procedures to correct the dental defects that they may be facing. For a resident of Los Angeles, dentist in Los Angeles is the ideal professional who can help you tackle this condition. Dentists are professionals who have all the expertise to help in having strong and healthy teeth.

You must understand that dental defects are of two types and this is why there are two types of dentists as well. First, you have restorative dentists who treat any dental condition that can cause pain to a person. That is not all; restorative dentists also restore any condition that may have caused harm to an individual. So if you are suffering from missing teeth or tooth you do not have to worry about this. A restorative dentistry procedure called dental implant can be used by your dentist in Los Angeles to correct the condition. So, it no longer matters if you have missing teeth due to any reason like old age, accident or any other. Most of the conditions can be corrected by a dentist since there have been many innovations in the field of dentistry.

Braces are another dental device that can be used for correcting certain dental conditions. If your teeth are not aligned properly, your dentist would advise you to put braces to set the alignment proper. Now, there are two types of braces one is the metal brace and the other is transparent or invisible braces. Metal braces look very awkward and is not comfortable to war on the teeth. So, these days it is very common for people to use invisible braces. Of course, it goes without saying that you must consult your dentist properly before you use any type of braces to align your teeth properly.

Certain other dental problems like whitening of teeth are handled by a cosmetic dentistry. In cosmetic dentistry, the task of a dentist is to help you in perfecting your smile so that your beautiful looks are not marred by any defect which you may have in your teeth. There are several withering methods that can be used for withering the stain on teeth of a patient. In this case also, it is important that you consult with a cosmetic dentist properly before you undergo the procedure of teeth whitening or any other cosmetic dentistry procedure. Any minor problem which you may encounter in your smile can be perfected without any hassles if you get hold of a good dentist.

The field of dentistry has evolved a lot since the olden days. Earlier, all people used to associate with a dentist were pain. These days it is no longer so and almost all dental defects can be corrected without too much of a problem.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist in Los Angeles

 Choosing a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles can be a great first step to creating that wonderful smile you've always wanted and dreamed of. 96% of Americans feel an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to a member of the opposite sex, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. With every dentist out there claiming that they perform cosmetic dentistry, it's difficult to discern who is right for you. Here are some things to think about when choosing your "cosmetic" dentist.
1. Is it their focus? Look for a dentist who has tried to make cosmetic dentistry a focus in their practice. Obviously, the more cases a dentist has done, the more likely he can deliver consistent results.
2. Before and After photos This one is big. Make sure that the dentist you are selecting has copious photography of their work. Before and after pictures are essential for evaluating the level of performance you can expect from that dentists' work.
3. Level of Post-Graduate Dental Education- Minimal amounts of cosmetic dentistry are taught by dental schools. Make sure to view the post-graduate credentials when choosing your cosmetic dentist. Have they gone through credentialing through some post-graduate institutions? What membership affiliations do they have? Where do they focus a lot of their continuing education on?
4. Other patients Testimonials on a website are great, but even better is for the dentist to have patients that you could call and discuss how their experience went. Other patients sometimes give you a better idea of what to expect before, during and after treatment. The dentist  in Los Angeles should be proud to give you a list of his "raving fans" to call.
5. Technology and Office Standards Have a look around the office. This is your opportunity to see the equipment, ask questions about available technology and procedures, and check out the sterilization areas.
6. Are you comfortable with the dentist? It is important that you get a sense of honesty and have a high level of communication with the cosmetic dentist that you choose. You will be spending some time with the dentist you choose, so if you get a bad feeling, it might be best to move on.
7. Inquire about their ceramist? The level of ceramics (or porcelain) will likely be a direct reflection of the quality of fit and aesthetic of what you receive. If you are seeking the best cosmetic dentistry possible, ask your dentist if they use a "master ceramist". The level of training that the ceramist has is EVERY BIT as important as the level of training of the cosmetic dentist. They will work as a team to create the smile you have always dreamed of.
8. Expect treatment options You should expect to get a level of options when consulting with a cosmetic dentist. During that consultation a dentist in Los Angeles may explain to you "ideal" treatment and a variety of other options. Options are important because ultimately you are responsible for your own decisions.

Los Angeles Dentists

There are ways to maximize your comfort and minimize the costs of ongoing dental care, and getting informed about your dentist is the first step. Different dentist offices have different services and styles to fit your needs. Getting engaged in choosing a dentist office will help you improve your bottom line by choosing the specific care that fits your tooth problems.

Whitening

Lots of Los Angeles dentist offices offer tooth bleaching and whitening as a simple step to getting brighter teeth. Whitening includes using chemicals to erase stains from teeth. You can consult with your Los Angeles dentist to see if this service is right for you.

Veneers and Lumineers

Now, with improved technology, your Los Angeles dentist can outfit you with a veneer. This new method works when tooth whitening is not enough, or for chipped or cracked teeth. A veneer uses porcelain to 'finish' a mouth, adding to chipped areas and covering blemishes. Your Los Angeles cosmetic dentist uses veneers to get a total new look for a set of damaged teeth.

Dental Implants

Another big new service from Los Angeles dentist offices and others around the country is dental implants. These surgically implanted materials are a substitute for the old temporary 'dentures' seniors use to replace missing teeth. As a permanent solution, dental implants help create 'balance' in a patient's mouth and promote overall oral health.

Fillings Etc.

Another very popular service is the 'regular' cleaning and filling of cavities. Many of us have these needs, but there are different ways Los Angeles dentists go about caring for a mouth with cavities. See if your Los Angeles dentist uses state of the art cameras and monitors to get the best view of tooth decay, or offers a range of materials, explaining the relative benefits of porcelain and silver for filling cavities.

Patient Education

Overall, it's very important for a Los Angeles dentist to get patients knowledgeable about the range of procedures that may be done. Check in to see what educational resources your Los Angeles dentist offers you for getting you up to speed on what's being done to your mouth.

Budget Care

Another big factor is how your Los Angeles dentist office plans for the finances of patients who may not be able to pay up front. Some shops offer more aggressive use of patient dental insurance policies, going to bat for you to get payment from companies. Others provide comprehensive payment plans to make sure a patient's procedure doesn't break the bank, letting customers build care costs into their finances over time.

A Listening Ear

When you need the care and services of Los Angeles dentists, ask about the items above and all other kinds of services to see whether the shop is responsive to your needs. In the dental business, caring goes a long way.

Los Angeles Dentist Search

 Dentist! Does the very word makes you frightened? If yes, then you need to face this to have the perfect dental health. Overcome your fear of the dentist, his office and the dentist's chair if you really want to have strong and healthy teeth. If you happen to be residing in Los Angeles then you have an excellent chance to get services from the best dentist in Los Angeles. This is simple because Los Angeles dentists are fully capable of doing what is required for perfecting and correcting the dental heath of individuals. So find out the best dentist in Los Angeles if you are encountering any kind of dental defects.

Dental problems can be of several types. So if you want to find out exactly what kind of ailment ails your tooth, the dentist is the best person who can help you out of this condition. There are many technologically advanced types of equipment that are used by Los Angeles dentists to find out the exact cause of a dental defect. The dentist will conduct several tests to determine and find out the exact condition of your dental health. After completion of the tests, the dentist will prescribe you what treatment methods should be undertaken to correct the condition.

You can find several dentists in Los Angeles, but if you want to undergo the best treatment you will surely have to find out the best dentist operating in your locality. Talking with people who have undergone any kind of dentistry procedure, either cosmetic or restorative is a good way of setting yourself to find out a good dentist in your area. These people have undergone the treatment procedure and are in the best position to guide you towards finding out the best dentist.

The internet is also a very good source to find out a good dentist in Los Angeles who will help you in treating any kind of dental condition. Finding out information about a dentist on the web is very simple. Just type in the keyword with which you want to make a search about the dentist. After you type in the word and make a search, you will be literally flooded with information on the web. Make a careful analysis of the information that you have in hand and search out the best dentist who will perform the dentistry procedure on you.

While finding out all you can about the dentist  in Los Angeles, make sure to check out the album of the dentist. In the album you can check out the pictures that show the results on a person of the procedure undertaken. Also make sure that before you settle down for any procedure to be undertaken by the dentist, you have proper knowledge about the procedure.

Dental ailments affect almost everybody at some point in their life or other. So keeping your teeth clean and healthy goes a long way in preventing you from encountering any kind of dental problems. Feel comfortable while discussing anything with related to your oral health with your dentist. After all, the dentist is the best person to help you in curing your dental conditions and he must know all about the condition that you are facing. Find the right cosmetic dental clinic in Los Angeles by going online or the newspaper.

Los Angeles Dental Implants

Los Angeles Dental implants are artificial titanium stubs that can be fitted inside the jaw over which an artificial tooth can be affixed. The implant is a replacement for the root of the tooth, which may have undergone decay.
There are both individual dental implants as well as bridge implants for teeth. Implants can be used for individual teeth as they are not connected to the neighboring teeth, but are instead inserted into the jaw. For people using dentures, several implants can be bridged and inserted into the jaw. Once the implants are in place, the crowns of the teeth are fixed over them.

Implant surgery brings about a remarkable change in the life of the patient. For most people who have lost their teeth, implants can help to regain their original smiles. People with implanted teeth do not find any difficulty in chewing and biting food and, in most cases people do not notice much difference with natural or original teeth.

There are three major types of dental implants: artificial bone substitute implant, endosteal implants and sub-periosteal implants. Artificial bone substitute implants use a calcium substitute to fit over the jaw bone. This substitute bonds over the existing jaw bone over time. Endosteal implants are wedged into the jaw in place of the dental root. Sub-periosteal implants are specialized implants which are preferred for elderly persons who can no longer wear dentures. Sub-periosteal implants are fixed directly over the jaw bone.
Surgeries involving dental implants are no longer as painful as they used to be in their conceptive stages.
Local anesthetics allow for painless dental surgeries. However, the implant must be done by a qualified periodontist or a maxillofacial surgeon.

Los Angeles Dental implants need to be looked after. However they do not require any special maintenance as compared to normal teeth. Regular brushing, flossing and checkups are enough. Los Angeles Dentists may advise people with dental implants to avoid chewy and gummy food so as not to over-exert the artificial tooth crown.

Dental implant surgeries are expensive. Their costs may range from $500 to $6000 depending on the type of implant used and whether a maxillofacial surgeon is involved or not. A general implant operation for a single tooth would cost around $2000. Most implant surgeries cannot be fully covered by dental plans and the rest of the payment has to be done by the patients themselves.

Los Angeles Veneers

Interest in cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles has soared over the past decade. More people are aware of the options available to them, and an increasing number of dentists offer cosmetic services. We're excited to be able to help our patients achieve a smile to be proud of and give them a boost in their self-confidence. interested in reading about one of the options in cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles? Let us look at how veneers can change a smile!

What are veneers?
Veneers are custom-made shells (0.5 mm to 1 mm thick) made from porcelain, composite resin or acrylic materials. These shells generally fit over the tops and front portion of a tooth and have an enamel-like quality.
Light shines through them, and the color can blend with the underlying tooth structure. Because they are translucent, they're one of the most beautiful and natural-looking restorations that we offer.

Good candidates for veneers in Los Angeles
People who have stained teeth but cannot have their teeth whitened can benefit from veneers. Additionally, anyone with poorly shaped, slightly crooked, chipped, cracked, worn or crowded teeth may be a candidate, along with those who have slight gaps or erosion along the gumline.
You must have basically healthy teeth to undergo this type of permanent procedure. Veneers do not replace the need for good oral hygiene. If you grind your teeth at night, let us know so we can provide you with a mouthguard. The best thing to do is to come in to talk to us about your concerns and together we'll decide upon the best treatment for you.

Choosing veneers as your cosmetic solution
Veneers are durable and stain-resistant, usually lasting many years before any modifications are needed -- generally longer than other procedures like whitening and bonding. It takes multiple visits to the office to complete the veneer process. Nonetheless, our patients seem to value the time invested. They have consistently been delighted with the natural look of veneers.
The process The creation and placement of veneers can take several hours over two or three visits to our office -- the initial diagnostic visit, tooth and veneer preparation, bonding and follow up. Initial diagnosis It is important to discuss your objectives so we can be sure we can meet your expectations with the right solution for you. We can show you potential results of the procedures by using "before" and "after" photographs or a pre-wax model to help visualize the shape of the veneers.

Tooth and veneer preparation
An impression of the teeth will be made so the veneer will fit accurately. To prepare for this, a thin layer of enamel (0.3 mm to 0.5 mm) is removed. A mold of the teeth is made and sent to the laboratory for the creation of the veneers. While you wait the two or three weeks it takes to custom fabricate your veneers, you'll be comfortable while wearing temporary veneers.

Placing the veneers
The start of this one-to-two hour appointment will involve teeth cleaning and polishing. We will then check the veneers for color and fit before we bond them to your teeth. A bonding agent is applied to the veneer and placed on the tooth. A harmless high-intensity light helps to bond the two together. Excess bonding material is removed and the veneer is polished.

Caring for your new smile
For a couple of weeks, you will go through a period of adjustment and your teeth may be sensitive. Make sure you brush using a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily. Use common sense after the procedure. Although the veneer is strong, don't try to twist an object between your teeth, bite your nails or chew on hard objects such as ice, as the veneer may chip. We may have you return to the office after a couple of weeks for a follow-up appointment with a Los Angeles cosmetic dentist. to see if any minor adjustments need to be done.

Choosing a Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist Part 1

Because there are so many general dentists in Los Angeles, many choose to focus on a specific audience, such as children (pediatric dentistry). But you may become confused about what services other types of dentists are actually making available to you, especially if you read the promotional materials for Los Angeles dentists. All of the categories that follow are merely areas of focus that, like pediatric dentistry, have to do with the type of people a Los Angeles dental practice is trying to specifically serve. This is, after all, an age of specialization, and it just makes good sense for dentists in Los Angeles to be responsive to needs of different types of patients. The same approach for choosing a dentist cannot be used successfully in many other areas of the state of California - especially rural areas, where one or just a few dentists may be trying to serve the needs of an entire county. (That's why plans for a second dental school in the state were recently launched.)

To help you sort through your confusion if you live in Los Angeles, the categories most often used by general dentists in the area are defined below. These definitions are provided to assist you in making the best choice possible for your circumstances. The definitions are informal; most being neither formally defined by the American Dental Association nor by the CA Dental Board. Except where indicated in the definitions, there are no specific regulations that govern them. The CA Dental Board requires that all general dentists in Los Angeles meet certain guidelines, and general dentists in Los Angeles may opt to call themselves any of the following (except where additional requirements apply and have been noted below). In Los Angeles, using the first four categories - if they are applicable to your needs - is one of the quickest ways to narrow the field of 2500 dentists significantly. If you have needs for Sedation Dentistry in Los Angeles, you will narrow the field even more quickly

-Cosmetic Dentistry - Dentists who perform work that is primarily aesthetic in nature - in other words, they provide services that will enhance your smile. 

-Sedation Dentistry - Los Angeles Dentists who provide additional sedation services (beyond the "standard" anesthetics used by most general dentists) to help manage anxiety and sensitivity to pain. Effective in 2009, the CA Dental Board now regulates the administration of sedation by general dentists - requiring both special training and experience for those who provide sedation services. There are different levels of sedation permits. Most patients who experience anxiety or have sensitivity to pain can be served by the level known as Oral Conscious Sedation. 

-Implant Dentistry - Dentists in Los Angeles who provide dental implants (replacements for your natural teeth), which are an alternative to dentures and bridges, or may be used in conjunction with them to provide greater stability and/or an improved, more natural appearance. 

-Comprehensive Dentistry - Los Angeles Dentists who are interested in being full-service providers for their patients - sparing the patient/family from frequent referrals to specialists. Their services may include cosmetic and implant dentistry services, orthodontic services, and periodontal treatments - in addition of preventive dentistry services. These dentists may have more extensive training in order to offer the broader range of services. (Check the experience.) In addition to convenience, they offer an ongoing and full understanding of the patient (needs, preferences, expectations, general health) to make all aspects of dental care more customized and easier for patients. This is a relatively new type of practice in Los Angeles, although rapidly gaining popularity. 

-Preventive Dentistry - Dentists in Los Angeles who focus on the preservation of healthy teeth and gums and the prevention of cavities and oral disease. All general dentists have training in preventive dentistry, as well as restorative procedures (fillings, crowns, etc.) needed to preserve oral health. Preventive dental care is more likely to be at least partially covered by dental insurance, while cosmetic dentistry services often are not. 

-Family Dentistry - Los Angeles Dentists whose focus is on treating patients of all ages (as opposed to pediatric dentists). Family dentists often place primary focus on providing preventive dentistry services, rather than cosmetic dentistry services.