Most people visit dentists only when they have oral health issues. However, it is important to visit your dentist on a regular basis to prevent any kind of dental troubles and to maintain oral hygiene – which will contribute to better health. We recommend regular dental checkups to help your teeth and gums stay clean and healthy, and prevent dental problems from developing.

During a regular check-up visit your dentist will carry out a full examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, looking for symptoms of gum diseases and other dental problems. The visit may include dental cleaning where your dentist may polish and floss your teeth and remove plaque and tartar build up which could cause gum diseases, bad breath, and cavities.

Don’t wait until there is a toothache! Call us today to schedule your next checkup!

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the restoration and replacement of damaged or missing teeth. A prosthodontic dental professional is called a prosthodontist. In order to obtain a certificate to practice prosthodontics a dentist must complete three additional years of advanced education beyond (4 years of) dental school. During these three additional years a prosthodontic resident studies to become the engineer of the oral cavity. Like any very technical field there is more to know than anyone could imagine. It may not be obvious but the human mouth is a very complex system. The simple process of speech, chewing and swallowing takes a well orchestrated effort. This process is taken for granted until there is a disruption in the system. Dental work is a disruption in the system. A prosthodontist is the only dentist formally educated in the complete system. A prosthodontist is well versed in replacing missing teeth by using crowns, bridges, implants, extractions, partial and full dentures.When considering dental work it is wise to educate oneself before choosing a dental professional.  LEARN MORE

Dental Implants are small titanium “fixtures” that take the place of the natural root of the tooth and are gently implanted into the bone, using local anesthesia, these very tiny titanium roots actually bond or integrate with a patient’s bone, more securely than natural root would. Often an osseointegrated dental implant placed by your dentist is more stable than a natural tooth’s root. Upon these implants, we can build permanent teeth, custom designed and shaded to aesthetically suit each patient’s distinctive facial requirements.

Missing teeth have unique demands. The challenge is to replace your missing teeth with appearance and function, without harming your remaining teeth or gum tissue. LEARN MORE

It is said that smile enhances your face value. However, if stained and crooked teeth prevent you from getting this value; it is high time you visit a cosmetic dentist! With the help of cosmetic dentistry, it is possible to get the perfect smile you have always been dreaming of.

Your eating habits have a direct impact on your teeth. Conventional dentistry has its limitations in restoring good health and appearance to teeth. However, with state-of-the-art dental practices and cosmetic dentistry, it is now possible to have clean, strong, white teeth. With the advances in cosmetic dentistry, an attractive smile is within everyone’s reach.

The Experienced And Qualified Cosmetic Dentist in Orange County

Dr. Le is experienced in cosmetic procedures and can help you gain the picture perfect smile in a variety of ways. Personalized tooth restoration procedures can make your teeth look completely natural in a short period of time.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

A cosmetic dentist can improve the smile through various techniques and procedures. Common procedures performed include dental bonding, dental implants, dental crowning, teeth whitening, polishing, teeth restoration, teeth whitening, enamel shaping and porcelain veneers.

Tooth whitening or bleaching is a common procedure prescribed by dentists for lightening discolored teeth. Chipped and cracked teeth can be restored by a procedure known as dental bonding. In this process a dental composite material is applied to the surface of the tooth which is then sculpted into shape, hardened, and polished.

Porcelain crowns and veneers are laminates affixed directly to the teeth, nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth. Dental implants, the substitutes for dentures, are an excellent solution to replace missing teeth.

It’s great news that the incidence of tooth decay has significantly diminished over the years due to the use of fluorides and an increase in patient awareness. However, teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and breakage and sometimes need to be restored back to health. Through improved techniques and modern technology, we are now able to offer more options for restoring a tooth back to its normal shape, appearance and function.

Should your teeth ever require a restorative treatment, you can rest assured knowing we will always discuss with you the available options, and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. Providing you with excellent care is our number one priority when creating your beautiful smile.

Reasons for restorative dentistry:

• Enhance your smile.
• Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.
• Improve or correct an improper bite.
• Prevent the loss of a tooth.
• Relieve dental pain.
• Repair damaged and decayed teeth.
• Replace missing teeth.
• Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.
• Restore normal eating and chewing.

The term “periodontics” refers to the dental specialty that pertains to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease that affects the gums and jawbone. The gum tissues serve to surround and support the teeth and the underlying jawbone anchors teeth firmly in place. Periodontists have completed several years of extra dental training and are concerned with maintaining the function, health and aesthetics of the jawbone and tissues.

Reasons for periodontal treatment

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which begins with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults living in the developed world, and should be taken very seriously. Periodontal disease (often called gum disease) is typically signified by red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, but in some cases has no noticeable symptoms.

Periodontal disease generally begins when the bacteria living in plaque cause an infection in the surrounding tissues of the teeth, causing them to become irritated and painful. Eventually, this infection will; cause the jawbone to recede and the tooth to become loose.

There are several reasons why periodontal treatment may be necessary:

• Moderate/advanced gum disease – This occurs when the gums are bleeding, swollen or red around most teeth and the jawbone has begun to recede.
• Localized gum recession – The infection which propagates moderate or advanced gum disease often begins in one area. Gum recession may also be caused due to over brushing with a hard bristle brush, or due to a tooth that is not positioned properly. Immediate treatment is required to prevent further spreading.
• Before crown lengthening – The periodontist may lengthen the crown of the tooth by removing surrounding soft tissue to provide more tooth exposure.
• Ridge augmentation – This procedure, often called “recontouring” may be required to correct an uneven gum line. Before embarking on treatment, a periodontist needs to treat any bacterial infections and periodontitis.

In the case of mild/moderate periodontal problems, the focus of the periodontist will be on curing the underlying bacterial infection and then providing advice on the most appropriate home cleaning methods.

Sometimes a deep scaling is needed to remove the bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) from the teeth and tissues. Where periodontal disease is advanced and the jawbone has regressed significantly, more intensive cleaning may be recommended and loose teeth that cannot be saved will be removed.

The periodontist is trained in all aspects of dental implant procedures, which can restore functionality to the mouth when teeth have been affected by periodontitis.

Because periodontal disease is progressive, it is essential to remove the bacteria and calculus build up to halt the spread of the infection. Dr. Ann will be happy to advise you on effective cleaning methods and treatment options.