Discretion

Metal braces practically use a megaphone to announce their presence; even if you get clear brackets and wires, it will still be easy for onlookers to notice them. They can be especially embarrassing if you’re an adult who is trying to maintain a professional image. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses clear thermoplastic aligners to straighten teeth. They’re not completely unnoticeable, but they are a lot more discreet metal braces.

Easy Oral Hygiene

With traditional braces, it can take up to half an hour to thoroughly clean your teeth because you have to brush and floss around all those metal bits. Who has time for that? Invisalign makes it easy to maintain a fresh and healthy mouth because the aligners are removable. All you have to do is slide the aligner out, brush and floss as you normally would, give the aligner a quick cleaning, and replace it in your mouth.

No Dietary Restrictions

Traditional braces are notorious for subjecting their wearers to a laundry list of dietary restrictions. They can stop you from enjoying popcorn, whole apples, anything that’s remotely sticky, and lots of other foods. With Invisalign, you have the freedom to eat pretty much whatever you like. All you have to do is take out your aligner, enjoy your meal or snack, clean your teeth and the aligner, and put Invisalign back in your mouth.

Speed

The timeline for an orthodontic treatment always depends on an individual’s unique needs. On average, however, traditional braces take 18 months or longer to finish moving teeth into their proper places. Invisalign is faster, completing its work in an average of 12 months. Of course, for Invisalign to work well, it’s important that you keep the aligners in your mouth for 20 – 22 hours each day so they can do their job.

Comfort

Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces because there are no metal brackets and wires to irritate your lips and cheeks. Moreover, switching to a new aligner may be less painful than going to the dentist to get regular braces tightened.

Are you ready to experience all the perks of a straighter smile? Why not talk to your dentist in Torrance to find out if Invisalign is right for you?

About the Dentist

Dr. Amanda Hanna is proud to work alongside the other dentists in our practice to help Torrance residents enjoy optimal oral health. She is a certified Invisalign provider and would be happy to speak to you about this remarkable treatment. To ask questions or schedule a consultation, please contact our office at 424-203-4911.

The post Want Straighter Teeth? Skip Metal Braces and Check Out Invisalign! appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are custom-crafted thin shells that are made from high-quality ceramic. The process for getting them begins with your dentist performing a smile assessment, taking note of the shape of your face and the color and contour of your teeth.

Here are the other steps to the process:

• Your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) to prepare for the new applications.
• She will then take bite impressions which will be sent to a trusted lab to fabricate your permanent veneers. Meanwhile, you’ll be fitted with a set of temporary shells.
• When your new veneers are ready, you’ll return to be fitted and leave your dentist’s office with a brand-new smile!

But there’s still much more to the process that you have questions about.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Veneers

Let’s take a look at some of the FAQ’s that people commonly have about the process:

• How do you care for veneers? Veneers function just like normal teeth. That means that you’ll still need to follow your oral hygiene protocols, which should include brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and visiting your dentist semi-annually for checkups and cleanings.
• Are they permanent? Your veneers are considered a permanent application because once you remove the thin layer of enamel needed for them to seat properly, it can’t be regenerated.
• Will wearing veneers affect your diet? You won’t have to endure any inconvenient changes in your diet when wearing porcelain veneers. As is the case with your normal teeth, though, you’ll need to be mindful of chewing on really hard edibles and ice, as they can cause your veneers to crack or chip.
• Can your veneers be stained? Porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant, which means that you shouldn’t attempt to whiten them. Instead, you may consider whitening your other teeth before receiving your veneers so there won’t be any differences in the appearance of your smile.

Whether you’re strolling along the beach, out shopping or enjoying the company of friends, you want to be smiling with confidence. You’ll be able to obtain that with porcelain veneers. So reach out to your local professional to learn more about what cosmetic dentistry in Long Beach can do for you!

About the Author

Dr. Maha M. Hanna earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the prestigious Cairo University and still continues to sharpen her skills by completing advanced training. She combines over 20 years of expertise with her compassionate nature to provide the best care to her patients at PCH Dental. Dr. Hanna can be reached for more information through her website.

The post Your Dentist Answers FAQ’s About Porcelain Veneers in Long Beach appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.

This general rule is especially true if you have a filling appointment coming up as well. But do you do when your cavity has been filled and you’re starving after your visit? Learn about how to treat your new filling—including what to eat—after your appointment in this week’s blog post.

After Tooth Colored Fillings

Tooth colored fillings are cavity fillings that blend right among your natural teeth, serving as restorative dental care as well as cosmetic dental care. Composite fillings are a white resin paste, which hardens immediately once your dentist exposes it to a special UV light that cures or hardens it into place.

Your dentist will suggest patients wait several hours before eating anything, although many patients report being able to eat soft foods after receiving their tooth colored fillings. Here are a few things to consider before your next meal after your appointment.

How numb is your mouth?

When having a cavity filled, your dentist will sometimes numb a part of the mouth. While numbing your mouth prevents you from feeling any pain while your cavity is cleaned and filled, it also prevents you from feeling anything for a while after the appointment as well. The combination of your mouth being both numb and swollen may result in damage to your soft tissues if you try to chew. Wait to eat anything until the numbness wears off or you could risk biting your cheek or tongue.

Are your teeth sensitive still?

Most dental procedures or treatments cause a brief period of tooth sensitivity. Often, a cavity filling will leave your teeth sensitive to not only pressure like biting, but also temperatures like a beverage that’s really cold or a soup that may be very hot. This sensitivity can last anywhere from a few hours to 2-3 days. So, be careful when eating!

What foods should you avoid altogether?

The last thing you want to do after getting a filling is damage it. Hard candy, ice, gum, nuts, and other crunchy or sticky foods could cause a new filling to become loose or damaged. Avoid hard and extremely chewy foods for a full 24 hours to keep your new dental work safe.

Now, you’ve learned something new: you can eat after your dental filling appointment. You just have to be careful with your nutrition choices! Ask your dentist for more aftercare advice during your dental visit.

About Our Office

Here at PCH Dental, we want everyone to have a positive dental experience when they visit us. We will make sure that you know how to properly care for your smile before you leave our practice, guaranteeing that you can work to preserve your new dental work should you get any. Contact us today to schedule your next visit.

The post How Long Should I Wait to Eat After a Filling Dental Visit? appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.

What is the Invisalign Method?

A form of cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign clear aligners are BPA-free plastic trays that are custom made to correct your misaligned, crooked, gapped or crowded teeth. They offer the same benefits of traditional braces with several other advantages:

• A Discreet Look – One of the advantages of Invisalign aligners is that they allow you to correct your teeth without having to feel ashamed of the way you look, as there are neither wires nor brackets to contend with. Your clear trays will fit discreetly in your mouth, allowing you to maintain your dignity throughout the process.
• Comfort – With your new aligners, you won’t have to endure adjustments that are customary with metal braces. Instead, you will wear each set of aligners for two weeks and then discard them for the next pair in the series.
• Oral Hygiene – You also can enjoy the same quality of oral hygiene with your clear trays that you normally would because they are removable, meaning that you can brush and floss your teeth.
• Function – Since they are removable, you can eat as normal with the Invisalign clear aligner method, as opposed to traditional braces that limit your food selection because of the potential of breaking the wires.
• Convenience – A final advantage of your clear braces is that they don’t require any trips to your dentist for adjustments, because you’ll simply put in a new set of trays every two weeks until the process is complete.

Invisalign – A Health Benefit?

Having straight teeth impacts more than just your self-confidence. It also ensures that your jaw will be aligned properly and that you can clean your teeth effectively. So not only do Invisalign aligners address your aesthetic appeal, they also play an integral role in your overall health.

If you would like to know more about how you can experience the thrill of finally getting the smile of your dreams, then feel free to reach out to your expert on orthodontics to schedule an appointment today, and prepare to move boldly into a more confident and fulfilling future.

About the Author

Dr. Maha M. Hanna has over two decades of experience in the world of dentistry. Earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Cairo University, she continues to complete advanced training every year to ensure that she stays abreast of the latest advances in dentistry. Dr. Hanna practices at PCH Dental and can be reached for more information through her website.

The post Get the Smile of Your Dreams with Invisalign Clear Aligners appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.

As the palm trees blow in the wind off in the distance and the sand on Torrance Beach tickles your toes, you sit and allow your imagination to roam free. You imagine what life would be like with a perfect smile, one with no gaps or missing teeth. As you daydream, though, you decide that imagining this new life isn’t enough. You want that perfect smile as a reality. So in that moment you decide, that you’re going to contact your dentist in Torrance to get the ball rolling with a dental implant procedure, but you’re unsure about whether you’ll need a crown or bridge. Here are some facts about both of them to help you get a better understanding of what your dentist may recommend.

The first thing to take note of is that dental crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetics. They differ from dentures in that they can’t be removed. Both procedures offer substantial durability. However, there are some differences.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. It can be used to strengthen it, improve its appearance, shape or align it. Your dentist may recommend a crown for the following reasons:

• Replace – A crown may be used to replace a large filling where minimum tooth material remains.
• Protect – It can be used to protect a weak tooth from fracturing.
• Restore – The crown can restore a fractured tooth.
• Attach – A bridge can be attached using a crown.
• Cover – A crown can be used to cover a dental implant, discolored or poorly shaped tooth, or a tooth treated with a root canal procedure.

What is a Bridge?

A bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. As its name denotes, it is used to connect points that are spread out and need to be adjoined. This would include gaps left by missing teeth. The bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. The teeth that the bridge attaches to are called abutments, serving as anchors. Furthermore, bridges can only be used on teeth that appear consecutively or in a row.

The main difference between a crown and bridge then, is that the former functions as a protector while the latter is more of a connector. The choice as to which you need is on an individual basis, depending on your needs. Your dentist will suggest the best route to take based on the type of tooth loss you have. But whichever one she suggests, you will be able to regain the perfect smile that you’ve been missing for so long.

About the Author

Dr. Maha M. Hanna has worked in private practice since 1995. She studied at Cairo University in Cairo, Egypt and continues to complete advanced training each year to ensure that she delivers the highest quality service to her patients. She practices at PCH Dental and can be reached for more information through her website.

The post Your Dentist in Torrance Explains the Difference Between Crowns and Bridges appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.

Whether you intend to schedule a visit with your doctor or buy a take-home whitening kit, don’t miss the opportunity to make your smile shine brighter than ever before. Take a moment to review some of the different options for teeth whitening in Long Beach.

Use The Right Toothpaste

Along with brushing twice a day, using a toothpaste with teeth whitening properties will help lift stains from the surface of your enamel. Whitening toothpaste contains additional abrasive particles and polishing agents that help keep your teeth white. If you’re concerned about these chemicals, don’t worry: studies have suggested that whitening toothpaste is no harsher on tooth enamel than traditional toothpaste, so you can brush with confidence.

Avoid Foods Likely to Stain Your Teeth

Beverages like coffee, tea, soda, juice, and wine all contain either sugary or acidic properties which are likely to stain and erode your enamel. To minimize the chance of stains, use a straw when choosing these drinks and rinse your mouth out after drinking to keep any stains from settling. If you’ve just undergone a teeth whitening treatment, your dentist will tell you to abstain from these drinks for a brief period of time.

Eat Foods That Are Proven to Keep Teeth White

Foods like carrots, celery, and apples are packed with Vitamin C, which can accelerate saliva production. The more saliva you produce, the more food debris will wash off your teeth reducing the number of stains.

Consider An At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit

Many drug stores sell take-home whitening kits you can use on your own time. These are ideal if you can’t schedule an appointment with your dentist, just be sure to ask your local dental practice about their take-home whitening kits as they often use stronger and more effective chemicals than over-the-counter ones.

Contact Your Doctor About In-Office Whitening Treatments

Most dentists offer in-house whitening treatments that are very effective at making your smile whiter and brighter than ever before. The appointments are typically an hour long and take approximately 15 minutes per shade to complete. In-house whitening can typically brighten smiles up to ten shades, so keep that in mind when scheduling your appointment.

Contact your dentist today to see how teeth whitening can benefit your smile!

About the Author

Dr. Maha M. Hanna, DDS, has been working in the private practice dental field for over two decades. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Hanna studied at Cairo University and continues to complete her advanced training every year to provide her patients the highest quality care possible. Her office also offers in-house whitening treatments as well as at-home whitening kits to help make your smile as bright as possible. To contact us and learn more about these practices, you can do so at (562) 740-8308 or visit our website.

The post Your Dentist in Long Beach Offers Teeth Whitening Services appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.

Who Qualifies for Invisalign?

Dr. Amanda Hanna recommends Invisalign for older teens and adults who have mild to moderate alignment issues such as gaps, crowding, protruding front teeth, tooth rotation, overbite, underbite and more. Invisalign appliances look like professional teeth whitening trays and are individually crafted to fit tightly over top and bottom teeth. Over the course of nine to 18 months, with one year being about average, the aligners steadily move teeth into healthier and far more attractive positions.

Plus, the biocompatible aligners are ideal for individuals who desire a proper bite and attractive smile aesthetics but wish to avoid the inconvenience and “metal mouth” look of traditional orthodontics. Your dentist in Torrance uses oral exam, digital X-rays and sophisticated three-dimensional imaging to determine if a patient can use Invisalign. From there, a treatment plan goes to the Invisalign lab where technicians custom-fabricate the 18 to 30 pairs of aligners.

What are the Benefits of Invisalign?

Besides their versatility and practically invisible appearance, Invisalign aligners fit well into people’s busy lives because of these appliances:

• May be removed by brushing, flossing, meals and special occasions (weddings, job interviews, professional presentations)
• Do not irritate or abrade the soft tissues of the mouth the way metal brackets and wires can
• Simplify home oral hygiene and professional cleanings at PCH Dental
• Place no dietary restrictions on patients
• Need no complex or lengthy adjustments

In fact, Invisalign patients just check in with Dr. Hanna every four to six weeks. They receive their next pairs of aligners, wearing each pair for approximately two weeks, 20 to 22 hours a day, before changing to the next set in the treatment plan.

As with traditional braces, Dr. Hanna recommends Invisalign patients wear retainers after completion of treatment. This simple oral appliance keeps teeth in their new alignment.

Do You Think Invisalign May Work for You?

Why not find out? Over the years, thousands of people have benefited from orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Contact PCH Dental to arrange an orthodontic consultation and get all your questions answered. As an adult or older teen,  you can still have that fabulous smile you have always wanted. Invisalign makes it so easy.

The post What is Invisalign in Torrance? appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.

Micro-Aesthetic Components

When you look at how each tooth looks individually, you are considering the micro-aesthetic components. This includes:

• Individual color of the tooth
• Shape of the tooth
• Positioning of the tooth
• Relation of the individual tooth to surrounding teeth

Macro-Aesthetic Components

When you look at a smile from a distance and view it comprehensively, you are considering the macro-aesthetic components. This includes:

• Amount of teeth displayed when smiling
• Color and shape of all your teeth
• Correlation between all teeth and your upper and lower lip lines
• Angle and positioning of all teeth

Developing Treatment Plans

Whether you want to brighten, straighten, or realign your smile, PCH Dental considers every aspect of your smile before recommending a dental treatment. Ultimately, we want our patients to be ecstatic with their ending results. Your cosmetic dentist in Long Beach does this by offering comprehensive services that will help anyone reach their ultimate smile goals. Some of the services we offer include:

Gum Recontouring & Crown Lengthening

Sometimes, patients have a less than attractive smile caused by the shape or amount of gum tissue surrounding their teeth. We can use a state-of-the-art soft tissue laser to methodically remove excess gum tissue. Also, we can length short teeth with strategic placement of a dental crown. Either way, we can reveal an improved smile that will match the smile of your dreams.

Teeth Whitening

It’s completely normal for your teeth to discolor over time. Genetics, poor oral hygiene, and even the foods and drinks you enjoy can change the color of your teeth. Despite the reason the enamel and dentin of your teeth have been stained, Cherry Dental has two solutions that can help our patients reach their whitening goals: in-office and at-home treatments.

Metal Free Restorations

Our office uses high-quality dental ceramic to create dental crowns, inlays, onlays, and bridges. This way, we can provide a great cosmetic treatment and restorative improvement. Patients with metallic allergies can also receive the dental treatments they need.

Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers

If you’ve ever felt like your smile has just “too many” flaws to correct, think again. Cherry Dental offers two comprehensive smile makeovers that cover chips, cracks, gaps, and stains on your teeth: porcelain veneers and Lumineers. You don’t have to receive numerous dental procedures and treatments to get the smile you’ve been desiring. Both dental treatments are thin shells of high-quality dental materials that seamlessly fit over your front teeth, fixing even the most embarrassing flaws.

Visit Cherry Dental for Your Cosmetic Dental Work

No matter your smile goals, our dental office has the cosmetic services you need to achieve them. We will create a personalized treatment plan after considering all the aesthetic components of your smile, getting you the best-looking smile of your life. Contact our Long Beach office today to get started.

The post Your Dentist in Long Beach Considers All Smile Components appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.

If you desperately want whiter teeth, these 3 helpful tips from your dentist can keep your smile strong and shining! Learn more about how to keep your healthy teeth gorgeous here.

3 Tips for Brighter Teeth!

1.     Flossing Can Keep Your Smile Whiter.

Little do many people know, excellent home hygiene is the best way to keep your teeth white for longer periods of time. Flossing every day will go a long way in making your smile look good because it removes excess plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Even the best toothbrushes and other dental tools can’t fit between teeth like floss does. Proper flossing is a sure way to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth. By removing these dental debris, staining factors like foods, drinks, and tobacco have less chance to change the color of your teeth.

2.     Watch What You Eat.

As mentioned above, there are foods and drinks that can affect the brightness of your smile. You can avoid staining foods like pasta sauces (deep reds like marinara sauce), berries and dark-colored fruit. Dark colored drinks like red wine can also change the color of your teeth.

The best way to still have a white smile and enjoy these foods is to eat and drink them in moderation. Also, you can brush your teeth and rinse your mouth out after enjoying them.

3.     Don’t Waste Your Money on Drugstore Whitening Products.

You may think it’s easier to quickly buy a whitening kit at home, but the truth is that you may not achieve the results you want in the time period you’re anticipating. In fact, you can waste a lot of money on low-quality products with matching results.

To your surprise, you can actually whiten your teeth either in a dental office (quicker and more effectively) or from the comfort of your own home with the help of a high-quality at-home whitening kit. You can trust your dentist to help you achieve the results you truly want.

Here’s why you should choose to get your teeth whitened by a professional rather than purchasing a drugstore product:

• You don’t have to worry about making a mess or bleaching your stuff at home.
• Get the results you want in as quick as one office visit.
• Your whitening results will last much longer than with an over-the-counter whitening treatment.
• Your safety is your dentist’s priority.
• Professional products ensure the dazzling results you want.

Your dentist in Long Beach is here to help you achieve your best smile safely for the new year.

About Our Office

Here at Cherry Dental, we know that everyone really wants their best smile—that means whiter teeth! We’re here to help you achieve your dream smile with effective, fast teeth whitening (among other great services) right from your local office. Feel free to schedule your next teeth whitening appointment with us!

The post Want Bright, Healthy Teeth? Note These Helpful 3 Tips! appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children, and adults are also vulnerable to cavities. Dental sealants and topical fluoride treatments provide helpful defenses, but the most useful cavity-fighter might be right under your nose. Research from the American Society for Microbiology suggests that a key ingredient in saliva can help to protect your teeth from the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Keep reading to find out about the study and what it means for your oral health!

Salivary Mucins Protect Your Smile

Your saliva is made up of a few components, one of which is salivary mucins (the stuff in mucus). These mucins are sticky and can trap harmful agents in your mouth —  like the bacteria that weakens tooth enamel to cause cavities. The mucins attach to the bacteria and encase it in their liquid medium, preventing the formation of plaque and tartar. The researchers say this is preferable to simply wiping out the bacteria because it preserves the natural balance in your mouth. 

How to Boost Saliva Production

This news is encouraging — but unfortunately, many people do not produce enough saliva to protect the teeth from cavities. That is especially older adults who take certain medications that cause dry mouth as a side effect.

Having a properly hydrated mouth leads to fresher breath and a cleaner, healthier smile.

To help you increase the amount of saliva your mouth produces during the day, try to…

• Drink plenty of water. Pack a reusable water bottle as a reminder to sip throughout the day. Fill it up with tap water for a boost of the mineral fluoride, which also strengthens tooth enamel.
• Chew sugar free gum after meals and in the afternoon. Be careful — gum with sugar will also promote saliva production, but it increases your risk of cavities, too.
• Choose nutritious snacks like fresh apples, celery, and carrots. These crunchy fruits and vegetables help your mouth work up saliva when it may not have it otherwise.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Of course, making sure your mouth produces enough saliva isn’t the only thing you should do to prevent cavities. To keep decay, gum disease, and other oral health hazards at bay, patients of all ages should visit the dentist at least every six months. Your dental team can help you keep your smile healthy by regularly removing plaque and tartar and taking x-rays to check for potential problems lurking beneath the surface. And, if you are dealing with dry mouth, your dentist can also provide additional suggestions for boosting saliva production to help create a cleaner, fresher oral environment.

Think spit is gross? Think again — and be thankful for its ability to help you enjoy healthy smile!

About the Authors

Dr. Maha Hanna and Dr. Amanda Hanna are general dentists providing comprehensive dental care to patients in Long Beach, CA. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment, you are invited to contact the office at 562-630-2262.

The post There’s a Secret Ingredient In Your Saliva appeared first on Cherry Dental Blog.