Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist Reviews Cosmetic Treatment Goals

As You Know Not All of Your Teeth Are Treated Equal – Some May Not Look The Way You Want Them To

According to a survey by American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD) – the top answer for patients seeking cosmetic dental treatments was to improve physical attractiveness and self‐esteem (86%). With Bonding, whitening, and veneers made up 84% of the responses that patients were interested in treatments.

Porcelain-Veneers-Specialist

Porcelain Veneers

If you feel that some of your teeth could be improved in the shape, color and ways it forms your smile – then cosmetic dentistry is your solution.

For Example – porcelain veneers can solve many of the reasons you feel self-conscious about your smile. Some reasons for porcelain veneers are:
• Obvious stained/discolored teeth
• Teeth that are not shaped the same as others
• Worn teeth from grinding

Many patients in our Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist office, want to learn more about Porcelain Veneers.

Unlike traditional cosmetic dental procedures, porcelain veneers do not require a significant breakdown of your tooth structure to make space for the porcelain veneers. These are some benefits
• A process in less than 2 visits
• Create Strength with your current teeth
• BioCompatible
• Stain resistant
• Natural & Youthful

You can click here to schedule your consultation or call: (323) 651-0933

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Most Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

most popular cosmetic dental proceduresYour West Hollywood cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joshua Ghiam, discusses what the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures are when you’re attempting to achieve a healthy & beautiful smile.

The fact of the matter is this: most people are not happy with their smile. Moreover, some are even self-conscious about it. Does this sound familiar to you?

Thankfully, modern dentistry has advanced so significantly over the years that a healthy, beautiful smile is now possible for any type of budget.

Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures in West Hollywood

1. Porcelain Veneers

When people come to my office in West Hollywood, CA & are looking for a “quick fix” smile, then porcelain veneers are always the most recommended option. This is because veneers allow cosmetic dentists to alter the color size and shape of any tooth for a more aesthetic smile. They are custom made for your teeth & they are very durable.

Learn more about Porcelain Veneers in West Hollywood, CA.


2. Teeth Whitening or Bleaching

Oftentimes discoloration greatly changes the appearance of our smile. Teeth whitening is a more affordable option that can make a huge impact on your smile. Many patients find success even just after one session, but multiple sessions are often required for the best results.

Dr. Ghiam utilizes the power of Zoom! Whitening to help patients improve years of accumulated stains on their teeth.

3. Invisalign® Orthodontics

Orthodontics have been used for many years to help adults & children straighten out their smile for a more attractive appearance. However, the introduction of Invisalign® has been a game changer as it offers the benefits of metal braces BUT without the shame or embarrassment that typically comes with metal braces as the treatment involves invisible braces.

4. Dental Implants

Dental implants are now the standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth. There are several types of dental implants offered now, each with their own benefits but they all work to help “fill in the gaps” between our teeth. They are very popular & showcase the power of modern dentistry.

Dental bridges are the traditional, more affordable option that offer great results, but are not as durable as dental implants, which are designed to last an entire lifetime.

5. Dental Crowns

Crowns are versatile options that are capable of completely correcting a tooth that is suffering from damage at the gum line, while also strengthening the damaged tooth. Options now include natural-looking crowns made from porcelain for an attractive appearance.

west hollywood cosmetic dentistDr. Joshua Ghiam, DDS is a top rated cosmetic dentist in West Hollywood offering a variety of cosmetic dental options including veneers, crowns, implants, teeth whitening & more. A 1-on-1 consultation is a great starting point in figuring out what procedures are recommended for you, as well as the costs involved. Come in today for a consultation! (323) 651-0933.

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Why We’re Thankful for Cosmetic Dentistry!

benefits of cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has changed the way we view dentistry as a whole. Cosmetic dentistry has grown tremendously over the years that people of any age may receive any smile they want & at any time. Unfortunately, we are seldom born with perfect teeth or have baby teeth develop into perfect teeth. This is why people turn to cosmetic dentistry to achieve the perfect, beautiful smile they seek.

Learn How to Pick the Best Cosmetic Dentist in Your Area >>

The Main Reasons Why We Appreciate Cosmetic Dentistry

West Hollywood cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joshua Ghiam, discusses 3 reasons why cosmetic dentistry is something to be thankful for.

There’s always a solution.

No matter what your case is or how bad your teeth appear or the damage caused by an accident, rest assured that there will be a solution available for your teeth. Often times there are multiple options to select from, which should always be discussed with your dentist over the pros and cons of each selection.

It can be life-changing.

In the grand scheme of things, our teeth are a very small aspect of our entire body. However, they have such a lasting impact on the way we are perceived to society. An attractive smile has been thoroughly documented by research to be one of the first ways people draw a conclusion about you. Those with attractive smiles are found to be more successful.

Benefits of a smile that is improved by cosmetic dentistry:

• Higher self-esteem and confidence levels
• Career advances
• More youthful appearance
• Better relationships
• You’ll smile more often
• Many other benefits!

Our smile is often considered the center of our beauty, which may be shaped or molded using the power of modern cosmetic dental procedures.

how to choose a cosmetic dentistDr. Joshua Ghiam of L.A. Smiles Dental Spa is a cosmetic dentist in West Hollywood specializing in smile restoration, which combines the advancement of crowns, veneers & dental implants to create the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. For more information, please call our office @ (323) 651-0933 or you may conveniently contact us online here.

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Learn How to Choose the Best Cosmetic Dentist

Curious to learn how you can choose the best cosmetic dentist? If so, please refer to our video below featuring cosmetic dentist in West Hollywood, Dr. Joshua Ghiam, who is regarded as a smile design specialist. There’s more to a cosmetic dentist than you might be aware of. Most people often look for the lowest costs involved. However, low cost is not always associated with quality work – in fact it’s often reflective of work that should not be considered quality. To make sure you find the right cosmetic dentist, you’ll want to follow Dr. Ghiam’s tips in the video below.

How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

how to choose a cosmetic dentistDr. Joshua Ghiam is a growing cosmetic dentist in West Hollywood offering a variety of cosmetic procedures including porcelain veneers, same-day crowns, dental implants, and much more to improve the look & feel of your smile. If you are interested in services and located in or nearby West Hollywood, then contact our office @ (323) 651-0933 or you may contact us online here.

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Should I Use Mouthwash: Yay or Nay?

should i use mouthwashIt seems many people at some point will question whether or not using mouthwash is worth it, or they will question how effective it really is. And if you haven’t questioned it, well – you are probably are right now.

So, what’s the deal with mouthwash?

Before mentioning anything about mouthwash – here’s the thing: brushing & flossing are effective enough as part of ANY oral hygiene routine. With that said, is there really a need for mouthwash? In short: no.

Alcohol Based Mouthwashes May Be Linked to Oral Cancer

Alcohol-based mouthwashes – the key here is “alcohol-based” – have been linked to a higher incidence of oral cancer. The findings serve as a forefront to why mouthwash should not be a part of your oral hygiene routine.

The alcohol is doing more harm than good.

Again, alcohol-based mouthwashes may be doing more harm than good. Alcohol-based mouthwashes will actually kill the good bacteria in the teeth that are responsible for bad breath & protection of your teeth and mouth as a whole. It also dries out the tissue and may even irritate it.

The “sting” we often feel in mouthwash almost always indicates an alcohol-based mouthwash that has more to do with marketing than it does positive results.

The alcohol content is often high too – perhaps similar to swishing around a shot of our favorite vodka. Would you do that? Most likely not. That’s why there’s also no reason to be swishing around alcohol-based mouthwashes.

However, Natural Mouthwashes Are OK.

We’ve placed a large emphasis on alcohol-based mouthwashes, which are different from alcohol-free or natural mouthwashes that will actually clean your mouth and freshen it without the possible damaging side effects.

If you absolutely feel the need to use mouthwash, then by all means go for it – just be sure to use one that does not contain any trace of alcohol. The nearest health store will have a natural mouthwash that would be considered safe for use.

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Benefits of Curcumin (Turmeric) – Infographic by L.A. Smiles

Turmeric, specifically curcumin which is the active ingredient in turmeric, boasts many benefits including being dubbed as a cancer killer!

To highlight the many of benefits of curcumin, we have decided to share a simple infographic that we encourage you to share with your friends & family! We recommend incorporating more of this beneficial plant that actually comes from the ginger family (which boasts its own set of benefits). Boost your health with turmeric.
 
turmeric curcumin benefits

Copyright: Feel free to share this infographic as you please, all we ask if that you link back to our website. Thank you! 🙂

 

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The Latest Cancer Killer – Turmeric!

cancer fightings spicesWait… did I read that correctly? Yes, you did – turmeric is the latest cancer killer according to a recent small study performed on patients diagnosed with cancer.

Background of the Study

The Sloan Kettering Cancer Center analyzed turmeric’s effects on 21 patients who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The researchers administered 8 milligrams of curcumin daily for two whole months & then observed their results. The researchers found that the active ingredient managed to inhibit tumor growth in some patients.

What’s interesting is that previous studies have already shown a link between curcumin and its ability to halt cancer-associated fibroblasts, which may prevent prostate cancer. It’s not just prostate or pancreatic cancer either, but turmeric has also been shown to serve as an incredible natural cancer treatment for breast cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer. Not bad, right?

The Natural Cancer Killer

Circumin is slowly gaining its reputation as a natural cancer killer as it continues to draw the attention from researchers worldwide due to its positive results. Other herbs that are frequently studied for their superior effects in fighting disease are ginger, cinnamon, ginseng, garlic, and milk thistle.

Turmeric is often used in many dishes, most known for its use in curry and many other Middle Eastern cuisines. Turmeric by itself does not contain much of the active ingredient, curcumin, and for any positive benefits to occur, you’ll need to receive supplements that contain extracts.

More Positive Benefits of Turmeric

Curcumin and turmeric have already been associated with a list of positive benefits that are considered healing properties. Some people have even praised the spice as being one of the most powerful herbs on the planet.

The benefits of tumeric are as follows:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-depressant
• Anticoagulant
• Pain reduction in Arthritis patients
• Positive effects in reversing Type 2 Diabetes
• Managing inflammatory bowel diseases (i.e. Crohn’s & Ulcerative colitis)
• Cholesterol regulation, specifically for high cholesterol
• Cures chronic inflammation of the eye
• May be used as a possible teeth-whitening agent!

Our best advice to you – look into incorporating turmeric more often in the meals you consume!

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Study Shows Benefits of Chewing Sugarless or Sugar-Free Gum

sugarless gum benefits

There’s no substitute for brushing & flossing!

Who would’ve thought that one of the most sought out candy items would actually be… good for your health. Yes, you read that right! Recent studies show that enjoying a piece of sugar-free bubble gum could actually have benefits to your health.

Exactly How Does Sugar-Free Gum Benefit Your Health?

In order for a product to earn the ADA seal, the product and/or company must demonstrate that it meets the requirements for safety, efficacy, and health established by the association. Therefore, having gum finally receive the seal of approval by the ADA is a major moment for gum lovers and dentists alike.

The type of efficacy the ADA looks for in a product may include benefits such as reducing plaque acids, promoting re-generalization of tooth enamel, reducing cavities and/or reducing gingivitis. The world’s most popular guilty pleasure might not be so guilty after all, since it meets the established efficacy, according to ADA professionals.

Talk About Bringing ‘Sweet’ Back

Along with several other health benefits, professionals are now recommending that patients enjoy a piece of gum after a meal. We all know that a healthy mouth equals a healthy life. According to recent studies and the approval by the ADA, chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal can actually prevent tooth decay and therefore seeing an overall improvement in your health. Saliva contains necessary calcium and phosphate that strengthens tooth enamel, but reinforcing your enamel by chewing sugar-free gum can be especially beneficial in fighting off bacteria and decay.

When enjoying the many flavors available of sugar-free gum, you are actually experiencing an increase in saliva flow in your mouth. The saliva then washes away food and neutralizes acids, cleaning and protecting your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria.

Not All Flavors Are Made Equal

Not all brands and manufacturers are the same. In fact, you’ll want to make sure your gum is sugar-free and has the seal of approval by the ADA. Although regular gum also increases your saliva flow as well, it’s not necessarily beneficial to your mouth. The sugar actually feeds the bacteria in your mouth, putting you at a greater risk to experiencing tooth decay.

Look For the ADA Seal of Approval

As stated earlier, products and brands alike must go through a specific process to meet requirements, health and efficacy regulations established by the ADA. A company must include lab results and clinical studies to even be considered by the ADA. Whenever you’re looking for the appropriate brand or make of gum, look for the ADA seal of approval.

Don’t Stop Brushing and Flossing

Don’t get carried away with these studies and information on the health benefits of chewing sugar-free gum! Even though chewing sugar-free gum can aid in keeping your mouth healthy, it should never serve as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Your best defense against decay and dental disease is to brush teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste as well as floss once daily!

If there is anything you should take away from any of this is that you should seriously consider adding sugarless gum to your list of mouth-healthy habits. Combine that with your solid flossing and brushing skills & you should be experiencing a beautiful smile!

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7 Overlooked Ways You Are Ruining Your Smile

foods that are bad for your teeth There’s a saying you’ve probably heard… “A smile is worth more than gold”. If you believe this to be true, then the last thing you would want to do is ruin your smile, right?

Unfortunately, many of us ruin our smile everyday in ways that you probably overlook, or may not be aware that any damage is occurring or accumulating. That is why we want to educate you on 7 ways in which you are ruining your smile.

7 Overlooked Ways You Are Ruining Your Smile


1. Dried Fruits

Fruits are a natural source of energy for us. You can think of fruits as nature’s candy. Fruits contain a lot of sugar, which can be damaging to teeth if you do not keep up with brushing and flossing. However, dried fruits are a step worse. They have a tendency to become stuck all over our teeth, which should be flushed out of your mouth by the time you fall asleep otherwise your mouth’s bacteria will have a feast and cause quick decay.

2. Wine

Wine will ruin your smile because it is highly acidic, especially white wines, and will cover your teeth in acid. Part of wine drinking – for many – involves swirling it around in the mouth to take in all of the flavors. However, this coats every tooth in your mouth with a highly acidic drink that may lead to tooth enamel erosion & discolored teeth.

3. Swimming

Here’s one that you most likely overlook: swimming in a pool filled with chlorine may damage your teeth. The American Journal of Dentistry found that swimming in a pool with high chlorine content for 34 weeks is likely to cause dental erosion and sensitivity. Your best bet is to keep your mouth closed as much as possible.

4. Brushing at the wrong times.

Here’s another one people often overlook: brushing when they shouldn’t. If you’re concerned about your teeth, you may find yourself brushing after large meals or after fizzy, acidic drinks that are staining. However, contrary to what you know it’s best to wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth after consuming a meal. By brushing too soon after consuming acidic fruits & drinks, you run the risk of driving the acid deeper into the teeth.

See: Easy-to-Read Infographic on Oral Home Care Tips

5. Using Teeth as Tools

We all do it. Using our teeth at tools to pry open aluminum cans, bottle caps, or rip something open is very damaging to teeth by causing unneeded stress that weakens teeth and may even cause a tooth to chip or fracture – which is common for people who use their teeth as tools often. Once in awhile under certain circumstances are fine, but try not to make a habit out of it.

6. Firm Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes should always be soft. That is why dentists recommend soft bristled toothbrushes to their patients. Over time, toothbrushes begin to show signs of wear such as hard bristles. However, some people have the belief that hard bristles work better. This simply isn’t the case. Hard bristles irritate the gums and lead to sensitivity.

7. Chewing Ice

Ice is a very strong substance. Chewing it is a great zero calorie snack for some of us, but may come with a cost… the cost of fixing your teeth from an accidental crack, chip, or fracture from biting down too hard. Always make a habit to suck on ice, not chew it.

Follow our advice and you’ll prevent yourself from many accidents that happen all of the time – accidents that could have been easily prevented in the first place. We receive emergency dental patients in our office frequently and the cause is always something that could have been avoidable if more care and caution were present at the time.

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Oral Health & How It Links to the Body

how oral health links to bodyAre you familiar with the mouth-body connection? The fact of the matter is that our mouths play a much larger role than you may have initially thought. Simply put, what happens inside of your mouth can affect the rest of your body, and vice versa. This connection is what is known as the “mouth-body connection” that researchers have been intrigued by for quite some time.

One of the reasons for this relationship is because our teeth are connected to the bloodstream. Our mouths are filled with bacteria, the same bacteria that cause decay when we do not have the situation under control. When the issue gets out of hand, the bacteria may find its way into our bloodstream potentially causing mayhem on the body in a number of different ways.

What Connections Have Researchers Found?

Over the years, researchers have found many possible connections between diseases of the mouth – specifically periodontal disease – and our bodies.

Oral Health & Diabetes

Arguably the strongest connection of them all is the link between periodontitis (gum inflammation) and diabetes. Researchers found that inflammation which begins in the mouth weakens the body’s ability to control sugar, thus leading to diabetes. The worst part is that high blood sugar levels make you far more susceptible to infection, only causing further issues to arise.

Oral Health & Heart Disease

A close second in this relationship is the connection with oral health and heart disease. A study found that in those with heart disease, 91% of the patients also had periodontitis, compared to only 66% with no heart disease. That’s a significant difference. It is explained that inflammation in the mouth also causes inflammation in our blood vessels which results in high blood pressure and blood flow restriction, risk factors for heart disease over time.

Other connections exist, but are not as well documented as the two above. However, for your own knowledge, studies have shown possible pinks between oral health and pregnancy complications, osteoporosis, lung conditions, arthritis, and obesity.

Moral of the Story

With all this to say, the moral of the story is quite clear: take care of your mouth and the body will benefit. Taking care of your mouth means 3 things must happen:

1. Brush at least twice per day for 2 minutes per session (morning & night, electric toothbrush recommended for a more effective clean).

2. Floss at least once a day (every night, but it is recommended to floss after every meal).

3. Visit your dentist at least twice a year (preferably every 6 months) to treat any problems that exist within the mouth before they worsen or lead to extraction.

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