Cosmetic Dentistry Los Angeles
The Goal of
Aesthetic Dentistry
This patient from Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County, discovered perfect teeth in just two weeks
The Goal of Aesthetic Dentistry
The goal of aesthetic dentistry and cosmetic dentistry is to make the patient look better. However, in most cases, aesthetic dentistry is not enough. We have to see beyond just the "cosmetic dentistry" for a patient. Equally as important is to address concerns that develop from other areas contributing to dental health problems and TMJ comfort.
Retained Baby Teeth
Retained Baby teeth occur in a significant percentage of our population. His upper right canine is a baby tooth and is short with little tooth structure to support it. The occlusion, or bite, is critical in order to protect the baby tooth from occlusal trauma. Too much occlusal trauma will loosen the baby tooth and it will eventually fall out. This patient was treated over 10 years ago and has not lost his tooth.
Unaltered and Untouched Photos by Dr. Sam Muslin, Santa Monica, CA
Missing Lateral Incisor & Peg Lateral Incisor
In addition to a retained baby tooth, he never developed his upper right lateral incisor, so his canine tooth has moved into the position of the lateral incisor. On the other side of his arch, he has a peg lateral incisor, which is also a short sharp-looking tooth. Both sides of his arch are different, as on one side he has a baby tooth and no lateral incisor and on the other side there is a peg lateral incisor.
Porcelain Veneers & Porcelain Veneer Crowns
Porcelain Veneers are a custom made layer of porcelain that exactly fits over the front of your tooth. When porcelain veneers are bonded strongly, they do not get decay under them, does not stain, and last for many years. It makes a huge difference on the technique that the dentist utilizes. Over they years, Dr. Muslin has perfected a bonding technique that exceeds what any commercial brand has to offer. A porcelain veneer crown is still a thin layer of porcelain but it covers the entire tooth. The peg lateral incisor and the retained baby tooth were treated with porcelain veneer crowns and all of his other teeth were treated with porcelain veneers. Read more about Dr. Sam Muslin's Instant Braces work.
Bad Bite & TMJ
The TMJ is affected when a patient has a bad bite and clenching and grinding are greatly increased. When a patient has a missing lateral incisor and/or a retained baby tooth, (that need to be protected occlusally) the porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns must be structured in such a way the his TMJ position and the bite are perfectly balanced.
This patient's treatment was done over 10 years ago and still looks like the first day it was placed, which made the drive from Manhattan Beach worthwhile. For those in the Los Angeles area, interested in dental treatment that lasts, call (310) 829-6796 for an evaluation by Sam Muslin, DDS MAGD.