Cons Of Veneers

Are you unhappy with your smile? Do you look in the mirror and imagine yourself with a beautiful, healthy smile that you used to have? You can reclaim that. But weighing your options on what restorative process is right for your smile is important prior to jumping in. Veneers are a thin piece of porcelain that is placed on the outer layer of your teeth. They cover your existing teeth and help to restore your smile. While there are tons of positives to making the choice to get veneers there are a few negatives that you should be aware of prior to making this choice says, Dr. Anna Lee.

Dental veneers are more costly than standard fillings because they require the dentist to evaluate your smile, place material on each of your teeth that is shaped correctly and fits properly in your mouth. The cost of veneers depends on multiple aspects and can be determined once you and Dr. Lee evaluate your smile needs.

They are not repairable if they chip or crack, and if not done correctly veneers can make your teeth look large and unnatural. If you have chipped or cracked a veneer contact the dentist immediately, they may be able to just reapply the porcelain if it is bonding that has just come off. Otherwise, you may need to have a new veneer made for that tooth.

If you are struggling with your smile, talk to Dr. Anna Lee and her team about the possibility of veneers. If you have any questions about treatment options of broken, fractured or chipped teeth, please call Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 for a complimentary examination.

Visit us at www.annaleedds.com

Fixed Bridges

Another treatment option for missing tooth/teeth is a fixed bridge. The restoration is involved with the space (missing tooth) and the adjacent teeth.  A fixed bridge has a minimum of 3 units or ‘teeth’.

Placing a bridge usually takes 2 dental visits. The first visit involves the dentist preparing the adjacent teeth on either side of the space (missing tooth). The second visit involves cementing the fixed bridge into place (over the prepared teeth).

Advantages:

·       Look, feel and function like natural teeth

·       Esthetic, comfortable

·       Do not require removal for cleaning

·       Cost less than implants

Disadvantages:

·       Grind away healthy, adjacent teeth to prepare the fixed bridge

·       Require extra effort to clean under the pontic (replacement for the missing tooth)

·       Margin leakages or recurrent decay at crown margins

For more information on bridges, contact Dr. Lee and her team today!

Sleep Apnea

                                                  

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while the patient is asleep.  There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and complex.                        

 Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.  Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of the obstructive and central sleep apnea.  Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases the sleepers are unaware of these breath stoppages because they don’t trigger a full awakening.

It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80 percent of the cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea undiagnosed.  Untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. OSA is also associated with type 2 diabetes, liver problems, depression and daytime fatigue.

OSA can strike people of any age, including infants and children, but it is most frequently seen in men over 40, especially those are overweight or obese.

For more information, contact Dr. Lee & her team today.

Tooth Contouring or Reshaping

Tooth contouring or reshaping is a conservative and inexpensive procedure to help improve the appearance of the smile. Dr. Anna Lee suggests, "this procedure is best for patients who just need minimal adjustments or repairs to improve the look and feel of their teeth."

·      Advantages

-cost, an inexpensive way to improve the look of the teeth

-painless, no anesthesia, no discomfort during the procedure

-improves health of teeth, minimal reshaping/contouring of overlapped teeth may decrease the risk of tooth decay & gum disease

·      Disadvantages

-risk of tooth damage (too much enamel reduction)

-teeth become sensitive (too much enamel reduction)

Toothbrushes for Children

Selecting children’s toothbrushes is similar to adults. 

·      toothbrushes with an ADA Seal of Approval

·      toothbrushes with soft bristles

·      toothbrush head size can easily fit in the mouth

·      get the child involved in the selection process and be excited about a new toothbrush

For more information on toothbrushes contact Dr. Anna Lee & her team. 

Why a Crown Restoration after Root Canal Treatment?

·      Strength-Teeth that have had root canal treatment can be fragile because a large amount of tooth structure is removed during the process. A crown restoration provides strength that resists further fracturing of the tooth.

·      Good Seal-Crown restoration provides a good seal to prevent leakages and recurrent decay.

·      Durability-Strong and resistant to fracture and wear.

·      Longevity-five to fifteen years+. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to and how well the patient follows good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist as recommended.

If you have further questions regarding the different types of crowns that are appropriate for your dental needs, please contact Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or visit our website at www.annaleedds.com

Dr. Lee & staff wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2015!

Meet the staff

Dr. Anna Lee

The biggest reward and joy a dentist can know is that their patients are free of pain, have good dental function, and are confident with their beautiful smiles. For more than 20 years, Dr. Anna Lee has been providing these things for her patients. Caring for the residents of the greater Los Angeles area and the San Gabriel Valley, Dr. Lee practices General Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. A graduate from the University of Southern California, School of Dentistry in 1989, she holds an additional degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine.
Dr. Lee is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society, the Pasadena Area Women's Dental Study Group, the San Gabriel Valley Dental Implant Study Group, and the Advisory Committee of the Dental Assisting Program at Carrington College, CA. She also attended courses at the University of Pacific to work with individuals with special needs.
Married and with two sons, Patrick and Simon, Dr. Lee has served as a board member of the Los Angeles Regional Center (2002-2008) for people with special needs. With a focus to help local dentists work collaboratively with the Regional Center, she improved access to oral health care for people with special needs. She has also provided dental education and support for parents and children, with and without special needs.
In her free time, Dr. Lee enjoys classical music, symphony, scrapbooking and watching movies.

"I appreciate the time you’ve taken to visit this site and find out more about this dental practice, my team, and the many services we can provide to help you achieve optimum oral health."

Olivia Molano 

 

Olivia is our dental receptionist and a dental assistant. Olivia grew up in Glendora and graduated from Glendora High School. She received her dental assisting license at the Moreno Valley College. Olivia has experience with all aspects of the front office. She is especially knowledgeable with dental insurance benefits. She enjoys helping patients with treatment plans and explaining to them their dental insurance coverage or to help those without insurance with payment options. 

Olivia is very active and enjoys time with her friends and family. Her goal is to go back to college and receive her bachelors and masters degrees.

Angelica Vernon

 

Angelica is our primary dental assistant. She graduated with honors from Carrington College, California. She is very friendly, outgoing, and loves to talk to patients making them feel very comfortable. Angelica makes sure all dental procedure set-ups are always ready for our patients. She works hard at providing our patients with excellent dental service and education as well as keeping up on her own education. Angelica keeps up on all the new dental trends and new dental products.

Angelica is an animal lover, so when you're in for your dental visit, ask her about the types of animals and reptiles she has. When Angelica is not working, you will find her out on fun adventures with her friends as well as her dog, Diamond, the most friendly American Pit Bull Terrier. 

Taken for Granted

Anna Lee, D.D.S.

Digital Photography

Anna Lee, D.D.S. uses digital radiography.  Unlike the traditional radiography, which takes about five minutes to develop and mount the x-rays, the digital radiography gives an instant image of the tooth on the computer monitor. Digital radiography gives you a number of advantages. For example, there is an immediate image for viewing and it is eco-friendly, reducing radiation by 70-80%.

We are also using a intraoral camera which takes pictures of the tooth instantly. This allows for us to instantly see a photo on the computer monitor. Basically, see what my staff and I see. Both the digital radiography and intraoral camera are excellent diagnostic and educational information to enhance patient understanding of their oral condition.

Anna Lee, DDS

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease (gingivitis and peridodontitis) are infections of the gum and bone that hold teeth in place.

Gingivitis: this is the first stage of gum disease. Your gums may feel tender and you may see some bleeding when you brush or floss. The American Academy of Periodontology considers gingivitis the mildest form of periodontal disease that can be reversed by having a dentist or hygienist clean your teeth in addition to proper brushing and flossing at home.

Periodontitis: At this stage, bacteria in plaque spreads and grows below the gum line and causes infection, which can damage the bone and fibers that hold the teeth in place.

Warning signs of periodontal disease are:

-Bleeding gums
-Swollen or tender gums
-Receding gums (teeth that look larger than before)
-Persistent bad breath
-Loose or separating teeth

Proper dental and home care may help to stop further damage! 

For more information on periodontal disease: perio.org

Do I need a dental cleaning?

Here are the top 10 reasons to have a dental cleaning:

1. To Prevent Oral Cancer-according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States. When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early. 

2. To Prevent Gum Disease-Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early it can be treated. 

3. To help Maintain Good Physical Health-Recent studies have linked hart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every six months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes. 

4. To Keep Your Teeth-Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular check ups, cleaning along with flossing daily and brushing are key factors. 

5. To Detect Dental Problems Early-Your dentist and hygienist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. 

6. To Maintain Good Oral Health-Your dental hygienist will help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by visual examination and comparing your previous dental check ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene he/she will help put you back on the right track. 

7. To Create a Treatment Plan-If your dentist diagnoses any problems in your mouth, he/she will most likely give you a treatment plan.

8. To Have a Bright and White Smile-Your Dentist or Hygienist can remove most tobacco, coffee, wine and tea stains. During your cleaning, your teeth will be polished to a beautiful shine. The result? A whiter and brighter smile! 

9. To Prevent Bad Breath-Dental studies show that about eighty-five percent of people with persistent bad breath also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath.

10. To Use Your Dental Insurance-Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run.

Dr. Lee, Glendora General & Cosmetic Dentistry

Glendora Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Lee, DDS is a member of the Glendora Chamber of Commerce

I feel honored to practice dentistry in such a special and established community. In recognition and support of the establishment of my dental practice in the community, the Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 30, 2010 at my office. The city officials of Glendora, the board members and ambassadors of the Glendora Chamber of Commerce, and legislative representatives attended this special occasion. We served coffee and delicious snacks. The city officials and representatives, dental staff and I had a wonderful time mingling and networking with one another.

Anna Lee, DDS

What you need to know about a bridge implant

A bridge (fixed bridge/fixed partial denture) is a dental prosthesis that fills the space where one or more teeth are missing. A bridge has three parts, a pontic (artificial tooth replaces the missing tooth), and a crown on either side. The crowns fit over the prepared teeth next to the gap (missing tooth). The pontic fills the space left by the missing tooth. The bridge is commonly cemented or bonded to the prepared teeth, and the bridge cannot be taken out of the mouth. Different types of dental material can be used to fabricate a bridge; they are gold, porcelain fused to metal, and all-porcelain.

Advantages:

-Look, feel and function like natural teeth

-No need to remove from mouth for cleaning

  

Disadvantages:

-Cost

-Reduction of tooth structure

What is Early Childhood Caries (ECC)?

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Early Childhood Caries (ECC) or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD). It is a common bacterial infectious disease caused by certain types of bacteria that live in the mouth.

Bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that attack and destroy the tooth's outer surface (enamel). The end result is cavities. Infants and toddlers who go to sleep with a bottle containing milk, breast milk, or fruit juices are more susceptible to have ESS/BBTD.

Glendora Dentistry

Dr. Anna Lee, D.D.S.