Cosmetic Dentistry-Ceramic Crowns Can Make Your Smile Beautiful!

All Ceramic Crowns are fabricated entirely out of a glass-like compound such as porcelain. There are 2 ceramic materials that are the clinicians’ favorites today: lithium disilcate and zirconia.

"Lithium disilicate restorations are the most esthetic restorations in dentistry today," states Dr. Anna Lee.  These restorations match the esthetic characteristics of natural teeth very closely.  Multiple-unit restorations (fixed bridges) are not recommended at this time.

Lithium disilicate restorations are good choices for single unit restorations, both anterior and posterior teeth.

Zirconia restorations are strong restorations but are not as esthetic as the lithium disilicate restorations. Early zirconia materials were opaque and white and were not recommended for front teeth restorations. However, remarkable progress has been made. There are changes being made in full-zirconia restorations, including the availability of numerous colors of zirconia and the development of more translucencies.

Zirconia restorations are good choices for single unit restorations for the posterior teeth.  

 

Cosmetic Dentistry & Your Smile!

Porcelain-Fused-to Metal (PFM) Crowns are fabricated from both metal and porcelain. Porcelain is fused to an underlying metal substructure to form the overall shape of the crown.

The advantages of PFM Crowns are esthetics, strength and durability. The principal uses are crowns and fixed bridges. Different shades of porcelain can mimic natural tooth appearance.

The disadvantages of PFM Crowns are that they may wear opposing teeth, porcelain on the crown may fracture, dark lines along the crown margin and lifeless appearance.  Dental studies have shown that the porcelain of PFM Crowns can rapidly wear opposing teeth when the porcelain becomes rough; the porcelain surface should be re-glazed or polished adequately after occlusal adjustment. Another disadvantage is that the porcelain portion of PFM Crowns may fracture or separate from its underlying metal substructure. Sometimes, replacement of a new crown may be needed.  One of the esthetic complaints from patients is the dark line at the gingival margin of the crown. This usually occurs when the gum tissues recede and the metal margin of the crown shows. The porcelain that is used to mask the metal substructure gives a lifeless or dull appearance of the crown. This would be an important concern for front teeth crown restorations.

"Porcelain-Fused-to Metal Crowns are good choices for crowns and fixed bridges in the posterior area (molars)," Dr. Anna Lee.

Get The Facts About Crowns

Different Types of Crown (Caps)  

 There are a number of factors that need to be considered when making the decision of restoring the tooth with a crown restoration. In general, there are 3 different types of crown restorations: Metal, Porcelain-Fused-to Metal (PFM) and all Ceramic.

Metal Crowns are fabricated entirely out of metal. There are a number of types of dental alloys; they are high noble metal (precious), noble metal (semiprecious) and non-noble metal (base).

High noble alloys contain 60% noble metal (gold, platinum, and/or palladium), of which over 40% is gold. Noble alloys contain 25% noble metal.  Non-noble alloys contain less than 25% noble metal with the other contents being nickel, chromium or beryllium. Some people are allergic to nickel.

The advantages of metal crowns are strength, longevity, biocompatibility, and good fit.  Metal crowns have high strength and toughness that resist fracture and wear. They provide a good seal against leakages. The high noble metals are the most biocompatible to the gingival tissues.

The disadvantages of metal crowns are esthetics, sensitivity and cost. The metal colors are silver or gold and they do not mimic natural teeth.  Teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold after crown cementation.  Some people reported that they are allergic to non-noble alloy such as nickel. Noble and high noble metals cost more than the non-noble metals.

All metal crowns are good choices for patients with strong bites and those with parafunctional habits, such as grinding or clenching.

Adult & Child Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water sources and is derived from fluorine, the 17^th most abundant element in the earth’s crust.

Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter.  It prevents tooth decay by making the tooth structure stronger, so teeth are more resistant to tooth decaying bacteria (acid attacks) and reduces the chance of getting cavities. Fluoride has significant health benefits for children and adults.  Early studies have shown that fluoridated water reduced tooth decay in children as much as 60% and reduced adult tooth decay by 35%. Recent studies prove that fluoridated water continues to be effective and reduced tooth decay in children and adults by 20-40%.

Fluoride can benefit both children and adults

·      Prevents tooth decay

·      Strengthens tooth enamel

·      Remineralizes/repairs enamel that has been damaged by bacteria (acid attacks)

·      Reverses early decay

 Fluoride benefits people with these medical conditions and/or dental problems:

·      Dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by medication. Reduction of saliva flow increases the risk of tooth decay.

·      Effects of radiation therapy.  Radiation damages the salivary gland and reduces the production of saliva. This causes dry mouth and increases the risk of tooth decay.

·      Gum recession and exposure of the root of the tooth. The exposed root is more susceptible to root decay. Studies show that more than half of adults over age 75 have had root decay.

·      Recent tooth decay within the last year.  Bacteria in the mouth can lead to new cavities. Fluoride should be an important part of the daily oral health care regimen.

·      Teeth that have had Crown or bridge restorations are susceptible to tooth decay due to margin leakages.

·      Orthodontic treatment- orthodontic brackets on the enamel surfaces of the teeth make it challenging for people to maintain good oral hygiene. Teeth are susceptible to decalcification (early stage of tooth decay).

If one or more of these conditions applies to you, talk to your dentist to see whether you would benefit from a topical fluoride treatment.

Fluoride is obtained in two forms: Topical and systemic

Topical fluorides strengthen tooth enamel and teeth become more resistant to tooth decay.  Topic fluorides are toothpastes, mouth rinses and professionally applied fluorides.

  

·      Self –Applied

                      The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children over

                      the age of 2 and adults use fluoridated toothpaste to brush their teeth daily.

·      Professionally applied fluorides are in the form of a gel, foam or rinse.  They are applied by the dentist or dental hygienist in the dental office.

               Systemic fluorides are ingested into the body and become incorporated into

               forming tooth structures. Systemic fluorides are water fluoridation and dietary

               fluoride supplements.

·      Community water fluoridation

The American Dental Association, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry support community water fluoridation. It is safe and effective and it reduces tooth decay in children and adults.

·      Dietary fluoride supplements

                      Fluoride supplements are recommended only for children living in non-

                      fluoridated areas and at high risk of developing tooth decay.

Is fluoride safe?

Fluoride is safe when the right amount of it is used. Most children and adults get the right amount of fluoride through a combination of fluoridated water, fluoridated toothpaste and professionally applied fluoride in the dental office.

 For children under the age of six, too much fluoride can cause enamel fluorosis, a discoloration or mottling of the permanent teeth. Most cases are due to inappropriate use of fluoride-containing dental products, such as toothpastes and mouth rinses.

These are a few useful reminders:

·      Parents can brush babies’ teeth with an infant toothbrush, using water with just a smear of toothpaste until about age 2.

·      Children over the age of 2 should use fluoridated toothpaste that carries the ADA’s seal of acceptance.

·      Children under the age of 6 should be supervised when brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and be taught to spit and not swallow.

·      Children should use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste.

·      Children under age 6 should never use fluoride-containing mouth rinses.

Dr. Anna Lee’s dental office uses the latest technology to provide fluoride treatments that are quick, comfortable and effective. If you have any questions about fluoride treatments, please call Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 for a complimentary examination.  Or visit us at www.annaleedds.com

Dental Veneer

Dental Veneer is a thin layer of tooth-colored material placed over the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance and esthetics.  There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer; composite and porcelain.  Both composite and porcelain veneers strive to achieve the same result; they create bright, white smiles with beautifully aligned and natural looking teeth.  Patients need to consult with the dentist to decide which veneer material is the most appropriate for their teeth.

What is Composite Veneer?

Composite veneer is resin material that is bonded over the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance. The treatment of composite veneer can be completed on the same day dental visit and no laboratory work is required. Composite veneer can restore and correct small chips, cracks and discoloration of the tooth.  However, the resin material may not be as durable as porcelain and it is not stain-resistant.

What is Porcelain Veneer?

Porcelain veneer is a thin layer of porcelain bonded over the front surface of the tooth. It usually requires a minimal amount of tooth (enamel) reduction.  This reduction creates room for the porcelain veneer to be bonded onto the front surface of the tooth.

Porcelain veneer is fabricated by the dental laboratory technician, and the fabrication of the veneer may take 1 to 2 weeks before it is delivered to the patient.  Porcelain veneer is more expensive than composite veneer, but is much more durable and less likely to stain than composite veneer.

Some of the dental problems that are treated with porcelain veneers:

·      Fractured/chipped/discolored teeth

·      Worn dentition (worn edges of teeth resulting in a prematurely aged appearance)

·      Mal-aligned teeth/Crooked teeth

·      Diastemas (spaces between the teeth)

·      Black triangle between teeth caused by gum recession

·      Tetracycline stained teeth

**Your dentist may recommend teeth whitening and/or orthodontic treatment before restoring your teeth with porcelain veneers.      

Advantages & Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

·      Provide a natural tooth appearance

·      Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well

·      Stain resistant

·      Change tooth’s color and shape

·      Minimal Tooth (enamel) reduction

·      May not require local anesthesia

Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers

·      Irreversible process (tooth reduction-enamel)

·      Patients wait 1-2 weeks (laboratory time) before they can be bonded onto the teeth

·      More costly than composite veneers

·      Porcelain veneers are usually not repairable if they chip or crack

·      Teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages

Maintenance & Post-Procedure Care of Porcelain Veneers

·      Brush & floss daily

·      Use non-abrasive toothpaste

·      Do not bite or chew on hard objects (nuts shells, bones)

·      Do not open or tear packages

·      Brush after drinking red wine, coffee, tea, or soda

·      Wear a night guard if patient grinds or clenches (prevent damaging the veneer)

·      Regular dental examinations and dental cleanings

Dental Veneers Cost & How long do they last?

·      Porcelain veneers cost between $1100 and $2500 per tooth but can last 10 to 15 years.

·      Composite veneers cost between $250 and $1500 per tooth and may last between 5 to 7 years

·      Longevity of veneers depends a lot on how well patients maintain them, such as their oral hygiene and eating habits

Veneers Cost Factors:

·      The fees of the dentist performing the procedure

·      The artistic and technical skill of the dental laboratory technician (ceramist)

·      The location-where dental veneer treatment is performed (region of the country, metropolitan areas versus small towns)

·      Types of Dental Insurance (Most dental insurance companies do not cover dental veneers)

Dental veneers can change the shape, length, width and color of your teeth. The decision to enhance your smile with dental veneers is a very personal one. Even a subtle change in your smile can make an exceptional difference in the way you look and feel.

If you have any questions about porcelain or composite veneers, please call Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 for a complimentary examination. Or visit us at www.annaleedds.com

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. 

News about Water

The jury's still out on just how much waster you need to drink a day, but it's important to fill up on water because of its role in weight loss and appetite suppression. Water keeps the body looking lean by preventing fluid retention and according to studies helps the body metabolize stored fat.
Fill up on foods with a high water content such as grapefruit, celery watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and strawberries. They are low in calories and take up lots of room in your tummy to keep you feeling full longer.

Recipe: Herb-infused Spa Water

Yield: Makes about 1 1/2 quarts: about 4 servings

Ingrediants:

6 cups chilled spring or mineral water

12 thin slices of cucumber

4 sprigs (each 2 in. long) fresh mint, slightly crushed

2 sprigs (each 2 in. long) fresh rosemary, slightly crushed 

1 to 2 sliced lemons

Preparation: 

In a 2- to 2 1/2 quart pitcher, combine water, cucumber, lemon, mint and rosemary. Serve, or cover and chill up to eight hours. Add ice before serving.