Complementary Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry at Work

Complementary Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry at Work

By Mina Levi, DDS, 09/18/2014

In order to have a beautiful, radiant smile, the first and most important thing is to ensure that the mouth is healthy. This may require some restorative dentistry such as tooth colored composite fillings, Zirconia metal free implants and/or porcelain crowns. Restorative dentistry can complement cosmetic dentistry so that the patient can have the healthy smile that they’ve always wanted. 45 year old female patient S.K. presented to Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS with a complicated cosmetic and restorative case. The patient was missing her left and right lateral incisors and had discolored and crowded teeth. The first step in the treatment plan with Dentist San Francisco was to go through Invisalign orthodontic treatment to straighten the teeth and at the same time, place Zirconia metal free implants in the spaces of the lateral incisors. This allows the teeth to be straightened and the bone to heal around the implants.

After the implants were placed and the Invisalign orthodontic treatment was finished, S.K. had Zoom whitening performed to whiten the teeth. Then, abutment supported porcelain crowns were placed over the implants to finish the smile.

 

 

The patient was very happy with her new beautiful, healthy smile.

If you have any questions or concerns about Invisalign orthodontics, Zirconia metal free implants or Zoom whitening, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, restorative dentistry, restorative dentist, restorative dentist San Francisco, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist 94108, implants, dental implants, metal free implants, Zirconia implants, Zirconia metal free implants, metal free dental implants, Zirconia dental implants, Invisalign, Invisalign orthodontic treatment, Orthodontics, clear braces, clear aligners, braces, Invisalign San Francisco, clear braces San Francisco, orthodontics 94108, Invisalign dentist San Francisco, Zoom whitening, white teeth, whiter teeth, teeth whitening, Zoom dentist, Zoom San Francisco

Instant Gratification: A Quick Cosmetic Fix

Instant Gratification: A Quick Cosmetic Fix

By Mina Levi, DDS, 08/21/2014

A 56 year old female I.C. saw Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS as an emergency due to a fractured front tooth during a visit to San Francisco, CA from Ireland for a wedding. Upon examination, the patient was asymptomatic, the broken tooth was not causing her any pain. There had been a previous history of an existing restoration on that tooth that was older than 5 years. The break of this restoration was causing the patient to not be able to eat well, but was mostly a cosmetic concern.

 

 

After the initial exam, it was determined that the patient would need to restore this tooth with a porcelain crown for the long run since so much tooth structure was missing and another composite restoration would probably not last long. However, due to the patient being in San Francisco for only a few days and she was in need of a quicker solution to her issue for the time being, Dentist San Francisco decided to restore the tooth with a large composite restoration. She explained to the patient that she would need to have the tooth restored with a porcelain crown when she returned to Ireland.

 

 

Dr. Levi completed the restoration and the patient was happy with the result. The composite restoration provided a fix for the patient’s cosmetic concerns and would serve functional for the next few weeks.

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist concern, broken tooth, chipped tooth, composite, restorative dentistry, dental restoration, bonding, porcelain crown, crown, porcelain, porcelain crowns San Francisco, crown dentist, composite restorations

Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment

Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment

By Mina Levi, DDS, 08/14/2014

 

A 22 year old female A.G. saw Dentist San Francisco Dr. Mina Levi with a chief complaint of crowding of the teeth and an upper front tooth sticking out more than she would like. The front tooth that was sticking out had a previous history of a root canal with a large plastic composite bonding over the tooth. The secondary concern was the overall look of the teeth with color and shape. After the initial examination, it was concluded that the patient would be a good candidate for Invisalign orthodontic treatment to correct the crowding and pull the front tooth into alignment with the rest of the upper teeth.

  

 

The Invisalign treatment lasted 10 months for patient A.G., and the teeth were aligned.

  

 

Once the Invisalign treatment was completed, Dr. Mina Levi suggested Zoom whitening to change the color of the teeth. However, the root canalled tooth in the front with the composite material on the top would not change color, and a new restoration would have to be placed at the time that the shape of the teeth was being changed.

After the Zoom whitening, the patient decided to restore the front 8 teeth with Lumineers, very thin limited-prep veneers. To begin this process, San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS reshaped the gumline using laser dentistry, and also re-contoured the teeth in order for the veneers to fit well and not look too bulky in the mouth.

 

After the re-contouring was finished, Dr. Mina Levi took impressions of the teeth and sent them to the laboratory for the Lumineers to be fabricated. About three weeks later, the veneers were placed.

After about 11 months of treatment, through Invisalign, Zoom whitening and Lumineers, the final restorations gave the following final result:

  

If you have any Cosmetic Dentistry concerns or interest in Invisalign, Zoom or Lumineers, give Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS a visit on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist san Francisco, comprehensive cosmetic treatment, comprehensive cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign clear aligners, Invisalign, Invisalign clear braces, orthodontics, Invisalign dentist San Francisco, Orthodontist San Francisco, Zoom whitening, whitening teeth, teeth whitening, white teeth, Zoom dentist, Zoom San Francisco, Lumineers, Lumineers veneers, porcelain veneers,

Porcelain Veneers for Teeth: Understanding the Steps

Porcelain Veneers for Teeth: Understanding the Steps

By Mina Levi, DDS, 05/01/2014

Porcelain veneers are cosmetically available to fix dental issues such as discolored teeth, teeth that are worn down, chipped or broken teeth, and irregularly shaped teeth. When a person is deciding to get porcelain veneers for teeth, it is very important that they understand the steps involved so that they can make the best decision possible for their oral health. In this article, we discuss the steps of traditional porcelain veneers and any concerns that a person should be aware of.

Step One: Treatment Planning

The first step in any dental procedure, whether it’s restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, is treatment planning. It is important for the patient to explain to the dentist what their cosmetic goals are to see if porcelain veneers are a right fit and the best possible option. The dentist will examine the teeth and the overall oral health and decide if dental veneers are an appropriate treatment option both to reach your personal goals as well as maintaining optimal health in the mouth. The patient and the dentist will then discuss the pros and cons of dental veneers, and then the dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. These impressions can be sent to a dental laboratory before the veneers have been prepped and the lab will manufacture what is called a wax-up. This wax-up is a model of the teeth with wax veneers, to show the patient what their teeth will look like with the porcelain veneers. Once the patient has decided that veneers are the right option, the patient will decide if he or she is happy with the color of their teeth as whitening options such asZoom whitening will need to be completed before the next step in the dental veneers process begins.

Step Two: Preparation of the Teeth

To prepare the teeth for the porcelain veneers, the dentist will need to take off some of the tooth enamel. Most of the time this removal is up to about .5 millimeters of tooth enamel, which will equal the thickness of the veneer to be placed. This is done so that the veneers look natural rather than too bulky. The removal of enamel may require the application of a topical or local anesthetic. Next, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to make models for the dental laboratory to use in order to create the custom veneers. Temporaries will be placed on the teeth if necessary for the 2-3 weeks during which the laboratory is fabricating the dental veneers. If the removal of dental enamel is an issue or concern, the other option is to go with the Lumineers, which are very thin veneers and require little removal of enamel.

Step Three: Cementing

When the patient comes in for their dental veneer cementing appointment, the dentist will first try the veneers onto the teeth to make sure that the veneersfit as well as analyze that the color matches well with the natural tooth. Then, the teeth will be cleaned, polished and etched, which roughens the surface of the tooth to make the bonding process more successful and strong. A cement substance is applied to the veneers and then they are applied to the teeth one at a time. Once they are properly positioned onto the surface of the teeth, the dentist will apply a blue light which activates the cement and causes it to harden and adhere the veneers permanently to the tooth. Once the veneers are bonded, the dentist will take time to remove any excess cement material as well as adjust the dental veneers so that the bite feels natural. The dentist may have the patient come back into the office after a few weeks to check on the bite as well as see how the gum tissue is reacting to the veneers being placed.

Dental veneers are a great cosmetic option for a wide range of dental issues. If you are interested or have questions about porcelain dental veneers or the process, visit Dr. Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Porcelain veneers, veneers for teeth, porcelain veneers for teeth, dental veneers, dental veneers for teeth, lumineers, whitening, teeth whitening,zoom whitening, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, chipped teeth, broken teeth, discolored teeth, bonding, dental problems, oral health, dental lumineers, tetracycline teeth

Titanium vs Zirconia Implants

Titanium vs Zirconia Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great, and probably the best, option for patients looking to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants are metal or Zirconia anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves one surgical procedure and oftentimes teeth can be placed immediately. The dental implant is a good alternative to full dentures or partial dentures, since it acts like a real tooth. Once a person and their cosmetic dentist have decided that dental implants are the right choice for them, the next big question is which implant to go with, titanium or Zirconia. In this article, we highlight the pros and cons of metal-free Zirconia implants to compare them against traditional titanium implants and give you the cosmetic dentistry knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

Zirconia implants

Pros

•   Great for patients who have metal allergies. Zirconia implants are all ceramic and metal-free, which gives patients the implant option without risking an allergic reaction.
•   More aesthetically pleasing. The Zirconia implants are all-white, which blends better with tooth color and does not leave the dark gray undertones of a metal implant.
• · Integrates better with soft tissues than the titanium implant.

Cons

• · All one piece. The Zirconia implant is one piece whereas the titanium implant is two pieces, so if anything happens to the top, the entire implant must be replaced.
• ·  Slower healing time. Zirconia implants take about 5-6 months to heal in comparison to the 3-4 months that titanium implants take.
• ·  More expensive. The cost of Zirconia dental implants is higher than the titanium implant option.

If you are in need of a dental implant consultation, for example if you are wearing a denture or need to have a tooth replaced, visit premier San Francisco metal free implant dentist D.r Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. More information regarding either Zirconia implants, titanium implants, the cost of dental implants or cosmetic dentistry is always available on our website.

Topics: San Francisco Implant Dentist, Cosmetic Dentistry, Zirconia Implant, Dental Implants, Titanium Implant, Cost of Dental Implants, Dentures, Partial Dentures, Missing Tooth, Missing Tooth Replacement, Cosmetic Dentist

The Difference between Zoom! Whitening and Take-Home Tray Whitening

The Difference between Zoom! Whitening and Take-Home Tray Whitening

By Mina Levi, DDS 02/20/2014

Teeth whitening is a popular choice for those who wish to enhance their smile cosmetically. The teeth whitening procedure has been around for thirty to forty years, and does not damage the structure of the tooth in any way. Today, there are two main teeth whitening options at the dental office of Dr. Mina Levi, DDS. The first is traditional tray whitening, and the other is the new Zoom! LED light in-office whitening. In this article, we discuss the procedures in detail with pros and cons of both.

Take-Home Tray Whitening

Procedure:

1. First, the patient makes an appointment to come into the office and have impressions taken of their

 teeth. Custom-made whitening trays will be fabricated in the office from these impressions.

2. A few days later, the patient will come back to the office to pick up their trays and receive the whitening gel, which is between 8-32% carbomide peroxide gel.

3. Dr. Mina Levi will give the patient instructions on how to load the whitening gel into the trays, and advise that they wear the trays for about fifteen minutes per day for two weeks.

Pros:

· Produces the same desired outcome of the Zoom! procedure if the patient has been consistently following directions for the entire two weeks.

· Patients can do a touch-up of whitening at any time because they will always have the trays available to them, all they have to do is pick up more whitening gel.

Cons:

· The tray whitening procedure takes a long time to achieve the desired effect. Many patients are excited and keep up with the whitening for a few days and then are not consistent.

· The tray whitening procedure is also inconvenient for patients since it needs to be done every day, which is the main reason that patients do not stick with it throughout the entire process.

· Dark-colored foods like pasta sauce and red wine must be avoided the entire time whitening is taking place, for about two to three weeks.

 

Zoom! Whitening

Procedure:

1. The patient will make one appointment at which they will be sat in a dental chair and their gums will be covered with a protecting gel, so that their gums aren’t damaged in the process.

2. The patient will then undergo three fifteen-minute sessions of the Zoom! light with a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel applied to the teeth.

 

Pros:

· The Zoom! procedure is instant and requires one single office visit. This is convenient for patients who want instant results, especially if there is a deadline or event that is taken into consideration.

·  The Zoom! procedure is proven to whiten teeth up to eight shades in the forty-five minutes the patient will be at the office.

Cons:

· The Zoom! procedure is a bit more expensive than the tray whitening option.

· Can cause “zingers” in the teeth which are tiny zaps that the patient may feel. They last no longer than a second or two and can be felt for twelve to twenty-four hours after the procedure. The “zingers” depend on the patients’ sensitivity.

If you have an interest in whitening your teeth and have any questions or concerns regarding either the Zoom! procedure or the tray whitening procedure, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. If you aren’t sure if teeth whitening is for you, the dental office of Mina Levi, DDS also offers “Lumismile” which shows you what your teeth can look like if they are whitened.

Topics: teeth whitening, tray whitening, zoom whitening, dental office visit, cosmetic dentistry, does teeth whitening damage my teeth?

Lumineers

Lumineers

By Mina Levi, DDS, 02/06/2014 

A common worry that patients have when considering getting porcelain veneers put on as a cosmetic choice is the amount of healthy tooth structure that has to be removed in order to do so.  Traditional porcelain veneers are thick, so a good amount of tooth structure must be shaved down in order to ensure that the veneers look natural and do not turn out too bulky and stick out. This is a credible concern and causes many patients to turn away from having their dream smile. However, Den Mat’s Lumineers are thin like a contact lens, and allow for a minimally invasive veneer experience. In this article, we talk about what Lumineers are and how patients can benefit from this option.

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers that can be seamlessly applied over your teeth for a flawless, natural looking smile. They are minimally invasive and do not require shots, temporaries, or the loss of much healthy tooth structure.

How long will Lumineers last?

Clinical testing has proven that Lumineers can look great and last durably for over twenty years.

With Lumineers, can I still chew gum and eat my favorite sticky foods?

Lumineers are applied in the most durable way possible, so you may eat and drink whatever you want. However, Lumineers don’t replace good hygiene, so you should continue to visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning to keep your Lumineers looking their best.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Lumineers or any other cosmetic dentistry options, visit Lumineers Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Lumineers, porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic options, Lumineers dentist San Francisco

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers

By Mina Levi DDS, 01/09/2014

Cosmetic dentistry is an option for those who are unhappy with the aesthetic aspects of their smile such as undersized teeth due to development issues (Peg Lateral Teeth), chipping, discoloration, and misalignment, amongst other issues. Cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers have been available for a long time, giving people the beautiful smile they have always dreamed of. There are differences between bonding and veneers, though, and one option may be more suitable for you than the other. Below, we discuss the pros and cons of both cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic Bonding

What is it?

Cosmetic bonding is the application of a composite material that is matched to tooth color (usually, Zoom whitening or at-home whitening kits are recommended before this procedure) to the surfaces of the teeth. This composite material is then sculpted into the shape that is so desired by the patient to achieve the highest aesthetic value.

Pros

1. Speedy Treatment Time. Cosmetic bonding does not involve any laboratory work, and can be performed usually with one dental office visit after the initial consultation unless the patient wants to whiten their teeth via the in-office Zoom procedure before the bonding takes place.

2. Relatively Low Cost per Tooth. The cost for cosmetic bonding is relatively low in comparison to porcelain veneers, about the same as a composite filling.

Cons

1. Staining. Unlike porcelain veneers, the composite material that is used in bonding is susceptible to staining by coffee, tea, and smoking.

2. Durability. Cosmetic bonding only can last between five to ten years, and then they will need to be replaced.

Porcelain Veneers

What are they?

Porcelain veneers are thin “shells” of porcelain fabricated in a laboratory that cover the front surfaces of the teeth. The teeth are prepared for the veneers, molded impressions of the teeth are then sent out to a laboratory so that the veneers can be made to fit the exact tooth structure. Then the veneers are applied to the teeth with an adhesive.

Pros

1. Realistic Look. Porcelain veneers are custom to each individual’s teeth and are made from a material that gives them a transparency, making them look almost identical to the natural tooth structure.

2. Stain Resistant. Porcelain veneers, unlike natural tooth structures and cosmetic bonding, are resistant to staining from coffee, tea and smoking. This makes it so that the patient can have more freedom in their diet and they will not have to worry about teeth whitening procedures.

3. Long Lasting. Depending on oral hygiene, porcelain veneers can last a lot longer than cosmetic bonding, decades if maintained properly.

Cons

1. More Procedural Work. The process to prepare the teeth, have the veneers made and then apply them to the natural teeth is a longer process than the cosmetic bonding, taking about three visits to the dental office in total with waiting periods in between in order for materials to be made and shipped.

2. Higher costs. Porcelain veneers are much pricier than the cosmetic bonding option, and are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure and thus are not covered by dental insurances.

If you wish to transform your smile cosmetically or have any questions or concerns regarding cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Cosmetic Bonding, Dental Bonding, Porcelain Veneers, Zoom Whitening, Dentist San Francisco, Dental Office Visit, Teeth Staining, Cosmetic Procedures,Invisalign

Four Ways to Improve Your Smile

Improvements in dental techniques and new cosmetic products and procedures give you many options for improvement if you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile. Depending upon your goals, your oral health, and your budget, you can opt for cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign® alignment devices, or even an instant “Snap on Smile.”

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the aesthetics of your smile, not just your oral health. Cosmetic dentists use state-of-the-art tools, materials, and techniques to realize your vision of a beautiful smile. Often, Cosmetic Dentistry includes removal or movement of teeth to improve the symmetry of a patient’s smile, but some dental problems that detract from a smile’s appearance are easier to fix. You may opt for custom whitening with an oxidizing agent, laser-reshaping of gum tissue, or correction of broken or chipped teeth with epoxies or veneers.

Veneers

Dental Veneers are thin coverings of ceramic or porcelain – or sometimes a composite resin. This covering is permanently bonded to the fronts of patients’ teeth, and can be used on one or two, or the entire visible smile. Fitting and adhering Veneers does not usually require anesthesia, and is ideal for those who want to improve the look of their most visible front teeth but do not require movement or removal of teeth. You can hide stains, fill gaps between teeth, create a brighter smile, and make slight changes to the shape of teeth with Veneers. Results can last for many years.

Snap on Smile

Snap-On-Smile is a great option for patients who are not sure they want to commit to more permanent or expensive improvements to their smiles. Some patients use Snap on Smile temporarily, to mask damaged teeth until a permanent fix can be achieved. These thin, strong, custom-fitted coverings for the visible teeth provides better bite function as well as a more pleasing appearance, and can be created and fitted without anesthesia or any change in tooth structure. They are available for upper and lower teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign® tooth aligners are clear, comfortable nearly invisible customized devices that work similarly to regular braces, without the pain, mouth sores, tooth decay or discoloration, plaque buildup, and difficulty eating that regular braces often cause. Invisalign® helps to gradually move a patient’s teeth into the proper alignment, creating a symmetrical smile and helping the gums fit more securely around the teeth to help prevent gum disease.

 

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