Did you know that your teeth and your bite are as unique as your fingerprints? That’s why dental problems can’t be fixed by a one-size-fits-all solution. There is a wide variety of options available for correcting unsightly teeth. For most patients, accidents, tooth decay, and age contribute to a less than stellar smile. Tooth coverings are used to correct cracked, chipped, or missing teeth. But, how do you know which covering is best for your cosmetic dental needs?
Dental Onlays
Dental onlays, also known as partial crowns, are used to treat cavities, cracks, or broken teeth. They work by covering one or more of the cusps on the biting surface. Onlays are the best choice when the tooth can’t support a dental filling but doesn’t need a full crown. Ideal candidates include people with:
- Cavities
- Cracks
- Chips
- Damage that could be treated with fillings
- Old fillings that need to be replaced
Dental onlays come in a variety of materials, but the best choice is porcelain. Porcelain onlays mimic a natural tooth appearance, are highly durable, and are resistant to staining.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can restore the shape, size, strength, and/or appearance of teeth. A crown is used to camouflage an unsightly tooth by encapsulating the entire visible portion of the tooth. The crown can be supported by either a natural tooth root or a dental implant. Ideal candidates include people with:
- Decay too severe for a filling, inlay, or onlay
- Cracks
- Chips
- Misalignment
- Discoloration
- The need for additional structural support
Dental crowns differ from veneers in that they cover the entire tooth rather than only the front portion. Crowns can be made from varying materials, and the best choice depends on the individual needs of the patient.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. Partial dentures are used when some of the patient’s natural teeth remain, whereas complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing. Partial dentures are beneficial for replacing missing teeth, and they also prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of their correct position. Partial dentures provide a natural-looking correction to one’s smile.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Hawary of the Art of Dentistry Institute today. Dr. Hawary can evaluate the state of your teeth and help you decide the best option for you depending on your cosmetic wishes. Dr. Hawary and his staff are eager to help you regain your unique, vibrant smile. Contact us today by call 949-620-3793 or fill out our online contact form here.
Combining General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Posted byAchieve a Beautiful and Healthy Smile
The best smiles are the ones that are as healthy as they are beautiful. Having teeth that are healthy inside and out can boost your confidence and improve the quality of your life by reducing both physical and emotional pain. At the Art of Dentistry Institute, Dr. Hawary is a firm believer in comprehensive oral care to restore your smile. That’s why he offers the Smile Makeover to provide full mouth rehabilitation. The Smile Makeover combines general and cosmetic dentistry to achieve flawless results.
Why Choose a Smile Makeover?
A Smile Makeover is a customized treatment plan that combines the restorative health benefits of general dentistry with the aesthetic enhancement of cosmetic dentistry. Upon your initial visit, Dr. Hawary will carefully examine your jaw, underlying musculature, teeth, and gums. He will then create an individualized treatment plan that addresses all problems affecting your oral health and appearance.
Dr. Hawary may suggest combining any number of procedures to return your mouth to optimal health. Your tailored treatment may include some or all of the following:
- TMJ Treatment: Helps treat temporomandibular joint disorders that may be causing chronic headaches and pain in the jaw, face, neck, shoulders, and possibly back.
- Root Canal Therapy: Infected or inflamed root pulp is removed, and the remaining healthy tooth structure is preserved.
- Dental Crowns: Help restore the aesthetic appearance of teeth that are misshapen, discolored, damaged, or have undergone a root canal.
- Dental Implants: A permanent solution to missing teeth that provides strong support for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Dental Bridge: Fills in the gaps between missing teeth with false teeth created from gold, alloys, and porcelain.
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: Protect the healthy structures of the teeth by filling in areas of tooth decay and repairing damaged areas.
- Periodontal Therapy: A thorough gum cleaning to help prevent gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Teeth Whitening: Bleaching that will restore your teeth to their whitest shade.
- Porcelain Veneers: Strong, long-lasting shells that adhere to damaged teeth and have the appearance of natural teeth.
By combining any number of these procedures, Dr. Hawary can improve your oral health by fighting diseases, strengthening teeth, alleviating pain, and establishing a bright smile. Your new confidence will have you greeting the world with a new, fabulous grin.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Hawary today and see how you could benefit from a Smile Makeover. Call us at 949-620-3793 or fill out our online contact form here.
Restoring Your Pearly Whites With Porcelain Veneers
Posted byAdvantages of Porcelain Veneers
Of all the cosmetic and general dental procedures, porcelain veneers are the most versatile. No other treatment can correct gaps, chips, misalignment, and discoloration in just two visits to the dental office. While veneers may cost more than other dental procedures, they remain one of the most popular choices because of their many advantages.
1. Stain-resistant
Dental bonding is one option to smooth jagged or misshapen teeth or to correct chipped teeth. While this treatment improves those problems sufficiently, dental bonding can chip, become discolored, or feel rough over time and will eventually need to be replaced. It generally lasts from three to seven years depending on the person’s diet, oral hygiene, and the quality of the material used. Porcelain veneers are a much sturdier option and are incredibly resistant to staining over time. The porcelain material also looks much more natural than bonding because of its tooth-like translucency.
2. Durable and long-lasting
Veneers are a permanent option to improve the appearance and function of the smile and can last up to 20 years or more depending on the person’s diet and oral hygiene. They are incredibly durable; chipped, cracked, or broken veneers are a rare occurrence. If such problems do occur, the veneer can easily be replaced.
3. Fast
When it comes to straightening your teeth, braces or Invisalign® can take up to two years to provide satisfying results. Veneers will straighten teeth in only two office visits and have the added advantage of correcting asymmetry, discoloration, chipped teeth, and virtually any other aesthetic concern.
If you are interested in learning more about porcelain veneers and would like to schedule a consultation, please call Art of Dentistry Institute at (855) 427-8337. For your convenience, you may also fill out our online contact form. We can help you with Irvine Dental Veneers and Newport Beach Dental Veneers request a consultation today.
Benefits of Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Posted byRejuvenate Your Mouth for Oral Health
Full mouth rehabilitation, also called full mouth reconstruction or rejuvenation, is different from a full smile makeover in that it is a necessary procedure. It involves restoring every tooth in a person’s mouth with the primary goal of improving oral health.
Ideal candidates for full mouth rehabilitation may relate to one or more of the following:
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome
- Consistent headaches or migraines
- Clicking in the jaw
- Lock jaw
- Missing teeth
- Worn, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Jaw dispositioning
Restoring Your Smile’s Beauty and Function
While a full mouth rehabilitation is not technically a cosmetic procedure, Art of Dentistry Institute focuses on both the beauty and function of the entire mouth with every treatment we provide. Tooth-colored fillings and porcelain crowns are just a couple of cosmetic dental treatment options that ensure a more vibrant, natural-looking result. Other procedures used in full mouth rehabilitation might include:
- Jaw repositioning
- Tooth extraction
- Placement of dental implants and crowns
- Orthodontic braces
- Bone and tissue grafting
- Teeth cleaning and whitening
Relieving Headaches and Migraines
Persistent headaches or migraines can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In some cases, they may be caused by bruxism (clenching or grinding the teeth) or they may be the result of TMJ. A full mouth rehabilitation will address these concerns and will often alleviate headaches.
Resolving Gum Disease
Gum disease is another issue addressed with full mouth rehabilitation to ensure that the reconstructed teeth have a healthy foundation. Scaling and root planing may be sufficient to correct any damage, or you may require soft tissue or bone grafts to build up the gums and underlying jaw bone.
Straightening Teeth
Crooked teeth can be a source of pain and discomfort and can also increase the risk of tartar buildup and gum disease. Correcting the bite with braces, Invisalign, or porcelain veneers will make the smile more beautiful as well as healthier and pain free.
The Art of Dentistry Institute has been perfecting the beauty and functionality of smiles for years. If you are interested in any of the procedures offered at our Irvine practice, please schedule a consultation by calling 855-427-8337 or by filling out our online contact form for more information.
Healthy Smiles Are Beautiful Smiles
Posted byDentistry for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
Your smile speaks volumes about your personality. You may try to pass off that closed-lip grimace as a smile because you lack confidence in your teeth. You may go out of your way to hide imperfections by not smiling or by placing your hands over your mouth when you talk. This self-conscious behavior is affecting the way people perceive you. Covering your smile is hiding it away, and that makes you seem weak and timid. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Attractive smiles start with the teeth and most importantly, their health.
Signs of an Unhealthy Mouth
- Tooth loss can lead to the atrophy of the underlying bone. Without teeth or facial bone for support, your face can prematurely age.
- Overcrowding of teeth makes them hard to clean properly. This causes plaque build-up and tooth decay.
- Puffy, red, and inflamed gums are signs of gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and eventual tooth loss.
- Fever blisters and canker sores can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, a bacterial infection, or an inflammatory bowel disease.
Art of Dentistry Can Help You Achieve a New Smile
At the Art of Dentistry Institute, Dr. Hawary uses his years of experience to help craft new and beautiful smiles. He provides a wide range of services from general to cosmetic dentistry. He even offers treatments that are specially tailored to make the face appear more youthful, happier, and healthier.
Implanting a Stronger Smile
Losing teeth does more harm than just creating an unattractive smile. Tooth loss can affect a person’s ability to chew food. The jawbone needs the chewing action to stimulate bone regulation, and without it the underlying bone begins to atrophy. With no supporting structure, the lips and surrounding tissue sink in toward the mouth, aging the face. By utilizing dental implants, you can can keep chewing as you did before.
Dental implants inserted after tooth extraction can prevent bone loss and damage. Dental implants are made of titanium, and they permanently fuse to the jawbone. This allows implants to act as a replacement for the root system, making them more reliable than dentures or fixed bridgework.
Aligning a Straighter Smile
When teeth are overcrowded or overlapping, it becomes increasingly difficult to ensure that they are properly cleaned. There are crevices that the toothbrush cannot reach, and it may be impossible to floss all the way to the gums. When the teeth cannot be cleaned effectively, plaque begins to build up. Excess plaque can lead to tooth discoloration and decay. Using Invisalign® can give you a straighter smile.
Invisalign® is a set of clear aligners that can be easily removed. Unlike braces, Invisalign® won’t alter your daily life. You can brush and floss as you normally would and continue to eat the food you love. Invisalign® is ideal for adults and older teens who have healthy teeth and gums. Each set of aligners is customized for you and corrects teeth in about a year, giving you that beautiful smile you desire.
Maintaining a Brighter Smile
The key to maintaining a healthy smile is routine dental hygiene. It is necessary to do your part daily by brushing and flossing as instructed, but many people fail to realize the benefits of semi-annual dental visits. Regular dental examinations allow for the early detection of tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral health problems so they can be treated before becoming visible or causing pain.
At your exam, x-rays will be taken to determine cavity development, a professional teeth cleaning with remove hardened plaque build up, and tooth polishing will remove stains on the tooth surface. During an oral exam, you may also receive an oral cancer screening. Early cancer detection is vital for treatment and survival. All of this ensures your teeth stay healthy and fabulous.
Stop hiding your smile away. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Hawary and see how he can give you a healthy, beautiful smile. Call today at 949-620-3793 or fill out our online contact form here.
The Best Options for Teeth Whitening
Posted byStained, discolored, or yellow teeth can add years to a person’s appearance, and they can have quite an impact on their quality of life. If you find that you cover your mouth when you smile or laugh or you avoid showing your teeth in pictures, you should consider a simple, painless option that can significantly restore your confidence: teeth whitening.
At Art of Dentistry Institute, teeth whitening can be performed in-office with laser technology or in the convenience of your home with take-home whitening trays. Both methods of whitening can brighten your smile up to eight shades and provide results that can last up to a year or more depending on how well you maintain your oral hygiene. Eating less sugar and acidic drinks will also prolong your results.
In-Office Whitening
While in-office teeth whitening costs more, it provides final results in just one 45-minute session. This option is perfect for those who do not want to wear whitening trays or who need a beautifully improved smile immediately.
At our practice, we offer the Zoom!® Chairside Whitening System. This treatment is painless and involves the application of a whitening gel on the teeth, which is activated by heat from a laser. Your gums and surrounding tissues are carefully covered and protected from the heat. Your dentist will be at your side throughout the entire treatment to monitor how your teeth are handling the treatment.
At-Home Whitening
For those who are fine with waiting a couple of weeks for their whiter smile, we can provide you with take-home trays that are customized to fit your teeth. You will place a special whitening gel in the trays and wear them each night, and your whiter smile will become noticeable after two weeks. This option is equally as safe as laser teeth whitening.
If you are interested in restoring your smile and confidence with teeth whitening, please schedule a consultation at Art of Dentistry Institute by calling (855) 427-8337 or by filling out our online contact form.
Advantages of Invisalign®
Posted byInvisalign® is an excellent alternative to metal braces for straightening the teeth and improving the overall appearance of the smile. The clear trays are customized to fit your teeth and are adjusted every two weeks to slowly and painlessly put them into proper alignment. Most adults wear Invisalign® for six months to two years before they see the final results of their straight smile.
Confidence
While metal braces are nothing to be ashamed of for either teenagers or adults, many adults feel uncomfortable choosing such a noticeable way to correct their crooked teeth. The Invisalign® trays are completely clear and removable so that you can continue to smile with confidence. Unless you show your trays to others when you remove them to eat, no one will be able to tell that you are straightening your teeth.
Comfort
The Invisalign® trays are designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and will feel smooth against your teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. The brackets on braces may cause sores in the mouth and might require wax or numbing gel to ease discomfort. The wires might also become loose within their brackets and irritate the soft tissues in your mouth. With Invisalign®, you don’t have to worry about sores or irritation.
Convenience
You will be instructed to wear the Invisalign® trays continuously except for when you eat, which allows you to enjoy all the food and drinks you normally would. With braces, you must remove many foods from your diet, like chips, hard candy, chewy candy, and any hard food that can potentially damage brackets or wires.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign® will vary depending on the extent of correction needed. In general, the cost is very comparable to metal braces.
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign® can not only improve the beauty of your smile, but it can also improve your oral health. With straight and beautiful teeth, oral hygiene becomes much more simple and effective and can reduce your risk for developing gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems.
To experience the many advantages of Invisalign®, please schedule a consultation at the Art of Dentistry Institute today by calling (855) 427-8337 or by filling out our online contact form
Porcelain Veneers FAQ
Posted by
At Art of Dentistry Institute, porcelain veneers are our patients’ top choice for a total smile makeover. In only two office visits, patients can correct virtually any aesthetic concern, such as crooked, cracked, and chipped teeth, discolorations, and gaps. Because the procedure is so versatile, we receive quite a few questions from those who are considering veneers to significantly improve their smile. Here are our top frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers and their answers:
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Because a very small part of the tooth is etched away, porcelain veneers are considered a permanent treatment. Only 0.1 to 0.5 mm. around the front and sides of the tooth is removed. Without this step, the thin sheets of porcelain that are cemented to the teeth would look oversized and unnatural. Veneers can be removed if it becomes necessary, but the teeth will not be aesthetically pleasing unless they are replaced with new veneers.
Do porcelain veneers need to be replaced?
Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and do not need to be replaced unless they are damaged. If they do crack or break for any reason, they can and will need to be replaced; they cannot be repaired with dental bonding.
Will porcelain veneers increase the risk of cavities or tooth decay?
Veneers function just like natural teeth, so the general standards for oral hygiene apply. As long as patients brush their teeth, floss, and visit their dentist for regular teeth cleanings, their risk of developing cavities or tooth decay is significantly decreased.
Will porcelain veneers appear whiter than the rest of my teeth?
The color of your veneers is completely customized to match the rest of your teeth. Some patients choose to whiten the rest of their teeth with laser teeth whitening before they receive veneers to achieve an overall whiter smile.
Will porcelain veneers stain?
One of the major advantages of porcelain veneers is that, unlike natural teeth that can become discolored over time, porcelain veneers are incredibly stain resistant.
Will porcelain veneers impact my diet?
Unlike braces, which prevent patients from eating some of their favorite foods, patients do not have to change their diet with porcelain veneers. As with natural teeth, chewing on hard, non-food objects or ice will always increase your risk for cracks or chips. However, cracks and chips in veneers are a very rare occurrence. We can help you with Irvine Dental Veneers and Newport Beach Dental Veneers.
If you are interested in learning more about porcelain veneers and would like to schedule a consultation, please call Art of Dentistry Institute at (855) 427-8337. For your convenience, you may also fill out our online contact form.
Cosmetic Dentist vs. General Dentist
Posted byMany of our patients at Art of Dentistry Institute ask about the difference between a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist. While the American Dental Association (ADA) does not officially recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty, many dentists choose to focus on the more artistic aspects of dentistry and are considered cosmetic dentists by their patients, peers, and mentors.
General Dentist
A general dentist performs regular teeth cleanings and diagnoses problems that patients have with pain and oral health. They can tell patients when other issues are causing damage to their teeth, like bruxism, a poor diet, or dry mouth. Many general dentists also offer teeth whitening or dental bonding, which are cosmetic treatments, but most people would not consider them to be cosmetic dentists because the artistic aspect of dentistry is not the dentist’s primary focus.
Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Hawary named his practice Art of Dentistry Institute to make his focus clear. His passion is to not only provide patients with excellent general care, but he is also dedicated to crafting an aesthetically beautiful smile for each person. Since he graduated from dental school, Dr. Hawary began to advance his knowledge in cosmetic treatments by attending additional courses and programs geared toward cosmetic dentistry. As he perfected his skills, he entered and won several Smile Gallery Competitions which showcase some of his most challenging cases of cosmetic reconstruction. Many of these cases are also featured in prestigious dental journals such as The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Journal of California Dental Association, and theAmerican Journal of Esthetic Dentistry. What truly sets Dr. Hawary apart as a top cosmetic dentist is his status as Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He is the 60th in the world to attain this level of achievement and is the first and the only Fellow of the AACD in Orange County.
If you are interested in the cosmetic dental procedures offered by Dr. Hawary at Art of Dentistry Institute, please schedule a consultation by calling (855) 427-8337 or filling out our online contact form today. If you are outside our area of operation, why not visit this cosmetic dentist San Diego instead.
If you are interested in a cosmetic dental procedure at Art of Dentistry in Irvine, CA, please call 949-955-3366 to schedule your dental appointment today.