Do you like Lumineers?

September 27, 2008 alexnguyen

I personally don't. The makers of Lumineers target the psychology that people do not want their tooth structure removed for porcelain veneers work. With this technique, thin layers of opaque white porcelain pieces simply get bonded on top of the existing teeth; Very little to no tooth structure is removed.

Unfortunately, to make porcelain veneers look good, the ceramist really need to layer different shades of porcelain to create the life-like look of a real tooth. Shade progression and translucency characteristics on a tooth must be present on the porcelain in order for the final result to look real.

Lumineers, being monochromatic in nature, cannot give you that realistic look. Well...that only matters if you want your smile to look real.

When you consult with your cosmetic dentist, ask to see photos of actual cases that were done by the same dentist. After a few consultations, you will have a better perception of good cosmetic dentistry versus bad cosmetic dentistry.

It is all about making a conscious informed decision.

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.

Sensitivity Problems with tooth colored fillings?

September 26, 2008 alexnguyen

Do you have sensitivity problems after you had a tooth colored filling placed? Tooth colored fillings are also known as resin fillings or composite fillings. When done correctly, this material can be made to look like your tooth was never touched. We can make a filling blend in well with a tooth. It can look very beautiful. However, when resin fillings are mishandled, the tooth may feel more sensitive to temperature than before the filling was placed.

Here are some possible causes of your sensitivity after a resin filling was placed:

Improper removal of decay
Improper bonding technique
Improper placement technique
Improper adjustment of the fillings after it was placed

Yesterday a patient came in to see me because she had sensitivity to cold and sweet on her upper left quadrant. This xray revealed a resin filling was placed with folds within it, and there was a gap between the filling itself and the tooth structure. In addition, there was decay underneath the filling when I removed it.

In this scenario, the cause of the sensitivity with this filling was due to 3 of the above 4 reasons. The remedy was for me to remove the entire filling and all decay underneath. Then a new perfect filling was placed, and the sensitivity went away!

In the xray below, note the arrows pointing toward the improper contact between the filling and the tooth.

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Photos of Beautiful Smiles

September 20, 2008 alexnguyen

Beautiful smiles must look real. The objective is to mimic nature. That is the inspiration for my work.

Spring time outside our office serves as a beautiful backdrop for this portrait of my patient Ruthann.

This was my first attempt to photograph portraits of my smile design work.

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Give Back a Smile

September 14, 2008 alexnguyen

For the fiscal year of 2008-2009, I have the honor to serve as Chairman of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation. Our most prevalent program is the Give Back a Smile program. Aimed at raising awareness about Domestic Violence and helping restore the Smiles of Survivors affected by the Violence, our organization have reached over 5 million dollars worth of donated dental services to date. Survivors of Domestic Violence can obtain more information and apply for the program via the website www.givebackasmile.com

Dentists who are interested in becoming a volunteer please visit www.aacdcf.com

I am currently donating all whitening services to this charity. If you are looking to whiten your teeth, a donation of $225 can be donated directly to Give Back A Smile, and I will provide the service to you at no additional cost. Please feel free to contact our office for more information.

Alex Nguyen, DDS . 20514 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Suite B . Saratoga, CA 95070 . (408) 867 - 8648

www.saratogadentalspa.com

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Root Canal or Not?

September 14, 2008 alexnguyen

Did you know that tooth pain can be caused by factors other then deep cavities and typical nerve problems?

For Example: If you are a serious grinder, an episode of uncontrolled grinding can cause trauma to the bedding of nerve tissues around the root of your tooth. As a result, that tooth may exhibit a dull ache, sensitivity to hot and cold, and pain on chewing.

In this scenario a root canal is not necessary if the traumatic bite force is recognized and eliminated from the bite. Hence, before you agree to have your tooth root canaled, please make sure all treatment options have been exhausted.

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