Irvine patients who use Invisalign to straighten their teeth, rather than traditional metal braces, are not just getting prettier smiles. They also receive benefits not often associated with braces, such as better comfort and improved oral health. For many people in Irvine who want straighter teeth, the comfort factor is huge. Fixed appliances must be adjusted approximately every six weeks, at which time they are tightened in order to apply the force necessary to shift a tooth in a certain direction. This can cause headaches, jaw tension, sensitivity, and other problems. Invisalign patients, however, do not usually see these side effects. As they transition from one aligner to the next every two to three weeks, the pressure exerted on individual teeth is much less. That means your teeth can be shifted into place gradually and without much force.
People in Irvine who have had traditional braces know just how much of a hassle it is to brush and floss around all those wires and brackets. Sometimes special tools are required to get in and around hard to reach places. This can be frustrating, and often leads to lower quality dental hygiene on the part of the patient. With Invisalign, Irvine patients can simply remove their clear plastic aligner to brush and floss like they normally would. No drastic changes to your dental hygiene routine are required. In fact, people who use Invisalign may even see some improvement in their dental hygiene. Every time you remove your aligner, such as when you are eating, you are encouraged to clean both your teeth and the aligner before putting it back in. This often leads to more frequent brushing, which in turn leads to stronger, healthier teeth.
If you want straighter teeth, schedule an appointment today at Rice Dentistry in Irvine to learn how Invisalign can benefit you.
Do you have a damaged tooth that causes you embarrassment? Even if all your other teeth are nicely shaped and pearly white, guess what other people notice? Yep, the ugly duckling. You have probably experienced that yourself when you have looked at a smile that contains one discolored tooth. No matter how hard you try, the unsightly one is impossible to ignore.
A beautiful smile is an important component of your overall appearance. Unattractive teeth draw the eye away from other pleasing features such as thick shiny hair, gorgeous eyes or a peaches and cream complexion.
Fortunately, there are several cosmetic dental procedures to restore or repair one or more teeth. At Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc. in Irvine, we can complete most of them in one short visit. Think about it; you could achieve a stunning smile in less than an afternoon!
Veneers, Bonding and Cosmetic Implant Dentistry
Dental bonding is an affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure available in Irvine at Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc. We use dental bonding in a variety of applications. In addition to repairing damage, dental bonding can close gaps between teeth. Porcelain veneers are another minimally invasive cosmetic fix. Like cosmetic dental bonding, veneers correct chips, cracks and improve tooth shape.
What if your problem is not an unattractive tooth but a missing tooth? Don’t despair, a beautiful smile is still possible in Orange County with dental implants.
For more information about veneers, bonding, implants and other cosmetic denistry procedures, call Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc. at (949) 551-5902. We are conveniently located at 4330 Barranca Parkway, in Irvine, CA. We provide advanced dentistry for patients in Orange County, Newport Beach, Santa Ana and the surrounding areas. We look forward to showing you cosmetic dentistry ‘before after’ pictures.
We’re Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc., and we practice family dentistry in California.
If you are looking for a new California family dentistry experience, Dr. Scott L. Rice is here for you.
I would like to invite you to bring your family in to our office and see for yourself. You can find us at 4330 Barranca Parkway, in Irvine, CA. We serve the Orange County community including the 92604 zip code area.
Or just give us a call at (949) 551-5902.
I look forward to seeing you.
-Dr. Scott L. Rice, DDS, Inc.
Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Irvine residents. As your Dentist, it’s my job to help you understand how to care for your teeth and to keep them healthy.
Everyone knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires regular daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local dental practice is also necessary to keep watch for cavities and to help you maintain proper dental hygiene. We often forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial for the health of your teeth.
A diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.
All foods increase the production of saliva. Saliva is important to healthy teeth because it helps to maintain the pH balance in your mouth. Maintaining this balance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum and which brand to chew.
Just as certain diet choices in the Orange County area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be detrimental. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes, and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.
Making good diet choices and limiting between meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums.
If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth, contact Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc. at (949) 551-5902. We would love to hear from you.
-Dr. Scott L. Rice
Tooth whitening has really taken off in Southern California. It has become a popular dental procedure and can provide excellent results if done properly.
There are a lot of options when it comes to tooth whitening. You can choose from a selection of over-the-counter options that you can get at your local pharmacy, or can go to a professional to get a complete tooth whitening solution.
It is a good idea to consult with your dentist before a tooth whitening, regardless of whether you choose to use an over-the-counter product. Your dentist will be able to help you understand the results you can expect, and can help recommend a product that will work for you.
There are many variables when it comes to tooth whitening. The color of your teeth at the beginning of your treatment will make a difference for your ending result. Different tooth whitening treatments will each produce a different result. Your Irvine dentist has experience with tooth coloration and the types of treatments available.
In many cases, your dentist will be able to provide you with a tooth whitening solution that you can take home with you. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a professional treatment that is done at the dentist’s office.
Professional tooth whitening can produce dramatic results in a single treatment, and is often done over a few treatments.
Tooth whitening is less expensive than it was in the earlier days of tooth whitening technology. Today, tooth whitening treatments are very affordable, and don’t take the time they used to.
If you are interested in a tooth whitening consultation in the Orange County area, please call Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc. and make an appointment to see me. I will be happy to give you a check up, assess your tooth color, and recommend teeth whitening treatments that may be right for you.
-Dr. Scott L. Rice, Dentist
At Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc. in Irvine, we use a variety of techniques to restore damaged teeth. Most dental clients are familiar with fillings. Traditional fillings are also called ‘direct restorations‘ because they are applied to the tooth, shaped and polished in one visit.
Another type of filling is called an ‘indirect restorations‘ and is fabricated in a California dental lab. There are two types: inlays and onlays.
When a tooth needs more extensive dental restoration, a crown is often used. At Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc. in Irvine, we create strong, natural-looking crowns from a variety of materials.
What if the tooth is damaged beyond repair? There are a number of functional replacements for missing teeth. Dentures are not the only option.
Call (949) 551-5902 to learn about the restoration options available. We have been improving smiles for Irvine patients for over 22 years.
Whether the damage is caused by decay, injury, bite problems, or natural wear; Dr. Scott L. Rice will choose the best dental treatment plan for your tooth restoration needs. Scott L. Rice, DDS, Inc. is conveniently located at 4330 Barranca Parkway, in Irvine, CA. We provide quality dental care.
* Scott L. Rice, DDS, Inc
* (949) 551-5902
* http://www.irvinedentalcare.com/
* We’re your lifelong dental health partner
The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentist in Irvine.
We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in an Orange County dentist:
Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist. If you live in the Irvine, California area, there are many options. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their dentist.
Relationship is a strong factor. Your dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your Irvine dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your dentist and the dental office staff.
Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist in Irvine. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local California dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.
If you are looking for a dentist in Irvine, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas, and will be happy to introduce you to Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc.
I look forward to meeting you.
-Dr. Soctt L. Rice, DDS, Inc.
(949) 551-5902
I’m Dr. Scott L. Rice, a dental implant dentist in the 92604 area. In a recent post, I explained how traditional dental implants are used to dramatically improve the lives of my Irvine denture and cosmetic dentistry clients. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called ‘immediate implants’.
Though they are not as well known as traditional tooth implants, mini implants are also being used successfully to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Tooth restoration clients and denture wearers benefit greatly from these slip free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.
In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also mini implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These Orange County overdenture patients are often excellent candidates for the mini version.
The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can usually be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if necessary, is usually very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.
Many Irvine aesthetic dentistry clients are happy to learn that mini implants are a lower cost dental implants option. Don’t let the word ‘mini’ fool you; Your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants.
Call Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc. at (949) 551-5902 to schedule a consultation.
Whether you have lived in California for a long time, or just moving in to the Irvine area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Scott L. Rice, DDS, Inc. located at 4330 Barranca Parkway, in Irvine, California, and our specialty is restorative dentistry.
You can reach Scott L. Rice, DDS, Inc. by calling (949) 551-5902.
Going to the dentist for the first time in Irvine, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Irvine area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.
Choose an Irvine dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new Irvine dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your Irvine dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.
Introduce yourself to your Irvine dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.
Be prepared to provide your Irvine dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.
I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with a Irvine dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.
At Scott L. Rice, DDS, Inc. our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.
If you are in Irvine, California and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at (949) 551-5902, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.
-We’re your lifelong dental health partner
If you live near Irvine and experience severe anxiety when undergoing dental treatment, oral sedation is for you.
Conscious sedation dentistry is available in Irvine at Scott L. Rice DDS, Inc. We have been providing sedation dentistry in Irvine for several years with excellent outcomes. Whether it is called relaxation dentistry, oral conscious sedation or anxiety-free dentistry, it is completely safe and very popular for our nervous cosmetic and restorative dental clients.
Though it may sound impossible, with oral conscious sedation, dentistry patients can actually relax during dental visits. In addition, healing times for oral surgery and extensive cosmetic dentistry procedures are often shorter if the patient is sedated during treatment.
Sedation dentistry is great for alleviating anxiety for our Irvine patients, and oral conscious sedation can be effective for treating or working with the following:
* Teeth sensitivity;
* Fear of needles;
* A powerful gag reflex;
* Difficulty controlling body movement;
* Lengthy multi-procedure visits;
* Difficulty becoming numb with traditional injections.
If you need dental work more extensive than a filling; such as a root canal, tooth implant, crown replacement or wisdom tooth extraction; call Scott L. Rice, DDS, Inc. at (949) 551-5902. When you come to our office at 4330 Barranca Parkway, in Irvine, CA, we can give you more information about sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry is only one of the services we offer at Scott L. Rice, DDS, Inc., where your smile is our top priority!
