Cosmetic dentistry helps in correcting deformity of teeth and provides a wide array of treatments. It helps to enhance the appearance of your teeth and make it look as if you were born with it. The most popular treatments under cosmetic dentistry are alignment of badly aligned teeth, cleaning and whitening of teeth that are discolored due to various reasons, dental implants and veneers.

Here’s a little about each:

Invisalign and Braces: Not everybody has well aligned teeth. There may be gaps, or the teeth may be crooked and therefore may mar the appearance. Braces help in aligning the teeth in a more conservative manner. Invisalign is a more modern technique that helps to align teeth with the help of invisible catalysts or aligners.

Whitening: Teeth may have yellowed due to illnesses, bad care or simply old age. Whitening is an option that helps you to make your teeth shades brighter and remove the discolorations scientifically without causing any damage to the teeth enamel.

Dental Implants: If you have physically damaged, chipped, cracked teeth, artificial teeth commonly known as dental implants help to regain your natural smile with a look and feel of your natural teeth. In addition to the cosmetic part of it, it functions as naturally as well.

Veneers: Veneers are ultra thin sheets of porcelain that is used to cover the teeth to give it that natural look. It helps to do away with the imperfections and gives you back your pearly white teeth.
In Irvine, cosmetic dentistry is the easiest form of regaining back your dental health as well as that photogenic and infectious smile of yours!

If you have lost your teeth due to an accident or decay or for some other reason, the only way to have them replaced is through dental implants. Dental implants not only give you back your self confidence, but also the ability to eat and drink as naturally as you could without having to worry about your teeth coming of in public or otherwise. Also from the esthetics point of view, replacing teeth helps you do away with the tired and sunken look that your face has to deal with due to missing teeth. Dental implants are a more permanent solution to missing teeth than more high maintenance options like simple bridges or crowns.

Dr. Rice also feels that at dental implants are a more permanent solution. In simple words, its works like a prosthetic part that is attached a permanent structure. The permanent structure is a Grade v Titanium screw that works wonders on the jawbone and helps support the teeth that are attached to it. The entire procedure is relatively time consuming but a more permanent option that is being well received the world over.

No matter what the cause is, the symptoms of TMJ disorder are usually the same from patient to patient.  Irvine residents may complain of frequent headaches or migraines, especially in the morning.  This is often indicative of nighttime tooth grinding or jaw clenching, which can inflame the jaw joint.  They may also notice clicking or popping sounds when they open or close their mouth, particularly when yawning.  They may find that eating tough, hard, or chewy foods is painful.  This can lead to chewing exclusively on one side—which may cause uneven wear on teeth—or loss of appetite altogether because eating is just too uncomfortable.

All Irvine patients who have reason to believe they have TMJ disorder should schedule an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis.  Treatments vary as much as causes do, so speaking with your dentist can ensure that the treatment you receive will address your particular symptoms and needs.

Headaches often accompany sleep apnea, because of the lack of oxygen and lack of sleep.  Snoring is a common problem for those with sleep apnea, as well.  Mood changes may occur, since being deprived of sleep can make people grumpier and less in control of their emotions.  Inordinate sleepiness from sleep apnea may make it difficult for some Irvine, CA, patients to concentrate and stay alert during the day, making work more challenging and driving quite dangerous.  Other symptoms might include a decreased sex drive, unexplained weight gain, increased heart rate (generally accompanied by increased blood pressure), and much more.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, let us know so we can diagnose and treat the cause of your sleep apnea, giving you rest you need and deserve.

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.

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 dentistry 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.

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.

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

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

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