Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment

Oral hygiene is already important when it comes to a healthy mouth, but it’s even more important when the mouth is going through orthodontic treatment. There are more nooks and crannies when brackets are placed on the teeth, wherein food is trapped and turned into plaque. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, takes pride in educating patients with braces about the importance of an at-home oral hygiene regimen. 

 

Patients with braces are at an increased risk for early stages of tooth decay and gingivitis if proper oral hygiene isn’t used. Dr. Haeri recommends brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing, two to three times a day. You should be brushing in and around each bracket and wire, brushing in a circular motion where the gums and teeth meet, and brushing in a back and forth motion on the tops of molars.

 

Other things to consider during orthodontic treatment:

 

-Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Sugary foods and drinks erode enamel and make the teeth more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if you aren’t brushing properly or regularly.

-Certain foods can loosen, break, or bend wires. To limit stress on your braces, avoid eating hard or sticky foods.

Do you have a question or concern? We are happy to help! Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Veneers

If you’re unhappy with your smile, there is no reason you can’t change it! Dental veneers reshape your entire mouth to your liking. They are made of thin, durable porcelain placed over your natural teeth. Say goodbye to stained, broken, chipped, or gapped teeth! Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA offers veneers to our patients. To learn more, contact our office in Los Angeles, CA.

 

The entire veneer process takes between 2-3 appointments. The first is more of a consultation. You can ask any questions you have about the process while learning more. If you decide to go forward with veneers, you start making your aesthetic choices. 

 

There are many options and variables for your veneers. The shape is the first major choice. Veneers are either rounded or square. Female patients usually prefer the rounded option while men go for the square. Your Los Angeles, CA, dentist is happy with whatever shape you pick, regardless of gender. The next choice is the shade of the veneers. You can pick anywhere from a natural white to Hollywood-level brightness! The decision is yours. 

 

Next, we prepare and measure your teeth. The teeth are smoothed down to make the application of the veneers easier. We then create an impression of your teeth. This goes to a dental laboratory to create your customized veneers. It will take about 10-14 days for their creation and delivery. In the meantime, you’ll receive temporary veneers. At your final appointment, the veneers bond to your teeth. 

 

Never settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your smile! Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Senior Dental Care

At Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, we treat patients of all ages, including senior citizens. It’s important to take good care of your teeth as you age. Older individuals are at a higher risk of oral complications, including extraction, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease. Elderly patients often need frequent visits to stay healthy. Contact our office today to set up your appointment. 

One of the best things you can do for your mouth, especially when you’re in your golden years, is investing in an electric toothbrush. These clean your teeth while requiring minimal physical effort. This is perfect for patients who struggle with mobility. It cleans your teeth without jeopardizing your physical wellbeing. 

We have other tips for those who struggle with physical activity. Try elongating the handle of your toothbrush, that way you can easily reach your back molars and harder to reach areas. Look around your home for a few simple materials: specifically, foam, rubber, or even tongue depressors. Wrap these around your toothbrush handle (closer to its end). You should now have a longer toothbrush! Brushing your teeth will be much easier now. 

If you live or take care of an older individual, your help is important too! Gently remind them to brush and floss twice a day. If they have problems with physical tasks, assist them. You can also offer to give them rides to their dental appointments or even schedule them for them. Your Los Angeles, CA, dentist knows that dental care is expensive. That’s why many communities offer public health programs for older patients. They offer discounted or even free services for senior citizens. Reach out to your local social services or public health office to learn more. 

Do you have a question about senior dental care? We can assist you. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA is dedicated to catching a potential problem in your mouth before it manifests into something worse. This is why we offer oral cancer screenings to check for any precancerous or cancerous conditions in the mouth. With the advances in modern technology, dentists are now able to treat a problem prior to it becoming irreversible.

An oral cancer screening is completed with an ultraviolet light that allows Dr. Haeri to view issues that cannot be detected with the naked eye. Precancerous lesions identified under this light are much easier to be removed and are more likely to be cured.

Causes of oral precancer/cancer include:

-Tobacco use of any kind, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip and vaping

-Heavy alcohol consumption

-Family history of cancer

-Human papillomavirus (HPV)

-Significant sun exposure

Is it time for an Oral Cancer Screening? Call our office today. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

Digital X-Rays

The advancements in dental technology make it easier for dentists to deliver efficient care and diagnoses to their patients. One such advancement is digital x-rays, which are a staple in dental practices all over the country. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, is always looking to stay up to date with the latest technology, products, and treatments. Digital x-rays allow dentists to look more closely at your teeth than ever before!

A digital x-ray takes an image of your teeth and puts it into an imaging program. With special tools exclusive to this imaging program, Dr. Haeri can take a closer look at your teeth with impeccable accuracy. Digital x-rays emit 80% less radiation than a standard x-ray since they are actually sensitive to radiation. This is a great benefit since the patient is exposed to less radiation. Digital x-rays can be classified as intraoral (inside the mouth) or extraoral (outside the mouth), though intraoral x-rays are the most commonly taken.

Intraoral x-rays allow us to:

-Observe the status of developing teeth

-Monitor tooth health

-Look at the tooth roots

-Find cavities

-Check the health of the bony area around the tooth

-Determine if there are signs of periodontal disease

Is it time for your routine checkup? Call us today! Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

If you’ve ever had an issue inside your mouth, you’re most likely aware of the varying degrees of pain that come with it. Mouth pain ranges anywhere from mild discomfort to feeling like your head is exploding, just from a toothache and tenderness. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, is committed to correcting the problem in your mouth and helping you manage any pain associated with it. This includes Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Dr. Haeri takes pride in educating patients about how to prevent future oral problems. 

MPS commonly occurs in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The pain is caused by tension, fatigue, or spasms in the jaw muscles. MPS is usually triggered by bruxism, a condition where a person clenches or grinds their teeth during sleep. Nightguards are a great way to prevent bruxism and ultimately the jaw soreness that is felt in the morning. MPS is not limited to just the jaw muscles, it can occur anywhere in the body including the back and neck muscles. 

Other treatments and preventions of MPS include:

-Splint guard, mouthguard, or nightguard

-Mild analgesics

-Physical therapy modalities

-Anxiolytic before bed

Are you suffering from MPS? Come in for a checkup. Dr. Haeri will assess the problem area in your mouth and get you started on a treatment plan. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

Dental Emergencies

Whether it’s around the house or while you’re playing a sport, things happen sometimes that require you to see your dentist for a dental emergency. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA will always offer a helping hand when disaster strikes your teeth! It’s important that you get in contact with our office as soon as possible so that we can get your dental emergency taken care of.

Here are a few scenarios that Dr. Haeri can help you with: 

-Lost crown: try to locate the crown, seeing if it will fit back on to the tooth. If not, use some over-the-counter denture cement to hold it in place and then contact us straight away!

-Dislocated tooth: if your tooth is only partially knocked out, clean the area and keep the swelling down. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with that. And don’t touch the tooth at all! 

-Missing filling: similar to a lost crown, contact us right away. The earlier you alert us the quicker we can create a replacement. 

-Knocked-out tooth: find the tooth and clean it properly. See if it will fit back into its allotted space. Otherwise, place it in some cold milk or salt-water. 

-Broken or chipped tooth: rinse your mouth while saving as many fragments as possible. Apply ice packs in a fifteen minute cycle to reduce swelling. 

-Unexplained toothache: try cleaning your mouth vigorously. This removes any debris pressed up against or stuck between your teeth. Give us a call if this doesn’t help. 

There are a few other scenarios that aren’t true emergencies that we also treat, like toothaches, a cut tongue or lip, abscessed tooth, or swollen cheeks, lips, and teeth. 

Do you have a question about dental emergencies? We are happy to address any concerns that may come up. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.