As technology in the field of cosmetic dentistry moves forward, our options for ways to tackle our dental problems increase.  When this improved technology is placed in the hands of a gifted and experienced Cosmetic Dentist, as is the case with top veneers specialist Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, the results are nothing less than astounding.

One of the most impactful technological advancements has been the Porcelain Veneer.  Simply put, dental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that when applied over the surface of a tooth can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing - and chips or cracks, while strengthening the tooth.

To better understand how our teeth may have come to the stage where they need veneers, let’s look closer at the major conditions causing degeneration.

As time goes by, the enamel, which is the hard white substance covering your teeth, may have become worn, discolored or dulled.  This may be a result of simple wear and tear.  Teeth naturally wear down as people age.  Aged teeth are more likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance. 

Another factor is genetic predisposition. Certain people may be born with abnormal spacing between the teeth that grows wider as they age. Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding or, once again, from general wear and tear.

Discoloration is a result of some of our favorite foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, soda, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, berry pie or any red sauces.  Tobacco usage is also a large factor in that it can severely discolor the teeth.

Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most cosmetic dental issues.  It is also the least invasive to the structural integrity of the teeth. 

Porcelain veneers enable an instant route to improve and enhance the look of your teeth. Unlike orthodontics, which may take years, or dentures and their inherent limitations, porcelain veneers enhance existing teeth and when expertly applied are the most effective route to a beautiful, natural smile.

Another technique, bonding, is used to effectively restore small chips and cracks in the teeth.  These problems are functionally and cosmetically repaired with a composite “white filling”.  The composite resin material is bonded to the tooth in order to fill in the chip or crack.  However for more severe cases of structural damage, discoloration, chipping, cracking, spacing or uneven teeth – dental veneers are the appropriate solution.

The two most common materials used in the manufacture of dental veneers are composite resin and porcelain veneers. The translucent ceramic quality of today’s veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past. Of the two options, porcelain veneers are longer lasting, stain resistant and stronger.

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi has refined the art of porcelain veneers with the latest technologies – Shade Vision™, computerized tone and color matching of teeth to create perfectly natural veneer coloration; and The Wand™, a slow-feed anesthetic delivery system, making this procedure practically painless.

When we choose a dentist who is committed to the use of the most advanced technology available, the least reactive materials and the most pain-free techniques in the field – we have placed ourselves in the hands of a new breed of dentist.  Los Angeles cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, with offices in Beverly Hills, is such a practitioner, guiding his patients to optimum dental health while achieving the highest aesthetic results.

Everyday, people are experiencing a dramatic change in their appearance simply by having their smile brightened by correcting dull or discolored teeth.   This inexpensive, fast, pain free procedure is the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry procedure available.  Beverly Hills tooth whitening specialist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, cosmetic dentist, uses the leading whitener, Zoom!™ Advanced Power Plus Chairside Tooth Whitening system.

Lifestyle and the aging process can be visually damaging to your overall smile.  Some of your favorite foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, soda, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, berry pie or any red sauces can cause your teeth to look dull, stained, irregularly colored and consequently unattractive.   The first impression you make on people can be negatively affected by a tarnished smile.

Teeth whitening should be carefully selected.  In choosing a dentist to help you restore your teeth to a youthful healthy looking condition, it is recommended that you take into consideration the dentist’s aesthetic capabilities.  It takes a keen eye to be able to match the color between teeth so that the overall “canvas” of the mouth is uniform, natural and appealing. 

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi begins the process by carefully finding out what his patient wants in their new smile.  Some people prefer a more natural white color to the teeth, perhaps a bit off-white. Others may feel that a stark, pure white is the look they want.  Many degrees of whiteness can be accomplished and this choice is an important part of the process.

Some skin types will look better with a dimmer shade of white while others may look the best with bright white. Also, some people may have existing dental work that will affect the range of whiteness that can be achieved by the tooth whitening system. These teeth need to be color-matched and it takes an experienced dentist’s keen eye to do a fine job.

Next, before the whitening treatment begins, the choices the patient has made with the doctor’s help can be tested using digital cosmetic imaging. This allows the patient, through the use of a split screen, to see what their smile looks like in the present and what it will look like when the treatment is completed. Dr. Kourosh Maddahi and his patient will “know before they go” with respect to their plan.

The IntraOral™ camera, a very small camera in the shape of a pen, shows with clarity every tooth and gum surface in the mouth. The picture is projected onto a computer screen that both the doctor and his patient can view together. This system is also used to give the patient overall information about their mouth and gain a first hand understanding never before achieved.

Zoom! Chairside Tooth Whitening uses hydrogen peroxide to whiten the teeth by penetrating and bleaching the tooth structure where stains from foodstuffs and tobacco have accumulated.  A light-activated system accelerates penetration into the tooth structure, thereby quickening the bleaching process.

Under Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi’s impeccable eye - and by utilizing the breakthrough technology of Zoom! tooth whitening, you can have the smile you want in only one hour.

Whenever we experience what we consider physical or emotional pain we can subsequently experience fear and anxiety upon finding ourselves once again facing what looks like the same threat.   For instance, if a dog bites us – all future encounters with dogs could trigger fear and anxiety. Understanding this most fundamental cause-and-effect emotional dynamic, Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has gone to great lengths to help his patients feel safe while under his gentle care using high tech tools and procedures.

When a person has had the misfortune of experiencing unnecessary pain while being treated by their dentist, they will tend to avoid regular dental checkups and treatment.  It’s not uncommon to hear that someone has not been to his or her dentist in years.  Even though more and more research is coming to the forefront on the correlation between oral health and the overall health of the body, some people will continue to avoid the threat they feel awaits them in the dental chair.

Dentistry has come a long way.  Or more specifically, there is now available to dentists a great array of technological advancements that reduce pain and discomfort.  Some dentists will implement these advancements while others will not.  Some place a high priority on their patients’ overall experience and consider it to be their responsibility to make it as positive, comfortable and gentle as possible - while others are solely focused on the nuts-n-bolts of the treatment and will leave their patients to “cope” with the emotional and physical side effects.

As an example of available cutting edge pain-free technology, let’s look at the Air Drill – which removes surface decay by using air pressure instead of a metal drill.  Imagine a mini sand blaster, but instead of sand - fine aluminum oxide (baking soda) powder is used as the abrasive substance.  Air forces the powder out of a tiny wand using just the right pressure to enable the dentist to eliminate the decay on a tooth.  Because direct metal-on-tooth friction is not occurring, extreme heat is not generated – which means painless decay removal. Painless decay removal means anesthesia is not needed.  No anesthesia, no needles.  No needles, no pain.

Additionally, a patient can have a prior negative dental experience trigger simply by the sound of a whirring drill.  The quiet Air Drill removes that trigger from the equation allowing the patient to feel safe and remain relaxed.

As stated, the Air Drill is used primarily for surface decay.  This drill-free dentistry tool works hand-in-glove with DIAGNOdent, a laser system that finds decayed areas prior to seeing the hole on the surface of the tooth, thereby locating decayed areas that x-rays do not detect.  Drill-free air abrasion dentistry allows the dentist to practice micro-dentistry, the removal of small hard to get to fissure and pit decay.

What Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi has built his practice upon - is his knowledge and commitment to the use of technological advances which enable him to detect decay at it’s earliest stage so that it can be efficiently and gently removed.  The structural integrity of the tooth is not compromised, as is the case when decay goes undetected and becomes a bigger problem.  With these and other advanced technologies, patients no longer need to endure extreme, invasive and painful procedures. 

People around the globe spend their hard earned money on fashion, one of the world’s top industries, because they believe it makes them look and feel better and draws positive attention to them.  We are constantly exposed to fashion through the media as well as simply witnessing what adorns the bodies of those around us. Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, understands the role a natural and beautiful smile plays in helping a person create the image they want the world to see. 

The phrase “first impressions count” is a familiar one and a phenomenon we have experienced over and over again whether we’re aware of it or not.  After getting to know someone, we may find that our first impression of him or her was way off.  This makes us reflect on what impressions we ourselves are sending out to those who meet us for the first time.  Before we have spoken a word, they have made dozens of assumptions based solely on how we look.

In our careers as well as our personal lives, how much attention we put on our external presentation of ourselves is ultimately a very personal choice.  More and more people desire to align that “first impression” with who they truly are so that they accurately represent themselves and don’t miss opportunities or relationships that could enhance their lives.  Others consciously work to create a visual persona of the person they are striving to become – professionally, socially, economically, etc. 
 
As with fashion designers and visual artists in general, a highly skilled Cosmetic Dentist works with the basic elements of line, proportion, balance, color and the quality of materials - to bring forth the desired overall communication they want their finished creation to project.

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, an artist in his own right, has chosen to direct his aesthetic sensibilities towards the thorough and meticulous creation of beautiful and natural smiles.  By bringing his talent to his work and by utilizing the highest quality materials and state of the art equipment, he integrates design elements so that they create a harmonious smile.  

Kathy Griffin, the comedienne/actress, spoke with Oprah on her show about the new veneers which Dr. Kourosh Maddahi had created as part of her full image makeover.  As her career and opportunities expanded she felt the need to present herself in as polished a way as possible and her enhanced smile was a key element in the success of her new “first impression.” 

As time grows more and more valuable, not only for celebrities but also for professionals in all industries, as well as homemakers and those caring for their children, the technology at hand in Dr. Maddahi’s office produces a person’s desired results in a fraction of the time achieved by less equipped practices. 

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi addresses the beauty of one’s smile but also handles fundamental structural health.  If a tooth has been weakened by decay or trauma it may require support in the form of a crown, which will encase the original compromised tooth thus creating a healthy, strong and attractive addition to one’s smile.  Beauty and function can, and should, ultimately work hand in hand.
 
A series of free seminars is being hosted by Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, the Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist, whose Dental Spa is in Beverly Hills. The next seminar in the series, takes place at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center on the UCLA campus on May 27, 2009 from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.  This seminar, titled “Latest Breakthroughs in Cosmetic Enhancement and Beauty” will include an in-depth presentation by Dr. Maddahi on Cosmetic Dentistry followed by Dr. Ava Shamban, Board Certified Dermatologist who will explore Cosmetic Dermatology.  Completing the roster will be Eve Michaels, internationally acclaimed Transformational Makeover Coach.  Seating is limited, for more information and to RSVP – call Dr. Kourosh Maddahi’s office at 310.888.7797.

Cosmetic dentistry is that branch of dentistry dedicated to the appearance of your teeth.  It handles the enhancement of your smile and everything having to do with how your teeth and gums look, such as the length, shape, color, alignment or proportion of the teeth and gums.

These improvements are made with porcelain and other composite materials that are tooth-colored and are designed to perfectly match and enhance the structure of your existing teeth. Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, specializes in high-tech modification, “With cosmetic dentistry, the smile that a person dreams of is within reach, immediately. We even use digital imaging to choose that new smile before we ever begin.”

“When we send something precious out to be restored we expect it to look like the day we bought it when the work is done.”, explains Dr. Maddahi. Restorative dentistry is the art of replacing a missing tooth. Crowns are the most common restoration; however dental implants would fit this category as well.

He uses the Shade Vision camera to exactly adjust and match coloring of the restorations.  Using a computerized camera aimed at the tooth, the Shade Vision System reads off the variations of hue and color of each tooth. This allows Dr. Maddahi to chart the shade of the porcelain restoration exactly.

“The only way that I am certain that I have a perfect natural match is with the Shade Vision System.”, Dr. Maddahi explains.  “Sitting in my dental chair, you are surrounded by the most advanced dental technology available.  Many of these tools have never before been found in a dentist’s office.”

Porcelain veneers make it easy to correct teeth that are incorrectly positioned in most cases. Veneers are also used for yellowed or dingy teeth and can quickly restore broken, cracked or chipped teeth. Veneers serve both a restorative and aesthetic purpose.

The word veneer is French in origin and in cosmetic dentistry means to coat the tooth with a thin layer of restorative material so as to improve the exterior appearance of a tooth or to protect a damaged tooth surface.  Highest quality veneers are fashioned from porcelain and have the advantage of excellent natural appearance with minimal tooth preparation. Porcelain veneers are also less likely to stain, more durable when bonded to tooth structure and will not fracture like composite veneers. 

Dr. Maddahi says, “Color, shape, form, and alignment are all possible with porcelain veneers.  But most notably porcelain veneers are the cosmetic dentist’s veneer of choice because they create a very life-like appearance due to their luster and translucency, which is unachievable with composites. They have the benefit of correcting flawed teeth, such as making them thicker and straighter, without the use of orthodontics.  Sometimes orthodontics is combined with veneers to create a fuller aesthetic effect.”

Cosmetic dentistry – restorative, or simply for aesthetic purposes, has become a commonplace and accepted procedure. It is unfortunate, but true, that the impression made by broken, unsightly or yellowed teeth can convey neglect or other social stigma. Today, professionally and personally, teeth are expected to be white, beautiful and very natural looking.

Improvements of a smile are easily made with porcelain and other composite materials that are tooth-colored and are designed to perfectly match and enhance the structure of your existing teeth. Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, specializes in high-tech modification.

Regular visits to the dentist are considered a must, but do we really understand why? Are there actual health threats that can be alleviated by routinely visiting the dentist? Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, explains to his patients that when teeth are regularly cleaned and checked, dental health and more is under control.

Poor dental health has been found to bring about critical infections, causing disease and illnesses such as gum disease, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check-ups and cleanings can prevent these problems, in addition to assuring excellent oral hygiene.

Beverly Hills family dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, feels that it is important for his patients to be aware of the theory behind dentistry, “Periodontal treatment is that branch of dentistry dealing with the health and care of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.  The word means, literally, around the tooth, from peri- which is around and odontos, which is tooth. Bacteria inflaming the tissue housing the roots of the tooth are known as periodontal disease.”

“Treatment is in the form of regular dental cleaning and, in less healthy instances, full tooth scaling (scraping bacterial plaque and calculus from the tooth).  State of the art ultrasonic scaling equipment is more thorough and less invasive than scraping; however it is not as comfortable a procedure for those patients with sensitivity issues.”

The destruction of the structure of teeth is called tooth decay.  Tooth decay is caused when plaque, which is a film on the teeth and gums made up of microorganisms, mixes with sugars and/or starches of food.  Jointly they create an acidic substance that can eat through the enamel – the solid exterior of the tooth. If decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, then a root canal may be needed to save the tooth.

Therefore, it is vital to make a habit of brushing teeth – for at least two minutes, minimally twice a day, and to floss before bedtime. Tooth decay can also be prevented by eating healthy foods, and avoiding high-sugar drinks and snacks.
 
A regular dental checkup is necessary in order to maintain superior dental health because even slight decay can eat at the tooth’s surface and affect the nerve of the tooth in as short a time as one year. Without regular cleanings and dental checkups you might find yourself getting a dental implant or root canal instead of a clean bill of health.

How often are regular checkups needed?  It is advised for children as well as adults to see the dentist every six months.  It is important to get the teeth checked for and new decay, and to have a proper cleaning.

See a dental hygienist twice a year.  The hygienist can help remove plaque that is not affected by daily tooth brushing and flossing. The special tools the hygienist uses can remove this difficult plaque.

There is a noticeable difference in the cleanliness of the teeth usually after a visit with the hygienist.   Additionally, most visits with a hygienist include education on how to better take care of the gums and teeth.  Usually she can see if special guidance is needed after observing the condition of the teeth and gums before and after the cleaning.

Los Angeles dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, ensures his patients understand the importance of regular teeth cleaning and dental checkups at his Beverly Hills dentist office. His objective are not only beautiful, natural new smiles but also that each one of us has their dental health really under control.