A Whiter Smile Next Year

Everyone likes to make a make a great impression with a nice bright smile.  Alta Loma Dental Care provides an at-home whitening system to patients that you can use to whiten and brighten your smile gradually at home.  Patients with serious and minor stains can both see great results from this whitening treatment.  A consultation can help you determine how severe your stains are and what kind of results you can expect from a whitening treatment.  Come visit us about teeth whitening and start the New Year with your best smile!

To whiten your teeth at home, we outfit patients with whitening gel and a set of custom trays for application.  A dentist takes an impression of your teeth, and from this impression two custom trays are made for your top and bottom teeth.  The trays are made for you to take home and use by applying gel to the trays and then fitting them over your teeth. The dentist’s recommendation of how often to treat and how long each treatment should last may vary.  When following the dentist’s recommendations, most patients see results of teeth whitening 4-8 shades.

To learn more about teeth whitening and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Makeover Your Smile With Veneers!

The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care are always getting questions from patients about the latest trends in cosmetic fixes for unsightly teeth.  Some fixes are recommended just to repair damage or just to whiten, but veneers are the best way to give your smile a total makeover. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that bond directly to the surface of your teeth.  This gives you the opportunity to completely change the appearance of your smile and still look natural.  Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, cracked or chipped teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers.

We can give a patient a brand new smile using veneers in as little as two visits!  First, your dentist will discuss the shape and look you want for your new smile.  Then an impression of your teeth is taken in order to custom-fit the final product to the surfaces of your teeth.  The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom veneers will be fabricated, which may take up to two weeks.  On your final visit, the veneers are bonded to your teeth for you to wear and enjoy!

To learn more about veneers and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Cosmetic Dental Services

From subtle changes to major repairs, at Alta Loma Dental Care we offer a variety of procedures to improve your smile. While traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile as a whole. At Alta Loma Dental Care our cosmetic services include veneers, whitening, bonding, and more.

Cosmetic treatments can be used to straighten, lighten, reshape, and repair teeth. Tooth whitening has gained popularity in the dental industry because it allows patients to enhance the appearance of their teeth in-office or in the comfort of their own home. Cosmetic dentistry refers to any type of dental work that improves the appearance of teeth, gums or bite. If you desire a smile makeover, schedule a consultation to discuss our cosmetic procedures.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic services, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Fixing a Cracked Tooth

Accidents happen, and sometimes a cracked tooth is the ultimate accident.  A tooth may crack after chewing on something too hard, or perhaps you didn’t bite down correctly. There may be little to no pain at the site of the cracked tooth, but it will need to be repaired and restored to prevent further damage. Fortunately, our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care have plenty of aesthetic and restorative treatment options for patients to choose from.

When a crack in a tooth is minor, it will only eliminate the surface of enamel and may require dental bonding to fix. When a crack is deeper than the tooth enamel, treatment is necessary to prevent infection or a deeper fracture. Teeth grinding can cause fractures to the teeth in addition to hard foods. If you notice yourself grinding your teeth or if you notice frequent jaw pain, call us to discuss your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns about the appearance of your smile or cosmetic dental options, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

New Year, New Smile

2018 is upon us and so are new goals. At Alta Loma Dental Care, our doctors offer a variety of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services to help revive your smile in this New Year. If you have missing teeth, teeth that are lackluster, or wish to start an orthodontic journey, we can develop a treatment plan to meet your needs.

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we take priority in providing a comfortable and welcoming environment to patients. Regardless of what your smile goals are, we are dedicated to providing you with excellent service and answering all of the questions you may have. With services ranging from six-month braces to professional teeth whitening, we can help improve your confidence, your self-esteem, and help you achieve your ultimate smile goals.

If you have questions or concerns about the appearance of your smile, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

What Do Cosmetic Dentists Do?

Do you desire a whiter smile or have teeth that need to be replaced? If so, our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care offer a variety of procedures to improve your smile. While general dentistry addresses problems that require necessary attention, cosmetic dental services are usually requested by the patient. Allow us to explain a little bit about the cosmetic procedures we provide.

• Veneers – veneers are usually made of porcelain and resemble tooth enamel. These thin “shells” provide strength and resilience to prevent chips and cracks in the teeth or correct ones that are already there.

• Whitening – This procedure speaks for itself. Whitening, also called bleaching, use a safe whitening agent that enhances a tooth’s color by 1-2 shades. Tooth whitening can be performed in the office or at home.

• Bonding – Dental bonding is used to repair chipped teeth – materials can range from porcelain or a composite resin and is made to match the color of your tooth.

• Inlays and Onlays – Inlays and Onlays are used to provide a filling to teeth that have been decayed or have experienced structural damage. They usually require an impression of the mouth and are created in a dental laboratory before being placed.

If you have questions or concerns about our cosmetic services, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Parade Those Pearly Whites!

It’s no secret that a whiter smile boosts self-esteem, but sometimes it takes a little more than maintaining proper oral hygiene to achieve it. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we offer cosmetic services that can restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color, if you would like. However, if there’s any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we want you to utilize these tips to show off the smile you already have!  

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you desire a brighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Cosmetic Options to Brighten Your Smile

A cosmetic change to your smile can do wonders. If you are not confident in your smile, what are you waiting for? At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we have several options for cosmetic dentistry that can turn up the wattage on your smile!

If you are looking to brighten and whiten your smile, our custom take-home whitening trays are able to provide professional whitening results from the comfort of your own home. We make custom whitening trays out of impressions of your teeth so that they fit perfectly. Often our patients see results four to eight shades whiter.

Bonding is another great way to get whiter teeth that last a long time. Dental bonding is the process of applying composite resin to teeth. For purposes of fixing chips, cracks, gaps, and more, the resin is matched to the color of your teeth. For whitening purposes, the resin can be made brighter than your shade of teeth. Bonding can last for up to ten years or even longer with good care.

For complete smile overhauls, we offer veneers and Snap On Smile. Veneers are ceramic shells that are permanently bonded to your existing teeth. They can fix many types of dental imperfections and provide long lasting whitening. Snap On Smile provides a brand-new smile that you can even take out for events like sports or sleeping.

Next time you look in the mirror, be confident in your smile! Come see us for a cosmetic consultation. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Get your Smile Ready at Alta Loma Dental Care

Valentine’s Day will be here soon, so it’s time to look your best. Nothing enhances your looks more dramatically than an attractive smile, which is where we come in. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we can get you a bright, white smile in no time with the ZOOM! teeth whitening system.

The ZOOM! system is a chair-side whitening procedure that is done in our office and combines a safe whitening gel with low-intensity light. The light activates the hydrogen peroxide in the gel, which can lighten your teeth up to 10 shades in only an hour! Unlike other whitening systems that involve multiple sessions and take-home trays, ZOOM! produces results that are both drastic and quick, which makes whitening your teeth an easy way to improve your smile during for the upcoming holiday.    

For the best results, patients should have their teeth cleaned prior to the whitening procedure since tartar and plaque can prevent the whitening gel from working in certain areas. By having your teeth cleaned, you are ensuing that you get an even, white smile.

Dr. Michael Kim can ensure that your pearly whites are as white as can be come the fourteenth. Schedule an appointment in Alta Loma, CA by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, please visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.  

Dental Bonding with Dr. Michael Kim

Of all the cosmetic and restorative procedures we offer at our office in Alta Loma, CA, bonding is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to enhance your smile. Called bonding because a tooth-colored resin is bonded to your teeth, the procedure is used to repair teeth that are discolored, unevenly shaped or chipped. At our office we can even use bonding as an attractive alternative to amalgam fillings.

Bonding is achieved by applying incredibly strong resin to the tooth in need of restoration. The procedure can usually be accomplished in one visit and allows you to keep most of your tooth’s enamel, which makes bonding preferable to veneers in many cosmetic cases. Once the right color resin has been chosen for your smile, Dr. Michael Kim will apply an adhesive gel to your tooth or teeth to help the resin adhere. The putty-like resin is then applied to your tooth and molded and smoothed until it is in the proper shape. After it is hardened with an LED light, Dr. Kim will trim and shape it even more and then polish it until shines like a tooth. Altogether, the procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour for one tooth.

If you’re unhappy with your teeth but unwilling to go as far as veneers, bonding can be used to improve your smile quickly and effectively. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call us at (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.    

Snap-On Smile at Alta Loma Dental Care

If you’re looking to improve your teeth and increase your confidence, Snap-On Smile provides a way for you to makeover your smile without extensive dental procedures. This procedure can solve your teeth insecurities and help you feel great about the way you look in only two visits to our office in Alta Loma, CA.

Without having to undergo extensive dental work, you can snap on a new smile with a custom set of teeth that fit right over your existing ones, covering up stains, chips, cracks and any crooked or missing teeth. During the first visit, you and Dr. Michael Kim will pick the shade and style of your new smile, and then he will take an impression of your teeth for proper fitting. Then the Snap-On Smile is made with a light and durable resin to create a set of teeth that are strong yet still thin enough to snap onto your smile. You need only wait three weeks between appointments, and when your new smile is snapped on, you will be able to leave our office with a grin you will love to show off.

With Snap-On Smile, you will be able to eat and drink normally, and the cosmetic device can easily be removed for cleaning your natural teeth, for participating in sporting events and for sleep. Snap-On Smile can last for three to five years with proper care.

Schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Alta Loma Dental Care Transforms Smiles with Dental Veneers

If you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look, veneers are an effective method for reshaping and redesigning your smile. Whether your teeth have gaps, stain, cracks, chips or other issues, these thin, ceramic shells can cover the existing tooth structure in your mouth to give you a smile you will be proud to show off.

Having veneers placed usually only takes two to three visits to our office in Alta Loma, CA. During the first visit, you will discuss the shape and look of the smile you want to accomplish with Dr. Michael Kim. Then the dentist will prepare your teeth for the upcoming veneers. Dr. Kim will do this by removing a small amount of enamel to ensure a secure and natural-feeling bond.

Once the enamel has been removed, an impression is taken of your mouth so that the veneers can be fabricated to fit your existing teeth. After the veneers have been created, they are bonded to your existing teeth to create an attractive smile that looks and feels natural. With proper home care and the help of Dr. Kim, you can enjoy your new smile for 5 to 10 years the veneers should be replaced.

To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we Straighten Teeth Discreetly with Invisalign

Having straight teeth would be great, wouldn’t it? You’re probably holding off though, because you don’t want to deal with the embarrassment of having a mouth full of braces. Patients who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle and appearance of metal braces are quickly turning to Invisalign. Thanks to these innovative aligners, we have the ability to straighten your teeth quickly and discretely.

 

Invisalign aligners are plastic, removable mouth pieces that gradually straighten teeth over time. They give less force per week and cause considerably less pain to straighten teeth compared to traditional braces. Since the pieces are transparent, you are able to maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile while improving it at the same time. One of the main complaints of traditional braces, while they are effective, they often leave stain marks on the teeth. This is not the case with Invisalign; patients are able to remove the mouth pieces in order to brush regularly.

 

The mouth pieces are created by a 3D computer imaging technology. As the teeth begin to shift, new aligners will be used to replace the originals. Each aligner is made to perfectly fit the stage that the teeth are in at that time. The mouth pieces are only taken out to eat and brush; they are typically worn at least 22 hours a day.

 

Compared to bracket traditional, Invisalign is a much safer option. Patients who use Invisalign often avoid damage to the gums and supporting tissues. If you choose Invisalign, you will also avoid bacteria build up that would result through traditional braces. The best part is that you can have your regular dental checkups while using Invisalign. Traditional braces prevent X-rays and regular cleanings while the removable aligners used through Invisalign can be removed allowing for dentist access. So we can keep an eye on your teeth’s health while they’re being straightened!

Alta Loma Dental Care Offers Various Restorative Dental Treatment Options

While most dental practices offer a very narrow scope of procedures, at Alta Loma Dental Care, we have established a full-service dental practice that specializes in preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. We wanted to create a practice that not only keeps your teeth safe, but also one that can restore your smile if something happens.

 

With restorative dentistry, we are able to replace or restore missing teeth or missing parts of the tooth structure. Tooth structure can be damaged due to decay, deterioration of a previously placed restoration or the tooth could fracture. We offer the following restorative dental procedures at our Alta Loma, CA office:

• Bridges
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Bonding

The goal of restorative dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth as much as possible. In cases where we cannot save the natural teeth, full dentures might be necessary. Most people do not know that a missing tooth can cause serious damage to your mouth. When a tooth a missing, the rest of your teeth will begin to shift, causing your teeth to become misaligned. When teeth become misaligned, they are more difficult to clean, and decayed teeth are susceptible to periodontal disease which can lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth also put extra stress on your remaining natural teeth because you don't have as much surface area to chew with.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry entails a lot of different procedures that are all meant to improve the general appearance of your teeth, gums and bite. Not all general dentists will provide cosmetic services, finding an all-inclusive dentist can be tough. Luckily, for dental patients in the Alta Loma, CA area, our doctor, Dr. Michael Kim at Alta Loma Dental Care has trained extensively in cosmetic dentistry and offers many different options for you to select from. Whether you have a chipped tooth or you’re suffering from stained teeth, there is a cosmetic procedure available.

 

One of the first things people notice when they are introduced to someone new is their smile. A new-look smile can go a long way in improving self-esteem and give patients a smile they can be proud of. We provide a number of services if you are looking to improve your smile. These options include:

• Veneers
• Teeth Whitening
• Sanp-On Smiles
• Bonding
• Inlays/Onlays

Residents of Alta Loma, CA are taking advantage of these procedures so they can quickly and effectively improve the appearance of their smile through Dr. Kim’s innovative cosmetic procedures.  

With advances in dental technology, there is no need to put up with the embarrassment of an unpleasant smile anymore. Whether its veneers that completely overhaul a smile or bonding that will fix a small crack, patients now have options that will help get the smile they’ve always wanted.  Dr. Kim’s expertise in the cosmetic dentistry field has allowed him to translate many patients’ aspirations into a new smile that completely changes their lives. 

Alta Loma Dental Care Promotes Proper Oral Hygiene for Fresh Breath

There’s no better feeling than waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth. After a night of sleep, all the food, drink and whatever else you consumed the day before is still there, no matter how much you brush and rinse. So does this mean that you need to carry a toothbrush with you all day to maintain that fresh breath? No, you can reverse bad breath just by having a regular brushing and flossing routine.

 

You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about your bad breath, it happens to millions of Americans. Food and drink particles are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream and are eventually carried to your lungs, causing bad breath. There are things you can do to help improve your breath and it all starts with your oral hygiene routine. If you are not brushing and flossing daily, those food particles can remain in your mouth. These untouched particles promote bacterial growth between teeth, around gums and on the tongue causing bad breath. If you fall into this category, try a regimented brushing schedule and always rinse with antibacterial mouthwash.

 

Smoking or chewing tobacco can also cause bad breath. These activities also stain teeth, reduce the ability to taste foods and irritate the gums. Basically, if you are worried about your breath because you use tobacco, stop using tobacco.

 

Persistent halitosis or a consistent bad taste in your mouth might be a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth and the gums become irritated. Other causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth and dental caries. 

 

If you are suffering from halitosis, schedule an appointment at our Alta Loma, CA dental practice by calling 909-987-6268. If one of your friends is suffering from bad breath and you don't want to be rude, direct them to our website (www.altalomadentalcare.com) so they can learn more about treatment options.

Utilize Our Tray Teeth Whitening For a Celebrity Smile

Everyone wants to have pearly whites, and by visiting Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, you have the opportunity to get them. Because your teeth can become stained or discolored from many factors, such as smoking cigarettes, drinking tea, coffee or wine, or eating high amounts of sugar, your smile might not be at its whitest and brightest. While brushing daily is essential for good oral health, it doesn’t always help correct the discoloration or staining problem. Fortunately, teeth whitening in our office can give you teeth up to eight shades whiter.

 

We use the tray whitening system, which is a simple way to whiten your teeth. We even give our patients custom trays to bring home for future use. The trays are different from store-bought whitening systems, because they are custom made based on impressions of the patient’s teeth. Once the trays are ready, we apply a whitening gel to them, then place them firmly over the patient’s teeth. They stay on for several minutes, and the process is repeated over a couple days.

 

The end result is much whiter teeth and reusable trays the patient can use for touch-ups. Teeth whitening in Alta Loma, CA has never been easier than using our trays.

Call dentist Dr. Michael Kim (909) 296-7920 to find out more about this teeth whitening option.

Importance of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Beautiful Smile

Importance of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Beautiful Smile

Did you know your smile can be the primary factor toward whether or not you’re viewed as attractive? Studies and surveys have found that a bright, aligned smile is considered the most important physical feature by the majority of men and women. Bet your cosmetic smile improvement just moved a little higher on your priority list!

Cosmetic dentistry is important for its immediate aesthetic result, but there are a few subsequent effects that make smile improvements beneficial beyond the surface. Like you would with a home, car or anything you’ve invested in, patients who treat their smile as an asset worth their time and money take better care of their teeth on a daily basis. This means better brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.  A straightened smile makes it easier to banish bacteria, perform through cleaning and identify concerns that could compromise your health. And last but not least, cosmetic dentistry and the results of a brighter, aesthetically pleasing smile make you want to reveal your smile more, which gives you the confidence to make the right impression and put your best self forth. 

If you’re ready to discover how cosmetic dentistry can benefit you, we look forward to your call.

Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2182380/Smile-Why-white-teeth-sign-good-health-make-attractive.html

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/health/Smiles+Top+Attractiveness+Poll-1789.html