Are you taking the right steps towards a healthy smile?

Proper oral hygiene is essential in maintaining a good-looking smile. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we believe in keeping our patients healthy by keeping them engaged in the proper oral health techniques. Dr. Michael enjoys providing patients with a dental hygiene routine that will keep teeth healthy and white.

 

While at our Alta Loma, CA office, Dr. Kim will provide patients with the tools necessary to maintain a healthy smile. Flossing is something that is integral in the tooth care process. Dr. Kim pushes his patients to floss regularly. Not only can flossing improve tooth health, it is also very important in keeping gums healthy. The places where the gums and teeth meet are where flossing takes a major role. Food particles or bacteria can become lodged here and over time, this can cause tartar and gingivitis.

 

Periodontal cleanings and treatments are a necessity in order to keep the mouth healthy as well. Not only can your teeth be affected by unhealthy gums, but periodontal disease (gum disease) has been linked to heart health. When it comes to teeth health, it is important to make regular visits to your dentist in order to properly care for and protect your overall health.

Patients See great Results with Snap On Smiles

Are you looking for a non-invasive, reversible, affordable approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry? Time to take a look at Snap On Smiles! The treatment is quick and effective, making it a great option for patients who want to look and feel better. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we construct new smiles for our patient’s everyday using this innovative technology.

 

Snap-On Smile is a comfortable, removable dental application that involves no drilling and uses your existing tooth structure to improve smiles. The device is made from a durable and stain resistant acetyl resin and is can be up to .5mm thin without compromising strength. Dr. Michael Kim will collaborate with you to determine what shade and style you are hoping for.

 

The procedure is quite simple. Dr. Kim will take photos and impressions of your teeth. The molds are sent to a dental lab where the Snap-On Smile is created, this usually takes about two weeks. Once the device is ready, Dr. Kim will explain the insertion and removal process and basic maintenance procedures. From there, you can enjoy a new-look smile they can be proud of. Snap-On Smile is a great solution for patients who are unable to receive permanent improvements, such as crowns, veneers and implants because they are medically compromised.

 

New patients are encouraged to call us our Alta Loma Dental Care practice at 909-296-7920 to schedule a consultation with dentist Dr. Michael Kim.

Alta Loma Dental Care Patients Receive Straight Teeth with Six Month Smiles®

Alta Loma Dental Care Patients Receive Straight Teeth with Six Month Smiles®

Straight teeth go a long way toward creating a beautiful smile that you can be proud of, and the orthodontic community would agree that braces are the most widely used and effective method for giving patients straight and healthy teeth. However, traditional braces aren’t always a favorite of patients. If you’re unhappy, self-conscious or embarrassed about your smile but don’t want to have metal mouth for over a year, come to our office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and see how Six Month Smiles® can change your smile.

 

Six Month Smiles® is an innovative orthodontic treatment that has taken the best aspects of traditional braces and modified them to give adults the cosmetic solution they want in a way that best fits their lifestyles. With an average treatment time of only six months, this orthodontic treatment provides a conservative and dramatic final result that is sure to keep you smiling. Using Six Month Smiles Lucid-Lok® clear brackets and tooth-colored wires renders these braces barely visible while straightening your teeth. In addition, Six Month Smiles Patient Tray Kits™ ensure that all appointments are quick and comfortable.

 

Overall, low forces and short treatment times increase your comfort, hygiene and safety while using Six Month Smiles®. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we can help you get a straight smile easily and quickly. Schedule a consultation with us by calling (909) 296-7920. For more information, visitwww.AltaLomaDentalCare.com. 

 

Alta Loma Dental Care Can Help You Decide if Dentures are Right for You

Alta Loma Dental Care Can Help You Decide if Dentures are Right for You

Whether you’re already missing several teeth or are facing widespread disease or decay, dentures may be the solution for you. Depending on your specific case, you may receive one of three types of dentures: partial dentures, conventional full dentures or immediate full dentures. Our office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can help you decide which is best for you!

 

Conventional full dentures are one type of full dentures. This type of dentures is used after all of a patient’s teeth have been removed and after the gum tissue has completely healed over the span of several months. With this type of dentures, the patient would have no teeth in place during the healing process.

 

The other type of full dentures is immediate full dentures, which are more popular since patients are not required to go toothless for any period of time. With these, one of our doctors will take measurements of your mouth before removing your teeth so that dentures can be placed as soon as they are removed. With this method, however, a follow-up visit is required to refit and tighten the dentures since the jaw bone will actually change shape slightly as it heals without teeth.

Partial dentures are commonly used when not all teeth need to be removed. They are similar to bridges but are removable.

 

Whichever type of dentures you choose to get, you will need some time to get used to them. The flesh-colored base is placed over your gums, which can feel bulky or make your mouth feel crowded. With training, however, you will learn to eat and talk naturally.

If you think dentures might be the best option for you, we can help you decide at Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA! Schedule an appointment by calling (909) 296-7920. For more information, visit www.AltaLomaDentalCare.com. 

What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Dental crowns help protect and strengthen teeth that have become badly decayed or fractured. Covering your tooth and restoring it to its original shape and size, crowns (also called caps) can help reduce pain, save your tooth from needing to be removed and keep your smile beautiful and functional. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we can see if a crown is necessary to save your smile.

 

Crowns are usually only necessary if decay has reached the point where the existing tooth structure is compromised. When a dental crown is installed, the decay is removed from the tooth and a core build-up is used to insulate the nerve and create a surface to bond the crown to. Then an impression of this surface is made so that the new gold or porcelain crown can constructed to fit perfectly. After the crown is fabricated, a process that can take around two weeks, it is cemented onto the current tooth.

 

Dental crowns are made incredibly strong to protect the remaining tooth structure, and the custom fit ensures that the seam between tooth and crown is minute, which protects it from further decay.

If you’re experiencing decay and pain in one of your teeth, stop by our office to see if a crown can save your smile. Schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA by calling (909) 296-7920. For more information, visit www.AltaLomaDentalCare.com. 

Dental Implants Provide a Permanent Tooth Replacement Option

Dental Implants Provide a Permanent Tooth Replacement Option

Having a missing tooth is a frustrating experience, but here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we offer a permanent replacement with dental implants. As opposed to bridges or partials that need to be replaced every 10-15 years, dental implants have a titanium post installed right into the jaw bone. During the healing process, the bone heals around the post, which holds it firmly in place.

 

The crown on top is the only thing that needs to be replaced, which is a very simple process.

The benefits our patients experience when getting dental implants in Alta Loma, CA include:

• Permanent tooth replacement.
•  Improved smile and overall appearance.
• Better comfort than partials or bridges.
• Crown that matches the patient’s other teeth.
• Improved speed and eating.
• Better self esteem and confidence.

The entire process of dental implants takes 3-6 months, with most of this time being the healing time for the post. After that point, a crown is made to fit over the top of the post, and the implant is complete.

 

New patients are encouraged to call us our Alta Loma Dental Care practice at 909-296-7920 to schedule a consultation with dentist Dr. Michael Kim.

The Importance of Proper Dental Hygiene For Oral and Overall Health

The Importance of Proper Dental Hygiene For Oral and Overall Health

Having proper dental hygiene isn’t just about improving our patient’s oral health with better smelling breath and clean teeth, but it also impacts their overall health. Regular dental hygiene practices are important to reduce gum disease and the need for more complicated oral health treatments, such as oral surgery.

 

Good oral hygiene also helps our Alta Loma Dental Care patients maintain their natural teeth for a longer period of time, and avoid infections that could spread throughout the brain and the body. We encourage dental hygiene by brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

Aside from dental hygiene at home, our Alta Loma, CA dental practice we ask our patients to see us at least every six months. During this appointment, we provide a full check-up, professional cleaning, and address any possible concerns.

 

Our dentist, Dr. Michael Kim, also takes new dental x-rays if needed for further diagnosis or treatment planning. The combination of home oral care and dental visits are what help to keep the mouth fresh, clean, and free of gum disease. Regular visits also let us provide early treatment if we notice any problems.

 

Patients with any questions or concerns about their dental hygiene should visit us here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA.