Q: For patients suffering from missing teeth, what’s a common solution to the problem?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Dental implants are designed to be a permanent replacement for a person’s missing teeth. Implants are surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone and serve as the anchor for replacement teeth. Dental implants may be used to replace one tooth or several teeth.

Q: How do dentures differ from dental implants?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Unlike a dental implant, dentures are a removable option for patients with missing teeth. When all the patient’s teeth are missing, he or she receives a complete set of dentures. On the other hand, partial dentures are the way to go when some of the patient’s natural teeth remain. Dentures help an individual speak, eat and chew just like someone with natural teeth.

Q: Are there other dental options beyond dentures or implants?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Veneers are another popular option with our patients. These are extremely thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front of a tooth to enhance its size, shape, color or length. As an added benefit for patients, veneers are stain resistant and have been shown to strengthen the teeth.

Q: What is laser dentistry?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: As an alternative, there’s laser dentistry. Quite simply, a laser issues an intense, narrow beam of light energy intended to shape, vaporize or remove tissue. Lasers have been used successfully by both general and cosmetic dentists in teeth whitening procedures, as well as r gum disease treatment and the removal unwanted soft tissue. Overall, laser dentistry reduces healing times and controls bleeding during the procedure.

Q: What do you typically recommend if a patient in excellent oral health simply wants a more attractive smile?

Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: One option is teeth whitening which involves lightening the tooth color on a temporary basis. In most cases, a bleaching agent is applied to the tooth surface. Ask a dental professional for a smile simulation to give you an idea of the possibilities.