What’s In A Smile?  Perhaps More 
Than You Might Imagine

by Dr. E.  John Moreno, D. M. D.

Our teeth are one of the first things people notice about you.

     The delicate blending of art and science known as cosmetic dentistry has existed for years, but now advanced equipment, materials and techniques in the hands of meticulous dentists have taken the specialty to levels never before attainable.

That's good news for patients who care about their looks and expect optimum results, but in a way the news is not so great. Why? Because the growing demand for quality cosmetic dentistry, especially here in image-conscious Southern California, far exceeds the current supply of qualified cosmetic dentists.

As a dentist with a successful practice in south Orange County, the flow of patients from a variety of locales tells me that offering an exceptional team utilizing high-tech systems and new generation materials does indeed make a difference. And making a difference in our patients' mouths, appearances and lives is precisely what we are striving to do.

The enduring beauty of a newly created smile is related to the cosmetic dentist's in-depth knowledge about the properties of the restorative materials he uses. The materials are extremely technique-sensitive, requiring great expertise for proper use.

Perhaps the skill and artistry required accounts for an unfortunate statistic: Sadly, more than eight out of ten general dentists still use silver fillings in spite of their unsightliness and long-term ineffectiveness.

Beautiful, long-lasting results can be achieved with custom-crafted porcelain and reinforced ceramics.

When you think of porcelain and ceramics, timeless art may come to mind, but these materials also play a role in the modern art of cosmetic dentistry. The two most commonly requested cosmetic procedures today are custom-made porcelain veneers and ceramic inlays and onlays.

When correctly designed, porcelain veneers can produce a dramatic result, enhancing the shape, size and color of imperfect natural teeth. They represent a more conservative, though equally effective, approach than conventional full-coverage crowns.

In another (paradoxical) instance of the newer technique being more conservative than the conventional approach, the popularity of ceramic inlays and outlays is due to their natural appearance and superior strength. Offering superior wear and adhesive properties, reinforced ceramics are a viable alternative to crowns.

Surprisingly, techniques utilizing these materials are more affordable than you might think. That’s especially true when you consider that, in both your professional and personal life, you only have once chance to make a great first impression.

 Proper diagnosis and understanding of each patient's expectations are vital to performing successful cosmetic dentistry. They comprise the first step in achieving an optimum result: your great smile!

"I'm pleased to be among the first to offer  breakthrough periodontal treatment that breaks through pain and fear."

Finally, a kinder, gentler periodontal treatment ... Laser ENAP

“Gum surgery” is not the most popular phrase in America.  In fact, the majority of people who have periodontal (gum) disease do not address it properly.   According to studies, over 90 percent of the population in need of treatment refuses to follow through, confessing fear of conventional cut-and-suture gum surgery and its associated post-op side effects. 

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