The safety of our patients and team members is our #1 priority. LEARN MORE.
3230 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 539-2624
Have you thought about straightening your teeth and having a healthier and more confident smile?
Although most people undergo orthodontic treatment during their teenage years, that is not the only age that orthodontic treatment is effective. In fact, orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming increasingly popular. Whether you are a teen or an adult, orthodontic treatment can help you properly align your teeth and bite. Not only does aligning your teeth and bite improve the aesthetics of your smile, but also it helps to improve your overall oral health. Now you have a variety of options for your orthodontic treatment, including:
-
Traditional metal braces
-
Ceramic tooth-colored braces
-
Invisalign aligners
We now offer FREE 3D scanning of your teeth. We can show you before you begin your treatment how you would look through the advanced simulation technology. Click to the link below for more information.
Traditional
Metal Braces
You don't have to hide your smile anymore. You can have fabulous smile with braces that work wonders. The best time for braces is around 12 years of age when 2nd molars are erupted. Don't miss this window of opportunity to make your teeth straighter and improve your smile. Come and talk to Dr. Kim about how we can help you have the great smile that you always wanted.
Traditional
Ceramic Braces
If your orthodontic treatment requires traditional braces or you just want to have traditional braces but just a little more discrete, then you have an option of ceramic tooth-colored braces. Call us for a free orthodontic consultation and let us show you how we can improve your smile and have healthier gum.
Invisalign
Braces
Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that provides a discreet and effective orthodontic alternative to traditional wire braces. The clear aligners are manufactured from the special material, which applies gentle and constant force. Aligners fit snugly and comfortably around your teeth. By wearing Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day, you can obtain amazing orthodontic results without having to deal with the inconvenience of traditional wire braces.
-
Am I a candidate for dental sedation?Ideal candidates for dental sedation are individuals who have dental anxiety, an active gag reflex, trouble sitting still for long periods of time, or who are undergoing an invasive dental procedure. However, dental sedation does have some limitations and may not be ideal for everyone. Certain medical conditions, allergies, and medications can increase the risk of dental sedation. Because of this, a thorough consultation will be conducted by Dr. Kim prior to administering any form of dental sedation. To find out if dental sedation is a safe and effective option for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul H. Kim at Dream Dental today!
-
How do I prepare for my dental sedation appointment?Before your dental sedation appointment, Dr. Kim will discuss the specific preparations you will need to follow depending on the type of dental sedation you are planning to have. You will likely be asked to fast for a designated amount of time before your appointment. Oral sedation will require you to fast for at least 6 hours and IV sedation usually requires an 8 hour fast. If you are not sure which sedation method you will end up using, you will likely be asked to fast for the longest time span. With oral sedation, you will also be given instructions on when to take the oral medication. In some cases, the medication is only needed the morning of your appointment, but in other cases it may also be needed the night before. If you are taking the medication the night before or before arriving at our office, you will need to find a driver to bring you to and from your appointment because you will not be able to drive safely. IV sedation also requires that you have a driver to take you home afterwards. Additionally, you may need to avoid taking certain medications the morning of your procedure. Since IV sedation requires an 8 hour fast, most procedures using IV sedation are scheduled for the morning to make the 8 hour fast easier.
-
What should I expect during my dental sedation appointment at Dream Dental?During your dental sedation appointment at Dream Dental, you can expect to feel completely calm and anxiety-free while your dental work is performed. While under dental sedation, most people report feelings of calmness and drowsiness. Additionally, you will likely be aware of what is happening around you. However you will be indifferent to the sights, smells, and sounds you are experiencing. Dental sedation is usually used in combination with dental anesthetics, which means you also won’t feel any pain or discomfort during your procedure. With oral or IV sedation, you may also fall into a light sleep, but you can easily be woken. Finally, with IV sedation, you may or may not remember your procedure.
-
What can I expect after my dental sedation appointment at Dream Dental?You may experience different things after your dental sedation appointment. With oral sedation, you can expect to feel the full effect of the medicine for about 1-2 hours. However, even once the full effect has worn off, you may still feel slightly drowsy and “out of it” for the rest of the day. Because of this, you will need to have someone drive you home and you should rest for the remainder of the day. With IV sedation, you can expect to feel pretty groggy and “out of it” for the majority of the day after your procedure. Because of this, you will need to have someone drive you home and keep an eye on you for at least a day until the effects of the sedation have worn off.