LVI Veneers

Dr. Chau has extensively studied at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Functional Aesthetics. The Las Vegas Institute (L.V.I.) is the world leader in post-graduate comprehensive and cosmetic dentistry. Through L.V.I., Dr. Chau has obtained methods to exceptionally customize your porcelain veneers by, size, color, and shape to fit impeccably with your smile. Veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth, effectively concealing imperfections. They can restore beauty to your smile and even self confidence.

Some frequently asked questions about veneers:

What are Veneers?

Veneers are custom made, ultra thin coverings that protect and reshape your teeth. Porcelain Veneers are a great way to correct defects and enhance your appearance. It is a simple procedure that may take as few as two appointments.

Why are LVI Porcelain Veneers unique?

Dr. Chau's family dental office ensures satisfaction and ease by devoting time to developing exclusive care. After extensive education, Dr. Mayna Chau is able to customize your veneers using the most advanced technology, technique and materials. A special LVI trained lab is utilized to help design the veneers with the highest quality. Only a few dentists have been trained to perform the LVI method.

Am I a candidate for Veneers?

We may recommend Veneers to correct the following problems:

• Gaps
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Old discolored fillings
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Misaligned or crooked teeth

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Neuromuscular

Modern neuromuscular dentistry differs from traditional dentistry due to the emphasis and consideration that focuses on the harmony of the jaw plus its muscles, joints and nerves. The position of the teeth are also of considerable importance. When one or more areas are in conflict, painful symptoms may be experienced. All aspects of the jaw and the teeth must be in a comfortable and relaxed position to be symptom free.

75 million Americans suffer from various disorders relating to their bite. The discomfort you may be experiencing in your head, neck, and upper back are often related to the TMJ (Temporomandibular joint - the delicate joint that holds your mandible to your skull).

Our goal is to locate the most comfortable, optimum and relaxed position, where the jaw muscles, joint, nerve and the teeth are all working in harmony. Dr. Chau will capture a relaxed bite and fabricate a removable orthotic. The orthotic will allow the jaw to close down in its ideal relaxed position. This will limit and eventually eliminate the constant spasms the jaw muscles previously underwent.

90% of pain comes from the muscles. With help, muscles will heal and trigger points will go away.

Some frequently asked questions about TMJ and neuromuscular dentistry:

What is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ (Temporomandibular joint syndrome) and TMD(Temporomandibular disorder) are more than aches and pains in the jaw. The jaw joint should be able to withstand up to 200 lbs. of force. It is critical for the jaw joint to be in its correct position and fully function without symptoms.

The jaw joint (condyle) hinges on the forward part of the socket (fossa). Most symptoms arise from the jaw joint hinging on the back of the socket. This may cause headaches as severe as migraines, as well as neck and eye aches. The ear canal lays behind the socket where critical nerves and blood vessels travel. If the condyle applies to much pressure against the canal, it may pinch on the blood vessels to the brain. Dizziness and ringing in the ear may occur.

A properly positioned Temporomandibular joint has a natural space between the condyle and fossa. In its specific position, patients may be relieved of their symptoms.

What are some of the symptoms of TMJ/TMD?

Many symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Facial Pain
• Jaw Pain
• Neck/shoulder Pain
• Back Pain
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Limited jaw movement or locked jaw
• Sensitive or sore teeth
• Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
• Ear congestion
• Worn down teeth
• Clenching/ Grinding (Bruxing)
• Neck problems
• Loose teeth
• Tingling in the fingertips
• Forward head posture
• Dizziness/ Vertigo
• Cracking, chipping or breaking teeth or dental restorations
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Receding Gums

How is TMJ/TMD treated?

TMJ/TMD is a serious and unfortunately often overlooked disorder. It may however be easily treated. Some or all symptoms may be relieved without surgery or medication. Neuromuscular dentistry may be able to restore your jaw and bite to it's optimum position. Treating TMJ/TMD is a simple and painless process. A muscle stimulator called a TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) is placed to relax your jaw and face. Within one hour, your facial muscles will be completely relaxed.

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Oral Cancer Screening
Treating the overall health of our patients is our number one priority. Along with helpful information concerning the maintenance and treatment of your teeth, we offer oral cancer screening. This includes a radiographic and visual exam with Dr. Chau. According to the American Cancer Society an estimated 30,990 new cases of Oral and Oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in 2006. 7,320 will die of these cancers. 15% of patients newly diagnosed will have another cancer nearby in areas such as the voice box, digestive system or lung.

Visual Exam
Oral Cancer is an ideal cancer to identify early by routine screening. Dr. Chau and Mical the Hygienist are specially trained to check for oral cancer at every maintenance appointment. This includes examining tissues in your mouth and checking your tongue. A gentle message of your face and neck is also given to feel for any bumps. Any areas of concern will be charted and possibly measured. A picture may be taken using the Intra Oral Camera. If Dr. Chau deems necessary, a referral will be given to your regular doctor or a specialist, along with any pictures and charting information.

Radiographic Examination A Panoramic X-ray is recommended every 3 years, to possibly detect something unseen or not felt. This X-ray is very unique in its ability to show Dr. Chau your entire mouth and any abnormalities. A regular Full Mouth X-ray may not show all of your bone.

"The outlook for chances of survival for people depends to large extent on the cancers stage."

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Soft Tissue Management

At Dr. Chau's dental office we employ the Soft Tissue Management Program. This is a non-surgical approach to the treatment and control of Periodontal Disease. The Degree of Treatment is dependent on the severity of the disease. We incorporate the ease of High Frequency (Piezo) Ultrasonic, as well as antibiotic irrigation. This allows less pain, discomfort, and greater healing for the patient. An added benefit is the new NON-INJECTABLE anesthetic Oraqix. This allows an anesthesia without the anxiety and stress of injections!

Our success in treating and controlling Periodontal Disease has greatly improved with the Soft Tissue Program. Contact us for information on the exciting and new Soft Tissue Management Program!

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Cerec Porcelain Crowns

Dr. Chau's dental practice is excited to present Single Visit Crowns and Restorations. Dr. Chau will review your specific needs and concerns upon evaluation. Although Cerec crowns have so many exciting benefits, Dr. Chau will discuss if Cerec is appropriate for your case. For example, porcelain fused to metal crowns may be more suitable for bridges.

Thanks to a high-tech computer and laser guided milling machine called Cerec, your crown is designed in the office instead of sent to a lab and manufactured based on a mold. Cerec restorations have been around for almost 30 years. The dependable products are extremely durable and natural looking. There is no gold or silver metal hiding underneath your crown. They are 100% porcelain. Cerec is ideal in creating crowns, inlays, onlays and fillings, by keeping more natural tooth structure. They are aesthetically pleasing and look natural!

Reasons to choose Cerec Same Day Crowns and Restorations:

• Crowns in One Visit!
• No Temporaries!
• No Impressions!
• Metal Free- Restorations!
• Saves More Tooth Structure!
• Permanent Solution!
• Looks and Feels Like Real Teeth!

Contact us for a free brochure about Cerec.

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Tooth Colored Fillings

At Dr. Chau's family dental office, we only provide composite (white) fillings. They are aesthetically more pleasing, rarely fracture and provide more stability.

What is the difference between amalgam and composite fillings?

Amalgam (black) fillings are considered toxic. They are not cosmetically pleasing and easily corrode and fracture. Amalgam (black) fillings are made of mercury. This mercury is the same found in a thermometer. Once temperature goes up, the mercury expands and rises. The same basic principal occurs in your mouth. Once the temperature in your body rises the mercury expands. This expansion, may cause your teeth to crack, and margins to separate. This allows bacteria to slowly seep through and may cause decay.

Also known as composite, white fillings are designed to match the color of your existing teeth. Not only are composite (white) fillings viewed more attractive, they rarely fracture.

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Tooth Whitening Options

Tooth whitening is a well-established routine in cosmetic dentistry. The whitening process is effective on most discolored teeth. Dr. Chau's family dental office offers two whitening options: same day tooth whitening or take home trays.

Zoom Same Day Whitening

Same Day Whitening is a highly progressive procedure created by the brand name Zoom. The Zoom in-office whitening system dramatically whitens teeth in as little as an hour. Zoom Whitening is a scientifically proven way to whiten your teeth safely, effectively and very, very fast!

The procedure is safe and simple. It begins with a brief preparation to cover your lips and gums with specifically designed cotton. With only the teeth revealed, a trained clinician applies the proprietary Zoom whitening gel. The gel is designed to accelerate the whitening process when exposed to a distinctively designed light. The Zoom gel and light work together to gently whiten your teeth by breaking up stains and discoloration. Courtesy trays are also customized for you to touch up at home. With proper care, your teeth may sparkle for years.

Contact us for a free brochure to see if Zoom is right for you.

Take Home Trays

If whitening at home is more appealing, custom trays may be designed. First, an impression is taken to make an ideal mold of your mouth. Then, a tray is designed to perfectly fit your mouth.

Remember! The degree of whiteness may vary from patient to patient, dependent on the structure and staining of the teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics may be more difficult to whiten. There are many options to treat severely discolored teeth from whitening to veneers. Contact us to see which method will best work for you.

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Financial Options

Quality Dentistry is an investment. Sometimes insurance companies ignore this very important aspect of dental health. Therefore, when diagnosing our patients treatment, we do our best to give an accurate estimate from the information supplied by insurance companies. We do not limit treatment based on what an insurance company dictates. Insurance companies do not necessarily pay for Quality Care.

Dr. Chau's office believes everyone deserves the opportunity to have a Healthy and Beautiful Smile. In order for our patients to achieve this quality of treatment we accept the following forms of payment: cash, check and credit card.

Our office has an extended payment plan through Wells Fargo Bank. They offer our patients interest free financing with approved credit.

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