La Jolla Family Smile Design

Products And Services

• General Dentistry

  Good dental health is crucial to overall well-being. For decades the team at La Jolla Family Smile Design has been providing quality general dentistry services to patients throughout the San Diego area. Every patient has different dental health needs, and our dentists have the experience and technology to meet those needs. Please call (858) 568-7332 to schedule your appointment. Our practice welcomes patients in and around San Diego and La Jolla. Regular Cleanings & Exams are Necessary People with the healthiest teeth and gums practice good preventative care at home. However, visiting one of our dentists every six months for a professional cleaning and exam can bring your oral health to the next level. Visiting La Jolla Family Smile Design twice a year will let our team assess how well you’re caring for your teeth and suggest improvements. It will also give us the chance to examine your mouth for common dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and other threats to your oral health. General Dentistry Treatments Offered If a combination of at-home care and regular professional help isn’t enough to prevent the onset of oral health problems, our dentists can also recommend additional services to restore strength and function to your teeth and soft tissue. Some of the diagnosis and treatment options we provide include: DIAGNOdent technology for superior detection of cavities iTero three-dimensional scans Digital X-rays Panoramic X-rays Scaling and root planing to remove gum disease as low as the tooth root Laser gum therapy We also provide a wide range of tooth repair and replacement options. Whether you need a dental filling to restore a single cracked tooth or dental implants for full replacement of the upper or lower row of teeth, our San Diego dentists can provide you with the personalized treatment you need to look and feel good about your smile again. And now with the addition of the iTero digital 3D scanners, treatment is faster and more comfortable than ever before. The iTero system is a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner that has the ability to scan teeth and take high-speed images of the patient’s mouth, eliminating the need for impressions made with traditional silicone material. As one of only a few practices in the San Diego area to implement this innovative technological advancement, we are proud to offer the latest in digital dentistry to our patients. Emergency Dental Treatment Available Injury or illness doesn’t happen according to a set schedule. Unfortunately, this is also true for structures in the mouth. That’s why we are a key resource for emergency dental treatment. If you experience a dental emergency, we are available 24/7. This philosophy is dedicated to providing you quality care when you need it – oftentimes when a tooth is injured and time is of the essence to find a solution to preserve your smile. Teeth Cleaning and Oral Hygiene All adults should plan on visiting us every six months for a checkup and teeth cleaning. However, what you do every day between those visits will determine the state of your oral health. Along with providing professional cleaning, we can also suggest possible improvements to get the most from your oral hygiene. Questions About Dental Hygiene Patients who suffer from common dental health problems often wonder what they can do to avoid tooth decay and other issues. We can give you answers to questions like: How long should I brush my teeth? How often should I floss? What toothpaste should I use? What is the best mouthwash? What steps can I take to slow acid production in the mouth? Generally you should brush for two to three minutes at least twice a day and floss daily. Toothpastes with fluoride are ideal, and we can also recommend options specially designed to protect sensitive teeth. Rinsing with water or mouthwash any time after a meal can make your breath fresh and help neutralize harmful acids and bacteria. What to Expect During Your Teeth Cleaning Following the steps above is a good start to quality oral hygiene. However, professional treatment complements at-home care and improves upon it. Key steps you can expect during a cleaning and exam at our office include: Scaling teeth and spaces in between with a pick to remove stains and plaque buildup Polishing your teeth to restore shine to your smile Fluoride rinse to strengthen enamel Checking your teeth for signs of insufficient care If you consistently miss areas of your teeth when brushing or regularly suffer from cavities, our team can recommend future treatments and review how well you care for your teeth. If you’re not brushing or flossing properly, we can educate you on the right technique. To learn more about our general dentistry treatments, please call (858) 568-7332 or email us today. We proudly serves patients throughout San Diego, including La Jolla and surrounding communities.

  Link: General Dentistry

• Cosmetic Dentistry

  At La Jolla Family Smile Design, exceptional cosmetic dentistry should be available to everyone in La Jolla, San Diego, CA. Whether you want to enhance your smile or address specific dental concerns, our expert cosmetic dentist team, including Dr. Jaime Breziner, Dr. David Vasquez, and implant dentist Garry Bloch, offers a wide range of cosmetic dental services in La Jolla to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. From teeth whitening to porcelain veneers, dental implants, and smile makeovers, our treatments use the latest in dental technology and the highest-quality materials to ensure long-lasting, beautiful results. Our cosmetic dentistry treatments in La Jolla, San Diego CA use state-of-the-art technology and the best materials to make your smile shine. Please call us at (858) 568-7332 today to schedule your initial consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout the La Jolla and San Diego area. Available Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments If you're looking to enhance your smile by removing stains, concealing cracks, or transforming your entire look, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments in La Jolla, San Diego, CA. Our services address various dental concerns, including: Porcelain veneers: These thin covers affix to the front of your natural teeth (a few problem teeth or an entire row) to improve their appearance in terms of color and size. In-office and at-home whitening systems: These professional-grade bleaching treatments safely brighten and whiten teeth better than products available in stores. Dental bonding: Bonding uses affordable composite resin to cover imperfections on your teeth, close gaps, lengthen teeth, hide a chip or crack or improve discoloration. Smile makeover: This customized plan combines multiple cosmetic treatments to achieve a fully transformed smile. Our cosmetic dentist’s team also specializes in strengthening and stabilizing teeth that are cracked or broken with custom restorations. We minimize the use of metal, opting for durable ceramic materials to create: Dental crowns: Crowns go on top of a damaged tooth to strengthen it and improve its appearance. Tooth-colored fillings: Composite resin fillings can stop a cavity while matching the natural color of your teeth so your friends can’t tell you’ve had a filling. Dental inlays and onlays: These treatments are appropriate for situations when tooth decay is too significant to be addressed with a filling, but not serious enough to warrant a dental crown. Dental bridges: These prosthetic devices are used to replace a missing tooth (or multiple missing teeth in a row) by connecting to your remaining natural teeth. Image If you’ve replaced lost teeth with dental implants, Dr. Bloch can enhance your smile with a restoration that matches the natural color of your teeth. Once the artificial tooth root is settled beneath the gum line, he can complete the restoration with a ceramic crown. Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Most people agree that a healthy, attractive smile is an investment worth making. As a leading cosmetic dentist in La Jolla, San Diego, CA, we help our patients achieve benefits such as: Improved self-esteem and confidence in their appearance Greater comfort interacting with others Not feeling compelled to cover their mouth when smiling or laughing If you're looking to improve your smile, you deserve the best care. Our team at La Jolla Family Smile Design always strives to create the perfect aesthetic for our cosmetic dentistry patients. To learn how you can achieve a smile you’ll be proud of, contact us today and schedule your cosmetic consultation in La Jolla, San Diego, CA. Teeth Cleaning and Oral Hygiene All adults should plan on visiting our La Jolla dental office every six months for a checkup and professional teeth cleaning. However, your daily oral hygiene habits are key to maintaining optimal oral health. In addition to providing expert cleanings, our team will offer personalized recommendations to help you get the most out of your oral hygiene routine and maintain a healthy smile year-round. Cosmetic Treatments FAQs How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost in La Jolla? The cost of cosmetic dentistry varies based on the treatments included in your personalized care plan. During your consultation at La Jolla Family Smile Design, our team will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs so you’ll know what to expect upfront. While strictly cosmetic procedures aren't typically covered by most insurance plans, some treatments that overlap with restorative dentistry such as crowns and invisible aligners (Invisalign®) may be partially covered. For your convenience, we also accept financing through CareCredit to help you pay for your cosmetic dentistry procedures in La Jolla in easy installments.

  Link: Cosmetic Dentistry

• Restorative Dentistry

  What is Restorative Dentistry? Restorative dentistry refers to a group of treatments and procedures designed to rehabilitate damaged, decayed or missing teeth. With healthy, strong teeth, you can enjoy optimal chewing and speaking ability, a normal looking smile and more self-confidence. Modern advances in restorative dentistry enable Dr. Jaime Breziner, Dr. David Vasquez and Dr. Garry J. Bloch of La Jolla Family Smile Design to restore health and beauty to the teeth quickly, affordably and with minimal or no discomfort. Individuals seeking restorative dentistry treatment in La Jolla and the surrounding San Diego areas trust that our dentists can deliver excellent results and world class patient care. Restorative Dentistry Treatments If one or more of your natural teeth are decayed, chipped, cracked, worn, stained or missing, you might be a suitable candidate for restorative dentistry. We offer a wide range of restorative treatments, including the following: Dental implants to permanently replace missing teeth CEREC dental crowns to encapsulate and add strength to damaged teeth Dental bridges to close the gap between two teeth (left by a missing tooth) Tooth-colored fillings for teeth damaged by cavities Root canal treatment to rehabilitate infected teeth Dentures to replace most or all of the teeth Full mouth restoration to address multiple oral health problems Why Choose La Jolla Family Smile Design One of the wisest ways to ensure the success of your restorative dentistry treatment is to select the right dentist to perform it. There are many reasons why La Jolla restorative dentistry patients continually choose the team at La Jolla Family Smile Design. First and foremost, we are trustworthy. Some forms of tooth decay and damage stem from not taking proper care of the teeth and ignoring recommended oral hygiene practices. Our dentists are not judgmental and we do not scold patients for past negligence in dental care. Instead, we focus on finding the most effective solution to their unique dental problem(s). We understand that healthy, beautiful teeth are important for self-confidence. As natural problem-solvers, our dentists have a variety of treatments and techniques at our disposal to address problems affecting the structure and health of the teeth. We believe that patients should have their options laid out clearly and play an active role in the decision-making process about their care. We can explain the differences between dental implants and dental bridges, or discuss the advances of replacing old metal fillings with tooth-colored fillings. We patiently weigh all options. Restorative Dental Work Timeline Once a plan of treatment has been determined, each step of treatment is explained carefully and in plain language that is easy to understand. Our dentists are straightforward about what to expect during and after treatment. Our skill and technique allow us to rehabilitate the affected teeth so they are strong, healthy and beautiful. Every effort is taken to make the smile restoration process comfortable, pain-free and stress-free for the patient. After treatment, we encourage our restorative dentistry patients to see us on a regular basis so we can keep an eye on their progress and overall dental health. We treat our patients with the same respect and compassion that we would a member of our family. FAQ for Restorative Dental What are the benefits of restorative dentistry? Restorative dentistry can provide a number of advantages for many patients, including: Improve oral health Restore ability to chew Alleviate dental pain/toothaches Decrease the risk of future dental issues

  Link: Restorative Dentistry

• TMJ Treatment

  Problems affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the small joint connecting the jaw to the skull — can lead to chronic headaches, facial pain, difficulty opening the mouth and dental problems. Fortunately, the team at La Jolla Family Smile Design has vast experience in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ problems. If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms affecting your jaw joint, we want to help. With our clinical expertise and advanced diagnostic technology, we will ensure you receive the necessary care for your TMJ issues. Understanding TMJ Disorder (TMD) The TMJ is located on both sides of the jaw. It is a “ball-and-socket” joint, with a disc of cartilage that cushions the head of the jawbone and the skull. The TMJ joint may be small, but it is extremely complex and plays a crucial role in many important daily functions. Your TMJ works with the surrounding muscles and ligaments to control your ability to open and close your mouth, chew, speak and swallow. TMD Symptoms Traumatic injuries (such as a direct blow to the jaw), arthritis or even habitual involuntary teeth grinding or clenching can damage the joint itself or the ligaments that work with the joint. When these structures are out of alignment, the following symptoms commonly occur: A clicking, popping or grating noise when opening the mouth Difficulty opening the mouth wide Difficulty or pain when chewing Headaches Pain behind the eyes Lockjaw Tooth sensitivity or toothaches Earaches or ringing in the ears Dizziness Bite problems If you are affected by these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation with our team. One of our dentists will ask you about the nature of your symptoms, take a medical and dental health history and assess all of the joints and muscles of your TMJ to gain further insight into the problem. We will also use advanced diagnostic technology to confirm or rule out TMJ disorder. Treating TMJ Disorder Treatment for TMJ disorder is highly individualized to the circumstances of the problem. Depending on the root cause of your TMJ problems and the severity of the issue, our dentists may recommend a number of different techniques and technologies. Our dentists usually start by suggesting simple lifestyle changes, such as switching to a soft foods-only diet and practicing relaxation exercises to control tension in the jaw. Taking over-the-counter pain medication or muscle relaxers and applying hot or cold compresses can soothe discomfort. Stress management techniques can help minimize stress that contributes to involuntary teeth grinding or clenching. Oral Appliances If pain and symptoms persist, we can recommend other therapies based on the suspected cause. Often oral appliances, such as a mouth guard to protect the teeth from nighttime grinding or clenching or a splint to move the jaw forward and relieve pressure, are useful. In cases where TMJ problems have changed the way the upper and lower teeth fit together, orthodontics or reshaping of the teeth may be suggested. Surgery is reserved for the most advanced cases where other treatment modalities fail and the joint has severely degraded or dislocated. TMJ Causes and Risk Factors TMJ dysfunction is known for causing disruptive symptoms that make it difficult for patients to go about their daily lives. The condition is often the result of several factors, as opposed to just one main cause. These can include: Injuries to the jaw Bruxism Misaligned bite Stress Exams and Tests A dental exam can help our experts determine the cause of your TMJ pain. X-rays may be taken to help identify bite misalignment and observe the structures surrounding the joints in the jaw. Gently pressure may be applied to your face and jaw to locate tender areas. You may also be required to open and close your mouth so that our doctors can observe specific symptoms, such as popping noises, as well as the range of motion in your jaw. FAQs What can I do to relieve TMJ pain at home? There are a number of in-office treatment options available to patients with TMJ dysfunction, but your exact treatment plan will depend on the severity of your symptoms, certain lifestyle factors, and other considerations. For relief at home, you should try to keep your jaw as relaxed as possible. Additionally, TMJ dysfunction can be made worse with certain habits. If you suffer from this condition, consider breaking the following bad habits to reduce symptoms: Chewing excessive amounts of gum or ice: Eating extremely hard or chewy foods can overwork the muscles and ligaments in the jaw and make pain worse. Misusing your teeth: Sometimes, it can feel convenient to use your teeth to open or tear things when no other tools are nearby. However, doing so can cause the jaw to move in unnatural and uncomfortable ways, putting you at risk for serious TMJ dysfunction symptoms.

  Link: TMJ Treatment

• Sleep Apnea

  Dr. Jaime Breziner, Dr. David Vasquez and Dr. Garry J. Bloch of La Jolla Family Smile Design are committed to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems affecting the teeth and gums. You may be surprised to learn that we are also at the forefront of the detection and treatment of a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repeated brief cessations in breath that occur when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep. Dentists are often the first healthcare providers to discover signs of obstructive sleep apnea; they do so by simply looking into a patient’s mouth. Our advanced knowledge of the anatomy of the mouth helps us catch cases that may otherwise go unnoticed. Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the soft tissues in the rear of the throat collapse during sleep, partially or completely blocking the airway and interrupting the normal flow of breath. The breathing interruptions can last a few seconds up to a full minute or more, and they can occur hundreds of times per night. Chronic cycles of decreased oxygenation are extremely dangerous to overall health, raising the risk of problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and heart disease. A chronic lack of quality sleep also takes a toll on mental health, contributing to chronic daytime exhaustion, mood swings, anxiety and depression. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms General warning signs of sleep apnea include snoring and choking or gasping noises during sleep. Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth is blocked, and choking or gasping noises indicate the body has resumed breathing after a pause. Signs of sleep apnea that may be detected during an oral exam include worn tooth surfaces, broken teeth and inflamed or receding gums. These clues suggest involuntarily grinding or clenching the teeth at night as a signal to the brain to partially wake up and take a breath. Other oral health signs that indicate possible sleep apnea include a small jaw, a tongue with scalloped edges or redness in the throat. If we notice any of these clues during one of your routine exams, we will ask you some simple screening questions to determine your individual risk for sleep apnea. We can also refer you to an appropriate sleep specialist for an official screening and sleep study. Once you are formally diagnosed, our team can ensure you get the best treatment for your sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea Treatment Options Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a popular way to treat sleep apnea. A machine blows pressurized air into a mask worn over the nose and mouth to keep the airway open. But CPAP machines are often criticized for being loud, bulky and disruptive to sleep. As an alternative, our team can provide you with a customized dental appliance that shifts and supports your jaw to keep your airway open during sleep. There are a few different types of appliances, and we can recommend the most effective solution for you. We will provide fitting and adjustments for the appliances and can monitor you over time to ensure your appliance works. We will also coordinate with your other healthcare providers to track your progress. Sleep Apnea Treatment FAQs What are the risk factors associated with sleep apnea? Sleep apnea can occur in patients of all ages and backgrounds, but the condition is more common in certain groups of people, including: People over 60 years of age Individuals who suffer from obesity or those who carry around extra weight Those who take certain medications, such as opioids Individuals with heart problems, such as congestive heart failure Can sleep apnea affect my health? What does sleep apnea in children look like? How is sleep apnea diagnosed? How can a customized oral appliance help with my sleep apnea?

  Link: Sleep Apnea

• Children’s Dentistry

  At La Jolla Family Smile Design, we strive to create a home-y, family-centered office atmosphere. We love getting to know our youngest patients and we treat everyone with a gentle touch and a friendly smile. We want children to feel safe in our care, and we have the experience and qualifications to handle children’s unique dental needs. By establishing positive associations with dental care from a young age, our hope is that our pediatric patients maintain healthy habits for life. To learn more about family dentistry services for parents and children, please call La Jolla Family Smile Design at (858) 568-7332 today and schedule your first appointment. We are proud of our comfortable, inviting office located in beautiful La Jolla, California. Family Dentistry Services Offered Good dental health is crucial to overall well-being. Parents should teach the importance of brushing, flossing, and eating right to kids from an early age to prevent unnecessary pain, illness, and expense later in life. Regular appointments with a family dentist are also important for maintaining oral health. To provide the healthy foundation for a beautiful smile, we offer services to La Jolla patients of all ages such as: Teeth cleanings Exams Digital X-rays and other imaging tests Dental sealants to prevent cavities in kids Treatment for gum disease Dental care during pregnancy Tooth-colored fillings and other dental restorations Along with preventative care and diagnosis and treatment for oral health issues, our dentists always balance what’s best for your dental health with ways to enhance the appearance of your smile. Your Child’s First Dental Visit We recommend that parents schedule their child’s first dentist visit at the age of 3. This first appointment is a key milestone in your child’s life because it could potentially make them form a positive or negative association with dental treatment that could last a lifetime. Because this first impression is so important, we take a careful, comfortable approach for each child’s first visit. Here’s what you can expect when you bring your little one in for the appointment: A soothing atmosphere No rushing – we’ll take all the time you need to answer your questions, talk about your concerns, and let your child look around the office All ambiance – we won’t perform any type of treatment during this first visit People who develop a fear of the dentist at a young age often suffer serious oral health problems without seeking necessary treatment. With many years of experience as a family dentistry practice, we know it takes setting early, positive expectations to avoid “dental phobia.” Children’s Orthodontics Invisalign is not just for adults — it is also an effective treatment for teenagers. Most kids have fully developed adult teeth by the age of 13. If these teeth appear crooked or out of alignment, it is appropriate to start orthodontic treatment at that point. Most teens prefer Invisalign to traditional braces because the clear aligners hide more easily in the mouth than metal wires. Since they can take out the aligners when they eat, this also makes it easier to keep their teeth clean and free of food particles. Pediatric Dentistry FAQs Why do kids need dental care if baby teeth are not permanent? A lifetime of strong oral hygiene begins with good dental habits in childhood. While it is true that baby teeth eventually fall out, they play an important role in allowing your child to chew and speak. If a baby tooth decays and falls out prematurely, it may cause the other teeth to shift out of place and lead to serious misalignment of the adult teeth. Furthermore, gum health can deteriorate at any early age, with infections getting in the bloodstream and potentially affecting the health of other organs. How soon can my kids start brushing their own teeth? Should I get dental sealants for my child’s teeth? Why does my child need fluoride treatment and fluoride toothpaste? How often should my child visit the dentist? Please contact La Jolla Family Smile Design today to schedule your initial family dentistry appointment at our comfortable office in La Jolla.

  Link: Children’s Dentistry