Cosmetic Procedures

Attractive teeth help make you feel good about your smile. Cosmetic dentistryis the right solution for people that desire a brighter smile, improved oral health and a boost to their self esteem. From simple and reliable teeth whitening treatments to extensive, complex smile makeovers, we have the most advanced training, technology and experience to create a look that's perfect for you. USC cosmetic dentist Dr. Allan Melnick of Encino is a recognized expert in this field. He has performed over 10,000 cosmetic procedures to date and has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry. He enjoys the blend between art and science that is needed for the perfect result.

Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers

The star of cosmetic dentistry is the porcelain veneer. You can see the dramatic power of cosmetic dentistry to enhance appearance in the pictures throughout this web site. In particular we have highlighted  porcelain veneers. All veneers are ultra thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the tooth. We employ both Biodent Dental Aesthetics and DaVinci Ceramic Arts both of which have a long reputation for creating superb custom porcelain veneers.

 The teeth are prepared by polishing off a thin layer of tooth structure. When the porcelain veneer is completed we permanently cement the porcelain to the tooth surfaces. Crooked, discolored, or misshapen teeth are transformed into perfect white teeth. Through extensive continuing education Dr. Melnick has developed the skills that can help you achieve a smile you won't want to hide. You can learn more about porcelain veneers by contacting our Encino office or clicking the link below.
Read more about Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers

Smile Makeovers

We tailor a complete personalized cosmetic dentistry smile makeover to meets your goals. We can choose from any combination of porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, crowns and many other cosmetic restorative procedurers and materials dentistry has  to offer. A smile makeover provides a complete dental transformation of your mouth. Sometimes a slight movement of the gum tissues will make the teeth and smile look much younger.You won't need to hide your smile any longer. We have personally seen a smile makeover transform a persons personality. Read Stephanies Story  to find out how cosmetic dentistry can change a persons self esteem. The above picture shows an example of porcelain veneers on the front teeth. In some places a makeover is called a dental face-lift or a movie stars smile, but whatever you want to call it, the way it enhances a persons smile, personality and self confidence is dramatic. Each treatment plan is uniquely designed for the individual . A number of different procedures can be a part of a Smile Makeover. The following are often combined to create a beautiful smile.

• Professional whitening of your teeth.
• Gum care as necessary for a strong foundation and a natural color to the tissues.
• Replacement of dark silver/mercury fillings white ceramic porcelain fillings or porcelain inlays and onlays.
• Correction of the bite to optimize comfort and longevity of your new restorations.
• Recontoring of the gum tissues to create a healthy and even gum line.
• Reshaping and smoothing of a tooth to a youthful look.
• Veneers, crowns, inlays, bonding, fillings, orthodontics and onlays are combined as needed.

Tooth Whitening

The first modern cosmetic procedure was whitening. Our take-home teeth whitening creates a smile that will make you feel  much more attractive.  You start your treatment in our Encino office with the application of a special deep bleaching solution and then continue whitening with convenient take-home trays and gel.  We continually review new  whitening systems to make sure that you get the best methods available in cosmetic dentistry today. Dr. Melnick strongly believes after thorough research that  ULTRADENT OPALESCENCE is the  leader in the field with its long tract record for successful dental bleaching. Our process is very controlled and gentle to the teeth and gums. The one hour bleaching systems that are available in several other Encino dental offices use heat, light and strong bleach resulting in unpredictable results. Our method allows you to choose the exact amount of whiting that you desire. Feel free to contact our Encino office and our staff will be happy to answer any additional questions on whitening.
To read more details about Tooth Whitening follow this link.

Tooth Colored Fillings

Today's cosmetic dentists have many new white filling materials that can be used to change the color of your teeth and close gaps, reshape disfigured teeth, restore most decayed areas and fractures. At the same time the fillings  will maintain a beautiful color and natural smile. All this while adding strength. Unlike the old dark silver/mercury metal fillings, you cannot usually tell the tooth even has a filling because of the exact color match. The fillings themselves are high tech microfilled ceramic resin polimers. Today's products come in a wide variety of colors and brightnesses. Once bonded into the tooth they will last for many years and hold the tooth together thus strengthening the tooth at the same time. They are a very natural looking and a very durable choice for the restoration of problems such as decayed areas. They typically require only one easy appointment and are fully hardened and ready for use immediately. For more information, see our page about White Filling and Bonding.

All Porcelain Crowns

These highly cosmetic crowns are used to restore badly damaged teeth. One of their major advantages over other crowns is the lack of a dark line often seen in other crowns at the point where the crown and tooth meet. The gum tissues also tolerate and adapt very well to an all porcelain material. Today's premier glazed ceramic all porcelain cosmetic crown is made entirely of porcelains with no internal metal whatsoever. This greatly enhances the life like qualities of the final results. The natural translucence and penetration of light through the tooth is amazing. In addition to premium porcelains we use a florescent ingredient in the porcelain so you will look just beautiful on pictures taken indoors, outdoors and in a variety of lighting conditions.

 The newest of these materials have been extensively researched and tested in the lab and in clinical trials. Technically difficult to handle, a very skilled and experienced ceramic technician and dentist are needed to properly employ and maximize the results from these newer restorations. When properly done they are very strong and resistant to breakage. When bonded into place the strength is improved even more. All porcelain crows are the premiere restoration for heavily damaged teeth. The procedure generally takes two appointments about two weeks apart. A comfortable and life like temporary crown is worn between visits.

"Dr. Melnick gave me a fantastic smile! I can't stop looking in the mirror, he is an artist in my eyes." Linda M., Advertising Account Executive - Valencia