Do you fear the dentist?  Does the thought of sitting in a dental chair give you anxiety?  We have a solution for you.  Dental Anesthesia will help you relax and not remember the procedure.  All of our sedation cases are administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist in our surgical suite.

The different levels of sedation we use:

• Minimal sedation — Nitrous oxide – you are awake but relaxed
• Moderate sedation — Medications are used to relax you and create amnesia of the procedure.
• General anesthesia — you are completely unconscious.

Crowns restore the tooth by completely covering it with a strong, beautiful porcelain.  Crowns are required when a tooth has very little tooth structure left due to dental disease, trauma, root canal therapy, or it is at risk for further fracture due to existing fracture lines.  Fracture lines can be painful or painless.  Fractures get deeper in the tooth every time you chew, clench, or grind.  Eventually if left untreated one of these will happen:

1. Part of the tooth fractures off and the tooth can be repaired with a crown.  Cost – Crown
2. The part of the tooth fractures off and into the nerve chamber.  This will require a root canal to save the tooth.  Cost – Root Canal Therapy, Core Build up, Crown.
3. The tooth fractures below the gumline, and the tooth cannot be saved.  Cost – extraction, replacing tooth with implant, bridge or denture.

Regular exams allow Dr. Ray to identify fractures at the earlier stages.  Less costly for you, and better for your tooth!

We can evaluate your wisdom teeth to see if they need to be extracted.  If they do need to be extracted, we can refer you to one of our trusted oral surgeons.

Root canals are necessary when the nerve of the tooth is either dead or dying.  We have an onsite endodontist who specializes in root canal treatments.  I find patients are often fearful of the term root canal, modern dentistry has made root canal therapy more like getting a filling.  Endodontists are highly skilled at managing pain and keeping you comfortable during this procedure.

We use digital x-rays in our office for the following reasons:

1. Less radiation than traditional x-rays
2. Better images than traditional x-rays
3. Faster than traditional x-rays
4. Easier to send to specialist
5. No chemical waste from processing

Teeth get stained over time by foods and drinks.  Think coffee, tea, red wine, beets – how much would they stain a white t-shirt?  Whitening uses a peroxide to clean those stains from the surface of the teeth.  We use KOR whitening in our office.  We prefer Kor because it starts with home treatments, and then finishes with in-office whitening and provides the best results.  We recommend a white diet after bleaching for 48 hours.  A list of non-staining foods will be given to you.  Whitening has no known long-term negative effects, but can result in some short-term sensitivity during treatment that will go away after your treatment is completed.

Dental implants are a way that we can replace missing teeth.

Dental implants are a way that we can replace missing teeth.  Titanium is fused with bone to create a tooth root replacement system.  The implant crown is then connected to the implant below the gumline.  Implants allow us to replace a single tooth, or multiple teeth with multiple implants if needed.Using 3-D X-rays and a surgical guide we make sure the implant is in the correct position and doesn’t hit any nerves.  Correct positioning ensures the forces are distributed properly on the implant which leads to higher success rates.  Titanium implants fuse with the bone to create a tooth root replacement system.  The implant crown is then connected to the implant below the gumline.  Implants allow us to replace a single tooth, or multiple teeth with multiple implants if needed.

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Fillings are used to when there is a small fracture, or small decay in the tooth. Composite is a resin and glass mixture that is tooth colored. Composite resins come in many different colors so the Dr. Ray can match your tooth color. Composite fillings conserve tooth structure and allow the dentist to remove minimal amounts of tooth before repairing it.  At Giant Smiles Dental-Manhattan Beach we know you care about how you look so we only place tooth colored fillings!

One way to replace a lost tooth is with a bridge.  Dr. Ray will prepare the teeth on either side of the space for crowns.  He then scans the tooth and depending on the situation he will either  fabricate your bridge at the appointment, or send it to a lab to create a bridge.  This spans the space and cements to the adjacent teeth. The restoration is a dental bridge, hence the name.

CEREC is a dental system that allows a dentist to produce a beautiful porcelain restoration using computer assisted three-dimensional imaging called CAD/CAM. The restoration of a tooth, (or teeth), can be performed in a single sitting which means no temporary crowns that can fall off and farewell to multiple visits for a single crown. We have many colors and materials to choose from so this restoration will blend into your smile.

Periodontitis or “gum disease” is the name of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth. The presence of periodontal disease has also been linked with heart disease. Gum disease only gets worse if left untreated which may lead to loosening and eventual loss of teeth. Gum disease can be slowed or prevented by regular cleaning visits. Important “risk factors” include smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, and inherited (genetic) susceptibility.

Dentures are a prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth, they are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Conventional dentures are designed to be removable, however there are many different types denture designs, some rely on clipping onto existing teeth or dental implants.

An extraction is the removal of a tooth. Extractions are performed for many different reasons. Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your bite because teeth can drift and cause issues. Loss of teeth can increase the load on your remaining teeth and cause extra wear on teeth, headaches, and muscle pain in your jaw. Don’t worry, we can usually replace missing teeth pretty easily with implants!

Sometimes, more than a filling is needed but a full crown would be too much. A milled porcelain restoration may be needed. This allows us to use porcelain and conserve tooth structure. It is always best to conserve as much tooth structure as possible, because studies show that will allow us to move to a crown at a later date extending the life of the tooth.

Sometimes, more than a filling is needed but a full crown would be too much. In cases like this, a milled porcelain restoration may be the best solution. This allows us to use porcelain and conserve tooth structure. It is always best to conserve as much tooth structure as possible, because studies show that will allow us to move to a crown at a later date extending the life of the tooth.

If you have ever been embarrassed or unhappy with your smile, porcelain veneers can be your solution. They are thin “shells” of porcelain that are bonded on to your teeth. Once properly bonded into place they become strong restorations that are resistant to staining and chipping. We can take misaligned teeth and make them straight. We can make a discolored smile into a beautiful bright smile that will not pick up stains with porcelain veneers.

Veneers are one Dr. Ray’s specialties. He also trained under one of the premier cosmetic dentists in Northern California and the official dentist of the Miss California Pageant. Dr. Ray travels all over the country and takes many courses on Cosmetic dentistry so he can provide you with an incredible new smile.

Veneers serve to revitalize worn, chipped and stained teeth. They can also change the shape and alignment of your teeth so that you can achieve that perfect smile in just two visits!

Ask about our smile design services and our extreme smile makeovers.

Regular dental checkups, dental cleanings and good dental hygiene are the foundation for a lifetime of oral health. We provide a complete range of preventive services to keep your mouth, teeth and gums looking and feeling their best.

• Cleaning and Hygiene
• Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
• Dental sealants
• Oral Cancer Screenings
• Regular Checkups
• Patient Education

At Giant Smiles Dental we offer many different treatments for TMD/Migraine relief.

Chemical splint – Injecting certain muscles with Botox we can inactivate muscles to help eliminate TMJ pain. The injections must be completed every three to six months in order to keep the proper muscles relaxed.

Custom oral appliances – there are different types of oral appliances that can help with clenching and grinding through different reflex loops and helping to open the airway at night. Each case is different and we use a special device to determine which of these appliances is best for you.

Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that actively move the teeth to more ideal positions over time. Patients love this treatment because they can re-align their teeth without having to wear traditional metal braces. The average treatment time is less than 1 year.

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the opportunity for orthodontic treatment you missed during your youth? The good news is that it’s never too late to achieve a straighter, healthier smile, even if you’re no longer a teenager. At Giant Smiles Dental, under the expert care of Dr. Greg Ray, D.D.S., we offer a transformative solution: Invisalign®. In as little as a year, Invisalign can give you the confidence of knowing your teeth are straighter and more attractive. Let’s delve into the world of Invisalign and the myriad benefits it brings.

Discover the Advantages of Invisalign

If you’re seeking a discreet path to a straighter smile, our office is the place to be. Invisalign treatment is virtually invisible, ensuring that no one will even notice you’re undergoing teeth straightening care.

Invisalign offers the flexibility of removal, allowing you to take out your aligners for everyday activities like brushing, flossing, eating, or attending special events. As long as you adhere to the prescribed daily wear time, you can easily remove your trays as needed.

Furthermore, Invisalign surpasses traditional braces in terms of comfort. The smooth aligner trays are gentle on your gums, eliminating the irritation commonly associated with braces. Unlike braces, Invisalign won’t subject you to broken wires, lost brackets, or the discomfort of cuts and abrasions in your mouth.

Ready to take the next step toward a more inconspicuous path to straighter teeth? Visit Giant Smiles Dental in Manhattan Beach and explore Invisalign. If you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign, Dr. Greg Ray, D.D.S., can guide you toward achieving a smile you’ll be proud to flaunt.

Invisalign in Manhattan Beach with Giant Smiles Dental

At Giant Smiles Dental, we’re on a mission to help patients of all ages attain and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles for a lifetime. Dr. Greg Ray and his dedicated team are committed to delivering dental care that seamlessly fits into your lifestyle, all within a welcoming and comfortable office environment. Our comprehensive treatment options encompass the opportunity to straighten your teeth through Invisalign treatment.

Why Opt for Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign stands as one of the premier orthodontic treatments available today, offering a nearly imperceptible method to enhance your smile. Here are just a few of the compelling reasons to choose Invisalign:

1. Virtually Invisible: Invisalign aligners are transparent, seamlessly blending with your teeth, rendering your orthodontic journey discreet.
2. Convenient: Invisalign treatment accommodates even the most hectic schedules, necessitating visits to our office only every six weeks.
3. Accelerated Treatment: With weekly aligner changes, you’ll be on your way to your dream smile even faster. While the duration between aligner changes may vary based on your progress, Invisalign remains one of the swiftest orthodontic treatments available.
4. Effectiveness: Invisalign clear aligners can effectively address various teeth-straightening issues, including crossbites, crowding, open bites, gaps, overbites, and underbites.
5. Exceptional Fit: Crafted from SmartTrack material, Invisalign aligners offer exceptional comfort, a snug fit, and effortless removal.
6. Proven Outcomes: SmartTrack® material and SmartForce® features have been clinically demonstrated to enhance tooth movement control with Invisalign clear aligners.
7. Comfortable: Invisalign clear aligner trays are not only smooth and comfortable to wear, but they are also removable. This means you can maintain your usual eating habits and oral hygiene routine with ease.

The Invisalign Treatment Journey

Our goal is to make Invisalign treatment as convenient as possible. Here’s an overview of the process that will guide you toward your new smile:

1. Initial Consultation: During your first visit, Dr. Greg Ray and our team will assess your needs and determine if Invisalign treatment is the right fit for you.
2. Custom Treatment Plan: Impressions of your teeth are sent to the Invisalign Labs, where they are transformed into a 3D computer image. Dr. Greg Ray will collaborate with an Invisalign technician to craft a personalized treatment plan, orchestrating gradual tooth movement with aligners changed every two weeks.
3. Invisalign Clear Aligners: Your tailor-made aligners, composed of Invisalign’s proprietary SmartTrack® material, are virtually invisible, making them inconspicuous during treatment. You’ll wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them solely for eating, brushing, and flossing.
4. Monitoring Progress: As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth will gently shift into their desired positions. We may adjust the frequency of aligner changes depending on your response to treatment, with checkups scheduled every six weeks or as needed.
5. Preserving Your New Smile: Once your treatment concludes, inquire about Vivera® retainers. These custom-made retainers employ the same cutting-edge technology as Invisalign clear aligners.

Schedule a Consultation with Your Manhattan Beach, CA Dentist

At Giant Smiles Dental, we aspire to be your top choice for dentistry in Manhattan Beach, CA. If you’re ready to embark on a journey toward a new smile through Invisalign treatment, we’re here to assist you. Contact us today to acquaint yourself with Dr. Greg Ray and our team, delve into the treatment process, and arrange a consultation at our office. We eagerly await your call!

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Bonding is another way of saying composite filling. Composite resin is tooth colored filling material. Composites come in many different shades and colors so the dentist can custom match your teeth. Dr. Ray first prepares your tooth by removing any decay or diseased tooth structure. The tooth is prepared with bond and the composite is then layered to match the shape and color of the tooth. Each layer is cured with a blue light to harden the composite filling so that it may function in your mouth. Dr. Ray then uses marking paper to make sure all of the teeth fit together properly. The composite filling is then polished to give it a nice shine!

Cosmetic dentistry is used to improve the appearance of your smile so that it looks healthy and natural. There are many factors that we as dentists consider when analyzing a patients’ smile. Depending on the case we can use a variety of materials to improve your smile but generally we will use porcelain restorations because of their strength and beauty. We can take dark teeth or poorly positioned teeth and turn them into a beautiful new smile.

When analyzing a smile we consider many factors such as:

Tooth Position – Where are the teeth in relation to each other? Where are the teeth in relation to the rest of your facial structures?

Lip Position – Is there a gummy smile and how can we correct that?

Position of the gums – are the gums symmetrical or are they higher on some teeth that others?

The placement of the midline – where should the front teeth meet in relation to the rest of the facial structures?

The color and shape of the teeth – what color and shape do we want so the teeth appear natural?

Balance and Symmetry of the teeth – Specific height to width ratios and proportions related to the relative position of the teeth are esthetically pleasing.

Relation of smile to the eyes – Generally we want the line between the pupils to be parallel to the plane of the teeth.

These are some of the factors we evaluate to allow us to create a smile that is pleasing to the eye and functionally stable.

At Giant Smiles we are always ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest advances in dental technology. 3D Imaging gives us an accurate picture of a patient’s mouth, teeth, gums and even airway. These images let us know where the nerves, and other vital structures are. We can then 3-Dimensionally plan your procedure and use guides to be extremely accurate. The result is that we’re able to perform precise and less invasive procedures – and deliver a great patient experience.

Our 3D scanner allows us to take scout images (to make sure we are getting the information we want) and choose the field of view that best is needed. This also helps to limit your radiation exposure, because we are focused specifically on your area of concern.

If you suffer from snoring or sleep apnea and find CPAP machines difficult to sleep with, we offer custom Oral Appliances as an alternative solution. The general population is starting to hear more about Sleep Apnea and UARS (lower level sleep apnea). We can help with custom oral appliances. We use an adjustable appliance to find out what type is most comfortable and works best for you. Similar to a nightguard it is worn while you sleep. These are appropriate for sleep disordered breathing and mild/moderate sleep apnea. These appliances are comfortable, easy to wear, and convenient for travel.