Thursday, March 19, 2009

Great Deals on Veneers, Invisalign, and Lumineers from Dr. Ray Partovy

At Dr. Ray Partovy's Office, we understand how important a beautiful smile is. And we want to help you get there. Not only do we provide state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry services in our luxurious Marina del Rey and Tarzana locations, but right now we are offering three monthly specials.

For the months of March, April, and May, we are offering the following great discounts:

$500 off Invisalign
$500 off Lumineers
$500 off Veneers

Get that smile you have always dreamed of before Summer rolls around from Dr. Ray Partovy.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Share Your Movie Star Status With Friends And Family -- Dr. Partovy

When you’re an Invisalign® patient at Dr. Ray Partovy's office, your teeth star in their very own movie – and you can share the fun with family and friends!

Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly invisible, comfortable, removable Aligners. Aligners are created with the help of advanced computer imaging technology.

At our office, these computer images of your teeth are compiled into an animated movie that shows how your teeth will move from crooked to straight over the course of your treatment! It’s like a little glimpse into the future of your perfect smile.

You can log in to our web site anytime to see your very own movie – and with the click of a button, you can email your movie to friends and family to show them how great your teeth will look after your Invisalign treatment!

If you haven’t signed up for this free online service yet, ask us about it during your next visit to Dr. Partovy's office!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Show Me Your Smile -- Dr. Ray Partovy


Pointy tools. X-rays. Chairs that lift you off the ground.

For a child not familiar with the dentist, that first visit can be a whirlwind of one scary situation after another. If your little one’s first appointment is coming up, do him – and yourself – a favor, and give him a guided tour of what to expect, before he gets to our office.

“Show Me Your Smile!” is book number eleven in the Dora the Explorer series. True to form, the plucky protagonist provides a thorough explanation of everything involved in a dental visit. From the waiting room, to the bright lights and big chairs of the treatment bay, to the heavy apron she wears for her x-ray, Dora points out each component of the office and explains its function.

Dora even walks us through the procedure of getting a filling after her dentist finds a cavity on her x-ray. She gets a sticker and new toothbrush at the end of her appointment. And she reminds us that regular brushing and flossing mean healthier teeth.

If you prepare your child for his first trip to our office – or let Dora do it for you – he’ll have a much more positive experience. The more he trusts us and enjoys his time here at Dr. Ray Partovy's office, the more easily he’ll embark on a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Bruxism: Are you Grinding Your Teeth--Dr. Partovy, Marina Del Ray

You’ve probably read about “gnashing of the teeth.” Authors from Mark Twain to Charles Dickens to the scribes of biblical times have referenced this popular idiom for an expression of extreme anger. But if you find yourself or a family member gnashing or grinding teeth, the more likely culprit is not anger, but stress.

The medical term for teeth grinding or clenching is “bruxism,” a word that comes from the Greek “brychein” which means “to gnash the teeth.” Although there’s not a firm consensus in the medical community regarding the exact causes of bruxism, it is widely thought that stress is a contributing factor in many cases.

Because bruxism frequently takes place during sleep, it can be tricky to identify the problem. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms. If you suspect that you or a family member is experiencing bruxism, schedule an appointment with us immediately. Because continuous teeth grinding can cause long-term damage, the sooner it’s addressed, the better.

Signs of bruxism include:

* Sensitivity in the teeth
* Tightness or pain in the jaw
* Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
* Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth
* Night grinding that is loud enough to disturb the sleep of those nearby


Adults and children alike are prone to teeth grinding, although in young children the habit tends to be age-related – bruxism can coincide with the arrival of new teeth – and in most cases is simply outgrown.

For children and adults suffering from bruxism, seek out signs of stress and take steps to alleviate anxiety, especially just before bedtime. Stretching exercises and massage, especially in the jaw area, can help. You can also try holding a warm washcloth or heated rice sack against the jaw to relieve tension.

Other ways to manage bruxism include:

* Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
* Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
* Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
* Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
* When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit


Although slight cases of bruxism don’t cause permanent damage, severe or long-term moderate cases can result in chipped teeth, worn enamel, and chronic pain. Bruxism can also lead to or worsen temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMJ). If someone in your family is experiencing bruxism, schedule a visit to our office right away. We can check for damage, determine the severity of the situation, and recommend methods of managing the problem – before long-term damage occurs.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Dr. Partovy Patient Reviews

Dr. Partovy and his staff pride themselves on providing the latest in dental care for a truly personalized experience. Just see what their patients are saying!Dr. Partovy cares about his work and the patients.
-Bill S.

Everyone at Maxella Dental is professional and explains things to you in a manner you can understand.
-Margaret H.

Dr. Baum is polite, courteous, professional, and instills a sense of trust, honesty, and commitment to quality service.
-James V.

The personal care and consideration given to me by each person in the office makes it a great dental experience.
-Robert C.

Dr. Partovy and his staff get me in quickly.
-Kathryn N.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Gummy Tummy - Dr. Ray Partovy

We know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Dr. Ray Partovy!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Good Breath Gone Bad - Dr. Ray Partovy

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!