Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A dental exam and cleaning at Dr. Michael Hoang’s office in Hawthorne, CA, involves thoroughly checking and cleaning your teeth and gums to keep your smile healthy and prevent dental issues.

Detailed Explanation of a Dental Exam

The dental exam starts with Dr. Mike reviewing your dental and medical history to understand any health issues that might affect your dental treatment. 

Next, he uses specialized tools and extensive expertise to check your teeth for signs of decay, cracks, or wear. He also checks your gums for any signs of gum disease, such as swelling or deep pockets. As a routine part of your exam, Dr. Mike checks your lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

What to Expect during Your Teeth Cleaning

Even if you brush and floss diligently at home, plaque and tartar can build up. Dr. Mike carefully removes these deposits from above and below the gumline. After removing tartar, he polishes your teeth to remove stains and give your mouth a fresh, clean feeling. 

Dr. Mike may also take digital x-rays, depending on how long it's been since you last had them done. Your x-rays allow him to detect issues not apparent during a visual exam, such as below the gum line or within the tooth. 

Are You Due for Your Next Dental Checkup?

We are always accepting new patients and will welcome you warmly, whether it’s been six months or six years since your last checkup. If you're due for your next exam and teeth cleaning, call our Hawthorne, CA, dental office to schedule an appointment. 

Clear aligners like Invisalign are designed to correct smile misalignments, including crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth and bite issues. Dr. Michael Hoang offers Candid aligners at his Hawthorne, CA, dental office and recommends them for adults and teens looking to improve their smiles discreetly.

Types of Dental Issues Clear Aligners Address

Dr. Mike addresses the following issues with Candid aligners: 

• Crooked Teeth — Clear aligners efficiently straighten teeth without traditional metal braces.
• Overbites and Underbites — These common issues occur when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively (overbite) or when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth (underbite). Clear aligners can realign the teeth for a more balanced bite.
• Uneven Spacing — Clear aligners can close wide or uneven spaces between teeth to give you a more even, uniform smile.
• Crowded Teeth — When there isn’t enough space in your jaw, teeth can become crowded and overlap. Clear aligners can gradually move the teeth into a better position to relieve crowding.
• Mild to Moderate Bite Problems — Clear aligners are effective for correcting mild to moderate bite problems, while more severe cases might require traditional braces. 

Partnering with Dr. Mike for Clear Aligners

Before recommending clear aligners, Dr. Mike will perform a thorough oral health evaluation, including x-rays, impressions, and photos. He provides personalized care and tailors your clear aligner treatment to suit your unique dental needs and preferences.

If you’re ready to see how discreet aligner treatment can benefit your smile, call Dr. Mike’s Hawthorne, CA, dental office to schedule an appointment.

Are you dreaming of a perfect smile? Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, in Hawthorne, CA, offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments, including bonding, porcelain crowns, clear aligners, veneers, and teeth whitening. He is committed to crafting personalized smile makeover plans to help you achieve your dream smile.

Personalized Approach to Smile Makeovers

Dr. Mike starts every smile makeover with a thorough consultation to understand your dental health and aesthetic desires. He believes in a collaborative approach and actively involves you in the planning process. This process ensures your new smile aligns perfectly with your vision and expectations.

Smile Makeover Services Offered by Dr. Mike

Dr. Mike offers a variety of treatments that can address a wide range of dental issues:

• Composite Bonding — Corrects minor chips, cracks, and gaps between teeth.
• Porcelain Crowns — Ideal for damaged, decayed, or severely discolored teeth.
• Candid Clear Aligners — Adjusts misaligned teeth or improper bites.
• Veneers — Covers severe discoloration, gaps, uneven teeth, or minor misalignments.
• Teeth Whitening — Eliminates staining and discoloration beyond what regular brushing achieves.

After evaluating your oral health and discussing your cosmetic goals, Dr. Mike will recommend a combination of treatments to achieve your desired results. You can opt to have all the work done at once or spread treatments over time to better manage your budget.

Ready to Get Started with Your Smile Makeover?

Schedule a consultation with our Hawthorne cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, to see how his personalized smile makeover services can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. 

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common condition affecting the gums and bones supporting your teeth. It begins with plaque buildup along and under the gum line. If you don’t remove plaque with consistent brushing and flossing, you can develop an infection that damages the gum and supporting bone structure, eventually leading to tooth loss. 

Gum Disease Treatment in Hawthorne, CA

Gum disease typically progresses from gingivitis, a mild form of gum inflammation, to more severe forms known as periodontitis. Dr. Mike offers several effective gum disease treatments, including:

• Professional Cleaning — For early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis, regular professional cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing at home can't manage.
• Scaling and Root Planing — During this deep cleaning, Dr. Mike carefully scrapes away tartar (scaling) above and below the gumline. He also smooths rough spots on the tooth root (planing) to remove bacteria and provide a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
• Medications — Dr. Mike may recommend antimicrobial mouth rinses or antibiotics to help control infection and inflammation associated with gum disease.
• Surgical Treatments — For advanced stages of periodontitis, surgical treatments may be necessary.  

Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning with Us

If you suspect you have gum disease or have been experiencing symptoms such as swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, please call Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, today to schedule an evaluation.

Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, specializes in creating fillings that are virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth structure.

Our Commitment to Natural-Looking Results

Dr. Mike understands the importance of aesthetics in dental treatments. He takes great care to ensure all dental work functions perfectly, looks natural, and enhances your smile. During the filling process, Dr. Mike meticulously shapes and polishes the composite material to match the contours and sheen of tooth enamel.

Omnichroma Composites for Perfect Color Matching

Dr. Mike uses Omnichroma composites, an advanced material known for its unique ability to blend with any tooth color to achieve the best aesthetic results. Omnichroma composites reflect the surrounding tooth color and adapt to the individual shade of each tooth. This material ensures your fillings are undetectable to maintain your smile’s natural appearance.

Natural-Looking Dentistry in Hawthorne, CA

Using advanced materials like Omnichroma composites, Dr. Mike ensures your fillings will perfectly match your natural teeth. Contact Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

We proudly serve patients in Hawthorne, CA, and the surrounding areas of El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Mar Vista, and Torrance. 

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can last 10 years or longer with proper care. Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, works with top custom dental labs that craft veneers using the highest quality materials that mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. 

Potential Issues with Porcelain Veneers

Conditions that can affect your veneers’ lifespan include: 

• Tooth Decay — If decay develops on a tooth with a veneer, Dr. Mike might need to remove and replace the veneer.
• Damage from Stress — Veneers can chip or crack from trauma or habits such as biting nails, chewing ice, or using teeth to open packages.
• Improper Oral Care — Inconsistent oral hygiene can affect the underlying tooth and gums and potentially compromise the veneer.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Veneers

Here are some steps you can take to get the most longevity from your veneers:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene — Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss once.
• Schedule Regular Dental Checkups — These visits allow Dr. Mike to check the condition of your veneers and the health of your teeth and gums.
• Wear a Mouthguard — If you participate in sports, consider a mouthguard to protect your veneers from damage.
• Avoid Hard Foods — Veneers are strong but not indestructible. Avoid foods like hard candy, crusty bread, and popcorn, which can chip or damage veneers.

Call to Schedule a Veneers Appointment

If you're considering veneers or need guidance on caring for your existing veneers, contact Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, to schedule an appointment at our Hawthorne, CA, dental office.