Unfortunately, even if we take the best care of our teeth we are still at risk of accidental injury which can inflict our teeth. You never know when you might fall down the stairs or be in an accident of some sort, that’s why it’s a good idea to have an emergency dental plan in place.

Organizing your emergency dental plan

Much like ‘Fire Plans’ emergency dental plans can give you a better chance of maintaining your health and the health of your family. Emergency dental plans are much easier to put in place as you only need to have a practice number ready on hand and know the address. As Curtis Couch is dedicated to your dental health we have taken the liberty to organize a quick dental emergency plan for you.

1. If you have lost a tooth, place it in the hollow of your cheek or in a glass of milk for transportation
2. Bite down on rag to compress the wound if it’s bleeding
3. Call Curtis Couch on 805 497 8077 to notify us of your emergency
4. Immediately Rush to Curtis Couch located at 216 Lombard Street, Thousand Oaks, CA

To always be prepared print this plan out and stick it on the side or front of your fridge.

Sometimes it isn’t possible to preserve your natural tooth despite the extensive measures that will be taken by us at Curtis Couch. In the event your body rejects the re-implantation of your natural tooth we will most likely recommend dental implants as a means to rectify the gap and restore your perfectly pearly white smile.

Not replacing a missing tooth can result in bone loss

It is imperative that you replace any missing teeth as having a gap in your mouth can cause your jaw bone to recede. Bone loss is an inconvenient and extremely damaging ailment which can be tricky and grueling to amend as most often patients will have to have bone grafts to restore the strength of the bone. Bone loss can also be caused by periodontitis (gum disease). In order to avoid bone loss and other health concerns it is recommended that you visit Curtis Couch at least twice a year, or more often if you have a history of periodontitis or a weak jaw.

Avoid bone loss by installing dental implants

Dental implants are an everyday procedure here at Curtis Couch in Thousand Oaks. Our primary dentist and secondary dentists are dedicated to reinvigorating your smile by replacing any gaps with new, synthetic but completely natural looking teeth. Dental implants decrease your risk of bone loss as they are secured utilizing a titanium post which is biocompatible and thus will meld with your jawbone to retain and improve bone strength and density. Bone needs to be stimulated in order to maintain its strength and that’s why it is so imperative that you always fill in a gap if you have a missing tooth.
Dental Implants can help reinvigorate your life and your smile as well as fight bone loss

The dental implant procedure can restore your smile confidence as well as:

• Restore structure to your mouth/jaw 
• Restore functionality of the jaw and mouth to improve chewing and speaking
• Perfect and improve the cosmetic appeal of your smile 

If you would like to find out more about Curtis Couch’s dental implants please visit us at our Thousand Oaks location or book an appointment by contacting us here.

Here at Curtis Couch located in Thousand Oaks we are aware of the detrimental effects of oral cancer and can, in association with your general doctor, help you identify and treat this viral infection before it spreads elsewhere in the body. As part of Oral Cancer Awareness Month our practice is hoping to spread knowledge about oral cancer and inspire the general public to take better care of their teeth and be proactive about seeing their dentist and identifying symptoms of oral cancer.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a serious disease which involves cancer cells penetrating and infecting the body. Some of the main causes for oral cancer include constant tobacco and alcohol abuse as well as contact and possibly even genetic mutation according to recent studies. The effects of this illness are like any other cancerous legion. The cancer infects the body via a tumorous cell and can hormonally alter the normal functions of the body. This tumor can then spread and further infect the body as it becomes malignant. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help identify the cancer before it becomes malignant which will make it much easier to treat and will give you a much better chance of complete recovery.

I take care of my teeth, so I have nothing to worry about right? WRONG.

Even if you take optimum care of your teeth you can still become infected with oral cancer cells. 7% of individuals are infected by oral cancer for completely unknowing reasons so anyone can contract it – just like the healthiest, most athletic and organic eating individual can unknowingly contract cancer. We know it isn’t fair, but you can easily combat oral cancer by asking your dentist at Curtis Couch about our oral cancer screenings.

What does it look like?

Oral cancer can appear as small white or red lumps or legions within the mouth. Just like women will check themselves for breast lumps, everyone should evaluate their own mouths for abnormal lumps. If you find any sign of a lump you should consult with your dentist immediately to ensure optimum recovery. Identifying a cancerous tumor early results in a 10-20% chance of fatality, and this increases the longer you go unaware of the tumor. This tumor can appear anywhere in the face including the:

• Lips
• Gum
• Tongue
• Cheek
• Lining 
• Hard or soft Palette

Unfortunately, more often than not oral cancer cannot be seen by the naked eye. This is why we and the California Dental Association recommend annual oral cancer screenings, so make April your month to get checked. Curtis Couch will often utilize digital imaging to get a better look at your mouth and analyze tissue that sits beneath the exterior view of the mouth.

If you are interested in finding out more about dental maintenance, or if you want to book an oral cancer screening please visit our practice located in Thousand Oaks, California.

You can also book an appointment with Curtis Couch by contacting us here.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common apnea disorder stemming from narrow airways and improper oral structure and it can lead to a myriad of other health disorders. If your spouse complains that you snore when you’re sleeping or if you wake up multiple times a night gasping for air you may have sleep apnea. This sleep condition affects more than 20 million adults and is a serious issue in both people young and adult. Sleep apnea can occur in anybody from newborn babies to full grown, elderly adults, and despite the misconception sleep apnea is not only limited to people that are overweight, anybody can suffer from sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Awareness Day

April has been a busy month for dental health and general health awareness. The 18th of April was the American Sleep Apnea Association’s sleep apnea awareness day and during this day there were some seminars and the general public was also invited to upload a video describing their perils with sleep apnea via twitter or the ‘Wake Up To Sleep’ website. There was also a twitter chat under the hashtag of #SleepApneaChat where various spearheads involved in sleep apnea education career spoke about the problems of sleep apnea and answered questions.

Risks of Sleep Apnea

There are three different types of Sleep Apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This occurs when your throat tissue relaxes during sleep. This tissue blocks your airway and causes your body to struggle for air and snore and gasp.

• Central Sleep Apnea

This occurs when the central nervous system doesn’t signal the brain to control and maintain normal breathing patterns. This is a dangerous form of sleep apnea and is all the more dangerous as the symptoms are minimal as snoring is not commonly associated with it.

• Complex Sleep Apnea

This disorder is a combination of both of the above and is also very dangerous.
Correct breathing during sleep and everyday life is very important as your brain and body needs oxygen to function at optimum health. Not having enough oxygen can damage your health and impede the correct development of your teeth and dental health.

Sleep Apnea and Dental Health: The Importance of Oral Posture

You may be wondering why Curtis Couch is concerned with sleep apnea, well Sleep Apnea can alter your oral posture in your sleep which can in turn alter the development of the teeth. As Sleep Apnea often causes people to sleep with their mouth open, the tongue then sits on the bottom palette of the mouth. This is incorrect posture as your upper teeth need your tongue as support to ensure that they don’t move and become crooked. We get lots of young and unaware adult patients coming in with crooked teeth due to incorrect oral posture. In the event of this we may recommend an assistant breathing or posture apparatus which is similar to a mouth guard. This full mouth cover will also have a tongue tab to ensure that your body gets in the habit of having the tongue in the correct position – which is the ‘n’ position.

If you are further concerned about your crooked teeth we also have a number of orthodontic treatments designed to straighten crooked teeth and give you your desired smile. Invisalign is the sure-fire way to create a perfect smile and is a wonderful treatment to the subtleness of the procedure. During your treatments you will undergo a series of clear mouth guards – these are molded to the teeth so that they are barely noticeable and are removable for special events.

If you would like to find out more about correct oral posture or invisalign please visit Curtis Couch in Thousand Oaks.
If you would like to book an appointment please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Recently there has been an influx of dental art circulating the internet. This may be because dental blogger Larry Emmott has taken to featuring a variety of dental art on his website. Here at Curtis Couch we’re passionate about teeth and we think that dentistry truly is an art form as it focuses on redesigning, resculpting and recontouring your pearly whites. These artists have taken it a step further and have literally transformed dental devices and teeth into pure, undeniable art.

The most mind-blowingly intricate and unique art piece was actually featured in an advertising campaign for Maxam toothpaste and it featured molars that had been carved into, exposing various civilizations’ architecture including Egyptian, Roman and Chinese. These images were met with tagline “don’t let germs settle down”. Here at Curtis Couch we love this campaign as it is a really intriguing way to make the importance of dental hygiene a strong and lasting message.

All about oral hygiene with Curtis Couch

Curtis Couch focuses on offering long term solutions which can prevent or successfully treat a variety of dental complications. Cavities are often considered by patients to be the cause of a majority of tooth loss, however, it may surprise you that more adults over 35 actually lose their teeth to periodontitis or gum disease.

The basics of dental hygiene

The basics of dental hygiene are easy to follow yet can result in massive improvements in dental health. Not only does brushing your teeth improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, it also improves your overall health. There are three main practices which can ensure the health of your teeth these are brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist

Brush your teeth twice a day

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day ensures that any surface plaque/bacteria is brushed away, which reduces your risk of periodontitis and other harmful diseases or complications which are caused by plaque such as tooth loss and cavities.

Floss before bed

Leaving food in your teeth for a number of hours or overnight can result in rotten teeth or deep cavities, as well as plaque buildup and periodontitis. It is especially important to floss thoroughly if you’ve been told by your dentist that you have deep crevices in your teeth.

Visit your dentist at least twice a year

This is extremely important as visiting your dentist at least twice a year ensures that you are staying on top of your dental health and any oral complications are identified early. A thorough clean during your check-up is also imperative as plaque can build up and harden becoming almost impossible to remove at home. Curtis Couch will utilize his dental instruments to remove this plaque and return your teeth back to a healthy set of pearly whites.

Get artistic with your teeth white Curtis Couch’s cosmetic dentistry

Here at Curtis Couch we believe in enhancing your smile through aesthetic enhancement. If you suffer from teeth discolouration, chips or crooked/misshapen teeth then rest assured that Curtis Couch has a solution that can restore your smile and leave you grinning confidently from ear to ear. Our range of cosmetic treatments include porcelain veneers, tooth restorations, orthodontic straightening and teeth whitening for a brighter smile.

Get artistic with your smile and come and visit Curtis Couch in Thousand Oaks today.

If you are interested in finding out more about our range of dental treatments, or if you would like to book an appointment please do not hesitate to contact us.

Dental technology is always advancing and the treatment options are forever expanding. Here at Curtis Couch in Thousand Oaks we are dedicated to providing you with the latest in dental advancements and are invested in the future of your teeth. Our technology assists in improving the convenience and treatment method for general dental complications through less-invasive and more comfortable procedures. New technology means that the size of oral image capture can now be almost unnoticeable with devices such as the intraoral camera.

How can the intraoral camera help me?

The intraoral camera is extremely small and delicate compared to older methods and it allows you and your dentist to see crevices and parts of your mouth that have never been seen before. This method also allows simultaneous patient and dentist viewing of the mouth which allows for a more thorough explanation of problems in the mouth. The patient will be able to see their own mouth projected on a screen which will enhance the dentist-to-patient relationship as Curtis Couch will ensure that you understand every nook and cranny of your mouth. The intraoral camera also provides a much more precise and enhanced view of the mouth which means that your dentist at Curtis Couch will be able to have a more thorough investigation of your mouth and possible symptoms of dental complications.

Dental technology can also improve your comfort and reduce pain during procedures

Dental technology such as high-power microscopes can enhance the precision of drilling in the mouth which in turn can reduce the amount of pain experienced after surgery. Although you will be under anesthesia during most drilling procedures the procedure can still be improved by accuracy. This meticulousness can also enhance the success rate of dental implants which can sometimes cause small dental complications.

Preventative Dentistry: Digital X-Rays are the crystal ball of dentistry…

Curtis Couch is passionate about preventative dentistry and would always prefer to avert a dental problem rather than treat a full-blown disease, disorder or ailment. Preventative dentistry begins with your foundational treatment of the mouth, including:

• Brushing your teeth twice per day
• Flossing before bed
• Regular visits to Curtis Couch

Once these 3 basic rules have been fulfilled it’s our turn to step in and provide you with one step further of preventative dentistry. Here at Curtis Couch we utilise digital x-rays to give us a precise and insightful view into the development of your mouth. These x-rays allow us to see what’s beneath your gums and can even enable us to predict overcrowding, oral cancer and gum disease within the mouth. This is a particular preventative measure that we’re extremely passionate about as it allows us superbly accurate diagnosis of dental complications. Through this digital imaging we can also examine the roots and nerves of the teeth which can detect cavities, determine bone density and health.

If you are interested in finding out more about the dental technology at Curtis Couch please feel free to visit us at our Thousand Oaks location or book an appointment by contact us here.

There has been a large amount of strange and sometimes hilarious images flooding the internet recently on websites such as Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook. In the images a number of celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Anne Hathaway and Cameron Diaz can be seen with no teeth. These smiling celebrities are grinning with open and bare mouths which makes for a hilarious and intriguing evening of online entertainment. No one quite knows how this meme or ‘fad’ came about however no one can deny that seeing gorgeous and beautiful celebrities with gaping holes in their mouths is somewhat pleasing and self-esteem boosting. This pleasing juxtaposition depicts celebrities whose smiles we used to adore and transforms them into grandma-like empty smiles. This meme can provide you with hours of entertainment after work and is definitely worth looking at, simply type “Celebrities with no teeth” in Google search.

This meme is bringing to the forefront a more serious dental issue – tooth loss

Tooth loss is an unsightly and confidence-reducing infliction which can affect your professional and personal life. A great smile full of straight and white pearly whites is a wonderful asset to have. Studies have shown that this can improve your career prospects as well as your chances of attaining that second date. Not to mention having a lovely smile can boost your confidence and give you the bravery to strut your smile at events and social gatherings. Apart from the obvious cosmetic benefits ensuring you fill in gaps in your smile can also improve dental hygiene and oral structure.

Fill in your gaps at Curtis Couch

Some of us are unlucky enough to lose our teeth due to a dental emergency caused by a sporting or general accident. Another common reason for the loss of teeth is a serious tooth infection caused by periodontitis which is a severe infection of plaque often referred to as gum disease. In order to treat this disease your dentist at Curtis Couch will often have to use a dental instrument to get rid of the plaque damage and in some cases where the damage is too severe he may have to remove the tooth and clean the gums. In the event you lose a tooth it is most likely that your dentist will recommend dental implants or removable dentures.

Dental Implants and Dentures

Dental implants are the primary treatment for missing teeth in the mouth and are a necessary tool to ensure that your teeth do not shift, causing an even gappier mouth. The procedure involves the insertion of a bio-compatible titanium implant which will be secured into the jaw bone while you rest comfortably under anesthesia. This implant will then be fitted with a natural-looking but completely synthetic tooth usually constructed out of porcelain. Dentures are similar however they are often a removable option which some people find more convenient. They are also often secured by implants within the mouth.
Both of these options can rejuvenate and reinvigorate your smile, giving you confidence and the gift of a perfect smile.

If you would like to find out more about our tooth-replacement options or if you wish to receive a general check-up please visit Curtis Couch at our Thousand Oaks location or simply contact us.

There has been some shocking and disturbing news lately involving the contraction of HIV caused by improper sterilization at a dentist practice in Tulsa. According to recent investigation there has been a large number of patients exposed to serious life-threatening infectious diseases including HIV, hepatitis B and C. The number is estimated to be a whopping 7,000 people exposed with further investigations pending. This type of shoddy dental treatment is a shame to the dental industry and it saddens us here at Curtis Couch to think that people may now choose to avoid the dentist because of this.

We would never mistreat our patients

This news has truly affected dentistry and has called for a nationwide re-evaluation of sterilization standards. Curtis Couch located in Thousand Oaks has always valued and upheld strong and solid sterilization standards. We have never put our convenience ahead of our patients’ health and we will continue with these standards indefinitely. We believe patient neglect is the worst possible thing in the health industry and utter disregard for personal and professional hygiene is disgusting and a vile trait.
Visit a clean and sterile environment to ensure your dental health

In order to ensure your health you still need to maintain a twice-annual visit to your dentist. You can rest assured that Curtis Couch will only provide the highest quality of dental service with emphasis on correct dental hygiene and sterilization of instruments and equipment. Although you may be shocked by the news (we know we are!) we still firmly recommend that you come and visit our surgery twice a year to ensure optimum health as regular check-ups ensure that any signs of oral cancer, periodontitis, overcrowding and gingivitis are caught early.

It is important to catch these illnesses or complications early to ensure your optimum dental and general health. Periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss and even death in the United States.
America is expected to suffer a whopping 42,000 cases of periodontitis this year, with just under 100 cases diagnosed per day. This common illness can be fatal and is sadly often caught late in development as people are avoiding the dentist. This is the pinnacle reason why you should not avoid your dentist and you can rest assured that Curtis Couch will make you feel as calm as possible with our sedation options and comforting and caring environment.

How can I make sure my dentist offers quality, clean service?

Feel free to ask your dentist about their sterilization practices, if they are a quality service they should not hesitate to share every detail with you. You should also take into consideration the cleanliness of their waiting room and reception area. This can often be an indication about the dedication people have to their patients. You can rest assured that Curtis Couch meets all of these requirements so if you’re looking for absolutely premium and clean dental care please visit us today.

If you would like to find out more about our range of treatments or to discover more about our sterilization practices please visit us at our Thousand Oaks location.

To book an appointment with Curtis Couch please don’t hesitate to contact us.

It’s no question that having a brighter, whiter smile can help people be confident, feel more appealing to the opposite sex, and even have a better chance at success in their careers after having a teeth whitening treatment. But apart from these common reasons, TV and celebrities have made a super white look very much in demand at dentist’s office nationwide.

However, most cosmetic dentists would agree that going for the super starch white look is not best way towards a beautiful white smile. Individuals being filmed on TV and in the movies are subject to being on big screens and are projected in HD, so every minute flaw is magnified. This is not the reality for most of us. Trying to match made for TV mouths can result in monochromatic “chicklet” smile which isn’t an appealing look. It’s important to consider this when deciding on which teeth whitening treatment is best for you.

How White Should I Go?

The first and most important step in deciding the appropriate level of whitening is to be crystal clear when communicating with your cosmetic dentist what your goals are. During a personalized consultation, the doctor is there to keep your expectations realistic and to keep your best natural aesthetic in mind.

Dr. Curtis Couch DDS in Thousand Oaks has few tips to keep in mind when deciding on a whitening treatment:

Natural Complexion- When whitening teeth, the most crucial thing to consider is your own natural skin tone and overall complexion. There is no such thing as “one shade fits all” when it comes to lightening treatments. Each whitened smile is unique as the person wearing it.

Color of Whites in Eyes- A main pillar of advice among cosmetic doctors is to not go whiter than the whites of your eyes. Remember that the best look is the one that is most natural. The goal of aesthetic dentistry is to mimic nature.

Current Tooth Condition- The results of whitening will vary for each individual depending on the current condition of teeth before the treatment is done. To reach the level of desired whiteness, a single day bleaching procedure may not be the best course of action. Severe staining, or damaged teeth may need more extensive work such as veneers or bonding.

At the office of Dr. Curtis Couch we offer many methods for improving the overall brightness of a smile. There are more permanent to semi-permanent options such as dental bonding and porcelain veneers. But, cosmetic bleach treatments prevail as the most popular and affordable.

Which Type of Whitening Treatment Should I Choose?

There are two typical types of quick whitening treatments to choose from, in-office whitening treatments and take home whitening kits. Both have their own benefits depending on what you are looking for…

In-Office Whitening – Also known as dental bleaching, this procedure is safe for virtually all patients and delivers the quickest satisfaction. A customized mouthguard, or “stent” is molded to your mouth, and is then filled with a professional grade teeth whitening gel. A curing light or laser is then used to add heat to the solution to activate the whitening agent. This process takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, or can be reapplied in specific increments of time for up to one hour.

Take Home Whitening System - Made for the convenience of your own home, take home whitening kits allow for the utmost comfort and personal pace of whitening. Much like the in-office mouthpiece, an appliance is used for 3-4 hours a night for a week or two. With the combined use of a prescribed bleaching agent and custom made stent, in just a few weeks this quick, simple, inexpensive procedure will leave you waking up with dazzling white teeth.

For more information on the many ways you can achieve a beautiful white smile, or to secure an appointment at our Thousand Oaks dental practice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Step into Spring with not just your floors and windows shined and polished, but your pearly whites too! Learn about cosmetic dentistry at the office of Dr. Curtis Couch DDS in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Dr. Couch believes a beautiful, healthy, bright smile is the best way to gear up for warmer months spent out and about. Get your smile ready for fun in the sun with these cosmetic treatments that will leave your smile in full bloom…

Teeth Whitening

Whitening teeth is the fastest and easiest way to refresh your smile for the new season. Brighten teeth up to nine shades with our effective and convenient whitening system. At our Thousand Oaks office, Dr. Curtis Couch utilizes only the most potent techniques in professional teeth whitening.

We offer advanced at home teeth whitening systems that make your brightening treatment as convenient as possible. Also known as dental bleaching, our treatment is ultra-powerful, yet safe and relatively inexpensive.

After an impression of your teeth is made, a customized “stent”, or mouth tray is created. Patients then pack it with a personally prescribed teeth whitening gel that gently bleaches stains away overnight. The mouthguard is used for three to four hours a night, for up to two weeks.

Through this combination of personalized care and professional grade product, this low cost whitening procedure will leave you with a bright smile you can spring up and down about!

To find out more about teeth whitening, contact us at our Thousand Oaks location for a one on one consultation with Dr. Curtis Couch.

Bonding

Bonding is great way to beautify teeth alongside the blooming flowers and trees. This straightforward procedure improves the appearance of teeth through a simple layering technique of dental bonding liquid. Once applied and set onto tooth surface, the layer is then sculpted and shaped to enhance natural teeth.

Bonding can be completed in just one visit to the office, making it a perfect solution for a quick way to brighten and shine your bite with those windows and floors.

Call us at 805-497-8077 to ask about the great benefits of dental bonding.

Porcelain Veneers

If your teeth are severely stained, the best “Spring cleaning” approach may be porcelain veneers. Dr. Curtis Couch has executed custom veneers for his patients for many years with only the highest level of both technical skill, and attention to aesthetic detail.

Porcelain veneers a simple solution for difficult and embarrassing discolorations, chips, or cracks on the exterior of teeth. Through the application of a thin porcelain shell bound to the surface of teeth, your smile aesthetic is dramatically improved.

Porcelain veneers created by Dr. Couch are carefully crafted to reflect the natural look, feel and natural transparency of teeth.

After veneers are adhered, they resist daily stains that can come from drinking coffee, teas and other dark colored drinks such as soft drinks and wine. Porcelain veneers allow you to keep on sipping without worry about how they will dim down your Springtime smile.

The porcelain we utilize is of the highest quality that will help to bolster the strength of teeth for years. With mindful maintenance both at home, and with regular visits to our Thousand Oaks office, your veneers will keep you smiling ear to ear for many Springs to come.

Get in touch with the office of Dr. Curtis Couch D.D.S in Thousand Oaks for an appointment on how to keep your smile striking for all seasons.

Dental Bridges and Crowns

Bridges and crowns are a great way to get teeth in great, strong shape during the time of growth and revitalization.

Bridges

Bridges, as implied by their name, literally bridge a gap between one or more missing teeth. They are the best solution for several missing teeth caused by accident, devastating gum disease or simply old age.

Various problems can occur if a substantial space between teeth is left untreated. Surrounding teeth can shift causing them to become severely crooked, and you could lose proper function of chewing or speech. Alignment of bite can be greatly compromised, putting you at risk of future TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) problems.

Crowns

If these problems are only apparent to one missing tooth, they can be corrected through the application and use of a dental crown.

Crowns are a restoration procedure that can also greatly enhance and strengthen teeth. During treatment, a simple tooth cap that is crafted to the natural shape of teeth, and then placed over the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage.

During Spring we are encouraged to clear cupboards, crowded corners and make space–but not between teeth!

Contact Dr. Curtis Couch D.D.S by calling 805-497-8077, or swing by our office conveniently located off the 101 highway at 216 Lombard Street, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 to schedule a consultation to help you understand which treatment is best to make the most out your Spring Smile!

An independent study carried out by research firm confirms that individuals with a healthy, stronger smile are thought of as more attractive, financially successful, and more trustworthy.

The three-part study collected data that examined the effect of healthy looking teeth in the areas of romantic relationships and work. The data reports variables measured when conducting mock first dates, job interviews, and an exhaustive survey participants submitted online.

After having their teeth treated 54% of participants were more strongly pursued by participants on mock dates, 58% of participants had better chances at getting hired, and were offered a higher salary to boot! These research outcomes demonstrate the tremendous importance of a healthy, strong smile.

Dr. Curtis Couch based in Thousand Oaks understands that your smile isn’t just an expression, it’s a powerful personal asset that can help you succeed in the most meaningful aspects of your life…

At the largest Dental Hygiene practice in California, Dr. Curtis Couch in Thousand Oaks utilizes cutting-edge technology in reconstructive and aesthetic dentistry that can help you attain a revitalized, more complete smile that can benefit you for a lifetime.

From the most minor, such as porcelain inlays, to the most critical cases of complete smile reconstructions, Dr. Couch executes a range of strengthening smile solutions that will fit any preference or budget.

Dental inlays, onlays, and overlays are just a few of the restorative treatments offered from Dr. Curtis Couch DDS. These treatments are used to repair teeth that have been fractured, cracked, or broken on the shallow external surface. They are typically composed of resin, but they can also be created from gold, as it is a softer metal that is less hazardous to surrounding natural teeth.

Discover the differences between treatments to find out which is the most appropriate choice for you…

Dental Inlay

A dental inlay is used to treat teeth that have been damaged or have decay lying at the top of the tooth surface that lies just between the cusps of teeth. Inlays are a solution for replacing metal fillings that have degraded over time. They can also be made from porcelain which reflects the natural look of teeth, as opposed to metal which can have a harsh, unpleasant appearance.

Dental Onlays

Onlays are much like inlays in both their application and use to treat decay. However, an onlay is most appropriate for a tooth which has decay affecting the exterior surface area that extends beyond the cusps.

Dental Overlays

Again, this treatment serves the same purpose in treating damage and decay as an inlay and onlay–but, an overlay covers the entire top surface of a tooth helping to prevent further damage and reinforce the whole tooth completely.

A major benefit of these reconstructive treatments is that the composite resin or porcelain can be perfectly matched to the natural color and transparency of existing teeth. Tooth color and appearance are vastly improved, yet they are virtually undetectable allowing you to feel and share your strongest smile yet.

Due to the customized nature of these restorative treatments dentists are able to securely bond them to the tooth surface making them feel just like natural teeth.

The custom made resin components contain fluoride and are ingrained within the new construction of the teeth. This combination prevents bacteria from forming and causing future cavities. With improved strength structural integrity of teeth, bonding of inlays, onlays and overlays significantly reduce the inconvenience and uncomfortable feeling of tooth sensitivity.

Dr. Curtis Couch welcomes you to his office at 216 Lombard Street, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 for a one on one consult with you to help you understand what treatment is right for you.

Speak with our friendly staff at 805-497-8077 to set up an appointment to find out how these restorative treatments can improve not just your smile, but your life! To find out more about our cosmetic and restorative treatments, please contact us.