Marilyn Calvo DDS can offer an array of treatments that provide viable alternative to nCPAP machines. Some patients find the machines too difficult to sleep with and, thus, may choose not to use them, foregoing the benefits of their treatment and possibly putting them at grave risk to their health. Dr. Calvo is able to construct and fit appliances that can relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea. These must be prescribed by a sleep physician and many such a doctor has sent their patients to Marilyn Calvo DDS for relief from their sleep apnea.

If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, you have the right to healthcare that avails you of all options for successful treatment. Among those options are dental procedures and appliances that can relieve the symptoms of this disorder and which can restore life to normal again. Marilyn Calvo DDS has an extensive knowledge of sleep apnea and the practices of dentistry that can relieve it. She also has a philosophy of working with her patients to achieve the best possible outcomes. For patients, that means being informed along every step of the way.

Address: 16311 Ventura Blvd Ste.527 Encino CA 91436

Phone: 818-788-1352

Technology Aids in the Diagnosis of OSA

New iPhone App, MSleepTest: Screening in the Hands of the Consumer

With over 18 Million Americans affected by Obstructive Seep Apnea (OSA), and even more undiagnosed, sleep apnea remains one of the most potentially dangerous sleep disorders. The latest and only sleep apnea iPhone questioners app, the , narrows the gap to diagnosis, making treatment more accessible to patients.  A quick tap, a recorded sound bite and a few series of questions connects you with a sleep professional in your area for further testing. The idea is to increase awareness of sleep apnea, leading to more treatment.

The creators of the sleep apnea screener, Sleep Group Solutions have been offering  for the past 7 years, teaching dentists how to screen and treat sleep apnea in house through oral appliance therapy.  “Our dentists are saving their patients lives.  They help them sleep and breath better, both of which are essential to life.  This app acts as an initial screener for OSA, after you go through all the steps, it connects you with a sleep professional in your area who can help you.”  explains Rani Ben-David, President of Sleep Group Solutions and creator of the MSleepTest app.

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a proven method of treatment for sufferers who are , or have mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).  Dentists across the country are treating patients, improving quality of life, and creating a healthier patient population.  This direct to consumer technology allows the sufferer and/or bedtime partner a free means of screening.  After recording your partners snoring, a few questions from the Epsworth and Berlin Sleepiness Scale are asked.  From there the patient hits a button and the data is uploaded to a sleep professional in your area.  Based on your results, you will be given the option of being contacted by a sleep professional for further testing.  “This is a great way to not only educate patients, but it narrows the gap between awareness, and diagnosis.”  Says Dr. Steven Lanham, a , South Carolina who screens all of his patients for sleep apnea.  “We are beginning to see more patients with this terrible disorder, this app allows us to help patients we would have not necessarily met.”

Don’t have a smart phone?  No worries, there’s a website with a similar initiative called, .  This website allows the sufferer to answer a few questions, also connecting the patient to a sleep professional in their area for a free consultation. (Marilyn Calvo DDS – 818-788-0905).

Signs you may have sleep apnea are:  snoring, obesity, high blood pressure, hypertension, daytime fatigue, irritability, forgetfulness and morning headaches (among others).

To download the MSleepTest and see if you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, .  To take a sleep test online, log onto (SmileStudioLA.com) Article provided by Benchmark Email.

Picture this guy…the older, sexy man with slightly peppered hair and a smile that is so charming you go weak in the knees. Handsome and distinguished men automatically turn heads and make women take notice. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that they can give you the butterflies in your stomach that you received right along with your first kiss.

Why does that smile end up fading in some men? Mr. Charismatic becomes a somber shell. Many times it is sleep apnea. The sad, but realistic truth is that sleep apnea sufferers lose more than great rest. They lose their amazing smile because the condition can affect their teeth. Most sleep apnea sufferers happen to be men.

Ladies, spread the word to these men. Let them know that they can definitely do something to help their sleep apnea. I can certainly do something to help bring their smile back. It’s a great relationship. After I have rendered my artistic touch, they’ll be ready to give you your own private showing.

You don’t have to be an expert at anything to know that there are some pretty creative ways that you can make a man smile before a great night’s sleep. I’ll help bring the smile back and you help them keep it!

Give us a call TODAY! Smile Studio LA (818) 788-0905

Best Regards,

Marilyn R. Calvo, D.D.S.

Smile Studio LA

Accredited Member – American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Marilyn Calvo, DDS is a cosmetic dentist based in Encino, California. She is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her practice is built on the principle of providing highest quality care available, while focusing on both long-term health and aesthetics. Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients. Click here to know more about Marilyn Calvo and the dental treatments being offered at her clinic.
Dr. Calvo is currently a Visiting Faculty Member at the world-famous Spear Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona and also a clinical instructor at Esthetic Professionals, a post-graduate teaching facility, where she teaches the best of cosmetic dentistry to dentists from around the world. Her work has been published in the highly acclaimed Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, which sets the standard for the field of cosmetic dentistry. Visit her blog to keep an update about dental health and you can also become a fan of Dr. Calvo on Facebook!

Real Patient Testimonials: Jen Chikhani
“Dr. Calvo is not just the most amazing dentist I have ever known but she is the most amazing down to earth person!  I was lucky to discover Dr. Calvo through a friend who highly recommended her. I got veneers done with her and they look AMAZING!! Everyone is jealous of how great my smile is. When I first went in to see her I was blown away with how much attention she paid to me.  She always makes sure to spend time with her patients’ one on one and explain exactly what is going on to make sure you are aware.

In my past I went to dentists who never explained anything and just did the routine cleaning without emotion and passion. Dr. Calvo has so much passion and knowledge for the services she provides. She is definitely a dentist who genuinely cares and improves the lives of people around her…”

(read more of Jen’s review at our fan page where it reads “reviews” on the left side – click here)

Q: My five year old son snores loudly.  Should I be concerned?

A: Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea.  Children who are obese and who habitually snore are very likely to have sleep apnea syndrome.
Children with large tonsils may have sleep apnea.

Children with sleep apnea tend to be hyperactive, aggressive, or rebellious, to not pay attention and to not be alert.  They tend to have academic problems and may have symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

If your child snores, please call us for a consultation or CLICK HERE.

If you don’t care about having a GREAT SMILE for a Lifetime, here are the top ten ways to wreck your smile:

1. If nothing hurts in your mouth, everything must be OK. This couldn’t be furthest from the truth. After the age of 30, the number 1 reason to lose teeth is to gum disease. If the dentist or hygienist doesn’t remove tartar from your teeth, your gums will become inflamed and bone may be permanently damaged. Not only will you have bad breath, but also your teeth may get loose and be permanently lost.

2. Drink acidic beverages with your meals. Many people think its OK to drink diet sodas because these beverages have no sugar. Little do they realize that acid softens the enamel (the outside layer of the tooth) and acid makes teeth more susceptible to wear and decay. Acidic beverages include regular sodas, diet sodas, Gatorade, energy drinks, Arizona iced tea.

3. Don’t wear a Night Guard to protect your teeth as you grind your teeth in your sleep. A high percentage of people grind their teeth in their sleep. This causes chipping and shortening of your teeth. This translates into a very AGED looking smile!

4. Use your teeth as tools. If you can’t open something and you use your teeth, this is a great way to chip the edges of your teeth.

5. Don’t floss your teeth. If you don’t floss your teeth on a regular basis meaning once a day, you will be leaving bacteria and food between your teeth and underneath the gum line. This can lead to bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.

6. Use the hardest toothbrush you can find to aggressively do a great job of cleaning your teeth. WRONG!!! Although enamel is the strongest substance in the body, it can still be worn away with a hard brush. Plaque is soft. To get plaque off your teeth, use a soft toothbrush to effectively clean at the gum line taking 2 minutes to clean your mouth.

7. Smoke cigarettes. Smoking is bad for both your teeth and gums. It causes your teeth to yellow and smoking can make your gums more prone to developing gum disease with bone loss. Smoke to lose your teeth at an early age.

8. Abuse drugs. Illegal medications such as cocaine and crystal meth cause dry mouth. If your mouth is not well lubricated and buffered by saliva, you can get decay practically overnight. These substances also cause you to feel jittery and clench your teeth, thus chipping the edges of your teeth.

9. Drink lots of red wine, coffee and tea. If you want to yellow your teeth the fastest, eat a lot of colored foods such as blueberries and drink a lot of colored beverages!

10. Eat frequently throughout the day without brushing your teeth. Every time you eat, the byproduct of bacteria munching on the food you eat will cause an acid attack. Keep that acid coming, don’t brush and don’t drink a lot of water to wreck your teeth the fastest!

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. CLICK HERE: To become a member of her online community and receive her “5 Tips to a YOUTHFUL SMILE! – free special report. Click here to view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

Tooth Colored Fillings Beverly Hills CA Areas…

One of the most common dental problems experienced all over the world today is dental decay. The usual treatment procedure for dental decay is the placement of a restorative. In earlier times, the restorative used was unsightly materials such as gold or silver amalgam. These days, it is much more common to see tooth colored or white restoratives. Tooth colored fillings are preferred restorative choices both in front teeth as well as in the back teeth.

In earlier times, the white colored restoratives that were available did not have much strength. This made them fragile and subject to breakage if any hard force was exerted on them. Therefore, for filling a molar tooth or a premolar tooth, materials such as silver amalgam or direct filling gold were commonly used. However, the advent of science has resulted in a lot of improvements in tooth colored fillings.

The advanced white fillings have better bonding to the structure of the tooth, do not need any etching process and have superior strength in comparison to the materials that were available in the past. The strength of tooth colored fillings that are available today are comparable to silver amalgam and direct filling gold restoratives. Thus,  they are suitable for use in any tooth including molars, where force of mastication exerts lots of stress on the material.

Advantages of Tooth Colored Fillings

There are many advantages of using these fillings over other materials used for restoring a tooth.

The main advantage that one can get by using white fillings is the esthetic finish of the restoration. The restorative material is available in many different shades to match the shade of the tooth to be restored, thereby providing superior esthetics, which is not possible when using materials like amalgam or gold.

When material like amalgam has to be placed, lot of tooth structure has to be compromised in order to hold the material in its position within the tooth. This is because, there is no direct bonding between amalgam and the tooth, and it is only held with mechanical retentive properties of the preparation. In tooth color fillings, a direct bonding between the tooth and the restorative occurs with the help of a bonding agent. This reduces the amount of tooth reduction that needs to be made, thus preserving the strength of the tooth being restored.

Earlier versions of this filling material had problems like development of sensitivity in the restored tooth. This was mainly caused due to the etching process before filling the tooth and also due to marginal leakage between the tooth and the restorative material. However, advent of the material has eliminated etching process and negated the marginal leakage, thereby reducing the occurrence of sensitivity.

The improved strength of the tooth color fillings has resulted in better resistance to fracture, especially in fillings that do not have much support from the tooth. So, fillings using tooth colored restorative materials seem to have better life in comparison to materials like amalgam or gold.

Procedure

During the initial visit, the dentist will examine the tooth and also take X-rays to evaluate the depth of the decay and determine if this filling material is suitable for restoring the tooth. In the following visit, the tooth will be prepared to rid all the dental decay.

Once the tooth preparation is completed, the tooth is isolated to avoid contamination from saliva. The prepared area of the tooth is then coated with a thin layer of a bonding agent and then cured with a suitable light source. After this, the tooth colored filling material is then placed in the prepared area, shaped to match the tooth anatomy and then cured with the light source.

This process is repeated in increments till the entire prepared structure is restored. After this, the bite is checked and adjusted to make the filling comfortable in the mouth. The restoration is then finished and polished using suitable polishing materials.

Tooth colored fillings is a suitable material for restoring the strength of a tooth that has been damaged by decay. These materials are not only strong, they are also esthetic, thus avoiding unnecessary embarrassment of having to see unsightly filling materials in the mouth.

Marilyn R. Calvo, D.D.S.
Accredited Member – American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Marilyn Calvo, DDS is a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist based in Encino, California. She is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her practice is built on the principle of providing highest quality care available, while focusing on both long-term health and aesthetics. Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients. Click here to know more about Marilyn Calvo and the dental treatments as well as sleep apnea or sleep disorder treatments being offered at her clinic.
Dr. Calvo is currently a Visiting Faculty Member at the world-famous Spear Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona and also a clinical instructor at Esthetic Professionals, a post-graduate teaching facility, where she teaches the best of cosmetic dentistry to dentists from around the world. Her work has been published in the highly acclaimed Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, which sets the standard for the field of cosmetic dentistry. Visit her blog to keep an update about dental health and you can also become a fan of Dr. Calvo on Facebook!

When we look at the fabric of our lives and the rich history of our families, we can usually find a common thread that utlimately defines our character and path to success. I have my loving, hard working, truly amazing Puerto Rican parents to thank for raising me with a stellar work ethic and belief in a dream –  NO MATTER WHAT.  It is in the following abbreviated story that led me to my celebrated career as an accredited cosmetic dentist helping women regain their confidence and self esteem.

My work ethic was shaped by my grandfather who worked in the sugar cane plantations in Dominican Republic and handed down to my mother and then me.  My grandmother, Maria Lajara Baez, decided it was better to be alone than to remain with the father of her children due to “dealbreaker” challenges she had with him.  Eventually, my grandmother connected with relatives in the US that helped her move to New York City.

It was here I was destined to live core values of hard work and perservernce. There’s a lot to be learned from my grandmother. She was an amazing woman and I love sharing this part of my story because you will come to see the importance of taking a stand about your life and believing in your dreams

It’s remarkable what my grandmother accomplished as a Single Mother back in the 40’s.

I was raised on believing dreams are possible with belief and hard work. My grandmother had a dream to bring her daughters to live in US from Puerto Rico and she worked hard to make that come true. Although there was no man in her household, it was a home full of love not only of family, but extended family and community.

I learned the value and importance of being an entrepreneur to make your dreams come true from my grandmother – she and her 4 daughters saved up enough money to buy a 3 story brownstone building in the Bronx.  My grandmother would rent rooms and cook, which became her first own little business.

Those generational values of wonderful morals, love of family and a very hard working ethic to succeed was carried on by my mother when she married in 1950.

THE DREAM TO BE A DOCTOR

Even though my mother who never graduated from high school and my dad who only had his high school diploma, they placed a high value on education and encouraged me to attend school and college when I decided I wanted to be a doctor at the age of 5!  I know. How can a child at 5 even know what they want! Well I did and never backed down!

Raised in the Bronx (New York) with my two younger brothers in a very poor neighborhood will turn any child into a survival-minded individual. School of hard knocks for sure.

After a serious incident in our neighborhood, my parents knew it was time to move us away to a better life. This was the beginning of learning how  to go after your dreams.  I was a happy and cute child with no awareness of lack because we had so much love from our parents. It was my mother’s adventurous spirit that brought us out to California to live a better life. The dream was alive and well. This would set the tone for me to not only go after my medical profession with gusto but allow me to survive rheumatic fever as a teen that created a heart condition along with a low self esteem. I was in for many experiences that would effect my life into adulthood BUT turned these challenges into a gift –  my passion to help others transform their lives through cosmetic dentistry.

I always excelled in my school work from a young age to graduating with honors from UCLA School of Dentistry. I had several emotional, physical and financial set backs along the way as I matured in becoming a strong, independent courageous woman.

One of the hardest challenges I had to overcome that would later be my biggest gift in life was my big nose as a teen and young woman. However, this challenge shaped my passion for being a transformation artist (cosmetic dentistry) for women. I was ever grateful for my parents (again) because they worked hard to pay for cosmetic surgery on my nose that would help eliminate some of my self esteem scars from my younger days.

It was at this stage in my life where the core of my passion was ignited to become a cosmetic dentist transforming my patients’ lives by helping them regain their confidence and self esteem much like I experienced.

MARRIAGE AND FINAL LESSONS IN LIFE

At 32 years old, I was doing well in business, owned my very first little house in North Hollywood, but still no one to share my life with.  I finally met the man who became my husband in 1984 and have been married for 25 yrs now.  Between having children, even though I was considered a “high risk” patient, having open heart surgery, and mentors who showed me how to be smart with my money, I have much to be grateful for – mainly my parents who instilled in me to go after my dreams NO MATTER WHAT!

My challenges – and there were many – only gave me the inspiration to keep climbing to the top of the mountain reaching for my dreams.

And I aspire the same for you.

Marilyn R. Calvo, D.D.S.

Accredited Member – American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Marilyn Calvo, DDS is a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist based in Encino, California. She is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her practice is built on the principle of providing highest quality care available, while focusing on both long-term health and aesthetics. Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients. Click here to know more about Marilyn Calvo and the dental treatments as well as sleep apnea or sleep disorder treatments being offered at her clinic.

Dr. Calvo is currently a Visiting Faculty Member at the world-famous Spear Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona and also a clinical instructor at Esthetic Professionals, a post-graduate teaching facility, where she teaches the best of cosmetic dentistry to dentists from around the world. Her work has been published in the highly acclaimed Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, which sets the standard for the field of cosmetic dentistry. Visit her blog to keep an update about dental health and you can also become a fan of Dr. Calvo on Facebook!

Dental decay is one of the most common problems for which people approach a dentist. The dentist will correct this problem usually using a filling of various different types of materials. But, if the decayed area is very large, just placing a filling will not be enough as they might get fractured. In such cases, the tooth will need to be protected by capping it with an appropriate Dental Crown Beverly Hills.

A Dental Crown might also be used in a fractured tooth to restore the appearance as well as function of the tooth.

Dental Crowns Types

There are various different materials that can be used for making a dental crown Beverly Hills. Some of the different types that are usually made are:

Dental Crowns made of full gold. Although this was the sought after material for making crowns in the past, these are no longer used much as they are not esthetic while being highly expensive.

Another option that is highly popular for use in back teeth are full metal crowns. These are preferred due to their high strength and being more economical in comparison to crowns of other types.

Porcelain Fused with Metal is another popular option for making Dental Crowns in Beverly Hills. This popularity is due to the esthetic value that they provide while being strong enough for use. They are also less expensive than the dental crowns that are constructed only out of ceramic.

The most recent type of Dental Crowns in Beverly Hills is the full ceramic or the full porcelain crowns. By itself, ceramic is highly brittle and will fracture if high stress is exerted on it. As metal reduces the esthetic value in Porcelain fused to metal dental crowns, full ceramic crowns are gaining popularity. In order to counter the brittle nature of ceramic, these crowns are prepared by embedding zirconium in the ceramic to provide strength and improved esthetics. But, this type of Dental Crowns is more expensive compared to all the other types of Dental Crowns in Beverly Hills.

Procedure

When you approach your dentist for correction of a grossly destroyed tooth or a fractured tooth, the dentist will most likely suggest a crown to protect the tooth. However, some initial procedures will need to be done prior to placing the crown.

These procedures may include a root canal treatment (if the pulp of your tooth is involved) or just a restoration of the tooth.

Once the initial procedures are complete, the final step would be to prepare the tooth to receive a crown. To prepare for the dental crowns in Beverly Hills, your dentist may or may not provide sedation. This depends on whether or not a root canal treatment has been done on the tooth.

The concerned tooth or teeth that will receive Dental Crowns in Beverly Hills will be reduced in size on all sides. This is necessary to be able to insert the crown and to provide space for the crown (or else the crown will be bigger in size than the tooth).

After the tooth preparation is finished, the dentist prepares a model of your teeth using impressions which are then sent over to a Dental Crowns in Beverly Hills laboratory to prepare the crown.

Once the crown is prepared, the dentist will try it out on the tooth and see if the fit and size is proper. If it is satisfactory, the dentist will then use an appropriate cement to fix up the Dental Crown Beverly Hills.

This Dental Crowns Beverly Hills will need proper maintenance like your natural teeth in the form of brushing and flossing. You will need to undergo checkups once in a year to see if they are in place and to check for wear. In case they have become worn down, they will need to be replaced by another crown.

It is still not too late to save a tooth destroyed by dental decay. Dental Crowns in Beverly Hills is a good option that while replacing esthetics will also help you obtain proper function.

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. CLICK HERE: To become a member of her online community and receive her “5 Tips to a YOUTHFUL SMILE! – free special report. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.