Why I Chose Dentistry and the Most Sought-After Dental Procedures

For me, dentistry is multifactorial. The unique practice of dentistry shines through us. No other career path offers the same blend of positive attributes.

I want to help people-

Dental treatment can truly help others! A successful root treatment or filling can remove pain. Dentures may allow people to eat foods they would have struggled with otherwise. Dentists help people's health by treating gum disease, dental caries, and related pathology. This can improve their quality of life. The impact of changing someone's appearance through their teeth through whitening or orthodontics is also profound.

I like the end result-

Similar to art, science research, musical composition, or TV and film, the end result is a masterpiece. Looking at a well-obdurate molar tooth or admiring a completed smile makeover can be satisfying and rewarding. Yet, we can't place all our enjoyment of the job on the end result. There has to be an enjoyment of the process, otherwise, we'll feel every failure and bit of disappointment the patient experiences.

Working with people is a highlight of this career. We have no purpose without our patients, and this is a great career for those who like meeting new people and developing relationships. It's wonderful when you see people through the stages of their year. From birthdays and holidays to various life stages: births, weddings, graduations, and careers, you get to see it all! When you often see an individual or a family, you become part of their lives and part of your community.

For the artistic element-

One definition of dentistry is "the art and science of oral health." Though this is often thought of as a science, there's a clear artistic element. Whether shaping a white filling on an anterior tooth or realigning a whole arch, it's an art and a science. Although, anatomic possibility and ethical reasonability limit the creative boundaries. A dentist is unlikely to unleash the full extent of their artistic side on a patient by turning their smile into a surrealist sculpture. Yet, some of the characteristics of sculpturing, such as precision and respect for symmetry, overlap with dentistry.

For the love of dental science-

For me, this is the only reason that stands on its own to dive into dentistry. Administrative, business, stress, and clinical facets of the practice may be challenges. But you will always have dental science at the core of what you do. If you like it, you can wake up every day with the knowledge that it will be at the heart of every treatment or dental advice you impart that day. Nothing can take that away.

You don't need to love teeth, or gums, or dental drills. However, the science, how teeth form, the theory behind demineralization, anatomy, physiology, oral biology...There are some interesting elements to this career.

Participating in pro-bono services with great organizations-

Earlier this year, I had the amazing opportunity to join a medical and dental mission with Helps International in Guatemala. This rewarding and humbling experience allowed me to interact with local people and volunteers from around the world. I realized we tend to take the things we have in our lives for granted. Through the trip, I gained invaluable life and clinical experience, and am already anticipating going back

I’m often asked what the most wanted dental procedures are. In my experience they are:

1. Veneers

Most celebrities with a bright white, dazzling smile have veneers. A veneer is a thin, porcelain covering on the outside of the tooth, molded and shaped to have the desired fit. When you think of the "perfect smile," usually veneers are behind it. Though veneers are an investment, most patients say it's well worth it to have a gorgeous smile they can feel great about.

2. Invisalign

Invisalign straightens your smile through a series of clear, customized, removable appliances. Our Invisalign certified orthodontist creates each aligner to move your teeth gradually toward their ideal placement. Through the process, you get to enjoy watching your smile come together in a new way.

The Invisalign system combines advanced 3D computer graphics technology with traditional orthodontic techniques. Prior to creating the aligners, we use scans to develop a complete picture of your mouth. Then, we map a detailed treatment plan, outlining the exact movements expected from your teeth.

Made of thermoplastic material, each aligner looks like whitening trays or a custom night guard. You will go through several aligners, as each moves your teeth into new placements. Unlike a mouthguard or nightguard which holds teeth in place, Invisalign moves your teeth through controlled force. Invisalign also manipulates the timing of the force applied so only certain teeth can move at any given time.

3. Dental Implants

Fully-functional and natural-appearing smiles after tooth loss are possible with dental implants. Tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma can all lead to tooth loss. Dental implants are an alternative to dental bridges or dentures to fill in those missing teeth. Implant dentistry is innovative and focuses on creating smiles with the natural stability of real teeth. Implant smiles look and feel authentic. They also maintain biological stimulation to prevent bone loss or a "sunken-in" appearance.

Century Smile is a certified G4 by Golpa affiliate provider. Our doctors have received advanced training in the aftercare protocols of the G4 Implant Solution. We are able to provide superior care and maintenance of your refreshed smile.

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses many forms, including composite fillings, teeth whitening, laser gum reshaping, and more. Century Smile offers these procedures, and we find teeth whitening and composite fillings to be some of our most popular services. A composite filling can repair a broken tooth for a lower investment than a veneer. Teeth whitening is a simple procedure to give clients with good tooth structure a boost.

In conclusion, my team and I at Century Smile are proud to provide the best dental care to each of our patients. If you'd like to reach out to us and learn more, we'd love to hear from you!

Over her career that spans more than two decades, Dr. Maryam Talaie has dedicated her career to her patients. The education and treatment of her patients with gentle and minimally invasive dental care is her priority.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Dr. Talaie is extremely proficient in the field of dental sciences. She stays current with the latest technology and research on the safest available dental methods and materials. Her gentle approach and focus on comfort are an integral part of your visit. Dr. Talaie believes a pleasant environment makes all the difference in your oral health and your oral health makes all the difference in your full-body wellness. She continues to educate the public about oral-systemic health-- the correlation between the health of the mouth and the rest of the body.

An integral member of the community, Dr. Talaie assists children in need by offering pro-bono dental services and preventative care. Recently, a children's service program auctioned off her services for a fundraiser.

About Century Smile
3831 Hughes Ave, Suite 701
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 836-6161
https://www.centurysmile.com

Century Smile is a full-service dental practice, located in the heart of Culver City and owned by Dr. Maryam Talaie. Dr. Talaie took over the long-standing dental office in 2010 and immediately revamped the outdated practice. She brought in experienced and knowledgeable staff, updated equipment, and re-focused her standard of care to prevention and overall body health.

Our practice specializes in preventative, cosmetic, and general dental dentistry, using the highest quality and safest materials for our patient’s dental needs. Specialty procedures such as dental implants, veneers, teeth bleaching, wisdom teeth removal, clear braces/Invisalign™ and root canal therapy, are available in-house by appointment. As a patient of our practice, your oral health is our top priority, and we will work with you on achieving the best solution for your smile.