Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. All offices welcome new patients, including children and families.

Yes. All offices accept all PPO plans and Denti-Cal (Medi-Cal). Financing options are available.

Yes, we accept Medical (Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal)

Yes, we accept all PPO plans and insurances.

Call the office directly at the number listed or use our online appointment request.

• Los Angeles: Mon–Thu 10:30 AM–7:30 PM, Fri 9:30 AM–7:30 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Closed Sunday.
• Inglewood: Mon–Thu 10:30 AM–7:30 PM, Fri 8:30 AM–7:30 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Closed Sunday.
• Lynwood: Mon–Thu 10:30 AM–7:30 PM, Fri 9:30 AM–7:30 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Closed Sunday.
• Pico Rivera: Mon–Thu 10:30 AM–7:30 PM, Fri 9:30 AM–6:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Closed Sunday.
• Compton: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
• Westchester: Mon 10:30 AM–7:30 PM, Tue 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Wed–Thu 10:30 AM–7:30 PM, Fri 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Closed Sunday.
• Norwalk: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

All offices provide care in English and Spanish.

• Preventive (exams, cleanings)
• Restorative (fillings, crowns, bridges)
• Endodontics (root canals)
• Oral surgery (extractions, implants)
• Orthodontics (braces, clear aligners)
• Periodontal (gum care)
• Cosmetic (whitening, veneers)
• Pediatric dentistry
• Emergency care

• Los Angeles – 3000 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023 | (323) 269-5437
• Inglewood – 11344 Crenshaw Blvd, Unit A, Inglewood, CA 90303 | (323) 777-7420
• Lynwood – 3737 Martin Luther King Blvd, Suite 106, Lynwood, CA 90262 | (310) 631-1111
• Pico Rivera – 8604 E. Whittier Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 | (562) 205-4591
• Compton – 609 S Long Beach Blvd, Compton, CA 90221 | (424) 232-0508
• Westchester – 6907 La Tijera Blvd, Ste A, Los Angeles, CA 90045 | (310) 645-0336
• Norwalk – 12052 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650 | (562) 307-9200

At PhD Dental, we’re proud to serve the Greater Los Angeles area with multiple convenient locations in Los Angeles, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Boyle Heights, Westchester, Norwalk. We combine comprehensive care (general, cosmetic, pediatric and more), a team of experienced dentists and specialists, and flexible financing + insurance options to make dental care accessible. Since we treat patients of all ages and focus on your comfort and long-term oral health, many of our patients say they’ve found “the best dental office” when they visit us.

Choosing the right dentist is about more than location — it’s about experience, comfort, communication, and full-service capability. At PhD Dental, we recommend asking whether the practice:

• Offers a wide range of services (so you don’t need to move practices for specialty care)
• Has dentists and specialists on-site or easily available
• Accepts your insurance and offers financing if needed
• Takes time to explain treatments and answer questions
• Has a welcoming, confident environment
  We believe our multi-specialty approach, inclusive insurance policy (Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal + PPOs), and team-based care make us a strong choice for your dental home.

At PhD Dental, we’re proud to accept almost all PPO insurance plans, as well as Medi-Cal (Medical) and Denti-Cal at all our locations. phddental.com If you have a specific provider, please call us and we’ll verify your plan and benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what your coverage looks like.

Absolutely. If you don’t have dental insurance, PhD Dental still welcomes you and offers flexible options to make care affordable. We provide interest-free or low-interest financing (through programs like CareCredit, Lending Club, Wells Fargo Health Advantage) to help with treatment costs. phddental.com Plus, we will give you pre-treatment estimates so you can review your cost and options ahead of time. Please call us to learn more about our payment plans and membership-style pricing.

A: We’re pleased to offer a broad spectrum of dental services so that you and your family can receive comprehensive care in one place. At PhD Dental you’ll find: preventive care (cleanings, exams, sealants), general restorative dentistry (fillings, crowns, root canals), cosmetic treatments (whitening, veneers, clear aligners), orthodontics, dental implants, periodontal (gum) therapy, pediatric dentistry, and emergency care. Having a multi-specialty team means if your oral health needs change, we’re ready. If you’d like specifics or a tailored plan, we’ll review with you at your consultation.

A: We’re pleased to offer a broad spectrum of dental services so that you and your family can receive comprehensive care in one place. At PhD Dental you’ll find: preventive care (cleanings, exams, sealants), general restorative dentistry (fillings, crowns, root canals), cosmetic treatments (whitening, veneers, clear aligners), orthodontics, dental implants, periodontal (gum) therapy, pediatric dentistry, and emergency care. Having a multi-specialty team means if your oral health needs change, we’re ready. If you’d like specifics or a tailored plan, we’ll review with you at your consultation.

Dental care is an important investment in your health and smile — and we work to make it accessible. At PhD Dental we accept most PPO insurance plans, and we also provide options for patients without insurance. These include in-house payment plans, third-party financing (such as CareCredit or other health-financing partners), and we’ll always review cost estimates with you before any major treatment. If treatment needs are urgent, we can help prioritize and sequence care so you can get started without overwhelming financial burden.

PhD Dental stands out because we’re a multi-specialty dental group — meaning we have general dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons all under one roof. You don’t have to drive around for referrals. We also accept Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, and most PPO insurance, and we focus on gentle, comfortable care for every patient. Whether you need a simple cleaning or a full smile makeover, you’ll find everything here in one trusted place.

Absolutely. We proudly accept Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal at every PhD Dental location. Our front desk team can help you understand your benefits and make sure you maximize them. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, just call — we’ll verify your coverage before your appointment.

Some of our PhD Dental locations do! We understand that not everyone can visit during the week, so we offer flexible scheduling — including select evenings and weekends. Call or check your local office hours online to find the most convenient option for you.

Many of our team members are bilingual. Across our offices, we have staff who speak English, Spanish, and several other languages common to our communities. We want every patient to feel understood and comfortable from the moment they walk in.

At PhD Dental, we are pleased to welcome patients of all ages, and we especially enjoy treating children. We know that by starting early, we can make a real difference in kids’ dental health, and we value the trust you place in us to help them enjoy problem-free smiles.

We recommend bringing your child to see kids when they get their first baby teeth but no later than age one. You may not realize it, but baby teeth have a critical job to do because they hold a space for permanent teeth that will soon follow. 

Why bring your child to the dentist?

When a baby tooth is lost too soon because of decay or infection, neighboring teeth start to drift into the open space. Now when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, it has no place to go and can come in at odd angles. This leads to tooth misalignment that your child may need braces to correct.

If you’re worried about how your son or daughter will react, put your fears to rest. We assure you that, when it’s time for your little one’s first visit, our team will be here to support them in every way we can to ensure they have a positive experience.

Are you looking for a children’s dentist in LA, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Westchester, or Norwalk who can take care of your little one’s needs now and long into adulthood? Please call PhD Dental to arrange a visit to one of our dental offices to get started. We look forward to welcoming you and your child!

Yes! PhD Dental is a full-service family practice. We treat patients of all ages — from toddlers coming for their first check-up to grandparents maintaining lifelong smiles. Our dentists and friendly staff make visits fun, gentle, and educational for kids, while our family dentists keep adult care simple and stress-free.

Yes — at PhD Dental we are accepting new patients at all of our Southern California locations: Los Angeles, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Boyle Heights, Westchester, Norwalk. Whether you’re looking for a first-time adult exam or need care for your whole family, we welcome you. Our new-patient process is streamlined: you can book online or call, fill out new-patient forms ahead of time, and we’ll review your history, insurance, and treatment options during your visit. Let us help you make your first appointment comfortable and efficient.

Costs for a dental cleaning without insurance can vary depending on your location, the condition of your teeth and gums, and whether any additional services are required. At PhD Dental, we aim to provide transparent pricing and offer options to help with cost (including financing and in-house plans). We recommend scheduling an exam first so we can assess your needs, discuss cost and options, and tailor a plan that fits your budget. Contact our office for current pricing at your preferred location.

At PhD Dental, we generally recommend patients have a professional exam and cleaning every six months (twice a year) as a baseline. This interval allows us to catch early signs of cavities, gum disease or other issues when they’re most manageable. Of course, depending on your individual health — your gum condition, past history, lifestyle, medical issues — we may advise more frequent visits (for example every 3–4 months). We’ll discuss your ideal schedule during your first visit.

Yes! All PhD Dental locations are currently accepting new patients. We make it easy to book online or by phone, and same-week appointments are often available. If you’re new to the area or haven’t seen a dentist in years, we’ll help you start fresh — with a gentle cleaning, exam, and personalized plan.

Your first visit usually includes a thorough exam, X-rays if needed, and a professional cleaning. We’ll review your medical and dental history, talk about your goals, and answer all your questions. Most patients tell us their first visit feels surprisingly easy and comfortable.

You’re not alone — many of our patients haven’t been to the dentist in a while, and that’s perfectly okay. Our team never judges. We’ll start by getting you comfortable, take X-rays if needed, and create a plan to get your teeth and gums healthy again at a pace that works for you.

For a superb cosmetic experience in Los Angeles, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Boyle Heights, Westchester, Norwalk, our PhD Dental team offers advanced cosmetic dentistry services — including teeth whitening, veneers, Invisalign/orthodontics, and full-smile makeovers. We combine state-of-the-art technology, artistic expertise, and a personalized approach so you can get a beautiful, natural smile. We invite you to view our gallery of before & after results and read the patient testimonials to see why many choose us as their cosmetic dental practice.

A general dentist focuses on overall oral health — prevention (cleanings, exams), treatment of decay (fillings, crowns), gum disease care, and maintaining your smile’s functionality. A cosmetic dentist uses those same fundamentals but focuses on the aesthetic side — how your teeth look in shape, colour, alignment, and smile design. At PhD Dental, you’ll find both: we provide general dentistry for foundational care, and cosmetic dentistry for patients who want to enhance their smiles. Because we offer both under one roof, you benefit from continuity of care and a trusted team across all your needs.

Usually, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by standard dental insurance plans. At PhD Dental, we’ll be clear about this from the start and show you any alternative options. Even without insurance coverage, we offer professional whitening in-office or take-home trays at competitive pricing — which often delivers better results and faster colour change than over-the-counter kits. Contact us to learn the current whitening options available at our practice.

The cost of professional teeth whitening at PhD Dental depends on the method you choose (in-office power whitening vs. take-home trays), your initial tooth colour, and whether any preparatory care is needed (such as a cleaning). During your consultation, we’ll assess your smile, recommend the best whitening solution, and provide a transparent cost estimate. While the exact amount varies by location and treatment choice, professional whitening typically offers faster, more reliable results than at-home kits.

Veneers can be a fantastic option if you want to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile — correcting colour, shape, size and alignment of front teeth with minimal removal of natural tooth structure. At PhD Dental, our cosmetic team will review your goals, show you before/after examples and explain alternatives (like whitening or bonding) so you can make an informed decision. Whether veneers are “worth it” depends on your budget, lifestyle and smile goals — but many patients find the result well worth the investment.

The fastest and most effective way is professional whitening at your dentist’s office. At PhD Dental, we use safe, high-strength whitening systems that can make your smile several shades brighter in about an hour. We also offer take-home kits for more gradual whitening. We’ll help you choose the option that fits your goals and budget.

The cost of a dental crown or filling can vary widely depending on materials, tooth location, complexity, and your insurance coverage. At PhD Dental, we will perform an examination, provide treatment recommendations, and give you a clear cost breakdown in advance. Because we’re a multi-specialty practice, we can coordinate any needed follow-up care (e.g., implant or bridge if required) so you have continuity and clarity. For the most accurate quote, schedule a consultation with us and we’ll review your tooth’s condition, recommend the best solution, and explain both the treatment and cost in detail.

In many cases, yes. With our modern digital dentistry technology, we can complete the work in a single visit. For others, we’ll place a temporary and get your final restoration back quickly — usually within a few days. Our goal is to minimize your visits and get you smiling again as soon as possible.

What is an Implant?

An implant is a post that one of our specialists place surgically in your jaw bone during a procedure at one of our dental offices. Before we begin, we will give you a local anesthetic so you shouldn’t feel anything during the surgery.

It might help to know that placing an implant is not as complicated as removing a tooth, and the bone into which we place the implant doesn’t have many nerves that sense pain. However, we do offer nitrous oxide if you are anxious about the procedure.

Is Placing an Implant Uncomfortable?

Having an implant placed is a major dental procedure; there's a chance you will have some discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. But most patients report that they manage it comfortably by using ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain medication. You may also be comforted to know that those who’ve had the procedure say that any discomfort was well worth the final result!

The team at PhD Dental is always happy to answer your questions about any of the procedures we offer. If you would like to more information dental implants in LA, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Westchester, or Norwalk, please call us to arrange an appointment. One of our specialists will sit down with you to evaluate your needs, answer your questions, and help you decide if a dental implant is an appropriate choice for you.

Bridges and implants are similar in that they are both methods for replacing teeth. But the way they go about it is very different.

Dental Bridges

A bridge is a dental prosthetic that usually consists of an artificial tooth called a pontic with dental crowns attached on either side. The crowns are then secured to adjacent teeth, and the pontic sits in the open space.

Dental Implants

A dental implant, on the other hand, is a full tooth replacement. Unlike a bridge, the implant is placed surgically in your jaw bone to take the place of the lost tooth root. We then attach a dental crown to it which becomes the part of the tooth you see when you smile.

The fact that the implant is anchored in your jaw makes it a much healthier way to replace missing teeth. First, we don’t need to alter adjacent teeth as we do when placing a bridge. Also, the implant stimulates healthy bone growth in your jaw and eliminates the problem of bone loss that is common with tooth loss.

What We Recommend

While we do place bridges at our LA, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Westchester, or Norwalk dental offices, we often recommend implants because they are the healthier choice. If you have questions about tooth replacement, please call PhD Dental, and we will be happy to arrange a consultation with one of our skilled dentists.

Dental implants are widely considered one of the most durable solutions for missing teeth. With proper care — good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and avoiding damage/trauma — implants can last a lifetime. At PhD Dental, our specialists use advanced implant technology and solid treatment planning to give you a reliable long-term result. We’ll review your bone health, medical history and maintenance plan so you understand what to expect and how to protect your investment.

We handle extractions, implants, and tooth replacements right here in our offices. Our oral surgeons and implant specialists work closely with you to make the process as gentle and straightforward as possible. If you lose a tooth, we’ll review all options — including implants, bridges, or partials — and help you choose what’s best for your health and smile.

Yes. Emergency dental care and often same-day treatment are available at all locations. For walk-ins, please call ahead to confirm availability.

At PhD Dental, your comfort and well-being are very important to us. If you or a loved one has a dental emergency, you can count on us to see you for treatment as soon as possible to provide the relief you need.

Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, and our skilled team offers a wide range of services to deal with them:

Reasons you might need an emergency dental appointment

• Address dental pain
• Replace a lost crown or filling
• Repair a broken or chipped tooth
• Remove decay and fill a tooth
• Perform emergency root canals
• Replace a knocked-out tooth
• Extract a tooth as a last resort

If you have a dental emergency in LA, Inglewood, Lynwood, or Pico Rivera, the first step is to call PhD Dental and let us know what’s happening. We know that life is unpredictable and emergencies happen to everyone. That is why we always allow some extra time in our schedule so you can get the care you need when you need it.

Pain in your tooth is always an indication that something is wrong. If you have a severe toothache, we will get you in as soon as possible to relieve your pain and save your tooth. With multiple locations and extended evening hours, there’s a good chance we can see you the same day if your problem is urgent.

Contact us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible

If you’re not sure if your situation is a dental emergency, don’t ever hesitate to call us. We’ll listen to your concerns and let you know what steps to take until you can get in to see us. 

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency — such as severe pain, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or swelling — please call the nearest PhD Dental location right away. We prioritise emergency cases and will do our best to see you as soon as possible, especially if you’re in pain or at risk of further damage. We have multiple offices in the Greater LA area, convenient booking, and same-day or next-day slots when emergencies arise. phddental.com

Yes — when you have a broken tooth, timely care is crucial to prevent infection or further damage. At PhD Dental, simply call your preferred location, explain the situation, and we’ll work to accommodate you the same day or next available slot. Our team will assess the damage, determine whether repair (filling, crown) or extraction is needed, and review cost and treatment plan right away — so you feel confident about the care you receive.

Yes — at PhD Dental we recognise that dental emergencies (severe tooth pain, broken or knocked-out teeth, swelling, etc.) often require prompt attention. If you call one of our locations and explain your situation, we’ll do our best to see you the same day or the next available slot. At your emergency appointment we’ll evaluate the issue, provide immediate relief (pain control or temporary repair) and walk you through the full treatment plan and cost — so you’re fully informed and comfortable.

Most of the time, we can schedule you within a few days — and in many cases, same-day appointments are available, especially for emergencies. We have multiple offices across Los Angeles, so you can usually find a convenient time and location that fits your schedule.

Call us right away — our voicemail and online booking will route you to the nearest PhD Dental location that can help. We reserve emergency slots daily, and if we’re closed, we’ll get you in as soon as possible the next morning. Meanwhile, rinse with warm water, save any broken pieces, and avoid chewing on that side.

Most adults who want to do something about crooked teeth are most interested in the cosmetic benefits of a straighter smile. They want a more attractive smile, but they don’t want or need to spend years in metal braces.

For patients like you, we offer Invisalign clear braces at our Lynwood, CA dental office. With Invisalign, there are no brackets and wires. Treatment won’t impact your appearance because the crystal-clear plastic aligners blend right into your smile.

You can straighten your teeth without the irritation of metal braces, and no one has to know you’re having treatment!

Invisalign is Comfortable and Easy to Wear

Patients at PhD Dental also appreciate how easy Invisalign is to wear. The aligners are virtually invisible, and they’re also removable. You can continue to eat all the foods you enjoy and brush and floss as you usually do. Just be sure to wear them at least 22 hours a day to see results in the shortest time.

Treatment with Invisalign clear braces in Lynwood, CA is an excellent choice for many adults. But we’re also pleased to offer traditional brackets and wires for more complex tooth alignment issues. If you want straighter teeth, start by calling PhD Dental to schedule an appointment. 

Our orthodontists will perform a dental exam and recommend the treatment that will help you achieve your goals in the shortest amount of time. Please call to schedule an Invisalign appointment to get started.

At PhD Dental, our East Los Angles orthodontists like to schedule children for their first evaluation around age seven. The reason for this is that your son or daughter will get their first permanent molar around age six.

Based on the position of this tooth, our orthodontists can predict how the rest of their adult teeth will emerge and whether or not they’ll come in straight. There are a couple of benefits to seeing your child at this age.

How To Determine When Your Child is Ready for Braces

First, if we determine that there’s a problem, we can take steps to correct it now. Treatments like space maintainers and palatal expanders are designed to ensure there’s enough room in your child’s jaw for all adult teeth to emerge correctly. Early orthodontic treatment-also referred to as phase one-can reduce treatment times or help your child avoid the need for braces altogether.

It’s also a good idea to help your child start to develop a relationship with their orthodontist in East Los Angeles. We want them to see these appointments as a positive experience. Starting early also helps them get comfortable with us and helps us understand your child’s needs.

If it’s time to schedule your child’s first braces appointment, please call PhD Dental to get started. We look forward to meeting your son or daughter and helping them enjoy a straight, healthy smile.  

You may have heard that Invisalign works faster than traditional braces—and in some cases, it does—the answer is that treatment times vary based on the extent of your tooth misalignment and the problems we need to correct. Everyone’s teeth also move at a different rate, so your treatment is unique to you and will be personalized to fit your needs.

Invisalign Average Treatment Times

What we can tell you is that the average treatment times with Invisalign clear braces at our East Los Angeles dental office is 12 to 18 months. However, treatment can be completed in six months for some people, while others can take as long as 24 months.

Benefits of Choosing Invisalign

While straightening your teeth with clear aligners may not be as speedy as you’d hoped, Invisalign offers lots of benefits compared to traditional bracket and wire braces that make them easy to wear:

• More comfortable: Bracket and wire braces are attached to your teeth and can cause sores and irritation in your mouth. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that slip over your teeth and have no rough edges. You may even forget you’re wearing them!
• More discreet: With traditional braces, everyone knows you’re having treatment. With Invisalign, however, the crystal-clear plastic aligners blend into your smile, and most people won’t notice them. You’ll be able to smile confidently throughout your treatment.
• More convenient: You can’t take a break from traditional braces, you may have to limit the foods you can eat, and oral hygiene can also be a challenge. But you can take short breaks with Invisalign clear braces so you can enjoy all your favorite foods and brush and floss your teeth thoroughly.

Call Us to Book an Appointment

Regardless of how long it takes to straighten your teeth with Invisalign in LA, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Westchester, or Norwalk, we can tell you that everyone who’s had treatment with us is thrilled with the final results. Please call PhD Dental so we can schedule an appointment for you to meet with one of our experienced orthodontists.

At PhD Dental, we may recommend braces for your child for several reasons. If your son or daughter has crooked teeth, overcrowded, or overlapping teeth, there’s no doubt that they may need braces.

But we also commonly recommend braces for kids at our Pico Rivera dental office who have problems with their dental bite (the way the upper and lower jaws meet when they bite down) that you may not see but still affect your child’s dental health.

Braces Correct Overbites, Underbites, and More

Malocclusion is the term our orthodontists use to describe a discrepancy in the size of your child's top and bottom jaw. If their upper jaw extends past their lower jaw is called an overbite; if the lower jaw extends past the upper, we call it an underbite. Crossbites and open bites are also common orthodontic problems we treat with braces in Pico Rivera, CA.

Jaw problems are often inherited, so if you or someone else in your family had braces, there’s a good chance your child probably will need them too. However, your child may also develop bite problems because of an accident, baby teeth lost too soon, or habits like thumb sucking.

While the average length of orthodontic treatment is about two years, how long your child will need to wear braces depends on their individual needs and the extent of the problem we need to fix. Any child or adult who gets braces will also need to wear a retainer after treatment to hold teeth in their newly straightened position.

We Offer Braces for Patients of All Ages

The only way to tell if your child could benefit from braces in Pico Rivera is to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced orthodontists. Dr. Levy, Dr. Yousefzadeh, and Dr. Jourabchi like to see children for an orthodontic evaluation around age seven, and we also offer braces for older children, teens, and adults of all ages.

PhD Dental is open six days a week, so scheduling appointments around your child's school activities is easy. Call us at (800) 204-3139 to get started.

Yes! With three specialists on our team, we can handle the orthodontic needs of patients of all ages. Whether your child is ready for braces or you’re an adult who just wants a straighter, more attractive smile, we have the solution you need.

Traditional Braces

For children, we offer traditional metal braces that attach to their teeth with brackets and wires. If you’re an adult or who needs treatment but doesn’t want to commit to traditional braces, we also offer Invisalign clear aligners. We also offer Invisalign Teen for young adults who qualify.

Orthodontics for Kids

Our comprehensive orthodontic care for kids starts with an evaluation around age seven. Even if we find that your child doesn’t need braces right away, our experienced orthodontists may recommend early treatment to make room in your child’s mouth for all their teeth to come in correctly. In some cases, this step can eliminate the need for braces altogether.

Invisalign for Adults

Invisalign is an excellent option for busy adults who want a straighter smile. The crystal-clear aligners are comfortable, unnoticeable, and can be removed for oral hygiene and to eat the foods you love. Depending on your needs, treatment with Invisalign can take as little as 12 to 15 months.

If you are interested in learning more about braces in LA, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Westchester, or Norwalk please call PhD Dental to arrange a consultation with one of our orthodontists to get started.

Fixing crooked teeth depends on your age, tooth alignment, budget and goals. At PhD Dental we provide:

• Traditional braces (including gold braces)
• Clear aligners (such as Invisalign)
• Orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults
  We’ll evaluate your bite, alignment and smile goals — then help you decide whether braces or clear aligners are best suited for you. We also discuss how long treatment will take and what the expected result is. Book a consultation and let us guide you to the right option.

Both Invisalign (clear aligners) and traditional braces work to straighten teeth — but there are key differences:

• Appearance: Invisalign is nearly invisible; braces are more visible.
• Removability: Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating/brushing; braces are fixed.
• Maintenance & compliance: Success with Invisalign depends on wearing aligners as directed; braces don’t rely on patient compliance in the same way.
• Speed & complexity: Braces may be preferred for complex shifts; Invisalign is great for mild-to-moderate alignment needs.
  At PhD Dental we provide both options and will perform a thorough evaluation to recommend the best fit for your teeth, lifestyle and budget. We’ll also explain cost, timeline, and maintenance so you know what to expect.

Yes! We’re certified Invisalign providers and also offer traditional and gold braces. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to gently straighten your teeth — often in less time than braces. We offer free consultations so you can see if Invisalign is right for you.

Yes! We’re certified Invisalign providers and also offer traditional and gold braces. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to gently straighten your teeth — often in less time than braces. We offer free consultations so you can see if Invisalign is right for you.

Routine dental cleanings are one of the easiest ways to keep your smile healthy and avoid costly and complicated treatment. At PhD Dental, we generally recommend that you visit us for professional cleanings every six months.

For many people, visits twice a year for dental cleanings are perfect for monitoring their oral health and preventing problems like decay and gum disease. Even if you brush and floss like a superstar, you still need to have your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year to keep your smile as healthy as possible.

Why Do I Need Dental Cleanings?

Plaque is a sticky film that coats your teeth and contains bacteria that cause decay and gum disease. No matter how well you clean your teeth at home, your toothbrush and floss can’t reach into all the tiny spaces where plaque hides. If we don’t remove this film, it turns into a hard substance called tartar, which can be removed only by a dental hygienist using specialized instruments.

During your cleaning, your hygienist may find that you have gum disease. If so, she may determine that more frequent visits are needed to eliminate and control it. Cleanings three or even four times a year, in this case, are not uncommon.

Book your Routine Cleaning

If it’s time to schedule your next dental cleaning at our LA, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Westchester, or Norwalk dental office, please call the oral hygiene team at PhD Dental to arrange an appointment.

A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is recommended when there’s evidence of gum disease — like bleeding gums, bad breath, or bone loss. During your exam, we’ll check your gums with gentle measurements and X-rays. If a deep cleaning is needed, we’ll explain why and how it helps stop gum disease from getting worse.

Dental anxiety is very common, and at PhD Dental we understand it. Our caring team takes time to make you feel safe, comfortable and respected. From getting to know you, understanding your fears, and using gentle techniques — we strive to reduce stress and make your visit easier. If you’d like, we also offer sedation options (see next question) and other comfort measures. You can let us know ahead of time about your concerns, and we’ll build a visit plan that works for you.

Yes — our practice offers sedation dentistry options to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their dental care. Depending on your needs and health history, we’ll discuss which level of sedation (such as oral sedative, nitrous oxide, or deeper sedation) is appropriate. We’ll review all benefits, risks, and your comfort preferences so you can choose confidently. Contact your local PhD Dental location to ask about sedation availability and scheduling.

Yes — at each PhD Dental location in Los Angeles, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera and other Greater LA areas, our team is trained to provide compassionate, anxiety-sensitive care. Many of our patients say we helped them overcome their fear of the dentist entirely. phddental.com We encourage you to mention your anxiety when booking — so we can plan your appointment accordingly, spend extra time, and make your first visit as comfortable as possible.

Many patients feel under-confident or nervous about visiting the dentist — you’re not alone. At our practice we specialise in making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our team will take time to understand your concerns, explain each step of care in plain language, and we offer sedation or sleep-dentistry options for those who prefer them. We’ve found that offering a gentle, welcoming environment and patient-first communication helps many fearful patients relax and get the care they need without dread.