Comprehensive Esthetic Dentistry

If you want a movie star smile and don’t have oral health issues that need to be addressed, our office can explain options for achieving the celebrity smile you desire. To book a private consultation for a smile makeover, call 831-372-8011 today.


Dr. Kern has helped many people in the Monterey County area achieve the smile they have always wanted.

Whether you have damaged teeth, aging enamel, or teeth that need aligning or whitening, we can address your problem areas, provide you with an overall esthetic assessment, and discuss your specific concerns.

A smile makeover in typically involves two or more procedures, which may include: dental veneers, tooth implants, sculpting of gums, and teeth whitening or bleaching.

Sometimes the initial examination reveals dental treatments that are necessary to correct other problems involving bite alignment or bone structure issues that, when treated, provide added satisfaction and a natural look to cosmetic dentistry procedures.

When our dental practice redesigns a smile, the teeth are treated as an integral element of the patient’s face. The lips, gums, mouth, facial structure, patient’s age, and coloring are all taken into consideration. This unified approach to cosmetic dentistry has helped our office establish and maintain a stellar reputation in the Monterey County professional dental community.

Our dental office has years of experience in dental implants and porcelain veneers, helping patients leave our office with more confidence and a smile they are proud to show off.

We love helping people feel good about smiling again!

Award Speech For Monterey County's Outstanding Women's Event 2012

Monterey County’s 2012
Outstanding Women’s Event

Thank you for this incredible honor. Just being in the company of these four amazing women gives me such joy. All of us in our own way---whether it be big or small—are carrying out our passion to create a better community in which to live.

After I graduated Dental School at UCLA and I was asked to come back and teach, one of my professors told me—as an educator your job is to find and tell the students what they are doing Right. I think that the Monterey County Commission on the Status of Women is doing just that….educating us all by singly out women each year, honoring them and letting us know—You’re doing something Right. Keep it up.

Each of us are students in life. It starts with our families, our teachers and friends, our employers and then how we interact with our community. What we learn , is what we give.

I was raised in Los Angeles and escaped to the Monterey Peninsula with my young family in 1995. I am one of the lucky ones…I have a very loving and supportive family, I was allowed to go to college and follow my dreams, and I had enormous encouragement all along the way. Family support is paramount. The love, the cheers, the hugs—three essential components we all need to grow up.

Professionally, I followed the inside track---by that I mean, I worked as a dental assistant, a receptionist, and as a dental hygienist before returning to school to become a dentist. This meant full support from my loving husband, Kevin, loans from my family to help us keep our house and attend school full time, as well as student loans. My employers encouraged me to pursue my education through their letters of recommendation, mentoring and words of wisdom. People believed that I could do it; I just needed to do the work and get the education.

After our daughters were born, Kevin and I made the decision that we wanted to raise them in a better environment than L.A. We visited the Peninsula and felt comfortable and welcome. The dental community was small—only four women dentists out of 120. Dr. Chuck Linkenbach wanted to retire and he felt that I would be a good fit for his patients. So in April 1995, we had a ten month old, a two and a half year old and a baby practice…..Tag Team parenting, patient’s teenagers for babysitters, St. Angela’s Children’s Center, Parent’s Place, Dance Kids of Monterey County…We were a young family and a young Practice that thrived from the love, friendship, and support from this Community.

With my daughters grown and almost on their own, I have been able to give more of my time and support to Community projects. My heart and gratitude goes into programs for our children and women. For me, it’s about Encouragement, Opportunities and Education …..

When my girls were young we were involved with Dance Kids of Monterey County. Dance Kids exposes youngsters to Music, Dance and Performing Arts. I have watched The Nutcracker transform shy 4 and 5 year olds into poised, talented performers year after year. Such a gift for the children, the families and the audiences—a Holiday tradition of going to see the Nutcracker has been established for residents from King City to Watsonville. Through a charitable program called Smiles for Life, my office donates proceeds from teeth whitening to Dance Kids and Garth Brook’s Teammates for Kids. The Teammates Foundation money goes to national children’s charities. There is more information on my website or we have brochures if anyone is interested in supporting those programs.

As a mother and healthcare professional, I believe in PREVENTING crisis. I got involved with the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center because I felt that Awareness and Education were keys to preventing sexual assaults. We can’t bury our heads in the sand and say it doesn’t happen here—it does. Programs for building young people’s self-esteem, how to deal with bullies or inappropriate behavior, and knowledge of where to find help are crucial for a safer community. I support MCRCC because they are working very hard in our schools on the Peninsula, as well as in South County and Salinas.

As a dentist-- I have had the opportunity to deal with Crisis Management. My team and I have restored the smiles of victims of Domestic Violence. Smiles are a crucial part of our self esteem and how we interact with the world. When these victims have been able to extricate themselves from their abusers, there are programs here to help them restore their lives. My role is to Give Back a Smile—my laboratory, team and I donate our services and help these victims—usually women, feel whole again. This has allowed them better presentation for job interviews and it rids them of the physical evidence of what they have experienced so they can move forward.

This community has given me and my family so much and I see it as my job to give back. Whether it’s supporting a graduating Monterey High senior in her journey with a scholarship, serving on non-profit and the Chamber of Commerce Boards, or giving money and time to causes that benefit women and children-----I’m just doing my part to continue to create this wonderful community.

Many of you have seen my commercials and you might think we focus on beauty, but true beauty comes from health. When we are well, emotionally, physically and spiritually we are at our most beautiful. I think the same goes for our community. When we are able to encourage harmony and happiness in place of misfortune, or lost opportunity, then we have a healthy, well and vibrant community.

For anyone who has benefitted from the support of others, giving back is not just an obligation; it is an honor. For me, my dental practice team and my family, we give a lot, but we think we receive even more.

Thank you all for helping to build and support such a healthy vibrant community for all of us.

HOW TO GET GREAT RESULTS WITH TEETH WHITENING?

The longer I deliver cosmetic dentistry in Monterey, I find that the best results come less from the products (for example, Zoom Teeth whitening, or Nite-White teeth whitening gel), and MORE from great communication with our patients.

For example, earlier today, I received an online question from a cosmetic dentistry patient in another state. She had Zoom Teeth Whitening and wound up with a fairly serious chemical burn on the gum of her front tooth. While she will probably be fine, I’m sure it was scary and alarming to have a big white ulcer on the gum next to her front tooth.

Candidly, anytime you are dealing with the human body, there is a (small) potential for a complication. I find that these surprises or disappointments can almost be 100% avoided by good communication before, during and after the procedure.

Later today, I had the chance to see one of my favorite patients who is starting to whiten his teeth. We talked for quite a few minutes about how to stay comfortable during the process and also a lot about what exactly to expect.

After more than fifteen years as a cosmetic dentist in Monterey, I have found we consistently get great results, by first, seeking to understand exactly what our patients want, then tailoring one of the many options to deliver results. Then we tell our patients what to expect each step of the way.

Oh, and we encourage constant input and try to have great accessibility to any questions they have along the way.

Problems and disappointments with teeth whitening (or other cosmetic dentistry procedures like porcelain veneers, bonding, or smile makeovers), can be avoided!

RAISINS: BEAUTIFY YOUR SMILE!

These sugary, sticky treats were once thought to cause cavities, but recent research done at the University Of Illinois reveals the opposite is true: Raisins actually bolster your protection against tooth decay and even gum disease.

They’re a top food source of oleanolic acid, which protects tooth enamel and gum tissue by scrubbing away plaque buildup and, even better, preventing it from sticking in the first place!

Raisins are very good for promoting dental health as they are rich in calcium and boron.

Raisins also have antibacterial compounds that prevent gingivitis, an inflammatory gum disease that raises the risk of heart attack and stroke, since germs in the gums can find their way into the bloodstream.

What's On Your Dental Wish List?

A cosmetic dental consultation is informative and enjoyable. As the patient, you’ll have the opportunity to describe your goals and expectations. If this is your first visit to the practice, you’ll discover how comfortable you feel with our dentist and other members of the treatment team. Cosmetic dentistry consultations help us provide the highest level of Monterey Peninsula dental care.

This is the time to ask questions about possible procedures such as teeth whitening. You can look at pictures of actual porcelain veneer patients and dental implant recipients. Our cosmetic dentistry patients really get excited when they see images of the possible results for their teeth.

By listening effectively and asking the right questions, Dr. Jeanette Kern can fully assess the many variables unique to your needs.

Dr. Kern thoroughly examines teeth, gums and biting function. Complete x-rays are taken. Existing dental work, tooth color, tooth alignment, and gum condition are taken into consideration. Medical history and lifestyle are also important factors. Cosmetic dentistry costs are outlined.

Taking the first step by scheduling a cosmetic dental consultation is your key to understanding your options and preparing to make decisions. Learn about the possibilities for your smile at Jeanette Kern DDS, “Perfecting Smiles – Enriching Lives”; give us a call at 831-372-8011.

Where Will You Take Your Smile Today?

YOU TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF and you put different clothes on. But when it comes to your smile, you take it EVERYWHERE you go. Do you like your smile? If you could… Is there some little thing you’d change? Some big thing you’d change?

NEWS FLASH!!
Today’s smile design techniques and materials, combined with the artistic skills of Dr. Jeanette M. Kern, make having a drop-dead-gorgeous smile easier and more affordable than ever. If you’re a little unfamiliar with some of the terminology behind smile design, here’s a short course:

Whitening - Sometimes called “tooth bleaching”, smile whitening is the most common cosmetic dental procedure. While many whitening options are now available—including over the counter products—dentist-supervised treatments remain the recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.

Contouring - Contouring is sometimes called “tooth reshaping”. Contouring can sometimes be used to correct minimally crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or an overlapping tooth. It’s a procedure of subtle changes and is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of teeth.

Bonding - Bonding is a process in which enamel-like dental composite materials are applied to a tooth’s surface, then sculpted into shape and polished.

Veneers - Veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain laminates that are bonded directly teeth. They’re an option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that do not respond well to whitening procedures. Sometimes, tooth reduction may be necessary.

Minimal Prep Veneers - The popularity of prepless veneers is being driven in part by increased patient desire to prevent removal of healthy tooth structure. But not all cases are right for minimal-prep veneers.

The best way to determine what’s right for you and your smile? Simply talk to Dr. Kern. I'm passionate about people’s smiles. Our office has seen beautiful smiles make a huge difference in people’s social lives and careers. It feels good to not be embarrassed to smile. We look forward to visiting with you! Call us at 831-372-8011.

DNA Periodontal Testing

DNA testing for Periodontal disease: Am I Going To Lose My Teeth Just Like My Mother?

My mother lost her teeth at an early age.
Am I going to lose my teeth and need dentures too?

Years ago this may have been the case, but I’ve seen good hygiene and routine dental care do remarkable things in helping people keep their natural teeth over the years I’ve been practicing dentistry. There are some people, however, that no matter how hard they work at their home care, they can’t get quite as healthy as they would like.

There is new technology that allows us to test our patients for genetic predisposition for Periodontal Disease. The risk for periodontal disease increases 3 to 7-fold and for tooth loss 3-fold in individuals who test positive for these new tests. Early detection of patients at increased risk facilitates prevention and early intervention efforts. For those patients already affected with periodontal disease, the PST Genetic Test assists clinicians in creating a personalized treatment plan.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an estimated 75% of all Americans over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease. It’s a known fact that periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal Disease, or gum disease, is a common condition that varies in severity from person to person and usually starts when people are in their 30’s or 40’s. Symptoms may include:

Red, swollen, tender gums; receding gums; bleeding while brushing and/or flossing, loose or separating teeth, persistent bad breath, dentures that no longer fit, pus between the teeth and gums.

Are you at risk? When might we suggest DNA testing for you?

When you have early signs of periodontal disease, despite a fairly good effort with your home care.

You’re considering cosmetic or advanced restorative dentistry, such as veneers or implants and we want to know that we don’t have any factors “working against us” as we perform treatment.

A new patient or someone who hasn’t seen us in a while and needs a lot of dentistry to get healthy again, and they tell us of a family history of periodontal disease, diabetes, heart disease or stroke.

Clinical signs of infection (red, swollen, or bleeding gums with bone loss around teeth and periodontal pockets) are around important teeth that we critically need to save to keep our patient from having to get a denture.

Have a family history of periodontal disease? Need extensive periodontal care? Have loose teeth? Lost teeth?

Confirmation of your oral health is needed prior to major medical surgery.

You have other medical / systemic conditions that make you more susceptible to periodontal infections.

A screening tool to access your periodontal health and genetic risk to oral infections.

Do you have chronic bad breath even though you’ve done everything we’ve shown you to manage the problem?

WHAT ARE THE TESTS?

MyPerioPath Test: Identifies and measures certain bacteria that can cause gingivitis and periodontitis.
MyPerioIDPST test: Determines if you are likely to be more susceptible to gum tissue infections.

These revolutionary tests deliver detailed information that will enable us to better determine the appropriate treatment regimen for your specific needs. The testing procedures are quick, non-invasive, simple and easy to perform.

If both tests are done, the total cost is around $300, plus the cost of any antibiotics (from the pharmacy) possibly needed for treatment.

Dentistry continues to make some amazing strides in that it’s providing people the opportunity at having enhanced overall health. As I’ve said frequently lately, I’ve been in dentistry for over 30 years, and there’s not been a more exciting time that right now for all the things that dentistry can offer my patients. Whether it’s sedation for the fearful patient, implants for those that have missing teeth or dentures and can’t really chew their food, or DNA testing for those who REALLY want to keep their teeth, I’m thankful for the profession I’m in being so interesting and fun the last few years.