Dr. Martin Abelar Brings Beautiful Smiles To Many Happy Faces
by Marie Larrabee

Dr. Martin Abelar has been a regular contributing writer for Ranch & Coast magazine for the past three years. His insights on the issues and techniques of interest to those seeking to improve the aesthetics of their smiles have proved helpful to many. As such, we are proud that he has taken on the additional role of acting as a contributing editor in the area of cosmetic dentistry for our Body, Mind & Spirit section. But what makes him a voice of authority on the subject?

Over the past 23 years, Abelar has garnered a reputation for a keen eye for detail in the area of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He was born in Northern California and earned both his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from the University of the Pacific, graduating from dental school in 1981. Though active in teaching and research early on, Abelar always knew his heart was in developing a private practice. “I had this vision of the perfect office,” says Abelar, “high tech, state-of-the-art, efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. I want people to walk into my office, look around, and know that I have a great appreciation for style and design. After all, cosmetic dentistry is as much art as it is science, and if you want people to trust you with that kind of work, you had better put yourself in the proper environment.”

Certainly though, appearances can only get you so far. Abelar has always taken as many classes and post doctorate courses as time allows. “Contemporary materials and methods have changed the face of dentistry,” he says. “Fully 90 percent of what I do in my everyday practice is different from what I learned in dental school, so it’s important to stay current. For example, natural appearing dental restorations are as good, and in most cases better, than the old materials. Anyone who says different is just not familiar with current research.” Even exams have gone high tech, according to Abelar. His office uses digital x-rays, which not only allow for convenience in viewing and storage, but also cut the amount of radiation exposure by up to 70 percent. In addition, there are lasers and high-resolution digital photography for detecting cavities and case planning.

Abelar states one of his proudest honors was to be asked to be a clinical instructor at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) — perhaps the most well known private post-doctorate teaching facility in the world. Being chosen as clinical instructor speaks not only to his technical skills, but also to his passion and commitment to excellence. Practicing dentists come from around the globe to attend classes there to further their skills in cosmetic dentistry, occlusion (bite problems), and oral reconstruction. “Because of my affiliation as clinical instructor with the Las Vegas Institute, I often get phone calls or e-mails from dentists around the world asking advice on a particular case,” says Abelar. “It truly is an honor to have enlisted that kind of trust amongst my colleagues.”

Dr. Martin Abelar can be reached at his practice, the La Jolla Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, at 858/457-7994.