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Can Porcelain Veneers Work On Crooked Teeth?

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Can Porcelain Veneers Work On Crooked Teeth: If your teeth aren’t as straight as you’d like them to be, porcelain veneers front teeth may be the answer. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we use porcelain veneers to improve the spacing and alignment of teeth. These veneers are thin porcelain shells that are placed directly on the front of your teeth, resulting in a straighter, whiter, and better-looking smile. During a consultation with our team, we can evaluate your teeth and gums to determine if veneers will meet your dental goals. Candidates for porcelain veneers typically have one tooth that needs improvement, small gaps or spaces, or minimal overcrowding.

What can veneers correct?

Porcelain veneers can help improve many different cosmetic dental concerns, including:

  • Gaps and spaces

  • Misalignment

  • Bite issues

  • Misshapen teeth

Sometimes called instant orthodontics, porcelain veneers camouflage some orthodontic issues. However, they do not change the position of the teeth.

Can veneers fix crooked teeth?

The answer to this question varies from patient to patient and is determined by how far out of alignment the teeth are. Our specialist will examine if the misalignment is affecting the bite in any way. So, do veneers work on crooked teeth? If both your teeth and bite are healthy and your alignment problem is minor, you should be able to use veneers on dental bonding crooked teeth. Our team can evaluate your candidacy for veneers at a consultation.

How do porcelain veneers work?

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we can match the color, shape, size, and length of your existing teeth. Your veneers are custom made from impressions made of your teeth. Temporaries are placed until your permanent set is created. When they’re ready, they are bonded to your teeth after a small portion of enamel is removed to make the bonding process more successful.

Although veneers are bonded firmly to your teeth, they are not indestructible. They can chip or crack. Caring for veneers is just like caring for your natural teeth, requiring brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental examinations and routine dental cleaning.

Alternatives for straightening your teeth

For patients who aren’t candidates for veneers, we offer other ways to straighten your teeth. SmileCorrect™ teeth aligners gradually shift the teeth with the use of clear and removable aligners. This clear braces option allows you to get the straight smile you’ve always dreamed about. The aligners are removable, which makes it easy to keep them clean. Your treatment time will last anywhere from one to two years, with about eight stages of therapy. At follow-up visits, we will check your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Learn if porcelain veneers will fix your crooked teeth

Having a straight and white smile is something most people desire. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we offer ways to help you achieve your dream smile. We will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to determine if you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers. If veneers are not the right treatment option for you, we can help determine the right dental treatment to reach your smile goals and maintain your oral health. When you’re unhappy with your smile, contact our team to schedule a consultation to discuss porcelain veneers.

How Does Fluoride Help Fight Cavities?

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How does fluoride help fight cavities: fluoride is important for improving oral health in patients of all ages in San Diego, CA. It has been proven to reduce one’s risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease. It is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and other bones. Professional dental fluoride treatments at Dental Express helps both younger patients with growing teeth and older patients with damaged enamel improve their oral health.

Who is the best candidate for fluoride treatment?

Our fluoride treatment dentist will examine each patient to determine who is the proper candidate for this procedure, which can be used on patients of all ages. It usually is given to kids whose teeth are still developing or who don’t have good oral hygiene routines. We also recommend fluoride treatment to older patients who may not have fluoridated drinking water, which makes them more susceptible to developing tooth decay. Dental Express can thoroughly explain what fluoride is used for during an initial consultation. For patients with a dry mouth, neutral sodium fluoride may be used, while phosphate fluoride may be recommended for those with dentures, dental crown and bridges. We also offer a variety of flavors to make the treatments more enjoyable at our San Diego, CA office.

How does fluoride prevent cavities?

Tooth enamel is the outer covering of your teeth. Saliva contains a high amount of phosphate, and when it thoroughly covers your teeth, it protects them by helping to keep them strong. When you eat diets high in carbohydrates, sugar, or acid, your teeth can be affected. All of these diets lead to the stripping of your tooth enamel, which leaves you more likely to develop gum disease or cavities. Fluoride is used to create a barrier on your enamel to reduce the chances you develop tooth decay.

What does fluoride do for your teeth?

Fluoride helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel, reverse early signs of tooth decay, slow down mineral loss from tooth enamel, and prevent the growth of harmful oral bacteria that can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Weakened tooth enamel leaves the teeth vulnerable to bacteria that cause cavities.

How is fluoride treatment performed?

Fluoride treatments are performed every six months after a dental cleaning. We ask our patients to select a flavor and then we prepare the treatment as a varnish, foam, or gel. The fluoride will be left on your teeth for several minutes to allow it to penetrate the enamel. Our dental hygienist will use suction to remove any excess fluoride at the end of your treatment. Do not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes after fluoride treatment in San Diego, CA.

What to expect after fluoride treatment

Nausea and vomiting can occur in patients that consume fluoride. This is why it’s important you follow the 30-minute rule after treatment. While fluoride strengthens the teeth, you will still need to follow a daily oral hygiene routine at home of brushing the teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing at least once daily. You also should schedule regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings at Dental Express to ensure your oral health stays at its best.

Is fluoride treatment covered by insurance?

Many insurance companies do cover fluoride treatment for patients who are of a certain age. However, adults typically aren’t covered. Our team can discuss your financial obligations before you start treatment. We offer a variety of payment methods and low-interest or no-interesting financing options to our patients.

Learn what fluoride does for your teeth

Make sure that you and your family have strong and healthy teeth with a fluoride treatment. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA we recommend fluoride treatment to our younger patients with developing teeth. To schedule a consultation to learn more about fluoride treatment and how it prevents cavities, call our dental office today. We can discuss healthy oral hygiene habits that help protect your enamel, even without the use of fluoride treatment.

Don’t Forget Your Child’s Back to School Dental Checkup

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Don’t Forget Your Child’s Back to School Dental Checkup

Good dental checkup health is important for every member of your family, including your children. Children should first see the dentist no later than six months after their first tooth erupts, and then every year thereafter. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we encourage all parents to schedule their child’s back to school dental visit quickly. Pediatric dentistry focuses on the growth of the teeth and looks for potential problems that can be resolved quickly. Our dentists can provide helpful advice on how to care for the teeth from home. Our dental team prides ourselves on offering a comfortable place for your children to have their teeth and gums examined.

Who is the best candidate for pediatric dentistry?

Children can experience tooth decay or cavities when they are as young as two years old. At Dental Express, we specialize in family dentistry and preventive dentistry that helps keep your child healthy. Keeping your child’s teeth in good health while they get their adult teeth helps to prevent future decay or alignment problems. We can recommend procedures, such as orthodontics, fluoride treatments, or kids sealants at a back to school dental exam.

What happens during a child’s dental exam?

A back to school dental exam in San Diego, CA includes:

  1. Teeth cleaning: During this procedure, we will remove any tartar or plaque from on or between the teeth.

  2. X-rays: We will take x-rays to detect any problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

  3. Dental exam: Our pediatric dentist will closely examine the teeth, gums, and jawbone to detect tooth decay.

  4. Fluoride: We may suggest fluoride treatment that will help prevent tooth decay, which leaves your children’s teeth strong.

  5. Hygiene education: We will teach you and your child the best ways to care for their teeth and gums at home.

After the exam is complete, our kid’s dentist will discuss any issues we saw. Based on these findings, we may make suggestions for treatments that will help minimize the chance of developing tooth decay or help to strengthen their teeth. A treatment plan will be created for each patient to fix any teeth that may be damaged, broken, or chipped. As your child grows, we may suggest ways to straighten their bite to prevent more serious dental problems. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to monitor the teeth and gums, and to ensure at-home oral hygiene is efficient.

Why dental hygiene routines at home are important

We encourage you to teach your kids about good oral hygiene. Kids should brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Oral hygiene habits will vary with the child’s age. For children six and under, be present when your child is brushing to help them to reach new molars that need more thorough brushing. For older children, encourage healthy hygiene habits by offering small rewards for brushing and flossing, such as 15 minutes of screen time.

Will my insurance cover pediatric dentistry?

In most instances, a child’s dental exam and cleaning are paid by insurance. If we deem a procedure or treatment medically necessary, we will check with your insurance company to provide you specifics on your financial obligations (if applicable). We also offer low-interest financing to those without insurance to ensure that their child’s dental care remains affordable.

Schedule a back to school dental exam today

Help your child understand how important good dental health is for their overall health. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, our dental team believes it’s important to start having dental exams early on. This allows us to minimize future dental checkup problems and the need for extensive and costly dental procedures. To schedule a dental exam for your child, call our San Diego, CA office today.

How SmileCorrect Aligners Saves Time and Money

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How SmileCorrect Aligners Saves Time and Money: When you’re considering ways to achieve straight teeth, SmileCorrect™ teeth aligners from Dental Express in San Diego, CA are a great option. With Smile Correct, the bite is improved by wearing clear teeth aligners that are custom made to fit each patient comfortably. They will apply constant, but gentle, pressure to get your teeth to where they belong. These aligners can be removed to eat and drink, and to brush and floss the teeth. During a smile makeover consultation, our professional dental team can help decide if you’re a viable candidate for this orthodontic treatment.

How do clear aligners work?

When you choose to have SmileCorrect, our dentists at Dental Express will take digital x-rays of your jaw and teeth. These images are used to create custom teeth aligners. You can need from six to 48 aligners, depending on your existing oral health. Once you receive your aligners, you will be scheduled for a fitting. You will be required to wear your set of aligners for a week or two until you progress to the next set. Follow-up appointments allow us to track progress for your orthodontic treatment. Most of our patients wear these aligners from six to 18 months.

Who are the best candidates for SmileCorrect aligners?

SmileCorrect is ideal for patients who have:

· Crowded or crooked teeth

· Misaligned or poor bites

· Excess gaps

· Rotated teeth

While there are many orthodontic treatments that can help to improve a bite, alignment, or spacing, SmileCorrect has been one of the most successful. These clear teeth aligners make it hard to tell that you’re wearing them. Compared to Invisalign®, SmileCorrect is less costly. It is great for a patient who doesn’t want to undergo a long orthodontic treatment and who wants to straighten their teeth discreetly. It also makes it easier for you to make sure your teeth and gums are cleaned regularly, unlike metal braces, which can make it more difficult to keep the teeth and gums clean. During a consultation in San Diego, CA we can go through your options for straightening your teeth and help you to make the most informed decision for your oral health.

How long does it take for aligners to work?

To check for progress and to make regular adjustments, we will schedule follow-up appointments every few weeks for your orthodontic treatment. It’s normal to experience tenderness or mild discomfort when you’re adjusting to the feel of your aligners. The soreness should subside after a few days.

During your treatment, it’s important that you take care of your teeth and gums, so you don’t develop tooth decay. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with anti-cavity mouthwash is important for good at-home oral hygiene. You should always make sure that you clean or rinse your aligners before putting them back into your mouth.

After completing your SmileCorrect treatment, you will have to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting. Ultimately, regular dental exams at Dental Express in San Diego, CA helps our dentists to monitor your bite, alignments, and oral health.

Will my insurance cover SmileCorrect?

This depends on your oral health. If we can prove that SmileCorrect treatment will improve your oral health, we may be able to get your insurance company to cover your orthodontic treatment. However, if you choose to have this treatment for cosmetic reasons, you likely will have to pay for the treatment without any insurance coverage. Our dental team can help advise you on all costs associated with this or any other treatment. Typically, SmileCorrect can cost $2,500 – $3,500.

Learn more on how to straighten your teeth with SmileCorrect teeth aligners

To learn more about SmileCorrect and other orthodontic treatments to straighten your teeth to achieve your dream smile, schedule an appointment with our dentists at Dental Express in San Diego, CA. Having straight teeth makes your smile look great and improves your oral health at the same time.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix My Crooked Teeth?

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When you feel self-conscious about how your smile looks, cosmetic dentistry can help. At Dental Express, Cosmetic Dental San Diego, CA, we offer smile makeover procedures that rejuvenate our patients’ smiles. We can listen to your concerns about crooked, broken, damaged, chipped teeth, or discolored teeth and offer a custom treatment plan to restore your smile. During a consultation, we will examine your teeth and gums to detect any existing dental problems that may need to be resolved before any cosmetic dentistry begins.

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover is a procedure, or series of procedures, used to repair and restore a smile. Cosmetic dentistry procedures are used in order to improve both function and appearance. Our dentists will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses each patient’s oral health and goals. These procedures will provide dramatic change to crooked teeth. The goal of a smile makeover is to improve the alignment, function, color, and shape of the teeth. We can create a treatment plan that helps you to achieve your dream smile in San Diego, CA.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures used during a smile makeover

At Dental Express, our dentists offer different treatment options for you to change your smile. A smile makeover can address cosmetic concerns that you may have, including Dental Bonding Crooked Teeth. These cosmetic dentistry procedures improve how your smile looks. It also can:

Correct crowded or crooked teeth: Patients that want a straighter smile can use Invisalign® to gradually and gently shift their teeth to more desired positions. This is done with SmileCorrect™ aligners that are custom-made for each patient. This procedure improves oral health as crowded or misaligned teeth are more likely to develop tooth decay. This is a great treatment option for adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly without traditional metal braces.

Improve the length, size, and shape of teeth: Teeth that are too small, narrow, or too big can impact how your smile looks. We can improve the

size, length, shape, or width of your teeth with veneers.

Repair or restore broken, chipped, or cracked teeth: Teeth that are cracked, chipped, or broken can affect how you chew. When this is repaired during a smile makeover, you restore the function of your teeth while improving the smile too. Dental bonding and contouring can be used to correct these imperfections.

Whiten teeth: Our patients get a bright and white smile with teeth whitening. This cosmetic dentistry procedure removes any discoloration, stains, or yellowing.

The goal of a smile makeover in San Diego, CA is to transform a smile.

How to achieve healthy teeth at home

After you’ve achieved a celebrity smile with our dentists at Dental Express, it’s important that you care for them to keep them looking and feeling their best. Avoid consuming stain-causing beverages, such as coffee, tea, or red wine, as they can stain your white teeth. Also, never use your teeth as a tool since this can teeth cracking or chip your veneers or other restorations. Be sure to brush and floss regularly to reduce your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Schedule regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings for optimal oral health.

Learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can help with crooked teeth in San Diego, CA

All of our patients at Dental Express have different oral health needs. Because of this, we perform thorough dental exams to determine the best treatment options for each patient to promote smile rejuvenation. We will address any existing dental issues before we begin any cosmetic dentistry procedures.

A smile makeover, can include a standalone treatment or a series of procedures that help you repair your crooked teeth. When you want to make noticeable changes to your smile, consider what cosmetic dentistry can do for you. For more information on smile makeover procedures and to schedule a consultation with our dentist, call our San Diego, CA office today.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding All of a Sudden?

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If you have bleeding gums, it’s because of the plaque that has accumulated at the gum line. Plaque contains harmful bacteria that attack the healthy tissue around the teeth. When this plaque builds up, the gums become inflamed and sensitive. This can cause them to bleed and lead to periodontal disease. At the early stage of gingivitis, this gum disease is reversible, which makes it important to visit Dental Express in San Diego, CA as soon as you see your gums bleeding. We offer periodontal cleanings that can thoroughly clean the teeth and gums to promote better oral health.

Bleeding gums causes

What Causes Bleeding Gums? Several things can lead to irritated and bleeding gums. The most common cause is gingivitis or periodontitis. Vitamin deficiencies can also cause bleeding gums.

A vitamin C deficiency can lead to gum bleeding. Besides, brushing too hard or incorrectly, improper flossing, infection of teeth and gums, and improper denture fitting are also causes of spontaneous gum bleeding.

Improper oral hygiene causes plaque to build up, which results in symptoms like periodontitis, gingivitis, and other dental issues. If you feel gums bleeding when brushing, it also provokes other issues, like, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, teeth grinding, and hormone fluctuations.

Risk factors for developing gum disease

Some patients may be more at risk of developing gum disease in San Diego, CA. These risk factors include:

  1. Genetics: Some people are more predisposed to develop periodontal disease.

  2. Age: The chance of getting gum disease increases as you age.

  3. Stress: Stress is directly connected to periodontal disease as it makes it more difficult for your body to fight off this infected gum tissue.

  4. Smoking: Smokers have nearly twice the risk of getting gum disease compared to those who don’t smoke.

  5. Poor dental hygiene. When you don’t follow a proper at-home oral hygiene routine, you’re more likely to develop plaque build-up is the most common.

Signs of gingivitis

Bleeding gums may be the only symptoms you experience when you first develop gingivitis. Some other signs of the early stages of gum disease include:

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums

  • Bad breath

  • Loose teeth

  • Bite changes

Gingivitis is easy to deal with if you address it early on. Our dental professionals at Dental Express in San Diego, CA can help deep clean your teeth to ensure that your gum disease doesn’t progress to more advanced and damaging stages. Once gum erosion happens, pockets form between the teeth and gums where harmful bacteria get trapped and attack the bone that supports the teeth. This can lead to both tooth and bone loss.

Why is my tooth bleeding? 

If you think that your gums bleeding for no reason, then you have you revise the whole scenario. Many of ou worried about thinking, why do my gums hurt? 

When you do not practice oral hygiene, the bacteria start accumulating on your teeth and building plaque on your gum line.

The plaque, when do not removed at the proper time, will turn into tartar, and you will encounter gingivitis or get inflamed gums that promote gums bleeding randomly.

Scaling and root planing

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we do deep periodontal cleanings called scaling and root planing. If you think you have gum disease and are experiencing bleeding gums, you will need to have your teeth and gums evaluated by our professionals. Treating gum disease may require many visits to avoid more invasive procedures. Scaling and root planing is used to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup underneath the gums. During this deep cleaning, our dentist uses a scaler to get rid of the buildup. Next, they smooth the tooth so that bacteria cannot hide and cause another infection in the future. This treatment is recommended for anyone with gum pockets that are deeper than three millimeters. This nonsurgical gum disease treatment helps treat gums bleed.

Treat bleeding gums quickly

Our team at Dental Express in San Diego, CA can provide efficient treatment options for patients with bleeding gums. We aim to treat gum disease early on before it becomes more advanced and causes more damage to your gums. We perform thorough dental exams to determine whether or not you have gum disease and, if you do, what stage you’re in. From there, we can suggest treatment options, like scaling and root planing, to resolve your periodontal disease. To schedule an appointment to learn how to treat your bleeding gums, call our dental professionals at Dental Express today.

Why Choose a Crown Over a Filling?

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When you have tooth decay, Dental Express in San Diego, CA can help you decide if a crown or a filling is the best treatment. Understanding the differences between a crown vs. fillings is important when making an informed decision for your oral health. Our dental professionals can determine if the reasons for a crown are present or if a filling is all that is needed after a dental exam.

About fillings

Fillings are used to restore teeth with small amounts of damage. We first remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then clean it thoroughly. Next, we fill it with a composite resin that looks like a natural tooth. When these holes are closed off, it helps to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth and from further tooth decay developing. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we offer tooth colored fillings that match the natural color of your teeth. More serious cavities require a dental crown.

About crowns

Crowns are caps that fit over a tooth. They are most often used when a tooth has severe decay. The crown’s material is chosen based on where the tooth being restored is located. Porcelain fused to metal is stronger, so it’s better for teeth in the back while ceramic dental crowns or porcelain is used for front teeth since they match their shape better.

There are many reasons for a crown, including:

  1. To restore broken or worn-down teeth

  2. To protect a weak tooth with decay from breaking further or to help hold a cracked tooth together

  3. To cover discolored or stained teeth

  4. To cover a tooth with a large filling that doesn’t have much structure remaining

  5. To make cosmetic improvements

During the crown process, the area being treated is numbed, and any decayed or damaged portions are removed. The crown can be built up later to match the height of the teeth adjacent to it, if necessary. Impressions are made of the tooth to custom create a restoration. The lab can also color match a crown so that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the natural teeth. A temporary is placed until the permanent one is ready. When the crown is finished, the temporary is removed, and the final crown is cemented into its place. We can adjust the fit, so the bite is correct at this time.

Is a crown permanent?

No, crowns aren’t always permanent. However, with proper care, it can last a long time. For a crown to last, the crown must be properly fitted. Bacteria buildup can lead to tooth decay. The goal is to protect the tooth, so our dental professionals at Dental Express take great care to make sure that your crown fits properly. An efficient at-home oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps provide longevity too, as they can last 10 – 15 years.

Differences between crown vs. fillings

One of the biggest differences between crowns vs. fillings is that one protects more efficiently. Since a crown entirely encases the tooth, it strengthens teeth better than a filling because they reinforce it. A crown can, usually, withstand force without any risk of damage. However, fillings don’t provide this same protection.

When should I choose a filling?

Patients who visit Dental Express in San Diego, CA who only need minor improvements can choose fillings. They bond the teeth and make them look better. They are best for those looking to maintain as much of their natural tooth structure as possible. They help seal a tooth off more efficiently than other solutions too.

Learn whether crowns vs. fillings are the best restorative dentistry option

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we are committed to helping our patients decide if crowns or fillings will work best for their oral health. We offer comprehensive dental examinations that can detect dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, early on. Both crowns and fillings can help restore your smile. Call today to schedule a dental exam today at our office.

How Do SmileCorrect Aligners Differ From Invisalign®?

Posted on by Dental Express

When you’re considering straightening your teeth without braces, SmileCorrect™ teeth aligners from Dental Express in San Diego, CA is a great option. With SmileCorrect, a patient’s bite is improved by wearing clear and removable teeth aligners. These are custom made to fit comfortably in your mouth throughout the day. You can remove them during mealtime and while brushing and flossing. During a consultation, our professional dental team can help decide if you’re a viable candidate for this orthodontic option.

How SmileCorrect & Invisalign® Work

woman holding aligners
woman holding aligners

When you choose to have SmileCorrect or Invisalign® orthodontic care, our dentists will take digital x-rays and digital impressions of your jaw and teeth. These images are used to create your custom teeth aligners. Once you receive your aligners, we will schedule you for a fitting in San Diego, CA. You will wear a set of aligners for a period of time (usually a week or two) to apply constant, yet gentle, force to your teeth. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled every few weeks to track your progress and to give you new aligners. With Invisalign®, you will have more follow-up visits.

Who is the best candidate for SmileCorrect aligners?

SmileCorrect is best for those with:

  • Crowded teeth

  • Misaligned bites

  • Crooked teeth

  • Excess gaps

  • Severe overbites

  • Rotated teeth

While there are many orthodontic treatments that can improve a bite, alignment, or spacing, SmileCorrect has other added benefits. The clear teeth aligners make it hard to tell that you’re wearing orthodontics at all. As compared to Invisalign®, SmileCorrect is less costly and is made in the United States. It is a great choice for someone who doesn’t want to undergo a long orthodontic treatment and wants to straighten their teeth in a discreet way. Also, this option allows you to ensure your teeth and gums are cleaned regularly, unlike metal braces that can be more difficult to keep clean.

What’s the difference between SmileCorrect and Invisalign®?

While both of them work almost identically, there are some differences. SmileCorrect is meant for more mild orthodontic problems that require a shorter treatment time and fewer visits to the orthodontist. SmileCorrect also is more affordable due to the independent style of correction it provides patients. This is especially great for those who don’t have dental insurance coverage.

SmileCorrect aligners follow-up

To check your progress and make adjustments, we will schedule a series of follow-up appointments every few weeks during your orthodontic treatment. It’s important that you take great care to keep your teeth, gums, and aligners clean so that you don’t develop any tooth decay. Flossing, brushing, and rinsing with mouthwash are important aspects of a successful at-home oral hygiene routine. You should always clean or rinse your clear teeth aligners before putting them back into your mouth. After you complete your SmileCorrect treatment, you will have to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from returning to their original position. Regular dental exams at Dental Express will help monitor your alignment, bite, and oral health too.

Will my insurance cover SmileCorrect?

This depends on your oral health situation. If we can show that SmileCorrect treatment will improve your oral health, your insurance company may cover your treatment. However, if you’re choosing to have this treatment for solely cosmetic reasons, you likely will have to pay for the treatment without coverage. Our team can help advise you on all costs associated with this treatment before you commit to any procedure. Typically, SmileCorrect costs anywhere from $2,500 – $3,500 while Invisalign® costs anywhere from $3,500 – $6,000.

Learn more about how to straighten your teeth with SmileCorrect teeth aligners

To learn more about SmileCorrect and other orthodontic treatments, schedule an appointment with our dentists at Dental Express. Having straight teeth makes your teeth look great and also improves your oral health. This means your teeth and gums look and feel their best. To schedule your appointment, call our San Diego, CA dental office today.

Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Last Longer Than OTC Whitening?

Posted on by Dental Express
in office teeth whitening
in office teeth whitening

Teeth whitening isn’t permanent. This is because people expose their teeth to foods and beverages that can cause staining, meaning whiteness may fade in just one month. The degree of whiteness men and women are able to achieve varies from patient to patient, depending on the condition of their teeth. Dental Express in San Diego, CA offers professional teeth whitening that has been proven to work better than over-the-counter whitening. After a dental exam and cleaning, we can determine which whitening treatment will be the best one to meet your goals.

Best ways to whiten teeth

We understand how important it is for you to have a white smile. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we can help you to address any concerns you have with how your smile looks. While there are many over-the-counter options, our dental practice offers professional natural teeth whitening that helps keep your teeth white longer. Our whitening treatments can brighten your teeth by several shades after just one treatment. We use professional-strength gel that works by reaching beneath the surface of your teeth to effectively remove deep stains. When you’re looking to improve your smile’s appearance and to attain a brighter smile, our professional team can help.

Is teeth whitening good for my teeth?

According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening is safe. Most patients can see results with our professional teeth whitening treatments. Your experience will vary based on your goals for your smile. While at-home teeth whitening is safe and effective, it isn’t as effective as professional teeth whitening.

Types of teeth whitening

Dental Express is proud to offer two types of teeth whitening for our patients in San Diego, CA. Based on your concerns, we can help you to choose the best way to whiten your teeth, whether in our office or in the comfort of your home. The types of teeth whitening we offer include:

  1. Boost teeth whitening: Our in-office Boost teeth whitening treatment allows you to brighten your teeth during a one-hour session. We will help you to choose the best shade for your teeth and then apply the gel to your teeth. We use an LED light to help speed up the whitening process. This treatment works best for those with darker stains.

  2. Speed teeth whitening: This at-home teeth whitening system allows you to brighten your teeth, usually, in just 20 minutes. You will need multiple kits to see the full results. This kit comes with gel application, trays, and an LED light that helps accelerate the whitening process. Our at-home kits work great and offer a more subtle effect than our in-office whitening treatment.

How long will teeth whitening results last?

Ultimately, this varies from patient to patient. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we usually recommend one in-office teeth whitening treatment annually with follow-up take-home whitening sessions. However, every patient will differ, depending on their existing oral health and the shade of their enamel. Your oral hygiene routine will also directly affect how long your whitening results last.

Teeth whitening aftercare

After each whitening session, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold, but this should stop after a few days. Routine dental examinations are important for maintaining your results. Our exams look for gum tissue health and the state of each tooth to help keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best. Touch-ups with teeth whitening can be done after your biannual dental cleanings. Having teeth whitening doesn’t indicate your teeth are healthy; that is what a dental cleaning is for. Avoid drinking or eating foods that can stain after teeth whitening to keep your teeth looking bright for as long as possible.

Learn more about teeth whitening in San Diego, CA

When you’re looking for safe and effective ways to brighten your smile, professional teeth whitening is a great choice. After a thorough exam, our professional team at Dental Express can determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. If so, we can help you choose the best treatment option for your oral health. To schedule an appointment to learn more about our professional teeth whitening options, call our San Diego, CA office today.

Five Reasons Why Regular Dental Exams Are Important

Posted on by Dental Express
woman at dental exam
woman at dental exam

Dental exams should be scheduled regularly and not just when you think something is wrong. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, our professional team believes that preventative dentistry is most important. Regular exams and cleanings help us to detect dental problems early on before a toothache begins or there’s a need for extensive dental treatments. Good dental health also requires an efficient at-home oral hygiene routine.

What happens at a dental exam?

During a dental exam, we learn about your medical history and your oral health. We learn if you smoke, have allergies, or have other medical factors that can affect your oral health. We also may want to know about your past dental history. With all of this helpful information, we can get a full picture of your health.

We look at your teeth, gums, jaw, and mouth for tooth decay, oral cancer, or disease. We use x-rays to see any abnormalities that we cannot see with the naked eye. After an exam, patients usually have a dental cleaning where tartar is scraped away from the teeth. After they’re clean, the teeth are polished. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we believe that our job isn’t just to resolve dental problems but also to help prevent them from happening.

Why it’s important to have regular dental exams

Here are some reasons why regular dental exams are important:

1. Oral cancer prevention: Oral cancer is serious and, oftentimes, isn’t diagnosed. When left untreated, it can quickly progress. We conduct oral cancer screenings during dental exams. An early-stage oral cancer diagnosis is treatable. Our dental team is highly trained to recognize signs of oral cancer.

2. Detect plaque, tartar, or cavities: When plaque builds, it can become difficult to remove. If it is left untreated, it turns to tartar, which is hard to remove without the help of a dental professional. Regular exams and cleanings prevent tartar from creating holes in teeth, which lead to cavities. This can be avoided with regular dental exams.

3. Prevent gum disease: Plaque and tartar buildup causes tooth decay, and can also damage the gums. When tartar builds up, an infection in the gums occurs, known as gingivitis. As it progresses, the teeth can become loose or even lost. In the early stages of periodontal disease, it is reversible. However, if it is left untreated, more extensive periodontal disease treatments are necessary.

4. Monitor bad habits: Smoking, drinking, or eating a high-acid diet, and clenching or grinding your teeth can all be detrimental to your teeth and gums. When you have a dental exam, our dentist can check for oral damage caused by these habits. Regularly visiting the dentist allows you to fix the damage that is already done and to help maintain your oral health.

5. Find problems using x-rays: Oftentimes, our dentist cannot detect all dental problems with their eyes alone. This is why dental x-rays are important. They can find issues, such as impacted teeth, jawbone damage, cysts, bone decay, or even tumors. Treating these issues as soon as possible is important to your overall health.

Oral Hygiene Tips

Regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings are important, and so is proper oral hygiene. Our team at Dental Express in San Diego, CA offers professional advice on the best ways to brush and floss from home, including

  • Brush properly: Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle using back and forth strokes across the sides of the teeth while focusing on the gumline. Brush at least two minutes twice daily. Use a small or medium-size brush that is small enough to reach into hard-to-reach areas.

  • Floss: Floss at least once daily. Use a forward or backward C shape motion while wrapping floss around each tooth.

  • Use mouthwash: A cavity-fighting mouthwash helps prevent gingivitis, which can lead to red, tender, or bleeding gums.

Take care of your teeth and gums with regular dental exams

A regular dental exam allows you to take the best possible care of your teeth and gums in San Diego, CA. At Dental Express, we believe in preventative dentistry that focuses on promoting good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Call today to schedule a dental exam with our team.

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