Author: 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

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.

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.

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.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things about our daily lives. Regular visits to the dentist have also changed. Many dental practices, such as Dental Express in San Diego, CA, have reopened and are using CDC guidelines to provide the safest dental care. With the help of personal protective equipment (PPE), our dental team can both protect patients and themselves while performing comprehensive dental exams and routine dental cleanings.

It’s no surprise that so many people are wondering, “is it safe to go to the dentist now?” Because COVID-19 Pandemic spreads through respiratory droplets that get into the mouth, nose, or eyes, you may be scared to sit in a dental chair. Viral transmission can happen if someone isn’t showing symptoms. Our dental team is tested and will wear masks at all times to help ensure safety.

Before your appointment

Before your appointment at Dental Express, our office may call to ask questions about your health. These same questions may be asked again before any dental service is performed. Our dental office will limit the number of people that can be brought into your appointment. We suggest that you leave your children at home or allow your teenage children to go into the office alone while you wait outside.

At your appointment

When you arrive at our dental office, you will be asked to wait outside until we are ready for you. This helps us to reduce the number of people we have inside and the amount of time that you’re close to others. Your temperature will be taken when you enter the office. We will have hand sanitizer and hand-sanitizing wipes available for you to wipe down furniture and other things. We have covered many things so that we can easily clean between patients. We have taken these precautions to help protect you and our team while we provide you dental care.

After your appointment

Our staff will thoroughly clean all areas that were used during a visit. It’s important that if you start feeling ill with COVID-19 Pandemic symptoms within 14 days of your appointment to call our office so we can properly notify others that were around you or in the same office or exam room after you.

Can I safely have a dental cleaning?

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we suggest you don’t put off dental appointments. This is because teeth cannot heal themselves, so if you have a dental issue, it can progress to become painful and/or need an extensive dental procedure, such as periodontal disease treatment.

What about dental emergencies?

Never neglect what you feel is a dental emergency since it can seriously impact your overall health. For example, if an infection is left untreated, it can get into the bloodstream and cause serious health problems.

Call us right away if you’re having a dental emergency, including:

• Broken tooth

• Severe bleeding in the gums

• Infection

• Severe tooth pain

• Swelling in the gums or face

• Abscess

We can safely treat your dental emergency and will follow all CDC guidelines while you’re in our dental office.

Learn more about dental safety at Dental Express

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we diligently follow all CDC guidelines to best protect our patients and our staff. We can explain everything we are doing to protect you and our staff before you even visit our dental office. While keeping yourself and others safe from COVID-19 is important, so is your routine dental care. More than ever an efficient oral hygiene routine from home is important as it helps to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible in between dental appointments. To schedule an appointment for a dental exam or dental cleaning, call our San Diego, CA dental office today.

Learn the Correct Way to Brush Your Teeth

To maintain the best possible oral health, closely follow a regular at-home oral hygiene routine. Your oral health can drastically impact your overall health. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, our professional team teaches our patients some of the best oral hygiene tips to keep their teeth and gums healthy. While maintaining a regular routine of comprehensive dental exams and routine dental cleanings are important, learning the best way to brush your teeth helps prevent dental pain and discomfort in the future.

Should I floss or brush my teeth first?

Whether you floss or brush first isn’t an important detail to a successful oral hygiene routine. What matters most is that you both brush and floss regularly. Flossing first helps to loosen plaque between the teeth. It removes food particles and debris from between the teeth in the tiny spaces that the toothbrush cannot touch.

When you eliminate plaque that causes tooth decay, your oral health will benefit. It’s important to focus more on the quality of cleaning your teeth and gums. While brushing your teeth removes plaque from the surface of the teeth, it cannot eliminate it entirely, which makes flossing important. Ultimately, the order in which you brush and floss is up to you; the focus should be getting your teeth and gums as clean as possible.

How to brush your teeth

The American Dental Association suggests brushing your teeth at least twice daily. Replace your toothbrush every few months or when the bristles start to fray. Use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle focused on the gums. Gently move the toothbrush back and forth to brush the inner, outer, and chewing sides of your teeth. Brush each of the four quadrants of the mouth for at least 30 seconds. Also, don’t forget to brush your teeth, which harbor harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.

How not to brush your teeth

There are many ways that you can incorrectly brush your teeth, including:

1. Choosing the wrong brush: Always use a brush with soft bristles that can bend. Also, a small-headed brush is advisable as it allows you to get to hard-to-reach areas easier.

2. Brushing too hard: Don’t scrub the teeth too hard. This can lead to red and swollen gums. Plaque is soft, so you don’t need to scrub to remove it.

3. Not brushing long enough: You should brush for at least two minutes every time you brush.

4. Brushing incorrectly: Don’t brush back and forth. Start at the gums and go up and down in a circular motion to brush correctly.

5. Forgetting the gumline: Bacteria remains where the tooth meets the gum. Don’t miss that area or you will increase your risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

6. Brushing right after a meal: Dental professionals suggest waiting for at least 15 or 20 minutes after a meal before you brush. This is because the acid is still sitting in your mouth and you’re now using an abrasive that can erode your teeth.

What does flossing do for your health?

Flossing helps reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease. This gum inflammation occurs when bacteria below the gumline is left in your mouth. Gum disease is associated with many medical conditions, including stroke, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type II diabetes. Regular dental examinations and routine dental cleanings at Dental Express in San Diego, CA help to effectively remove plaque.

Learn how healthy teeth and gums keep your oral health at its best

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we teach our patients tips on maintaining their oral health at home. Oral care tips help you to understand how brushing teeth and flossing can help you keep optimal oral health. When you leave bacteria, food particles, or plaque on your teeth or in the gums, gingivitis can develop. Flossing helps reduce this risk. Our goal is to help all our patients achieve healthy teeth with an efficient at-home oral hygiene routine. To schedule an appointment to learn tips for healthy teeth and gums, call us today.

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we understand that coming to the dentist for regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings can cause many of our patients’ anxiety. However, it is these visits that help keep your teeth and gums healthy. The mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, which means that these exams and cleanings help keep your overall health at its best too. When determining what makes a good dentist, consider the most important general dentistry services that patients of all ages need to maintain their oral health.

Tips for finding the best dentist

The American Dental Association offers many suggestions for finding the best possible dentist for your oral health needs. First, ask family, friends, and coworkers for recommendations for San Diego, CA dentists. Next, contact local or state dental societies for lists of certified and recommended dentists for routine dental examinations and dental cleanings.

Questions to ask a general dentist

Before committing to working with a dentist near you, you should have a consultation where you can learn more about their experience, skills, and training. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we offer these visits to answer any questions that potential patients may have about our services.

Some important questions to ask during this informative visit include:

1. Do you submit claims to all insurance companies? Finding out if they take your insurance coverage is perhaps one of the most important questions to ask before having any procedures at their San Diego, CA office.

2. Do you have payment plans for those who are uninsured? If you don’t have dental insurance, you will want to work with someone that offers patient financing options, such as Credit Care. Understanding your financial obligations ahead of time will help you to make an informed decision.

3. Are they members of professional associations? Members of the American Dental Association follow a code of professional conduct, the principles of ethics, and advisory opinions. They also complete continuing education courses that make them up to date on the latest technologies and techniques for the dental industry.

4. What are your office hours? This is especially important for those with limited schedules. If you need an office that has late hours or extended weekend hours, this may be a major determinant on which general dentist you choose in Smile Dentistry San Diego, CA.

5. Do you offer emergency dental care services? Unfortunately, emergencies do happen, and understanding the protocol associated with emergency dental care helps you be better prepared in the future.

6. Are cost estimates given for treatment plans upfront? When discussing treatment, you will want to know what to expect in terms of what your financial obligation will be (if applicable) and how many visits does the treatment take?

These are just some of the many questions that can help patients determine the Best Dentist San Diego near them to meet their needs.

Understanding general dentistry services

General dentistry covers many oral health needs. Our general dentists evaluate oral conditions that involve teeth, jawbones, jaw joints, gums, and soft tissue. Our goal is to preserve your natural structure as much as possible. General dentistry services include comprehensive dental exams, routine dental cleanings, diagnostic x-rays, fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, sealants, and mouth guards. Our goal is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible through bi-annual dental cleanings and annual cleanings. We advise our patients to visit us before a dental problem becomes severe as, oftentimes, this will lead to pain and lengthy procedures that could have been prevented.

Choose Dental Express in San Diego, CA for professional dental care

Comfort, professionalism, and a caring approach are just some of the many qualities that many patients look for in a dentist. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we pride ourselves on putting safety first for our patients. We never compromise quality at our office and provide personalized care for patients of all ages. To learn more about our dentists and what our team can do for your oral health, call today to schedule a consultation.