A dental implant will be more expensive than an alternative tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge. A single dental implant in Aliso Viejo typically costs between $3,500 and $6,000. Financing options including credit card payments, and third-party financing through CareCredit may be available to help with the cost of a single dental implant. However, keep in mind that the initial investment into a dental implant can pay off in the long run, as an implant may last your entire life. Read on to learn more about dental implants in Mission Viejo.
Reasons to Replace a Missing Tooth With a Dental Implant
Missing teeth pose risks to not only oral health but to overall health. Gaps left between teeth make the adjacent teeth more likely to shift into the space, thereby destabilizing them. This puts you at increased risk of losing additional teeth after losing one tooth.
Missing teeth also lead to jawbone loss. When you are missing a tooth, the absence of its root causes your jawbone to begin to recede. If the missing tooth isn’t replaced, in time the loss of bone can alter your facial structure, causing premature aging.
In addition, empty sockets left by missing teeth can also accumulate dangerous bacteria, increasing your risk of mild gum disease (gingivitis) and more severe gum disease (periodontitis). A growing body of evidence indicates that poor oral health can lead to serious and chronic conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
However, missing teeth don’t just impact your physical health and appearance. If you have missing teeth, there’s a good chance that you may also feel insecure or self-conscious about the gap in your smile. In multiple studies, individuals missing teeth report a reduced quality of life, as the result of low self-esteem.
All of these risks can be prevented with a dental implant. Dental implants are safe, strong, durable, natural looking, and function like natural teeth. With good oral hygiene, your dental implant will last at least 20 years, and for many people may last their entire lifetime.
Procedure for Getting a Dental Implant
If you decide to move forward with replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, you can expect a variety of painless scans and X-rays. These images will be used to position the implant properly, while others will be used to create the crown that will be affixed to the implant. On the day of your implant surgery, a biocompatible screw (the implant) will be surgically implanted into your jaw. Over the next several months, a process known as osseointegration will take place.
Osseointegration is the process by which your jaw bone and soft tissues begin treating the implant like they would a natural tooth root. They grow up the implant, fusing bone to the screw, and securing the implant in its place. Once this process is complete, an abutment will be placed on top of the screw, which will affix the artificial tooth to the implant. For many people the process, from your initial consultation through the attachment of your artificial tooth, will take just about six months.
Schedule a Consultation to Replace Missing Teeth in Aliso Viejo
If you’re ready for a beautiful, complete smile once again, schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Patel at Aliso Smiles today by calling 949-916-7800. For your convenience, you may also request an appointment online.
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear your Invisalign retainer as prescribed by your dentist. Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back into their old position after completing alignment treatment. You’ll need to care for your Invisalign retainer virtually the same way you cared for your alignment trays. That means you should rinse your retainer in lukewarm (not hot) water, and use a soft-bristled brush to clean it at least twice a day. It’s generally easiest to clean it each time you brush your teeth.
Tips for Keeping Your Invisalign Retainer Clean and Safe
Always remember that it is important to brush your teeth after eating and before putting your retainer back in. Otherwise, food or debris leftover on your teeth will be trapped by your retainer, which can cause bacteria to flourish.
If you develop a cloudy, white film on your retainer, don’t panic. This is likely calcium and tartar buildup. However, you’ll need to soak your retainer in water mixed with Invisalign cleaning crystals, or another cleaning solution recommended by your dentist. After soaking your retainer for approximately fifteen minutes, you’ll need to brush it gently and rinse it before putting it back in your mouth.
To keep your retainer clean, clear, and healthy, follow these additional tips:
- When not wearing your retainer, keep it in a clean, safe place
- Avoid drinking any beverages other than clear liquids while wearing your retainer
- Avoid using toothpaste to clean your retainer, as it can scratch the plastic
- Remove your retainer whenever you eat
- Do not smoke or vape while wearing your retainer
How Invisalign Retainers Work
Your Invisalign retainer will play a crucial role in ensuring your teeth stay in their newly aligned position. This is known as retention. As such, you must wear your retainer exactly as your dentist recommends. This is because your teeth will naturally shift back into their old alignment, which is a process known as relapse. Invisalign retainers serve to safeguard against relapse, and keep your smile straight, even, and beautiful for years to come.
How Long Will I Have to Wear an Invisalign Retainer?
Unfortunately, your teeth are prone to shifting even after completing treatment with Invisalign, or any other type of braces. So, most people will need to wear their retainer most of the time immediately following treatment. Over time your dentist may advise that you can begin wearing your retainer only at night. Eventually, you may only need to wear it several nights a week.
It is important to remember that your teeth can continue to shift well into adulthood. So, it’s smart to continue to wear your retainer at least a few nights a week, forever.
Learn More About Invisalign in Aliso Viejo
Invisalign offers teens and adults the opportunity to close gaps, fix bite issues, and align their teeth comfortably and discreetly. Invisalign offers the benefit of being able to eat whatever you want during your treatment. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, you can easily clean the entire surface of the teeth, and between the teeth without the need for special tools. Insurance companies typically offer the same coverage for Invisalign as they offer for traditional braces. To learn more about Invisalign in Aliso Viejo, contact Aliso Smiles today by calling 949-916-7800. You may also request an appointment online.
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening teeth. It uses a series of clear, comfortable plastic trays to move teeth into position. Because they are clear, they are nearly invisible.
Unlike traditional metal braces, there are no restrictions on what you can eat or drink. Simply remove the Invisalign tray before eating or drinking. You never have to worry about getting food stuck in your braces or damaging the wires and brackets of traditional braces. You don’t have to change the way you brush and floss your teeth either – simply remove the tray and brush/floss as you normally would.
What Does Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign can help straighten four types of minor malocclusion, or crooked teeth:
Overbite – when the top front teeth overlap the bottom front teeth
Underbite – when the lower front teeth overlap the top front teeth
Minor crossbite – when the top and bottom jaws simply do not line up correctly, but by a small margin – many cases of crossbite require traditional braces
Open bite – when the top and bottom jaws do not meet up at all
Invisalign has helped more than 12 million people achieve the smiles of their dreams. Invisalign can create a new smile for you in as little as 6 months, although you will likely notice meaningful changes in the first few weeks.
Invisalign Procedure
Invisalign involves a convenient 3-step procedure that helps you start your teeth-straightening journey right away.
Step 1
Your dentist uses a digital scanner to quickly and precisely create a 3-dimensional impression of your smile. Next, your dentist uses the 3D image to map out your personalized Invisalign treatment plan. These images help the technicians at Invisalign create the series plastic trays that shift your teeth into position. The iTero Element Scanner also gives you a sneak peek at what your future smile will look like.
Step 2
You will pick up your first Invisalign tray from your dentist, who will ensure that your tray fits well. Simply wear the Invisalign tray for a minimum of 20 hours a day for 2 weeks, taking it out only to eat and to brush your teeth. The next Invisalign trays will arrive in the mail, one set every two weeks.
Step 3
After your teeth have reached their optimal position, you can keep your new smile beautiful by wearing a retainer. Invisalign has a proprietary retainer, known as the Vivera® retainer. These custom-made retainers are 30 percent stronger than other types of retainers.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Invisalign might be right for you if you:
- Have mild to moderate misalignment of one or more teeth
- Are worried about the inconvenience and appearance of metal braces
- Are concerned with oral hygiene while wearing traditional metal braces
- Have only slight bite problems
- Are 15 years or older
- Have all of your permanent teeth
- Are looking for a shorter treatment time than with traditional metal braces
- Are willing to wear clear, comfortable aligners for at least 20 hours a day
Invisalign is usually best for adults and responsible teens who are committed to their treatment. However, other teens may take more responsibility for wearing their Invisalign once they see the benefits and conveniences of this tooth-straightening system.
Invisalign may not be right for you if you have severely crooked teeth that can only be treated with extensive orthodontic work.
Your dentist can help you determine if Invisalign is right for you. A dental professional can also help you take the first steps towards changing your smile with Invisalign.
Learn More About Invisalign
If you want to learn more about Invisalign or if you’re ready for a new and more attractive smile, contact us today at Aliso Smiles. Give us a call at 949-916-7800 to schedule a consultation!
Teeth whitening can make a big difference in your smile and self-esteem! It works by using a bleaching agent to restore a bright white smile. However, not all treatments are the same. If you’re considering teeth whitening, here’s what you need to know about the different options and what may be best for you.
How Does the Bleaching Process Work?
Teeth whitening uses a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to help restore a brighter appearance. When the bleach comes into contact with your teeth, the stains are broken into smaller pieces. As a result, your smile appears whiter.
What About Teeth Whitening with a Laser?
Professional laser treatment also uses a bleaching agent to whiten your teeth. However, a specialized light helps to speed up the process, so you can get results in minutes.
Here at Aliso Smiles, we offer ZOOM!® in-office whitening with a laser to activate the whitening gel. With this treatment, you can get your teeth up to 8 shades whiter in a single visit!
What Other Professional Options Are Available?
At Aliso Smiles, we also offer At-Home whitening kits. With this method, we take a digital scan of your teeth and create a customized mouthguard just for you. We then provide you with whitening gel to wear inside the mouthguard and instructions to achieve the results you desire.
You may wear the mouthguard anywhere from a couple of hours a day to all night – up to four weeks or longer, depending on your whitening goals.
What Are the Benefits of Professional Whitening?
While store-bought whitening kits can help with light-surface stains, we believe that professional whitening is the best option. Among the benefits, professional whitening can offer:
- the quickest and most dramatic results, no matter how stained your teeth may be
- personalized care guided by a dental professional to help reduce the risk of problems or side effects
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
One possible side effect of teeth whitening is teeth sensitivity. Also, problems such as irritation to the gums or enamel erosion may occur if over-the-counter whitening kits are used improperly.
Having professional consultation from your dental provider can help ensure that you use the correct concentration of whitening formula to provide the best results with the least possible side effects.
Want to Learn More About Teeth Whitening?
If you’re ready for a brighter smile, reach out to us today at Aliso Smiles. Give us a call at (949) 916-7800 to schedule a consultation.
Recovering from dental implant surgery requires some temporary changes to your diet in order to give your implant time to heal. It’s mainly in the first week or so that you can expect to make the most adjustments. After that, you will gradually transition back to your normal diet. Here’s information about what to eat and why.
What to Eat Immediately Following Your Surgery
Initially, it can be common to feel a little nervous about eating or to have a lack of appetite. Don’t worry, however. There are many foods that you can eat. Also, it’s important not to skip meals, as you need to nourish your body so that you can heal.
Foods to Eat
During this time, cold liquids and soft foods are best to help protect your implant. Also, softer foods may feel more soothing and can help you avoid biting your lips or cheek while you get used to your new implant. Examples include:
- Smoothies. A great thing about smoothies is that you can add lots of different foods – from yogurt and spinach to fruits and vegetables. That way, you can get many nutrients in one glass! To incorporate protein, consider adding chia seeds, protein powder, peanut butter, or avocado to your smoothies.
- Applesauce. Not only can applesauce provide a good source of vitamins, but it can also feel better because of its cool, soft texture.
- Yogurt. In addition to being a great smoothie ingredient, yogurt is also a good option to eat on its own. The calcium in yogurt can be beneficial for bone strength as you heal.
Along with eating, remember that hydrating your body is important, too! Water is best.
Foods to Avoid
- Tough, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Avoid foods such as popcorn, chips, steak, caramel, or raw vegetables, which may damage your implant.
- Hot or spicy foods and drinks. Stay away from things like hot coffee and soups, or hot peppers, because they can cause bleeding or irritation around the surgical site. Cold soups, such as Gazpacho, are perfectly fine and may be a good source of nutrients.
- Skip the straws. Don’t use straws because the suction can put pressure on your implant and impair healing.
What to Eat After the First Week
You still want to eat soft foods while your implant is bonding to your jawbone. However, you can gradually begin to incorporate other foods as well. Here are some suggestions:
- Eggs. In addition to being a great source of protein, eggs can be prepared in different ways to keep your diet interesting! Consider making an omelet with cheese or soft vegetables like spinach to add additional nutrients.
- Potatoes. Mashed potatoes can be a great option to start with, and you can eventually transition to potatoes prepared in other ways.
- Cheese. Whether you eat it alone or in addition to other foods, cheese can provide a good source of calcium for healthy bones.
- Chicken and fish. When you’re ready to try meat, chicken and fish can be good options. Just be careful to avoid bones in fish. For chicken, consider options such as chicken prepared in a slow cooker, which can be more tender.
- Ground beef. Ground beef can provide a red meat option that’s easier to chew.
Not Sure? Ask Your Dentist
If you have any concerns or questions, it’s always best to check with your dentist in order to avoid any risk of damage to your implant.
Aliso Smiles Provides Dental Implants in Aliso Viejo, CA
If you’re considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, Aliso Smiles provides this service. Dental implants can provide a comfortable, natural-looking, long-lasting option to restore your confident smile and functionality. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Call 949-916-7800 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with quality tooth replacement.
If you’re considering a dental implant but wondering how long pain could last following the procedure, the simple answer is around ten days.
Perhaps that seems like a long time. But considering you’ll be changing your dental health – and your overall health – through implants, and that there are effective treatments to minimize discomfort, you might find it’s not that long at all.
Dental implants can make an enormous difference in your appearance and also prevent bone loss and a negative impact on other teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are durable and long-lasting. They look just like your natural teeth. Fused directly to your jawbone, they’re permanent with proper care. Implants replace the tooth root, as well as a missing or decayed tooth itself, and by doing that, greatly improve and strengthen your jawbone and surround bone health.
Implants are made up of three separate parts:
- A metal post or screw serving as the artificial tooth root, and the base for a replacement tooth
- A metal abutment, which connects the post or screw to the replacement tooth
- An artificial replacement tooth, or crown
The implant is surgically attached to your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone, for long term stability.
When the implant is in place, you’ll perform the same dental hygiene you practice for your own natural teeth to care for your implant. As always, it’s important to brush and floss twice daily, and to schedule 6 month regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist.
Performing an Implant
Attaching an implant is a surgical procedure.
First, the damaged tooth or teeth are removed, if they are not already missing.
If your jawbone has disintegrated or softened, bone grafting may be necessary to prepare it for a successful implant. If your jawbone is strong enough, however, your dentist will surgically open the gum, and drill holes in the bone to insert the metal post. The process is painless using anesthesia.
Once the posts are inserted it can take a month or two for the posts to grow into the jawbone; you may be fitted with a temporary denture during this period if you wish.
Once the implant post has fused with the bone, the abutment is attached to it; the artificial tooth is positioned there.
Discomfort Level
While your level of discomfort may vary, you’ll receive pain medication to minimize it. During the usual ten-day healing process following implant placement, you will likely experience:
- Minor bleeding
- Swelling of face and gums
- Pain at the implant site
How Implant Pain is Alleviated
Along with taking prescribed pain medication, pain and discomfort can also be minimized by following these simple self-care steps:
- Use a warm salt water rinse to ease pain and prevent any potential infection
- Apply ice packs to your cheeks
- Consume soft, cool foods such as smoothies
- Get plenty of rest
And, here’s what you should definitely not do after an implant:
- Smoke, which ups the risk of infection
- Consume hard or sticky foods
Learn More About Dental Implants
So there you have it. While dental implants are not a pain-free procedure, the discomfort is minimal compared to the benefits you will receive.
If you want to learn more about dental implants, or if you’re ready for a new smile, just reach out to us today at Aliso Smiles. Give us a call at 949-916-7800 to schedule a consultation!
Professional teeth whitening is the best way to make your smile bright and new again. If your teeth are yellow or stained, effective, simple professional teeth whitening is the solution.
What Causes Tooth Staining?
Teeth can become stained for a variety of reasons, including:
- Consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, citrus fruits, carrots, certain berries
- Medication such as tetracycline
- Smoking deposits left by nicotine
- Excessive use of fluoride which can cause areas of mottled white spots
- Aging and our own natural tooth color, which can grow more pronounced over time
Each of these issues can be quickly resolved through professional teeth whitening, whether in-office or with one of our take-home whitening kits.
Teeth Whitening Costs
While teeth whitening products are readily available over the counter at many pharmacies and other stores, the most effective treatments by far are professional. We use ZOOM!® whitening treatment in the office, while providing take-home whitening to sustain your bright new smile.
Our take-home kit includes a digitally constructed custom mouth guard to keep whitening gel positioned against your teeth.
Treatment cost is approximately $350 for in-office treatment, while at-home whitening will cost around $400.
While every patient has different needs, an in-office whitening treatment provides the quickest and most dramatic results, no matter how stained your teeth may be. Among all the cosmetic dentistry services we offer, it is our most requested service.
Our at-home whitening kits are a good solution if you have minimal stains or simply prefer to whiten your smile in your own home, as well as helping you to maintain your new smile.
Is the Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?
We believe professional teeth cleaning is the best way to get a bright, clean smile. Store-purchased kits work best for light surface stains. Additionally, over-the-counter kits can cause problems if used improperly.
They can irritate your gums or even erode some of the surface enamel from your teeth, problems that simply won’t occur with professional teeth whitening treatments from your experienced cosmetic dentist. Over-the-counter products can also cause tooth sensitivity, or irritate other soft tissues in the mouth.
In short, your teeth won’t only look better with professional teeth whitening, your teeth and gums will be safe from any potential harm. And, the whitening process will take less time and last longer, too.
While teeth whitening is considered cosmetic, and not covered by dental insurance, the great results and safe process makes professional whitening an excellent value.
Does Teeth Whitening Last?
You can extend the shine of your new, whitened teeth by following some simple steps, such as:
- Regular dental cleaning every six months
- Good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing
- Avoiding dark colored food and beverages for a week after whitening
- Sipping dark beverages with a straw when possible
- Follow up or maintenance whitening as recommended by your dentist
Learn More About Teeth Whitening Cost
If you want to learn more about the cost of teeth whitening or you’re ready for a beautiful new smile, reach out to us today at Aliso Smiles. Give us a call at (949) 916-7800 to schedule a consultation.
Do you need to replace a missing or damaged tooth? If so, your dentist will likely offer you a few tooth replacement options. The top recommendation by most dentists is a dental implant. A dental implant completely replaces a tooth, including the root, and is considered to be the highest quality tooth replacement option available.
If this is the first time you’ve ever had to consider tooth replacement you may be wondering, what is a dental implant? Here’s a basic description of what a dental implant is and how it works.
A Complete Tooth Replacement
A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root system that completely replaces a tooth. The implant portion is an artificial tooth root that is made of biocompatible titanium with threads like a screw. It is surgically placed in the jaw where it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. It takes a few weeks to a few months for the implant to form a solid bond with the bone. A porcelain crown is attached to the top that looks like a natural tooth. The entire dental implant functions like a natural, healthy tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits to dental implants, which is why dentists recommend them as the preferred tooth replacement option. Benefits include:
- Bite strength. A dental implant offers the same bite strength and chewing ability as a natural tooth. You can still eat the foods you love and possibly some foods you couldn’t eat before if your teeth were decayed, damaged, or missing.
- Natural appearance. Dental implants look very natural. Even if you have to replace a front tooth, your dental implant will blend right in with your existing teeth. The crown portion is made of porcelain that resembles tooth enamel and can be created to match the color, size, and shape of your teeth.
- Lasts a lifetime. Once your dental implant fully fuses with the jaw bone, it can stay in place for at least 30 years and most likely the rest of your life. The only portion that may need to be replaced after 10 or 15 years is the crown, which is a simple and less costly procedure.
- Preserves jaw bone. One of the biggest benefits of a dental implant is that it preserves the bone in your jaw. When a tooth is missing from your mouth, the support structures for that tooth, which include the jaw bone and ligaments, will start to deteriorate and eventually dissolve completely. But the implant replaces the natural tooth root and preserves the jaw and support structures. This is why it is best to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant as soon as possible.
- Versatility. A dental implant can do more than just replace a single missing tooth. Implants can act as anchors for bridges and dentures when there are multiple teeth missing or severely decayed. Dental implants provide a more solid anchor for a dental bridge that won’t damage your existing teeth. And implant supported dentures are much more secure and comfortable than traditional dentures.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Anyone can get one or more dental implants, however, not everyone is an ideal candidate right from the start. If you are replacing one or more teeth that have been missing for a while, there’s a possibility that you have some bone loss in your jaw. This can be corrected with a bone graft. A bone graft procedure involves surgically placing a bone fragment under the gums on top of the existing bone. This not only thickens the bone, but also encourages regeneration of the bone so that it will be ready to receive a dental implant.
Aliso Smiles Provides Dental Implant Services
If you’re considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, Aliso Smiles provides this service. We have placed numerous successful dental implants for highly satisfied patients. We believe that it is important to replace missing teeth in order to preserve your dental health.
Call 949-916-7800 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with quality tooth replacement.
Are you considering tooth replacement options? If you have a tooth that is missing or needs to be extracted, a dental implant is the highest quality replacement option. It has many benefits over a dental bridge. A dental implant:
- Looks natural. A dental implant looks very natural because it consists of an artificial tooth root that is placed in the jaw with a crown made of porcelain, which resembles tooth enamel.
- Provides the bite strength of a natural tooth. An implant forms a solid bond with the jaw bone that allows you to chew just as you would with your natural teeth in place.
- Won’t damage your healthy teeth. An implant won’t damage the healthy teeth on either side the way a dental bridge does.
- Can last for the rest of your life. A dental implant, once it bonds with the jaw, can last for at least 30 years and likely for the rest of your life.
The only advantage that a dental bridge has over an implant is that it costs less. Which begs the question, how much does a dental implant cost? In Aliso Viejo, California and anywhere else in the world, the average cost varies.
Average Cost of a Dental Implant
You can expect your dental implant quote to fall somewhere within the range of $3,000-$4,500. If that seems high, it’s because dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement options. They completely replace a missing tooth without affecting the teeth on either side. When you get a dental implant you are making a lifelong investment in your dental health.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Implants
Your exact quote for a dental implant will depend on a few factors:
- Where your dentist is located. The cost of living in the area where your dentist’s office is located will affect the cost of a dental implant. Larger cities and highly populated areas will likely result in higher prices for dental implants than smaller towns and rural areas.
- Your insurance. Not all dental insurance plans cover dental implants. But going to a dentist that is in-network with your insurance provider may help reduce the cost of an implant if the procedure is covered.
- The dental practice you go to. Some dental practices charge more for dental implant procedures than others based on their experience and reputation.
- The number of dental implants you need. Each dental implant comes at an individual cost. The more you need, the higher your total cost will be.
- Preparatory procedures. Not every patient is an ideal candidate for a dental implant right away. The health of your gums and jaw will need to be evaluated first. If there is gum disease present, that will need to be treated before a dental implant can be placed. If the jaw bone is too thin or weak to support an implant, a bone graft or sinus lift procedure may need to be performed first. These procedures and treatments will add the overall cost of getting a dental implant.
Financing Options Make Dental Implants More Affordable
If you’re concerned about the cost, but still want the benefits of a dental implant, there are financing options available to make it more affordable. CareCreditⓇ is one financing option that allows you to make low monthly payments with little or no interest.
Why is it Necessary to Replace a Tooth?
Patients often ask why they should replace a missing or damaged tooth. It may seem like a better option to leave the spot empty to save money. However, leaving a gap in your mouth will cause your other teeth to shift out of place. It also allows your jaw bone and support structures for the tooth to deteriorate and eventually dissolve leaving a weak spot in your mouth. It is always in your best interest to replace the tooth and preserve your dental health.
Aliso Smiles Provides Dental Implant Services
At Aliso Smiles we believe that dental implants are the best tooth replacement option. We also believe that everyone should have access to quality dental care regardless of your budget, which is why we partner with CareCreditⓇ to offer our patients an affordable financing option.
Call 949-916-7800 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with quality dental care.
When it comes to teeth whitening, professional treatments are always your best bet. They’re effective for even the most stubborn stains, they work faster than store-bought treatment options, and because they’re overseen by a dentist, they have a lower risk of painful sensitivity and gum irritation. Still, whitening toothpaste can be worthwhile for maintaining your teeth whitening results or for polishing away minor stains. Here’s what you need to know.
How Whitening Toothpaste Works
Whitening toothpastes are the mildest form of at-home teeth whitening. Most whitening toothpastes use gentle, enamel-safe abrasives to polish away surface stains. (There are also some “natural” teeth whitening options that use harsher abrasives, like charcoal. These are not recommended because they can wear away your tooth enamel, which will make your teeth look more yellow in the long-term.)
Some whitening toothpastes also contain peroxide, which is the same active ingredient in whitening strips and gels. The strength of the peroxide in whitening toothpaste is much lower than that of whitening treatments since it needs to be safe for daily use.
If you want to brighten your smile with whitening toothpaste, make sure you follow the instructions on the package and use the toothpaste as recommended. If you begin to experience any sensitivity, you can reduce how often you use whitening toothpaste by alternating with a standard fluoride toothpaste.
Best Toothpastes for Whitening Teeth
Here are some of our picks for the best whitening toothpastes. Each of these options is safe, effective, approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), and recommended by dentists.
Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste offers teeth whitening and a number of other benefits, including sensitivity relief and antibacterial properties that protect against tooth decay and gum disease. If you want to brighten your smile without sacrificing cavity and gum disease protection, this is an excellent choice.
Crest Pro Health Gum and Sensitivity Gentle Whitening
If you thought teeth whitening wasn’t an option for you due to sensitive teeth, this toothpaste from Crest might be a game-changer! It combines sensitivity relief with gentle whitening power, so you don’t have to worry about dental pain from brightening your smile.
Tom’s of Maine Simply White Clean Mint Toothpaste
As mentioned above, there are a number of natural whitening toothpastes with questionable ingredients that can cause enamel to thin with overuse, and many don’t have fluoride, which is an important ingredient for dental health. Tom’s of Maine is natural, but it does contain fluoride, and it also contains gentle, naturally-derived silicas to buff away stains.
Colgate Optic White Advanced Sparkling White
If you want serious whitening power from your whitening toothpaste, choose Colgate Optic White Advanced Sparkling White. It has gentle abrasives and hydrogen peroxide to lift surface stains and penetrate the enamel to bleach away the darkened molecules that cause discoloration. This is an excellent choice for coffee and tea drinkers.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
If you have questions about whitening your smile, contact us today at 949-916-7800.