FAQs from Smile San Diego in Mission Valley and Chula Vista

Many patients in the San Diego area have the same questions concerning dental care. We at Smile San Diego of Mission Valley and Chula Vista hope that these frequently asked questions can help you make more informed decisions regarding your own dental care. If you have additional questions, we encourage you to contact us.

Can I afford a smile makeover?

At Smile San Diego in Mission Valley and Chula Vista, we believe that each of our patients deserves a smile to be proud of. While most insurance policies do not cover cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening, we offer convenient financing options and payment plans to help our patients realize the smiles of their dreams with a full smile makeover. We believe that nobody should forego dental attention because cost is an issue, and we will happily work with patients to finance general and restorative dentistry treatments, as well.

I Hate my Crooked Smile, but Feel too old for Braces. Is there a Solution?

Many of our patients, adults and adolescents alike, do not want to undergo orthodontic treatment because of the look, feel, and inconvenience of traditional metal or ceramic braces. Fortunately, our San Diego-area cosmetic dentists now offer Invisalign® invisible braces. With Invisalign®, patients wear a series of thin, clear plastic aligners which gradually shift the position of their teeth. Invisalign® braces are nearly imperceptible to observers, and they can also be removed for convenient eating and cleaning, unlike traditional braces. Most patients achieve their goal smile in roughly the same amount of time it would take with metal braces. Contact us at Smile San Diego of Mission Valley and Chula Vista to learn whether Invisalign® invisible braces are right for you.

How Do I Get My Child to Care for His own Teeth?

Teaching young children how to properly care for their gums and teeth at home may be tricky, but is crucially important if you want your child to have a strong and healthy smile for life. Our friendly children’s dentists have found that making a game out of brushing teeth is very helpful. Use an ADA-endorsed toothbrush that has colors or characters that your child likes, a flavored toothpaste, and sweet-tasting mouthwashes, for a start. It helps if you brush your own teeth when your child brushes his so he can see you using proper technique. Another trick we have learned is to offer rewards for a job well done (but, please, not candy!).

Why are Dental Implants Superior to Dentures?

While dentures are a time-proven method of tooth replacement, and modern technology has paved the way for dramatic improvements in terms of denture comfort and ease of use, they still do not compare to the permanent solution of dental implants. Unlike dentures, which must be removed nightly for cleaning and re-adhered with sticky glues or tapes in the morning, dental implants are permanently fused to the jawbone and look and function just like natural teeth. Some patients may use dentures as an interim solution for missing teeth while waiting for the dental implants process to be completed. To learn more about the difference between dentures and dental implants and which may be the best solution for you, contact our restorative dentists at Smile San Diego in Mission Valley and Chula Vista.