Leave treatments such as whitening, straightening to trusted Mission Viejo California dentists, not OTC products
You can find just about anything online, but when it comes to ordering even seemingly harmless "cosmetic" dental treatments, it's best to do your dental care "shopping" at your trusted, qualified Mission Viejo California Dentists, Drs. Alex, and Nina Basti.
Red flag No. 1: OTC Whitening
You may have seen products billed as "whiteners" in the store or as the result of a Google search. These products may contain so little of the active bleaching agent that you may not notice any change to the color of your teeth.
Products marketed as "bleaching" can whiten your teeth beyond their natural color, while those promoted as "whitening" will only bring your teeth to the natural shade, which may not be as bright as you would like.
If the products merely don't work this is certainly a preferred scenario to the damage caused by store-bought whitening trays that are not customized to fit your mouth. These trays can cause irritation and damage to the soft tissues. The American Dental Association has also reported irreversible tooth damage resulting from such OTC treatments.
These options are particularly risky if you have active gum disease or a history of oral health problems. By partnering with Basti Dental Care, our professional staff will restore your mouth to health before embarking on any cosmetic treatments that may worsen the condition or prompt new types of damage.
Professional bleaching and whitening treatments minimize the risks of sensitivity, gum irritation, and irreversible damage. Furthermore, Basti Dental Care may recommended dental bonding or porcelain veneers should your teeth be very dark or have gray stains caused by prolonged and early fluoride or antibiotic use.
Red flag No. 2: Straightening "by mail"
Resist the temptation to buy bands online that claim to straighten your teeth without the hassle, cost, and time associated with proven, professional techniques such as braces.
These seemingly "short-term fixes" resulted in the American Association of Orthodontists issuing a warning about these products. The AAO warns consumers that, should you forgo a thorough exam performed by a dental professional, you may put yourself at risk for lifelong dental problems. These problems can be more extensive and costly than the ones you were initially trying to correct.
After a thorough exam, Drs. Alex and Nina Basti may suggest dental bonding or veneers to close gaps or fix other spacing issues. For alignment problems, Basti Dental Care offers many aesthetically pleasing, safe, and effective options ranging from Six Month Smiles and Invisalign to the modern cosmetic braces.
Call 949-427-2096 to find out more about these and other cosmetic treatments available in Mission Viejo, including white fillings, porcelain crowns and bridges, and dental implants.