Did you know that the position of your teeth and your smile play an important role in aging your face? As we age, we show less of our upper teeth when we smile. Tooth wear alters the youthful proportions of our teeth; teeth become yellow, and the soft tissues of the face begin to sag as they become less supported. An esthetic orthodontist can enhance the facial appearance and reverse signs of aging through orthodontic treatment alone or coordination with other dental and medical professionals.

One of the first things many people will notice about you is your smile. Therefore, your smile is like your calling card. Having a great smile will help in the increasingly competitive market. More adults are looking for an edge in the job market and investing in themselves. They want to look the part and make an impression. A great smile is a big part of this, and studies have shown that a better smile can lead to better earning potential.

In addition to helping you in the job market, having a great smile can also boost your confidence and self-esteem. This can translate to a better quality of life in all aspects, including personal relationships and social interactions. When you feel good about your smile, you are more likely to smile more often, which can positively impact those around you.

So, what makes a great smile? While many factors are involved, the most important are straight and healthy teeth, good gum health, and a bright, white smile. If you are unhappy with any aspect of your smile, many cosmetic dentistry options can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

It’s important to remember that taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in your overall health. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health, which can help prevent various health issues.

In conclusion, investing in your smile is not just about vanity but can significantly impact your personal and professional life. So, don’t hesitate to improve your smile and confidence today!

In a prior post, we discussed the fluoride content and effectiveness of your toothpaste. To get the most from your toothpaste, consider buying toothpastes that exclude ingredients that reduce fluoride bioavailability, like SLS. Also, buy your toothpaste in smaller containers and at more frequent intervals so that your toothpaste stays fresh. This simple trick will help your teeth remain strong and is especially important for individuals at high risk for cavities.

When buying toothpaste, it’s important to consider additional factors beyond the fluoride content. For example, if you have sensitive teeth, look for toothpaste specifically designed to address this issue. Additionally, if you have certain dietary restrictions or allergies, carefully check the ingredients list to ensure that the toothpaste is safe for you to use. Finally, consider the texture and flavor of the toothpaste, as this can impact your overall experience and encourage you to stick to a consistent brushing routine. Ultimately, the best toothpaste for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so take some time to explore your options and find the one that works best for you.

The longer your toothpaste sits on the shelf after it is manufactured, the more time there is for fluoride to combine with ingredients in your toothpaste like abrasives, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), etc., which reduce the overall fluoride content and effectiveness of your toothpaste. Studies have shown that this reduction in fluoride availability can occur rapidly over the first few months after toothpaste is manufactured. This happens even before your toothpaste reaches its expiration date.

Question: I will receive dental benefits through my current employer in another six months. Right now, I need a short-term or temporary dental plan to help me with a few of my current dental needs. I have been putting off buying dental insurance since I will get dental benefits soon. However, one of my teeth is really starting to hurt me. Do you have any dental plans I do not have to keep for a year or more?

Answer: I suggest reviewing dental discount plans as they will help reduce your overall dental care cost, and you can typically cancel the plan at any time with a 30-day written request. You can also review the Dental HMO plan option. Although some will have you pay for the plan annually, HMOs are inexpensive and may work better for you.

You can call our member service line at 310-534-3444. Our team of experts can explain each plan’s various options and benefits and help you select the one that best fits your needs and budget.

A study by University of Manchester researchers finds a toothbrush can contain over 10 million bacteria, including E. coli and Staph. The water can contaminate a toothbrush splashed when we wash our hands, or worse, by bacteria from an open-flushed toilet. Nasties that fall from toilet spray remain airborne long enough to settle on surfaces throughout the bathroom. And if you drop your toothbrush on the floor, the five-second rule does not apply. Think about keeping your toothbrush out of your bathroom. Also, you should soak your toothbrush in germ-killing mouthwash once a week.

Some people may feel dental insurance is not worth the plan’s cost. That may be true for some dental insurance plans if the person wants it only for short-term use. Many people put off their dental care until they are in pain or have significant dental issues. Then, they get upset when they find out that many PPOs or Indemnity insurance plans have limitations that will not be able to help them with their major dental care needs immediately. A dental PPO plan is not for those who only want to buy a dental insurance plan to fix a current dental issue and then turn around and cancel the plan once they have their dental work done. The reason is that dental PPOs are designed to be long-term plans rather than short-term ones. When considering buying a dental PPO or Indemnity plan, the thing to keep in mind is your long-term dental needs. When getting these types of insurance plans, it is a dental plan you want to keep for at least a few years.

Question: I know I will need some major dental care services. The dentist I want to go to takes only Delta Dental PPO plans. Delta Dental PPO plans have a 12-month waiting period for major services. Is there a way not to have the waiting periods?  

Answer: Delta Dental, like most PPO insurance plans, does come with plan waiting periods. Six months for basic services and twelve months for major services are standard *waiting periods, though some plans may have shorter or even longer waiting periods. In California, we provide two Delta Dental insurance plans that let you choose your dentists. They have a 2000/3000 *maximum limitation with no waiting periods, but they tend to be Delta Dental’s more costly option. 

• Waiting Periods: A waiting period is specified before certain dental insurance plan benefits become available to the policyholder. For instance, a dental plan may have a twelve-month waiting period for major procedures, such as crowns or root canals. Waiting Period means that the policyholder must wait twelve months from the date of enrollment before being able to receive coverage for these procedures. Waiting periods help to prevent people from enrolling in a plan only when they need expensive procedures and then canceling their coverage once the procedures are complete. It’s vital to consider waiting periods when choosing a dental plan, as they can affect when you receive certain benefits.
• Maximum Limitation: A maximum limitation is the maximum amount a dental plan will pay for covered dental services within a specific period, usually one year. For instance, if a dental plan has a $1,000 maximum limitation per year, once you have received $1,000 worth of covered dental services within that year, you will be responsible for paying for any additional services out of pocket. The maximum limitation is typically per person per year. It’s essential to consider the maximum limitation when choosing a dental plan, as it can affect the cost of care you receive.

Question: I have poor dental health right now and know I will need dental care to fix my teeth. I am looking for a good dental insurance plan in California that will help with the cost of having my teeth fixed. 

Answer: We offer many good dental insurance plan choices.  However, since you must address more extensive dental care issues, I would advise our HMO insurance plan options through California Dental and Delta Dental. Since these plans do not have any waiting periods for more extensive dental care needs, they are also the more affordable dental insurance plan type. Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you should have any questions about the available dental insurance plan options we provide, as we will be happy to help you find the best plan for your dental care needs.

What is an HMO Dental Insurance Plan? 

An HMO dental insurance plan is a type of dental insurance plan that typically requires you to choose a dentist or dental office from a network of providers. With an HMO dental plan, you usually have a fixed copayment for various dental services, and there may be no deductible or an annual limit on benefits. HMO dental plans are generally more affordable and may cover more extensive dental care needs with no waiting periods. However, you may have less flexibility when choosing your dentist or dental office.

If you do not currently have dental insurance, this is a good time of the year to start thinking about buying dental insurance to help save money on your dental care needs. The number one reason cited by people who do not visit the dentist regularly is that they can’t afford the ever-increasing cost of dental care. Going into the new year, make your dental health care a part of this year’s resolution. Dental health care does not have to be costly when you think again and buy a dental insurance plan that best fits your dental care needs.

Why buy a family dental insurance plan?

Buying a family dental insurance plan can benefit families who want to save money on their dental care needs. With a family plan, you can get coverage for all family members, including children, at a more affordable rate than buying individual plans for each family member. Additionally, family dental plans often cover preventative care, such as routine exams and cleanings, which can help keep your family’s teeth healthy and catch any potential issues early on before they become more serious and expensive to treat. Overall, a family dental insurance plan can provide peace of mind and financial savings regarding your family’s dental health care.