Did you catch our recent Facebook reel (see below)? In it, we listed five dental tools and treatments that we think are more than worth the investment. Today, we’d like to go into more detail about why we’re so happy to recommend them. Here are our top five picks and what makes each of them such a great investment.
1. A Philips Sonicare Toothbrush
Sonicare toothbrushes are one of the oral hygiene items we recommend most often to our patients. And before you ask, yes, we do mean Sonicares specifically. Any electric toothbrush is better than a manual one, but in our experience, Sonicare brushes perform slightly better than Oral-B’s.
You’ll remove significantly more plaque during each brush with one of these, and that’s great news for your teeth and gums. You’ll get fewer cavities, lower your risk of gum disease, and experience less tartar buildup between cleanings – all for as little as $25 if you get the base model on sale.
2. Regular Cleanings and Checkups
Many patients are tempted to skip dental cleanings and checkups to save a few dollars on their dental bills.
The thought process is understandable: if the dentist usually doesn’t find anything when you visit, there’s no need to visit at all, right?
Wrong. Dental checkups exist to catch small problems before they turn into big ones. The longer you go without a checkup, the longer you let those problems fester. Small cavities turn into root canal cases, cracked teeth turn into broken teeth, and gingivitis turns into irreversible periodontitis. That last one is especially likely when you also skip your cleanings.
Fixing all of these problems costs much more than a dental cleaning would. Play it safe and get that checkup!
3. Clear Aligners
If you need orthodontic treatment, we almost always recommend going with clear aligners over traditional braces. These clear plastic trays fit snugly over your teeth and gently move them into their new positions according to your treatment plan. They’re a bit more expensive than metal braces, but they’re almost impossible to see, much more comfortable to wear, and don’t force you to alter your diet for months or years.
Not every patient is a good candidate for clear aligners, though. Ask your dentist or orthodontist whether they’re an option for you before worrying about the extra cost.
4. Opalescence Whitening
Opalescence is one of the leading teeth whitening treatment brands on the market today. It also happens to be our favorite one.
Their in-office whitening tray treatments contain up to 45% hydrogen peroxide for a powerful whitening effect that doesn’t rely on UV light exposure. You’ll leave with your teeth looking several shades whiter, and you can even buy take-home trays with up to 15% hydrogen peroxide to keep your teeth from darkening between professionally supervised treatments.
5. A Night Guard
Not everyone needs a night guard, but if you do, getting a custom one from your dentist is definitely worth it. For a few hundred dollars, you’ll keep your teeth safe from the extreme stress of nighttime clenching and grinding. You almost certainly won’t have to worry about cracking or breaking your teeth while you sleep, and any restorations in your mouth will last longer too.
Get More Top Dental Tips from Coscarella Family Dentistry
Want to learn even more about dental products, oral hygiene, and all things dentistry? We’re always happy to share. Contact us today to become a patient and speak to our team in person – and don’t forget to follow us on social media!
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