Frequently Asked Questions

Treatment duration varies by individual case, typically ranging from 6-18 months depending on your specific needs.

Remove aligners for eating and drinking anything besides water, then brush before reinserting them.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort, which typically subsides within a few days of wearing new aligners.

Check-ups are usually scheduled every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and receive new sets of aligners.

A brief adjustment period is normal, but most patients adapt to speaking with aligners within a few days.

Clean aligners daily with lukewarm water and gentle brushing. Special Invisalign cleaning systems are also available.

Most patients with prior dental work, including crowns and bridges, can still be candidates for Invisalign.

A custom retainer helps maintain your new smile after completing treatment.

Schedule a consultation at our Costa Mesa office to determine if Invisalign aligns with your smile goals.

Whitening doesn’t change the color of restorations, but we’ll help you plan your treatment so your smile looks even and natural. In some cases, we may recommend updating old restorations after whitening.

With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer.

Yes, veneers are considered a permanent restoration since a small amount of enamel must be removed during preparation.

Our custom veneers are crafted to match your natural teeth in color, translucency, and light reflection for seamless results.

The number of veneers needed depends on your smile goals and which teeth show when you smile. We typically recommend treating teeth in pairs for the most natural appearance.

Local anesthetic ensures your comfort during preparation. Most patients experience minimal to no discomfort.

Care for veneers just like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Avoid biting hard objects or using teeth as tools.

Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and maintain their color over time.

Since veneers are considered cosmetic, they typically aren't covered by insurance. We offer flexible financing options to help make treatment affordable.

Most veneer cases are completed in 2-3 visits over a few weeks.

While veneers are durable, they can chip or break like natural teeth. Damaged veneers can usually be replaced individually without replacing the entire set.

The entire process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on your specific case and the healing time required.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. We use local anesthesia and offer sedation options for your comfort.

Costs vary depending on your specific needs. We'll provide a detailed treatment plan and discuss financing options during your consultation.

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Yes, bone grafting procedures can help create adequate support for implant placement.

Dental implants have a success rate of over 95% when placed by an experienced provider.

Implants require the same care as natural teeth - regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.

Many insurance plans provide partial coverage for implants. Our team will help you understand your benefits.

Yes, implants can support single crowns, bridges, or full dentures to replace any number of missing teeth.

Most patients return to work within 1-2 days after the procedure.

In-office treatments typically take 60–90 minutes. Take-home kits begin showing results within 5–7 days and reach full brightness after about 2 weeks of consistent use.

Most patients see a change of 5–8 shades, depending on their starting point and the system used. We'll discuss expected results during your consultation.

Yes, when performed under dental supervision. We evaluate your teeth and gums first to ensure you’re a good candidate and monitor the entire process for safety and comfort.

Some patients experience mild sensitivity, but we use formulas designed to minimize discomfort. We’ll tailor your treatment based on your sensitivity level.

Results typically last several months to a few years, depending on your habits. Avoiding dark beverages and tobacco and following good oral hygiene can help extend results.

Yes, many patients whiten before weddings, interviews, or vacations. We recommend scheduling in-office whitening at least 1–2 weeks before your event to allow for full results and minimal sensitivity.

Often, yes. A cleaning removes plaque and buildup so the whitening gel works more evenly and effectively. We can coordinate both services in one visit.

In-office treatments are faster and more powerful, while take-home trays offer gradual results with more flexibility. Many patients choose to combine both for long-term brightness.

Teens may be eligible depending on age, enamel health, and sensitivity. We’ll assess each case individually and discuss safe options with parents.

For the first 24–48 hours, avoid dark or acidic items like coffee, red wine, berries, and tomato sauce. We’ll give you a full post-whitening guide.

Most insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic treatments like whitening. However, we offer affordable pricing and flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible.