FAQ’s

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry is the art and science of designing wonderful smiles. It involves all aspects of general dentistry with a special emphasis to assure that individual teeth, as well as your smile, look their very best. New advances allow the dentist to shape, lengthen, lighten, and straighten teeth to make the restoration look as natural as possible and achieve a natural looking smile.

Should I consider Cosmetic Dentistry?

Look carefully at your smile. If you feel it could be better, you should consider Cosmetic Dentistry. Having a beautiful smile goes deeper than appearances. It gives you confidence. It will give you an edge in your everyday activities–improving your professional and personal image.

What types of problems does Cosmetic Dentistry solve?

If your teeth are dark or worn and make you look older, if gaps or chips make you feel self-conscious, or if crooked or discolored teeth stop you from smiling fully, Cosmetic Dentistry can help. The negative effects of abnormal gum tissue or out-of-date dental treatment are also problems that can be corrected with Cosmetic Dentistry. How long does it take to get a new smile? Although each case is unique, some new smiles are completed in a single visit.

I’m nervous about dental procedures. Can I be asleep?

While we do not put patients to sleep in our office, we do offer nitrous oxide sedation, which gives patients a relaxed and calm feeling. Nitrous oxide is safe and works quickly, and you don’t have to fast before your procedure. Furthermore, it wears off quickly at the end of your appointment so you are able to drive to and from our office, and then go about the rest of your day.

What is Instant Orthodontics?

Instant orthodontics is a procedure that straightens teeth using bonded porcelain veneers or crowns instead of braces. In just a few appointments, both gaps between the teeth and crowding can be corrected.

Is Tooth Whitening (bleaching) harmful to my teeth?

Tooth whitening is not harmful to the teeth. It removes stains from the teeth that may be caused by coffee, teas, tobacco, and food. A small percentage of patients can experience sensitivity after bleaching, but this usually goes away over time. The length of time that bleaching’s effects last varies depending on the individual and his or her cleaning habits.

How long do veneers and crowns last?

The amount of time a veneer or crown (cap) lasts depends on many different factors, including at-home care, a patient’s commitment to follow-up visits with the dentist, and the quality of the crown or veneer.

I want my front teeth to look better but I don’t want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

We have a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look.

Can my jagged teeth be corrected?

Absolutely. Contouring your front teeth can produce incredible results in improving your smile. Using a specialized tool, we can painlessly reshape your teeth and give you the smile of your dreams.

How can I get rid of my “gummy” smile?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be a candidate for a procedure called gum contouring. This can be as simple as trimming the gum tissue or may be as advanced as contouring gum tissue and the bone around the teeth.

How can I replace missing teeth?

A complete set of natural looking teeth not only improves your confidence and self-esteem, but it also increases the longevity of your natural teeth by removing stress placed on them. We have several procedures to help replace missing teeth, including implants, bridges, and natural looking partial or full dentures. It is not necessary to live with missing teeth any longer.

My friend just told me about a Smile Makeover. What exactly is that?

Esthetic dentistry is the art and science of designing wonderful smiles. It involves all aspects of general dentistry with a special emphasis on individual teeth and their overall harmony and balance in your smile. Look carefully at your smile. If you feel it could be better, consider having a smile makeover. A beautiful smile can increase your confidence and self-esteem, giving you an edge in life by improving your professional and personal image. In short, a smile makeover is a complete reconstruction of your smile, from the inside out with a comprehensive analysis and redesign of your gum tissue and teeth.

What types of problems does a Smile Makeover address?

If your teeth are dark or worn and make you look older, if gaps or chips make you feel self-conscious, or if crooked or discolored teeth stop you from smiling fully, a Smile Makeover can help. Although every patient’s smile is unique, some new smiles are completed in a single visit. A Smile Makeover can redesign the shape of your gums and teeth, and change the overall look of your smile. It’s not just about beautifying your smile. It’s also about maintaining the strength and health of the rest of your teeth.

My teeth are crooked. Do I need braces?

Not necessarily. Instant orthodontics is a procedure that straightens teeth using bonded porcelain veneers or crowns instead of braces. It can close large gaps between your teeth and correct overcrowding in one or two visits. Your teeth become naturally stronger by the bonded porcelain veneers.

Do you accept referrals?

We always welcome new patients. Most of our new patients come to us as referrals from our existing clientele. We’re eager to help the families and friends of our patients.

What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

In case of a dental emergency, our voicemail message will provide you with
the doctor’s emergency phone number. We make it a point to always be accessible to our patients of record.

What payment options do you provide?

We accept cash, personal checks and all major credit cards. We are also pleased to offer several financing plans, some of which are interest-free. For more information about payment options, click here.

Do you accept my dental insurance?

While our office does not contract with dental insurance companies as a “Preferred Provider” or “Network Dentist,” our team will do everything possible to help get the benefits that you’re entitled to. Though the cost of exceptional dental care ultimately falls on the patient, we’ll process your insurance paperwork, and submit the claim on your behalf. No need to hassle with your dental insurance company; we’ll do it all for you!

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

Our entire practice team is well versed in state-of-the-art sterilization and disinfection techniques designed to ensure patient safety. This goes beyond wearing gloves and facemasks to prevent passing germs. It includes a specialized sterilization center made especially to cater to your safety.

How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

Our doctors subscribe to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. They also take time on a regular basis for continuing education, and ensure that the staff does the same. As a team and as individuals, our office makes it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.

What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

We are dedicated to providing excellence in dental care; to giving you sophisticated dental treatments using the latest technology in a caring environment of competence, enthusiasm and a concern for your well being. At each visit, we promise to explain everything thoroughly and to take the time to listen to your concerns about your dental experience.