pic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can we help you?

We are happy to answer questions about our services and procedures.

These are a selection of some common questions that patients have. If your question isn't answered here, please contact our office. It's important to us that our patients understand their dental care.

Other

Can my entire family see you?

We welcome all ages in our office! We are happy to discuss your scheduling needs, so just give us a call and speak with our friendly front desk staff!

What is the best way to keep my smile healthy?

Many people are more health conscious than ever and realize the value of maintaining good health instead of just waiting to treat problems as they arise. General dentistry provides most of the services that patients of all ages require to keep their teeth and gums free from disease.

For optimum oral health, we recommend the following steps:

Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice Daily

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brush your teeth for two full minutes using a small circular motion with the bristles gently angled toward your gumline. Using excessive force to brush will not clean your teeth more effectively and may damage delicate gum tissue.

Floss at Least Once Daily

Using 2-3 feet of floss, floss up and down each side of each of your teeth. Do not force the floss any further than it will comfortably go. Think of your floss as a squeegee that removes plaque. Don’t miss flossing behind your back teeth.

Dental Exams, Cleanings, and X-Rays

Every patient is different. Follow your dentist’s recommended recall schedule to maintain healthy teeth and gums. For most patients this will require a visit every six months. For patients who suffer from gum disease, have some catching up to do, or who have reduced dexterity that makes home care difficult, we may recommend more frequent visits to maintain your oral health.

Cosmetic Dentistry

I'm not happy with the appearance of my teeth. What options are available for changing them?

We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers, porcelain crowns, bonding using tooth-colored composite, and even orthodontic treatments like Invisalign.

All our dentistry is done with an eye toward esthetics. We know that it's important that your teeth are both healthy and attractive.

If you'd like to find out which of our services can help you meet your goals, call our office to schedule your consultation.

Which cosmetic treatment is right for me?

There are many options available to get the beautiful smile we desire.

We have a variety of treatment options to choose from to create the beautiful smile you are looking for. After a thorough examination including a digital scan of your teeth we will discuss with you the possibilities that are available that will address your needs and wants. The options may include one or more of the following: whitening, veneers, Invisalign, crowns, and/or tooth colored bondings.

Many times the main issue is the color of our teeth. Our teeth can be not as white as we like due to medications we may have taken when were young when our teeth were developing, white spots or brown spots due to decay or decalcification, and age. Teeth naturally yellow as we get older. Fortunately, there are options to take care of these conditions and make our smiles whiter and younger looking.

For some just by whitening the teeth vastly improves the appearance of your smile. Whitening is the simplest of all cosmetic treatment options. One visit for impressions and a second visit to deliver custom made whitening trays , professional strength whitening gel, and go over instructions. Then you are on your way to a whiter and brighter smile that can shave off years.

Other options for cosmetic treatment include, bondings, tooth-colored fillings, veneers, and crowns. These options can take care of multiple situations including decay, discoloration, spaces, and misshaped or worn teeth. 

In cases where the teeth are out of alignment and/or teeth are wearing or chipping from poor alignment, Invisalign is an excellent option with many benefits. Invisalign can take care of crowded teeth, spacing between teeth, and slowing down wear and chipping from teeth not being in ideal position. With better alignment our teeth will last longer and are easier to keep clean.

There are many options available for cosmetic treatment and our goal is to help you choose which of these options are best for you.

Digital Dental X-Rays

Why do I need x-rays?

X-rays are a dentist's most important diagnostic tool. Often, problems start inside your teeth or beneath the gumline. By the time the problem is visible to the naked eye, it can be painful and more difficult to treat. Using x-rays taken on a regular basis, we can catch problems early and treat them quickly and comfortably.

Invisalign

Can people tell that I’m wearing Invisalign?

Most people can not tell you are wearing it. The only people who usually can see it are other people who are or have had Invisalign or dental professionals.

How can I get straighter teeth without braces?

The alternative to braces with brackets and wires is Invisalign, which uses a clear aligner system to straighten your teeth without the unsightly brackets and wires.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign utilizes a series of clear aligners to gently move your teeth into better position both cosmetically and functionally so you can have a straighter smile and a more even bite.

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

For one, almost no one can tell you have them on. Secondly, there are no limitations on what you can eat because there are no brackets to worry about. And it is easy to brush and floss because you do not have to try to maneuver around wires.

Periodontal Disease Prevention & Treatment

What treatments are available for gum disease?

The appropriate treatment for your gum disease will vary depending on how far your disease has progressed and any contributing factors such as hygiene and other health conditions. Some of the treatments recommended for gum disease include:

  • An increased dedication to excellent oral hygiene
  • Antimicrobial rinses and other products
  • An antibiotic medication that is placed in the gum pockets
  • Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
  • Laser therapy
  • Gum surgery

We will discuss your situation with you and recommend the treatment that we believe will be the most appropriate for your unique needs.

Sandi Silva, DDS