Common Questions regarding General & Cosmetic Dentistry

General Dentistry

• How often should I visit the dentist?

  Most often insurance companies will say that a patient can see their dentist twice a year. However, for most people, that may not work. While you definitely should see the dentist at least twice a year, sometimes you need to see the dentist more. Your dentist should base this answer on what your individual needs are. But at least, visit your dentist twice a year.

• What can I do to improve my oral hygiene?

  Always go back to the basics which come down to brushing and flossing. An electric toothbrush is more efficient than a manual one. A waterpik is quite useful if you have a hard time flossing but make sure this is supplemental and does not replace flossing. A mouthrinse with fluoride but NO alcohol or whitening is also a good adjunct to add to your oral hygiene routine. Sometimes, there are prescription products that we will recommend as well to keep your oral health at the top of its game.

• Are my dental symptoms normal?

  Some symptoms are normal and some are not. If ever a question, do not hesitate to give us a call or text so we can help you sort out the normal from the not so normal.

• What is causing my toothache?

  Toothaches can be caused from a number of things. Sometimes it is from a cavity. Sometimes it is from an infection. Other times it can be due to a problem with your gums or a fracture on the tooth or crown. When in doubt, give us a call and we will do an exam to see what is going on.

• Do I need dental X-rays?

  Yes! Even Superman needed to use his xray vision. There is only so much we can see without x rays. When we take x-rays, we are looking to see how your joints are, how your bone is, is there any infection, oral cancer screening, etc. We have digital x-rays at our office which have a very limited amount of radiation because safety is always our priority. We recommend all new patients get these xrays so we can provide a comprehensive exam. After that, your xrays are normally only done every year.

• How can I prevent cavities?

  One of the biggest things you can do is to make sure you are seeing your dentist at least twice a month. This is essential to prevention. Fluoride with your cleanings is also a great option to do. At home, you should be brushing twice a day, flossing twice a day, and using a mouthrinse. Some people have more aggressive bacteria or a more carb based lifestyle in which case sometimes prescription products are needed.

• Is teeth whitening safe and effective?

  Yes…but when done properly! Our team takes great care in making sure we whiten safely and effectively. Our in office Zoom Whitening includes gum isolation and teeth desensitizer so that not only do you get results but you get them comfortably and safely!

• What are my options for replacing missing teeth?

  There are several options. One of the best options we have in dentistry is implants. But not everyone can be a candidate for implants. Therefore, patients also have options of dental bridges and dentures as well. A consultation with us will allow us to see what options are best for you!

• How can I manage dental anxiety?

  We get dental treatment can be stressful. We are here to alleviate that stress. We offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and conscious sedation options because we are Level 1 certified.

• What is the best toothbrush/toothpaste for me?

  Usually, a toothpaste with fluoride is helpful to help lower your risk of cavities. We also recommend not having a whitening component in the toothpaste because these ingredients can be abrasive. For toothbrushes, electric is more efficient than a manual one but as long as you are brushing properly, both get the job done. As for the bristles, always go with soft or extra soft because otherwise the bristles can be too abrasive which can lead to gum recession and sensitivity.

• Can you explain the details of my treatment plan?

  Of course! That is one of the main things we do in our examinations/consultations After we conduct our radiographs can visual exam, we will come up with a treatment plan. Then we will discuss that plan with you so we can modify it to your wants and needs. Only once there is approval from both the patient and the doctor do we move on to treatment.

• How can I address bad breath?

  Sometimes bad breath comes from the tongue, in which case, a tongue scraper is very beneficial. Other times it is from the plaque and calculus that is on the teeth. A mouthrinse can help to freshen up but without having the calculus and plaque removed, the smell can persist. We recommend to make sure that you are getting your checkups and cleanings done in a timely manner so that bad breath can go away! In some cases, some patients will need a deep cleaning (scaling and root planning) to get rid of this bad breath.

• Do you accept my dental insurance?

  If you have a PPO insurance, we do accept this and we will utilize your out of network benefits. We will submit all your dental claims and our insurance experts will go over any and all fees prior to the start of treatment. For those who do not have insurance, we offer an in house plan to suit your needs!

• Are there any lifestyle habits affecting my oral health?

  Diet is a big part that can affect the oral health. Even some healthy foods like acidic fruits can wreak havoc on the teeth. Bad habits like nail biting can impact your oral health as well. Same goes for smoking. Our main job is to make sure your oral health is as good as we can get it!

Cosmetic Dentistry

• What cosmetic dental treatments do you offer?

  We offer several cosmetic options. Clear aligners to help straighten your teeth Whitening options to enhance the color of your teeth Restorative work such as veneers, crowns, and bridges that help to alter the shape, color, and appearance of your teeth

• What's the best way to improve the appearance of my smile?

  One of the best ways is to change the color of your teeth. We provide zoom whitening in office which allows us to whiten your teeth in one visit. Another good way is to change the alignment of your teeth. Straighter teeth is esthetically pleasing on the eyes and clear aligners will help you achieve that. You can use veneers and or crowns to help improve your smile as well. Most patients will use a combination of these treatments.

• Are cosmetic procedures covered by dental insurance?

  Normally, they are not. However, we do a comprehensive exam because sometimes the teeth will have other problems such as cavities or fractures in which case not only is the treatment cosmetic, but also necessary in which case you may now be eligible for coverage. Our insurance experts will always go over treatment costs (both patient portion and what we think your insurance will cover) so we can help you achieve your smile in a way that fits your life.

• How long will the results of cosmetic treatments last?

  Depends on the treatment. For example, with our in office zoom whitening we provide you custom bleaching trays so that you can maintain the color at home! Restorations such as veneers and crowns can last decades if properly maintained at home and in the dental office. Results of clear aligners can last a lifetime as long as you wear your retainers.

• Are there any risks or potential complications associated with the procedures?

  We will always do a comprehensive examination on your teeth and gums first so that we can make sure we minimize any potential complications and risks. We will go over all those details in depth before ever starting your treatment so that you are both aware and comfortable through the whole process.

• How much will the cosmetic procedures cost?

  Procedures will vary based on the type of procedures we will need to do. During your consultation visit, we will go over prices with you so that surprises are kept to a minimum.

• Do you have before-and-after photos of previous patients' results?

  Yes! Check us out on Instagram at @smilewindental where you can see some of our before and afters.

• Can you show me a simulation of what my smile might look like after treatment?

  Yes! If you are having restorations such as crowns and or veneers we do a waxup which is essentially a mockup of what the final smile can look like. With clear aligners, we will show you a 3D rendering of what your after smile can look like. These steps will be a part of your consultation!

• How many years of experience do you have in performing cosmetic dental procedures?

  I have been practicing dentistry since 2015 and between all of us here, we have over decades of experience!

• What is the recovery process like for the specific procedures I'm considering?

  This will also depend on the procedure. Shorter procedures may have little to no recovery time whereas longer, more in depth procedures may have a longer recovery period.

• Do cosmetic procedures hurt? What type of anesthesia or sedation is available?

  One of our goals is to make you as comfortable as possible. We use local anesthesia to make sure you are numb for your procedure. We also offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and conscious sedation options. We are a level 1 certified office for these needs!

• Are there any alternatives to the procedures you're recommending?

  The beauty of dentistry is that there is more than one way of getting to your destination. That is where our expertise comes in to play. During our consultation, we will go over your options and help you decide what option is the best for you.

• Can you explain the different types of teeth whitening methods and their effectiveness?

  A good way to decide amongst whitening options is to think about how white you want your teeth. If you are looking for just a small enhancement, then over the counter products such as whitening strips will be a good fit for you. If you are looking for a major color change and have some time on your hands, then bleaching trays are a good option. With these custom made trays you can bleach your teeth in the comfort of your home. This can take about 6 weeks

• What options do I have for fixing chipped, cracked, or misaligned teeth?

  Clear aligners are a great option. There is no metal so it is not so noticeable and they are removable. This is a great treatment to get the teeth into the correct alignment. From there, if you have any chipped or cracked teeth, we can then do bondings or veneers. The clear aligners helps gets the teeth into proper position so that we can be more conservative with our bondings and or veneers.!

• How can I improve the appearance of my gums and address issues like a "gummy smile"?

  Excess tissue can be removed with a laser. Once the excess tissue is removed, your teeth can look longer and more esthetic.

• Are there any age limitations for cosmetic dental procedures?

  If you are under 21, you may not be a good candidate for certain treatments if your bone and jaws are not developed fully yet. For example, we may not think you are a good candidate for veneers when you are young, but bondings on younger patients may be better suited. We want to make sure any dental work that we do will last as long as possible so the age in which you start is very important. We will do a full evaluation to make sure we pick the best procedures for you!

• Will the results of cosmetic treatments look natural?

  We strive to make what we do look the way you want them to look. This will vary on the patient so each of treatment plans and designs will be custom to you!

• What type of maintenance or follow-up care is required after the procedures?

  One of the biggest thing a patient can do is to make sure they continue going in for their checkups and cleanings. Some people will need to go in twice a year, others more than that. It is important that the dentistry is tailored to you!

• Can you provide references or patient testimonials for your cosmetic work?

  Take a look at our 5 star dental reviews on Google!

• How long does the process of getting cosmetic dental work done typically take?

  We always start with an exam to make sure that the cosmetic work we want to do will work well and last. Once all questions are discussed and you have an idea of what your teeth will look like, then we start the procedure. Some procedures such as whitening and bonding are one appointment whereas veneers and or crowns will take at least two more visits.

• Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I should consider after the procedures?

  This will be dependent upon the procedure. We always try to make sure that the design of your smile is compatible with your lifestyle but keep in mind that it is still dental work that need to be cared and maintained at home as well.

• Can I combine multiple cosmetic treatments for a comprehensive smile makeover?

  Yes! This is very common. For example, some people want their teeth straight AND whiter. For this, we use clear aligners to get the teeth into position and bleaching to whiten the teeth. Some patients already have their teeth white and aligned and they will need certain areas of bonding. At your consultation, we will determine together what you need and how to get there.

• What is your approach to handling complications or unsatisfactory results?

  Your happiness is our happiness. This is why our consultation is usually in two parts for bigger plans. At the first step we do a full examination. We may even take models at this visit. At the next visit, we are discussing the fine details of the treatment plan and showing you models of what the final product can look like. That way you are prepared before you start treatment. This allows us to cut down on complications or concerns.

• Are there any pre-existing dental conditions that could affect the success of cosmetic procedures?

  Certain medical conditions will be evaluated by us and if needed, we will loop in your medical doctor to discuss to make sure we provide any and all treatment safely. For example, patients with artificial heart valves usually need to be premedicated for procedures with antibiotics. We will review your medical history and touch base with other doctors that are in charge of your care so that everyone is on the same page. We will act like your quarterback.

• What kind of technology and materials do you use for cosmetic treatments?

  Every material we have bought has been carefully considered and reviewed before purchase. We strive to keep up with the ever changing landscape of dentistry so that your treatment can last for decades.