FAQ

The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and check-up to prevent cavities and gum disease. However, some people may need more frequent visits due to higher risk factors such as smoking or diabetes. Talk to our dentist about how often you should be seen for a routine cleaning and check-up.

Many patients choose Invisalign treatment because they don’t want metal braces, and they want to straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious about their appearance. Others opt for Invisalign because they want to avoid dealing with the hassle of traditional braces—metal wires and brackets can irritate lips and cheeks, and the frequent adjustments needed to get the orthodontic appliance to fit correctly can be uncomfortable.

However, Invisalign is also useful for more complicated cases that may not be appropriate for other orthodontic treatments. If you’ve been told you need extensive orthodontic work like tooth extractions or teeth realignments in addition to straightening your teeth, then Invisalign could be a great option for you! To find out whether Invisalign is right for you, contact our dentist to schedule a consultation appointment.

The beauty of clear aligners is that it doesn’t require you to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle, such as avoiding certain foods or refraining from chewing gum. Some people will find that eating certain sticky foods can shift the aligners out of place, and you will need to remove the aligner before you eat. Before placing your aligners back into your mouth, just make sure to clean your teeth really well. Other than that, this orthodontic treatment is as convenient as it is effective.

If your teeth are discolored, chipped, or misaligned, porcelain veneers may be just what you need! Porcelain veneers can effectively address a number of cosmetic concerns, including:

• Discoloration caused by medications and smoking
• Chips, cracks, and minor tooth misalignments
• Teeth gaps and teeth that are too small
• Teeth that appear abnormally shaped
• Worn-down teeth from years of neglect

These thin shells are custom-crafted to fit over your teeth and are long-lasting and durable. With proper care, they can last a decade or longer. Patients who receive veneers often report that their new smiles are life-changing—they feel happier and more confident about their appearance!

If you crack, chip, break or severely damage a tooth, a dental crown may be needed to restore it. Also called caps, crowns are hollow restorations that fit over teeth that have been damaged or decayed beyond repair. When crowns are placed on badly damaged teeth, they restore their function and appearance while also strengthening them. Since they are placed over the entire tooth, they can even protect it from further harm.

No, a root canal isn’t needed with a dental bridge. A dental crown can be used to support a dental bridge. The natural teeth on either side of the gap will support the bridge. By placing a crown on each tooth, a bridge can be securely held in place. As long as there are no problems or decay with the underlying teeth, you don’t need a root canal procedure for a dental bridge!

While getting professional-grade whitening treatments from a dentist can get your smile several shades whiter, the results are not permanent. Lifestyle habits like drinking red wine, coffee, soda, and smoking can cause your teeth to become stained again over time. Brushing regularly with whitening toothpaste can help keep your smile bright between touch-ups by the dentist.

Dental procedures such as teeth cleaning and dental bonding can last for a long time with proper care. Brushing and flossing every day and visiting your dentist for routine checkups and professional cleanings are critical to the longevity of your restorations. If well taken care of, cosmetic dental procedures may even last a lifetime! Talk to our dentist about how often you should come in for a checkup and cleaning so you can get the most out of your restorations.

Yes. As long as you practice good oral hygiene habits – such as brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day – your dental implants should last you a lifetime. You should continue to schedule regular dental exams and cleanings every six months to monitor the condition of your implants. If cared for properly, your dental implants can last a lifetime.

Your dental implant should be treated just like a natural tooth. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and professional cleanings. You should also eat a healthy diet and avoid tobacco products. It is also important to avoid chewing on ice or other hard foods and substances that can crack or chip the restoration.

The removal of a tooth will require local anesthesia. Local anesthesia will numb the pain around the specific tooth so the patient will not feel any pain during the procedure.

Smokeless tobacco products contain many harmful chemicals that are known to have detrimental effects on the mouth. The chemicals found in cigarettes and chewing tobacco can cause bad breath, discolored teeth, increased tooth decay, gum disease, bone loss in the jaw, and cancer in the mouth. Quitting all tobacco use is the best way to prevent these negative side effects and protect your oral health.