Frequently Asked Questions
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
Dental veneers generally last between 10 to 20+ years, though they can last longer with excellent care. Their lifespan is heavily influenced by oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or biting hard objects.To maintain them, treat them like natural teeth: brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and visit the dentist for professional cleanings. It is also important to avoid biting into very hard objects (like ice or hard candy) and to wear a nightguard if you tend to grind your teeth.
Both options have benefits depending on your oral health. A dental implant is often considered the “gold standard” because it replaces the tooth root, preserving the jawbone and leaving adjacent teeth untouched. A bridge is a quicker, non-surgical process that uses the neighboring teeth for support. The best choice depends on your bone density, budget, and the health of the surrounding teeth.
In most cases, dental insurance does not cover professional teeth whitening or veneers because they are classified as cosmetic procedures. However, if a veneer or crown is medically necessary to repair a damaged tooth, partial coverage may apply. It is always best to verify your specific plan’s benefits before starting treatment.
Yes—same-day crowns (also called CEREC crowns) are available in some offices. However, at our practice, we focus on delivering high-quality, long-lasting dental crowns using advanced digital technology and expert lab craftsmanship.
We use state-of-the-art intraoral scanners to take precise digital impressions—no messy molds. This technology improves accuracy and comfort while speeding up the process.
Your custom crown is then crafted by a professional dental lab using premium materials for optimal fit, strength, and natural esthetics.
Most crowns are completed in about 1 week. During this time, you’ll wear a comfortable temporary crown so you can eat, smile, and function normally.
While we don’t routinely place crowns in a single visit, we can rush your crown fabrication in certain cases when timing is important. Our team will guide you on the best option based on your needs.
Our goal isn’t just speed—it’s delivering a crown that looks great, feels natural, and lasts for years.
- Digital scanning for precision and comfort
- Strong, natural-looking materials
- Expert lab customization for superior esthetics
- Temporary crowns for protection and convenience
- Option to expedite turnaround when needed
Preventive & Periodontal Health
The most common early sign is gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing. Other warning signs include persistent bad breath, gums that appear red or swollen rather than a healthy pink, and tenderness. Because gingivitis is often painless in its early stages, regular check-ups are essential for early detection.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first visit occur when their first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday. Following the initial visit, children should typically have a check-up and cleaning every six months to monitor development and prevent cavities.
The ADA and FDA consider silver (amalgam) fillings to be a safe and durable restorative material. While many patients prefer composite resin (tooth-colored fillings) for aesthetic reasons or because they bond directly to the tooth, there is no medical necessity to replace functional silver fillings unless they are cracked, leaking, or have decay underneath them.
Patient Experience & Technology
Please complete your new patient forms online at least one week before your visit, including your medical and dental history and insurance details. On the day of your appointment, bring a valid photo ID, your dental insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any medications or supplements you are taking. If you’ve had dental X-rays taken within the last year, ask your previous office to forward them to us in advance.
We also ask that you confirm your appointment at least one week prior. If we’re unable to confirm after multiple reminders, your appointment time may be offered to another patient. Or — whichever you prefer.
- A valid photo ID
- Your dental insurance card (if applicable)
- A list of current medications or supplements
- Any recent dental X-rays (if taken within the last year) — or you can have them forwarded to our office ahead of time
You’ll receive appointment reminders in advance via text and/or phone. We kindly ask that you confirm your appointment at least one week prior.
If we’re unable to confirm your visit after multiple attempts, your reserved time may be offered to another patient on our waiting list to ensure availability for those in need of care.
Digital X-rays provide a much higher level of safety, as they emit up to 80%-90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. They are also instantaneous, allowing the dentist to view high-resolution images on a monitor immediately, and they are more environmentally friendly since they require no chemical processing.
There is no need to feel embarrassed—the most important thing is that you are taking the step to return now. Your first visit back will likely involve a basic exam, digital X-rays, and an assessment of your gum health to determine the type of cleaning you need. We focus on your current health and helping you create a comfortable plan for the future.
For the safest and most effective results, we recommend a professional consultation. We can provide either a high-concentration in-office treatment for immediate results or professional-grade take-home kits. These options are safer for your enamel and provide more even results than over-the-counter strips, which can sometimes cause sensitivity or gum irritation if used incorrectly.
Financial & Insurance
Yes. We welcome patients without dental insurance and offer flexible, affordable options. We provide transparent, upfront pricing so you know the cost of treatment before getting started.
We partner with trusted healthcare financing providers like CareCredit, allowing you to split the cost of treatment into convenient monthly payments—often with low or no interest options for qualified patients.
We may also offer an in-house payment plan on eligible procedures, making it easier to maintain your oral health without traditional insurance.
Our team is happy to review all options and help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. We commonly work with plans from providers such as Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, and Guardian Life, among others.
At this time, we do not accept HMO/DMO plans.