Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ

What can be done about the gap present between two front upper teeth?

Modern dentistry gives many options to close the gap between teeth. The treatment will depend on the size of the gap. Our dentists can fix the problem using composite (a tooth colored material), or crowns (ceramic or metal + ceramic) or laminates (a thin covering using ceramic). The gap can also be closed using braces (Orthodontic Treatment)

How can I whiten my teeth?

Basically there are three ways to whiten your teeth. The first option is to whiten your teeth in a dental clinic, where the procedures are supervised by a professional dentist. The second way is to use a tray teeth whitening system at home. The tray can be custom made or it can be a whitening tray that you boil and fit to your teeth. The third option is the tray-less home whitening kits available in every drugstore. Do note that home whitening kits are a little expensive compared to professional teeth whitening done in a dental office, but they're also less effective.

Is "tooth whitening" safe?

Bleaching procedures are safe and does not wear away any tooth structure or make a tooth more susceptible to staining. So far there are no studies showing that teeth whitening can be dangerous for your teeth or health. The bleaching gel may increase sensitivity of teeth, but it will reduce in two or three days. Always consult a qualified dentist if you are considering bleaching your teeth.

My back teeth have a lot of silver and gold. Is there a less obvious way to fill cavities?

New advances in tooth-colored porcelain and composite materials not only allow fillings to go unnoticed, but are also stronger and more wear-resistant than silver and gold.

How much does it cost to get a great smile?

The total cost of a treatment will vary based on the total time required and the complexity of the procedures. The first thing to do is to have a consultation with our dentist to determine the ways that you can perfect your smile. We will help you find the best possible option. And above all remember that improving your smile is an investment in you.

I have dental insurance. Will it pay for my new smile?

Usually, dental insurances have low total benefits per year, which may pay the cost of regular checkups, but probably won’t pay toward cosmetic services. Needless to say that insurance is a profit based business, and the carrier will often contract to pay for the least expensive dental treatments instead of the right solution for your particular need. Our dentists can give suggestions for other methods of financing so that you can obtain the treatment of your choice.

What are my payment options?

We accept checks, credit cards, and in some cases accept third party financing. These financing companies allow you to make the payments for your new smile over a period of time, making the payment fit comfortably into your monthly budget. Ask your dentist how best to accomplish your treatment and financial funding.

General Dentistry FAQ

I am apprehensive about visiting a dentist. Is there any way to let go of this fear?

We use advanced dentistry techniques that make treatment procedures surprisingly comfortable. We are quite familiar with the apprehensions that patients of all ages feel, so we take that extra steps to make you feel relaxed and comfortable in our environment. As the name suggests the clinic is designed like a Spa and the salon like environment itself is soothing for patients. By working quickly and by educating patients about treatments (Casey System and Intra-oral cameras), we try our best to make you comfortable.

We also offer several options for sedation. Our dentists are patient and will listen to your specific needs in order to relieve any fears you may have and make your visit as pleasant as possible.

Should I replace missing teeth?

Yes, you should replace missing teeth. In case of missing front teeth, the look of the person will change drastically and in most cases it also has a psychological impact. If you ignore missing back teeth, it could result in a number of problems. The missing tooth can cause neighboring teeth drift, over-eruption of opposing teeth, loss of tooth contacts, trauma to supporting structures of tooth, recession of gingival, etc. Moreover, the joint, which we use for opening and closing the mouth during speaking, swallowing & eating will also be affected if missing teeth are not replaced.

What are the common means of replacing missing teeth?

Fixed Partial Denture (FPD) or removable denture can be used for replacing missing teeth. An FPD is commonly called a Bridge. Metal and ceramic (porcelain) materials are used in Bridges, which bond one tooth to another. A removable partial denture (RPD) is advised, when a bridge is not an ideal choice for the patient. It is made of acrylic (a type of plastic) or cast in a metal, which is well accepted by the body. Dentists use Complete Denture (CD) when no teeth are left in the mouth. The artificial teeth used in CD are made of acrylic and are of varying types.

Why do my gums bleed while brushing and chewing?

Usually gums bleed due to the deposition of tartar around and under the gums, which leads to Gingivitis (gum diseases). Bleeding gums can also arise due to some improper contact of the opposing teeth and in some cases it could indicate deficiency of Vitamin C When Plaque accumulation exceeds tolerable levels, it hardens into a substance called Tartar (calculus) in as little as 24 hours. Tartar is so tightly bound to teeth that it can be removed only during a professional cleaning. That’s why we advise all to have a professional cleaning done at least once a year. Gingivitis and Periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease.

What are the causes of toothache?

There could be several possible causes for toothache. Some of them are:

• Dental decay.
• A fracture of the tooth.
• A cracked tooth. It could be invisible to the naked eye, but can be diagnosed using advanced technologies.
• Irritation of the pulp following dental treatment. Regardless of how well it is done, dental treatment and the materials used to fill teeth can sometimes cause pain later.
• An exposed tooth root, which can occur if the gums recede or are damaged by over-vigorous brushing.

Children’s Dentistry FAQ

When should I begin to clean my child's teeth?

You can begin cleaning your child’s teeth when they start erupting. This can be done by wiping the teeth with moist cloth. When your child gets more teeth, you can use a soft kids’ toothbrush. Only use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste or non-fluoride kids’ toothpaste until your child is able to spit it out (too much fluoride can stain their teeth).

At what age should my child start brushing?

Brushing can start as soon as your child gets teeth. Obviously, you will be doing the brushing at first. We usually recommend that the parents brush and floss the child's teeth until about an age of 8, minimum one time a day, may be as a part of bed time activities. The child can do the brushing during the day. This will work as a base for learning good dental habits.

When should my child first see the dentist?

Ideally you can bring your child for a first visit as early as 1 year-old and not later than two-and-a-half years.

Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

The reasons why you should help your kids maintain healthy primary, or "baby," teeth are many. Baby teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally and form a path that permanent teeth can pursue when they erupt.

Can thumb-sucking and pacifier habits harm a child's teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits are normal in kids and it will only become an issue if the habit continues for a long period of time. Usually children stop these habits on their own, but if it persists when the permanent teeth arrive, the habit can affect the alignment of teeth and can lead to many other problems.

Does my child need fluoride supplements?

Generally speaking, all children need supplemental fluoride after they are six months old to help prevent cavities. And most children can get this fluoride from the water they drink; if they are drinking tap water in an area where the city water supply has an adequate amount of fluoride in it (greater than 0.6 ppm).

How can I protect my child's teeth during sporting events?

You can use soft plastic mouth guards to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. You can contact us for a custom-fitted mouth guard to protect your child from injuries to the teeth, gums and lips.

What can I do to subdue my child’s toothache?

The first thing to do is to rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and ease the discomfort. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area. If the toothache continues call our 24/7 emergency dental services hotline and visit the office promptly.

What should I do if bleeding continues after a baby tooth falls out?

Take a clean gauze pad or cloth fold it and place it over the bleeding area. Tell your child to bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. If bleeding persists, call our 24/7 emergency dental services hotline and visit the office promptly.