Answers to Your Questions

Understanding your dental work empowers you with the knowledge necessary to make better decisions. We are the dental experts, but our patients must feel comfortable about their choices and understand the procedures we prescribe. As with any medical treatment, questions often arise after office hours. To assist you around the clock, we have answered some questions we often receive from our patients.

• How do the doctors keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
• Do you accept referrals?
• What different payment options do you provide?
• How can I ask the doctors questions directly?
• What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?
• My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
• I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
• Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials. Where can I learn more about these procedures?
• I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
• What is Smile Design?

How do the doctors keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

Our dentists subscribe to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. They also take time on a regular basis for continuing education, and ensure our staff does the same. As a team and as individuals, we make it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available. Dr. Steve attends an average of 75-100 hours of continuing education per year and is an evaluator of new dental products for an independent research company.

Do you accept referrals?

We are happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends. Your referrals are our best compliments!

What different payment options do you provide?

We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We'll design your treatments to fit your budget, and we offer a variety of payment options, including interest-free plans. Our financial team will work within your budget to help you receive the quality dental care you deserve. We're happy to offer third-party, low-interest financing through CareCredit and Chase Health Advance.

How can I ask the doctors questions directly?

We encourage our patients to have open, direct communication with our doctors. Therefore, Dr. Ken and Dr. Steve are available daily to answer your questions via e-mail or voice mail. Depending on office traffic and the complexity of your questions, they strives to respond within 24 hours.

What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?

When you become a patient of our practice, we think of you as a person, not just another set of teeth to fix and clean. Our goal is to help you obtain and then maintain the best possible oral health. So, we take time to understand your dental history and evaluate the best options for your particular dental needs. Plus, we help you understand the whys and wherefores of preventive care through thorough patient education. Our advanced training and dedication to new, better techniques make us anything but the "typical" dental office.

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing. However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, "scrubbing" instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gum disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods or occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.

I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?

We understand many people have qualms about having their teeth worked on. So, we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. For entertainment and distraction, headphones and DVDs are available in all of our rooms to help you keep your mind on more pleasant things. For complex procedures, we offer laughing gas and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed. If you're very anxious, we offer oral sedation. You'll simply take a pill and experience total relaxation during your dental treatments.

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials. Where can I learn more about these procedures?

Our website is designed to provide helpful information about the restorative and cosmetic services we offer. Simply review the information on our Patient Services pages or in our Patient Library. If you desire even more information about a larger variety of topics, visit the American Dental Association website.

I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

We offer a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers can provide a bright, uniform look. In other cases, we can design Invisalign clear braces to straighten crooked or uneven teeth. A short consult will allow us to discuss which option is right for you. Call today.

What is Smile Design?

The process of smile design is changing the color, shape, and arrangement of teeth with thin, beautiful porcelain veneers. The highlight of smile design is watching your eyes light up the first time you look in the mirror and see the change that has taken place. Our experience watching our guests react to their new smiles is almost overwhelming. We see an immediate change in their confidence and their interaction with others.

Typically, changing the clinical smile is rewarding, but when clinical changes impact psychological and emotional components - that is exhilarating! Most see dentistry simply as repairing and maintaining teeth. But when guest's lives are drastically changed, it confirms the reason many of us got involved in dentistry in the first place, which is to help others.