Frequently Asked Questions

About Cosmetic Dentistry

What is a cosmetic dentist?

Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, so any general dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. To choose a good cosmetic dentist, review the doctor's before-and-after photos of actual cases, ask about his or her postgraduate education in cosmetic dentistry, and make sure that you feel confident and comfortable in the office.

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I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?

An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services, and after your consultation, you'll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.

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Is teeth whitening safe?

Absolutely. We bet you didn't know that teeth whitening, in some form, has been around since the 1700s. Modern teeth whitening uses safe and effective bleaching gel to melt away stains and discoloration. Choose from Zoom! Whitening in our office or convenient take-home teeth-whitening kits.

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What can you do to straighten my smile?

Depending on your unique case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisible clear braces. Porcelain veneers can correct slight misalignments and gaps, as well as discolorations, chips, and other imperfections. From Hollywood to Beverly Hills, porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available today.

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I have old, dark fillings. Is there any hope for my smile?

Dark fillings and metal crowns can be replaced with strong, aesthetic solutions. Our dentist has placed composite resin fillings for years, and we also offer porcelain crowns.

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About Dental Restorations

Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?

We prefer to find cavities in the earliest stages, and often that's before you see or feel them. Early detection allows us to provide the most conservative treatment, which saves you time, expense, and possible discomfort. We also use the ViziLite to screen for oral cancer, a disease that will affect more than 30-thousand Americans this year. Oral cancer is deadly, but early detection offers an 80-percent cure rate. Gum disease is another sneaky problem that we try to catch early. It has been linked to stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, and other health risks, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults.

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Do I need X-rays?

To provide optimal care, we take bitewing digital X-rays once a year. Because we use a digital system, our patients are exposed to about 80-percent less radiation than with a traditional radiograph. X-rays and intraoral photographs help us track your oral health and address problems early, when conservative dentistry can correct most issues. If you haven't had a checkup and X-rays in a while, call us for an appointment.

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I brush every day, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?

In your checkup, we can look for the cause of your bad breath, also known as halitosis. Some patients suffer from bad breath caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or a smelly substance put off by bacteria. With modern procedures and products to promote fresh breath, our team can help you regain your confidence!

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

Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

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I have been told that I grind my teeth while I sleep, and/or I clench my teeth a lot. Is this harmful?

Absolutely. Grinding and clenching teeth actually has a name; the condition is called bruxism. It can cause tooth wear and damage, like cracked and chipped teeth. These problems lead to pain and can also negatively affect how your upper and lower teeth fit together, which is known as occlusion. When occlusion is off, the jaw joints, or TMJ joints, can become stressed, which may lead to additional pain problems. Instead of dealing with all of these potential problems, let us create a custom oral appliance to stop your bruxism. Simply wear the appliance while you sleep or when you tend to grind your teeth. If you experience pain or occlusion problems, we can restore your teeth and bite, as well. Call today for a consultation!

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

Our patient library is a great resource for learning about dental procedures. You can also review our restorative dentistry page for more information. If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call our Wynnewood dental office. We would be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.

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Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?

Yes! Floss loosens food particles, plaque, and tartar trapped between teeth. These three culprits cause bad breath, cause gum disease, and promote cavities. If you need help learning how to floss quickly and effectively, our hygienist will gladly teach you some tricks to make your daily oral care easier.

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Do you refer patients to specialists?

While we are trained and equipped to handle many dental issues in our office, when a specialist would better serve you, we'll refer. Some dental specialists are oral surgeons, periodontists (supporting structures), endodontists (internal tooth problems), orthodontists (for moving teeth), and pedodontists (for children). We refer to only trusted professionals with whom we have a good rapport.

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About Main Line Dental Health Associates

Do you accept referrals?

Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends and coworkers that we give you every time you visit.

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Insurance is very confusing. Can your office administrator help me file?

Yes. We understand your confusion and have an expert on staff to help you. Simply bring your card or claim into our office, or call to speak with our friendly insurance assistant. You may also want to visit our financial information page.

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Does my insurance cover that?

Dental insurance is diverse. Some policies cover only a small percentage of fees, while others cover 50 percent or greater. The more you or your employer pays for premiums, the better the coverage, in most cases. For the most part, dental insurance covers some restorative and preventive procedures. Cosmetic treatment is not usually covered. We accept credit cards to make cosmetic dentistry affordable for all of his patients. If you have questions, give us a call. We'll be happy to tell you what your insurance will cover. You may also want to visit our financial information page.

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Where are you located?

Visit our map on the contact us page, or call for directions.

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Does the dentist see emergency cases?

Yes. We will see emergency cases during regular business hours. After hours, we offer a phone number on the answering machine, so patients of record can contact our dentist on call. See our emergency dental care article here.

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What if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

If you have visited our office in the past year, call our on-call phone number, available on our answering machine. New patients should go to the emergency room or visit us when the office is open.

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I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What should I do if it comes off or breaks?

First, call us. If the office is closed, simply use a dab of toothpaste to reattach the temporary, then visit us for a replacement when the office opens. You can also find dental adhesive in your local drug store, if you prefer not to use toothpaste. See our emergency dental care article here.

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Invisible Clear Braces, Removable Braces for Adults

Now you can have a straighter, more attractive smile without the hassle and immature appearance of metal orthodontic braces!

Zoom! Whitening for Immediate, Dazzling Results

Look younger and feel great about your image! In just one visit to Main Line Dental Health Associates, you can enjoy a smile that sparkles up to 10 shades brighter

Cosmetic Dentistry Quiz

 

Do you need a smile transformation? This quick and easy quiz can help you determine whether cosmetic dentistry is right for you!