FAQ

Generally, no. Our hygienists are very skilled and take their time to make sure you never experience any discomfort. Patients with gingivitis (tender, swollen, or bleeding gums) may experience some discomfort during their cleaning, but we try to make sure all our patients are as comfortable as possible.

While every patient is different, you can expect to visit at least twice a year, or every six months. This allows Dr. Lee and her team the opportunity to monitor changes in your oral health and make timely treatment recommendations. 

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Yes, checkups and cleanings are covered by insurance. Most major dental insurance plans cover two preventive visits a year. Deep cleanings are often covered in part by insurance, although the total rate of coverage will depend on your insurance provider.

Be sure to have your teeth cleaned professionally by our team every six months to keep your teeth cavity-free, your gums healthy, and your smile bright.

You can expect to start taking your child to the dentist by their first birthday, or when their first tooth comes in. It’s important to make sure your child receives quality dental care as soon as their teeth begin coming in, so be sure to book their first dental appointment as recommended.

Invisalign is a flexible treatment that can be tailored to your unique orthodontic needs. Dr. Lee will perform a full assessment of your teeth during your Invisalign consultation so she can provide you with a breakdown of all treatment costs. That said, Invisalign is comparable to the cost of braces, making it affordable for most patients and families.

Ys, the cost of Invisalign treatment is typically covered in part by most major dental insurance plans. Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your plan and stated benefits. Our team will confirm your insurance benefits to help you make the most of your coverage.

Invisalign orthodontic aligners are transparent and are barely noticeable when you speak or smile. The aligners are also removable, so you can enjoy your favorite meals and snacks without damaging your aligners or impacting your treatment. This makes Invisalign an excellent choice for busy adults or teens involved in sports activities in which metal braces present challenges.

Yes, teens can benefit from Invisalign treatment. Many young patients may be candidates for clear aligners, so be sure to talk to our team about an Invisalign consultation for your teen or tween.

The healing process varies, but one can expect anywhere from 3 to 6 months to heal entirely. While everyday speech and other functions may return relatively quickly after an implant procedure, your mouth may remain tender for several days.

Every case is unique. Depending on the patient's varying needs, the installation of the artificial root can take 1 to 2 hours, while the overall dental implant process can be anywhere from 3-5 appointments.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, it’s important to replace them as soon as you can. Missing teeth can impact your oral health as well as your overall physical well-being, causing problems biting, chewing, and eating properly. You also have a greater chance of developing gum disease, TMJ, crooked teeth, and other issues if you go without replacing your missing teeth.

Your artificial tooth (called a crown) will only last 10-15 years before it needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. The implant itself fuses to your jawbone and can provide a stable foundation for your replacement tooth for the rest of your life with good oral hygiene and at-home care.

You will require a minor surgical procedure to place the implants in your jaw. As with any surgical procedure, some pain or discomfort can be expected. We'll do everything we can to make the procedure as painless and stress-free as possible, and Dr. Lee will happily discuss all your concerns before your surgery. Following an implant procedure, be sure to eat soft foods and give your mouth a chance to recover and adjust.

Many dental plans may cover a portion of your procedure. This will depend on your insurance plan. We will verify all benefits prior to treatment and help you make the most of your insurance coverage.

Implants are typically more expensive than traditional removable dentures, but it’s a worthwhile investment in your oral health. The full cost of your implant procedure will depend on your overall treatment needs, such as the extent of restoration required to complete your smile. Our team will provide you with a complete breakdown of all costs and payment options during your consultation.

The dental implant posts are made from titanium. We use this metal because it’s biocompatible, which means it fuses with your jawbone for increased stability and durability that lasts. The fusion between the implant and bone can prevent or reverse the bone loss that happens when you lose one or more teeth.

Veneers are a permanent cosmetic procedure. They need a thin layer of enamel to be removed from your teeth prior to placement and are bonded to the remaining tooth structure. For this reason, only a trained dental professional can make repairs or adjustments to your veneers.

The lifespan of your veneer depends on the type you choose, and your veneers will eventually need to be repaired or replaced just like any other dental work. Porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years, while ceramic veneers can last up to 20 years.

Generally, no, veneers are not painful to receive. Patients who receive 2-4 porcelain veneers typically experience no discomfort. However, patients who receive eight or more veneers may experience some sensitivity or tenderness in their gums due to the length of the procedure.

With porcelain or ceramic veneers, you can expect the process to take 3-4 weeks. You’ll visit our office 2-3 times during this time, from your initial consultation to the final fitting and application.

We offer dental veneers made from high-quality porcelain or ceramic. Each material is chosen for its strength, durability, and lifelike appearance.

Yes, but they contain weaker bleaching gels than the kinds of options available at our office. This is why over-the-counter and at-home whitening solutions take many uses over days or weeks to deliver visible results. Buying drugstore alternatives such as whitening toothpaste, rinses, whitening strips, and kits can also add up over time. A session at our office can provide instant results that may take weeks and multiple at-home treatments to achieve, saving you time and money.

Yes, teeth whitening is a very safe procedure that doesn’t damage your teeth. Our peroxide-based bleaching treatments use specifically formulated ingredients that brighten teeth and strengthen enamel. We always want you to leave with healthier teeth than when you arrived, and that philosophy extends to our cosmetic procedures, as well.

Generally, no, teeth whitening is a safe and comfortable procedure. You may experience some temporary sensitivity in your teeth after whitening, especially if you have issues with your gums such as tenderness or existing irritation. However, our team takes every precaution to minimize any discomfort you may feel. We use gentle products that lift stains from your teeth without causing irritation.

Yes, we welcome uninsured patients and offer a dental savings plan to cover the cost of routine services. We also offer flexible financing options to help you cover all out-of-pocket expenses. No matter your dental needs, we will find the right solution for your budget!

The total cost of your treatment will depend on your case and unique needs. That said, we do everything we can to offer affordable dental care at transparent prices, including all emergency services.

We do everything we can to see you! That’s why we offer same-day or next-day appointments to get you in as quickly as possible. Walk-ins are accepted as scheduling permits. We can’t guarantee appointment times, so be sure to call us in case of an accident or emergency.

Dental emergencies can sometimes be frightening and we understand your first instinct may be to go to the hospital. But unless you’re experiencing severe symptoms of uncontrolled bleeding or swelling, you should contact your local dentist right away.