FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How often should I see a dentist?

  Most people need to see the dentist every six months. However, if you have certain oral health issues, such as gum disease or a tendency to develop cavities, you may need to see us more often. We will let you know what schedule is right for you.

• My teeth feel fine, I brush and floss regularly. Do I still need to see a dentist?

  Yes. Even with scrupulous oral hygiene, you could develop an oral health problem. Many of these issues show no outward signs in the earliest and most treatable stage, so regular exams are important. In addition, regular professional cleanings are a vital component of strong oral health and hygiene.

• What if I am having an issue after office hours?

  If you experience pain or other dental problems after hours, please call and follow the automated prompts. If you have severe pain or swelling, a fever, or other signs of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

• I am missing a tooth. What are my options for replacing it?

  Teeth are important for chewing and speech as well as appearance. If you are missing one or more teeth, come see us to discuss your options. Choices include dental implants, bridges, and dentures. We will work hard to ensure that you find the solution that best fits your needs, goals, and budget.

• What are implants and why would I need one?

  Dental implants have revolutionized modern dentistry. Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium and function to replace tooth roots. One dental implant topped with a crown can replace one tooth, while a handful of implants can secure an entire fixed bridge. We can also secure a removable denture with just two implants to prevent slipping and pinching.

• How do I know if I need a crown or a bridge?

  The first step is a thorough evaluation of the decayed or damaged tooth to determine if it can be saved. A crown protects the remainder of a badly damaged tooth, while a bridge replaces a tooth that must be extracted. A dental implant is an alternative to a bridge.

• I don’t like my smile. How can I improve it?

  Our office provides a complete line of cosmetic dental services. If you are interested in improving your smile, just schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your current smile and discuss the changes you would like to make. Then we will make recommendations for specific procedures such as whitening, Invisalign, or porcelain veneers.

• Isn’t cosmetic dentistry expensive?

  A gorgeous new smile may cost less than you imagine. Everyone is different, and there are often multiple ways to reach the same goal. At your initial consultation, we will price out your options and help you find a solution that works for you.

• Will my insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?

  Dental insurance is complicated, and every plan is different. In some cases, partial coverage may be available for specific cosmetic procedures. Our friendly office staff will review your benefits and out of pocket costs with you before we begin work.

• Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?

  Nearly anyone can benefit from whitening their teeth, but this is not always the ideal path to a winning smile. We will evaluate your teeth to determine exactly what cosmetic issues you have, and then give you our professional opinion on whether teeth whitening is the best choice for you.

• I hate that my teeth are crooked. Is there an easy way to straighten them?

  While traditional braces are effective in aligning crooked teeth and correcting over and underbites, most adults aren’t excited about looking like a middle school student all over again. Fortunately, there are ways to straighten teeth without braces available for adults and teens alike. Invisalign is one of the easiest ways to straighten teeth without braces. It uses a series of clear plastic aligners to slowly reposition your teeth. As your teeth gradually and gently move into place, you will begin to see the results of your Invisalign treatment in just a few months! Treatment can last from 6 – 24 months, although the average course of treatment is under one year!

• There are tons of dental offices in the Hartford area, why should I choose your office?

  We treat you like family the moment you walk into the building. Patients tell us they love our friendly and talented staff, beautiful reception area and comfortable treatment chairs. In addition, every aspect of our state-of-the-art dental practice has been designed with patient comfort and care in mind. The doctors of Dental Associates have for many years been recognized by their peers as some of the top dentists in The Hartford Magazine & best dentists in Connecticut Magazine’s Connecticut’s Best Dentists. Make an appointment and experience the highest quality dental treatment available. We are excited to meet you!

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