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FAQ

Do you accept dental insurance?

We work with many insurance companies and file claims on behalf of our patients.   We are in-network with Aetna, Ameritas, Careington, Cigna (Core and Radius Networks), Delta Dental (PPO and Premier), Guardian, MetLife, United Concordia, and Sunlife.

Our treatment coordinator will gather your information and estimate your insurance coverage. In an attempt to maximize your benefits, we provide the insurance company with all necessary paperwork, charts, and X-rays. Please remember that dental insurance is a contract between you and your provider, and any remaining balance will be billed to your account.

Can I make payments on my dental treatment?

We have partnered with CareCredit, a trusted name in third-party financing, so patients can make affordable monthly payments on their treatments. CareCredit offers revolving credit and no interest for up to 12 months for patients who qualify.

What payment methods do you accept?

For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa).

Why do my teeth have stains and discolorations?

Most stains are caused by age, tobacco, coffee, or tea. Other types of stains can be caused by antibiotics, such as tetracycline; or too much fluoride.

What treatments are used for stained teeth?

Ask Dr. Foltz about tooth-whitening options. They include a number of over-the-counter whitening systems, whitening toothpastes, and the latest high-tech option -- laser tooth whitening. For maximum whitening, experts agree that peroxide is usually the way to go.

Supervised bleaching procedures that are done in-office and at-home have become among the most popular treatment options. In some cases, the procedure is performed entirely in the office, using a light or heat source to speed up the bleaching process. In other cases, Dr. Foltz gets the procedure started during an office visit and then gives you what you need to complete it at home. Still another popular procedure is one that you complete entirely at home.

At-home procedures, sometimes called nightguard vital bleaching, consist of placing a bleaching solution, usually a peroxide mixture, in a tray (nightguard) that has been custom fitted for your mouth by an oral health care professional. The bleaching solutions may vary in potency and may be worn for an hour, or throughout the night. Dr. Foltz can advise you on the appropriate type of application and the length of time needed to whiten your teeth, based on the severity of tooth discoloration and your specific needs.

How effective are bleaching systems?

Bleaching is effective in lightning most stains caused by age, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Based on clinical studies, 96 percent of patients with these kinds of stains experience some lightening effect. Other types of stains, such as those produced by tetracycline use or fluorosis (too much fluoride), respond to bleaching less reliably. And one cosmetic dentist points out that bleaching systems are not fully predictable. If you have a tooth-color filling when your teeth are bleached, the filling will stay yellow - dental restorations do not change color when tooth whitener is applied.

Are there any side effects to tooth bleaching?

In some studies, patients have experienced uncomfortable short-term side effects when having teeth bleached. Hydrogen peroxide can increase temperature sensitivity in the teeth, particularly at higher concentrations, and nightguards often cause gum irritation.

And overzealous use of over-the-counter home bleaching products can wear away tooth enamel, especially with solutions that contain acid. Therefore, bleaching is a procedure best done under the care of an oral health care professional.

Still, the general health risks of bleaching systems are minimal as far as your body is concerned. Applications are controlled so that you don´t swallow hydrogen peroxide.

Dental Cleaning

Are cleanings covered by insurance?

For most patients, yes, basic preventive care (including checkups and cleanings) is covered 100% by insurance. In-depth periodontal (“deep”) cleaning may be covered in part between 50%-80%, depending on your coverage. Our team will confirm your benefits and help you understand your insurance coverage to make the most of the coverage you’re owed.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

You can expect to book a preventive visit for a cleaning or checkup every six months. This helps our team diagnose problems as they arise and give prompt treatment recommendations to keep your oral health on the right track.

How often should I see the dentist?

It can depend on your overall oral health, as well as your dental or medical history. However, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your trusted local dentist every six months. If you need further treatment or follow-up visits, our team will schedule them at your convenience.

Do dental cleanings hurt?

No, cleaning should be a comfortable experience. Dental cleanings are handled by trained dental hygienists who gently yet effectively clean, floss, and polish your teeth. This process is generally quite painless. Patients who have gingivitis may experience some tenderness or bleeding in their gums during their procedure. However, our team will do everything we can to prevent any discomfort you may experience.

Emergency Dentistry

Is an emergency dental exam expensive?

The total cost of your treatment will depend on your case and unique needs. That said, we strive to provide affordable dental care at transparent prices, including all emergency services. Our office also offers flexible financing options and a dental membership plan to help you cover all out-of-pocket expenses.

Can you see me today?

Our team does everything we can to accommodate the needs of emergency patients. We try to leave room in our schedule for emergency patients and 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.

Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies can sometimes be frightening, happening when we least expect them. We understand your first instinct may be to go to the hospital for emergency care. However, unless you’re experiencing severe symptoms of uncontrolled bleeding or swelling, you should contact your local dentist right away. Emergency rooms are not set up to treat dental emergencies or injuries. Be sure to call your dentist for the care you need.

Dental Implants

What if I don’t get an implant?

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.

How long do implants last?

If you choose a crown or bridge, your replacement tooth will last 10-15 years before it needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. If you receive an implant denture, you can expect it to last 5-10 years. 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.

Do dental implants hurt?

If you choose dental implants, you will require a minor surgical procedure to place the implants in your jaw. Following your procedure, it’s normal to experience some pain and swelling while your mouth heals. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and prescribed pain relievers (as needed) to help you manage any discomfort you may experience.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

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

How much do dental implants cost?

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. Your dentist will perform a complete dental exam to assess your unique needs. Next, our team will provide you with a complete breakdown of all costs and payment options during your consultation.

What are dental implants made out of?

Dental implants are made from titanium. Dental professions choose this metal because it’s biocompatible, which means it fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. This can prevent or reverse the bone loss that occurs when you lose one or more teeth.

Invisalign

What does Invisalign treat?

Invisalign clear aligners are designed to help patients straighten their teeth for a healthier bite and confident smile. They are recommended to treat a wide range of orthodontic cases in teen and adult patients. Your dentist recommends Invisalign to treat many conditions, such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and gapped or irregularly spaced teeth.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

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.

Can teens get Invisalign?

We recommend Invisalign Teen to help our younger patients enjoy the benefits of a straight, healthy smile. This treatment option uses a blue indicator dot on the aligner, so you and their dentist know if your child is wearing their aligners properly. The aligners are removable so your teen can enjoy contact sports and other physical activities without the fear of impeding their treatment plan or damaging their aligners.

Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

The cost of Invisalign treatment is typically covered in part by most dental insurance plans. Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your plan and stated benefits. We’ll be sure to confirm your benefits to help you make the most of your coverage.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Invisalign is a flexible treatment that can be tailored to your needs. We’ll have to perform a full assessment of your teeth during your consultation so we 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.

Teeth Whitening

Do over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments work?

Yes, over-the-counter whitening treatments are available at most stores and pharmacies. However, these treatments contain weaker bleaching gels than those available at your dentist’s office. This is why over-the-counter and at-home whitening treatments take many uses over days or weeks to provide visible results. A session with your dentist at Norcross Dental Associates can provide instant results that may take weeks and multiple treatments to achieve.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, teeth whitening is a very safe procedure. It’s also very common! Millions of people whitening their smiles with their dentists every year. At our practice, we use specially formulated peroxide-based bleaching treatments that brighten teeth without causing irritation to your sensitive teeth or gums.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Generally, no. Teeth whitening is a very comfortable treatment experience for most patients. You may experience some temporary sensitivity in your teeth after whitening. However, your dentist will take every precaution to reduce or prevent any discomfort you may feel.

Veneers

Are veneers permanent?

Veneers are a permanent cosmetic procedure. They require a thin layer of enamel to be removed from your teeth before the veneers are bonded to the tooth structure. For this reason, only a trained cosmetic dental expert can make repairs or adjustments to your veneers.

How long do veneers last?

Porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years before needing to be repaired or replaced. Be sure to keep up with your regular checkups and cleaning to keep your veneers in the best condition possible.

Do veneers hurt?

Generally, no, veneers are not a painful procedure. Patients who receive 2-4 veneers experience little to no discomfort during or after placement. However, patients who receive 8-10 veneers may experience some sensitivity or tenderness. Your dentist will take every precaution during your veneer preparation and administer local anesthetic as needed to ensure your comfort.

How long does it take to get veneers?

You can expect getting your porcelain veneers to take 3-4 weeks. You will visit our office 2-3 times over the course of your treatment, from your initial consultation to the final fitting and application.

What kind of veneers can I get?

Our dentists place high-quality veneers made from dental porcelain. This material is chosen for its durability, strength, and lifelike appearance.

Dental Education

We take an active role in helping teach patients on how to maintain good dental health and how to achieve a beautiful, healthy, long-lasting smile.

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Norcross Dental Associates is here to make you smile.