Dental FAQ's
Bright Side Dental wants to do our best to help educate our patients. If your question is not listed below, please do not hesitate to call 1-800-Painless (1-800-724-6537).
Yes you can. At Bright Side Dental we work with CareCredit and we can work with you on dental financing options.
A teeth cleaning can cost anywhere between $75-$200. The cost will vary depending several factors like dental insurance coverage, dental payment plans, the availability of coupons, and local rates.
Some of the tools used during a teeth cleaning are:
- Metal scalers
- Curettes
- Mouth mirrors
- Dental probes
- Saliva ejectors
The cost of an Emergency Dentist will depend upon the procedure performed when you visit, dental insurance coverage, and financing options, among other factors. For example, if you need an emergency dental crown, the procedure can cost anywhere between $800-$3,000.
Some patients may feel a mild discomfort during a teeth cleaning, but it is a nearly painless procedure.
Orthodontics FAQ's
No, braces are not put on during your first appointment with your orthodontist. There are a few steps to be taken during initial appointments before your braces are actually applied. These steps are as follows:
- Visit your dentist or orthodontist for a free consultation
- Your dentist or orthodontist will explain the state of your teeth and discuss a financial plan for you treatment
- During your second appointment, separators (also known as spacers) will be placed between your back molars
- These separators will be left in to create space between your teeth before your next appointment
- The third appointment is when bands are attached where your separators created space
- If you do not require bands the braces may be applied during your third visit, or else your dentist may hold off until the next appointment
During your first appointment, separators (also known as spacers) will be placed between your back molars. These will create enough space between your teeth to accommodate bands, which will be inserted during your next appointment. During your first appointment you can also ask any questions that you may have like, “do braces hurt,” or, “is there a down payment on braces?”
This appointment is separate from your free consultation, during which your mouth will be examined, the state of your teeth will be explained, and a financial overview of your treatment plan will be discussed.
Most people pay for braces through payment plans and insurance coverage. These methods can defray a significant portion of your bill, and they’re convenient options to match your budget. Bright Side Dental also offers a $1,500 coupon to make braces that much more affordable.
Contact Bright Side Dental today to find out if you or someone you know is ready for braces.
Braces are typically worn for 12-24 months. This a little longer than how long you have to wear Invisalign. In more severe cases, braces might need to be worn for up to 36 months. The length of time can depend on a variety of factors. During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will discuss how long you will have to wear braces.
Bright Side Dental is pleased to offer a variety of convenient braces payment plans. We can work with you or your insurance company to work out a payment plan that works best for you. We also offer a $1,500 coupon and a free orthodontic consultation. Contact us to learn more!
Traditional metal braces usually have the lowest price tag at about $3,000-$7,500, while ceramic and lingual braces are more expensive. How much braces cost can also depend on the severity of the misaligned teeth and how long the treatment takes.
Of course, many health insurance providers will foot a significant portion of the bill. How much your insurance pays for braces will differ from person to person. Our staff at Bright Side Dental will be happy to contact your insurance provider to determine how much they will cover.
The overall cost of braces can depend on a number of factors including the type of braces you receive and the down payment you pay for braces, among other factors. To make payment less of a burden for patients, Bright Side Dental also offers a $1,500 coupon to make braces more affordable and we offer braces payment plans as well. Contact us online or call us today to learn more.
Most people pay for braces through payment plans and insurance coverage. These methods can defray a significant portion of your bill, and they’re convenient options to match your budget. Bright Side Dental also offers a $1,500 coupon to make braces that much more affordable.
Contact Bright Side Dental today to find out if you or someone you know is ready for braces.
Most people pay for braces through payment plans and insurance coverage. These methods can defray a significant portion of your bill, and they’re convenient options to match your budget. Bright Side Dental also offers a $1,500 coupon to make braces that much more affordable.
Contact Bright Side Dental today to find out if you or someone you know is ready for braces.
Lauded as a more discreet alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign Teen has become an increasingly popular choice among teens. Unlike braces, the Invisalign Teen system doesn’t involve the use of metal brackets and wires. Instead, it involves custom-made metal trays worn over the teeth that comfortably and gradually shift them into proper position. Aligner trays must be replaced twice a week for an average of 1-3 years, but outside of that, there’s little maintenance involved.
While Invisalign is a great solution for many teens, it isn’t for everybody — including those with significant dental issues such as severe tooth rotation or vertical movement of teeth. This is because the Invisalign system doesn’t allow orthodontists the same degree of direct control over the movement of teeth as braces. Invisalign is also slightly more expensive than braces, though most insurance providers cover a significant portion of the expense.
Is Invisalign Teen right for your child? Stop by Bright Side Dental for a free consultation.
Some patients experience mild discomfort during their Invisalign treatment, though it’s usually short-lived and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Pain is generally caused by the aligner trays doing their job of shifting your teeth into their proper positions. In other words, if your Invisalign hurts, it is a strong sign that the treatment is working.
Invisalign aligners should be worn between 20 to 22 hours per day. Essentially, they should remain in your mouth as much as possible for the treatment to be effective. That being said, aligners can (and should) be temporarily removed when eating, brushing, and flossing. This is one big advantage that Invisalign has over braces. Unlike traditional braces, you are not limited to what you can eat as long as you remove them first.
The entire treatment of Invisalign usually takes 12 months. It can also be shorter or longer depending on how misaligned your teeth are and how long you leave your aligners in each day. Your aligner tray should be replaced every two weeks throughout the duration of your treatment.
Contact Bright Side Dental online or call today to learn more about our Invisalign treatments.
Yes, you need retainers after Invisalign treatment. Most doctors recommend that individuals use a retainer after orthodontic treatments, whether it’s traditional braces or Invisalign. Retainers prevent fixed teeth from reverting back to their initial positions. Every case is different, though, so check with your doctor during your consultation.
When all your child’s baby teeth have fallen out and adult teeth have grown in. This usually happens by the age of 13, though adult teeth usually form a little faster for girls than for boys.
In order to get them ready for braces, children can start seeing an orthodontist before all of their adult teeth have grown in. But, the youngest you can get braces is the age after all of your adult teeth have grown in. If you think your child will need braces, contact Bright Side Dental today.
Kids should get braces when their baby teeth have fallen out and adult teeth (wisdom teeth notwithstanding) have grown in. This usually happens between the ages of 11-13. While you might need to wait a couple years before your child can get braces, they can see an orthodontist around the age of 6 or 7. This is the age when adult teeth begin growing in and issues such as overcrowding take root.
It takes 1-2 hours to get braces put on for most patients. This includes time spent cleaning and drying your teeth so the brackets can be secured. How long it takes for you may depend on the type of braces you are receiving.
The steps of having braces put on are as follows:
1. The orthodontist first cleans and dries your teeth
2. A special glue is applied to your teeth
3. Then the brackets are attached to your teeth with the bonding glue
4. The orthodontist then places the wires in the brackets
5. Finally, the wires are secured in place with elastic bands placed around the brackets
There may be a slight discomfort after braces are applied, but the soreness usually subsides in a matter of days. Many patients won’t even need pain relievers, but for those who do, over-the-counter brands usually do the trick.
Though the application of braces can hurt, most patients report that any pain subsides rather quickly.
The gentle dentists at Bright Side Dental will go to lengths to ensure that your braces experience is nearly painless. If you or someone you know is ready for braces, contact us today.
Most people pay for braces through payment plans and insurance coverage. These methods can defray a significant portion of your bill, and they’re convenient options to match your budget. Bright Side Dental also offers a $1,500 coupon to make braces that much more affordable.
Contact Bright Side Dental today to find out if you or someone you know is ready for braces.
Kids can get Invisalign once all of their adult teeth (wisdom teeth excluded) have grown in. This usually happens between the ages of 11 to 13. While you might have to wait a couple of years to actually begin treatment, it may not be too early to visit a Bright Side Dental orthodontist for an early assessment.
Contact Bright Side Dental online or call today to learn more about our Invisalign treatments.
After the completion of your Invisalign treatment, your teeth will feel straighter and an increased capacity to bite, chew, and even speak. It is an exciting time, as you’ll finally be able to reap the rewards of your financial (and social) investment.
Contact Bright Side Dental online or call today to learn more about our Invisalign treatments.
Invisalign or braces? It’s not quite the age-old question, but it’s definitely an important one. Because while Invisalign and braces are both designed to straighten your teeth, they go about the job in very different ways.
As most people know, braces consist of metal brackets that are bonded to the front of the teeth. These brackets are connected by an archwire that guides them to proper alignment. Braces are usually worn for 1-3 years depending on the severity of the patient’s misalignment and are now available in a variety of discreet colors.
Invisalign takes a different tact, aligning teeth with a custom-made series of trays that are worn over the teeth, comfortably and gently shifting one’s teeth into place. Unlike braces, no metal brackets or wires are required with Invisalign, making it practically invisible. Better yet, there’s little maintenance involved. Simply insert a new aligner tray every two weeks until the treatment is complete. It’s that simple.
If you’re deciding whether to get Invisalign or braces, stop by Bright Side Dental for a free consultation.
The average Invisalign treatment takes about 12 months for adults. Like all orthodontic procedures, how long you wear Invisalign depends on your unique situation and your dentist’s treatment plan. After Invisalign treatment is complete, most dentists urge their patients to use a retainer, as this will help prevent teeth from shifting back to their old positions.
The average Invisalign treatment takes about 12 months for adults. Like all orthodontic procedures, how long you wear Invisalign depends on your unique situation and your dentist’s treatment plan. After Invisalign treatment is complete, most dentists urge their patients to use a retainer, as this will help prevent teeth from shifting back to their old positions.
The cost of Invisalign without insurance is usually between $3,500 to $5,000. There are several factors that determine how much Invisalign costs without insurance, including how long your treatment will last and the number of aligners you will need throughout your treatment. To get the most accurate estimate of what Invisalign will cost, you will need to talk to your dentist or orthodontist. Luckily, Bright Side Dental offers free Invisalign consultations for just that reason.
While Invisalign can be a considerable expense if you don’t have insurance that covers it, Bright Side Dental offers convenient payment plans to make your treatment more affordable. There is also a cost calculator on Invisalign’s site that can help inform you of your costs before visiting us for a consultation.
Contact Bright Side Dental online or call today if you are interested in learning how much Invisalign costs without insurance.
To eliminate bacteria in your Invisalign trays, you will need to include a quick cleaning of the trays in your daily hygiene routine. Try these preventative maintenance suggestions to get the best results with your Invisalign and keep your gradually straightening smile looking bright.
- The best method to clean your Invisalign trays is to purchase a cleaning kit intended specifically for the Invisalign system, such as the Invisalign Cleaning System Crystals, and follow the provided instructions.
- You may use a retainer-cleaning product, such as Retainer Brite, DentaSoak, EverSmile WhiteFoam (which will also whiten your teeth), or other trusted brands. These are meant specifically for removing the foggy, white build up that can appear on the clear trays.
- Another good option is to use a toothbrush to brush the aligners in cold water with a clear, gentle liquid soap at least once per day.
- You could also use an equal parts mixture of white distilled vinegar and lukewarm tap water to soak your Invisalign trays for 15-30 minutes. After this, gently brush your tray with a soft bristle brush, and rinse with lukewarm water.
Be sure to rinse your trays each time you remove them to prevent any saliva or plaque from drying on the trays. And always keep your Invisalign in a protective case to keep them free from outside contaminants and lessen your chances of misplacing them.
DON’T:
Do not use denture cleansers.
Do not try any abrasive cleaners or corse brushes.
Do not brush your Invisalign Aligners with toothpaste.
Do not soak the trays in mouthwash, specifically any that contain alcohol.
Crowns and Implants FAQ's
The cost of a dental crown can be between $500-$3,000 per tooth. The cost final cost of the procedure will depend upon dental insurance coverage, how many crowns are required, and the material used for the crown, among other factors.
If you’re interested in learning how much a dental dental crown might cost you, contact Bright Side Dental to get a pricing estimate.
The cost of a dental crown can be between $500-$3,000 per tooth. The cost final cost of the procedure will depend upon dental insurance coverage, how many crowns are required, and the material used for the crown, among other factors.
If you’re interested in learning how much a dental dental crown might cost you, contact Bright Side Dental to get a pricing estimate.
A Dental Implant can cost anywhere between $1,000-$4,500. The costs will depend upon the number of implants necessary, the type of implant, and insurance coverage, among other factors.
You may experience minor discomfort after a dental implant surgery. Once the implant procedure is complete the implant will require regular maintenance like natural teeth. Brushing, flossing and regular exams are necessary to keeping your implant durable.
If you think you are experiencing anything out of the ordinary after your procedure, contact your dentist right away or visit an emergency dentist.
A dental crown is a porcelain or metal “cap” that is placed over an existing tooth. Dental crowns are meant to restore broken or worn down teeth, protecting them from further degradation and decay. They also create support for the surrounding teeth when the affected tooth can no longer give support.
There are four types of dental crowns:
- Ceramic
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Gold
- Metal
Dentures FAQ's
The cost of a dental crown can be between $500-$3,000 per tooth. The cost final cost of the procedure will depend upon dental insurance coverage, how many crowns are required, and the material used for the crown, among other factors.
If you’re interested in learning how much a dental dental crown might cost you, contact Bright Side Dental to get a pricing estimate.
Remove excess food
Brush out dentures every day
Clean your mouth without your dentures in every day
Soak dentures overnight every day
Denture fixes should be done by your dentist as they will have the experience necessary to reshape or repair dentures
If you are unable to see a dentist right away pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens sell denture repair kits that can work as temporary solutions
If you have chipped or cracked your dentures do not use over the counter glues as they can be harmful
Loose, chipped, or cracked dentures can affect the performance and feel of the dentures. While at home remedies may work to temporarily fix that, it is best to visit your dentist so that they can permanently fix your dentures
Dental Bridges FAQ's
The cost of dental bridges can be anywhere from $500-$12,000. The wide variance in price is affected by a lot of factors like what type of bridge is needed, how many teeth are in the bridge, dental insurance coverage, among others.
If you’re interested in receiving a dental bridge, contact Bright Side Dental to get a pricing estimate.
Dental bridges place crowns over the teeth that are next to the gap created by a missing tooth or teeth. The crowns help “bridge” the artificial teeth that are adjoined to them to cover the spot of the missing tooth or teeth.
Dental Implants use a titanium post that is placed in the spot of the missing tooth. A crown, bridge or partial denture is then placed over the post, creating the look and feel of a new tooth.
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces a missing tooth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to the adjacent teeth.
Your teeth work together to help you chew, speak and even smile. If a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward or move up or down near the empty space. This places stress on both the teeth and the tissues in your mouth. This can break down the gum tissues and the bone that hold teeth in place, increasing your risk of gum disease. Dental bridges work to restore stability in the area where a tooth is missing.
Dental bridges can last anywhere between 5-15 years. Barring any issues or damage to the bridge, they can last for longer or shorter periods of time.
Teeth Whitening FAQ's
In-office teeth whitening can cost between $400-$800 dollars depending upon the whitening procedure used. There are other factors that can influence this price as well, including what type of whitening procedure is used.
Professional teeth whitening is much more effective as it is implemented by a professional and will typically last longer. Over the counter teeth whitening products work well to whiten the front teeth. Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes have the same effect. If your teeth are crooked or rotated over the counter whiteners will not be as effective as professional whitenings.
TMJ FAQ's
TMJ symptoms may include:
Pain in the jaw joint itself
Clicking and popping of the jaw as it opens and closes
Earaches
Frequent headaches or migraines
Chronic Neck and shoulder pain
Sinus infections and sore throat
Sleep Apnea
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms contact a Bright Side Dental TMJ dentist.
The causes of TMJ can vary person to person. Somes likely causes are:
Teeth grinding
Whiplash
Overbite
Ill-fitting dentures
History of reconstructive dental work
History of orthodontic work
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint which connects the jaw to the rest of the skull, located just below the ear. TMJ disorders, often referred to as simply “TMJ,” are localized pain disorders that can occur when the jaw joint is injured, misaligned, or damaged.
Wisdom Teeth FAQ's
After your wisdom teeth are removed you should eat soft foods and avoid drinking from a straw. Some of the foods that you can eat are:
Applesauce
Ice Cream
Soup
Jello
Pudding
Mashed Potatoes
Yogurt
Smoothies
Milkshakes
Some of the best wisdom teeth removal recovery methods are:
Eat soft foods
Avoid drinking from a straw
Rest
Avoid strenuous activities
Rinse your mouth with salt water
Replace gauze regularly to control bleeding
The cost of wisdom teeth removal can cost anywhere from $75-$1,500. The cost will depend upon how many teeth need to be removed, if the teeth are impacted or not, the type of anesthetic required, and insurance coverage, among other factors.
Dental Sleep Solutions FAQ's
Sedation dentistry is the process of using IV sedation or nitrous to calm a patient that may be nervous about dental appointments. A qualified nurse anesthetist applies the anesthesia so that dentists may complete dental work uninterrupted.
Sedation dentistry can cost between $50-$900. The cost depends upon the type of sedation used, the dentist, and insurance coverage, among other factors.