A few years ago, the National Association of Dental Plans reported that about 74 million Americans had no dental insurance coverage. Anyone in that group understands the struggle of finding and paying for affordable dental care. Good oral care is important in many ways, and goes beyond just having a clean mouth and nice teeth....
There are plenty of reasons why some patients avoid the dentist, and we’ve heard them all. Anxiety about pain or dreading the cost are common concerns. So is simply failing to make time in a busy schedule. And the recent COVID-19 pandemic has added a new excuse to the list. No matter what is coming...
Haven’t been to the dentist in years? It’s actually not that uncommon. According to a 2018 survey cited by the American Dental Association, only 58% of the people polled saw a dentist once a year or, as the association recommends, every six months. That means that the other 42% haven’t been to the dentist in...
It’s not surprising that many people cannot afford to see a dentist without insurance. This is especially true for patients on Medicaid, and it means having to find a dentist who accepts Medicaid. According to the American Dental Association, 38.5% of kids get dental coverage through Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) and 10.3%...
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. But it’s not indestructible. Under enough pressure or force, teeth can chip. Luckily, there are several ways that a dentist can fix a chipped tooth and restore a smile. Things that Chip Teeth Biting down on an ice cube or hard candy might seem harmless,...
Gaps between teeth are one of the top complaints that patients have when asked about how they feel about their smile. And while Invisalign is well known as an alternative to braces for straightening teeth, it is also a good option for mild to moderate crowding and crookedness. So, when patients ask our dentists “Does...
“Are dentists open now?” “Is it safe to go to the dentist?” “Can I catch COVID if I go to the dentist?” A lot of people are asking these questions nowadays. Thinking about having dental work done can cause anxiety all by itself. COVID-19 should not be another worry on top of that. Here at...
Straightening teeth with Invisalign can give people the confidence to smile wide. But can Invisalign literally widen a smile—meaning, can it move teeth enough that more are visible when a patient smiles? The success of Invisalign at widening a smile depends on the alignment problem of the teeth. When teeth are crowded together, they may...
It’s rare to find a dentist who will provide patients with traditional braces for their crooked teeth. Metal, ceramic, and lingual braces are typically only fitted by orthodontists. But there are other options out there to straighten teeth. Invisalign is one of the most popular and successful. Patients often ask “Do I need to find...
Updated 6/22/2020 Children can have a range of reactions to a dentist, from fearful anxiety to curiosity. Preparing a child for that first dental visit can help cut down on the fear and anxiety to create a better experience for everyone involved. Some parents may be tempted to put off checkups because of their child’s...