How can we help you?
Welcome to Assure a Smile’s frequently asked questions (FAQ) section. Here we address a variety of topics that many of our patients commonly ask about dental safety, insurance, checkups, scheduling, as well as emergencies. Additionally, we’ve included some of the most frequent questions we’ve come across regarding everyday, proper dental care. If you have any questions that aren’t addressed here, you may contact us via phone or on our contact page.
Select a question below:
Q. How do you ensure patient safety?
Q. Why should I floss every day?
Q. How is Assure a Smile different?
Q. Do you accept my insurance plan?
Q. When should I return for a checkup?
Q. What age should children be checked?
Q. How can I cancel or reschedule?
Q. What payment options do you offer?
Q. Help! My Child has broken a tooth…
Q. What should I do in an emergency?
Q. What is Smile Analysis?
Q. What is Smile Design?
Q. I need a better smile, without braces?
Q. What can I do with crowns or veneers?
Q. How can I safely whiten my teeth?
Q. How else can I whiten my teeth?
Q. My gums bleed when I brush! Why?
Q. Can you do crowns in one visit?
Q. How does the doctor keep up-to-date?
Our Responses:
Q. What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
A. Our entire practice team is well versed in state-of-the-art sterilization and disinfection techniques designed to ensure patient safety. This goes beyond wearing gloves and face masks to prevent passing germs; it includes a specialized sterilization center and a water filtration system, which guarantees a fresh, individualized, distilled water source for each patient. We also use only digital x-rays so you experience up to 90% less radiation.
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Q. Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
A. A little regular flossing goes a long way towards maintaining your overall oral health. Flossing loosens food particles in tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. It also gets rid of plaque build-up your toothbrush can’t remove and exercises your gum tissues. All of these things are necessary to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth healthy.
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Q. What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?
A. When you become a patient of our practice, we get to know you as an individual. Since our goal is to help you obtain and then maintain the best possible oral health, we take time to understand your dental history, assess your current dental health status, and think through the best options for your particular needs. Our office provides many natural dental options other offices do not. We also make sure we equip you with the information you need to make wise and healthy choices for your own long-term dental health.
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Q. Do you accept my insurance plan?
A. Our office is more than happy to work with any insurance company; filing insurance claims for you, and accepting direct payment. However, as the patient, you are ultimately responsible for your account, so it is always suggested that you check the particulars of your plan in order to anticipate your out of pocket expenses. We would be happy to answer any more questions you may have. Simply ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members. We are here to assist you!
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Q. How do I know when it’s time to come in for a check up?
A. An average, healthy adult person typically benefits from a professional cleaning and check up every six months. However, it’s tough to generalize because every mouth is different. Some people are prone to gum disease, bruxism, or other ongoing oral health concerns that require more frequent visits; others simply need a routine professional tartar removal at regular intervals. That’s why we’re so careful to check methodically and determine what kind of ongoing professional treatment will achieve your optimum dental health.
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Q. What about my children? At what age do they first see a dentist?
A. Early visits provide several advantages. First, they give us the opportunity to spot and prevent any potential oral health/dental problems. Second, they can give the child a positive, non-threatening dental office experience. That’s why we recommend parents bring their child in at or after the age of three, or at whatever age they’re most willing to communicate with an adult other than a parent.
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Q. What if I need to cancel an appointment?
A. In order to maintain a well-run office, we appreciate as much notice as possible for appointment cancellations. This enables us to work on other patients who need to be seen. A minimum of 24 hours notice is requested.
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Q. What payment options do you offer?
A. We offer several payment options to let you finance your oral health investment with ease.
If you would be more comfortable making monthly payments, we offer low or no interest financing plans through Care Credit. Ask our knowledgeable staff for an application, or apply online today at CareCredit.
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Q. My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
A. If there is no immediate medical emergency such as uncontrolled bleeding, unconsciousness, or other bodily injury, please contact us immediately. You can describe the situation over the phone and our staff will help you decide on the best plan of action.
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Q. What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
A. In the case of a true dental emergency, please contact our office voice mail and describe the nature of your problem. We will return your call as soon as possible, give you helpful information over the phone, and then decide if you need to be seen immediately.
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Q. What is Smile Analysis?
A. Smile Analysis examines the proportion of your teeth, how the lips fall, and the symmetry and size of your gums. We then use this information to design a smile that is proportional and flattering to your face. With Smile Analysis, we can also show you ahead of time what your new smile can look like.
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Q. What is Smile Design?
A. In designing your new smile, we will use the information gathered during your Smile Analysis to create a customized treatment plan that will best meet your aesthetic goals. Since no two patients are alike, no two treatment plans are exactly alike.
Most importantly, we will listen to you every step of the way. We firmly believe communication is the key to successful holistic cosmetic dentistry!
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Q. I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
A. There are several methods Dr. Herrmann can use to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of tooth reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers can give your teeth a bright, uniform look. Dr. Herrmann can also use “invisible” braces called Invisalign. We would be happy to talk with you about the options available and what might work best for you.
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Q. Can my teeth be widened, narrowed, lengthened, or shortened using crowns or veneers?
A. Yes. Overlaps and spaces can be eliminated as well. You can have that smile you have always dreamed of.
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Q. How can I safely whiten my teeth?
A. There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile. Sometimes, our in-office bleaching process will provide the change desired. In other cases, porcelain veneers offer a more effective solution. Dr. Herrmann can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. If you opt for the whitening process, you’ll find that our meticulously fit custom trays and expertly applied gel produce expert results in just a few short sessions. Typically, this process results in teeth approximately 2 shades brighter on the dental shade chart. If you opt for veneer application, you’ll simply need a couple of appointments at our office. To read more about either of these options, please look them up in our patient education section.
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Q. I have stains on my teeth that whitening cannot correct. Is there anything else I can do?
A. For some people with internal staining, tooth whitening agents such as whitening toothpaste, white strips, and gels simply are not enough to get that smile you have been looking for. Assure A Smile prides itself in providing high quality crown, veneer and in office bleaching for professional results.
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Q. My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
A. While bleeding gums following brushing may concern you, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.
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Q. How do you make those crowns in a single visit like I have been hearing about?
A. In the past, the process of making a crown, inlay or onlay involved a series of at least two appointments in the office. The tooth would be prepared, impressions would be taken and sent to the laboratory for fabrication, and then several weeks later a second appointment would be necessary to seat the crown. Now, using CAD/CAM technology with our CEREC 3D unit, we prepare the tooth differently, retaining as much healthy tooth structure as possible, and then design and manufacture the crown in the office. We are able to use the finest porcelain material on the market, which looks and feels like a natural tooth. Furthermore, this different preparation combined with the bonding process increases the tooth to 95-105% of its natural strength.
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Q. How does the doctor keep up-to-date?
A. Dr. Herrmann and his staff regularly take continuing education classes to ensure that they are aware of the latest techniques available in crowns, bridges, veneers and bleaching as well as dental implants. Dr. Herrmann currently has his Diplomatic status which allows him to teach other dentists these techniques.
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