Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Lakewood, CO

If I regularly brush my teeth, do I still need to see a dentist?

Yes, you still need to keep your six-month dental checkups and cleanings. While your at-home oral hygiene habits are essential, allowing our team to use professional dental instruments and technologies to examine your teeth and gums makes it possible to identify early signs of decay, infection, and damage. These may not be noticeable when cleaning your teeth at home, so we can quickly treat these issues before they become a serious problem.

 

What makes Invisalign better than traditional braces?

Invisalign clear aligners are not only a more subtle orthodontic solution, but they allow for a more flexible way to straighten your teeth as opposed to regular metal braces. Patients with Invisalign can freely remove their aligners before eating and drinking, easily clean their teeth and trays, and be more apt to achieve quicker results in just 12-18 months. This is a drastic difference from traditional orthodontics that can often take anywhere from 24-36 months. Also, Invisalign is less likely to irritate soft oral tissues because there are no brackets or wires to rub against cheeks, lips, or gums.

 

Why do I need a dental crown?

Many patients often wonder if a dental filling is enough to handle their decayed tooth. While many times we can use a tooth-colored filling to address the problem, other times, we must incorporate a dental crown to better protect the overall tooth structure. If the visible portion of the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, these “caps” are often the most effective ways to safeguard the existing tooth, preventing possible extraction.

 

Will my veneers look natural?

If you choose to have veneers to cover your smile imperfections, you can expect the results to look and feel completely natural. The reason is that Dr. Henry is trained to provide this unique service, and you can feel confident that your results will look just like a regular, healthy smile. Because each veneer is carefully placed to ensure there is no gap between the tooth structure and the gum line, you’ll leave your appointment feeling more confident in your appearance, which can positively benefit your personal and professional life.

 

Why is replacing a missing tooth so important?

Over time, a missing tooth can impact a person’s ability to eat, speak, and smile freely. But that’s not all. If too much time passes, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate, resulting in the potential for further tooth loss. This is why it’s imperative that you discuss your tooth replacement options with Dr. Henry as soon as possible. Based on your oral and overall health and jawbone density as well as your preferences and budget, he will recommend a solution that will work best for your unique smile.

 

Will you accept my dental insurance?

At Dedicated Dentistry, we are pleased to welcome your dental insurance plan and will do our best to find ways to maximize your benefits and help you save on any out-of-pocket expenses. Although we are currently in-network with many PPO providers, we will take your insurance and file your claims to ensure a stress-free, enjoyable experience.

 

If I don’t have dental insurance, how can I ensure affordable dental care?

Even if you are uninsured, you can enroll in a CareCredit payment plan. This flexible financing option makes it easy for you to select a plan that works according to your budget and timeline. Our team is pleased to partner with CareCredit to make dentistry affordable and available to all patients desiring a healthier, more beautiful smile.