Q&A
Cosmetic Dentist
I don’t have dental insurance. How can I afford to see the dentist?
People think dentistry is expensive, but it’s neglect that’s expensive. That’s why I do what I can to make dentistry affordable for everyone. Many of my patients are older and on a fixed income. I also see families who don’t have a history of dental care and are less apt to seek regular dental care for their kids. But when you wait to see the dentist, small problems can become big problems and big problems are more expensive to fix. I offer membership plans for kids and adults. The cost of the membership covers your two annual cleanings, which allow us to diagnose problems sooner when they’re easier and cheaper to treat. Then, membership gives you a 15% discount on any potentially needed treatment.
What can you do for TMJ pain?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the small set of hinges made up of joint and muscle that allows your jaw to move fluidly. Like other joints, it can become misaligned or injured leading to a variety of problems. In cases of pain or dysfunction of the joints, the diagnosis is termed Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). If it’s muscle-related, it’s easier to treat. Joint-related problems are a bit harder to treat. Either way, we’ll work to find the root cause of your TMD. Then, we’ll form a treatment plan which may involve simple stretching exercises and applications of heat, or we may create a custom mouthpiece called an occlusal splint you can wear during the day or night to help place your jaw in a more comfortable and natural position. Either way, there is help for your TMJ pain.
At what age can my child brush his own teeth?
The best way to make sure your child’s teeth are clean is to let them brush first and then you brush after them. You know your child best, but the average child still needs help until they’re eight or even older. And a child shouldn’t be given toothpaste with fluoride until they’re old enough to spit. Until then, look for a fluoride-free toothpaste because you don’t want them swallowing all that fluoride.
My child snores. Should this concern me?
We see a lot of airway issues in children which can affect the way their permanent teeth come in and stop them from getting a proper night’s sleep. Conditions like ADD and ADHD have been linked to poor sleep quality. If we can diagnose and treat these problems early, they’re much easier to treat. I can help screen your child for airway issues and refer your child to an orthodontist who can work with us to really make a difference in your child’s life, health, and quality of sleep.
Can you help my dental phobia?
I was terrified of the dentist growing up. But dentistry has come so far. There’s no reason a trip to the dentist shouldn’t be enjoyable. I find slowing down and explaining each thing before I do it removes the unknown and goes a long way toward relieving anxiety — at any age.
About The Expert
