FAQ

For most people, visiting the dentist every six months is ideal. Regular checkups help us catch small issues before they become big problems. Need a reminder? Our team can help you stay on track with your visits!

Your checkup includes a gentle cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, a detailed oral exam, and, if necessary, X-rays to monitor hidden issues. We’ll also screen for oral cancer to ensure your total health is in check.

No need to worry—our team uses gentle, patient-focused techniques to keep you comfortable from start to finish. Many patients say they leave feeling fresh and clean!

Not always. X-rays are typically taken once a year or as needed to check for cavities, bone issues, or other hidden concerns. We’ll only recommend them when necessary for your health.

Checkups do more than clean your teeth! By removing stubborn plaque and tartar, we help prevent cavities. We also identify early decay so we can treat it before it causes pain or damage.

Absolutely! We love working with kids ages 7 and up. Our friendly team and fun amenities—like Netflix and headphones—make it a positive experience for little ones.

Tell us! We’re here to help. With cozy blankets, calming music, and Netflix, we’ll do everything possible to create a relaxing environment tailored to your comfort.

Yes, we work with many major insurance providers. One of our friendly coordinators can check your benefits and give you an estimate before treatment begins.

Most checkups take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your needs. We’ll always respect your time while providing thorough care.

Yes! Beyond spotting cavities, we can detect signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and even issues like diabetes or sleep apnea during your exam.

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gently move your teeth into their ideal position. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before switching to the next set.

Most Invisalign treatments are completed in 12 to 18 months, but some cases may take less time. Dr. Lopez will give you a personalized estimate during your consultation.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is much more comfortable! You might feel slight pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, but it’s usually mild and temporary.

For the best results, wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Only take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

Eat whatever you like! Just remove your aligners during meals, and brush before putting them back in to keep them clean and clear.

Costs vary, but we offer flexible financing options to fit your budget. Our team can also help you check your insurance for coverage.

You’ll visit us every 6 to 8 weeks so we can monitor your progress and give you new sets of aligners. These visits are quick and easy!

Yes! Invisalign is a fantastic option for responsible teens who want a nearly invisible way to straighten their smile.

No problem—give us a call right away! We’ll guide you on what to do next and keep your treatment on track.

Many insurance plans cover part of the cost. Contact us, and we’ll gladly help verify your benefits.

With good care, veneers can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are key to maintaining them.

Not at all! The process is minimally invasive, and we use modern techniques to ensure your comfort. Most patients find it easier than they expected.

Veneers are easy to maintain. Just brush and floss as usual, and avoid biting into hard objects like ice to prevent chipping.

Veneers can improve the appearance of mildly crooked teeth, but for more complex alignment issues, Invisalign may be a better fit.

Yes! Porcelain and eMax veneers resist stains, so your smile stays bright. Just be sure to maintain good oral hygiene.

The cost depends on how many veneers you need and the material used. We offer flexible financing to make veneers affordable.

Veneers are a long-lasting solution, but they may need replacement after 10 to 15 years. With proper care, they’ll serve you well for a long time.

Yes! Veneers can be placed on a single tooth or multiple teeth, depending on your cosmetic goals.

Definitely! Each veneer is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth for a seamless look.

Since veneers are considered cosmetic, insurance typically doesn’t cover them. Our team can help you explore payment and financing options.

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone. They act as sturdy foundations for crowns, bridges, or dentures, giving you a secure and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.

The full process usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on healing time and the complexity of your case. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way to ensure a smooth experience.

For many patients, yes! Implants provide a permanent, stable solution that looks and feels more natural than traditional dentures. Plus, they prevent bone loss in your jaw.

No worries! We offer advanced options like bone grafting or All-on-4 implants, which can work even if you have low bone density. Dr. Lopez will help determine the best approach for you.

Not at all! The implant placement is done under local anesthesia, and most patients report little to no discomfort afterward. Any soreness can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Caring for implants is just like caring for natural teeth. Brush, floss, and visit us regularly to keep your implants in top shape.

Coverage varies by plan, but many insurance providers cover part of the cost. Our team can help you navigate your benefits and explore financing options to make implants affordable.

Yes! Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or even support a full arch with implant-supported dentures.

With proper care, dental implants can last for decades, often a lifetime. Regular checkups help ensure they remain in excellent condition.

The cost depends on the number of implants and the type of restoration. We offer flexible financing plans to fit your budget.

Absolutely! Whitening can be part of a larger smile makeover. Ask us about combining it with veneers or Invisalign for your perfect smile.

Results typically last between 6 months and 2 years, depending on your oral hygiene and dietary habits. Regular touch-ups can help maintain your bright smile.

Yes! Professional whitening treatments are safe and carefully supervised by our dental team to protect your enamel and gums.

Our whitening systems are designed to minimize sensitivity. If you do experience mild sensitivity, it’s temporary and usually resolves quickly.

Costs vary based on the type of treatment, but we offer flexible payment plans to make whitening affordable. Schedule a consultation for a personalized estimate.

Yes! Our professional-grade whitening systems, like KoR Whitening, can tackle even deep, stubborn stains caused by medications or lifestyle habits.

Store-bought kits can’t match the strength or precision of professional treatments. With us, you’ll see faster, more noticeable results with less risk of sensitivity.

No, whitening only works on natural teeth. If you’re concerned about the color of your restorations, we can discuss replacement options to match your new shade.

Yes! Whitening is generally safe for teens, but we’ll assess their dental health first to ensure the best results.

Dr. Lopez will recommend the best whitening option based on your goals and the type of stains you want to remove.

A dental emergency includes severe tooth pain, swelling, bleeding, broken or knocked-out teeth, or signs of infection. If you’re unsure, call us, and we’ll guide you on what to do next.

Yes, but time is critical! Gently rinse the tooth, avoid touching the root, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in milk and contact us immediately.

If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty chewing, it’s time to seek urgent care. Toothaches can indicate serious infections or decay.

Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any fragments, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on the affected side, and call us right away for same-day care.

Many insurance plans cover emergency visits and treatments. Our team will gladly verify your coverage and provide cost estimates before proceeding with treatment.

For life-threatening issues involving breathing or swallowing, head to the ER. For most dental emergencies, seeing a dentist is the best option for immediate relief and proper care.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can help reduce pain and swelling.

Yes! We welcome new patients, especially during emergencies. Our goal is to provide fast, effective relief and help you get back to feeling your best.

Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and call us as soon as possible. We’ll schedule a same-day appointment to repair or replace the restoration.

Preventive care is key! Regular checkups, using a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding hard objects like ice or pens can reduce your risk of emergencies.