Common Questions

What is a cosmetic dentist?

Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, so any general dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. To choose a good cosmetic dentist, review the doctor's before-and-after photos of actual cases, ask about his or her postgraduate education in cosmetic dentistry, and make sure that you feel confident and comfortable in the office.

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I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?

An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services, and after your consultation, you'll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.

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How can improve my smile?

That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we will discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally, we may suggest porcelain veneers or DURAthins, teeth whitening, all-white restorations, and/or replacement teeth. Orthodontics or Invisalign clear braces may also be involved. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a smile makeover plan for your new smile. We offer digital imaging for smile previews, as well.

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My teeth are stained. Can you help?

Yes. We offer teeth whitening solutions to brighten teeth dramatically at home or in our office. Call our Naples, FL dental office for an appointment today!

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What can you do to straighten my smile?

Porcelain veneers can correct slight misalignments and gaps, as well as discolorations, chips, and other imperfections. From Hollywood to Beverly Hills, porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available today. Learn more about porcelain veneers in our patient library.

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I have old, dark fillings. Is there any hope for my smile?

Dark fillings and metal crowns can be replaced with strong, aesthetic solutions. Our dentist has placed composite resin fillings for years, and we also offer porcelain crowns.

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What are the benefits of a digital X-ray over traditional radiographs?

Digital X-rays offer unparalleled benefits over traditional radiographs: they're convenient, safe for the environment, provide a great opportunity for patient education, can be transferred and copied accurately, and best of all, they're safer for our patients. Digital X-rays emit about 80-percent less radiation than traditional methods. Learn more…

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How does gum disease affect the body?

It hides in your mouth, destroying gum tissue and teeth, and it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and pregnancy complications. Don't think it's your problem? Conservative estimates report that up to 80 percent of the population unknowingly has gum disease in some form. Learn more…

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How does the doctor keep up to date on current techniques, technology, and materials in dentistry?

Our dentist – and our team – take more than the state's requirement for continuing education each year. We also read trade journals, attend professional association meetings, and do everything we can to keep in tune with the latest developments in general and cosmetic dentistry, as well as dental technology. We are passionate about our careers, so we enjoy soaking up new information on our profession, then sharing it with you!

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I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?

Many people fear dental visits because of negative past experiences or control issues. We understand dental anxiety and offer a solution to help you overcome your stress. With oral conscious sedation, we can help you gain full peace of mind and body so that you can receive the dental work you need – and deserve.

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I have not been to the dentist in years, and I'm ashamed to let a professional see the condition of my mouth. Is your staff judgmental?

First of all, congratulations on your wise decision to prioritize dental healthcare. Your mouth is a big part of your overall health, quality of life, and self-esteem. We will not judge you, but help you by addressing your oral problems, explaining treatment options, then scheduling a plan of action that suits your schedule and your budget.

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Do you accept dental insurance?

The actual cost of treatment varies widely depending on the procedures, as well as whether the services are preventive, restorative, or cosmetic. We believe that our patients deserve the best care. For that reason, we make every effort to present our patients with the best dental solution possible for their individual situation. Perhaps that's why so many of our patients have raved about their results: improved oral health and function, and a better smile – all with financial payment options and plans personalized for their individual needs.

Some of our patients have dental benefits. If you do, congratulations! You are fortunate. We will help you determine the coverage you have available. We provide professional care to you, our patient. Therefore, the insurance company is responsible to you and you, the patient, are responsible to the doctor. Our financial coordinator will help in every way possible in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf. Here are a few things you should know:

  • Your dental benefits are based upon a contract made between your employer and an insurance company. If you have any questions regarding your dental benefits, please contact your employer or insurance company directly.
  • Dental benefits differ greatly from medical benefits. In 1959, most dental benefit plans had a yearly maximum cap of $1000. You'll be surprised to know today that the average dental benefit plan has a yearly maximum cap of $1000. That's right - there has been no significant increase in the yearly maximum cap in 40 years! However, there have been significant increases in your premiums. Dental benefit plans will never pay for completion of your dental care, but instead, is meant to assist you.
  • Many people receive notification from their insurance company that dental fees are "above the usual and customary." An insurance company determines their reimbursement level by surveying a geographical area, calculating the average fee, then determines that 80% of the average fee is customary. Included in this survey are discount dental clinics and managed care facilities, which have severely reduced dental fees that bring down the average. Any doctor in private practice will have fees that insurance companies define as "higher than usual and customary."
  • Many dental benefit plans tell their participants that they will be covered "up to 80% or 100%" but do not clearly specify the plan fee schedule allowance, annual maximum or limitations. It is more realistic to expect dental benefit plans to cover between 25% to 40% of dental services. Remember that the amount a plan reimburses is determined by how much your employer has paid for your dental benefit plan. You will get back only what your employer has put in, less the insurance company's profit margin.
  • Insurance companies do NOT recognize many routine and newer dental services.
  • Our team members will gladly assist you in filling out the necessary forms to maximize your dental benefits and discuss your financial options. Most insurance companies send direct reimbursements within two weeks of service. Excellent dental care is available with or without dental benefits. If you have any questions regarding our policy, please do not hesitate to ask.

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What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?

We accept cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. We also offer several payment options so we can tailor your payment plan to meet your specific needs. Just mention this to us when we set up your treatment plan, and we'll work out a solution! We are pleased to offer deferred payment plans by Springstone Financial.

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