Frequently Asked Questions

What is Involved with Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening (bleaching) is easy and effective. The process involves removing the stains that have accumulated over time on the surface of the teeth to reveal the natural, lighter shade of the teeth. Whitening does not harm the teeth. Some patients report that their teeth become somewhat sensitive to cold, but this quickly resolves once the bleaching is stopped.

The most common means of whitening teeth is home whitening. A whitening gel is placed into a custom-made mouthguard which is worn for 2 - 3 hours during the day or overnight. Good results are achieved in about 2 weeks.

What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. One or more root-shaped fixtures are placed into bone and, after healing, become the support for a crown, a bridge or denture. The entire process can be done comfortably right in our office and is appropriate for most people with missing teeth.

What can be done to Improve the Appearance of my Smile?
There are a variety of procedures that can be used to improve the appearance of individual teeth to create a pleasing smile. Cosmetic bonding involves applying tooth-colored filling material to change the shape or shade of the teeth. This works best when small changes are needed, such as closing a gap between two teeth.

For teeth that are broken or have large fillings, onlays or crowns are recommended. An onlay is a solid piece of porcelain that is bonded to the tooth, providing strength and support. A crown covers the entire tooth and allows for the greatest amount of change. All-porcelain crowns are often used for front teeth because they provide a very life-like appearance.

Veneers are a thin but strong porcelain "shell" permanently bonded to the tooth's surface with a strong resin adhesive. Veneers resist and maintain their excellent appearance for many years. They are a proven cosmetic remedy for a variety of dental conditions that affect the appearance of the front teeth.

Why don't we use silver fillings?
Although silver (amalgam) fillings have been used in dentistry for many years, advances in tooth-colored restorative materials make them a better choice providing added strength. The obvious advantage is the significant improvement in appearance.

Will my child need braces?
When your child is seen for a regular cleaning appointment, the dentist will examine him or her for cavities and will also evaluate your child's dental development, looking for proper positioning and timely eruption of their adult teeth. If problems are noted, your child may be referred to our orthodontist for additional evaluation and a recommendation as to the proper timing of treatment. In some children, early corrective measures may reduce or eliminate the need for full braces.

Can Dentistry be affordable at Acorn Dental?
Absolutely! Acorn Dental accepts most insurance plans and our treatment coordinators will work with you to help get the most out of your dental benefits. A variety of payment options are available to enable you to complete your treatment in a timely fashion.