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We hope you find answers to your questions in the following
section. If you would like further information or have
another question, please give us a call or ask during
your next visit. We are always ready to help our patients
in any way we can.
How do the doctors keep up-to-date on all of the
current techniques and materials?
Our doctors subscribe to the latest industry journals
to keep tabs on research and development in the dental
industry. They also takes time on a regular basis for
continuing education, and ensure the staff does the
same. As a
team and as individuals, our office makes it our responsibility
to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials
available.
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 At what age should my children first see a dentist?
Believe it or not, children should have their first
dental visit about 6 months after their primary teeth
have erupted, or generally around their first birthday.
First of all, this provides the dental professional an
opportunity to spot and prevent any potential oral health/dental
problems; it also gives the child a positive, non-threatening
dental office experience.
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Do you accept referrals?
We are happy to accept referrals from other dental offices
as well as from recommendations by our patients to their
family and friends. Your referrals are our best compliments!
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What do I do if I have an emergency when the office
is closed?
In case of a true dental emergency, please contact our
office voice mail and let us know the nature of your
condition. We will return your call as soon as possible,
give you helpful information over the phone, and then
determine if you need to be seen immediately.
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What different payment options do you provide?
We accept cash, personal checks and all major credit
cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and
Discover. Your insurance plan co-pay is due at the time
of your visit, but we can bill deductible payments over
a period of time according to your particular situation.
Please let us know ahead of time if you desire to pay
in installments so we can structure an appropriate plan
for you.
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 How can I safely whiten my teeth?
There are a number of procedures available to help whiten
your smile, from at-home teeth whitening products to in-office
supervised treatments. Dr. Courtney can help evaluate
the potential for whitening your teeth, based on their
current
color and the causes of any discoloration. Once you have
decided on the most appropriate method, you will probably
spend anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks undergoing a series
of simple whitening treatments.
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What makes you different than any other dental practice
I can visit?
When you become a patient of our practice, we think
of you as a person, not just another set of teeth to
fix and clean. Our goal is to help you obtain and then
maintain the best possible oral health. So, we take time
to understand your dental history and evaluate the best
options for your particular dental needs. Plus, we help
you understand the whys and wherefores of preventive
care through thorough patient education.
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I really do not
like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can
do to help me relax?
We understand many people have qualms about having their
teeth worked on. So, we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere.
For entertainment and distraction, we have special headphones
and DVD movies available in all rooms so you can keep
your mind on more pleasant things.
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Crowns, veneers, on-lays, inlays and partials…where
can I learn more about these procedures?
You can find more in-depth information about each of
these devices by visiting the American
Dental Association website.
Below is a brief description of each:
- Crowns: designed to fit snugly and function as normal
teeth, crowns are used on cracked, broken, decayed,
or worn teeth and are designed to protect those teeth
from
further damage as well as preserve your jaw’s
correct natural alignment
- Porcelain Veneers: These are thin sheets of ceramic
that bond directly to the front surfaces of teeth.
They are
highly resistant to coffee, tea or other staining
agents and mostly closely resemble healthy, white tooth
enamel.
- Onlays: Inlays and onlays are strong, attractive,
and safe alternatives to metal fillings. Onlays are
used
for large restorations. They restore the area inside
the cusp and extend over one or more sides of the
tooth. Because of their size they are usually made
of porcelain.
- Inlays: These are used to restore the area of tooth
inside the cusps. Inlays are a conservative tooth
restoration which means they require far less drilling
and preparation
of the tooth than a metal filling. Inlays are usually
made of porcelain or composite resin, making them “invisible” in
your smile.
- Partials: Removable partial dentures usually consist
of replacement
teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases
that are connected by metal
framework. Partial dentures attach to your natural
teeth with metal clasps or
devices called precision attachments. Precision
attachments are generally more
esthetic than metal clasps and they are nearly
invisible.
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I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not
want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
Dr. Courtney has a number of ways to improve the look
of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces.
For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of
reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be
sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. In other
cases, it may be necessary to attach ‘invisible’ braces
behind the front teeth. We would be happy to talk with
you further about the option that best suits your individual
situation.
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 What is Smile Analysis?
When you come to Dr. Courtney to update and improve
your smile, she will begin by
photographing your current smile. Together, you will review your smile and discuss
what you would like to change or improve. Next, Dr. Courtney
will take impressions
of your of teeth and make models in order to begin the next phase in the
process…Smile Design.
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What is Smile Design?
One of the best ways to begin this process is to show
you some Before and After photos of individuals who’ve
come to us for cosmetic work and who may share similar
features to you such as shape of face, skin color,
etc. These photos allow you to see real work done on
real people.
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