Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign
- How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign may be able to straighten teeth 50% faster than traditional braces! Of course, every individual case is unique. That said, with traditional braces, each tooth is forced to move individually. But, with Invisalign’s one-piece, SmartTrack aligners, all teeth receive constant force equally, so they usually move into place faster. Invisalign treatment can range from 6 to 24 months, but 12 months is typical.
- Will these clear aligners irritate my gums? Invisalign braces do not irritate your gums once you start the treatment. They’re much more gentle and accommodating to your oral cavity than metal braces. With proper maintenance, most patients get used to them within a week and, throughout the day, usually forget they’re wearing Invisalign at all.
- Will my insurance cover the cost? This all depends on your individual insurance plan, but our team will help you navigate through this. Just give us a call at one of our offices to schedule a complimentary consultation.
- Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign braces fix this? Invisalign can treat nearly all common teeth-straightening issues, from simple to complex. Many people who formerly had braces choose Invisalign treatment as the discrete solution to improve their smile when they find that their teeth have shifted back.
Veneers
- Will it look like I have chiclet teeth?
You’ll have a perfectly natural and beautiful smile! Years and years ago, old veneers looked like chiclet teeth. These days, however, both porcelain and composite veneers look indistinguishable from real teeth – we’re going to make sure you’ll love your new smile!
- Will veneers ruin my teeth?
Not at all. In fact, since porcelain is a very strong and durable material that’s even resistant to bruxism (grinding/clenching), veneers will actually protect your natural teeth.
- Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers? Most likely yes! Veneers don’t discriminate and can improve just about any smile. Of course, you should always schedule a consultation with us first to make sure you’re a good candidate and to discuss other details related to the treatment.
- Do veneers hurt?
No! The procedure is minimally invasive and, therefore, virtually painless. Most patients report no pain or discomfort at all during treatment.
- Will my insurance cover them? Since it is a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance providers rarely cover it. But we’ll do our best to help you find the most optimal payment option. Just give us a call at one of our offices to schedule a consultation.
Teeth Whitening
- Will it work for me?
Most likely yes! Having said that, results usually vary from patient to patient depending on multiple factors, including the type and severity of your stains. Teeth whitening normally works best on yellowish-brown stains compared to gray stains, and can last as long as 3 years!
- Will it damage my enamel? Not if you do it under professional supervision. With proper dental professionals (like the Love Your Smile team), you’re guaranteed the best whitening products applied by the most experienced staff. So, you don’t have to worry about any damage to your tooth enamel, gums, or otherwise.
- Does whitening hurt?
Sometimes. Teeth whitening may lead to sensitivity in the teeth and gums. Some patients will experience little to no sensitivity, while others may need to limit bleaching to stay comfortable. Before we carry out your treatment, we’ll make sure to assess the state of your teeth and figure out the best effective and painless approach.
Periodontics
- What are the most common symptoms associated with periodontal disease? With periodontal (gum) disease, the most common signs and symptoms include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums;
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or when eating certain foods;
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from your teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before;
- Loose or separated teeth;
- Pus between your gums and teeth;
- Mouth sores;
- Persistent bad breath;
- Recent bite misalignment;
- Recent partial dentures misalignment.
But perhaps the biggest issue with periodontal disease is that it is often silent, not presenting any symptoms before reaching an advanced stage. So, make sure to contact us the moment you notice something is off so you can get the right type of periodontal therapy.
- Should I worry about missing teeth?
In a word – yes. As much as you might dread visiting a periodontist, not replacing missing teeth is never a good idea.
There’s a fine-tuned balance to the position of your teeth. They don’t erupt and drift backward and forward thanks to the pressure that adjacent and opposing teeth apply to each other.
But, when one or more teeth are missing, the opposite jaw lacks that opposing force every time you bite. So, because that opposing force is now gone, nothing is stopping your teeth from drifting into the new gap.
And the headaches and jaw joint issues that it always leads to are just not worth it.
Also, there’s a substantial aesthetic component to it. Not only will your smile be affected by those gaps, but if you’re missing too many teeth, the skin around your mouth won’t be supported properly and will start to sag, making you appear older than you are.
- Is there a connection between periodontitis (gum disease) and non-oral diseases? Yes, there is. There have been several studies linking gum disease to diseases like heart disease and diabetes…Click to open study by Harvard Health…, with researchers suspecting that inflammation may be the reason behind this relationship.
Contact our Seattle dentist to schedule your consultation.
We are proud to offer dental services to Seattle, including Belltown, Lake Union, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and surrounding neighborhoods.