FAQs

    • Our dentists know that the key to keeping your smile healthy is regular care and prevention, and your initial exam sets this foundation. On your first visit you will receive a comprehensive dental exam, which takes about 90 minutes and involves a thorough evaluation of your overall dental health. (The only exception is with a dental emergency, in which case your first exam will focus on the immediate problem.) Plaque and tartar removal is performed as part of a separately scheduled dental hygiene exam. Each of these exams serves a unique purpose, and this approach ensures that you receive the best care and the most appropriate treatment.

    • We wish insurance were this cut and dry! As we all know, however, the world of insurance can be quite complicated. We are a preferred provider for several insurers; however, it’s best if you call us to discuss your specific benefits. Rest assured that our incredibly knowledgeable team will do everything possible to help you understand and make the most of your dental insurance benefits. Plus, as a courtesy, we’ll complete and submit your insurance forms to help you achieve the maximum reimbursement to which you are entitled. We also offer our own affordable coverage, called our Smile Plan, for patients without dental insurance. We’d be happy to discuss this. Just give our friendly team a call!

    • You’ve come to the right place! At Alpine Dental Health, we’ve listened to our patients and their concerns about not being able to afford or work with dental insurance. So we’ve developed our own affordable dental coverage, called our Smile Plan, to provide people without insurance the compassionate dental care they deserve. It’s easy to sign up, and your benefits start immediately. You’ll receive preventive dental care at no cost, and corrective treatments for a small co-pay. Call your Alpine Dental Health office to learn more!

    • Yes. In fact, dental problems often develop without tooth pain. That’s why we emphasize education and prevention. Our goal is to diagnose dental problems early, when treatment is easier and less expensive. Your regular dental hygiene exam and good home care are the best safeguards against major dental problems.

    • Most everyone grinds their teeth at night – it’s the degree that varies. So the real question becomes whether your grinding is damaging your teeth, joints or muscles. The mouth is a complicated machine with many different parts, not all of which fit together perfectly. During sleep, we unconsciously grind or clench to force these parts to fit. Stress can further exacerbate the problem, which can result in pain, headaches, and cracked or broken teeth. The good news is that our dentists are specially trained in bite and joint therapy, which can halt or reverse these effects.

    • No. Teeth whitening treatments simply remove the stains that accumulate in the pores of your teeth. Occasionally, some people experience temporary sensitivity after tooth whitening. If you have sensitive teeth, don’t be discouraged. We offer various treatments that can be done prior to tooth whitening to minimize sensitivity. We’re happy to discuss these options with you.

    • Today, you have many easy and affordable options to enhance your smile. For example, whitening treatments can brighten the color of your teeth. Invisalign trays can reposition your teeth. And porcelain veneers can change the shape of your teeth. Dental implants are also available to replace missing teeth. All of these services can provide excellent results. Just give us a call to learn more about the best treatments for you.

    • Dental implants can be the best value your money can buy, especially when you consider the long-term benefits and, importantly, your quality of life. Not only can dental implants last a lifetime, they look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. That means no more struggling through each bite of food, and no more suffering through a soft diet. With dental implants, you can truly enjoy any meal you want. You can also put an end to the embarrassment and discomfort of dentures, while regaining the time you used to spend worrying about them. Bridgework initially may seem like a less expensive alternative, but over a lifetime of replacement can end up costing much more than dental implants.

    • Hormones, snacking and nausea increase dental problems in many pregnant women, making it especially important to see a dentist. Dental treatment is safe during pregnancy, and good oral health should be part of your prenatal care. If you’re planning to become pregnant or already are pregnant, you should see a dentist right away. He or she will evaluate your oral health and map out a plan for the rest of your pregnancy.