Common Questions (cont.)
Q: I have some uneven and cracked teeth. Is there a simple solution to fix this?
A: Broken teeth are comfortably repaired through cosmetic dental bonding.
Bonding performed by Drs. Simpson and Bloomquist is typically painless and can yield dramatic results in a single office visit. Essentially, bonding hides any natural flaws through the placement of a thin resin coating on the front surface of the teeth.
After treating the tooth surface, Drs. Simpson and Bloomquist apply a puttylike bonding material that is then sculpted, shaped and colored to suit your needs. A high-intensity light causes the resin to harden after which the new surface is smoothed and polished.
Bonding can lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth. Here at SoundBridge Dental Arts we can even utilize bonding to change the shape or color of a single tooth or if necessary to remake your entire smile.
Q: I really do not like my smile. What would be a likely treatment choice to redesign my smile?
A: Porcelain veneers.
Drs. Simpson and Bloomquist use porcelain veneers to correct the same problems as bonding (to lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth). They are considerably more durable and stain resistant than bonding.
The veneer is actually a thin piece of porcelain similar in size to a fingernail. Once it is "bonded" onto the tooth it becomes extremely strong. Drs. Simpson and Bloomquist also blend the veneer with the remaining tooth structure so that it is unnoticeable to the naked eye. Once in place, it looks feels and functions just like a regular tooth.
At SoundBridge Dental Arts we can use porcelain veneers to change the shape and color of a single tooth or if necessary, revamp an entire smile. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct teeth that have been worn from clenching and grinding.
Q: I am terrified of the dentist, but I need work done! How can you help me?
A: We offer Sedation Dentistry!
Sedation dentistry can change your life. Depending on your level of anxiety, you may be given oral medications the night before, the morning of or during your dental appointment. Your companion will accompany you to the office. By the time you arrive you will be very drowsy.
Once you arrive in our office, you will be escorted into the comfort room, covered with a warm blanket and placed on a monitor to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable and sedated, Drs. Simpson and Bloomquist and the experienced clinical team at SoundBridge Dental Arts will take care of your dental needs.
When your treatment is complete, your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day with minimal recall of your visit.
Q: Will my insurance pay for cosmetic dentistry?
A: Insurance benefits vary depending on premiums and coverage.
Depending on your coverage, most dental insurances have a maximum annual benefit of $1,000 to $2,000 dollars. Incidentally, these maximums have not kept up with inflation and have remained the same since 1972. Insurance is a business, and as such, your carrier will often pay for the least expensive option instead of the best solution for your health or desires. Consequently, the longevity of your health can be compromised if the insurance company dictates treatment.
Since most cosmetic dentistry is elective, we will work to maximize your benefits and may have suggestions for alternative methods of financing so you can obtain the treatment of your choice.
Joseph M Simpson DDS and Karla M Bloomquist DDS - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry and porcelain veneers to areas of Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Bremerton and Tacoma, Washington.
Tacoma Cosmetic Dentist
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