Common Questions
I don’t like to visit the dentist. How can you help me relax?
Dr. Gillis and our staff understand how anxious many people can be about visiting the dentist. We strive to provide a relaxing, caring environment so that all our patients feel safe and comfortable. Our staff members are trained to be attentive to your concerns and aware of your anxiety. We do offer patient comfort measures like headphones for your listening pleasure and neck pillows and warm blankets to help you relax. During your fist appointment, we'll spend time discussing any of your concerns with you, and then plan your treatment accordingly. For especially anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide or prescription medications to make your visit more pleasant.
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What is the difference between whitening through your office and kits I can buy at the store?
Although they offer some success, over-the-counter kits are not as effective as professional whitening because we use stronger solutions that remain in contact with all of your teeth for the desired bleaching time. We create custom trays for each patient so that they fit your teeth precisely and prevent the solutions from sitting on your gums. In addition, custom trays allow you to spot bleach selected teeth that seem to be responding more slowly. We want you to have the best results so that you end up with a dynamite smile.
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What whitening methods are offered in your office?
We offer three levels of teeth whitening:
Tres white combines moldable trays that can be pressed to your teeth. This method offers lower cost and far superior results to over-the-counter white strips.
The current state-of-the-art bleaching system that we use with most patients is custom tray whitening. Specialized trays are made from models of your teeth and these enable you to easily whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.
For clients who want immediate results, we offer an in-office power bleaching system. You’ll have a brighter, more vibrant smile to share with your friends after one visit.
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Sometimes my gums bleed. Should I be concerned?
One of the signs of periodontal disease, gum disease, or infection of the gums, is bleeding while brushing. Approximately 80% of American adults have gum or periodontal disease. Many people don’t realize they have gum disease because it doesn’t hurt in the early to middle stages. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause bone and tooth loss. We need to take a look as soon as possible, so call our office and schedule an appointment.
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What can be done about bad breath?
No one wants bad breath, but everyone gets it, or at least worries about it, at one time or another. There are many possible causes for bad breath including tooth decay, periodontal disease, tobacco use, certain foods, illness, or it can also be a side effect of some medications. The key to avoiding bad breath is eliminating it at its source, the bacteria living in your mouth. Please schedule an appointment so that we may help locate the source and provide you with solutions.
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What payment options do you offer?
We accept a variety of payment options including cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover card, and American Express. We also offer 3 to 6-month interest-free financing or up to 60-month financing with attractive rates through CareCredit. Our staff can help you determine the best option for your budget.
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My front teeth are crooked. What can you do to make my front teeth look better without using braces?
For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, reshaping and placing porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give you a more attractive smile. We might also be able to correct the misalignment with bonding or all porcelain crowns. You can learn more about these options on our Cosmetic Services page or see some examples in the Smile Gallery. We'd be happy to schedule a consultation with you to discuss the appearance of your smile and explore the best option for your situation.
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What is bonding, and how does it differ from veneers?
Bonding works best for small repairs. With bonding, tooth-colored resin is shaped and permanently affixed to the tooth’s surface. Veneers, thin shells of porcelain, often correct larger issues with the front teeth. The primary difference is that bonding is less expensive but does not last as long as veneers. Bonding leaves much of the natural tooth exposed, so if your natural tooth color changes, the bonding will not blend well. Veneers cover the full surface of teeth, and their color is permanent.
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What can be done about my missing teeth?
When you have missing teeth, a variety of options exist to replace them and improve the look and function of your mouth. Implants offer a strong and lasting alternative, but we may also use bridges or a partial denture to complete the work and give you back the confidence you deserve. For more information, check out our Restorative Services page.
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