FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 8 - Greenville Family Dentistry

Q: How long does a smile makeover take?

Some treatments can be completed in a single visit to our office. Others, like certain kinds of dental implants or orthodontic treatment, may take months. Once we determine which services will best suit your smile, we can create a treatment schedule. We’ll do whatever we can to give you great results in the shortest time possible!

Q: What is a smile makeover?

The answer to this question depends on your goals, budget, and dental health needs. Smile makeovers are completely customized. You and your dentist will talk about the changes you’d like to make to your teeth and gums and then agree on a cosmetic treatment plan that will give you the results you want! It might involve teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, teeth contouring, gum reshaping, veneers, and discreet orthodontics.

Q: How long do dental veneers last?

Although most veneers last between 10 and 15 years, the exact answer depends on how you care for them. Treat your veneers as you would your natural teeth but with an extra dose of gentle care. Don’t bite hard candies or ice or use your teeth as a bottle opener. Keep your teeth clean and visit us twice a year for a routine checkup, and your veneers will give you many years of great performance.

Q: Can you whiten dental veneers?

Teeth whitening will not work on dental veneers. For this reason, we encourage our veneers patients to first whiten their teeth to the desired level of whiteness. Then we can match your teeth veneers to your radiant new smile. To keep your teeth their brightest and most attractive, periodic whitening treatments in our office or at home will do the trick.

Q: Will insurance pay for my TMJ treatment?

Your insurance may pay for part of your TMJ treatment. We can help determine what your plan will and won’t cover and what your portion of the cost may be. Keep in mind that we offer financing options to help pay for your treatment. We work with CareCredit and Sunbit, which have affordable payment plans.

Q: How long does TMJ treatment take?

There is no standard length for TMJ treatment. It depends on many factors, including the severity of your symptoms. Since a mouthguard not only relieves TMJ pain but also prevents damage to teeth caused by grinding, many patients make it a permanent addition to their bedtime routine.

Q: Does TMJ treatment work?

The key to relieving TMJ pain is easing pressure on your jaw. To do that, we can make you an appliance that gently moves your jaw into a position that keeps pressure off your jaw. The appliance also keeps you from clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, two behaviors that trigger TMJ pain.

Q: When can I exercise after oral surgery?

After your oral surgery, you should not exercise at all for the first 24 hours. Doing too much too soon can increase your healing time. For example, strenuous exercise can loosen the blood clot on an extraction site and cause a painful condition known as dry socket. After the first day, limit your exercise to low-impact activities for several more days to prevent complications.