Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Clinton, MA
Always Ready to Address Your Concerns!
When it comes to your child’s dental care, we understand if you have questions. We look forward to answering them to the best of our ability! Some of the most common questions can be found below, as well as our detailed responses. If your question is not listed, don’t fret. You’re welcome to give us a call and speak to one of our knowledgeable team members for help. We’ll take the time to speak with you and confirm that you are completely informed on how to best take care of your child’s oral health.
When should I schedule my child’s first dental visit?
As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, you should schedule their dental appointment. Alternatively, you should also pay us a visit once they turn one year of age, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
How often should my child go to the dentist?
We typically tell parents to bring their child to the dental office for a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. Not only can we help them prevent very common dental problems (like cavities and gum disease), but we can determine if they need orthodontic treatment! Those who are currently completing orthodontic treatment will need to visit every few weeks. We’ll monitor their progress during these appointments and confirm their teeth are moving as intended.
When should my child see an orthodontist for the first time?
Children should receive an orthodontic evaluation once they reach the age of seven. If your child’s teeth appear crooked, misaligned, or crowded before they are seven years old, bring them as soon as you can. The sooner we get them evaluated, the easier and quicker their orthodontic treatment will likely be.
After wearing braces, will my child need to wear a retainer?
Since teeth can begin to naturally shift back to their original positions after braces are removed, your child will need to wear a retainer. This device helps their teeth stay in their straight positions. At the beginning, they will need to wear them for about 24 hours a day. As time goes on, they should be able to wear them less often, and eventually only when they go to bed.
I think my child has a cavity. What do I do?
Whether you hear your child complaining of a toothache or they have dark spots on their teeth, you should give our dental office a call directly. If we can confirm a cavity is present early, we can treat it and make the process easier overall!
As an adult, do I need to get metal braces to straighten my teeth?
Not always! Older patients can also benefit from services like Invisalign. This cosmetically-friendly option makes use of a series of transparent clear aligners that move teeth instead of metal hardware. They are both discreet and easy to remove, making them difficult for people to notice and simple for you to maintain! Thanks to their removability, eating your favorite foods and practicing oral hygiene are both a breeze.
Will you accept my dental insurance plan?
Our dental office accepts all dental insurance plans, no matter what provider you receive it from. We also accept MassHealth. When you need to file claims, we’ll do so on your behalf! This is sure to help you better understand your benefits and ensure you’re getting the most value out of your coverage. If you’re looking to learn about your plan and save money on your dentistry, please give our dental office a call.
I don’t have insurance. How can I finance my child’s dental care?
We recommend signing up for a low-to-no interest financing payment plan through our website. We offer CareCredit, which is a third-party financing service that works directly with our dental office. They have helped millions of people make dental treatments fit into their budget by splitting the cost of care into monthly, manageable chunks.