Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We are your partner in dental health. Should you ever have a question about an upcoming treatment, current treatment plan or billing, please contact our team.
General FAQ
Q: I'm afraid of the Dentist!
All our team is very friendly and we spent a lot of time educating our patients about the procedure so they would feel more comfortable. We also offer oral sedation or NITROUS OXIDE to help relax our patients.
Q: I need an Evening or weekend appointment. Do you offer that?
We are open on Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. Walk-ins and dental emergencies are welcome. We will do our best to accommodate and offer you a same-day treatment!
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
We accept most of the major PPO insurances. If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry! We have payment plans available and can be customized to meet your needs! Talk to our team today to get started!
Q: Do I have to get an X-ray? Is it safe?
Medical and dental experts study the use of X-rays and set limits for their safety. We only recommend an X-ray when it’s medically necessary. It’s common to get an X-ray during a first exam after not seeing a dentist for a while. This is important because it helps us to check tooth and gum health.
Q: Why should I use dental products that contain fluoride?
Fluoride is beneficial when it comes to making your teeth strong and it can prevent decay. We recommend kids use fluoride toothpaste for brushing ( do not to swallow ). Adults can also benefit from using fluoride to promote dental health.
Q: What are sealants? And what do they do?
Dental sealants prevent cavities that can form in tiny holes and cracks on the outside of our teeth. Our dentists or dental assistants can put sealants on in an office visit, and it’s painless. They last around 2-4 years.
Q: Are regular dental exams really necessary?
The simple answer is YES! Regular exams help spot dental problems early to prevent the problem from getting worse and requiring much more costly treatments later. We recommend you get an exam every six months, or more often if your dentist recommends it.
Invisalign® FAQ
Q: What is Invisalign treatment?
All our team is very friendly and we spent a lot of time educating our patients about the procedure so they would feel more comfortable. We also offer oral sedation or NITROUS OXIDE to help relax our patients.
Q: What are Invisalign clear aligners made of and what do they look like?
Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign treatment.
Q: What are Invisalign clear aligners made of and what do they look like?
Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
Q: How will Invisalign treatment straighten my teeth?
Your doctor will create a unique, digital treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth. Your Invisalign clear aligners are then designed to apply the right amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your plan. Your doctor will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.
Q: What are the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break, sending you to your doctor for an emergency visit.
Unlike other brands, Invisalign clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material, which is more comfortable and provides a better fit.1Invisalign aligners are also trimmed based on your gum line for comfort and appearance. As the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, we have successfully improved over 7 million smiles, including 1.4 million teen smiles.
Q: Am I guaranteed to have straight teeth with Invisalign treatment?
Q: Is Invisalign treatment right for me?
Yes! Invisalign treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. Our innovations and technological advancements make it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex — all without interrupting your busy life. And, thanks to a discreet blue dot on the outside of teen aligners, parents can be sure their child is wearing their clear aligners enough.
Q: What is the treatment process?
Our team can help you make an appointment with an Invisalign-trained doctor here at Ranieu and answer any questions you have.
Many dentists offer initial consultations. For the best experience, take the time to find the right doctor for you — someone who makes you feel comfortable and has the experience you’re looking for.
Q: Can I go to any dentist or orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?
Many orthodontists and dentists are Invisalign-trained doctors, but not all are. Doctors who want to offer Invisalign treatment must complete specialized training.
Q: What should I bring to my consultation with my doctor?
Bring your questions (we’ve got a list to get you started here). You should also bring your insurance card and any information you might have about your dental history.
Q: What should I expect during my consultation?
During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you and examine your smile in order to determine your specific needs. Your doctor may also talk to you about how quickly you can reach your new smile, as well as treatment cost.
Your doctor will most likely recommend scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning before you begin Invisalign treatment to make sure your teeth and gums are in top health and to avoid unnecessary risks.
Q: How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, like how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. Your doctor will determine exactly how long your treatment will take based on your specific needs. On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months,2though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks.
Q: How often will I change aligners?
Your doctor will tell you how often you should change to new aligners (this can vary based on your individual treatment plan). Many doctors recommend changing Invisalign clear aligners weekly or every other week.
Q: How many hours per day should I wear my aligners?
For the best results, wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out just for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Q: How often will I have appointments with my doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments, usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
Q: My doctor mentioned "attachments." What are they and why would I need them for my Invisalign treatment?
Your Invisalign treatment may require SmartForce®
These shapes serve as handles, giving the aligners something to gently push on in order to move your teeth with the right amount of force, and are what make complex tooth movements possible without braces. Invisalign clear aligners fit smoothly and tightly around them, so they’re barely noticeable.
While not everyone who uses Invisalign clear aligners will need SmartForce attachments, if you need them, your doctor will attach them to your teeth at the start of or during your treatment and remove them when they are no longer needed.
Q: Can I get Invisalign treatment on just my top or bottom teeth instead of both?
Q: How much does Invisalign treatment cost?
In most cases, the cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to the cost of braces. Your doctor will determine the cost of your treatment based on how complex your case is and how many aligners you need.
There are several options to make Invisalign treatment more affordable for you, from using insurance and tax-free dollars to a monthly payment plan.
Q: Is Invisalign treatment more expensive than braces?
Invisalign treatment typically costs about the same as braces.
Q: How much does Invisalign treatment cost?
In most cases, the cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to the cost of braces. Your doctor will determine the cost of your treatment based on how complex your case is and how many aligners you need.
There are several options to make Invisalign treatment more affordable for you, from using insurance and tax-free dollars to a monthly payment plan.
Q: Is Invisalign treatment more expensive than braces?
Invisalign treatment typically costs about the same as braces.
Q: Will my insurance cover Invisalign treatment?
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Your insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your Invisalign treatment, or it may pay for a certain dollar amount.
Q: What payment options are available for Invisalign treatment?
Ranieu offers financing through CareCredit. Specifically designed for healthcare expenses, CareCredit is a third-party patient financing program that makes it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.
Additionally, you can use your FSA or HSA to pay for Invisalign treatment using tax-free dollars.
Dental Implants FAQ
Q: What are dental implants?
A dental implant by itself is not a tooth! A dental implant is a prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Essentially, it is a small titanium post/fixture that is inserted into the jawbone, on top of which a single crown (cap), a fixed bridge, a partial denture, or full denture can be attached. Once the implant integrates to your bone, a structure called an abutment is connected to the implant and then the artificial tooth/teeth are attached. Therefore, there are 3 parts to an “implant tooth”: the dental implant itself, the abutment, and the artificial tooth.
Q: Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Almost anyone who is missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth are candidates for dental implants. Talk to your dentist for your specific needs.
Q: What are the advantages of dental implants?
Humans are “blessed” with 2 sets of teeth (baby teeth and adult/permanent teeth). When a single permanent tooth or multiple teeth are lost due to dental decay or gum disease, dental implants can now replace them as the 3rd set of fixed teeth! Dental implants can last a lifetime and can improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods you like, and participate in an active lifestyle, without worrying about your teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium and can never get dental decay!
Q: What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
Like any minor oral surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, inflammation, and pain, but your prosthodontist will discuss how these can be managed for your specific situation. If there is no available bone to place the implant, then bone and gum grafting procedures may be required, which can increase the cost of your treatment. However, the upfront investment can pay off in the long term.
Q: How much do implants cost and does insurance cover the cost?
In general, the cost of replacing a single tooth with a dental implant is almost the same as replacing it with a regular fixed bridge. Dental implant treatment may qualify for some insurance coverage, but situations vary. The cost will vary by patient needs, bone quantity, and region. A doctor will make an assessment based on your unique needs.
Q: What is the success rate of dental implants?
It varies from individual to individual and with health and habits. For a healthy individual with good oral hygiene and good health, dental implants are predictably successful with reported success rates above 90-95 percent.
Q: Do dental implants last?
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not susceptible to dental disease such as decay; however, the health of the gums is vital to maintaining lasting implant success. Conscientious home care by the patient and regular professional cleanings and check-ups are essential elements for dental implant sustainability. Each patient is different, and success relies upon diagnosis and planning, medical history, and a variety of other factors.
Q: What if I want "metal-free" implants?
There is no such thing as “metal-free” teeth. Almost all materials used for teeth replacements have some sort of metal ions in them. Dental implants are made of titanium alloy (similar to hip implants, shoulder implants, and knee implants), which is highly biocompatible, and an allergy to titanium is extremely rare! Currently, there are no proven alternatives to titanium dental implants.
Q: Can dentures be made into implants?
Dentures cannot be “made into implants”. Implants are metal screws placed into the jawbone to help anchor and support artificial teeth (dentures). It may be possible to have implants placed beneath existing dentures to aid in the stabilization and support for those dentures. This could only be done if the current dentures were otherwise in excellent condition. You should consult with your dentist to have your existing dentures carefully examined.
Q: Are dental implants removable like dentures or do they stay in your mouth?
No, dental implants are fixed solidly in the bone and allow teeth to be replaced in a manner that is closest to natural teeth.
Q: How do dental implants help if I have full dentures or partial dentures?
Actually implants are most popularly used in patients who wear full dentures or partial dentures. Dental implants can be used to provide retention and support for a removable implant overdenture, which basically snaps on the implants! Therefore the partial or full denture does not move and reduces the dependency on denture adhesives/denture glue. Or, dental implants can be used for a fixed denture, where a patient’s dentures are fixed/bolted to the implants through titanium components. Only the dentist can remove this from the mouth.
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Emergency & Walk-ins Welcome
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Accept Major PPO Insurances
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