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Frequently Asked Dentistry Questions

Have a question for us? If you’ve come to this page, we’re sure you do! Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our team receives every day. If you have a question that we haven’t covered here, you can call us and ask anytime! We’re always happy to talk to you and make sure you understand everything about your dental care.

Q: I have bad breath every day even though I consistently brush. Can you help?

A: First of all, know that you are far from alone. Millions of Americans are currently struggling with chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. To help you overcome it, we’ll start by making sure you’re practicing diligent oral hygiene, which consists of brushing twice a day, flossing once, and using a bacteria-killing mouthwash. We may also provide you with a tool called a tongue scraper, as leftover food on the tongue is often the source of bad breath. If this doesn’t adequately solve the problem, you may have a type of oral infection or some other underlying ailment. We can take care of anything going on in your mouth ourselves, but if you have something else going on in your body, we will recommend that you visit your family physician.

Q: I just want my smile to look good. What are some options to help the appearance of my smile?

A: Some smiles can be enhanced with simple whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, gum contouring, periodontal therapy, or a combination of all these techniques. Our dentists will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, areas of concern, and the overall condition of your oral health. Contact us for a complimentary smile evaluation to determine what course of action will produce the best results for you.

Q: How can porcelain veneers help my smile?

A: Porcelain veneers improve your smile by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concerns at the same time, including gaps, chips and cracks, stains that cannot be whitened with traditional means, “gummy smiles” (showing too much gum when one smiles), and slightly crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers can broaden, straighten, whiten, and beautify most any smile. This procedure can be done in as little as two clinical visits. In fact, many of our patients feel like this was the best improvement that could have been done for their overall confidence. Ask us about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile at your next visit.

Q: How can I safely whiten my teeth?

A: Dentist-directed at-home whitening is an effective way of brightening your smile. Our dentists personalize the treatment to ensure your happiness with the results. Your home-whitening kit will include a special tray that is custom-made to fit over your teeth. You will also receive a prescription whitening gel, which is inserted into the tray before you wear it. We’ll give you detailed instructions about how long you should wear the tray and gel each day, and you should expect the entire home-whitening process to take between two and four weeks, leaving you with a dazzlingly white smile.

Q: What is periodontal disease?

A: Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often bleeding during brushing or flossing. If treated in a timely manner, these conditions can be reversed, preventing periodontal disease from really damaging the smile. Periodontitis is much more difficult to treat, however. Periodontitis affects your gums, bone, and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. To prevent tooth loss, you may require more extensive and specialized treatment from our dentists or even a periodontist. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss – teeth will either fall out on their own or will need to be extracted. If you don’t catch periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth and can put yourself at risk for other serious health problems.

Q: I want my front teeth to look better, but I do NOT want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

A: Your Torrington Dental Care team has several ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We would be happy to talk with you further about the options that best suits your individual situation. Attention to detail, respect for the individual, and a true concern for each patient are the hallmarks of our approach to dental care. We are committed to helping you fulfill your ultimate self-image.

Q: I need a lot of dental work. Is there a way I can finance my care?

A: Yes! We do accept monthly payment plans through our partners at CareCredit. They have a variety of plans that are suited for any budget, many with little to no interest! They have already helped millions of people easily afford their dental care, and they can do the same for you. To explore your options and even sign up for a plan, click on the button at the bottom of our Dental Insurance & Financing page.