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Frequently Asked Questions

Dental & Oral Care FAQs

We have collected some of your most asked dental questions and done our best at answering them. If you don’t see your question here, try typing it in into the search bar or calling one of our offices.

Are clear aligners better than traditional braces?

It depends on the individual, each case will be different. Learn more about their differences.

What is BrightNow doing to keep patients safe during the COVID-19 epidemic?

Please review our dedicated COVID-19 page to learn more about how we are protecting and servicing our patients during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Do you have a guide on how to use the Payment Portal?

Please click on the link here to be routed over to the most frequently asked questions regarding the payment portal.

Do you have an online payment portal?

Yes we do! At the moment the payment portal only works for a patient’s that received a statement. If you do not have a statement, and you would like to inquire about your bill and/or the amount due, please feel free to do any of the following.

How can I pay my bill?

There are multiple ways for you to pay your bill. If you would like to speak to someone please call 1-888-364-8522, tap Option 2 to connect with a patient account representative. They can help you process a onetime payment over the phone, set up reoccurring payment arrangements, and process Care Credit payments. The other option is to use the online payment portal. Note this only applies to patients that received a statement.

How do I inquire about the amount I owe on my bill?

There are multiple ways for you to inquire about your amount due. Please feel free to reach out to us at patcollsupport@smilebrands.com or reach out to your local dental office. If you would like to speak to someone please call 1-888-364-8522, tap Option 2 to connect with a patient account representative. Feel free to contact us regarding your bill.

How much are braces?

Prices will vary depending on the complexity of the case. Please call the office number listed above for more information, we’re more than happy to help.

When should I take my child to the dentist for their first check-up?

You can bring your child in for a checkup as soon as they have teeth!

It’s been a long time since I’ve visited the dentist. What do I need to do?

No worries! Just make an appointment it’s that easy. If you have dental insurance please bring your insurance card with you. We’ll start with an exam and x-rays to assess your current oral health. If any additional treatment is needed we can schedule a future appointment or if everyone’s schedule permits we may be able to start treatment the same day.

Do we have same day appointments?

We will do our best to try to fit you in, please make an appointment if possible.

Do you have New Patient forms in Spanish?

Yes we do, we have them in English and Spanish, feel free to fill them out ahead of time.

What costs more braces or clear aligners?

Prices will vary depending on the complexity of the case. Braces will typically cost more as they tend to have a longer treatment time and require frequent visits to the dental office for adjustments. Reveal® Clear Aligners are an affordable option. We have treatment plans that start at $96 a month and $0 down, 0% interest. Please call the office number for more information, we’re more than happy to help.

Can I fill out my New Patient paperwork ahead of time?

Yes you can! You can fill them out before your appointment. Visit our What to Expect page where you can download the forms and fill them out ahead of time.

I’m interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?

Every case would be different so it’s best to get the professional opinion of a Cosmetic Dentist. Some options include, a small procedure if it’s just one tooth or veneers and dental crowns if you’d like a full smile makeover.

Do you accept Medicaid?

For the most part we try to accept State Insurance. Once you select your office location you’ll be able to see the insurance that is accepted. But if you’d rather, you can always give us a call to confirm.

What Is The Difference Between Silver Fillings And White Fillings?

1. Amalgam (silver filling) is the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive in comparison to other materials. For those reasons, it remains a valued treatment option for dentists and their patients. While questions have arisen about the safety of dental amalgam relating to its mercury content, the major U.S. and international scientific and health bodies, including the National Institute of Health, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, among others have been satisfied that dental amalgam is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material. Because amalgam fillings can withstand very high chewing loads, they are particularly useful for restoring molars in the back of the mouth where chewing load is greatest. They are also useful in areas where a cavity preparation is difficult to keep dry during the filling replacement, such as in deep fillings below the gum line. Amalgam fillings, like other filling materials, are considered biocompatible—they are well tolerated by patients with only rare occurrences of allergic response. Disadvantages of amalgam include possible short-term sensitivity to hot or cold after the filling is placed. The silver-colored filling is not as natural looking as one that is tooth-colored, especially when the restoration is near the front of the mouth, and shows when the patient laughs or speaks. And to prepare the tooth, the dentist may need to remove more tooth structure to accommodate an amalgam filling than for other types of fillings. 2. Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Composites can also be ‘bonded’ or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth.

What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?

The standard of care for missing teeth now are dental implants – as they are the most similar to your natural tooth structure and eliminate the need to change the structure of adjacent teeth. If you have a missing tooth you have several options. Each case would be different so it’s best to go into a dental office and get a professional opinion, but some options include: dental implants, fixed bridges, and partial dentures. The standard of care for missing teeth now are dental implants – as they are the most similar to your natural tooth structure and eliminate the need to change the structure of adjacent teeth.

It’s been a long time since I’ve visited the dentist. What do I need to do?

No worries! Just make an appointment it’s that easy. If you have insurance please bring your insurance card with you. You’ll have an exam and x-rays and most often a teeth cleaning. If any additional treatment is needed we can schedule a future appointment or if everyone’s schedule permits may be able to start treatment the same day.

How much is insurance going to pay?

It depends on your insurance and the type of coverage that you have. Typically most dental insurances will cover the fee of a dental cleaning every six months. Please call the office to receive more specifics.

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