- Welcome
- Schedule an appointment
- Patient Registration
- New Patients
- Financial Policy
- Insurance
- First Visit
- ADA Patient education
- Infection Control
- Advanced Technology
- Digital Radiographs
- Home Instructions
- Smile Gallery
- Leave a Review
Dental Patient Information
Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone and staff are dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and results that you’re proud to show off. Our administrative staff is ready to help you with questions about scheduling, financial policy and insurance, to make that part of the process as simple as possible.
If you have any questions for our General and Cosmetic Dentistry staff please call us at our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 for information or to make an appointment.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Dental Appointment Scheduling Thousand Oaks
We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
Dentist Office in Thousand Oaks, CA
Office Hours
We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact that Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone provides many types of dental services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Please call us at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 with any questions or to schedule an appointment, or use or online form below.
Request an Appointment
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be utilized for communicating private health information.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Dental Patient Registration
You may preregister with our office by filling out ourPatient Registration Form. Please download, print and fill out the form. Bring your form to your first visit to our office.
Call ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 if you have any questions.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
New Patients Thousand Oaks CA
Learn more about our new patient specials, discounts and the exceptional service we give our patients!
We want to thank you for visiting the Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry website! Our goal is for your first visit to be one of comfort and acknowledgement of your personal dental needs.
We will take the required time to properly diagnose your immediate dental concerns, review your past medical and dental history, and create a treatment plan that provides for your optimal dental health. With your cooperation, we will complete a thorough comprehensive dental evaluation.
Why? Because the foundation of a long term relationship is established at your first visit to our practice.
Interested? Complete the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible. You can also call the office directly to make an appointment with our staff members at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776.
Request an Appointment
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be utilized for communicating private health information.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Financial Policy Thousand Oaks
Patient Billing Options for Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry
For your convenience we accept the following payment options:
- Cash
- Check
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
- Financing
- CareCredit
We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.
Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.
We will send you a monthly statement. Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame. Any remaining balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated. We can make arrangements for a monthly payment plan but this must be done prior to the actual procedure.
Cancellation Policy
In order to allow the best possible care for you, we reserve a specific time just for you, and we make every effort to see you as scheduled. We truly appreciate your promptness, and your consideration in not changing your scheduled time. However, if you need to change your appointment, a 24-hour notice is required. If you fail your appointment without notice, we do reserve the right to charge a fee for our time.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Dental Insurance Information
WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE INSURANCE?
First, we would like you to know that just because you may not have a dental benefit (insurance) plan does not mean you can not come to the dentist. You can, and you should! Quality care for your teeth may be one of the best investments you can make. Please call us at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776.
YOUR DENTAL BENEFIT PLAN
We are happy to help you with any dental benefit concerns you have. For your convenience, we will help you maximize your benefits and file your claims for you. At the time of your appointment, we request that you pay your portion with cash, check, or credit cards, such as Visa, Master Card, Discover, or American Express. We also offer Care Credit, which is low interest rate financing, for qualified patients.
Since most dental benefit plans only cover a portion of the total cost, not the entire amount of your visit, we ask that you review your dental benefit policy before your appointment. Please call us at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 with any questions you may have.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
First Dental Visit
Initial Appointment at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry
Your initial appointment is an important part of your treatment. Our comprehensive exam for our new patients include:
- A personal discussion with you to address and clarify your concerns.
A review of your medical and dental history. - An Oral Cancer screening – the insides of your cheeks, your gums, the sides, top and bottom of your tongue, the roof and back of your mouth will be examined for normal and abnormal sores or lesions.
- A Blood Pressure screening.
- A Periodontal exam of the gums and bone that surround your teeth.
- Digital radiographs of your teeth.
- Analysis and examination of your teeth, jaws, and TMJ.
- A “Treatment Plan” which is a written explanation of the complete findings about your dental health. We encourage you to ask questions because your input into your treatment plan is very important.
- A “Cleaning” of your teeth may be done depending on the results from this exam. Dental cleanings are done by our qualified dental hygienists.
After your examination, the doctor will review all findings, discuss with you your treatment plan recommendations and sequence; give you a customized written report and answer all questions to your satisfaction and understanding.
Our Financial Coordinator will meet privately with you to cover your treatment and financial options and our fees.
ADA Patient Education Portal
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment call our office at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 for information.
Patient Education Library
The ADA Patient Education Library provides the most popular topics in dentistry that will help you better maintain your dental health. Select an article or video below to get started now.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Infection Control Thousand Oaks
Dental Office Infection Control & Hygine
Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone and receive a straightforward answer.
Drs. Saremi and Johnstone and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Sterilization of all equipment before every use
- Disposable materials
We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure.
The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Advanced Dental Technology Thousand Oaks
Precision Dentistry by Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry
When you seek care at our office, you are assured that Drs. Saremi, Johnstone and their staff utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.
If you have any questions for our dentists or staff about the advanced technology we use, please call us at our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 for information or an appointment.
Our practice uses high power microscopes to enhance the precision of patient care.
Dentistry is micro-surgery. Using a microscope that is similar to the one an ophthalmologist uses enables us to create dental restorations with incredibly precise fit and finish. You just can’t fulfill that level of care with the naked eye.
In addition to allowing precise, close-up work, the microscope directs a beam of light directly on the teeth, minimizing glare for the patient.
Many dentists use air-driven “hand-pieces” (the dental term for “drills”). While acceptable for many procedures, these “whiney sounding” air-powered hand pieces all have a degree of non-concentricity; they do not rotate perfectly smoothly.
For the most precise aspects of restorative procedures, we use electric hand-pieces. This results in extraordinarily precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (crown, veneer, or filling). This will bring more comfort to you as well. With a more precise tool, there is less vibration and less noise.
Laser Dentistry
Call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 for information or an appointment.
For patients who do not look forward to needles, drilling, or numbness, Laser Dentistry may be the right choice.
Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s latest advances. The laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a “target.” In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. Oftentimes no local anesthesia is required. Unlike with the dental drill, with laser dentistry there is no heat or vibration, making the procedure quite comfortable for most patients. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster.
Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling.
Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:
- Cavity diagnosis and removal
- Curing, or hardening, bonding materials
- Whitening teeth
- Periodontal, or gum related, care
- Pediatric procedures
- Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
- Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
- Root canals and apicoectomies
- Crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections
Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.
Intraoral Camera
Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable with the high tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing.
Drs. Saremi and Johnstone utilize Intraoral Camera Technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An Intraoral Camera is a very small camera – in some cases, just a few millimeters long. Intraoral Cameras allow our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you!
Intra oral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.
Call Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry today at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 for information or an appointment.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Digital Radiographs Thousand Oaks
Digital Dental Imaging
Drs. Saremi and Johnstone carefully choose when and which radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.
If you have any questions for the dentists or staff at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry, please call us at our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 for information or an appointment.
Dental Radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. Drs. Saremi and Johnstone utilize Digital Imaging Technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better.
Digital imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.
Digital X-Rays:
Our practice proudly offers digital x-rays. We pride ourselves in maintaining the most current dental technology the field has to offer. Digital x-rays, or digital radiography, uses an electronic sensor instead of x-ray film to capture and store the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged on a computer screen helping the dentist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.
Dental x-rays are an essential, preventative, diagnostic tool that provides valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
DENTAL X-RAYS MAY REVEAL;
- Abcess or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!!
ARE DENTAL X-RAYS SAFE?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. Digital x-rays produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to traditional dental x-rays. Not only are digital x-rays better for the health and safety of the patient, they are faster and more simple to take, which reduces your time in the dental office. Also, since the digital image is captured electronically, there is no need to develop the x-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into the environment.
Even though digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered very safe, dentists still take the necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation. These precautions include taking only those x-rays that are necessary, and using lead apron shields to protect the body.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD DENTAL X-RAYS BE TAKEN?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist will recommend necessary x-rays based upon the review of your medical and dental history, a dental exam, signs and symptoms, your age, and risk of disease.
Full Mouth Series (FMX) of dental x-rays are recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for 3-5 years.
Bite-Wing x-rays, or “check-up” x-rays, are taken at recall visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
Contact our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 for information or an appointment.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Home Dental Care Instructions Thousand Oaks
After Cosmetic Reconstruction
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, please call our office at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.
Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.
If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.
After Crown and Bridge Appointments
Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776.
After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776.
After Composite Fillings (white fillings)
When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776.
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Smile Gallery Thousand Oaks
Cosmetic and aesthetic restorative dentistry can give you the beautiful smile you deserve.
Before Veneers:








Cosmetic Dentures (Left)
Our New You Cosmetic Dentures can take years off your face and smile. In as few as 3-4 appointments, you can have a more youthful appearance, while wearing comfortable and functional dentures. This client was so thrilled with the way her new dentures looked that she said you couldn’t pay her to return them!
If you have any questions for the dentists or staff at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry, please call us at our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at ☎ Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number805-496-7776 for information or an appointment.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saremi and Dr. Johnstone, call our office in Thousand Oaks, CA at Saremi & Johnstone Dentistry Phone Number 805-496-7776.
Hard nightguards, soft nightguards, and orthotics are the three most common types of oral appliances that are regularly used to support and protect the jaw joints, muscles,
The three appliances may appear to be very similar, but the functional difference in the mouth are significant. Different appliances are used for different purposes, and are not interchangeable.
Soft Nightguards
Once the most common style of nightguards, this type of guard is slowly falling out of favor. While a soft nightguard will protect the teeth from being damaged further from grinding, studies are showing that a soft nightguard can actually encourage grinding up to 50%. Professionally made custom soft guards are small and comfortable, but may wear down a bit quicker than hard guards. This is a good cost effective option for someone looking to protect their teeth from grinding damage, but do not have TMJ or headache pain.
Hard Nightguards
The hard nightguard is small and low profile yet very durable. They are generally recommended for moderate to extreme grinders and clenchers and/or for people suffering from TMJ discomfort. Hard nightguards also snap on and stay in place.
Orthotics
An orthotic appliance is the most specialized of the three. Unlike the hard or soft nightguards, an orthotic is designed to align the lower jaw and its supporting muscles into a more comfortable position and bite. Orthotics are used to stabilize the bite and minimize the symptoms of TMJ discomfort. Unlike soft and hard nightguards, an orthotic requires both impressions, AND a relaxed bite registration, which takes much more time and expertise than fabricating just a hard or soft nightguard.
There are many different kinds and types of Dental Insurance Plans. More correctly referred to as Dental Benefit Plans, these plans can be confusing, frustrating, and difficult to deal with. There are indemnity, PPO, HMO, and discount dental benefit plans.
Indemnity plans or Traditional Insurance plans reimburses it’s members or dentists at the dentist’s Usual, Customary and Reasonable fee (UCR). These plans allow the subscriber to go to any dental office with out being limited to a panel.
PPO, or Prefrred Provider Organization, is the most common form of benefit plans. PPO’s provide members with a list of participating dentists to choose from. These dentists have agreed to a lower fee schedule, which provides the patient with a greater cost savings. Most PPO’s pay 50% on major treatments, 80% for basic care, and up to 100% for preventative care. These plans usually have maximums around the $1000 – $1500 mark. Once the PPO has paid out their $1000 maximum, they will no longer cover treatment for that year. At this point, the client must cover their own dental expenses.
HMO‘s are capitated or prepaid insurances. HMO’s were designed to provide members with basic care at the lowest rate. Participating HMO providers receive a monthly capitation check for the total number of people assigned to the office. This amount is only a few dollars and is intended to offset the administrative costs. HMO’s generally do not pay for any services rendered. Fees are usually greatly reduced, but it is the client who is solely responsible for paying the doctor. An odd thing about HMO plans is that the doctor earns the most by doing the least amount of treatment.
Dental bonding and dental veneers are two different ways to accomplish the goal of changing the visual appearance of teeth. Bonding is accomplished with the direct placement of a tooth colored composite resin material onto the tooth. Bonding is great in an emergency situation of a fractured tooth, or for minor corrections of teeth shapes, contour, or spacing. However, bonding usually isn’t used to make over an entire smile. It is intended for minor imperfections and repairs such as chips and small breaks, or uneven spacing between teeth. Unlike veneers, bonding can and will stain over time, and will need to be replaced more often than veneers because they do not hold up as well cosmetically.
Veneers are porcelain facings that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They are hand made and designed specifically for you. Color, shape, contour, length can all be controlled to your desires, and can truly transform your smile. It is nearly impossible to tell the difference between well made veneers and natural teeth. Ideally, 8-10 veneers are done to completely enhance your look.
Veneers are also a much longer lasting, more stable way to beautify a smile as they do not change color and are made from a more robust porcelain. Bonding, while effective in the short term, tends to not last as long and can stain over time. Often, people may chose bonding over veneers because bonding can be more financially affordable, but due to their need to be more often replaced, this initial price savings may end up costing you more in the long term.
Did you know that your home dental care routine is one of the MOST important factors in your oral health? Here are some quick tips to help you make it more effective.
1.Floss BEFORE you brush! Yes. Flossing will get the gunk out from in between your teeth, and the tooth brush will brush it away. Then the flouride in the toothpaste can better penetrate in between the teeth and make the enamel more resistant to decay.
2. Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gums and brush in small circles. And, don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth too!
3.Brush your tongue! A lot of debris can accumulate on your tongue, and is most likely to be the cause of bad breath. Brush in a circular motion, brushing as much as you can (without gaging).
Ask us a Question
We are happy to answer any oral health related questions.