Tag Archives: dental insurance questions

Invisalign … the CLEAR alternative to braces…

Dr. Openshaw offers No charge – No obligation consultation appointments. Come see if Invisalign is the way to go for you.

Are you looking for a dentist who offers Invisalign in Modesto, CA? Look no further…

Invisalign® braces are clear plastic aligner trays that provide orthodontic patients with straight teeth and an even, healthy smile. These trays are custom-fabricated to apply precise pressure and gradually move teeth into better alignment. This non-invasive approach to correcting tooth and bite alignment problems is an alternative to metal and tooth-colored braces. It is especially beneficial for patients who feel self-conscious about wearing traditional braces. If you choose to get Invisalign in Modesto, you can correct the following:

• Crooked teeth

• Unevenly spaced teeth

• Overcrowded teeth

• Mild to moderate bite problems

 

Who is a Candidate for Invisalign®?

The Invisalign® system has been used in the US since 1998. At first, only adult patients were treated using these trays. Today, teen patients whose molars have fully emerged are also candidates for this procedure. There is no upper age limit on treatment for patients without major dental health issues. You must be willing and able to wear the trays as instructed for best results. Invisalign® is most commonly used to correct mild to moderate tooth crookedness and spacing issues. Patients with severe bite problems are usually treated with traditional braces instead because they can be augmented with additional orthodontic appliances like bands or headgear. If you have fixed dental restorations such as bridges or dental implants, you may not be a good candidate for Invisalign® treatment.

Invisalign® Procedure Overview

If you are considering having Invisalign in Modesto, CA, the treatment process starts with a visual dental exam and a consultation. Photos, x-rays and computer imaging are used to create a precise treatment plan that will deliver the results you want. This digital technology lets you see what your final smile will look like before you even start using Invisalign®. Molds of your upper and lower teeth are sent to the Invisalign® laboratory so your aligner trays can be custom made. All of the trays used during your treatment are created at the same time.

Once your trays arrive, installation is as simple as placing them over your teeth. You must wear these trays at least 22 hours per day. Every two-to-three weeks, you will move on to the next set of trays in your treatment series. This way, you keep constant, gentle pressure on your teeth to move them into the correct position. You will need a quick checkup visit every six weeks or so to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Invisalign® trays don’t require any special care. You can simply brush them gently and rinse them with warm water whenever you take them out.

Because Invisalign® braces are typically used for less severe bite misalignment, treatment may last six-to-18 months. However, some patients need more time to achieve their desired results. After you are finished with your aligner trays, you will be fitted with a retainer. You must wear this retainer as directed to keep your teeth from drifting back to their old position.

“The Clear Alternative to Braces” They are practically invisible. There has never been a better time to get started on your Invisalign treatment case. We have brought on board an Elite Invisalign Provider to provide you with expertise of Dr. Openshaw and Dr. Cater for your perfect smile.

We offer NO CHARGE first consultations. Call us today to schedule. (209) 524-4763

 

Why Choose Invisalign®?

This tooth alignment system offers three main benefits compared to traditional braces. First, the trays are clear plastic. Unlike other “invisible” braces that still feature metal wires, there is no metal at all in the Invisalign® trays. This makes them even less noticeable than both tooth-colored ceramic braces and lingual braces (the kind attached to the tongue-side surface of the teeth). Once you get used to talking normally with the trays in your mouth, other people may not even be able to tell you are wearing braces.

Second, there are no brackets or ties. This means there are no protruding components that can irritate the tongue, gums and other sensitive oral tissues. You do not need to coat Invisalign® braces with dental wax to stay comfortable.

Third, these trays are removable. You can (and should) remove the trays for each meal and during tooth brushing and flossing. You can eat a normal, healthy diet without restricting foods that might get stuck in or damage metal braces. Since the trays do not interfere with normal hygiene by making flossing more challenging, you may be less likely to experience tooth decay and gingivitis as a side effect of orthodontic treatment.

 

More Information about Invisalign®

While Invisalign braces are very comfortable compared to metal braces, they may cause initial soreness by placing pressure on your teeth. You may experience a recurrence of soreness each time you switch to a new set of trays. Over the counter pain relievers may help with this symptom.

These clear plastic aligner trays generally cost about as much as traditional braces. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of treatment costs. Other affordable payment options are available for patients without insurance.

 

For more information about Invisalign in Modesto, CA, please feel free to call our office or email us. (209) 524-4763 or on facebook at www.facebook.com/openshawsmiles

Taking control of your oral health

As a child you were told to brush and floss and probably even rinse with mouthwash. As an adult nothing should change in that routine except that you are busier than ever. We know brushing, flossing and rinsing helps our smile to stay bright and our breath to smell fresh! But did you know that its so much more than that? Read on to see why its so important to make your oral health a priority!

It affects your overall health! Oral health also affects your confidence and some would even go as far to say it affects your future. Overall health has been tied to oral health in many ways. To name a few heart health, diabetes and when your teeth and gums harbor bacteria it makes it easier for bacteria to reach your bloodstream and become a problem elsewhere in the body. Bacteria is naturally occuring in the mouth hence the reason its so important to get combat it several times a day. If we neglect to do this then the bacteria builds up to a substance called plaque. As plaque accumulates it causes inflamation in the gums, which then leads to more and more problems if its not taken care of.

Make sure that you schedule an appointment with your dental hygeinist twice a year at least (and more if needed). Depending on the severity of the condition of your teeth and gums there may be more treatment needed. Listen to your dentist. If you are uncomfortable with what they say then get a second opinion but dont wait too long as things that are wrong in the mouth do not go away on their own, they only worsen.

We are here to address any dental concerns that you may have. We love to educate our patients on all things dental. Everyone can benefit from a trip to the dentist. From the one year old to the elderly. There is almost always something that can be done in our office. If you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to call us! (209) 524-4763.

Send them our way…

 

We appreciate our patients. So much that we have started giving away a monthly gift. How do you enter? You come into the office. That’s it! Super easy for you and super fun for us! We love to see our patients! Our patients are oftentimes our friends and family, or friends and family of our friends and family, now thats a mouthfull!  We treat our patients how we would want to be treated… nice, gentle and with compassion.

If you know a family looking for a new family dentist, maybe they are new to the area or just haven’t been seen in years, send them our way.

If you know someone who is missing a tooth, send them our way.

If you know someone with children who have not yet seen a dentist send them our way.

If you know someone who complains of tooth pain, or jaw pain, or crooked teeth… send them our way.

If someone tells you that they want to whiten their teeth, send them our way!

If a friend mentions that she wishes her smile was more beautiful, send her our way!

If your co-worker says he doenst understand his dental insurance, send him our way!

We can help all of these individuals. We take what each and every patient needs into full account when talking with them. Every patient wants and needs something specific and we try and help them get exactly that. No two sets of teeth are the same. Everyone has a unique “dental fingerprint” and so we treat each person as such.

What is plaque?

So what is plaque anyways? Plaque is a sticky coating of bacteria that grows constantly on teeth and gums. If allowed to build up, it can lead to swollen gums (gingivitis) and weakened tooth surfaces (tooth decay). In addition to the Good Habits for a Healthy Mouth listed below it is highly recommended that you see a dental professional twice a year for preventative visits. This includes two cleanings done by a Registered Dental Hygienist, as well as annual x-rays and an exam by a dentist. We see new patients almost every day and would love to see you too! Send in those you know and love. They will love it here! Call with any questions you may have at (209) 524-4763… we look forward to seeing you soon!

 

No Charge No Obligation Invisalign Consults available for this afternoon

Dr. Paul Cater our Elite Invisalign provider will be in the office today and we have a 2:30pm and also a 3:00pm appointment available for a no charge no obligation consultation appointment. Come see if Invisalign is the way to go for you.

Are you looking for a dentist who offers Invisalign in Modesto, CA? Look no further than Dr. Openshaw!

Invisalign® braces are clear plastic aligner trays that provide orthodontic patients with straight teeth and an even, healthy smile. These trays are custom-fabricated to apply precise pressure and gradually move teeth into better alignment. This non-invasive approach to correcting tooth and bite alignment problems is an alternative to metal and tooth-colored braces. It is especially beneficial for patients who feel self-conscious about wearing traditional braces. If you choose to get Invisalign in Modesto, you can correct the following:

•    Crooked teeth

•    Unevenly spaced teeth

•    Overcrowded teeth

•    Mild to moderate bite problems

Why Choose Invisalign®?

This tooth alignment system offers three main benefits compared to traditional braces. First, the trays are clear plastic. Unlike other “invisible” braces that still feature metal wires, there is no metal at all in the Invisalign® trays. This makes them even less noticeable than both tooth-colored ceramic braces and lingual braces (the kind attached to the tongue-side surface of the teeth). Once you get used to talking normally with the trays in your mouth, other people may not even be able to tell you are wearing braces.

Second, there are no brackets or ties. This means there are no protruding components that can irritate the tongue, gums and other sensitive oral tissues. You do not need to coat Invisalign® braces with dental wax to stay comfortable.

Third, these trays are removable. You can (and should) remove the trays for each meal and during tooth brushing and flossing. You can eat a normal, healthy diet without restricting foods that might get stuck in or damage metal braces. Since the trays do not interfere with normal hygiene by making flossing more challenging, you may be less likely to experience tooth decay and gingivitis as a side effect of orthodontic treatment.

Who is a Candidate for Invisalign®?

The Invisalign® system has been used in the US since 1998. At first, only adult patients were treated using these trays. Today, teen patients whose molars have fully emerged are also candidates for this procedure. There is no upper age limit on treatment for patients without major dental health issues. You must be willing and able to wear the trays as instructed for best results. Invisalign® is most commonly used to correct mild to moderate tooth crookedness and spacing issues. Patients with severe bite problems are usually treated with traditional braces instead because they can be augmented with additional orthodontic appliances like bands or headgear. If you have fixed dental restorations such as bridges or dental implants, you may not be a good candidate for Invisalign® treatment.

Invisalign® Procedure Overview

If you are considering having Invisalign in Modesto, CA, the treatment process starts with a visual dental exam and a consultation. Photos, x-rays and computer imaging are used to create a precise treatment plan that will deliver the results you want. This digital technology lets you see what your final smile will look like before you even start using Invisalign®. Molds of your upper and lower teeth are sent to the Invisalign® laboratory so your aligner trays can be custom made. All of the trays used during your treatment are created at the same time.

Once your trays arrive, installation is as simple as placing them over your teeth. You must wear these trays at least 22 hours per day. Every two-to-three weeks, you will move on to the next set of trays in your treatment series. This way, you keep constant, gentle pressure on your teeth to move them into the correct position. You will need a quick checkup visit every six weeks or so to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Invisalign® trays don’t require any special care. You can simply brush them gently and rinse them with warm water whenever you take them out.

Because Invisalign® braces are typically used for less severe bite misalignment, treatment may last six-to-18 months. However, some patients need more time to achieve their desired results. After you are finished with your aligner trays, you will be fitted with a retainer. You must wear this retainer as directed to keep your teeth from drifting back to their old position.

More Information about Invisalign®

While Invisalign braces are very comfortable compared to metal braces, they may cause initial soreness by placing pressure on your teeth. You may experience a recurrence of soreness each time you switch to a new set of trays. Over the counter pain relievers may help with this symptom.

These clear plastic aligner trays generally cost about as much as traditional braces. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of treatment costs. Other affordable payment options are available for patients without insurance.

For more information about Invisalign in Modesto, CA, please feel free to call our office or email us. (209) 524-4763 or Office@dropenshaw.com

Switching dental insurance plans?

Are you or someone you know switching dental insurance plans at the turn of the calendar year? Call us or pass our number along, we would love to help in any way possible to answer the questions of the unknown! Dental insurance can be tricky to understand and we have experienced professionals who can walk your through it. Waiting periods, covered benefits, inclusions, exclusions, percentages, incentive plans, PPO, HMO, etc etc. It is all very important and the plan essentially belongs to you and you pay for it so we want to help you maximize it the best we can. Call us today at 209-524-4763