Am I too old to straighten my teeth?

Teeth straightening, or orthodontics, is certainly not age-specific, and, with today's technology and options, may be a solution for many dental conditions no matter what season of life you are in. You are never too old to enjoy a healthy, confident smile – not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for better dental health. Check out our “Before and After” photos on our Smile Gallery page. Dr. Maher is a certified provider for Invisalign. The Invisalign system is popular with adults because it uses clear plastic aligners to guide teeth into the correct positions and doesn't require the brackets and wires of traditional braces. Treatment, on average, takes usually 12 to 15 months or possibly even less, depending on your specific case. To find out if Invisalign is right for you, please call our Walnut Creek dental office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Maher.

Are regular x-rays dangerous?

Digital X-Rays Make A Difference The radiation levels emitted by a typical x-ray are low and are generally considered to be safe by the medical community and numerous studies. However, radiation exposure is cumulative, and over time, even low doses of radiation build up in the body and could eventually cause damage at the cellular level. This is especially true for those who work around x-rays and are continuously exposed to them, even accidentally. Our office uses digital x-rays, which significantly reduce the amount of radiation used with each x-ray to allow for much less radiation accumulation. Your health and safety are important to Dr. Maher.

Can tongue or mouth-area piercings really affect my oral health?

While piercing your tongue or lip may seem cool, you could actually inadvertently be doing permanent damage to your teeth and gums -- even if the piercings are only worn for a short amount of time. Some of the damage we have seen caused by mouth piercings includes: Receding gums Chipped or broken teeth Periodontitis and other forms of gum disease Tears to fragile tissue Nerve damage, especially as a result of tongue piercings Tooth loss Dr. Maher does not recommend piercings in the facial area. Clothing and hair are better ways to express your unique personality and fashion sense without risking permanent damage!

Does Dr. Maher accept my dental insurance?

Dr. Maher accepts most PPO dental insurance plans and is an in-network provider for Delta Dental. In addition to submitting and following up on claims on your behalf, we pride ourselves in working with you and your insurance plan to maximize your benefits. We also help to answer any questions you may have about your coverage. For those without dental insurance coverage, we offer different payment options to fit comfortably within your budget. An important note: Dental insurance coverage is not a guarantee that all dental services will be covered, even when an estimate is provided. Insurance coverage is a contract between your employer, you, and the insurance company. As a dental care provider, we can assist our patients in navigating their insurance benefits within the maximums and limits and inform our patients of their financial responsibility for their care outside of insurance coverage. Call us to find out how we can best work with you! Some examples of insurance plans we work with: Ameritas Most Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans (including Anthem and Regence) Assurance Assurant Capitol Guardian Humana Lincoln Met Life Premera Premier Access Principal Standard Insurance United Concordia United Healthcare We also work with many Third Party Administrator Plans (Direct Dental Administrators, GEHA, and Health Edge are some examples) and private or employer-funded plans such as those that are administrated through labor unions. DMO/DHMO plans Dr. Maher is not a provider for any Dental HMO.

Dr. Maher has recommended that I get a crown on one of my teeth, but I don't feel any pain. Can I wait?

Preventative Care is the Goal Pain can often be the last symptom to appear when a problem is present. X-rays allow us to see inside your tooth to identify problems and head them off before they become painful. We care about you and don't want you to be in pain! If you still aren't sure why Dr. Maher has recommended a crown, please give us a call or schedule an appointment. We want you to be an active participant in your dental care, and we are happy to discuss your care with you and why treating a problem before it becomes painful may save you a great deal of time and discomfort in the future.

How are dental implants different from standard dental crowns?

Dental implants are an option for replacing missing teeth. A titanium post is implanted in the jaw and then an artificial tooth, or crown, is attached to the post. Dental crowns are also used to cover or support teeth that are damaged or weakened. In this case, the tooth itself is shaped to allow the crown to fit over it, and the crown is bonded to the tooth beneath it. Both crowns and dental implants may be used to support dental bridges. Dr. Maher is a CEREC-certified provider. The CEREC system allows us to create your crowns here in the office while you wait. For more information about dental implants, crowns, and the CEREC system, please call our office today.

How can I make dental care more affordable?

Prevention is Key The most effective way to manage dental care costs is prevention: Make a commitment to the number of exams and cleanings Dr. Maher and your hygienist recommend for you and follow the recommended daily maintenance routine. For most patients, two exams and cleanings per year are recommended (and are what most insurance plans cover) as well as a daily brushing and flossing regimen. In addition, delaying needed care or treatment for your oral health may increase the risk of more intensive – and more costly – procedures. For example, a diagnosis of a cavity left untreated may develop more extensive decay, leading to the necessity of root canals and/or crowns. Following Dr. Maher's and your hygienist’s recommendations for your dental care will keep treatment costs down. We Offer Payment Options That Work For You Besides working with your insurance company to maximize the yearly benefits allotted to you, our office offers different payment options to fit necessary treatment within your budget, whether you are insured or uninsured. In addition, we offer third-party financing with longer-term, interest-free plans available. Dr. Maher is wholly committed to providing the least amount and the most minimally invasive dentistry over your lifetime. His goal is to educate and inform patients to maintain good oral health and to help prevent serious dental conditions from occurring.

How effective are professional teeth whitening kits?

Higher Concentration Means Better Results Professional teeth whitening kits have a much higher concentration of the active whitening ingredient than the kits you can buy over the counter. This allows for better whitening results in less time. Additionally, because the trays used in these kits are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, you don't have to worry about irritation to your gums and other soft tissues. Even people with sensitive teeth can tolerate professional teeth whitening because many kits contain an added ingredient that reduces sensitivity. When you choose professional teeth whitening, Dr. Maher will show you how to use the kit and will monitor your results and progress so you get the results you want for a beautiful, healthy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We strongly encourage our Walnut Creek dental patients to ask questions and become active participants in their own dental care. Here, you can find a selection of some of our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us, and we will be happy to help!

What is the difference between amalgam (silver) and composite (white) fillings?
Are regular x-rays dangerous?
What is a Same Day Crown?
How can I make dental care more affordable?
What is the Healthy Mouth Baseline?
What is gum disease?
What is a deep cleaning?
When should I bring my child to the dentist for a first visit?
Does Dr. Maher accept my dental insurance?
Am I too old to straighten my teeth?
What is bite correction and why is it important to my oral health?
Dr. Maher has recommended that I get a crown on one of my teeth, but I don't feel any pain. Can I wait?
How will a night guard help me?
Can tongue or mouth-area piercings really affect my oral health?
Why should I straighten my teeth?
What advantages do bridges have over partial dentures?
How are dental implants different from standard dental crowns?
How effective are professional teeth whitening kits?
How often do you recommend brushing and flossing my teeth?
What can I do to prevent periodontal disease?
Should I take my child to a specialist for pediatric dentistry?

FAQ Categories

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Same-Day Dental Crowns
Invisalign
Dental Implants & Dental Implant Restoration
Dental Bridges
Preventive Dentistry
Low-Radiation Digital X-Rays
Mercury-Free Fillings
Teeth Whitening