Are you interested in cosmetic dentistry but concerned with the price? You may be wondering “Does insurance covert cosmetic dentistry?.” Well, the answer is, it may. There are certain cases where your insurance will in fact cover cosmetic dentistry.
How Dental Insurance Works
There are many different insurance companies that offer dental insurance. No matter which you choose, most insurance companies will pay a portion of the cost of preventative or medically necessary dental procedures. But they typically won’t cover anything seen as elective, like teeth whitening or porcelain veneers.
On the other hand, dental checkups and cleanings help you prevent cavities and gum disease. These may be covered twice a year. Other procedures like dental crowns, fillings, and other procedures that repair damaged teeth may be covered 50-80%.
What Will Insurance Pay?
There are certain procedures that may be partially covered by your dental insurance. While we often think of cosmetic dentistry as just improving the appearance of your smile, it also restores oral health. For example, if you need a procedure to fix injured gum tissue, it should be at least partially covered by your dental insurance.
Additionally, these dental procedures are just a few that may fall under your coverage.
Porcelain crowns. These enhance the appearance of your smile by covering up cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. A crown is a customized, natural looking porcelain cover that matches the surrounding teeth.
Dental implants replace missing teeth. Yes, this improves your smile, but it also helps preserve bone tissue in the jaw, which helps prevent further tooth loss and damage.
Veneers cover the surface of damaged teeth. This is a purely elective procedure but, in some cases, if the enamel has been worn down, this procedure repairs the structure and restores functionality. Additionally, it prevents further damage to the tooth.
Will my insurance cover cosmetic dentistry in Bethesda?
The only way to know for sure if a procedure is covered by your dental insurance is to speak to your dentist about it. You may be surprised by how much your insurance will cover. To learn more about smile makeovers and what Dr. Hackley can do for you, please contact Hackley DDS today.
Botox for masseters in Rockville can transform your jawline and have significant impacts on oral health. If you experience teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or Bruxism, Botox for masseters in Rockville can help. Here’s how.
What is The Masseter Muscle
The masseter muscle is a thick, powerful muscle located at the back of the jaw. It stretches from the jawbone up to the cheekbone. This is one of the strongest muscles in the human body relative to its size.
The primary function of the masseter muscle is to move he jaw up and down during chewing. However, it also plays an important role in the shape of your face. Masseters work together with other muscles to elevate and close the mandible, and action essential to biting, clenching, and maintaining stability of the jaw.
The end result is that these muscles have a significant say in your overall facial aesthetic. They contribute to the shape and contour of the lower face, particularly the jawline. Well developed masseters can create a strong, defined appearance (think Henry Cavil). However, an overly prominent masseter can give a square-shaped, or chubby looking jawline.
Masseter Botox in Rockville and Bethesda
Masseter Botox is a non-surgical solution. This treatment involves injecting Botox into the masseter muscles. As with traditional Botox treatments, masseter Botox relaxes the overactive jaw muscles. This creates a slimmer, more angular face structure. It also reduces the tension and discomfort that overactive masseters cause.
Benefits of Masseter Botox
There are several benefits of masseter Botox in Rockville. First, you get relief from the symptoms of Bruxism. This involuntary clenching causes jaw pain, headaches, and damage to your teeth. Botox can alleviate these symptoms.
In addition to eliminating the symptoms of Bruxism, masseter Botox also reduces facial tension and pain associated with stress. Relaxing these muscles help relieve excess stress and tension, reducing facial pain and discomfort. Masseter Botox has also shown effectiveness in resolving pain associated with temporomandibular disorders.
Another great benefit is enhanced facial aesthetics. This treatment can create a more defined and slimmer jawline, resulting in a more attractive look. Additionally, Botox for masseters works wonderfully in conjunction with treatments like dermal fillers to improve the overall balance and harmony of your face.
Botox for Masseters in Rockville
If you are ready to alleviate pain or sculpt your jawline, it’s time to consider masseter Botox. Contact Hackley DDS today to learn more about this treatment and find out if it’s right for you. Dr. Hackley is a skilled injector with an eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. She can help you with your facial aesthetic goals.
There’s no doubt that whiter teeth lead to a more beautiful smile. If you are interested, you may be wondering about the cost of professional teeth whitening in Bethesda. While there are many at home methods of teeth whitening, nothing compares to a professional method. Let’s talk about the cost of professional teeth whitening and how you can get the best deals on teeth whitening services.
How it Works
If you are looking for a better smile, Hackley DDS is the place to go. In addition to caring for all your normal dental needs, we specialize in restorative dentistry, smile makeovers, and cosmetic dentistry.
To prepare for teeth whitening, you start with cleaning. This removes all the plaque, tartar, and debris from your teeth to ensure a smooth, even application of the whitening agents. The lips and gums are isolated to prevent irritation and a whitening bleach is applied to the surface of each tooth. This is left in place for 30-60 minutes. Some treatments also use a special light to active the ingredients. After, the teeth are rinsed and polished.
Laser teeth whitening uses a special laser to reverse discoloration. The laser energy enhances the effectiveness of whitening gel. It produces significant results in a shorter time than traditional methods.
Professional teeth whitening in Bethesda is fast, simple, and can whiten up to 10 shades in one treatment.
Factors That Determine Cost
There are several factors that will determine the overall cost of your professional teeth whitening in Bethesda. These include:
- Severity of discoloration
- Type of whitening procedure
- Brand of Whitening System
- Pre-whitening procedures
- Dentist skills and expertise
- Location
Types of Teeth Whitening
If you want guaranteed results, or drastic improvement, you need to use a high-quality whitening system. It’s best to invest your time and money in professional whitening services. The cost will vary depending on the type of treatment your dentist uses, as well as whether you need additional procedures. Some of the most common types of professional teeth whitening include:
- In-Office Bleaching.
- Custom Dental Whitening Trays.
- Laser Whitening.
Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening Bethesda
While professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment for most people, it’s important to talk to your dentist before undergoing the treatment. Some people need an alternative treatment.
To learn more about the type of whitening treatment that is best for you, as well as the cost of professional teeth whitening in Bethesda, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hackley.
Are you afraid of the dentist? Dental anxiety is a common issue for many people in Rockville. If anxiety is preventing you from going to the dentist, there are some things you can do to help cope with your fear. Here are some ways to get the care you need while being considerate of your anxiety.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Do you experience fear, anxiety, or stress in a dental setting? You may have dental anxiety. Needles, drills, or the dental setting can trigger anxiety for many people. However, if dental anxiety is severe, some people may avoid going to the dentist all together. This is classified as a dental phobia.
Signs and Symptoms
People with dental anxiety may experience the following.
- Racing heart
- Sweating
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Visible distress
- Crying
- Withdrawal or using humor/aggression to mask anxiety.
While it is understandable to avoid the things that make us afraid, routine dental care is crucial to your oral health.
What Causes Dental Anxiety and Phobia?
There are many reasons why people may experience dental anxiety in Rockville. This includes:
- A traumatic dental experience or other healthcare experience
- Prior trauma to the neck or head
- Other traumatic experiences include abuse.
- General anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Trust issues
- Fear of loss of control
- Anxiety associated with other conditions like agoraphobia, claustrophobia, or obsessive compulsive disorder.
Anyone can have dental anxiety. Children who have had a bad dental experience can often overcome their fear through proper management of the situation and future support in dental visits. Adults unfortunately tend to remain anxious throughout life.
However, finding a dentist who is sympathetic and understanding of your situation can help you cope with going to the dentist.
Coping with Dental Anxiety in Rockville
There are many ways to cope and manage dental anxiety. An open discussion with your dentist about your triggers can help your provider create a management plan with you. This may include things like:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Weighted blankets
- Distraction like music
- Happy gas
- Oral anxiety medication
- Conscious sedation (IV)
- General anesthesia (for severe cases)
If you are looking for a dentist that is sympathetic and understanding of your dental anxiety, please contact Hackley DDS.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. When you don’t love your smile, it’s all too easy to be self-conscious and hide your smile. But, with cosmetic dentistry, you can change your smile and restore your confidence. Here are some of the most common Rockville cosmetic dentistry FAQ.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is one or more dental treatments designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth. This could include:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental bonding
- Porcelain veneers
- Invisalign
- Smile makeovers
- Dental implants
- Botox for gummy smile
- Much more!
These cosmetic procedures can be used alone, or in conjunction with others to help you reach your smile goals.
What can cosmetic dentistry fix?
Cosmetic dentistry addresses a wide range of smile flaws. This includes:
- Yellow, or stained teeth
- Missing teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Receding gums
- Crooked teeth
- Overbites
- And more.
Is it painful?
No, cosmetic dentistry isn’t painful. It is a safe and effective method of preventing further dental problems. Procedures like porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and crown strengthen your underlying tooth. They also help restore functionality. What’s more, when you love your smile, you will be more motivated to maintain it with good dental hygiene and routine cleanings.
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
This varies from patient to patient because cosmetic dentistry is tailored to fit your needs. For example, the national average cost of professional teeth whitening treatment is between $300-$650. However, the best way to know what your treatment will cost is by scheduling a cosmetic consultation with your dentist.
Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Typically, insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry. However, some dental plans may cover some of the cost of procedures where the primary purpose is to repair a structure issue. Additionally, some plans do cover a certain amount towards braces or Invisalign.
For procedures not covered by insurance, we proudly offer dental payment plans to help make treatment affordable for every budget.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely. Cosmetic dentistry is a long-term investment. It improves your oral health, self-confidence, and your quality of life. Your smile is worth it.
Your oral health improves with cosmetic procedures like replacing missing teeth or correcting broken teeth. Restoring functionality of your teeth also restores your ability to eat, and speak, effectively. Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t just restore your smile, it restores your life.
Common Types of Cosmetic Dentistry in Rockville Maryland
Teeth whitening. This is an effective way to correct yellow or stained teeth and make your smile stand out.
Veneers. If you want a picture-perfect smile that lasts, veneers are the way to go. Veneers can fix many smile flaws like cracked, crooked, and discolored teeth. They are custom made and stain resistant!
Cosmetic bonding. If you have cracks or chips in your teeth, cosmetic bonding may be the perfect solution. It’s non-invasive and corrects imperfections in a single visit.
Smile makeovers. Just like the name suggests, a smile makeover is a combination of treatments that help you build the perfect smile. This treatment plan is personalized to you and your goals.
Rockville Cosmetic Dentistry Near Me
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and what it can do for you, please contact Hackley DDS today to schedule your consultation.
How Much Does a Smile Makeover Cost in Rockville? On average, a smile makeover is priced at $11,175, with costs varying up to $59,999, spending on a variety of factors. Though it may not come cheap, this tailored procedure offers solutions for an array of dental issues, including stains, chips, crooked teeth, gaps, or a gummy smile. In this breakdown, we explore the factors influencing the overall cost of your smile makeover and evaluate whether real patients found their results to be worth the investment.
Does Insurance Cover a Smile Makeover?
Certain components of a smile makeover, such as crowns, dental bonding for tooth repair, gum grafting, and even Invisalign, may receive partial coverage from your dental insurance plan, particularly if you have additional orthodontic coverage.
Nevertheless, your provider might suggest other elective procedures like teeth whitening solely for cosmetic purposes. While most dental insurance plans typically exclude coverage for cosmetic dental treatments, it’s advisable to verify the specifics of your coverage with your insurance provider.
What affects the price you’ll pay for a smile makeover?
There are a number of factors that can cause the cost of a smile makeover to fluctuate, which can include:
The Complexity of Your Smile Makeover
Dental procedures offer numerous avenues to enhance your smile, addressing issues such as discoloration, chipped teeth, gum problems, and misalignment.
The journey toward your dental transformation typically starts with a consultation. During this session, you’ll share your main concerns, aspirations, and financial considerations. Additionally, your provider will conduct an oral examination to evaluate any structural concerns requiring attention.
Subsequently, a tailored treatment plan will be proposed. While some individuals may benefit from teeth straightening and whitening alone, others might opt for porcelain veneers or comprehensive full mouth reconstruction.
The Providers Credentials and Level of Expertise
For comprehensive smile design and enhancement, it’s important to seek out a cosmetic dentist or even a prosthodontist. These professionals undergo specialized training in techniques such as dental veneers, porcelain crowns, and teeth whitening, enabling them to optimize the appearance of your smile.
Additionally, they may collaborate with other dental specialists as needed. A periodontist specializes in gum tissue-related issues like uneven gum lines or gum disease, while an orthodontist addresses concerns such as crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. In complex cases, an oral surgeon may also be involved.
The level of experience and board certification of your chosen provider significantly influence their fees. Generally, providers with extensive experience and advanced training may command higher fees for their services.
The Provider’s Location
Patients residing in major metropolitan areas with high living costs typically incur greater expenses for cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. This phenomenon stems from the fact that providers in cities like New York City and Los Angeles face elevated rents and overhead expenses, which are subsequently passed on to patients.
Nevertheless, within these urban centers, competitive pricing may still be accessible due to the abundance of qualified providers. The sheer volume of practitioners often results in competition for patients, potentially driving down prices.
Given that a dental makeover represents a significant investment, it’s advisable to consult with multiple experienced providers. By doing so, you can compare their treatment plans and personalized price quotes before making a decision. This proactive approach ensures that you receive optimal care at a reasonable cost.
The Type of Anesthesia if Needed
The majority of gum and dental procedures can typically be handled using a blend of local anesthesia and oral sedation, both of which can be administered by your primary dental provider. This choice generally doesn’t result in a significant increase in your total expenses.
However, if you’re undergoing extensive treatment such as replacing multiple missing teeth with dental implants, you may require either general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with IV sedation. Incorporating the expertise of an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist into your procedure could potentially add more than $1,000 to your overall bill.
Is a Smile Makeover Worth the Money?
Smile makeover treatments have garnered an impressive 93% Worth It Rating from patients who shared their experiences on RealSelf. So, a significant majority believe their investment was worthwhile.
Many individuals who expressed satisfaction with their dental makeover reported that their newfound smile had a profound positive impact on their confidence and overall quality of life. Speaking with your provider in the consultation helps create trust and transparency prior to the procedure.
Smile Makeover in Rockville Maryland
If you are interested in learning more about a smile makeover or scheduling a consultation, we are here to help. To learn more, please contact Hackley DDS today! We also proudly offer dental payment plans to help make dental care affordable for everyone.
Maintaining oral health is vital for overall well-being. Beyond fostering a radiant smile, good oral hygiene plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of infections, heart disease, and even cancer, making it an integral aspect of both your and your family’s health and wellness. While you might instinctively consider a pediatric dentist as the ideal choice for your children’s dental care, a family dentist in Rockville MD is equally equipped to provide exceptional oral health services. One of the primary advantages of choosing a family dentist is the convenience it offers. By making just one phone call, you can schedule appointments for the entire family, streamlining the process and minimizing logistical hassles associated with visiting multiple dental practitioners. Let’s delve into more benefits of family dentistry in Rockville MD.
Family Dentistry in Rockville MD
A family dentist is a dental professional who provides care to patients spanning all age groups, ranging from children to adults. Their services encompass a comprehensive range of treatments, including dental checkups, cleanings, examinations, fillings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and more.
Eliminating Dental Anxiety
Both dental phobia and dental anxiety can lead to the postponement or avoidance of dental care. If any of your family members experience these conditions, scheduling dental checkups together as a family can be beneficial.
Children, in particular, may develop dental anxiety early on, and having a family dentist can aid in overcoming it. When children observe their parents attending checkups or receiving treatment, they gain confidence and become more at ease with the dental experience. Children often mirror the behaviors and attitudes of their parents. By demonstrating the importance of regular dental visits, you establish a lasting impression.
The significant advantage of attending appointments with a family dentist together is that it helps children overcome their fears early on, fostering a lifelong comfort with dental visits.
A Family Dentist is Convenient
The convenience of having a family dentist for your entire household is undeniable. By scheduling one appointment for multiple individuals or the entire family, you streamline your life. Gone are the days of needing to take time off work on various occasions for separate appointments—one for yourself, another for your children at the pediatric dentist, and yet another for your teenagers elsewhere.
Family Dentists Know Your Dental History
One of the key benefits of lifelong family dentistry is the familiarity your dentist will have with your family’s dental history. If there have been past dental conditions, surgeries, allergies, or sensitivities, your dentist will have comprehensive records of these. This enables them to tailor suitable treatments based on your family’s specific dental needs and medical history.
Having a Family Dentist Means a Lasting Relationship
Establishing trust between you and your dentist is essential for several reasons. With trust in place, communication becomes effortless, allowing you to share information openly and honestly. When your dentist is fully informed, they can accurately diagnose symptoms, ensuring that you and your family members receive the appropriate treatment.
Regular and Consistent Services
To uphold the oral health of you and your family members, it’s recommended to schedule visits to your family dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. With a family dentist, you’ll feel assured about attending these appointments, reducing the likelihood of missing any.
Preventative Care
Family dentists are experts in a wide range of dental fields catering to individuals of all age groups. Since children’s teeth are still developing, they require specialized care. Family dentists provide guidance on preventive measures to maintain optimal dental health for children. Additionally, it’s important to act early if one of your children requires teeth alignment. In fact, it is more beneficial in children compared to adults.
Emergency Dental Services
In times of urgent dental care needs, having a trusted dentist readily available is invaluable. You can rely on them to provide immediate assistance to any member of your family. Instead of searching for an emergency dentist each time a situation arises, you can simply reach out to your family dentist and schedule an immediate appointment.
Family Dentist in Rockville MD
Dr. Hackley and our knowledgeable and compassionate staff are dedicated to helping you create and maintain a smile you love. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
What causes bad breath? If you, or a loved one has bad breath that just won’t go away, you may be dealing with halitosis. So, what causes it and how can you treat it? Stick around to find out.
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis, or bad breath, is typically caused by sulfur-producing bacteria. These bacteria live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, they start to break down protein at a very fast rate, creating odorous volatile sulfur compounds (VSC).
Halitosis is not contagious. Around 2.4% of adults suffer from bad breath, but fortunately, there are ways to treat this condition. But first, let’s talk about what causes it.
What causes bad breath?
Other than the sulfur-producing bacteria, the other major causes of halitosis are:
- Dry mouth- caused by alcohol, stress, medications, and medical conditions
- Dental factors like periodontitis or poor oral hygiene
- Smoking, which starves the mouth of oxygen.
Other less common causes include:
- Acid and bile reflux
- Post-nasal discharge
- Kidney failure, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders.
- Certain foods like onions, garlic, and cauliflower. However, this is temporary.
Symptoms of Halitosis
Symptoms include:
- A white coating on the tongue, especially at the back
- Build up around the teeth
- Dry mouth
- Morning bad breath
- Constant sour, bitter metallic taste
- Post-nasal drip, or mucous
- Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
Treatments for Bad Breath
There is no one treatment, it will depend on what is causing your bad breath. A good first step is to make sure you are well hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can help fight bad breath.
Another important action is to clean the tongue. Gentle, but effective tongue cleaning can help fight bacteria growth. Many tongue brushes and scrapers are available. Brush gently from the back to the front of the tongue and pay special attention to the hard-to-reach areas, as those will smell the worst.
When to Get Help for Bad Breath
If at home treatments aren’t working, it may be time to speak to your dentist about your bad breath. To schedule an appointment, please contact Hackley DDS today.
What are cavities and how can we prevent them? Essentially, cavities are holes in the enamel of your tooth. They can cause pain and discomfort, and if left untreated, lead to more decay. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent cavities.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in your tooth. In the early stages, it may look like a white spot but over time it will begin to look brow or black. They can be big or small. While they can be in many places, they often form on the tops of your teeth, where you bite and in between teeth, where food gets stuck.
Cavities cause pain, sensitivity, infections, and can even cause you to lose your teeth. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to prevent cavities.
What causes cavities?
During the day, the bacteria in our mouth feed off of the foods we eat. Anytime we eat or drink sugar, the bacteria eat the sugar and turn it into acid. This acid stays on our teeth and essentially attacks the outer surface.
Over time, this acid wears down our teeth, creating a cavity. If the cavity isn’t fixed, the bacteria get inside it and travel from the outside of the tooth into the dentin and then the pulp, creating an infection.
Dental infections can be very serious. If you notice redness, pain and swelling in your face or mouth you should seek care.
Higher Risks for Cavities
Anyone can get cavities, but you may be at a higher risk if you:
- Snack between meals
- Have cracked or chipped teeth
- Eat sugar foods or drinks
- Take medications that cause dry mouth
- Have a personal and/or family history of cavities
- Have had head or neck radiation therapy
How to Prevent Cavities
The best ways to prevent cavities are to maintain good oral health and hygiene habits. This includes:
- Drink plenty of water
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste 2 times a day
- Floss
- Limit sweet snacks between meals
- Limit sugary foods and drinks like candies and soda.
- Don’t sip or snack on sugary things all day. If you are going to eat/drink them, do so at mealtimes and brush after.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
- Sealants can be placed on the back teeth to help protect them from bacteria causing cavities in hard-to-reach grooves.
For more help with your oral health, please visit Hackley DDS. Let us take care of your teeth and keep your smile healthy and beautiful!
When do children lose their baby teeth?
Most children start to lose baby teeth around age 6, however some baby teeth remain present until age 12. Baby teeth are important and should be cared for in the same way as adult teeth.
Is thumb sucking/pacifier really bad for teeth?
Thumb sucking and pacifiers are okay up to a certain age. These habits aren’t a cause for concern in infants and young toddlers.
When do I need to take away the pacifier?
It’s best for kids to stop the habit by the time they’re 3 years old. Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can affect your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite alignment.
At what age should a child start brushing?
Parents should start brushing when the first tooth appears. Use a rice-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. At age 3, move to a pea sized amount of tooth paste.
[Related: Baby’s First Dental Visit]
When can kids brush by themselves?
This is a tricky question. Parents need to supervise brushing until age 6 at least. They shouldn’t brush alone until they’re coordinated enough to brush thoroughly. We usually say if they can reliably tie their shoes, they can brush alone and have a grown up “check brush.”
How often should kids brush?
Twice a day, just like adults. They should also be flossing.
Are cavities common in kids?
Yes. Tooth decay is the most common illness in children. It’s five times more common in children than asthma! But it’s also one of the most preventable diseases.
Is it necessary to fill cavities in baby teeth?
Yes! Many people think it’s unnecessary because these teeth will fall out. However, baby teeth are important for the development of adult teeth and untreated cavities can lead to further dental disease.
Besides brushing, how can I prevent cavities?
- Only offer clean pacifiers. Don’t dip them in sugary drinks.
- Don’t lick a child’s spoon or pacifier to clean it. Sharing utensils also shares bacteria that cause cavities.
- Don’t put juice of soda in baby’s bottle.
- Never put a child to bed with a bottle of anything other than water- that means no milk either.
- Limit your kid’s intake of sugary foods, juices, soda, and sports drinks.
- Make sure your child’s teeth are brushed twice a day with an ADA accepted toothpaste.
Have more questions? Contact Hackley DDS to speak to a dentist!
