Indy Dental Group blog

When faced with a dental emergency, it can be unnerving because of the sudden pain you may be experiencing. It can also cause you to panic if you don’t have dental insurance to help cover part of the cost. Before putting off necessary treatment because you don’t think you can afford it, an emergency dentist explains how you can get the immediate care you need using alternative payment solutions.

Invisalign aligners are known for their subtlety. Many teenagers and adults prefer braces made of clear plastic as opposed to those made of bulky, visible metal, but is it possible for these custom trays to lose their nearly invisible appearance? If you want to make sure your orthodontic treatment remains discreet, your dentist shares four tips you can use to properly maintain your Invisalign.

Choosing Invisalign clear aligners to straighten your teeth can be an ideal alternative to traditional metal brackets and wires; however, there is a certain level of responsibility you must agree to if treatment is to be successful. While there are many benefits to wearing these removable trays, including greater flexibility when eating, forgetting to wear your aligners can lead to delays. Keep reading to find out what your dentist recommends if you want to stay on track while wearing Invisalign.

Dental anxiety can make even the simplest dental appointment stressful for you and your family. That’s why many dental practices offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to help create feelings of calm, reducing fear and allowing the patient to relax. But despite its benefits, there are many misconceptions about it. If you’re interested in sedation for you or your child, here are a few common myths you needn’t worry about!

If you or your child suffers from anxiety or dental phobia (odontophobia) you or they may need a little help relaxing at your oral health appointments. Nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to the rescue! Nitrous oxide is a safe, colorless, mildly sweet-smelling gas that is used as a sedative in many dental procedures. It helps elicit feelings of calmness and reduces your gag reflex, yet it keeps you awake and alert enough to follow instructions and communicate clearly with your dentist.

For many individuals, chewing a piece of gum is a mindless activity. For others, it’s a way to curb an addiction to tobacco products or food. Unfortunately, if practiced too frequently, it can begin to take a toll on one’s jaw, resulting in chronic pain. If you already exhibit the symptoms associated with TMJ, keep reading to find out whether your favorite gum can be at fault for your increased discomfort.

If you don’t struggle with dental anxiety, you may wonder why your dentist is recommending sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide is commonly used to help ease nerves and calm the fears of those who dislike visiting the dentist’s office, but are there other reasons it might be helpful? Read on to discover the alternative benefits of sedation and how it can help you during your next appointment.

There are various types of flaws that can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Whether it is chips and cracks caused by sports-related injuries, stains and discoloration left behind by years of drinking coffee, or gapped and misshapen teeth that are the result of improper tooth development, finding a solution to conceal these imperfections can feel defeating. However, with cosmetic dentistry continuing to increase in popularity, patients have the option to choose between custom veneers or direct bonding. Find out more about each and which one might be best for your unique needs.

Private dental insurance can be an overwhelming topic for many individuals. It often takes someone with training and expertise to fully understand the details and verbiage associated with various programs. If you are considering enrolling in your employer’s plan, you may wonder about some of the terms used as part of your policy – one of which is “deductible.” Learn more about this term and how you can start saving more each time you visit the dentist’s office.

It’s no secret that most dental insurance companies do not offer coverage for cosmetic dental treatments. After all, they are deemed “elective procedures” because they do not provide ways to improve one’s oral health. Instead, they are designed to enhance appearances and help patients achieve greater confidence. But are there any instances in which an insurance provider will provide some sort of coverage for cosmetic services? Keep reading to find out.

When considering the various cosmetic dentistry services that are designed to whiten teeth, there are two popular options most people think of – teeth whitening or veneers. Capable of eliminating stains by either targeting them with a professional-grade bleaching agent or concealing them with customized dental restorations, these solutions deliver optimal results every time. But how can you know which one is right for you? Keep reading to find out.

Have you developed an ache in your tooth that your dentist already repaired with a root canal? If so, you may need another. It can come as a surprise to learn that your previously mended tooth needs to be fixed a second time, but it can happen months or even years after your previous treatment. If you’re worried that your throbbing tooth may require an additional procedure, keep reading to learn more about it!

Dentures are a popular way to rebuild your grin after tooth loss because they restore so much of your ability to eat and speak again. That said, it’s important to care for them properly so that you can continue to make the most of the many benefits they provide. If you’re not sure what that includes, keep reading to learn about 4 best practices to keep your dentures in tip-top shape!

Dealing with a lower denture that refuses to stay in place can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. Whether you’re dining with friends or trying to hold a conversation, the constant worry of denture slippage can be exhausting. This can slowly wear away at your confidence and quality of life.

But how does it happen, and can you fix it? Read on to learn more about the causes of denture slippage and what you can do to treat it.

Denture relining is a process used to reshape the underside of a denture to improve its fit and comfort. While professional denture relining is typically performed by a dentist or dental technician, some patients may consider a DIY denture reline using over-the-counter denture relining kits. However, DIY denture relining comes with significant risks and potential consequences that should not be overlooked. Read on to learn more about the dangers of at-home denture relining.

If your last dental checkup ended with your dentist informing you that you’re going to need to have a cavity filled, you might’ve felt a knot form in your stomach—but don’t fret! Having a cavity filled is a common occurrence; nonetheless, their regularity doesn’t mean they should be shrugged off and left untreated. Not to mention, if you have dental insurance, you should want to take advantage of those benefits and use them to lessen what you’ll pay out-of-pocket. Keep reading to learn more about dental fillings and why you shouldn’t hesitate to get one by the year’s end.

For some people, there are a million other places they’d rather be than seated in the dentist’s chair for treatment, even when it’s for basic checkups and cleanings! But dental-related anxiety isn’t something that should keep one from receiving necessary dental care; especially when sedation dentistry exists. It’s a safe, accessible, and useful method for helping patients from all walks of life when they go in for dental treatment. But you might be wondering if it’s covered by dental insurance—here’s what you need to know.

When envisioning a stunning smile, gleaming white teeth often take center stage. Achieving that radiant smile may involve professional teeth whitening, effectively eliminating the stains left behind by various foods and drinks that can cause discoloration. However, the journey to maintaining your newly brightened smile extends beyond the treatment itself. After undergoing professional teeth whitening, certain foods and drinks should be avoided to preserve the results. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the specifics of what to steer clear of and offer alternatives to ensure your smile stays brilliantly white.

Should I Wait Until 2024 For My Child to Get Braces?

When it comes to your child’s smile, they deserve the same great care and service as you, right? Knowing that they are in trusted hands helps to alleviate some of the fear and uncertainty that can come with oral healthcare. So, when you learn that they need braces, it’s likely the first question you ask is, “Will my dental insurance cover the cost?” Keep reading to find out how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket as well as why you shouldn’t wait until the new year to get started.

Dental veneers are a popular method of cosmetic dental treatment that was once only accessible to Hollywood movie stars. Used to hide imperfections, transform smiles, and boost the confidence of actors and actresses, these custom creations have changed over time – not in their purpose – but in how they are made. Found in dental offices throughout the U.S., veneers make it possible to experience a showstopping smile no matter who you are or what you do for a living. Read on to learn more about the evolution of these restorations from 1928 to now.