Is your dentist right for you? In today’s post we’ll answer this surprisingly complex question and help you learn how to choose the right dentist for you.
Assessing your dental health needs
Everyone is different and has their own unique dental needs. At Towson Smile Care, we work with patients from all walks of life who have a variety of dental health and cosmetic concerns. Some examples of patients we work with include (but aren’t limited to):
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Families - When it comes to their dental care, families with kids need dentists who can provide continuity of care as a child grows up. Additionally, families often appreciate flexible scheduling to make it easy to squeeze in a dental appointment before or after work, school, or activities.
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Cosmetically Conscious Patients - Many of our patients today are very conscious of how their smile looks. If you’re looking for straighter teeth or a brighter smile, make sure you ask your dentist about cosmetic dentistry services.
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Older Folks - As people age, their dental health needs change. They may be more likely to require restorations like implants or dentures. They may be more susceptible to gum disease or other dental health issues such as dry mouth from multiple prescription medications. At Towson Smile Care we’re here to help our patients enjoy their golden years with happy and healthy teeth!
You should also consider your whole-body health and how it affects your dental health needs. People with diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic health issues should work with a dentist who understands how these conditions affect their dental health and vice versa. For example, did you know that people with diabetes who avoid gum disease tend to have fewer diabetic complications?
What about dental insurance?
Fewer than 25% of people have dental insurance. If you have dental insurance, that’s awesome. At Towson Smile Care, we accept many dental insurances and can help you maximize your benefits. However, we also work with many uninsured patients and offer a variety of financing and payment options to help them get dental care that works with their budget.
There’s a couple things to remember about dental insurance:
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Even the “best” dental insurance plans aren’t like health insurance. Most plans have caps and fine print that limit what may or may not be covered.
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Dental insurance is often tied to your job and if you switch jobs, you’ll likely end up with a new provider who may limit your choice of dentists in your area.
If you find a dentist who takes a variety of insurances and is flexible for uninsured patients (like we are at Towson Smile Care), you’ll be able to keep seeing them even if your insurance changes.
Does a dentist offer the services you might need?
Most dentists offer exams, checkups, fillings, root canals, and other common procedures. But the dentist that’s right for you will be the one who offers additional services that may benefit your long-term dental health and wellness. Consider treatment options like:
- Sleep Apnea Treatment - Sleep apnea is affecting MILLIONS of people and your dentist can help! If your dentist can’t talk to you about the risks and treatments of sleep apnea, look for one who can.
- Dental Implants - Over 50% of people will lose an adult tooth due to decay, disease, or injury. Dental implants are the gold-standard in treatment to not only replace the tooth but maintain your oral health and prevent lifelong complications. Ask any potential dentist if they offer implants and implant restorations.
- Clear Braces - Many adults suffer from poor self esteem due to crooked and misaligned teeth. Often they think nothing can be done without big bulky metal braces like they remember teenagers wearing years ago. Nothing could be further from the truth! Today’s clear braces, like Invisalign, make it easy for adults to straighten their teeth without the pain and hassle of metal orthodontics.
- TMJ/TMD Treatment - Stress, muscle imbalances and other issues can lead to pain in the jaw known as TMJ/TMD. At Towson Smile Care, our dentists are experts in the treatment of TMJ pain.
- Sedation Dentistry - Are you nervous about going to the dentist? Do you skip dental appointments because of anxiety or worry? It’s perfectly normal, but sedation dentistry can help you relax and get the care you need.
- Cosmetic Treatments - The way our smile looks affects how we feel about ourselves. Look for a dentist who offers treatments like teeth whitening or veneers to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Do you trust your dentist?
Your dentist should make you feel comfortable and help you play an active role in your health. You can start to get a feel for your dentist’s personality and philosophy by reading his or her online reviews.
At Towson Smile Care, we take great pride in how we communicate with patients and consistently exceed their expectations. Our commitment to our patients’ care and experience shows in our reviews.
Lecturing or educating?
Many people have bad memories of dentists who do nothing but tell them what they’re doing wrong:
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“You’re flossing wrong”
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“You’re not brushing enough”
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“If you didn’t drink soda you wouldn’t have so many cavities”
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“You’re going to lose your teeth if you don’t change your diet”
Lecturing patients is not what we do at Towson Smile Care. Our dentists are not only experienced and expert practitioners, but they’re friendly and compassionate, too.
We know that the best way to help our patients feel comfortable and in control of their dental health is through education. We’ll explain the why behind our recommendations and talk about how different treatment options will benefit you and your health. We believe that knowledge is power and that the more our patients know about their care, the happier they’ll be.
Before you come see us, check out a few of our most popular blog posts to learn more about our philosophy and approach to your care:
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What to expect when you haven’t been to the dentist in years - Towson Smile Care is a judgement-free dentist office and we only want to help!
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How to fix missing teeth - Look at a few of the high-tech tooth replacement options available at our office and learn which one might be right for you!
Schedule your appointment today
Looking for a great dentist in Towson? We encourage you to schedule an appointment and see what we’re all about at Towson Smile Care. We offer a $69 new patient special offer that includes:
It’s a no-pressure opportunity to get to know us and see if we’re the dentist who’s right for you. We think you’ll like what you find at Towson Smile Care. See you soon!
Dr. H. Brett Friedman
Dr. Friedman earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1996. For over 20 years, Dr. Friedman has been creating the smiles of his patients’ dreams. He believes that nothing should stand between you and a healthier smile.