Welcome to our FAQ page! We know that making decisions about your dental care requires clear, honest information. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions we receive from our patients here in Queens.
If you do not see your question answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact our office directly.
General & Preventive Dentistry
How often should I come in for an examination and hygiene maintenance?
For most patients, we recommend visiting us every six months for a routine exam and professional cleaning. This allows us to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you cannot remove at home and catch potential issues like decay or gum inflammation early. If you have a history of periodontal (gum) disease, we may recommend coming in every three to four months.
What are composite fillings, and are they noticeable?
Composite fillings are made of a durable, tooth-colored resin. Unlike older silver amalgam fillings, composite bonding is customized to match the exact shade of your natural enamel. They blend in seamlessly with your smile, making them virtually invisible while providing excellent protection for teeth that have had cavities.
How do I know if I need gum treatment?
Healthy gums should be firm and pink. If your gums are red, swollen, tender, or bleed when you brush and floss, these are early signs of gingivitis or gum disease. Chronic bad breath and receding gums are also warning signs. If you experience any of these, schedule an exam so we can provide the appropriate gum treatments to restore your oral health before it leads to bone loss.
Are root canals painful?
There is a common misconception that root canals are painful, but modern root canals are actually designed to relieve pain. With local anesthesia and our gentle techniques, the procedure feels very similar to getting a routine filling. We remove the infected nerve causing your toothache, clean the area, and seal it to save your natural tooth.
Restorative Dentistry & Dental Implants
What is the difference between a dental crown and a bridge?
A porcelain crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers a single damaged, weak, or severely decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A dental bridge is used to replace one or more completely missing teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth anchored by crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
When should I choose dental implants over partials or dentures?
Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth. Because they are anchored directly into your jawbone, they prevent bone loss, do not slip when you eat or speak, and can last a lifetime with proper care. Partials and traditional dentures are removable and rest on the gums. While dentures are a great, cost-effective option for replacing many teeth, implants offer superior stability and a completely natural feel.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are great candidates for implants. You need to have healthy gums and sufficient bone density in your jaw to support the implant. Even if you have experienced some bone loss, we can often perform a bone graft to make implants possible. We will evaluate your mouth with 3D imaging during your consultation to determine the best path forward.
Cosmetic Dentistry & Smile Makeovers
What is a Smile Design?
Smile Design is a comprehensive, customized treatment plan tailored to your unique facial features, lip line, and aesthetic goals. Instead of just fixing one tooth, we look at the big picture. Your Smile Design might combine several treatments—such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and cosmetic bonding—to give you the exact smile you have always wanted.
What is the difference between porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding?
Both treatments improve the appearance of chipped, stained, or slightly misaligned teeth. Cosmetic bonding uses a tooth-colored resin applied directly to the tooth and shaped by the dentist in one visit. It is highly affordable but can stain over time. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They take two visits to complete but are highly stain-resistant, more durable, and offer a more dramatic, permanent transformation.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from one to three years. The exact timeline depends heavily on your lifestyle habits. Drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, and using tobacco products will cause stains to return faster. Keeping up with your daily brushing and attending your regular hygiene maintenance appointments will help your bright smile last as long as possible.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
How does Invisalign® work without metal braces?
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, custom-molded plastic trays (aligners) that apply gentle, targeted pressure to gradually move your teeth into the correct position. You wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before moving to the next set in the series.
Do I have to wear my aligners all day?
For the best and fastest results, you should wear your Invisalign® aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. The great advantage is that they are removable, so you can take them out to eat your favorite foods, drink hot beverages, and easily brush and floss your teeth.
Am I too old for Invisalign®?
Absolutely not! It is never too late to achieve a straight, healthy smile. Many of our adult patients in Queens choose Invisalign® because the clear aligners are incredibly discreet, allowing them to straighten their teeth confidently at work and in social settings without the look of traditional metal braces.
Ready to schedule your visit? Call Queens Modern Dental at 718-217-8700 or Contact Us Online to book your consultation today!
