Frequently Asked Questions
We find many of our patients have questions about what is possible concerning their dental care. While Dr. Brooks and his staff will answer your questions in detail, we have found it helpful to explain some of them in a way you can review at your leisure.
Can you show me what my smile will look like before I get a treatment?
We always want our patients to feel confident about their proposed smile makeover, whether they’re planning to undergo professional teeth whitening or receive a new veneer. That’s why we love giving you a virtual sneak peek into the future with the help of cosmetic imaging! Plastic surgeons have been using this style of technology for years now with great success. The process is simple – we’ll have a laboratory-made wax model crafted to demonstrate the positive changes you can expect from your brand-new look. You’ll essentially be able to hold your brand-new smile in your hands, request tweaks as necessary, and proceed to treatment without worry.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
Our office accepts insurance plans, our team will do everything possible to help you maximize your benefits. Patients can receive a complimentary benefit check at the office! Our financial policy allows us to provide you with the best treatment available and does not limit your health to just what your plan covers. We will be happy to submit your insurance paperwork for you at the time of treatment. If you have any questions about your insurance, please feel free to call for more information.
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Even if the office is closed, our dentists will be on call to serve your needs. They understand dental pain is serious and they want to be there to help alleviate it. Just call the office to find out about the emergency number, and someone will get back to you right away.
How can I ask the doctors questions directly?
We hope you will always feel we are available to answer any of your questions. Please call 617-329-5581 or feel free to email us at drbrooks@winthropsmiles.com. We will get back to you just as soon as we can.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
We have the capability to provide in-office whitening in about an hour, resulting in teeth that are up to 9 shades lighter. You will also be given take home trays to continue your whitening and maintain the results for a lifetime. Give us a call for your complimentary smile evaluation.
Are you getting married, have an affair to attend or just want to impress your friends, then whitening is for you. One telltale sign that it is a good time for you to whiten your teeth is if you are embarrassed to smile because of the color of your teeth. Yellowish teeth are the result of years of coffee or tea drinking, and/or smoking. Greyish/brown teeth are usually the result of tetracycline exposure as a child. If that is the case, there is no reason to suffer any more embarrassment because of the shade of your teeth. Try it.
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Bleeding gums are often a sign of infection or puss in the gums or even the bone. You may be a candidate for non-surgical periodontal treatment. Please do not wait any longer to address this problem. Gum disease is silent and presents little or no symptoms until your teeth become loose. Our goal is to have you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. Please call our office to reserve time for your professional teeth cleaning and gum evaluation.
What is Smile Analysis?
Each person has an individual smile, one uniquely shaped and balanced to the symmetry of his or her face. With Smile Analysis, we can help show you what your best smile can look like. Our smile style guide of photos will be reviewed with you so that you can see what your new teeth will look like before they become yours. We take into account many features of your face and mouth to analyze and design the most enhancing smile for you. Come in and talk to us about the exciting possibilities.
What is Smile Design?
Great care is taken to design a smile for each patient. After we understand your needs and goals, we consider the shape of your face, the color of your eyes, and the shape and contour of your lips. We evaluate factors like the symmetry of your eyes and nose to the other dimensions. Once you have your new smile, your confidence soars. Nothing frames the face better than an attractive and beautiful smile. People are drawn to you without knowing why. A brilliant smile radiates joy, excitement, health and vitality. A smile is a celebration of life, a reflection of the heart and your number one asset.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
If your teeth are crooked, you do not necessarily need braces. When you come in for a consultation, we can talk to you about several other options, including porcelain veneers. If you are a candidate for this sort of treatment, the whole process will take about two weeks rather than two years, as is usually the case with braces.
If you do need braces, however, you may be a great candidate for Invisalign, braces that are practically invisible. Invisalign can give you the beautiful straight teeth you have always wanted. It works through a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you are wearing. So you can smile during treatment as well as after. Invisalign has been proven effective and Dr. Brooks is certified to treat with Invisalign.
My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
Make sure that you find the tooth and immediately place it in milk or water. You will want to call us right away. Do not wipe off the tooth as you can damage the re-implantation process. We have solutions to clean the tooth. Please try to get to our office within an hour of the accident. Sometimes, due to trauma, the tooth may darken and require root canal treatment. When playing sports have your children protect their teeth by wearing our comfortable custom mouthguards. Call our Winthrop dental office for more information.