Frequently Asked Questions

Preventive care, including regular check-ups and cleanings, is crucial for maintaining good oral health. It helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental issues, ultimately saving you time, discomfort, and money in the long run.

For most patients, we recommend professional teeth cleanings every six months. However, based on your oral health needs, we may recommend more frequent visits.

A typical check-up includes a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, a comprehensive oral exam to check for cavities, gum disease, and other concerns, and often X-rays to detect issues not visible to the naked eye. We'll also discuss your oral hygiene habits and answer any questions you have.

We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.

Cavities, or dental caries, are caused by bacteria in your mouth that produce acids when they feed on sugars and starches. These acids erode tooth enamel, creating small holes.

The most common treatment for cavities is a dental filling. We remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the space with a restorative material like composite resin.

Tooth restoration refers to various procedures used to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth. This can include fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants, all designed to restore the tooth's function, integrity, and appearance.

During your regular check-ups, Dr. Brasseaux will assess the health of your teeth and recommend restorations if decay, cracks, or other damage are detected that cannot be addressed with a simple filling.

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic. It's a state-of-the-art technology that allows us to design, create, and place a custom-fit, high-quality ceramic dental crown in a single office visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns.

The main benefits include:

• Crown in a Day
• Natural aesthetics: Made from tooth-colored ceramic to blend seamlessly with your smile.
• Durability: Strong and long-lasting restorations.
• Comfort: Digital impressions replace messy traditional molds

CEREC crowns are ideal for restoring teeth that are extensively decayed, fractured, or weakened, protecting them from further damage while restoring their shape, size, and strength.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. This can include procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and addressing issues like gaps, discoloration, or misshapen teeth.

If you're unhappy with the aesthetics of your smile, you may be a good candidate. During a consultation, Dr. Brasseaux will discuss your goals and assess your oral health to determine the best cosmetic options for you.

We offer teeth whitening, CEREC crowns (which have cosmetic benefits), Invisalign, and other restorative options that enhance aesthetics.

Professional teeth whitening uses a safe, concentrated whitening gel applied to your teeth. The gel penetrates the enamel to break down stains and discoloration, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. We offer both in-office and at-home professional whitening options.

Yes, when performed or supervised by a dental professional, teeth whitening is very safe. We use professional-grade products designed to minimize sensitivity and protect your enamel.

The longevity of whitening results varies based on your diet and lifestyle habits (e.g., consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, smoking). With proper oral hygiene and occasional touch-ups, results can last for a significant period.

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth without the need for traditional metal braces.

Key benefits include:

• Virtually invisible: Aligners are clear and discreet.
• Removable: You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
• Comfortable: No wires or brackets to irritate your mouth.
• Predictable results: Advanced technology maps out your treatment plan.

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies for each individual, depending on the complexity of their case. During your consultation, Dr. Brasseaux will provide an estimated treatment timeline.

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that you remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water, so there are no dietary restrictions.