Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Insurance can be confusing, and we understand!  At Waters Family Dentistry, we ACCEPT most insurance policies, and file the claims for you so you don't have to.  The only insurance company we are "in network" with is Delta Dental.  BUT, even if we are out of your network, you might be surprised at how much coverage you are eligible for at our office.  We are happy to listen to your specific situation, and we are well versed in giving you as much financial information as possible.  Usually we can give you a very reliable estimate of what your insurance company will cover, and what you will be responsible for. 

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Please give us a call and we are happy to help you through this process! 

At Waters Family Dentistry, we will take a detailed look and evaluate your specific tooth problem.  In the unfortunate event that an extraction is recommended, we will decide on the treatment details on a case by case basis.  Each tooth extraction presents different circumstances and potential challenges.  Sometimes we will decide to perform the extraction here at our office, and sometimes we will refer the extraction to a local oral surgeon.  We have great relationships with several oral surgery offices with very competent doctors here in Anderson and in nearby locations.  

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Please rest assured that whatever decision we make regarding extractions, it is made with your best interest at heart.  We look forward to serving you no matter what needs arise!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. This recommendation is based on the understanding that early dental care is crucial for establishing good oral health habits and preventing potential problems.

During this first visit, the dentist will examine your child's existing teeth, check for proper jaw and bite development, and look for any potential issues with oral tissues. They'll also provide guidance on proper cleaning techniques, discuss dietary habits that affect dental health, and address concerns about thumb-sucking or pacifier use.

Starting dental visits early helps children become comfortable with the dentist and dental procedures, reducing anxiety about future appointments. It's also an excellent opportunity for parents to learn about proper oral hygiene techniques specific to their child's needs, including appropriate toothpaste usage and brushing methods.

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Remember that every child is different, and some may need to see a dentist earlier if there are specific concerns. Regular dental checkups, typically every six months, should follow the initial visit to maintain good oral health and catch any potential issues early.

The American Dental Association recommends that you “see your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.” What exactly does this mean for you? Your best bet is to schedule an exam with your dentist and talk to them about your oral health needs. They’ll tell you if you need a dental cleaning in Anderson, SC, and put you on the correct cleaning schedule for your particular oral health needs. For some people, this might entail a cleaning once or twice a year. For others, an optimal schedule might require more frequent cleanings. 

The Importance of Preventive Cleanings

Preventive dental care is important. Taking proactive steps now, like brushing and flossing your teeth every day and getting regular dental cleanings, can save you from future oral health issues. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing doesn’t eliminate. This prevents cavities and gum disease and saves you from more expensive and invasive treatments later. Regular cleanings also help you avoid serious problems like tooth loss. 

Essentially, regular cleanings and early detection allow your dentist to treat minor issues before they become major oral and overall health problems. At Waters Family Dentistry, we look at preventive dental care as your secret weapon for lifelong oral health. We’d love to meet you and help you keep your teeth healthy. If you’re interested in getting a professional dental cleaning, please give us a call at (864) 226-6278, and we’ll set you up with an appointment.

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene calls for more than just regular brushing and flossing. Scheduling a dental checkup every six months with Dr. John Waters and Waters Family Dentistry in Anderson is crucial to excellent dental and periodontal health.

Why Do Dental Exams Matter?

The importance of regular oral exams in Anderson is paramount. These routine visits are for more than just cleaning your teeth. They’re a great opportunity for your dentist to identify and treat minor issues before they become big problems. At Water Family Dentistry, we do this through:

• Early detection of gum disease, cavities, and infections
• Full plaque and tartar removal
• Screening for oral cancer and other health issues
• Personalized recommendations for at-home oral hygiene 

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

A regular dental checkup in Anderson typically includes:

• A thorough examination of your teeth, gums, mouth, bit alignment, and jawbone
• Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from dental surfaces and the gumline
• X-rays to identify hidden issues that require treatment
• Personalized recommendations for maintaining oral health between dental appointments
• Addressing any specific questions or concerns you have

  Find the Best Practice for Dental Exams in Anderson, SC

If you’re looking for an expert team committed to ensuring the long-term oral health of our community with comprehensive dental exams in Anderson, SC, look no further!

Contact Dr. John Waters and the excellent Waters Family Dentistry team today to schedule your appointment!

For most adults, dental professionals recommend scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months. This twice-yearly schedule allows dentists to monitor oral health, detect potential problems early, and maintain good dental hygiene through professional cleaning.

During these routine visits, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues, looking for signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental issues. The cleaning portion removes plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can't address, helping prevent cavities and periodontal disease.

However, some individuals may need more frequent visits based on their specific oral health needs. People with a history of gum disease, those who smoke, individuals with diabetes, or patients with a weakened immune system might benefit from checkups every three to four months. Conversely, some people with excellent oral hygiene and no history of dental problems might only need annual visits.

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Your dentist will recommend a checkup schedule based on factors such as your oral hygiene habits, medical history, risk factors for dental disease, and current oral health status. It's important to maintain this recommended schedule, as regular dental visits are crucial for preventing serious dental problems and maintaining overall oral health.

The most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in Anderson, SC, include teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental bonding, clear aligners, and crowns. Each treatment addresses different smile concerns and offers unique benefits.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the most requested cosmetic treatment, brightening smiles dulled by coffee, aging, or lifestyle habits. At Waters Family Dentistry, we offer take-home whitening kits that deliver professional results in the comfort of your home.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of teeth to correct chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration. They're perfect for achieving a flawless smile with natural-looking results.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding involves using tooth-colored resin to quickly repair minor imperfections like small chips, cracks, or gaps. It's often completed in a single visit and provides an affordable way to enhance your smile.

Teeth Straightening

SureSmile® clear aligners straighten teeth discreetly, without traditional braces, making them popular for adults wanting to improve their smile alignment.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges serve dual purposes, restoring damaged teeth while enhancing aesthetics. They're ideal when teeth need both functional and cosmetic improvement.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Anderson, SC

During your consultation at Waters Family Dentistry in  Anderson, SC, Dr. Waters will evaluate your oral health, discuss your aesthetic dreams, and recommend treatments that align with your lifestyle and timeline. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward your ideal smile.

Cosmetic dentistry’s primary objective is to enhance the visual appeal of a person's smile and the integrity of their bite. In doing this, cosmetic dentistry addresses a wide range of issues, namely:

• Stains and discoloration from years of staining foods and beverages
• Misshapen or irregularly spaced teeth
• Visible cracks, chips, and enamel wear
• Dental misalignment

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry delivers a dramatic aesthetic and functional impact with minimal discomfort and downtime. These treatments include:

• Professional teeth whitening, to remove stubborn stains and discoloration.
• Dental bonding, which uses tooth-colored resin to repair imperfections.
• Thin porcelain overlays, or dental veneers, that cover dental imperfections without damaging natural tooth structure.
• Dental bridges, consisting of dental prosthetics anchored to adjacent teeth after tooth loss, to “bridge gaps.”
• Clear aligner orthodontic systems like SureSmile®, which use sets of mouthpiece-like aligners to gradually, comfortably, and discreetly straighten teeth.
• Tooth-colored fillings, made from quartz, silica, or ceramic, blend seamlessly with natural teeth and are extremely popular for minor chips, cracks, and cavities.

Seamless Smile Restoration with Cosmetic Dentistry in Anderson, SC

If you're in the Anderson area looking for a top-quality dental team with expertise to meet all of your cosmetic dentistry needs and elevate your smile to its radiant best, contact dentist Dr. John Waters and the excellent Waters Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Determining the best cosmetic dentistry option depends on your specific dental concerns, goals, budget, and overall oral health. Every patient's situation is unique, and what works well for one person may not be the ideal solution for another.

Common cosmetic dentistry options include teeth whitening for discoloration, dental veneers for improving the appearance of front teeth, dental bonding for minor repairs, crowns for severely damaged teeth, and orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners for alignment issues. Each treatment offers different benefits and varies in terms of cost, durability, and treatment time.

The best way to determine which cosmetic dental procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic dentist. During this appointment, they will evaluate your oral health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and consider factors such as your lifestyle, timeline, and budget. They can also show you before-and-after photos of similar cases and explain the pros and cons of each option.

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Your dentist will also need to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before moving forward with any cosmetic treatment. Some patients may need to address underlying dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, before pursuing cosmetic procedures. The final treatment plan should align with both your aesthetic goals and overall dental health needs.

Dental crowns and bridges are long-lasting restorations, but their lifespan can vary significantly depending on several factors including oral hygiene habits, bite forces, and the materials used in their construction.

On average, a well-maintained dental crown or bridge can last between 10 to 15 years, though some may last longer with excellent care. Crowns made from certain materials, such as porcelain fused to metal or all-metal crowns, tend to be more durable than all-porcelain options, though modern ceramic materials continue to improve in strength and longevity.

The longevity of these restorations greatly depends on how well you care for them. Regular brushing and flossing, avoiding hard foods that could damage the crown or bridge, and maintaining regular dental checkups can help extend their lifespan. It's also important to address habits like teeth grinding, which can wear down dental work more quickly.

Signs that a crown or bridge may need replacement include pain or discomfort, visible wear or damage, decay around the margins, or aesthetic concerns such as visible dark lines near the gum line.

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Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your dental work and identify any potential issues before they become serious problems. Call our dentist office in Anderson, SC, today.

The dental implant procedure is generally well-tolerated by most patients, thanks to modern anesthetic techniques and sedation options. While it's natural to have concerns about pain, most patients report experiencing less discomfort than they initially anticipated.

During the actual implant procedure, you'll be thoroughly numbed with local anesthetic, ensuring you don't feel pain while the dentist works. Many dental practices also offer various sedation options to help anxious patients feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. The most common sensation patients report during the procedure is pressure rather than pain.

After the procedure, some degree of discomfort is normal as the anesthetic wears off. Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness for a few days following the surgery, similar to that of a tooth extraction. This post-operative discomfort can typically be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain medications and following your dentist's aftercare instructions. The healing process is generally straightforward, with most patients returning to their normal activities within a day or two.

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Your dentist will provide specific instructions for pain management, including when to take medications and how to care for the surgical site. Any significant pain or discomfort that persists beyond the expected recovery period should be reported to your dentist promptly. Call us today for more information. 

Composite dental bonding typically lasts between 5 to 10 years, though the actual lifespan can vary significantly based on several factors, including oral hygiene practices, lifestyle habits, and the location of the bonding in your mouth.

The longevity of dental bonding largely depends on how well you care for your teeth. Daily habits such as grinding your teeth, biting fingernails, chewing ice, or using your teeth to open packages can significantly reduce the lifespan of bonded teeth. Additionally, consuming staining substances like coffee, tea, wine, or tobacco products can affect the appearance of the bonding material over time.

To maximize the durability of composite bonding, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Avoiding excessive pressure on bonded teeth and being mindful of consuming hard or sticky foods can help prevent damage to the composite material. Signs that your bonding may need replacement include chipping, staining, or separation from the natural tooth surface.

Need Composite Bonding in Anderson, SC?

Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your bonded teeth and recommend touch-ups or replacements when necessary. With proper care and maintenance, composite bonding can be a durable and cost-effective solution for minor cosmetic dental concerns.

The duration of SureSmile clear aligner treatment varies for each patient, but typically ranges from six to 18 months depending on the complexity of your orthodontic needs and your compliance with wearing the aligners as prescribed.

Treatment time is influenced by several factors, including the severity of misalignment, the specific movements needed to achieve your desired results, and most importantly, how consistently you wear your aligners. For optimal results, it's recommended to wear your SureSmile aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking hot beverages, and cleaning your teeth.

The advanced 3-D planning technology used by SureSmile allows your dentist to create a customized treatment plan that efficiently moves your teeth into their desired positions. During your initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your specific case and provide a more accurate estimate of your expected treatment duration based on your individual needs and goals. Some patients may see noticeable improvements within the first few months of treatment, though complete results will take longer to achieve.

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Regular checkups throughout your treatment allow your dentist to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you're on track to achieve your desired outcome. Remember that following your dentist's instructions precisely will help you complete your treatment as efficiently as possible. Call us today!

The longevity of teeth whitening results varies significantly from person to person, typically lasting anywhere from a few months to up to three years. The duration largely depends on your lifestyle habits and oral hygiene practices.

Several factors can affect how long your whitening results last, including dietary choices, smoking, and oral hygiene routines. Consuming staining substances such as coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco products can cause your teeth to gradually return to their previous shade. Additionally, natural aging processes and certain medications can influence the longevity of your whitening results.

To maintain your brighter smile for as long as possible, it's important to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Some patients choose to use whitening toothpaste or occasional touch-up treatments to extend their results. Avoiding or limiting consumption of staining foods and beverages, especially in the first few days after whitening, can also help preserve your results.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Anderson, SC

Your dentist can recommend the most appropriate whitening maintenance schedule based on your specific needs and lifestyle factors. They may suggest periodic touch-up treatments or at-home maintenance protocols to help you maintain your desired level of whiteness. Remember that everyone's teeth respond differently to whitening treatments, and results can vary based on the original shade of your teeth and the type of staining present.

Call us today to book your appointment!

Dental veneers are considered a permanent treatment because the process requires removing a small amount of natural tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer. While the veneers themselves aren't permanent, the alteration to your natural teeth is irreversible.

The average lifespan of porcelain veneers is typically between 10 to 15 years, though they can last longer with proper care and maintenance. Factors that influence their longevity include oral hygiene habits, lifestyle choices, and how well you protect them from excessive force or trauma. Once your original veneers reach the end of their lifespan, they will need to be replaced with new ones.

During the veneer placement process, your dentist removes approximately 0.5mm of enamel from the front surface of your teeth to ensure proper fit and natural appearance. This preparation process means that once you have veneers, you will always need some form of restoration on these teeth to protect them and maintain their appearance.

Ready to Learn More about Veneers in Anderson, SC?

To maximize the lifespan of your veneers, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, avoid using your teeth as tools, and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your veneers and address any issues before they become serious problems. While veneers are durable, they're not indestructible, and proper care is essential for long-term success.

Call us today to schedule your consultation at our dental office in Anderson, SC.

Adjusting to new dentures can vary significantly from person to person, but generally, individuals may require a few weeks to several months to fully acclimate. Initially, most denture wearers experience some discomfort or difficulty speaking and eating as their mouth adapts to the new prosthetic. In the first few days, it’s common to feel soreness or irritation in the gums, as the tissues are not used to having something foreign in the mouth.

During the initial adjustment period, it’s advisable to start with softer foods and gradually incorporate firmer ones as comfort increases. Practicing speech—reading aloud or repeating difficult words—can also help ease the transition. Some denture wearers find it beneficial to use denture adhesive for added stability, especially in the early stages, which can reduce anxiety about slippage.

Comfortable, Modern Dentures in Anderson, SC

Regular follow-up appointments with the dentist are essential, as adjustments might be needed for proper fit and comfort. These visits can provide reassurance and professional guidance throughout the process. Over time, typically within four to six weeks, most people report feeling more at ease with their dentures. While the adjustment period can be uncomfortable, with time, users often find that full adaptation leads to improved confidence and a better quality of life.

Call us today for more information or schedule your appointment.