Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The cost of cosmetic dentistry varies widely depending on which treatments you choose and the extent of your smile transformation. At SJ Dental, we believe in transparent pricing and helping you understand your investment before committing to treatment.

Factors Affecting Cosmetic Dentistry Cost

Several factors influence the final cost of your cosmetic dental work:

• Treatment Complexity — Simple teeth whitening costs less than comprehensive smile makeovers
• Number of Teeth — Treating one tooth versus multiple teeth affects pricing
• Materials Used — Premium materials like porcelain veneers cost more than composite bonding
• Time Required — Single-visit treatments differ in cost from multi-appointment procedures

Making Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

During your consultation, our cosmetic dentists will discuss your options, including conservative approaches that fit different budgets. We accept most traditional dental insurance plans with in and out-of-network benefits and can help you understand your coverage. While cosmetic procedures aren't always covered, some treatments may qualify for partial reimbursement.

We believe everyone deserves a smile they love, so we'll work with you to create a treatment plan that balances your goals with your financial comfort.

Ready to Discuss Your Smile Goals?

Call SJ Dental at (330) 888-1326 to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation. We welcome patients from Twinsburg, Hudson, Solon, Aurora, Stow, and all surrounding communities.

A well-maintained dental crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years, though many patients enjoy their crowns for 20 years or even longer with proper care. The lifespan of your crown depends on several factors, including the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and how you use your teeth day to day.

Choosing the Right Crown Material

There are two primary materials for crowns, each with distinct advantages:

• Porcelain crowns provide exceptional aesthetic results and are ideal for front teeth, where appearance is crucial. Porcelain may be slightly less durable than zirconia for heavy chewing forces.
• Zirconia crowns are known for their superior strength and durability, making them ideal for molars that withstand significant chewing pressure. They're highly resistant to chips and cracks, though they may not be as aesthetic as porcelain. 

Dr. Jing and Dr. Steve will help you choose the best material based on which tooth needs restoration, your bite pattern, and your aesthetic preferences.

Essential Care Tips for Dental Crowns

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene — Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss around your crown carefully every day. 
2. Watch What Foods You Eat — Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or using your teeth as tools. Sticky foods like caramels can also potentially dislodge crowns.
3. Keep Up with Dental Checkups — Regular visits every six months allow our team to monitor your crown's condition and catch any issues early. 

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

If you need a dental crown or want to discuss whether yours might need replacement, call our Twinsburg dental office at (330) 888-1326. We proudly serve patients throughout Hudson, Solon, Aurora, and Stow.

Most adults with missing teeth are excellent candidates for dental implants, especially if they have good overall health and adequate jawbone to support the implant. However, certain conditions may require treatment before we can proceed with implant placement.

Ideal Implant Candidates

The best dental implant candidates share several key characteristics:

• Sufficient jawbone density
• Healthy gums
• Good overall health
• Non-smoker or willing to quit
• Commitment to oral hygiene

Preparing for Dental Implant Success

• Treat Gum Disease— If you have periodontal disease, we need to eliminate the infection before placing your implant. Gum disease creates an environment where implants can't integrate properly with your bone, so we'll get your gums healthy first.
• Build Up Your Bone — If your jawbone lacks sufficient density, bone grafting can create a solid foundation for your implant. This procedure adds bone material to deficient areas, where it integrates over several months. For upper back teeth, a sinus lift may be necessary to create adequate space between your jaw and sinus cavity.
• Address Tobacco Use — Smoking restricts blood flow to your gums, which dramatically slows healing and increases your risk of implant failure. We strongly encourage patients to quit smoking before implant surgery for long-term success.
• Manage Chronic Conditions — Diabetes or osteoporosis don't necessarily disqualify you, but they do require careful management. We'll work closely with your physician to ensure your condition is well-controlled before proceeding.

Discover Your Implant Options

Curious whether dental implants are right for you? Call SJ Dental to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our dentist in Twinsburg, OH. We welcome patients from Hudson, Solon, Aurora, and Stow.

The standard recommendation for dental checkups is every six months. However, some patients need more frequent visits based on their oral health needs. Even if you brush and floss and aren’t experiencing any issues, regular checkups are crucial.

Why Six-Month Checkups Are Standard

The twice-yearly schedule is based on how quickly plaque and tartar build up on your teeth and how fast dental problems can develop. Even with excellent brushing and flossing at home, professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that your toothbrush can't tackle.

When You Might Need More Frequent Visits

• Active Gum Disease — If you have periodontal disease, we'll likely recommend cleanings every three to four months. Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is a continuous process, and regular maintenance helps keep the infection under control and prevents bone loss around your teeth.
• History of Cavities — If you tend to develop cavities between regular visits, Dr. Jing or Dr. Steve might recommend more frequent checkups to monitor trouble spots.
• Pregnancy and Medical Conditions — Pregnancy hormones can make gums more susceptible to inflammation, and conditions like diabetes increase your risk for gum disease. More frequent visits help us stay ahead of potential problems during these vulnerable times.
• Tobacco Use — Smoking and tobacco use significantly increase your risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Regular screenings become even more critical for early detection.

Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup

Ready to schedule your routine visit or overdue for a cleaning? Call SJ Dental today. Dr. Jing and Dr. Steve are your trusted dentists in Twinsburg, OH, proudly serving families throughout Hudson, Solon, Aurora, and Stow.

The timeline for a full smile makeover varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case and which treatments your personalized plan includes. Some patients complete their transformation in just a few months, while more comprehensive makeovers involving multiple procedures may take six months to a year or longer.

Factors That Influence Treatment Time

Several considerations affect how long your smile makeover will take:

• Number and Type of Procedures — Simple cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening and bonding, require minimal time. In contrast, restorative work like dental implants, orthodontics, or gum disease treatment extends the timeline considerably.
• Healing Timelines — Some procedures require healing periods between steps. For example, dental implants need three to six months for the jawbone to fuse with the implant post before the final restoration can be placed.
• Sequenced Treatment — Certain procedures must happen in a specific order. Orthodontic treatment or gum disease therapy typically comes first, followed by restorative work, and finishing with cosmetic enhancements like veneers or whitening for optimal results.
• Scheduling Preferences — At SJ Dental, we work with your availability and preferences to create a timeline that fits your life. Some patients prefer completing treatments quickly, while others spread appointments over time to accommodate work schedules or budget considerations.

Need More Information?

If you're curious about what a full smile makeover could do for you and how long it might take, call SJ Dental at (330) 888-1326 to schedule your evaluation. We welcome patients from Twinsburg, Hudson, Solon, Aurora, Stow, and all surrounding communities.

Yes, wearing a retainer after Invisalign is essential to maintain your newly aligned smile. Without retention, your teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions, often in a matter of months after finishing treatment.

Why Retainers Are Non-Negotiable

Your teeth sit in bone that's surrounded by elastic ligaments and soft tissue. Even after Invisalign moves your teeth into their ideal positions, these surrounding tissues need time to stabilize and adapt to the change.

Teeth have a natural tendency to shift throughout your life, even if you've never had orthodontic treatment. Age, genetics, teeth grinding, and even jaw growth can cause movement. Your retainer counteracts these forces and keeps your smile exactly where you want it.

What to Expect with Retainer Wear

Retention needs vary, but a typical schedule might look like this:

• The First Few Months — Initially, you'll wear your retainer full-time (about 22 hours daily), removing it only for eating and cleaning. This intensive phase allows your bone and gum tissue to solidify around your newly positioned teeth.
• Long-Term Retention — After the initial period, most patients transition to wearing their retainer only at night. Our Invisalign dentist in Twinsburg will provide personalized guidance based on your teeth's response and individual risk factors for shifting.

Protect Your Invisalign Results

Ready to get started with Invisalign or have questions about retention? Call SJ Dental to schedule a consultation so we can help you. We proudly serve patients throughout Hudson, Solon, Aurora, Stow, and beyond.

Porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, but they still require proper care to maintain their beauty and maximize their lifespan. Caring for veneers is similar to natural teeth, with a few considerations to keep them looking stunning for 10–15 years or longer.

Daily Oral Hygiene Essentials

Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft-bristle toothbrush. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your veneers and along the gum line.

Habits to Avoid with Veneers

Veneers are strong but not indestructible.

• Biting hard objects — Don't use your veneered teeth to open packages, bite fingernails, or chew on ice, pens, or other hard items that could chip or crack the porcelain.
• Grinding and clenching — If you grind your teeth at night, wear a custom nightguard to prevent damaging your veneers.

Regular Dental Checkups Matter

Schedule professional cleanings and checkups every six months so we can monitor your veneers and maintain the health of your underlying teeth and gums. Routine exams enable us to identify minor issues early, preventing them from becoming more significant problems that require veneer replacement.

Porcelain Veneers in Twinsburg, OH

With proper care and regular dental visits, your porcelain veneers will continue looking beautiful and natural for many years. If you have questions about caring for your veneers or maintaining your cosmetic dental work, call SJ Dental at (330) 888-1326. We welcome patients from Twinsburg, Hudson, Solon, Aurora, Stow, and all surrounding communities.

Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always preferable to extraction. Keeping teeth intact helps prevent neighboring teeth from tilting and moving into the space, thereby eliminating the need for complex tooth replacement options. Your natural tooth is designed to last a lifetime, and root canal treatment gives it that chance.

Root Canals vs. Tooth Extraction

There are several reasons why root canal treatment is preferable to extraction:

• Natural Chewing Function — Nothing works quite like your natural tooth. Root canal treatment maintains normal biting force and efficient chewing, allowing you to continue enjoying all your favorite foods.
• Jawbone Health and Facial Structure — Your tooth root stimulates your jawbone, keeping it strong and healthy. Removing the tooth results in lost stimulation, which can lead to bone loss that may eventually affect your facial appearance and complicate future tooth replacements.
• Cost-Effectiveness — A root canal with a crown often costs significantly less than an implant or bridge, and the process typically requires fewer appointments. Plus, many dental insurance plans cover a substantial portion of root canal treatment.

If you're worried about pain, the fact is that root canals don't cause pain—they relieve it. With modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients report that the procedure feels about as involved as getting a filling.

Save Your Smile with a Root Canal

Experiencing tooth pain or told you need a root canal? Call SJ Dental to discuss your options with Dr. Jing or Dr. Steve, your friendly dentists in Twinsburg, OH. We serve patients throughout Hudson, Solon, Aurora, and Stow.

Tooth staining occurs when pigmented substances from foods, drinks, and lifestyle habits penetrate tooth enamel or accumulate on its surface. Fortunately, most staining is preventable with smart habits and proper dental care.

Common Culprits Behind Tooth Staining

Understanding what causes staining helps you make better choices throughout your day:

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Dark sodas and sports drinks
• Berries
• Tomato-based sauces
• Tobacco use

Simple Strategies to Keep Your Smile Bright

• Drink Water — Chase that morning coffee or glass of red wine with water to rinse away staining pigments. Even better, use a straw for staining beverages to minimize contact with your front teeth.
• Brush Wisely —Brushing after consuming staining foods and drinks helps prevent the pigments from settling on your teeth, but it’s crucial to wait 30 minutes. Acids temporarily soften enamel, and brushing too soon can damage it.
• Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene — Brushing twice daily and flossing once removes surface stains, preventing minor discoloration from becoming a bigger cosmetic concern.
• Schedule Professional Cleanings — Even with excellent home care, surface stains accumulate over time. Routine teeth cleanings remove stubborn staining that regular brushing can't, keeping your smile fresh and bright.

Consider Professional Teeth Whitening

When prevention isn't enough, professional whitening can make a dramatic difference. At SJ Dental, we offer custom take-home whitening kits with Opalescence that deliver safe, effective results in the comfort of your home.

Ready to brighten your smile or learn more about preventing tooth stains? Call SJ Dental to schedule your appointment with Dr. Jing or Dr. Steve, your dentist in Twinsburg, OH. We're here for patients throughout Hudson, Solon, Aurora, and Stow.

Following proper care instructions after a tooth extraction helps you heal quickly and comfortably while preventing complications like dry socket or infection. Most patients recover fully within one to two weeks when they follow these guidelines carefully.

The First 24 Hours: Critical Care Steps

• Control Bleeding — Bite down gently on the provided gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after extraction. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and maintain pressure.
• Protect the Blood Clot — That clot forming in the socket is essential for healing. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for at least 24 hours—the suction can dislodge the clot and cause painful dry socket.
• Manage Swelling and Discomfort — Apply an ice pack to your face for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off during the first day to reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Take pain medication as recommended, ideally before the anesthesia wears off completely.

Ongoing Care Throughout Recovery

• After 24 hours, you can brush your teeth carefully, but avoid the extraction site for the first few days.
• Stick with soft, cool foods at first—yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot liquids or crunchy foods.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over, as these activities can trigger bleeding.
• Contact us immediately if you experience severe pain that worsens after a few days, persistent bleeding, fever, excessive swelling, or difficulty swallowing.

Questions About Your Recovery?

Proper post-extraction care ensures the smoothest, most comfortable possible recovery. Call your trusted dentist in Twinsburg, OH, if you have questions. We proudly serve patients throughout Hudson, Solon, Aurora, and Stow.