An in-house dental membership plan may seem enticing with straightforward information and low price points, but many patients wonder if it is the best choice over your traditional dental insurance coverage. Here’s the short answer - yes, an in-house dental membership plan is the best solution to affordable dental care. At Belvedere Family Dentistry, we know that insurance can be a big headache. That’s why we offer our own in-house plan to make it easy on all of our patients to get the proper care they need and deserve. 

With a dental membership plan, you will have access to affordable, comprehensive dental care that alleviates the hassle of an insurance policy but does not break the bank as paying out-of-pocket for your services tends to feel. Plus, there is no fine print excluding you from getting the dental treatment you need to maintain good oral health! You know what you will get and what you will pay up front when you first sign up for one of our plans.

Not only do we have a variety of plans to choose from for both children and adults, we offer additional savings on services that fall outside of these plans to further save you money. Every plan we put together includes two professional cleanings, two regular exams, two oral screenings, routine X-rays, and even an emergency exam. Our perio plan also includes extra cleanings and exams for patients who are prone to gum disease. Our team will help choose the plan that is best for you, but overall they are each simple to understand, cover the care you need at a discounted price, and will always be reliable.  

If you are ready to save on your dental care and maintain the best oral health for you and your family, ask us for more information about our membership program. Call our front desk today at 704-927-5499 and we will be happy to help move you forward or answer any further questions you may have!

Some of the most common questions our patients ask at Belvedere Family Dentistry have to do with dental x-rays: Are they safe? Why do I or my kids need them? How often should I get them? These are great questions (and we love how much you prioritize your oral health). The answers can get complex quickly, so we’ll do our best to cover the basics for you in this post.

Let’s start with the most important question—safety. Both the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) test dental x-rays to make sure they’re safe for patients of all ages. These governing bodies revise their guidelines when any advances in science and technology provide new methods to reduce exposure. Thanks to faster film speeds, digital X-rays, and protective aprons and thyroid collars, the dental X-rays we provide today are far superior to those taken even just a few years ago.

This applies to children, too. Today’s X-rays are so safe, in fact, that the amount of radiation a child is exposed to through dental X-rays of their back molars is roughly equivalent to the amount of radiation they are exposed to in the environment on a daily basis.

Why Do You Need X-Rays?

Dental X-rays, also called radiographs, help your dentist spot conditions, like cavities, tooth misalignment, and abscesses, that they can’t see through a visual examination. X-rays are especially important for children because they are generally more susceptible to tooth decay than adults. The benefits of dental X-rays, which include diagnosing decay, pathology, or any abnormalities, far outweigh the risks of exposure to this minimal dose of radiation.

How Often Should I Get Them?

Your dental X-ray schedule depends on a number of factors, including your medical and dental history. Generally, patients without a history of cavities or dental disease are recommended to undergo one set of X-rays every two to three years. The best way to reduce the number of X-rays you need in your visits with us is to continue following a good oral hygiene regimen at home in between your regular, bi-annual appointments.

Wondering When You’re Due for X-Rays?

Call our front office at Belvedere Family Dentistry & Orthodontics today at 704-927-5499 to ask a member of our team about your dental history! We will be happy to help you schedule your next appointment if you are overdue, or if you know you have not had dental x-rays taken in a while you can quickly schedule online with us HERE.

Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on top and two on the bottom. Wisdom teeth begin to erupt from ages 17-25. Usually, no one notices wisdom teeth until they begin to hurt.
Perplexed people with new wisdom teeth that are uncomfortable will have questions for a dentist. Here are some considerations.

If the wisdom teeth are healthy and present no problem with space, the teeth need not be removed. However, most of us have space for only about 28 teeth in our mouths. Anything more than that may present crowded conditions. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons states that 85 percent of people eventually require wisdom teeth removal. Teeth trapped in the gum under other teeth or bone are especially problematical. These are called impacted wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth removal may be required for the following symptoms:
Headache or Jaw Ache
Headaches or jaw pain may be indicative of impacted wisdom teeth pushing against jaw bone.

Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck
Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that the body is fighting an infection. The gum over the wisdom teeth may have infection or the teeth themselves may be infected.

Difficulty Opening the Mouth
Pain and stiffness in the hinge of the jaw could indicate infection in the posterior area of the mouth where wisdom teeth erupt.

If any of these discomforts arise, please make a dental appointment with a Uptown Charlotte dentist today to have the new teeth examined and X-rayed. X-rays will determine whether the teeth are damaged or impacted and harming other teeth. Our skilled Uptown Charlotte dentist will then determine the exact location of the teeth and advise the best strategy for the wisdom teeth surgery, as symptomatic cases usually require removal. Occasionally, impacted wisdom teeth do not require wisdom teeth surgery, as they are not pressing against other teeth or bone, and show no indications of future distresses.

Pain in the jaw or gum can indicate impacted wisdom teeth. These may need to be checked, and if impacted or infected, removed. A Uptown Charlotte dentist can examine the teeth, X-ray them, and determine the best course of action for you.

You finally did it.

You committed to teeth whitening so you could show the world the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Now when you smile at people you meet, they smile back in a big way. Yes, you’ve had a lot of general dentistry help (and a bit of cosmetic dentistry, too) from a Uptown Charlotte dentist you really trust. You finally took it all up one more notch, though, and did the teeth whitening procedure you always dreamed of doing. Now the challenge is, how do you keep that gorgeous smile looking white and bright and dazzling? Here are a few easy tips for maintaining your White Smile.

1. Stay Natural and Healthy. Eating natural vegetables like raw carrots, broccoli and celery sticks will keep your teeth clean and stain-free. Think of eating raw vegetables as a natural teeth whitening treatment every time you chew.

2. Stay Hydrated. A cool glass of water not only hydrates your body, but it helps to clear bacteria from your mouth before it can become plaque. Stay hydrated and stay white at the same time.

3. Add a Little Baking Soda. Just once a week, put a little baking soda on your toothbrush to give yourself a quick cleaning. It’s natural and inexpensive to clean your teeth this way, and it can work wonders.

4. Sip Tea From a Straw. Tea is a delicious, healthy drink, but it can cause stains on your teeth. To avoid stains, sip through a straw to avoid contact between the tea and your teeth.

5. Avoid food and drinks that cause stains, like coffee, tea, dark juices and red wine.

You worked hard with a dedicated Uptown Charlotte dentist to get those bright teeth. Ensure that all that cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry were worth it by taking care of that bright smile.

If you are ready to commit to a beautifully white, bright smile, call our Uptown Charlotte dental office today to make an appointment. Your teeth will thank you

While finding dental care has to be treated with the utmost caution, finding a dentist in Uptown Charlotte doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task.

General Dentists

A general dentist is the first line of defense in oral health. And good dental health is critical to our overall physical and mental well-being. These clinicians offer complete family dentistry, showing us the best ways to take care of our mouths through checkups to braces. They will be instrumental in detecting problems that could lead to veneers, implants and wisdom teeth removal.

A general dentist is the focal point of all your mouth needs. Locating a local practice that participates in your dental plan will be easy enough. What should truly influence your decision is convenient office hours, the approach to preventive dentistry, is the office neat and orderly, and is staff organized and patient about answering questions. It isn’t a myth that, in the majority, we’re afraid of the dentist. It’s imperative we find one that makes us comfortable. Their service will lead to good dental needs from orthodontics to cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentists

At some point, a cosmetic dentist will cross many of our paths. These are professionals who deal with the beauty of your smile, an important tool in everything from self-esteem to social interaction. Once a dentist in Uptown Charlotte has determined you need certain specialized services, you will be referred to a cosmetic dentist. There are dental practices in Uptown Charlotte that manage specialized as well as general services. Either way, if needed, you will be under the guidance of trained professionals who manage periodontal diseases and restorative treatments, including crowns, fluoride treatments, root canal therapy and extractions.

Under the counsel of a general dentist and cosmetic dentistry in Uptown Charlotte, you’ll have versatility in correcting aesthetic flaws in the mouth. You will be able to create a newer, younger look. You will be treated and educated in the many ways to prevent dental damage. Best of all, you will enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile.

We lament there are so many people who are afraid to smile because they’re not comfortable with their teeth. If you need a professional, reliable and comforting dentist, go ahead and give us a call and make an appointment today.

Your teeth can stay visibly white for up to six months after a teeth whitening procedure, but only if you’re taking the very best care of your teeth after the procedure. How can you ensure that you maintain those white teeth that are smiling brightly back at you in the mirror for the longest period of time?

 

Eat Healthier

The foods that you eat do affect the whiteness of your teeth! Avoid sugary sweets, including drinks, which can cause discoloration as well as cavities. Coffee, soda, and tea also are known to stain the teeth. Water is always the best drink to reach for, and fruit to calm the sweet tooth. If you simply must drink coffee, tea, soda, etc. make sure that you brush your teeth afterward, if possible.

 

Watch Your Habits

Not only can the foods that you eat cause tooth discoloration, so can your habits! Smoking is one of the habits that causes tooth discoloration, not to mention horrible smoker’s breath!

 

Brush Your Teeth

Twice per day, two minutes each time. Brushing your teeth properly is the absolute best way to ensure that you get the most out of your whitening procedure and visit from the Charlotte dentist. Both the front and back of the teeth should be brushed for two to three minutes each brushing session. Don’t forget to brush to tongue, too! Be sure to floss to remove particles stuck between the teeth.

 

Choose Your Oral Health Products

The toothpaste and toothbrush that you’re using to care for your teeth is important. It is imperative that you own both quality toothpaste and toothbrush to thoroughly remove plaque from the teeth and for cavity prevention. It is worth paying a little more to obtain quality products and keep the white teeth that you want.

 

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Cosmetic dentistry is to thank for the awesome smile looking back at you, impressing everyone who sees that gorgeous smile. Make sure that you use cosmetic dentistry services for teeth whitening twice per year for a professional tooth whitening service. While the at-home kits provide some results, nothing can replace the outstanding results offered from the Charlotte dentist!

For a large portion of the population, dental checkups are a stressful experience. Some people worry that the dentist will find a cavity or other dental issue, and other people find the cleaning process to be painful and uncomfortable. However, visiting your general dentist for regular checkups is essential for maintaining good dental health, and checkups and cleanings will be beneficial in the long run.

You can make dental checkups much easier by being prepared for the appointment. Here are four steps you can take to prepare:

Brush and Floss

Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before you leave for your appointment. If you’ve gone several months without flossing, flossing every day for the week leading up to your appointment will probably not fool your general dentist. Flossing at least once is better than not flossing at all, though, and most people like to go to their appointment with a clean mouth. However, you should avoid brushing your teeth too aggressively as it can damage your gums and make your teeth more sensitive.

Take ibuprofen to Help with Pain

Some people find the cleaning procedure at a checkup to be painful. If you’re worried about pain at your appointment, take the recommended dose of ibuprofen about an hour before your checkup. You can also take one about six hours after the appointment to reduce any inflammation.

Think of Any Dental Problems You’ve Been Experiencing

If you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, write them down or take a mental note of them. A general dentistry appointment is the best time to ask about any problems you’ve experienced. Some common problems include:

Confirm Your Appointment in Advance and Arrive Early

Call or email your dentist’s office a day or two before your appointment to confirm it. If you have to cancel, make sure to give them 24 hours notice. On the day of the appointment, try to arrive 10 or 15 minutes early in case you need to fill out any paperwork.

Our Uptown Charlotte dentists can provide general checkups and cleanings, and they can answer any questions you may have about your dental health. If you need a dental checkup, call our Uptown Charlotte dentist office today to schedule an appointment.

Although dentistry has evolved incredibly, many Americans still suffer loss of teeth through decay, gum disease and accidents. For many years, the available dental treatments for these misfortunes were bridges and ultimately, dentures.

Today a cosmetic dentist can provide teeth that look, feel and perform just like natural teeth.

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the perfect way to regain natural, beautiful teeth.
Implants provide a root structure for new teeth, with special titanium posts placed in the jaw bone. When bone grows and affixes around these posts, they become part of the natural structure of the jaw. When artificial teeth are attached to the posts via individual implants or a denture bridge, they provide a strong, stable structure much like natural teeth.
With proper oral hygiene, implants may last a lifetime.

Am I a candidate for implants?
Commitment to routine dental visits and good oral hygiene are a prerequisite for successful implants. An x-ray will determine if you have enough bone in your jaw to hold the implants firmly. Special evaluation must be considered if you suffer from chronic disorders such as diabetes, or if you smoke. These factors may affect the successful outcome of the implant procedure.

What happens during an implant procedure?
A cosmetic dentist will devise an individualized plan for you. A coordinated team trained in oral surgery will work to provide your treatment.
A surgical template, or guide, is made for your individual dental structure.
A tooth root implant made of titanium is placed into your jaw by the cosmetic dentist. An oral surgery procedure places the implant underneath the gum and against the bone. Integration with the bone mass must occur, which can take from six to 12 weeks.
When healing is successful, the surgeon connects a post to the titanium root, called an abutment. This will be the connecting point for new individual teeth or a special denture.

Is this process painful?
Most people are surprised at how little discomfort they experience. Local anesthesia is provided. If you are anxious about your surgery, the dentist can provide an intravenous sedative.

Success rate
Discomfort is minimal and the success rate for bone healing is 95-97%. The procedure is team-organized and carefully constructed.

If you would like to regain your natural smile through beautiful implants, click here for an appointment now.

Inside each of the teeth are both blood vessels and also nerve tissues. When a cavity occurs, these areas can become infected. Root canal treatment can help to restore functionality to the tooth and remove the tender sensations that come from the inflammation. A root canal can be done on a tooth that has severe decay, has developed an abscess, or when there has been facial trauma.

Signs A Root Canal Is Needed

Most people avoid their local dentist’s office until there is a problem. When swelling in the face or neck occurs, there is pain when drinking or eating anything hot or cold, or a sac is filled with pus beside an infected tooth; they head to the nearest dental center that can help. When there is inflammation inside the tooth, it can cause chronic bad breath and discoloration to the tooth itself. These situations can be very serious in nature. When infection is this severe, it can get into the bloodstream and cause sepsis.

Technology Chances The Once Dreaded Treatment

Many patients delay the inevitable because they fear root canal treatment. However, you should not delay treatment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. The longer an infected tooth is allowed to go, it can affect long-term dental health, as well as the structure and integrity of the teeth and gum area. There is no reason to fear the root canal. Dental technology has progressed so much that the once painful procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a tooth filled these days.

The Procedure

Your local dentist’s office wants to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the session. An anesthetic is given to numb the gums near the affected tooth before the root canal begins. They will make sure the area is fully numb before working. A special instrument will be used to eradicate the infected tooth pulp from the area. Once it is removed, the inside of the tooth will be cleaned. Finally, a sealant will be put on top of the tooth to protect against any infection in the future. Many people are able to chew normal foods right away. It is a pretty straightforward procedure that can be done in a matter of minutes. Any mild discomfort could not compare to the pain of an infected tooth.

Call our Downtown Charlotte Dentist today for an appointment.

Going to the local dentist office for a routine cleaning or a few fillings may be commonplace to you, but it can be very frightening for young children. Even if your child has never had a bad experience, the sights, smells and sounds can be scary and having a stranger poking around with metal objects can be uncomfortable. Here are some tips for making sure your child is confident and compliant at the dentist’s office.

Seek Out a Children’s Dentist

It takes special skills to work with children. Their mouths are physically smaller, meaning there is less space to work. Some children gag very easily and may heave if a tool or finger brushes their tongue or roof of their mouth. Children may also have a shorter attention span or be less able to control their tongue during dental work. A children’s dentist will have the special tools and patience required to work with kids.

Practice at Home

If the only time an adult looks in a child’s mouth is at the dentist’s office, it can seem very invasive and uncomfortable to the child. Have your child recline with their head in your lap and look in their mouth with a small flashlight. Use their toothbrush to count their teeth and inspect them. If your child has a sensitive gag reflex, work on having him or her gently press the toothbrush against their own tongue to learn not to gag. Make it fun and normal to practice dental hygiene at home.

Avoid Horror Stories and Scary Words

Try not to talk about shots, needles, drills and pain and instead use words like numbing medicine, cleaning machine, ‘fixing tool,’ vibration and pressure. Explain to your child that dental procedures shouldn’t hurt, and that the sensations of pressure and vibration can be unusual but not something to be feared. If you are a nervous patient yourself or have had bad experiences, try not to let your child see your apprehension or overhear your horror stories.

Make Dental Care Routine

Take your child to the dentist every six months as soon as their first tooth erupts. This will allow them to grow up with dental care being commonplace. Don’t wait until your child has nearly a full set of teeth! Children need to start going to the local dentist office and practicing dental hygiene very young to develop comfort with these routines.

Children can be afraid at the dentist’s office, even if they’ve never had a bad experience. If your child needs dental work, call our office today to schedule an appointment.

Uptown Charlotte Dentistry & Orthodontics

Specializing in Invisalign, Composite Bonding, Veneers and Crowns.

We do our best to make it easy for you to get the beautiful smile you deserve! Our office accepts nearly all major insurance plans. Even though dental insurance is a private arrangement between you and your company, we will file your claim, handle all the paperwork, and help you get maximum insurance benefits.

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