FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cosmetic Dentist?
Cosmetic dentists study advanced techniques in the delivery of dental care that enhances the esthetics of a patient's smile. This will typically involve comprehensive esthetic care involving the treatment of the patient's oral soft tissues and teeth. Although many dentists advertise that they do cosmetic dentistry, few have attained the accreditation of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. For more information, visit the AACD's website. www.aacd.com

What is a veneer?
A veneer is a thin porcelain facing that goes over the front and top of your front teeth. They can be used to reshape teeth, straighten crooked teeth, whiten teeth, or close spaces in your teeth. Veneers are often placed on multiple teeth to give patients a natural, healthy and attractive smile.

What is involved with teeth bleaching?
Dr. Bernal has worked with and researched all the available types and methods of teeth bleaching. Currently, he is primarily using an in-office Power Bleaching called "Zoom!". Patients can have their teeth lightened in one hour in our office. The result is brighter, healthier looking teeth.

Does teeth bleaching damage my teeth?
Dr. Bernal's research concludes that this is a safe process. Essentially, the stain on the outer surface of the enamel of the teeth is bleached away using a mild bleach solution. The internal portion of the tooth is not affected.

Can you really make my crown or onlay in one appointment without impressions or temporaries?
Yes, with the technologic aid of the CEREC system, crown and onlay teeth can be digitally scanned by a computer, and a porcelain restoration is designed and produced in the office. The restoration is then placed while the patient is still in the dental chair. Life like porcelain restorations are delivered with no impressions, no temporaries and no second visits!

What is an onlay?
In the past, when a tooth was damaged to the point where a filling could not be placed, the tooth was prepared for a crown. Today, we can use porcelain onlays to restore these teeth. Old filling material as well as decay is removed from the tooth. The remaining healthy tooth structure is smoothed and refined and a porcelain "insert" is fabricated, which replicates exactly the tooth structure that is missing. This strong, durable restoration is bonded into place. The advantage of this restoration is that is looks more natural than a crown and is less destructive to the tooth structure.

What is the difference between tooth colored fillings and silver fillings?
Silver fillings are made of a combination of many metals, including silver and mercury. In our practice, we place tooth colored fillings that are made of a strong resin material, which is bonded into the tooth. They are natural looking and add internal strength to the tooth.

Does Dr. Bernal treat children?
Dr. Bernal does outstanding dentistry, however he does not treat young children as he focuses on high quality dental care for teen and adult patients.

What are your office hours for dental treatment?
We see patients in our practice from 8am until 5pm, Monday through Thursday. Dr. Bernal is available to patients of record outside of treatment hours for urgent emergency care.

Does your office make financial arrangements?
For most routine dental care, our patients pay for their dental care at the time of service. However, arrangements which work into our patients' budgets are often made for more extensive treatment.

Does your office take my insurance?
Our practice is committed to providing the highest quality of dental care in a safe environment. This commitment involves many factors including skill and level of care from our staff, quality of materials used, quality of equipment used, and level of continuing dental education of our doctor and staff. Insurance companies set arbitrary reimbursement fees for specific dental procedures. These reimbursements have no consideration for the level of care that Dr. Bernal provides. Dr. Bernal is able to provide the finest care available because he is not affiliated with any of these dental insurance contracts. The services performed in our office are covered by most insurances. The rate at which they are covered usually can be determined prior to the initiation of any treatment. Please contact our office if you would like specific insurance information.