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Common Questions
Answering Your Concerns
Here are our most commonly asked questions, giving you quick answers about our practice, philosophy, and procedures--at your convenience. Of course, if there's anything concerning you that we've not addressed here, please contact us by phone during office hours.
- How do Drs. Strawman and Kaiser keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
- How can I have whiter teeth?
- What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- What different payment options do you provide?
- I need to have some missing teeth replaced, but I don't want to worry about having a restoration that causes concern every time I eat, or that requires night-time removal.
- Crowns, Veneers, Partials and Implants--how can I learn more about these procedures?
- I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces, what can you do to help?
- What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
- What about my children, at what age do they first see a dentist?
- Do you accept referrals?
- Is there a way I can ask the Doctor questions directly?
How do Drs. Strawman and Kaiser keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Drs. Strawman and Kaiser subscribe to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental profession, and take time on a regular basis for continuing education and hands-on programs. Not only do they share this information with their entire staff, but each team member keeps up with their own areas of expertise through continuing education as well.
How can I have whiter teeth?
We are pleased to offer a simple, effective at-home supervised program called OpalescenceŽ. This ADA accepted system offers several concentrations, allowing us to tailor it to each individual's teeth whitening needs. Further, it's adhesive-type gel can provide results in just days, rather than in weeks as experienced with other systems. So if you're interested in finding out what whitening could do for you, we'll first evaluate your potential for whitening based on the current color of your teeth, and the causes of any discoloration. Next, we'll fabricate your own custom whitening trays, provide you with complete instructions on effective gel application and session lengths, and send you home to get started. Most patients can expect to end up with teeth approximately 3 shades brighter on the dental shade chart.
What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
After over 35 years combined experience in the field, Drs. Strawman and Kaiser offer wisdom and expertise that comes from years of practice. In fact, whether they're performing general dentistry, or procedures as complex as dental implants, both doctors possess an unusual amount of skill and gentleness. They're also committed to ongoing learning, as evidenced in his continuing education pursuits. And this desire to serve in excellence is shared by our entire staff!
Do you accept my insurance plan?
We do accept most insurance plans, and are well-versed in the latest coverage trends. We ask that you pay your co-pay at the time of your visit, and then we'll be happy to help you file to receive the benefits due you through your particular arrangement.
What different payment options do you provide?
We accept cash, personal checks, VISA and MasterCard. We also are glad to discuss third-party financing for more complex procedures. Your insurance plan CO-pay is due at the time of your visit.
I need to have some missing teeth replaced, but I don't want to worry about having a restoration that causes concern every time I eat, or that requires nighttime removal.
You don't have to deal with a removable prosthesis for the rest of your life, just because you're missing one or more teeth. We offer a superior, permanent option, backed by Dr. Strawman's 25 years of specific expertise: dental implants. Implants are tooth root substitutes that we permanently, surgically anchor to the jawbone, thus providing impressive advantages over other tooth replacement options. First, their stability and permanence allows them to restore, not limit, your ability to speak and eat normally. Also, their firm positioning supports jaw bone health and facial musculature, improving rather than detracting from your normal appearance. They do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, and therefore do not represent a threat to the integrity of your overall dental structural health. And finally, the implant's solid foundation eliminates the inconveniences and discomforts of ill-fitting prostheses. In fact, you'll probably forget they're even there!
Crowns, Veneers, Bridges, Partials and Implants--how can I learn more about these procedures?
With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or missing teeth--bringing your smile back to it's original shape and function. For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a 'cap', to cover the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of previously removed decay after the teeth been filled. Similarly, we can restore unattractive front teeth to pretty, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts. Or, for patients who are missing a number of front/side teeth, we can create a fixed bridge or removable partial denture. Partial dentures can be designed for either the upper or lower jaw, and may be all acrylic or metal and acrylic. They're attached to existing teeth by means of precision clasps, and must be removed for cleaning after eating, as well as for sleeping. We also perform a great number of surgical implant procedures, as a more permanent solution to tooth replacement. For more information on any of these procedures, please see our Patient Library, or talk with Drs. Strawman or Kaiser during your visit.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces, what can you do to help?
Drs. Strawman and Kaiser have a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces--either through bonding, all-porcelain crowns, or the addition of porcelain veneers. It depends on the specific patient preferences, and their particular situation: for slightly misshapen or unevenly worn teeth, composite resin bonding will often work wonders to even out a smile. Or, for slightly crooked front teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers or crowns may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We'd be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your needs.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
All of our dental assistants are Certified Dental Assistants, having completed a rigorous testing procedure by the Dental Assisting National Board. Our entire practice team is well-versed in state-of-the-art infection-control techniques designed to ensure patient safety. This includes the use of disposable supplies where appropriate, wearing gloves and face masks to prevent passing germs, and instrument sterilization via autoclave. Further, we're monitored weekly for any sign of infectious bacteria, and have maintained a perfect record.
What about my children, at what age do they first see a dentist?
We advise parents to bring their children in for that first dental visit at around 2 ˝ years of age. First of all, this "happy visit" provides us with an opportunity to spot and prevent any potential oral health/dental problems without actually having to do any immediate work on the child that would cause fear. Secondly, it helps us get acquainted with him/her so that when they come in for their first cleaning appointment six months later, they're comfortable with our office and staff.
Do you accept referrals?
We're more than happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends! In fact, if you have someone you'd like to refer, please pass along our website address so that they can familiarize themselves with our practice prior to their visit.
Is there a way I can ask the Doctor questions directly?
We encourage our patients to have open, direct communication with Drs. Strawman and Kaiser. Therefore, they're available daily to return phone calls and answer your questions. Depending on office traffic and the complexity of your question, they strive to respond within 24 hours.
