Frequently Asked Questions
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How can we help you?
Your questions are important to Dr. Matchett and our dental team. By sharing what’s on your mind, you help us better understand your unique oral health concerns, habits, and goals. Open communication also fosters trust, making it comfortable for you to express your concerns and have honest discussions with us about your oral health. Asking questions empowers you to make informed, confident decisions, creating a more positive, comfortable dental experience.
On this page, you’ll find some of the most common questions we hear, but we encourage you to contact us if there’s something on your mind that you don’t see included here.
General
Do you accept my insurance?
As a fee-for-service / out-of-network in Sherman Oaks, CA, we don’t accept dental insurance directly; however, we are happy to process your insurance claims on your behalf.
The difference is that you pay for your treatment at the time of service. We then submit your claim, and your insurance reimburses you according to your plan’s coverage. It’s important to be aware of your coverage, as the reimbursement amount can vary depending on your specific plan.
What Does Fee for Service Mean?
Fee-for-service means that we operate independently of dental insurance networks. We focus solely on providing personalized, high-quality dental care without restrictions from insurance providers. This way, we maintain our high treatment standards while ensuring you receive the most suitable and effective dental care for your individual needs.
The benefit of a fee-for-service dentist is that we can devote more time to you. We use advanced dental technology and offer a broader range of services than many in-network providers. Using this approach allows us to prioritize your oral health and recommend treatment without limitations set by insurance companies.
Cosmetic Dentistry
How can cosmetic dentistry improve my smile?
Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of services to address aesthetic concerns and enhance and improve your smile’s appearance. The goal is not just to help you look good but also to help you feel good and give you the freedom to smile confidently.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Sherman Oaks, CA
Dr. John Matchett offers numerous aesthetic dental services to help create your dream smile.
- Dental veneers — These thin porcelain shells can correct a variety of cosmetic concerns, such as broken, cracked, or discolored teeth, and minor alignment issues.
- Teeth whitening — Our custom take-home whitening kits let you brighten your smile at your convenience to remove surface stains and discoloration.
- Composite bonding — Tooth-colored composite resin expertly applied repairs chipped or cracked teeth, closes small gaps, and improves the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
- Dental crowns and bridges — These custom-made restorations repair decayed or broken teeth or replace missing teeth to restore your smile’s function and aesthetics.
- Dental implants — A long-lasting, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth that provides exceptional stability and restores comfortable chewing function.
Dental Exams & Teeth Cleanings
Why are routine teeth cleanings important?
Routine teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. These appointments allow our hygienist to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated over time. When left unaddressed, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss.
Early Detection and Treatment
Your six-month teeth cleanings coincide with your routine dental checkups, where Dr. Matchett examines your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Evaluating your mouth regularly allows him to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate into more severe problems.
Early detection and treatment of concerns is better for your oral health because it can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long term.
Maintain a Bright, Healthy Smile
In addition to oral health benefits, routine dental cleanings also contribute to a brighter, more radiant smile. During the process, your hygienist removes surface stains and discoloration, leaving your teeth looking clean and bright.
By scheduling routine teeth cleanings, you take an essential step towards preserving your oral health and maintaining a beautiful smile.
Dental Implants
Are dental implants a good tooth replacement?
Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement and natural-looking and long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures or bridges. An implant consists of a titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root, an abutment, and a custom-made dental crown that mimics the appearance of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant Benefits
Implants offer several benefits, making them an excellent choice for tooth replacement:
- Maintain a healthy jawbone — After tooth loss, bone in the area begins to deteriorate over time due to a lack of stimulation. Because an implant is a replacement tooth root, it stimulates the bone to regenerate, strengthening the jaw and helping maintain facial structure.
- Improved stability and function — Dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone and provide exceptional stability so you can smile confidently and enjoy all your favorite foods.
- Long-lasting tooth replacement — With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective tooth replacement.
- Realistic appearance — Your dental implant will look realistic and natural, creating a seamless flow with your smile and a beautiful result.
Porcelain Veneers
What are dental veneers and how long do they last?
Dental veneers are an excellent choice to improve your smile’s appearance by addressing cosmetic concerns. We custom-fit these thin porcelain shells to cover your teeth and transform their shape, size, color, and overall appearance.
How We Use Dental Veneers: Because veneers cover the front of your teeth, they conceal the things you like least about your smile, including:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Uneven spacing
- Slight tooth misalignment
- Tooth shape or size differences
The Process for Getting Veneers: Getting veneers requires two visits to our Sherman Oaks, CA, dental office. The first involves preparing the teeth, taking impressions, color-matching to find the right shade, and placing temporaries on your teeth to protect them.
A custom dental lab fabricates your veneers, and you’ll return to Dr. Matchett’s office for a second appointment, where we check them for fit, make adjustments, and cement them securely in place.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers can last 10 years or longer when cared for properly. Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing at least twice daily and flossing once. Visit us for routine dental cleanings and exams to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.
Avoid eating hard foods that can break or crack your veneers and habits like biting pencils or pens or chewing on ice.
Would you like to see if veneers are the right choice to help you achieve your smile goals? Please call Dr. Matchett’s dental office at (818) 981-4824 to schedule an appointment.
Teeth Whitening
Is teeth whitening safe?
When performed by an experienced dental professional, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to boost your smile’s brightness. Dr. Matchett’s Sherman Oaks dental office offers custom take-home teeth whitening kits, a convenient and comfortable option for patients who want to take control of the pace and results of treatment.
Customized Teeth Whitening Kits
Dr. Matchett’s take-home teeth whitening kits include custom-fitted trays and professional-strength whitening gel. This combination ensures comfortable, safe, and effective treatment and reliable results.
To whiten your teeth at home, fill the trays with the gel and wear them for a specified amount of time each day. We recommend using them daily for about two weeks or until you see the desired results. You will keep your custom trays and can use them with the leftover whitening gel for monthly touchup treatments at home.
To maintain your bright, radiant smile after teeth whitening, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, limit your consumption of staining foods and beverages, and consider touch-up treatments as needed.
