Smiles for Life | Preventative Program, Dentures and Crowns

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What preventive dentistry services do you provide?

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We offer bi-annual cleanings, oral exams, digital X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral cancer screenings to catch and prevent problems early.

What is included in your restorative dentistry offerings?

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Our restorative services include dental fillings, crowns, restorations, and implant restorations to rebuild damaged or missing teeth.

Can you explain your implant restoration services?

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Yes — we restore missing teeth using implant-supported crowns or bridges, offering a natural, stable long-term solution.

What cosmetic dentistry options do you offer?

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We provide teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and composite bonding—all designed to enhance your smile’s color, shape, and appearance.

Do you offer pediatric dentistry?

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Yes. We provide child-friendly preventive care including cleanings, exams, fluoride, and sealants in a gentle environment.

What are dental sealants, and when are they used?

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Sealants are a protective coating placed on the grooves of molars to block bacteria and food particles, helping prevent cavities.

What does family dentistry at Smiles for Life cover?

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Our family dentistry includes care for adults, children, and seniors—covering general, preventive, and restorative services tailored to each life stage.

Which insurances and payment options do you accept?

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We accept most major dental insurances, including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and more. We also offer flexible payment options for out-of-pocket costs.

What’s involved in a dental exam at your office?

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During an exam, we check teeth, gums, bite, soft tissues, take digital images as needed, and craft a treatment plan based on your oral health needs.

Do you perform emergency dental treatments?

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Yes, we offer emergency services such as treating pain, repairing broken teeth, and stabilizing urgent dental issues. Please contact us right away if you have an emergency.

What types of dental fillings do you use?

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We use tooth-colored composite restorations that blend with your natural teeth to repair decay or damage.

Are crowns part of your services?

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Yes. Crowns are a restorative option we use to protect and rebuild a damaged tooth’s structure and function.

How do veneers work here?

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Porcelain veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their shape, size, or color and create a uniform, attractive smile.

What’s the benefit of implant-supported restorations vs dentures?

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Implant restorations offer greater stability, preserve bone, and feel more natural compared to traditional removable dentures.

Can adults get sealants, or are they just for children?

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Adults may benefit from sealants, especially on grooves or surfaces that are hard to clean or prone to decay. Our team evaluates each case.

How often should I come in for preventive care?

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Typically every six months for cleanings and exams, but we may adjust based on your oral health risk profile.

Do you provide whitening treatments?

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Yes. We offer professional-grade whitening to brighten your smile safely and effectively.

What is composite bonding?

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Composite bonding repairs chips, cracks, or small gaps by applying a tooth-colored resin directly to the tooth and sculpting it to match the natural form.

Do you offer full smile makeovers?

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Yes—we combine cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry treatments to redesign a complete smile when needed.

Is pediatric dentistry just preventive care for children?

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It includes preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care for children—with attention to growth, development, habit control, and long-term dental health.

What is included in your “natural-looking teeth” implant restorations?

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We use materials and techniques that mimic natural tooth aesthetics, matching shade, shape, and alignment closely.

How do you approach gum disease / periodontal treatment?

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We treat periodontal disease through scaling, root planing, and ongoing gum maintenance to control infection and preserve tissue health.

Can I become a new patient for specialty or cosmetic dentistry?

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Yes. We welcome new patients needing general, cosmetic, or implant treatments and will establish a tailored plan for you.

Do you provide digital imaging or advanced diagnostics?

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Yes. We use digital X-rays and imaging as part of our preventive and diagnostic services to monitor bone health and detect issues early.

How do you make sure cosmetic changes also function well?

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We design cosmetic work to maintain proper bite alignment, easy cleaning access, and minimal tooth reduction, combining aesthetics with healthy function.

Do you handle dental emergencies in West Des Moines?

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Yes. At Smiles for Life, we provide urgent care for dental emergencies such as severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and other painful or time-sensitive issues. Please contact us immediately if you are experiencing an emergency.

Schedule a visit today!