Frequently asked questions

Absolutely, we love welcoming our new patients. As a fresh Aspen Dental patient, your first appointment will include a comprehensive oral exam and can include X-rays and a consultation with your care team. They will go over your personalized treatment plan, pricing options, appointment scheduling and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Scheduling an appointment at your local Aspen Dental is easy. Simply go to AspenDental.com and click on the schedule appointment button in the top right corner of the page; or give us a call at 1-800-277-3633 to speak with your local office. 

Another way to schedule an appointment digitally is to use the search feature on the Aspen Dental website to find a dentist near me. Then you can enter your city, state, or zip code to find a conveniently located Aspen Dental office close to home. 

If something comes up and you need to reschedule your dental appointment, no worries. You can call your local Aspen Dental office and they can easily help you modify or cancel the appointment.

When it’s time to reschedule an appointment, follow these three easy steps: 

• Find your local Aspen Dental office information on the website. 

• Give them a call so they can help you reschedule your appointment 

• Cancellation policies vary by office—when you call yours, ask about the cancellation policy. 

Dental cleanings are definitely important, and we encourage patients to pursue them. However, before scheduling your first cleaning, we want to first examine your overall oral health to take the best care possible of your smile. After your initial exam, your Aspen Dental care team will be happy to schedule your cleaning. 

To prepare for your first Aspen Dental visit, please bring your photo identification, dental insurance information, any necessary medical records and a list of any current medications. If you have any previous dental records or X-rays, it’s helpful to bring those as well.

During your initial dental appointment, you can expect a comprehensive dental examination. This includes X-rays, a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, and a discussion about your dental and medical history. Your dentist will evaluate and discuss the best treatment plan for your overall oral health, addressing any concerns or questions you may have.

The average first dental appointment lasts between 45 to 90 minutes. However, the duration of your first visit can vary depending on the complexity of your exam, any need for X-rays or additional screening, and whether your smile requires any immediate treatment. 

Yes, your dentist will go over any recommended treatments based on their evaluation of your oral health. They’ll talk through your different treatment options, answer any questions, and work with you to create a personalized care plan for you and your smile. 

Yes, of course. Your Aspen Dental care team will talk with you about the costs of treatments, payment options available, and will provide information regarding dental insurance coverage and dental financing (if applicable). 

Dentures are removable dental prosthetics to replace missing teeth. They fit over your gums to support a healthy, natural-looking smile for a more confident you.

At Aspen Dental, we offer several denture options to support a variety of smiles (including yours). Full dentures are a great option if you’re looking to replace all of your natural teeth, while partial dentures replace a portion of them. If you’re a candidate for dental implants, an implant denture delivers the most secure fit because it attaches onto surgically placed implants, eliminating the need for gels or adhesives.

If you’re considering dentures, your dentist will be happy to help you find the best solution for you and your smile. 

Dentures are designed to support a comfortable lifestyle. In the beginning, your new smile may take some time to adjust to—but with a little practice and the support of your dentist, you'll be eating and smiling comfortably in no time. 

Yes, in a good way. Dentures actually help support your facial structure and can give you a fuller and more youthful appearance. Your Aspen Dental care team will work hard to ensure that your dentures are customized to fit your smile just right. 

Absolutely. If you experience any issues with your dentures, contact your Aspen Dental office immediately so your team can fix them and get you smiling again. 

Dental implants function as artificial tooth roots. They are made of titanium that is surgically placed in the jawbone. Dental surgery may sound intense, but dental implants are the most effective and long-lasting smile solutions we offer. They provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth and successfully mimic the function and appearance of your natural teeth. 

There are many benefits to receiving a dental implant. A few advantages include: 

• A natural-looking smile 

• Ease while speaking 

• Improved chewing ability 

• Enhanced comfort 

• Long-lasting durability 

• Preserve a more youthful facial structure 

• Prevent bone loss 

With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last you 25 years or more. They are designed to be a long-term solution for tooth replacement. 

Yes, dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth or even a full arch of teeth. At Aspen Dental, we offer various implant-supported restorations to support your unique smile’s needs. 

A short answer is—yes. Some insurance plans do cover portions of dental implants. However, it’s important to understand the type of treatment you need and what your plan will cover before moving forward. Your Aspen Dental care team will work with you to determine your insurance coverage and provide guidance on financing options as needed. 

General dentistry refers to a variety of dental services, including prevention, diagnosis and oral health treatment. At Aspen Dental, we focus on supporting your overall dental health through regular checkups, teeth cleanings and exams to prevent common dental issues. 

Our Aspen Dental experts recommend visiting your dentist at least once per year. However, this cadence can fluctuate depending on your specific oral health needs, so it’s best to consult with your dentist for a personalized recommendation. 

Common dental issues include tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and tooth sensitivity. To prevent these issues, we recommend practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco use. 

Routine teeth cleanings, also known as dental prophylaxis, are essential to maintaining a healthy smile. These cleanings remove plaque, tartar and stains that can’t be removed by at-home brushing alone. They also help you avoid developing more serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease. 

Early detection and regular dental care are the keys to preventing and managing gum disease. If you’re concerned about gum disease, there are a few symptoms to watch for. If your gums are red, swollen, bleeding, receding or if you have consistent bad breath—let your Aspen Dental dentist know. They can help you prevent or successfully manage gum disease and will discuss the best treatment options during your dental exam. 

Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment option to help straighten your smile. They are custom-made trays that are conveniently transparent, helping to gradually shift your teeth into their desired place. At Aspen Dental, we enjoy helping our patients fall in love with their new, straighter smile using our Motto™ clear aligners. Discover how Motto can help you straighten smarter here. 

Motto clear aligners are extremely convenient because of their virtually invisible appearance, comfortable fit, ease of removal for eating and cleaning, and the ability to straighten your teeth without the use of traditional braces. 

The duration of clear aligner treatment can vary depending on your unique smile’s needs. Your Aspen Dental care team will provide a personalized treatment plan to support your smile best. You can get an idea of which aligners are right for you by taking our short smile assessment quiz. 

Although Motto clear aligners are effective for a variety of patients, it’s best to consult with your Aspen Dental care team to determine your specific eligibility for this treatment. 

It’s possible that you may experience slight soreness during the first few days of wearing each new aligner set. This is normal. It means your aligners are working and are slowly moving your teeth into the right position. If the soreness bothers you, please reach out to your Aspen Dental care team. 

For the best results, we recommend that you wear your Motto clear aligners from 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. 

Motto clear aligners should be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water. This will prevent damage to the aligners and allows you to maintain optimal oral hygiene maintenance. Learn more about clear aligner best practices on Motto’s FAQ page. 

The best way to clean your clear aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water with a soft-bristled brush. Stay away from using mouthwash or anything with alcohol in it that could damage your aligners. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene.