Do You Have Questions?
Read our Frequently Asked Questions below to see if we have the answers you're looking for! Can't find the information that you need? Give us a call instead at (616) 392-4198.
You Can Afford Quality Dental Care!
We're committed to providing our valued patients with the highest quality dental care. We accept most major insurance plans, offer an in-house membership plan, and provide flexible financing options that fit your budget.
Do You Have Questions?
Read our Frequently Asked Questions below to see if we have the answers you're looking for! Can't find the information that you need? Give us a call instead at (616) 392-4198.
You Can Afford Quality Dental Care!
We're committed to providing our valued patients with the highest quality dental care. We accept most major insurance plans, offer an in-house membership plan, and provide flexible financing options that fit your budget.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We're happy to accept new patients. We're always excited to provide new and existing patients with cutting-edge dental care. We look forward to meeting you!
Is your office accessible to patients with disabilities?
Absolutely. Please let us know ahead of time if there are any special arrangements you or a loved one require. We're happy to accommodate you in any way we can.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You're welcome to call our office at 616-392-4198 to schedule your appointment or request one online, and we'll contact you to confirm your selection.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We request that you contact our office 48 hours prior to your appointment if at all possible. Late cancellations and no-shows will incur a "$25" cancellation fee.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
You'll need to bring in the following:
● Your completed new patient forms
● A photo ID
● Your insurance card
● Any dental x-rays taken in the past six months
● A list of current medications and medical conditions
● The phone number of your primary care physician.
FINANCIAL +
INSURANCE
What happens if I miss an appointment?
We respect your time and ask that you return the courtesy. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice. Repeated cancellations and no-shows will incur a $50 fee.
When is payment due?
We deliver the best care at the most reasonable cost to our valued patients. All payments are due at the time services are rendered unless other arrangements are made in advance.
Do you accept CareCredit payments?
We are pleased to accept CareCredit. If you'd like more information, talk to one of our team members and scan the QR code in office, or visit www.CareCredit.com for more
information.
What is CareCredit?
At Shoreline Smiles, we believe outstanding dental care should be accessible to all. We understand that not everyone has dental insurance, and not all plans cover all treatment that may be required. That's why we accept CareCredit.
Your CareCredit healthcare card can cover many areas of dental care for you and your family, including preventive dental exams and cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, periodontal treatments, root canal therapy, dental fillings, and mouthguards. It also covers dental implants, crowns, braces or retainers, Invisalign, dental veneers, and so much more. Whether you require preventative, restorative, or elective cosmetic dental care, CareCredit has you covered!
CareCredit is different from a regular credit card. It's specifically designed to cover
out-of-pocket medical and dental care expenses. CareCredit offers special financing
plans not available with other credit card options, including no-interest payments within the promotional period payment plan or long-term financing. To learn more about CareCredit, please call our dental office or visit www.CareCredit.com.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept multiple insurance plans. Please contact our office and we can help you
navigate your plan and maximize your benefits.
We are also pleased to accept cash, check, debit cards, Visa, Mastercard, American
Express, and CareCredit. For major treatments, our team may work with you to develop a payment plan.
If you have questions about your insurance benefits or the cost of your treatment, our
team is always happy to assist you.
Do you accept Medicaid?
We do not accept Medicaid. However, we're happy to provide you with financing options prior to your appointment.
Do you offer an in-house payment plan?
Yes, we're happy to offer an in-house membership plan hosted by Kleer, to provide our valued patients without dental insurance access to quality dental care.
What are the benefits of your in-house membership plan?
At Shoreline Smiles, we recognize that some of our valued patients do not carry dental insurance. We're pleased to offer an in-house membership plan so you and your family can access quality dental care at a reduced price.
For one low flat fee that can be spread out over 12 months with no penalty, you can cover your routine dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays for the whole year. As a
member, you receive a 20% discount on all other treatments. Our in-house membership plan is more affordable than most traditional insurance plans and offers many additional benefits without a waiting period, pre-authorizations, deductibles, copays, or yearly maximums! Click here to learn more or contact our office to sign up for our hassle-free membership plan and start saving on your dental care today!
SERVICES +
YOUR VISIT
I haven't been to the dentist in years. Will your staff judge me?
We're excited that you've chosen us to care for your smile. At Shoreline Smiles, we strive to create a relaxing and judgment-free environment to provide you with the best possible care. We will address any and all oral health problems, explain your treatment options, and create a plan of action to address your unique needs.
What can you expect on your first visit?
We're happy to welcome you to our practice. We'll start by taking a complete medical and dental history and will ask you about any current concerns. Our team will take full-mouth x-rays and intraoral photos to identify any dental problems and to create a baseline for future dental visits. We will evaluate the health of your teeth and existing dental work to ensure they are free of damage and assess the health of your gums. We'll also perform a head and neck exam, including an evaluation of your salivary glands and lymph nodes, and will conduct an oral cancer screening to rule out potential abnormalities.
You will likely receive care from our dental hygienist, who will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your tooth surfaces and along your gum line. We’ll also polish your teeth and floss between them to remove any remaining plaque and debris. We may recommend a fluoride treatment to lower your risk of future tooth decay.
At the conclusion of your appointment, we will discuss any current needs and preventive measures required to keep your smile in tip-top shape. We will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for long-term oral health.
How often should you schedule your dental visits?
According to the American Dental Association, you should schedule dental visits at intervals determined by your dentist. In general, patients require twice-yearly exams and cleanings. However, some patients with gum disease or those at a higher risk of developing dental problems will require more frequent appointments. Our team will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the ideal frequency of visits to maintain your healthy smile.
I'm pregnant - Can I come in for a routine exam and cleaning?
Yes. It is extremely important to care for your oral health, especially during your pregnancy. Before scheduling your first appointment, we ask that you consult with your doctor or OBGYN, to determine if any modifications to your routine dental care are indicated.
Do I need to maintain routine dental visits if I don't have any symptoms?
Even if you don't have any symptoms of dental problems, your routine dental exams and cleanings are critical for maintaining optimal oral health. They help detect problems in their earliest stage, which prevents more extensive treatment in the future. Maintaining proper oral hygiene care at home and keeping up with your routine dental visits are the best ways to promote healthy smiles for life.
What are signs you should schedule a dental appointment?
Most individuals require twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. However, it's important to schedule an appointment between routine visits if you have signs or symptoms of dental problems. These include tooth pain or sensitivity, red or bleeding gums, damaged dental work, persistent bad breath, a dry mouth, facial pain or swelling, a sore that won't heal, or any other concerns. Our team will evaluate your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
What if I have a dental emergency?
If you have a dental emergency, we'll do everything we can to provide a same-day appointment if you call prior to, or during business hours. Please call our office number for guidance if you need urgent dental care outside our office hours. If you are experiencing a true dental emergency, you will be directed to speak with the doctor on call.
What constitutes a dental emergency, and what should you do?
A dental emergency is a situation requiring urgent care to relieve severe pain, treat an infection, save a tooth, or control bleeding. Our highly trained and experienced team is fully equipped and prepared to deal with different dental emergencies.
We invite you to call us right away if you feel you require urgent dental care. However, if you or a loved one experience a life-threatening emergency such as, but not limited to uncontrolled bleeding, significant head and neck injury, fractured jaw, or rampant swelling causing difficulty breathing, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.
What if I'm afraid of dental treatment?
We understand that many of our patients are fearful of the dentist. Our gentle techniques, sedation dentistry options, and personalized care will help ensure you are comfortable and anxiety-free during treatment.
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
We recommend brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled, or electric toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. You should also floss thoroughly at least once a day. Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices will lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.