Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We accept most major PPO dental insurance and are in-network providers for the following plans:

Ameritas

Assurant/Sunlife

BCBS

Careington

Cigna

GEHA

Guardian

Humana

Lincoln Financial

MetLife 

Mutual of Omaha

Principal

Standard

Team Care

Unicare

United Concordia

United Healthcare

Unum

Is your plan not listed?

We also file for many other PPO dental plans, so please feel free to contact our office for questions about your specific plan. Our Insurance Coordinator will be happy to go over the details of your insurance plan to help get the most out of your coverage. We will also help file your insurance claims, track them, and follow up on any claim delays. If you have any questions about your unique coverage, the best option is to visit our dental office for a consultation with the dentist to determine the treatments you need! Then, our experienced staff will be able to help you understand your coverage options. 

Patients commonly ask us why we need to take dental x-rays. The answer is that even the most comprehensive visual exam doesn’t give our dentists the complete picture. Much of what can go wrong with your oral health starts inside the teeth or under the gums which we cannot be seen without a dental X-ray.

Dental X-rays provide a detailed picture of your oral health so we can accurately diagnose or monitor a condition. Your X-rays also become part of your dental history and are always available to view in the future.

How Often Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

How often we need updated X-rays depends on your dental condition, but the general guidelines from the American Dental Association are as follows:

Bitewing X-rays—These images capture your upper and lower back (posterior) teeth in two X-rays, one for each side. Each patient is different, but we typically recommend four bitewings every six to 12 months.

Full mouth X-rays—If you have no history of cavities or gum disease, we recommend full mouth X-rays every 2–3 years. For patients prone to these conditions, our dentist may recommend them once or twice a year.

Diagnostic X-rays—If you experience a toothache, we need to take an x-ray to see inside and between your teeth. We can’t treat what we can’t see, and a dental X-ray helps our dentist diagnose the problem and plan treatment accordingly.

Your Safety Is Our Priority

At Temple Dental Trails, your safety is our priority. Our digital imaging technology minimizes your radiation exposure by as much as 90 percent compared to film X-rays.

We provide maximum protection by using a lead apron that X-rays can’t penetrate and limiting X-rays for pregnant women and very young children.

If you have other questions about x-rays or how we keep you safe at our Temple, TX dental office, please call us at (254) 771-1115.

We recognize how important it is for you to get urgent care for your dental emergency, and at Temple Dental Trails, we’re here for you. If you have a toothache, a lost crown, a broken tooth, or any other pressing dental issue, call us at (254) 771-1115 immediately so we can help you.

As your emergency dentist in Temple, TX, we can treat any urgent problem you face, such as:

• Toothaches 
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Loose tooth crowns and fillings
• Broken crowns or bridges
• Broken dentures
• Bleeding, inflamed, or swollen gums
• Infected tooth or dental abscess
• Dental trauma, including knocked-out teeth

Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t worry if your issue isn’t listed here. Call our dentist office, and we’ll get you the treatment and relief you need.

Note: If you’re bleeding excessively, suffered trauma to your face or jaw, or have lost consciousness, call 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency room for immediate treatment.

Our experienced dentists in Temple, TX can treat your tooth pain, replace lost dental work, perform emergency root canals, tooth extractions, and much more. Call us right away, so we can get you on our schedule as soon as possible. While we may not be able to treat your dental emergency on the same day, we will make sure you are comfortable until our next available appointment.

At Temple Dental Trails in 76502, we are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. After regular hours, call and leave a message, and a member of our team will get back to you as quickly as possible.

We know that dental emergencies are often frightening and almost always painful. The first step is to contact our Temple dental office as soon as possible. Our emergency dentist in Temple, TX reserves time to provide urgent care for patients. 

If your dental emergency occurs during business hours, give our 76502 office a call, and we will usually get you in for treatment the same day. Even if we can't resolve the problem for you that day, our team will make sure you're comfortable until we can. If it’s after hours, you can contact us at our emergency number (254) 300-8381. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.

In an emergency, there are some steps you can take before you get to our office for treatment:

Severe Tooth Pain

As you can guess, severe pain indicates a serious problem that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. You can use cold compresses on and off for 20 minutes to help reduce the pain until you get to our office.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Call our office immediately, because the sooner we see you, the better the chance we have of saving your tooth. Handle it by the crown and do not touch the root! It's important to keep the root moist, so you should place the tooth in milk or warm water until you get to our office.

Lost Dental Crown

In some cases, it is possible to re-cement the crown back in place, so keep it safe until you are able to arrive at our office. We do not recommend using over-the-counter cement to try to place the crown back on your tooth.

Note: If your emergency involves trauma to your face or head, call 911 or get to an emergency room immediately.

Full mouth rehabilitation coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan and the treatments involved. Many dental insurance plans will cover portions of medically necessary procedures, but coverage limits and annual maximums often mean insurance won't cover the full cost of extensive rehabilitation.

Services That May Be Covered

• Crowns and bridges for restoring damaged teeth
• Extractions when teeth cannot be saved
• Periodontal therapy to restore gum health
• Root canal therapy
• Other procedures deemed medically necessary

Your dentist in Temple, TX, will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits by properly documenting the medical necessity of your treatments and submitting claims strategically over multiple benefit periods when possible.

Making Dental Treatment Affordable

For treatments not covered by insurance or costs exceeding your annual maximum, we offer solutions:

• Flexible financing options with manageable monthly payments
• In-house membership plan covering basic preventive care (cleanings and exams)
• Membership discounts on all services, including restorative and rehabilitative treatments

During your consultation, our knowledgeable team will review your insurance benefits, explain what's likely to be covered, and present financing solutions that fit your budget. We believe cost should never stand between you and the healthy, functional smile you deserve.

Call with Questions or to Schedule an Appointment

If you need more information or want to schedule an appointment to learn more about this service, please contact Temple Dental Trails.

Our children’s dentist in Temple recommends that your child have their first dental appointment when their first baby tooth appears but no later than their first birthday.

There are several reasons why early visits to a pediatric dentist in Temple, TX are a good idea. When it comes to getting children used to the environment of a dental office, it’s best to take small steps. Kids experience anxiety about new situations just as adults do, so it’s crucial not to rush the process.

Your Child's First Visit at Temple Dental Trails 

Your son or daughter’s first visit to Temple Dental Trails is purposefully low-key. The goal is to let your child get used to the idea without any stress or pressure to behave a certain way. That way, your son or daughter will develop trust with us and feel comforted knowing that there’s nothing to fear.

Over the next few visits, we’ll help your child feel confident about visiting the dentist. When the time comes that we need to start dental work, your little one will already know and trust their kids' dentist in Temple, TX to keep them safe and happy.

We also need to start monitoring the health of your child’s baby teeth and protect them until permanent teeth are ready to make their appearance. Losing even one baby tooth to decay can lead to numerous oral health problems, and your children’s dentist in Temple can help prevent that from happening.

Contact Our 76502 Dentist Office 

Kids don’t come with instruction manuals, so you probably have lots of questions about how you can help your son or daughter maintain a healthy smile. Please call us today to schedule an appointment with Temple, TX dentist Dr. Richard Leung.

Yes! We are always happy to welcome new patients to Temple Dental Trails. Our goal is to provide your whole family with exceptional dental care in a friendly, comfortable setting. Please give us a call, and we'll be happy to arrange a time for you to visit with us. We look forward to meeting you and making you part of our family!

Extensive Dental Services in Temple, TX 

We are proud to offer a wide array of dental services under one roof to ensure that you can get all the treatment that you need at one location. We can provide everything from general dentistry, to orthodontics, to dentures and dental implants. If you want to know more about our services and how you can get started, we can answer any questions that you may have!

Visit Temple Dental Trails Today! 

The best way to determine the right treatments for your needs is to visit our experienced dentist. Dr. Leung will be able to evaluate your specific treatment needs and help you determine a plan moving forward. We can't wait to help you get the smile you've always wanted! In the meantime, take some time to browse through our website to learn more about the services we offer, and how we can help! Give us a call today for more information! 

Considering the remarkable difference that veneers can make to the appearance of your smile, having them placed is not complicated at all.

Porcelain Veneers Procedure in Temple, TX

We start the process by taking time to talk to you about your concerns and all the possible solutions, including porcelain veneers. We can often use more than one type of treatment to address your needs, so it’s important to explore all your options.

If we find that porcelain veneers are the way to go, we work with you to select a shade that looks natural and blends perfectly with surrounding teeth. Then we prepare your teeth by removing a very thin layer of your natural dental enamel. This serves two purposes: it provides enough space for the veneer to fit naturally and also roughens the surface enamel to ensure a secure bond.

Custom-Fitted Veneers in 76502

Next, we take impressions that will be used to custom-create your new veneers. These will be sent to our dental lab, where highly skilled technicians will fabricate your veneers to our exact specifications.

When the veneers are finished, we will have you return to our office to have them placed. Dr. Leung will check them for fit, make any adjustments necessary, and bond them to your teeth using special dental cement. The final step is shaping and polishing of the veneer so it looks completely natural.

Questions about porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic dental treatment that will transform your smile in just a few easy visits. Please contact us to arrange a complimentary consultation so we can tell you more about veneers.

It really depends on your individual situation. At our Temple, TX dental office we offer a broad range of cosmetic dentistry services. There’s no doubt we can create a personalized treatment plan that will help achieve your perfect smile!

Your Cosmetic Consultation in 76502

Of course, the first step is to call us so we can arrange a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Richard Leung. He will start by asking you about what it is you’re unhappy with and how we can help. In some cases, there may be more than one treatment necessary to achieve the desired results.

We offer just about any service you need to improve the appearance of your smile. If you have crooked or crowded teeth, we can talk to you about Invisalign. Damaged teeth are unattractive and can often be resolved with tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, bonding, or porcelain veneers.

What are my missing teeth replacement options?

a gap in your smile has the potential to significantly impact your confidence as‬ well as your oral health. Dr. Leung may recommend dental implants, dentures, or bridges for a solution that improves your oral health and your appearance.

We would love the opportunity to talk to you about all the cosmetic dentistry services we offer at our Temple, TX dental office. Please give us a call so we can start planning your smile makeover!

We often see patients at our Temple, TX dental office who believe that any cosmetic dentistry treatment is going to have a high price tag. While it’s true that you have to budget for something like a full set of porcelain veneers, there are conservative options that may be all you need to see a beautiful, renewed smile.

What does dental bonding fix?

Dental bonding is an example of a conservative cosmetic treatment that can correct multiple issues without a significant investment in time or money. Dr. Richard Leung uses bonding to fix all sorts of aesthetic flaws including teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, or severely stained. We can even use bonding to alter the shape of a tooth.

What is the dental bonding procedure in Temple?

We use a dental composite material for bonding that has the characteristics of natural dental enamel. Dr. Leung matches the material to the shade of your tooth for a durable, invisible repair. The material is built up gradually, layer by layer until the desired shape is achieved. Since we match the bonding material to your natural tooth color, no one will ever guess you’ve had any work done!

Please call our Temple, TX dental office if you are interested in learning more about dental bonding or any other of the cosmetic dentistry services we offer. 

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dental treatment that looks completely natural, porcelain veneers may be the solution, depending on your needs.

One of the things that make veneers so natural-looking is the porcelain we use to create them. Dental porcelain is not only durable, it closely replicates the appearance of your own tooth enamel.

Another important element of placing porcelain veneers that look natural is communication between Dr. Leung and our skilled ceramicist. In many cases, veneers that look unnatural are simply “too perfect.” The highest compliment we can receive is that no one notices our veneers once they’re placed.

Cost of Porcelain Veneers in 76502

Recently porcelain veneers have become very popular. For a long time, veneers were thought to be a high-end treatment that was only available to celebrities. However emerging technologies continue to make treatment more efficient, and therefore more affordable.

Veneers are versatile and can correct a number of dental imperfections like uneven, chipped, or discolored teeth. In fact, we can use veneers to address all of these problems at the same time.

Considering Veneers? Contact Our Office! 

Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our natural-looking porcelain veneers. We will arrange a convenient consultation to discuss the ways that veneers can help achieve your goal of a beautiful, healthy smile.

Regular checkups and cleanings at our Temple dental office are critical for maintaining your oral health. For most patients, we recommend dental checkups twice a year.

This frequency allows us to monitor the health of your teeth, which can change quickly. Depending on your oral health history, we may recommend x-rays every six months during your exam.

Digital X-Rays 

Digital x-rays are valuable because they allow us to spot decay at its earliest stages – long before you are even aware that it’s present. The sooner we can treat decay, the less opportunity it has for damaging your tooth and leading to costly, complicated repairs.

Professional Teeth Cleanings in 76502

Dental cleanings are also important to monitor the condition of your teeth and gums. Our hygienist will clean your teeth thoroughly and look for any signs of gum disease. If we do find signs of periodontal infection, we can recommend a deep cleaning to remove any disease.

Routine checkups and cleanings can go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy and beautiful. If you have any questions or need to make an appointment for your next cleaning and exam, please contact our Temple dental office. We will be happy to schedule a convenient appointment for these two important preventive treatments.

Dental cleanings twice a year with your dentist in Temple, TX are the standard recommended by the American Dental Association. They've determined that this frequency works well for people who have a healthy smile and want to maintain excellent oral health.

Dental visits every six months are ideal because we can also stay a step ahead of cavities and signs of gum disease. Preventing both from doing long-term damage to your oral health is much easier for you than allowing them to develop and require more advanced treatment to correct.

How Often Do I Need Dental Checkups?

But for some people—especially those with a history of cavities or gum disease—our general dentist in Temple, TX might recommend three or more cleaning appointments every 12 months. It’s especially critical to stay on top of active gum disease, especially periodontitis, the most advanced form. Untreated periodontitis will advance to the point that your teeth start to loosen, and you may need to have them extracted.

The number of visits you’ll need to make to Temple Dental Trails for teeth cleanings depends on your unique needs. If we’ve told you that you need more frequent cleaning appointments, our dentists and hygienists will explain why and how they will benefit you.

Contact Temple Dental Trails near 76502

If you're due for your next dental cleaning in Temple, please call us at (254) 771-1115 to schedule an appointment. If you’re overdue, you’ll be happy to know that we’re a judgment-free dental practice. Our only goal is to start today and work toward improving your oral health.

When performed by a dentist who is specially trained in implant surgery, having a dental implant placed is similar to having a tooth pulled.

With modern sedation options, we can keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Dr. Leung has placed many implants, and our patients tell us that it was much easier than they expected. A gentle touch, caring team, and sedation dentistry can make all the difference when it comes to a procedure like dental implant placement.

How will sedation dentistry help?

We can provide nitrous oxide sedation, which is usually sufficient for the majority of patients. Nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep, but it does induce a relaxed, dreamy state. You will be awake, but your senses will be dulled to the sights and sounds around you.

What if I have anxiety about the dentist?

Dr. Leung is also qualified to prescribe a calming medication if you have greater anxiety. You will take the medication when you arrive at our office for your appointment. By the time you’re ready for your procedure, you will be very calm. This is especially effective when combined with nitrous oxide sedation.

Sedation Dentistry Services in Temple, TX 

We know that the thought of any kind of surgery can be a little overwhelming. The team at our Temple dental office is trained to make sure that your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Contact us today if you have questions and would like to schedule an appointment at Temple Dental Trails. 

You might remember seeing your grandparents or another older relative with boxy-looking, bulky dentures. You could always tell when someone had false teeth back then because they didn’t look natural and often would not stay put!

If you’re considering dentures, you will be happy to know that we have made huge advancements in the appearance and function of dentures since then. 

How are dentures made in Temple, TX?

Today, we custom design your partial, complete, and implant-retained dentures to look more natural and fit better than ever. We create dentures that complement your facial structure and your natural smile so that you can feel confident about your appearance.

Today’s dentures also fit better than ever. Because we use the latest materials and techniques to create your dentures, we can help you avoid sores and slippage. In fact, one of the greatest advancements in dentures is the ability to provide extra stability by securing your dentures to a few strategically placed dental implants. 

Are dentures permanent?

Implant-retained dentures keep your teeth in place when you’re chewing and talking. This is important because you should be thinking about enjoying life, not worrying about your dentures falling out or slipping at exactly the wrong moment. 

When you come in for a consultation, we will discuss your dentures, including the fit and how you would like them to look so even though you have missing teeth, you can feel proud of your smile.

If you are an adult who would like to straighten your teeth but don’t want to deal with traditional braces, Invisalign may be the solution you need. This progressive orthodontic system uses a series of comfortable, clear aligners to nudge your teeth gently into their ideal position.

Will Invisalign work for me?

You are a good candidate for Invisalign if your teeth are healthy and your gums are free of disease. You need a strong, sturdy base to support the movement that your teeth will make over time.

Good oral health also tells us that you are committed to following through with your dental care. Compliance and discipline are crucial elements to the success of Invisalign treatment. Invisalign trays are removable for eating and brushing and flossing, but they must be worn at least 22 hours per day to achieve the desired results in the shortest amount of time.

Teeth Straightening in Temple, TX

Whether or not you’re are a good candidate also depends mainly on the type of dental work you need. Invisalign is an excellent short-term orthodontic that can address many alignment issues like crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth. However, if you need to correct underlying issues like overbites and underbites, you may be a better candidate for traditional braces.

If you’re considering Invisalign in Temple and have questions, please contact Temple Dental Trails and Dr. Richard Leung will be happy to sit down with you to discuss your needs.

No! Many adults who missed out on getting braces as a child or had treatment and experienced a relapse are finding that it’s never too late for orthodontic treatment.

The same physiological process moves teeth whether you are 8 or 80. It is true that adults have denser bones, which means treatment may take longer than it does for children. But age alone does not prevent teeth from moving.

Options for Adult Braces in 76502

Moving teeth into their ideal position requires the use of orthodontics, and recently there has been a revolution in the different types of appliances available. At Temple Dental Trails, we offer Invisalign that is perfect for adults who want a straighter smile.

• Invisalign – The clear aligners used to move teeth with Invisalign are discreet and comfortable to wear, and you can remove them for meals and oral hygiene. Treatment times with Invisalign range from 12 to 18 months for adults.

If you are an adult who’s considering orthodontics in Temple, TX, you should know that it’s never too late to have a smile you’re proud to show off. Please contact us for a consultation so we can explain all your treatment options. 

One significant benefit of Invisalign treatment in Temple is that the clear braces are very comfortable to wear and virtually unnoticeable. This is because the aligner trays are made of a clear, smooth plastic that won’t irritate the tissues in your mouth.

The comfort of Invisalign is one of the things that make them so popular with adults and older teens. Today, Invisalign makes orthodontic treatment efficient and more comfortable than ever.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign works by using a set of clear aligners designed to move your teeth into the desired position progressively. When you first get your Invisalign aligners, you will probably notice that they have a very snug fit that lasts for the first couple of days.

But in a short time, you will find that the aligners start to feel looser.  You notice the change because the aligners are doing their job and gradually shifting the position of your teeth. When this happens, you know they’re working!

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are not only comfortable, but they can be removed for brushing, flossing, and eating. You can continue to eat all the foods you enjoy, and you don’t have to worry about food debris getting stuck in your braces.

Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Temple, TX

If you’re ready to take the step to correct crooked teeth that have been bothering you your whole life, please contact our dentist office in 76504 to arrange a consultation! We look forward to helping you achieve the beautiful, perfectly aligned smile you deserve.

If you’re an adult considering orthodontics to improve the appearance of your smile, you might consider Invisalign as an option to straighten your teeth. Many of our adult patients do not want to deal with the same silver brackets and wires that their teenagers are wearing and so we offer Invisalign as an alternative to traditional orthodontics.

Invisalign Treatment Process in Temple, TX 

To get started, we gather the necessary data to create your Invisalign aligners. We take impressions, make models, take x-rays, and plan your treatment information to send to the dental lab where we will create your trays. Once you receive your trays, you will need to wear them at least twenty-two hours per day for the best results. 

You will receive a series of clear trays and change them out approximately every two weeks. Each tray will be slightly different and gently move your teeth to your desired location. 

We will still keep regular appointments with you in our office so that we can monitor your treatment and make sure that it’s on track. You will be able to monitor your progress visually because Invisalign is completely clear and nearly invisible.

Once you complete your orthodontic treatment, we will make a retainer for you to wear to keep your teeth from drifting back to their original location.

Call us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment!

There are lots of advantages to choosing Invisalign adult orthodontics at Temple Dental Trails. The clear aligners are comfortable, discreet, and easy to wear.

What do patients enjoy most about Invisalign?

One of the main things our patients enjoy about Invisalign is the fact that they’re not fixed in the mouth. Since the aligners are removable, you can take a break once in a while when you brush and floss or during meals.

While this seems like a blessing, it can also be a curse; Invisalign aligners only work when you wear them. The recommended minimum wear time is 22 hours per day, but your goal should be to allow the aligners to do their job and remove them only for hygiene and meals.

How often do I wear Invisalign during the day?

Teeth move during orthodontic treatment because of the constant pressure placed on them. Since bracket and wire braces are affixed to your teeth, they work 24/7. While Invisalign aligners are a convenient and comfortable treatment alternative, you must be compliant and wear them for at least 22 hours per day to see results in the shortest amount of time.

If you are going to commit to the Invisalign process, you owe it to yourself to follow all instructions to the letter. If you are considering orthodontics in Temple but think you’ll have trouble with compliance, Dr. Rich would be happy to sit down with you to see if you’re a candidate for one of our other options including Six Month Smiles and traditional braces.

Invisalign clear braces are a great short-term solution if you’d like to correct mild to moderate tooth alignment problems. Invisalign clear braces are discreet, comfortable, easy to wear and produce outstanding results in a short amount of time.

We can use Invisalign to correct a wide range of alignment issues, from minor adjustments to more involved orthodontic treatment. Invisalign treatment involves using a series of custom-made aligner trays that gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

What is the Invisalign process in Temple, TX?

The first step is a consultation with Dr. Leung to discuss your needs, examine your teeth, and decide if Invisalign is the most appropriate choice for you. Next, we will take digital images to develop a customized treatment plan to get your smile back in shape.

Your customized aligners are prepared at an Invisalign lab according to our specifications. You will receive several sets of aligners, and you wear each set for about two weeks, then advance to the next set in the series. All the while, your teeth are gradually moving back into alignment.

Invisalign Reviews from Past 76504 Patients 

Our patients love Invisalign because they are comfortable and don’t interfere with your life. The clear aligners are practically invisible, so no one will notice that you’re wearing them. One of the significant advantages of Invisalign is that they are completely removable for eating, brushing, and flossing.

If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign in Temple and find out if it’s the right treatment choice for you, please contact our office to arrange a convenient consultation. 

Invisalign clear braces have changed a lot about the way we approach orthodontic treatment. For years, the only option available for treating alignment issues was traditional bracket and wire braces.

While metal braces are still the best option for certain types of alignment problems, Invisalign has made it possible for millions of people to obtain a perfectly straight, beautiful smile quickly.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign offers several benefits that are not available with traditional braces:

• Discreet –Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays that are virtually invisible. You can achieve a beautiful smile without the embarrassment of metal braces that impact your appearance.
• Comfortable – One of the major complaints with traditional braces is the discomfort and irritation that results from having metal in the mouth. Invisalign trays are made of a smooth plastic material that is comfortable and will not irritate sensitive tissue in the mouth.
• Removable – Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligner trays are removable for eating, brushing and flossing.
• Improved Oral Hygiene – Since they are removable, food will not get stuck in the trays, and you can brush and floss thoroughly, which is essential for good oral health.
• Efficient Treatment – Treatment times vary from person to person, but in many cases, we can complete Invisalign treatment in as little as a year.

Contact Temple Dental Trails to Learn More 

We would be happy to arrange a consultation for you with Dr. Leung so he can tell you more about Invisalign at our Temple dental office. Please contact us today!

Braces can be used to correct several orthodontic issues from crowding to the way teeth come together when you bite down.

Can Invisalign fix an underbite?

Common problems we can fix with orthodontics in Temple, TX are:

• Crowding – Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space for all teeth to align correctly.
• Spacing – Spacing problems are the opposite of crowding; there is so much room in the jaw that there are gaps and spaces between the teeth.
• Overbite – An overbite is when you bite down and the upper front teeth extend past the lower front teeth.
• Underbite – An underbite is the opposite of an overbite because the upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth.
• Open bite – When you bite down, your upper and lower teeth don’t meet. This makes it more difficult to bite into foods and also causes excessive wear on your molars.
• Crossbite – A crossbite is a misalignment of your upper and lower jaw.

Not only do all these issues affect the aesthetics of your smile, but they can also lead to unnecessary wear and tear on your teeth.

Contact our Temple, TX dental office

At Temple Dental Trails, we offer both Invisalign and traditional braces that will correct these alignment problems and leave you with a healthier smile as a result. If you would like to learn more about our orthodontic treatment options, please contact our Temple, TX dental office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Rich.

Regular teeth cleaning appointments—recommended every six months—are preventive because the purpose isn’t to treat gum disease but rather to keep it from developing. 

Periodontal maintenance appointments are recommended when our hygienist needs to target existing gum disease to prevent it from advancing. 

Preventive Teeth Cleanings

During your regular or prophy cleaning appointment at Temple Dental Trails, your hygienist removes stains, plaque, and tartar deposits on the tooth’s crown. They also measure the depth of periodontal pockets, which is the amount of space between your teeth and gums. 

Periodontal Maintenace Cleanings

Pockets over 4mm in depth indicate the presence of gum disease. In this case, our hygienist would recommend an appointment for a specialized deep cleaning called scaling and root planing.

Your hygienist performs this procedure over two appointments, and it involves removing (scaling) plaque and tartar from your teeth and planing or smoothing the tooth’s roots.

Periodontal maintenance appointments occur after the deep cleaning procedure. Your hygienist develops a personalized treatment plan with cleanings scheduled at a frequency that’s right for you.

Most patients require periodontal maintenance appointments 3-4 times a year, including scaling below the gumline to control the progression of gum disease. 

Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning with Us

Healthy smiles rely on healthy gums, and we can help you achieve both. Please call our Temple, TX dental office to schedule your next teeth cleaning appointment.

It is certainly not normal for your teeth to bleed when you brush. In fact, bleeding gums is a common sign of periodontal disease.

If you have gum disease, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that half of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease.

What does gum disease look like?

One reason that gum disease is so prevalent is because it can develop without any symptoms. Or, you may have symptoms and not realize that they indicate gum disease. Some signs to look for are:

• Bleeding when you brush
• Inflamed, swollen, or tender gums
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Chronic bad breath

The most common cause of periodontal disease is improper oral hygiene. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t take care of your teeth. But you may not be brushing properly, meaning that you don’t get the most out of your daily routine.

For this reason, it is critical that you schedule regular professional cleanings with a qualified dental hygienist. A trained hygienist can spot gum disease long before you notice any symptoms.

Dental Cleanings & Education in 76504

During a cleaning, your hygienist can also show you the proper way to brush and floss your teeth. An effective at-home hygiene routine can go a long way toward preventing periodontal disease from developing in the first place.

If you’re due for a dental cleaning, please contact our Temple dental office. We will be happy to arrange an appointment with one of our Registered Dental Hygienists.

Dental insurance is a valuable benefit that gives you access to quality oral health care that you might not otherwise have. At Temple Dental Trails, we work with most PPO insurances, but we are in-network with numerous plans. We are your:

• United Concordia dentist in Temple
• Humana dentist in Temple
• Cigna dentist in Temple
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield dentist in Temple

The one drawback with dental insurance is that it can be a challenge for patients to figure out what their plan covers, what the limitations are, and how much their out-of-pocket expenses will be.  

At Temple Dental Trails, our insurance coordinator is happy to do all the heavy lifting for you. We will review the specifics of your plan with you and give you an idea of how your benefits apply to your treatment. We will help file your claims, track them, and follow up on any delays.

Affordable Dental Care in the 76502 Area 

If you don’t have dental insurance, however, we have other ways to make the cost of treatment more affordable. We offer CareCredit interest-free financing that works like a credit card for your health and wellness needs. Apply once and use CareCredit for dental, vision, and hearing care, dermatology, and even veterinary care for your pooch.

Our dental care team wants to remove every single obstacle that stands between you and excellent oral health. If you have questions or concerns about dental insurance or financing, please call our Temple, TX dental office at (254) 595-4304.  

No. It’s a common myth that getting a root canal hurts, but it’s understandable. There’s no pain that’s quite as excruciating as an infected tooth, and the memory of it lingers. Long after we’ve provided relief with root canals at our Temple, TX dental office, it’s the pain of the infection most patients remember.

Root Canals in Temple, TX 

When you have severe decay or trauma to a tooth, the area deep inside it can become infected. As the infection reaches the nerve, it will become very painful.

The only way to relieve your pain—and save your tooth—is with a root canal at our Temple, TX dental office. First, you don’t have to worry that your root canal will hurt, because our dentists won’t start your procedure until they know the tooth is completely numb.

We want you to have a comfortable, stress-free experience, and we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation. With our safe sedation options, we can make dental anxiety about root canals a thing of the past.

Contact Temple Dental Trails in 76504 

If you’re looking for the best dentist in Temple, TX to perform a comfortable, stress-free root canal, please call Dr. Rich and the team at Temple Dental Trails. If you think you need an emergency root canal, call us right away at (254) 595-4304, so we can get you on our schedule as soon as possible.

At Temple Dental Trails, we want to make it as convenient as possible for you to get the treatment you’re looking for. If you don’t have the time to come to our office, or you’d like a more affordable teeth whitening option, a take-home kit is a perfect solution.

We use Zoom teeth whitening for our take-home kits. Zoom is a very effective treatment that is widely available because it is so easy to use and produces such beautiful results. With Zoom, we can help whiten your teeth by six to eight shades in about a month or less.

But what about over the counter whitening kits?

Professional take-home whitening kits are far superior to those you purchase at your drug store or supermarket. First, our kits include a whitening gel with a much higher concentration of peroxide, the ingredient that gets your teeth white.

Another important difference is that a professional teeth whitening kit includes a custom-made whitening tray. A custom tray fits perfectly over your teeth, so it is significantly more effective for achieving consistent whitening results.

What should my first step to getting a whiter & brighter smile be?

The first step for any teeth whitening treatment is a professional cleaning at our Temple dental office. Please contact us today to arrange your next appointment. We look forward to helping you easily achieve the sparkling smile you deserve!

KöR is a professional teeth whitening treatment that has been shown to be the most efficient option for restoring your fresh, youthful smile. Using KöR at our Temple, TX office can dramatically brighten your smile and, unlike other whitening treatments, the results are permanent.

Most professional teeth whitening treatments work by lifting stains from the surface of your teeth. On the other hand, KöR’s proprietary gel gets deep inside the tooth enamel to remove stains that are resistant to other whitening treatments. In fact, KöR is the only whitening product on the market today that eliminates tetracycline staining.

What is the KOR Teeth Whitening process?

KöR whitening produces dramatic results and can brighten your smile by as much as 16 shades. Best of all, the results are permanent! Once you have completed the at-home whitening process, all you need is monthly touch ups to maintain the brightness of your fresh new smile.

Call Temple Dental Trails to learn more

It is essential for you to have healthy teeth before any whitening treatment. If you are thinking about KöR teeth whitening, please call our Temple, TX dental office. We will be happy to arrange an exam with Dr. Leung so he can check the condition of your teeth. If he sees anything that needs to be corrected before whitening, he will be happy to make recommendations for treatment. 

KöR is one of the newest teeth whitening brands, and it produces remarkable results. In fact, KöR is considered to be the most effective teeth whitening treatment available today, lightening teeth by 16 shades or more.

Over time, your teeth collect stains and begin to look dull and discolored. This is normal and happens to everyone. The extent of discoloration depends on genetics, the foods you consume, and even the medications you take.

How does KöR whitening gel work?

KöR whitening gel is a unique proprietary formula that improves the ability of your teeth to absorb oxygen. This important action allows the whitening agent to penetrate deeply into your tooth enamel. KöR effectively lifts even the most stubborn stains. It is also the only teeth whitening product available that can virtually eliminate tetracycline stains.

Treatment with KöR includes a brief visit to our Temple dental office where we will prepare your custom-made whitening trays. You wear the trays while you sleep, and in two weeks you will return to our office so we can evaluate the results.

Once the desired level of whitening is achieved, you simply wear your trays once a month for maintenance and return to our office every six months for touch-up treatment.

Interested & want to learn more about teeth whitening?

We also have other options for whitening, and one of our hygienists will be happy to provide all the information. Please contact us to arrange an appointment for your next dental cleaning so we can tell you more about KöR teeth whitening.

Tooth staining is very common, particularly as you age. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for protecting your oral health, and it can also reduce a lot of staining.

But time takes its toll, and your teeth naturally develop tiny holes that provide a hiding place for food debris. This eventually leads to a dull appearance of your teeth.

Can certain foods cause tooth staining?

Indulging in certain foods and beverages or using tobacco products also contributes to tooth staining. If you are really serious about keeping your teeth as white as possible, it’s a good idea to avoid red wine, coffee, dark teas, and dark colored fruit like raspberries.

It’s good to know the conditions that lead to stained teeth so that you can avoid them in the future. Of course, your oral hygiene practice has an impact on the color of your teeth.

So you can see that there are a number of good reasons why your teeth are stained, but fortunately, teeth whitening can dramatically reduce the discoloration. At Temple Dental Trails we offer both KöR and Zoom Teeth Whitening. Depending on your needs, both are very effective at lifting stains and brightening your teeth.

Contact our Temple, TX dental office to book an appointment

We always recommend a dental cleaning prior to any whitening treatment to maximize results. So if you’re interested in teeth whitening, please call to make an appointment for your next cleaning, and we’ll help you achieve a healthy, brilliant smile.

If you have wisdom teeth (not everyone gets them) and they are healthy, you probably don’t need to have them removed. Healthy means that they have completely erupted, are not out of proper position or alignment, and they can be easily cleaned as part of your regular oral hygiene routine.

Wisdom teeth are also referred to as third molars and are located in the very back of your mouth. In many cases, this doesn’t allow them to grow properly, which is when they become a problem. This positioning can also cause them to grow at odd angles – sometimes even horizontally.

Are there other concerns?

Other potential problems are that the wisdom teeth don’t erupt fully through the gum or, alternately, they don’t erupt at all. This is what we call an impacted wisdom tooth.

Whether or not a wisdom tooth should be removed can only be decided by your dentist. Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth will almost always need to be removed to prevent overcrowding and protect surrounding teeth. It may be better to remove wisdom teeth before they cause problems, but that needs to be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Still unsure? Contact us!

If you have wisdom teeth and are wondering if you need to have them removed, please contact our Temple dental office. Dr. Leung will be happy to consult with you to decide if removal is the best course of action in your particular case.