FAQs

We recommend seeing your dentist every 6 months for a checkup. Regular visits help catch problems early, like cavities or gum disease, and can be treated before they become major issues. However, if you have specific dental conditions or concerns, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. Regular checkups are the key to a healthy, happy smile!

Yes, at Premier Smile Center, we understand dental emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why we offer same-day appointments for urgent dental issues. Whether you have a toothache, broken tooth, or other dental emergencies, our team will prioritize your care and get you in as soon as possible. Call us now and we’ll get you in as soon as we can.

Recovery time after a dental procedure varies depending on what you had done. For most routine procedures like fillings or cleanings, you can get back to normal in a day. More complex procedures like extractions, implants, or cosmetic work may require a few days of downtime. Dr. Charmaine Johnson and our team will give you specific aftercare instructions to help you recover smoothly.

Yes, at Premier Smile Center, we offer sedation for patients with dental anxiety. Whether you’re having a cleaning or a more complex procedure, we want you to feel comfortable. Our sedation options range from mild relaxation techniques to stronger forms of sedation, depending on your needs and comfort level. We want your dental experience to be stress-free.

Preventing gum disease starts with a good oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings also help catch gum disease early. Avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet, and manage conditions like diabetes to reduce your risk. Follow these steps, and your gums will be healthy and disease-free.

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by many things, like enamel erosion or gum recession. If you have sensitivity, try using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks, and be gentle when brushing. If the sensitivity persists, schedule an appointment with us to have us take a look. We can figure out what’s going on and recommend treatments to relieve the discomfort and protect your teeth.

Yes, regular cleanings are necessary even if you don’t have any pain or discomfort. Plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth and cause gum disease and cavities without any symptoms. Cleanings prevent these issues and improve overall oral health. We recommend you come in every 6 months for a cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy, even if you feel fine.

Tooth decay is mainly caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches from food and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Other common causes are poor oral hygiene, not brushing and flossing often enough, sugary foods and drinks, and lack of fluoride. Cleanings, good oral hygiene, and limiting sugary snacks can prevent tooth decay and keep your smile healthy.

A dental implant is a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. It’s a titanium post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a root. Once the implant integrates with the bone (osseointegration), a crown or bridge is placed on top to restore function and appearance. Dental implants provide a strong, durable, and natural-looking replacement, so you can get back to a fully functional and confident smile.

The dental implant process takes several months to complete. It’s a multistage process, starting with the surgical placement of the implant post into the jawbone. After the implant is placed, it usually takes 3-6 months for the post to fuse with the bone. Once the implant is fully integrated, a crown or bridge is placed on top, and that’s it! The overall time frame may vary depending on individual healing rates and any additional treatment needed.

Yes, dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. The titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time to create a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last for decades, so they’re a durable and long-lasting solution for your smile.

After your implant procedure, it’s crucial to follow aftercare to ensure a smooth recovery and longevity of your implants. Brush gently around the implant area with a soft toothbrush, and avoid hard or sticky food for the first few weeks. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infection and follow any instructions from your dentist. Regular checkups will also help monitor the implant’s health and make sure everything is healing correctly.

Popular cosmetic treatments are teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, and Invisalign. Teeth whitening whitens discolored teeth, veneers improve chips, cracks, and gaps, dental implants replace missing teeth with a permanent solution, and Invisalign is a discreet way to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. These treatments will enhance your smile and boost your confidence, tailored to your individual dental needs.

Cosmetic treatments like veneers last between 10 to 15 years with good care. The longevity of veneers depends on oral hygiene, diet, and regular dental checkups. Avoiding habits like grinding your teeth or chewing hard objects will help extend the life of your veneers. With regular maintenance and good care, your veneers will continue to give you a natural, beautiful smile for years to come.

Yes, teeth whitening is safe when done by a dentist. Professional treatments like the ones at Premier Smile Center use proven methods to whiten teeth without damaging enamel. It works on stains from food, drinks, or smoking. But you must follow the dentist’s instructions and not overdo it to avoid sensitivity or other side effects.

Yes, cosmetic dentistry can fix crooked teeth. Veneers, bonding, and Invisalign are great ways to straighten out and get a straighter, more beautiful smile. Depending on the level of misalignment of the teeth, these treatments can be a quick and discreet way to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. Consult an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you.

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies for each individual, depending on the complexity of your dental issues and goals. Typically, treatment lasts from several months to over a year, based on how much movement is required. Regular checkups with your orthodontist ensure treatment stays on track and progresses as expected. The number of aligners and the frequency of adjustments will be tailored to your specific needs, providing a customized plan.

When you first start wearing Invisalign aligners, you may notice a slight change in your speech due to the aligners fitting over your teeth. However, most patients adapt to speaking normally within a few days to a week. The clear plastic aligners are custom-fitted to your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit, which helps minimize any noticeable impact on your ability to speak naturally. You should experience a full return to your normal speech over time.

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and how much correction is needed. Generally, Invisalign treatment may be comparable in price to traditional braces, but the convenience and aesthetics of clear aligners often make it an appealing choice for many adults. Financing options are available to help make the treatment more affordable, and payment plans can be tailored to meet your needs.

One of the great benefits of Invisalign is that there are no food restrictions, making it a more convenient option compared to traditional braces. Unlike traditional braces, which can be damaged by hard or sticky foods, Invisalign aligners are removable for easy cleaning. However, it’s important to avoid eating or drinking anything while the aligners are in your mouth, as this can cause staining, discomfort, or affect the fit of your aligners.

All forms of credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Your membership is effective immediately!

Simply call our office and setup an appointment for yourself or your family members.

Simply schedule an appointment with our office and be sure to tell us you’re a member. When you arrive, we’ll make sure your membership is “current” and you will be eligible for instant savings off our regular fees.

If you’re a current patient, please contact us to confirm you’re on Perio Maintenance. If you are a new patient, we will make a recommendation after your initial exam.

It will be your responsibility to reschedule. Please see our office policy regarding no-shows and last minute cancellations.

Absolutely! Your entire family can join.

Your club membership is solely with our office and as such is non-transferrable. If you move to another area, you may cancel your membership at any time.

Login to your Member Portal and look under Account Members. You’ll see the status of each member above his/her name.

Yes! Simply login to your Member Portal and click “Edit Your Payment Method”.

Login to your Member Portal and click the “Remove” button for each member you’d like to cancel.

Yes! Simply login to your Member Portal and click “Edit Your Payment Method”.

No. Refunds will not be provided for dues paid under any circumstances, including failure to schedule and maintain appointments.

You’ll pay only the Lifetime Activation fee to join. This fee includes your first month’s membership dues.

Memberships are currently month-to-month only.

An email address for receipts, credit or debit card, full name, address, phone and date of birth.

Membership clubs are not insurance but a payment arrangement provided by Dr. Charmaine Johnson, DDS, PA for services rendered. Memberships are provided exclusively to uninsured patients of our practice and shall not be considered pre-payment for future services or payment for access to discounted services. Rather, our patient members are electing to make regular monthly subscription payments for preventive care instead of paying at the time of each service. Payment for any cosmetic or restorative treatment is due at the time of service. Membership dues must be current in order to receive services. A lapse of 28 days in dues will require a reactivation fee of six months’ dues. Membership club discounts may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. It is solely the patient’s responsibility to schedule and keep their appointments. No refunds will be provided for dues paid under any circumstances, including failure to schedule and maintain appointments. A patient member’s monthly agreement is with the legal entity of Dr. Charmaine Johnson, DDS, PA. Monthly dues and fees for dental services may change at any time. Payment management services are provided by illumitrac?.

The average Invisalign wearer will be in treatment for about a year. Some patients have more complex issues that require more time, while others have minor problems that can be corrected in less than a year.

Attachments are very small, tooth-colored dots that can take various shapes and are bonded temporarily to the teeth to make the Invisalign trays fit better and move teeth even more effectively. Not every patient needs attachments but they are a common part of Invisalign treatment so there is a good chance you may require at least a few.

You should never eat with Invisalign braces in your mouth – not even a little snack. It will be tempting to take a bite or sip a drink, but these choices can stain or damage your trays. You should only drink water with the trays in your mouth and otherwise remove the aligners for all meals and snacks to keep them clean and fresh.

Invisalign trays will put pressure on your teeth – that’s a good thing and means the trays fit properly and are shifting your smile as intended. Each aligner is smooth, which means it will not irritate your lips or cheeks, unlike metal braces which can poke and jab the tissues of your mouth because of their sharp wires and brackets.