Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic dentistry procedures since they're considered elective treatments for aesthetic improvement rather than medical necessity. However, some treatments may receive partial coverage when done for therapeutic reasons.

When Partial Coverage May Apply

Insurance may help with costs when procedures serve both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes:

• Clear aligners may be covered if treating bite problems or jaw dysfunction
• Crowns often receive coverage when restoring damaged or decayed teeth
• Tooth-colored fillings may be covered as alternatives to amalgam fillings
• Treatments addressing functional issues alongside aesthetic concerns

Coverage depends on your specific plan and the clinical necessity determined by your dentist. We'll work with your insurance to maximize any available benefits.

Financing Options to Fit Your Budget 

Don't let insurance limitations prevent you from achieving your ideal smile. We offer several financing options to make cosmetic dentistry more affordable:

• Cherry Finance and CareCredit provide flexible payment plans with low or no-interest options, allowing you to spread treatment costs over manageable monthly payments.
• Our in-house membership plan offers discounts on cosmetic services for patients without traditional insurance, making beautiful smiles more accessible.

Take a Step Toward Your Dream Smile

Ready to explore your cosmetic dentistry options? Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to discuss treatment and financing options. We create beautiful smiles for patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

Getting a dental crown typically requires two visits to our Baltimore office spaced two to three weeks apart. During the first appointment, our dentists prepare your tooth and create impressions, and the second appointment involves placing your final crown.

Visit One: Preparation and Impressions

The first appointment takes 60–90 minutes and involves the following steps: 

• Administer local anesthesia for your comfort
• Carefully reshape your tooth to accommodate the crown
• Take digital impressions using advanced scanning technology
• Select the perfect shade to match your natural teeth
• Place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth

The temporary crown allows you to eat and function normally while a trusted dental lab crafts your custom crown to our precise specifications.

Between Visits: Crown Creation

We send your digital impressions to skilled lab technicians who hand-craft your permanent crown using high-quality materials. This process takes two to three weeks and ensures a precise fit and natural appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile.

Visit Two: Final Crown Placement 

Expect your second and final appointment to last 30–45 minutes, where our dentists:

• Remove the temporary crown and clean the tooth
• Check the fit and appearance of your final crown
• Make necessary adjustments for comfort and bite
• Place the crown on the tooth using long-lasting cement 

Let's Get Started!

Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your consultation. We serve patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

Most adults missing one or more teeth are excellent candidates for dental implants. The ideal candidate has healthy gums, adequate jawbone density, and good overall health that supports healing.

Essential Criteria for Implant Success

Good candidates typically have:

• Healthy gums free from active periodontal disease
• Sufficient jawbone density to support the implant
• Good overall health and healing ability
• Commitment to excellent oral hygiene
• Realistic expectations about treatment outcomes
• Non-smoking or willingness to quit during treatment

Factors that may require further evaluation:

• Diabetes (well-controlled cases often qualify)
• Heart disease or blood-thinning medications
• Previous radiation therapy to the head/neck area
• Certain autoimmune conditions

Age is rarely a limiting factor—we've successfully placed implants in patients from their twenties to their eighties.

Bone Grafting to Make Implants Possible

If you lack sufficient jawbone density, bone grafting can often make implant placement possible. This procedure adds bone material to areas where natural bone has been lost due to tooth extraction, gum disease, or prolonged tooth absence.

During bone grafting, we place specially processed bone material in the deficient area, which encourages your body to grow new bone over several months. Once adequate bone volume is established, implant placement can proceed successfully.

We're Here to Answer Your Questions

Ready to learn if implants are right for you? Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your comprehensive implant evaluation. We serve patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

Not all dental emergencies are preventable, but following good oral health practices and making wise choices can significantly reduce your risk. Dental emergencies aren't just disruptive—they can cause lasting damage to your oral health and create unexpected costs, including time away from work and expensive urgent treatment.

Essential Dental Prevention

Maintain excellent oral hygiene:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Reduce bacteria by using an antimicrobial mouthwash

Keep regular dental checkups:

Schedule these appointments every six months for professional cleanings and to detect problems before they become emergencies. Minor issues caught early are much easier and less expensive to treat than emergencies.

Protect your teeth from injury:

• Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or using teeth as tools
• Don't open packages or bottles with your teeth

Address problems promptly rather than waiting for pain to worsen. What starts as minor sensitivity can quickly become a severe infection requiring emergency treatment.

When Dental Emergencies Strike

Despite prevention efforts, accidents happen. Drs. Kim and Chen are available for prompt, same-day care that can save your tooth and prevent complications.

Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your preventive care appointment. We serve patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

Even with excellent home care, professional cleanings are essential for optimal oral health. Brushing and flossing are crucial daily habits, but cannot replace the thorough cleaning and evaluation that professional dental visits provide.

Why Home Dental Care Alone Isn't Enough

Professional cleanings address areas your home routine cannot:

• Remove hardened tartar that only professional instruments can eliminate
• Clean below the gumline, where bacteria accumulate and cause gum disease
• Polish away surface stains and plaque in hard-to-reach areas
• Detect early signs of decay, gum disease, and oral health problems

Even the most diligent brushers and flossers miss spots, particularly between back teeth and along the gum line where bacteria thrive.

Beyond Teeth Cleaning

Professional visits to Drs. Kim and Chen include thorough examinations to identify potential problems before they result in pain or complex treatment to resolve. Detecting cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions typically allows for simpler, more conservative treatment.

The combination of excellent home care and regular professional cleanings provides the best protection for your oral health, helping you avoid serious dental problems and maintain your smile for life.

Due for a Teeth Cleaning? 

Our hygienists are known for their gentle touch and for providing thorough cleanings crucial for healthy teeth and gums. Call our Baltimore, MD, dental office at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your routine cleaning and checkup.

We serve patients throughout all surrounding areas, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

Invisalign clear aligners effectively correct many common alignment and bite issues, making them an excellent choice for adults seeking discreet orthodontic treatment. Dr. Kim will carefully evaluate your specific needs to determine if clear aligners are the best solution for your situation.

Alignment Issues Clear Aligners Address

Invisalign aligners can successfully treat:

• Crowded teeth that overlap 
• Gaps or spacing between teeth
• Mild to moderate overbite (upper teeth extend over lower teeth)
• Mild to moderate underbite (lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth)
• Crossbite (some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth)
• Open bite (front teeth not touching when biting down)
• Minor tooth rotations and tilting

When Traditional Braces May Be Better

Some complex orthodontic cases require the precise control that traditional braces provide. Dr. Kim may recommend braces for severe bite discrepancies, significant tooth rotations, or cases requiring substantial vertical tooth movement.

Fortunately, Dr. Kim offers both clear aligners and traditional braces so that she can recommend the most effective treatment approach for your unique situation. During your consultation, she'll explain which option will achieve your best possible results.

Are Clear Aligners for You?

Wondering which treatment is right for your smile? Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your orthodontic evaluation. We serve patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe when performed by a qualified dentist. The KöR whitening system we use has been tested extensively and proven safe for tooth enamel and delivers superior results.

Why Professional Whitening Is Safer

Professional whitening offers several safety advantages over DIY kits: 

• Custom-fitted trays for even gel distribution and to prevent gum irritation
• Professional-strength formulations are carefully monitored and regulated
• Supervision by a dentist allows for treatment customization
• Immediate support if any sensitivity or concerns arise during treatment

KöR Whitening: Enhanced Safety and Effectiveness

KöR whitening provides exceptional safety through its unique refrigerated storage system, which maintains gel potency and stability from manufacture to application. This controlled process reduces the risk of sensitivity and maximizes effectiveness.

Unlike over-the-counter products that can cause enamel damage or uneven results, KöR’s conditioning process and desensitizing agents minimize discomfort. The system has helped millions of patients achieve whiter smiles without compromising tooth structure.

Store-bought products lack professional oversight and may contain abrasive ingredients or inconsistent concentrations that can damage enamel or cause severe sensitivity.

Ready for Safe Professional Teeth Whitening?

Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to learn about KöR's benefits and dramatic whitening results. Our team proudly serves patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

Laser dentistry is significantly less painful than traditional dental procedures. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during laser treatments, and many procedures require little to no anesthesia at all.

Why Laser Dentistry Is More Comfortable

Laser technology provides enhanced comfort through:

• Precise targeting that affects only the treatment area
• Minimal trauma to surrounding healthy tissues
• Reduced bleeding and swelling during procedures
• Less post-treatment discomfort compared to traditional methods
• Faster healing times that minimize recovery pain

The focused laser energy seals blood vessels and nerve endings as it works, which naturally reduces both bleeding and pain sensation during treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

Most patients describe laser dental procedures as feeling like gentle warmth or slight pressure rather than sharp pain. Dr. Kim will discuss your comfort level throughout the procedure and can provide additional anesthesia if needed, though it's usually not necessary.

Post-treatment discomfort is typically minimal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Many patients return to normal activities the same day without significant pain or swelling.

Comfortable Laser Dentistry in Baltimore

Ready to experience comfortable laser dentistry? Call Drs. Kim and Chen at (410) 235-8525 to learn more about how our gentle laser treatments can benefit you. We happily serve patients throughout the Baltimore area, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

The only way to accurately diagnose TMD is through a thorough consultation with experienced TMD dentists like Drs. Kim and Chen. You may recognize concerning symptoms, but professional evaluation is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

Recognizing Potential TMD Symptoms

Many people live with TMJ pain for months or years before seeking help, often assuming their discomfort is normal or will resolve on its own.

Common signs that could suggest TMD include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or speaking
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully or jaw locking
• Frequent headaches, particularly in the morning
• Earaches or a feeling of fullness in your ears
• Facial pain or fatigue in the jaw muscles
• Neck and shoulder pain or stiffness
• Worn, chipped, or sensitive teeth from grinding

Professional TMJ Evaluation

During your TMD evaluation, Drs. Kim and Chen will first examine your mouth to look for signs of worn teeth, indicating possible TMJ issues. They will examine the function of your TMJs and bite, and take 3-D scans to understand what's happening with the joints. 

Every patient's TMD is unique, so we will carefully tailor your treatment plan to address specific causes and symptoms, ensuring the most effective relief possible.

Experiencing TMJ Pain or TMD Symptoms?

Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your comprehensive TMD evaluation. We serve patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

There is no age limit for traditional braces. Teeth can move at every stage of life, which is one reason why retainers are so important even years after orthodontic treatment—your teeth never stop having the potential to shift!

Orthodontic Treatment at Any Age

Adults of all ages can benefit from braces:

• Teeth remain capable of movement throughout your lifetime
• Healthy gums and adequate bone support are more important than age
• Many patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond achieve excellent results
• Adult treatment often progresses predictably due to full jaw development

Individualized Treatment Plans 

Dr. Kim creates personalized treatment plans that consider your unique circumstances, including your age, lifestyle, and specific orthodontic needs. She takes into account factors like:

• Your orthodontic goals and desired outcome
• The complexity of tooth movement required
• Your oral health and bone density
• Timeline preferences and lifestyle considerations
• Previous orthodontic history or dental work

Whether you're seeking treatment for the first time or addressing relapse from earlier orthodontic work, Dr. Kim will design a plan that works specifically for your situation and stage of life.

You're Never Too Old for a Straighter Smile!

Ready to explore orthodontic options at any age? Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your consultation. We serve patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.