Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Invisalign is a great option for many teens who want a lower-profile alternative to braces. We can use wear indicators and check-ins to help keep them on track, and replacement aligners are available if one goes missing.

Once your teeth are in their new positions, you’ll wear retainers to keep them there. At first, you’ll wear them more often, then usually just at night. We’ll guide you through this phase so your new smile stays stable for years to come.

Invisalign can effectively treat various dental issues, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough scan of your teeth and review your bite to determine if Invisalign is the ideal treatment option for you. Alternatively, we’ll also explore other suitable alternatives. Our clinic offers a relaxing and welcoming environment, complete with warm blankets, soothing scents, flat-screen TVs with streaming services and headphones, snacks, and beverages.

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With our current promotion, most Invisalign cases are $3,950 (a $1,000 savings off the regular price of $4,950). We accept many PPO plans, and some include orthodontic benefits that can reduce your out-of-pocket cost. We’ll review your coverage and offer financing options so you can choose a payment plan that fits your budget.

Rinse them with lukewarm water whenever you remove them, and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, non-abrasive soap or the recommended cleaning system. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. We’ll send you home with easy care instructions so it becomes a simple habit.

You’ll take your aligners out to eat and to drink anything that isn’t plain water. This keeps them clear and prevents food and sugar from being trapped against your teeth. After eating, you simply brush or rinse, then pop your aligners back in.

You may feel mild pressure each time you switch to a new aligner—that’s a sign your teeth are moving. Most patients say this discomfort is brief and much easier than metal braces. If you ever feel more than mild soreness, we’ll help you adjust and stay comfortable.

For best results, plan on 20–22 hours per day. You’ll remove the aligners only to eat, drink anything besides water, and brush and floss. The closer you stay to this schedule, the more predictable and efficient your treatment will be.

Most Invisalign cases take about 12–18 months, though smaller corrections can be faster and more complex changes can take longer. During your consultation, we use digital planning tools to give you a custom estimate based on your teeth and your goals.

Bring your photo ID, insurance card (if you have one), a list of medications, and any questions or goals you have about your smile. If you feel nervous about dental visits, let us know when you schedule so we can plan extra time to talk and help you feel at ease.

Often, yes. If we find a tooth that needs a crown and it is appropriate to treat, we cab deliver a custom crownt.

We combine a calm, curated environment with advanced technology and a strong focus on education. You see your photos and scans, ask questions, and help shape your treatment plan instead of feeling rushed through a quick exam.

Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We only take them when needed for diagnosis and always follow safety protocols to keep exposure as low as possible.

Most comprehensive checkups take about 60 to 90 minutes. This gives us enough time to clean your teeth, take any needed images, complete a thorough exam, and sit with you to review what we found.

In many cases, yes. We offer family scheduling so parents, teens, and school-age kids can often be seen during the same visit.

You are not alone, and you will not be judged here. We start by listening, then take a careful look at your current oral health and build a step-by-step plan that feels manageable for you.

Yes. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and will verify your benefits, estimate your portion, and file claims for you. If you do not have insurance, we offer our $99 new patient special and flexible payment options to help make care accessible.

Cost depends on which areas we treat and how much product is needed. During your consultation, we’ll build a personalized plan, explain pricing clearly, and review any financing options. You’ll know the investment before you decide to move forward.

Yes , Dr Zurcher does offer injections to specifically treat tmj and jaw tension/discomfort/clenching. Targeted cosmetic injectable treatments into specific jaw muscles can help reduce tension from clenching and may lessen some TMJ-related discomfort. We evaluate your bite, jaw, and muscle activity first to see if this option makes sense for you. After treatmentet do not lay on your face and not exercising or rub your face for 24 hours

Most people go back to normal activities the same day. You might see mild redness, swelling, or small bruises at injection sites, which usually fade over a few days. We’ll give you easy tips to reduce swelling and protect your results.

Injectable results typically last about 3–4 months for most patients. Lip filler can last anywhere from 6–12 months or more, depending on the product used, the area treated, and your own metabolism. We’ll talk about expected timelines for your specific plan.

Our approach is conservative and natural. We focus on softening lines, supporting volume, and improving balance—not changing your core features. Most patients hear comments like “You look rested” or “You look great,” rather than “What did you have done?”

When we plan teeth and facial esthetics together, we can shape your smile and the frame around it in a coordinated way.

That means your tooth size, gum line, lip position, and facial features all work together instead of looking like separate treatments. You also save time by working with one trusted team who knows your full story.

Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place and do not slip or rely on adhesive. Compared with bridges, implants do not require us to grind down healthy neighboring teeth for support. They also help protect your jawbone, which dentures and bridges alone cannot do.

Age by itself is rarely a problem. As long as you are in reasonably good health and your bone can support an implant—or can be improved with grafting—you may still be a candidate. We have many patients who choose implants later in life because they want a stable, confident smile for the years ahead.

You care for implants almost the same way you care for natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily (around the implant and nearby teeth), and visit us for regular cleanings and exams so we can keep an eye on the bone and gums around your implant. If you grind your teeth, we may recommend a night guard to protect your investment.

Not having enough bone does not always mean implants are off the table. Our CBCT scan shows exactly how much bone you have and where. In many cases, we can strengthen the area with bone grafting or adjust the plan to work with the anatomy you have.

With good care, implants are designed to be a long-term, often lifetime solution. You may eventually need to replace the crown on top due to normal wear, but the implant itself can stay stable if you keep up with brushing, flossing, and regular visits.

Implant costs vary based on how many teeth we are replacing, whether bone grafting is needed, and what type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) we place on top. We will give you a personalized estimate after we review your scans and design your plan, then help you check insurance and explore financing so you can decide what feels comfortable for you.

Most patients are surprised by how manageable the procedure feels. We use local anesthesia so you stay comfortable during placement, and many people compare the after-soreness to having a tooth removed. Over-the-counter medication is usually enough, and we check on you during the healing phase.

Porcelain veneers are considered a long-term, non-reversible treatment because a thin layer of enamel is removed to make room for them. With good care, they can last many years, and when they eventually need to be refreshed or replaced, we’ll plan that update so your smile stays looking its best.

You care for veneers almost the same way you care for natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with your regular checkups and cleanings. Avoid chewing on ice, pens, or very hard foods with veneered teeth, and let us know if you grind or clench so we can protect your veneers with a custom night guard if needed.

Yes, many patients choose porcelain veneers only for the upper teeth that show most when they smile. During your consultation, we’ll look at how your upper and lower teeth meet and smile together to decide whether treating just the top teeth—or both arches—will give you the most natural result.

High-quality porcelain veneers are very stain-resistant and usually stay the same shade for many years, even if you drink coffee, tea, or red wine. Keeping your natural teeth clean and bright with regular whitening and cleanings helps your veneers blend in and keeps your whole smile looking fresh.

Porcelain veneers cover only the front surface of your teeth and are mainly used for cosmetic changes, while crowns cover the entire tooth and are used when more strength and protection are needed. At Zurcher Dental Esthetics, we’ll recommend veneers, crowns, or a mix of both based on how healthy your tooth is and how much change you want in your smile.

It depends on how many teeth show when you smile and what you want to change. Some patients choose 2–4 veneers to fix a few key teeth. Others choose 6–10 (or more) for a fuller makeover. We’ll show you options with photos and digital previews so you can decide what feels right.

Most patients are surprised by how easy the process feels. We use local anesthetic during tooth preparation, and any soreness afterward is usually mild and brief. Our team checks in with you at every step to keep you comfortable.

With good home care and regular checkups, porcelain veneers often last 10–15 years or more. Avoid chewing ice or biting directly on very hard objects, and tell us if you grind your teeth—we may recommend a night guard to protect your investment.

The cost depends on how many teeth we treat and how complex your case is.

At your complimentary consultation, we create a custom plan, give you a detailed estimate, and review payment and financing options. Many patients choose to start with the most visible teeth and build from there over time.

If you’re unhappy with the look of your teeth, gums, or the “dark spaces” in your smile, you may be a good candidate. At your complimentary consult, we review your oral health, listen to your goals, and talk through what’s realistic and safe for your mouth. Together, we decide if a full makeover, a smaller refresh, or a phased approach makes the most sense.

Often, it does both. Straighter, smoother teeth are easier to clean. Replacing worn or cracked teeth with crowns can protect them from further damage. Adjusting your bite can reduce uneven wear and tension. We address any decay or gum issues first, then build cosmetic changes on a healthy foundation.

That’s the opposite of what we want. We focus on natural-looking results: careful attention to tooth shape, texture, and shade, plus how your smile fits your lips and face. The mockup and trial phases give you multiple chances to ask for “more subtle,” “a little longer,” or “a bit softer” before anything is final.

It depends on what we’re changing. Simple plans (like whitening plus a few veneers) may take a few weeks. More complex plans that include aligners, implants, or gingival filler therapy can take several months. At your consultation, we map out a clear timeline so you know what to expect from start to finish.

No. We usually present a “best case” full plan and then show you how it can be adjusted or phased. You might start with whitening and one or two key areas, then build toward a full makeover over time. You stay in control of how far you want to go and how quickly.

Costs vary based on how many teeth we treat and which services you choose—such as veneers, crowns, aligners, or esthetic treatments.

We’ll design your ideal plan, then work with you to phase treatment, explore options at different price points, and review financing so you can decide what fits your budget and goals. You’ll always see a written estimate before we begin.

If you have severe swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room right away. For other urgent issues after hours, leave us a message—we’ll contact you as soon as we’re back in the office and work to get you scheduled quickly.

Yes. We welcome new emergency patients, and you don’t need to be established at our office to get help. Once your emergency is handled, you’re also welcome to stay with us for ongoing care if you’d like a calmer, curated dental home.

Call us immediately—time matters. Gently rinse the tooth, try to place it back in the socket if possible, or store it in milk or saliva. Don’t scrub the root or let it dry out. Get to our office as quickly as you can; the best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth is within the first hour.

Costs depend on what you need—an exam and X-rays only, a filling, an extraction, a crown, or infection treatment. We’ll explain all fees before we begin and help you use any available PPO insurance benefits. We also offer financing options, so you don’t have to delay urgent care because of cost.

Yes. We reserve time in our schedule for same-day emergency dental visits and will always do our best to see you quickly. Call as early in the day as you can so we have the most flexibility, and let us know you’re in pain or dealing with an urgent problem.

Any situation with severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma that can’t wait for a regular appointment is a dental emergency. This includes severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth causing pain, large swellings, or injuries to your gums, lips, or tongue. If you’re unsure, call us, and we’ll help you decide how urgent it is.

In-office whitening gives fast, dramatic results in one visit. Take-home trays offer more gradual brightening over several days or weeks.

Many patients choose both: an in-office boost first, then take-home gel to maintain their results. We’ll help you decide what fits your timeline and comfort level.

Whitening gel only works on natural enamel—it does not lighten crowns, veneers, or tooth-colored fillings. If you have visible restorations, we might whiten your natural teeth first, then update older crowns or fillings to match your new shade for a more uniform result.

Professional teeth whitening done under supervision is safe for healthy enamel. Our Opalescence system is designed to brighten without weakening tooth structure, and we adjust strength based on your needs. We also check your teeth and gums first to make sure whitening is appropriate.

Most people see an improvement of four to eight shades, but it varies. External stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco tend to respond very well. Medication-related or internal stains may improve but not always reach “paper white.” We’ll set realistic expectations based on your starting shade.

Most in-office whitening visits take about 60–90 minutes from start to finish. That includes preparation, active whitening time, and your final shade check and instructions before you leave.

Some patients feel short-term sensitivity during or after whitening, but we plan ahead for that. Our products include ingredients to reduce sensitivity, and we can adjust the formula or timing if you’ve had issues in the past. Any sensitivity typically fades within a day or two.

For most patients, results last 1–3 years, depending on diet, habits, and home care.
If you limit dark drinks, avoid tobacco, and keep up with cleanings and touch-up whitening, your bright smile can stay fresh much longer.