Common Questions
Following are some of the questions we hear most frequently from patients. If you have others, please do not hesitate to call or talk with us during your appointment. We're here to help you.
- How does Dr. Stec keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
- What different payment options do you provide?
- At what age should my children first see Dr. Stec?
- Do you accept referrals?
- How can I safely whiten my teeth?
- What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
- Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials - where can I learn more about these procedures?
- Do I have to floss everyday? Is it really that important?
- I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
- What is Smile Analysis?
- What is Smile Design?
How does Dr. Stec keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Dr. Stec regularly attends training courses at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, the world's premier postgraduate training facility. At LVI, he attends lectures and participates in hands-on training clinics in the latest techniques and procedures. His staff also has attended classes at LVI. In addition, he subscribes to all of the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry.
What different payment options do you provide?
We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We also accept most insurance plans and will file your insurance for you. For more information, talk with our friendly, knowledgeable office team. They'll be happy to assist you.
At what age should my children first see Dr. Stec?
Most children should have their first visit to a dentist at approximately 2 1/2 to 3 years old. This gives your dentist an opportunity to spot and prevent any potential problems and gives your child a positive first visit to the dentist. If there appear to be problems, however, Dr. Stec will see children around six months after their baby teeth have come in, or around their first birthday.
Do you accept referrals?
We think referrals are the purest form of flattery, and are always happy to accept referrals from other dentists as well as from patients. Referrals are the best kind of compliments!
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
There are a number of ways to whiten your teeth these days, from over-the-counter teeth whiteners to in-office treatments. Dr. Stec uses the Zoom! Whitening System, as seen on ABC's hit show, Extreme Makeover. Dr. Stec can evaluate the whiteness of your smile based on current color and the causes of any discoloration, and determine the method that will work best for you.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Safety is an important issue for us, so we take a number of steps to ensure it. First, all instruments are scrubbed in the Meile Dental Dishwasher before being wrapped and sterilized. Our sterilizer is tested routinely to confirm it works properly, and because we have new equipment, all water lines can be and are disinfected. In short, your safety is our top priority.
Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials - where can I learn more about these procedures?
You might first check out the Patient Library section on this Web site, which is designed to provide you with the latest information. Simply click on the Patient Library link in the margin and select your article topic from the listing provided. If you want even more information, visit the American Dental Association.
Do I have to floss everyday? Is it really that important?
Daily flossing really is that important. Flossing loosens food particles in tight spaces your toothbrush can't reach, gets rid of plaque and exercises your gums. Think of daily flossing as insurance for your smile's future.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
Modern dentistry offers you a number of options without wearing braces. Sometimes we can attach "invisible" braces behind your front teeth. Or, for slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, reshaping and porcelain veneers can give you a bright, uniform smile. Please feel free to talk with Dr. Stec to help identify the option that will work best for you.
What is Smile Analysis?
Each person has a unique, perfect smile that is proportional and flattering to his/her individual face. With Smile Analysis, we can show you your best possible smile, the one proportional to your facial symmetry, lip line and phonetics.
What is Smile Design?
Just as it sounds, Smile Design is the process of creating the perfect smile for each individual. The result is the creation of a beautiful new smile. The best part of designing the perfect smile for people is seeing their eyes light up the first time they look in the mirror. Often, patients report an immediate increase in their self-confidence and satisfaction in their interaction with others.