Welcome to our Blog

One of the great things about dentistry is being able to enhance patient’s lives so significantly. Allowing people to look better, smile more readily, be free of pain, chew and function normally, live longer and have nice fresh breath for speaking and kissing are just a few of the things we do to improve the lives of everyone we touch. Even the most basic dental procedures are incredibly important – without good dental hygiene and regular cleanings millions more teeth would be lost every year. We hope you enjoy our blog and find the information within useful and sometimes even entertaining.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Dentists treat you, not your dental plan

According to the 2010 Canadian Health Measures Survey, 62% of Canadians have a dental plan, but many don't realize that group plans aren't designed to meet individual health needs.  "Dental plans are a valuable component of extended health benefits and are designed to offset the cost of dental treatment," says President of the BCDA.  "Understanding how dental insurance plans work can help patients make informed choices in partnership with their dentist or dental specialist.

Dentist's Responsibility
Just like your physician, your dentist is highly trained.  Treatment recommendations are based on your dental health needs, not dictated by your dental coverage.  A dental plan is a contract between a third party (such as your employer), and the insurance company.  The procedures and percentages covered are determined by the contract, not your dentist.

Your dentist can help you understand your coverage and assist you in getting pre-authorizations for treatment.  This will provide you with a good estimate, before treatment begins, of what will be covered by your plan, and what you will have to pay. 

Coverage Varies
Your dental coverage is part of your benefits plan, not based on your (or your family's) dental care needs.  Every dental plan is different.  Coverage varies based on what services are covered in the contract; percentage of fees covered for each service; and yearly maximums.  It is the plan purchaser, such as your union or employer, who determines what is covered when they purchase your plan -- not your dentist.

Patient's Responsibility
Dental office staff are not experts on your plan.  It is your responsibility to know your plan coverage, including any changes.  Ask your benefits manager or insurance provider for a plan booklet or information on your specific coverage.

The Co-Payment 
Regardless of the actual costs, most dental plans cover between 50% to 80% of the cost of dental care.  Any portion of the price not covered by your plan must be paid by you, and is referred to as the co-payment.  The claim form submitted to your insurance company is a contract.  Your dentist has an ethical and legal obligation to collect the co-payment from you.

As a service to you, at Acreview Dental Clinic, we bill the insurance company directly for the covered portion of treatment.  Dentists are not required to do this.  The full cost of the procedure, including the co-payment or the cost of any services not covered by the plan must be collected from the patient at the time the treatment is provided. 

How are dental costs determined?
The BCDA produces an annual suggested fee guide for dentists and dental specialists in BC. the majority of insurance plans base coverage percentages on this guide.

Dentists in Canada do not follow a fee schedule and set their prices to cover: lab costs and quality of materials required for your procedure paid for directly by the dentist; salaries; rent; mandatory continuing education; equipment; and all related costs in running their dental practice.

Source: British Columbia Dental Association

For more information visit the British Columbia Dental Association web site.


Monday, December 12, 2011

Brighter, Whiter, Holiday Smiles



Chic-Flic ToGo and Whiter Image Pens for Premium Cosmetic Teeth Whitening 




They're here!  Have a look at the You Tube video to see what it's all about...  We have a limited supply here in the office so call to reserve yours or stop by.  Finish off your holiday shopping with these perfect stocking stuffers!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Our Dental Spaaaahhh Menu






This is just a sample of the services we provide. If there is something you don’t see – please contact us to ask!  If there is something you would like more information about, please ask!
Cosmetic Services
  • Tooth-colored fillings
  • Tooth-colored inlays and onlays
  • Metal-free crowns and bridges made of porcelain and/or ceramic. Ask us which is best for you!
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Smile makeovers without braces
  • Cosmetic bonding
  • Cosmetic tooth reshaping
Laser Dentistry with Odyssey Diode Lasers
  • Scalpel-free gum surgery
Preventive Services
  • Brushing and flossing instruction
  • Preventive cleanings, stain removal
  • Oral cancer screening using VELscope
  • Sealants to prevent cavities
  • Fluoride treatments for children and adults
  • Athletic mouth guards
  • Dental photography
Implant Dentistry
  • Placement of implants, including “mini-implants”
  • Implant-anchored dentures
  • Implant-anchored crowns and bridges
Digital X-rays using SIEMENS
  • 90% less radiation to see your teeth   and surrounding structures more accurately



Tooth Whitening
·         In office treatment
·         Take home custom-made trays
·         “Chic Flic” to-go whitening and lip gloss

Periodontal (gum) Services
·         Non-surgical gum treatment
·         Antibiotic gum therapy
·         Scalpel-free laser gum surgery
·         Traditional gum therapy

Treatment of Migraines and TMJ Pain
·         Night guards and therapeutic splints

Sleep Apnea Appliances

Endodontics
·         Traditional root canal therapy and re- treatment

Dentures
·         Full dentures
·         Partial dentures
·         Metal-free partial dentures
·         Denture repairs/relines/adjustments

Children’s Dentistry
·         Complete dental treatment for all ages
·         Special children’s play area – we love children!

Dental Surgery
Seven Day Emergency Care
Smile Club Monthly Movie Pass Draw

The Best Stocking Stuffer Ever!



Chic-Flic TOGO pen
and
Whiter Image pen


Only two more days until this brand new product arrives!  our favorite stocking stuffers this year are the "Chic Flic" and Whiter Image pens... a whitening pen on one side and a lip plumping lip gloss on the other (gotta have those plump lips for the holidays) and to put it simply - it has the coolest packaging we have ever seen in a dental product!  it looks like a lipstick case and has small lit mirrors on each side.


Stop in to pick up one for yourself or for someone on your list!
$25 for the Chic-Flic and $20 for the Whiter Image (without gloss).