Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have any payment plans?
Do you take any insurance plans?
What forms of payment do you take?
What happens if I miss my dental appointment?
How do I make the most out of my treatment consultation?
Should I take antibiotics before seeing a dentist?
Can medication use affect my oral health?
How can my smile look brighter?

Do you have any payment plans?

Yes, we accept several different forms of payment. You can download our financial policy that fully explains all the financial options that we have available. For cosmetic dentistry procedures, our patients love CareCredit, a third party lending institution that offers no-interest payment plans for 3, 6, and even 12 months! CareCredit also offers 24, 36, 48, and 60-month, low-interest payment plans. Call our dental office today to learn more about how Care Credit can finance your treatment and help you get the dental work you need and want. We also work with Unicorn Financial Services.

Do you take any insurance plans?

We participate with some insurance companies. Our insurance manager will be more than happy to determine how we can make the most of your claim. Insurance can be confusing, and to make matters worse, every insurance plan handles things differently. At Arch Dental Associates, our insurance manager can submit all necessary paperwork to both your dental and your medical insurance. Contact our insurance manager at (212) 477-4330 or email her at insurancemanager@archdental.com.

What forms of payment do you take?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We also work with three financing institutions, CareCredit and Unicorn Financial. You must apply for the dental financing in our office, and our accounts manager will answer your questions. For more information, contact the accounts manager at (212) 477-4330 or email her at accountsmanager@archdental.com.

What happens if I miss my dental appointment?

We ask that you call to cancel your appointment at least 48 hours in advance. We set aside time just for you and do not double book appointments. By giving us 48 hours' notice, we can offer your time slot to another patient. Those who don’t call to cancel may be charged a cancellation fee.

How do I make the most out of my treatment consultation?

When patients are seen in our office for a consultation, we make it our responsibility to fully explain what treatment is needed and the cost. Here are the questions we can answer for you on a consultation appointment:

Which treatment option is best for me?
How much will the entire treatment plan cost?
What are my payment options?
Among the recommendations, which treatments are absolutely necessary now?

We can prioritize a treatment schedule to help you distinguish problems needing immediate attention from those that are less urgent. Often, treatment can be phased for your time and budget. Be sure that you understand the consequences of delaying treatment before you leave the office.

Should I take antibiotics before seeing a dentist?

Under most circumstances, you should pre-medicate with antibiotics if you have a heart murmur, heart disease, artificial joint replacement, or an organ transplant. Always check with your doctor regarding whether you should take antibiotics before dental procedures.

Can medication use affect my oral health?

Yes, medications can have negative oral health effects. Tell us about medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements that you are taking, including those you purchase over the counter. Dry mouth is often a side effect of medications, and some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or dry nasal passages. Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive cavities can form. We will recommend various methods to restore moisture to your mouth. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced with artificial saliva and oral rinses.

How can my smile look brighter?

Your diet and lifestyle greatly affect the brightness and whiteness of your smile. The following foods drastically affect a beautiful smile: coffee, tea, red wine, cola drinks, curry, and tobacco products. The great news is that teeth whitening can usually restore a smile’s sparkle. Ask us about the cosmetic options that will help you make your smile amazing.