Finding a good family dentist might be more difficult than you think if you don't know what qualities to look for. There are many family dentists here in SoCal, but how can you be sure you choose the right one for you and your family? You can always conduct an online search for "family dentist near me," but this won't give you all the information you need to make the best selection possible.
 
After finding several dentists in your area, you should then begin to conduct further research. There are a few different qualities that make a great family dentist. What's most important is knowing what factors to look for to help you find the best family dentist for you. 

Not sure where to begin? There's no need to worry! In the guide below, you'll find several key factors to take into consideration when choosing dental care for the entire family. 

​If you live near Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, or Wildomar, CA you can get the finest dental care from the caring and experienced dentists at Upland Dental Implant and Orthodontics. We're excited to bring smiles to all our patients no matter their age. Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you, or read on to find out more.

Your Insurance Network

A great starting place when on the hunt for the best family dentist is your insurance network. It's not a secret that dental work without insurance coverage can get expensive. This is why it might be best to find a family dentist who's covered under your insurance. 

Keep in mind that not all dentists accept the same insurance and not all dentists accept young children. You'll need to contact the dentist directly and ensure they not only accept your insurance but accept young children as well. You can also contact your insurance and ask for a list of dentists in your area that accept it. 

Both are great options. If you do find a dentist that doesn't accept your insurance, but you want to see them, then you can also inquire about financing options. Many dentists will offer financing options such as payment plans if needed. 

The Type of Services Offered

The next factor to consider is the type of services offered. Do you have specific dental needs? Are there specific services you want the dentist to provide?

For example, will you need dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, Invisalign or something else? You should make sure that the dentist can provide you with the type of dental services you need before choosing them as your family dentist. You can contact the dentist and ask them about the different types of services they provide. 

You may also be able to find more information about services offered by checking their website. 

Reviews and Reputation

Once you find a dentist who can provide you with the dental services you require, the next step is looking up reviews and learning more about the dentist's reputation. You can find reviews on dentists' websites and social media pages, but you can also find reviews on review sites. 

Take the time to read through several reviews before making a final decision. You can also consider contacting the dentist and asking for a couple of references. If you're given a reference or two, then do make sure to call each one. 

Ask these past patients about their own experience with that specific dentist. What did they enjoy about visiting the dentist and what didn't they enjoy? Don't hesitate to speak with friends and family as well. 

If they have a good family dentist they would recommend, then be sure to look into that dentist also. 

The Proper License and Certification

A reputable dentist will have a proper license and certification to perform dental procedures on patients. Never hesitate to ask each dentist to show proof of their license and certifications. You should be able to search their license online to ensure it's up to date and legitimate. 

If a dentist refuses to show you proof of their license, then you may want to continue your search. A reputable and licensed dentist should have no problem showing you proof of their license and all dental certifications as well. 

The Location and Hours

Now you'll want to take the location and hours into consideration. Although driving a few more miles for a great dentist is definitely worth the drive and time, do keep convenience in mind. Try to find a dentist near you that you can easily get to after work or school. 

Be sure to look up the hours as well. If you want to schedule an appointment when your children get out of school or when you get off work, will you be able to do so? Can you make it there on time?

A dentist with a convenient location and hours for you is a wonderful choice, but don't hesitate to drive a bit further if that's where the dentist you like is located. 

A Tour of the Office 

After narrowing down your search to a few great dentists in your area, you can then contact each one and request a tour of the office. An office tour is a great way to get a better feel for the dentist, the staff, and the office environment. Is the office friendly and welcoming? 

Does your child feel safe and comfortable? How does the staff treat you and your family? Keep these key questions in mind while touring the office. 

Have You Found the Right Family Dentist for You?

Are you still on the hunt for an awesome family dentist? After reading through this guide, we hope you're able to make a well-informed decision. Use the information listed above to help navigate you through the process of finding the best family dentist for you and your little ones.

Toothaches, discomfort, and a self-conscious smile — all these are the result of crooked teeth and bad oral health.

If you're here, you already know that. In fact, clicking on this post at all means that you're interested in the potential of adult braces.

They're a great option, though underestimated by many.

But while they don't look too glamorous, they can still look neutral against many users and come with plenty of aesthetic and health benefits!

So keep reading to understand seven reasons why you should get braces as an adult. Whatever your short-term hesitations are, they don't compare to how permanently beneficial adult braces are.

1. Jaw Realignment
Braces do more than straighten out your teeth. They can even correct jaw misalignment, which can result in a significant change in facial structure for some.

Anyone dealing with an intense underbite or overbite will experience long-term, permanent changes in jaw positioning through adult braces. Braces ensure that your upper and lower teeth meet. To do that, braces will slowly realign your jaw so that your teeth are aligned as needed. 

But this benefit isn't only good for aesthetic reasons. Jaw misalignment can also complicate chewing and cause certain people to unevenly wear down their teeth. By going to an orthodontist for braces, patients can enjoy meals and relax with a little more peace.

2. Reduction in Pain/Discomfort
Teeth have nerve endings too, and having them out of place can have pretty painful consequences. Namely, crooked teeth can cause pain and/or discomfort by placing pressure against each other and on the gums.

They'll also become more sensitive when they're constantly put under pressure. Fixing a toothache around a crooked tooth will ease the discomfort for a short while. But most likely, your family dentist will then recommend you get braces since this will probably happen again in the future.

3. Disease Prevention
Misaligned teeth can also impact your health by attracting gum disease and activities. That's because it's so much harder to clean them when they are misaligned.

The bristles from your toothbrush won't reach these tooth gaps so easily, and it'll be harder be floss. Your last resort will be a professional cleaning to remove all the debris and food from your mouth.

When this debris and food stays in your mouth, it can cause painful and foul-smelling problems. Whatever's left behind can then fester, which leads to issues like cavities and gingivitis (gum infection). Bad oral health can also make your breath smell worse, causing social discomfort on top of physical discomfort.

4. Braces Options
These days, there's plenty of braces options for adults. But first, we'd advise you not to be self-conscious about braces. There are plenty of neutral color and barely visible options that you can choose from, and many clients venture out with their braces with confidence.

But if that won't convince you, you can consider an option like Invisalign or lingual braces, braces on the inside of your teeth. While they are pricier than their metal counterparts, Invisalign aligners are less invasive and aren't visible to any casual onlookers. Users don't have the food restrictions like they do with braces and can clean their teeth much more easily. 
 
5. Affordability 
Braces are an investment, but there financial plans that can make them affordable and always ask for different options.
Are there any 0% interest payment plan options? Are there cash payoff discounts? Talk to your office financial coordinator about the best payment options for you.

There's also plenty of options if you have dental insurance. While dental insurance coverage depends on the plan, many will offer benefits with orthodontic plans to cover teeth realignment treatments.

In terms of cost, preventing bad oral health also means preventing future costs fixing it. So think of adult braces as an investment — otherwise, you might face worse problems later on.

6. It's Temporary
If all this can't convince you yet, remember that braces are temporary but the satisfaction that follows is lifelong. Though you may hesitate to get braces now, adults that do rarely regret their choice to do so.

After all, you should be able to spend the rest of your adult life with the smile you prefer! Think about the big picture while you make your final decision.

7. Long-Term Confidence Boost
Unless you already had relatively straight teeth, braces will make a big difference to your smile and the confidence behind it. Other people will notice the difference too, which will make you feel even better about your decision.

But of course, your happiness with your decision shouldn't depend on others' validation. Just imagine the satisfaction you'll feel when those braces come off. It might be enough motivation to get you to call your local dental office.

Invest in a Bright Smile With Adult Braces!
If you've been dealing with a self-conscious smile your whole life, it's time to be proactive about it. Even if you hesitate to get adult braces, don't think of it as "adult braces" — think of it as your transition to the next part of your life. A chapter where when you smile, you smile with 100% confidence.

Whether you need a dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, a dentist from Chino, a dentist from Wildomar, or a dentist from Upland — when you're ready to book an appointment, we'll be waiting here at Upland Dental Implant and Orthodontics!

Do you have an infected, painful, or missing tooth? Has a dentist recommended that you have a root canal or dental implant surgery? 
Don't fear! Dental implants are 98% successful and can help fix many dental issues. 

Continue reading to learn about dental implants and the seven different reasons you may need them.

If you live near Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, or Wildomar, CA you can get the finest dental care from the caring and experienced dentists at Upland Dental Implant and Orthodontics.

What Are Dental Implants?

Three components make up dental implants: the titanium implant, abutment, and crown. Not only do dental implants replace the tooth, but they replace the root as well.

Your family dentist uses these parts to create a natural-looking and long-lasting dental implant. 

Do You Need Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a common and popular tooth replacement option that many dentists choose. It is important that you stay informed when it comes to your dental health.

Here are seven specific reasons you may benefit from dental implant surgery. 

1. You Have an Infected Tooth

A tooth infection can be caused by an injury that never healed, tooth decay caused by an untreated cavity, or previous dental work. An infected tooth can cause unbearable pain, and a dentist should treat it immediately.
A root canal procedure can save some infected teeth. However, if the infection is bad enough, your dentist may recommend a dental implant. 
Your dentist would pull the infected tooth. Then they will replace the infected tooth with a dental implant that is as strong as your natural teeth and will last decades.

2. You Do Not Want Dentures

Dentures are a prevalent way to replace teeth, but they can be annoying and cause you to feel self-conscious. 

Unlike dentures, dental implants are able to adjust as your gums and facial structure changes through time. 

Dental implants are also easier for you to take care of than complete or partial dentures. To properly clean dentures, you must remove, soak, and brush them at least once a day, if not more.

Cleaning dental implants is the same process as your normal oral hygiene routine. You brush and floss your dental implants like the rest of your natural teeth.

When you get dental implants, you also do not have to deal with the sticky, messy adhesive that dentures require.

3. You Are Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can result from several causes like diabetes, the use of tobacco productions, genetic issues, and a poor diet. 

Having missing teeth can affect how you chew, smile, and talk. Dental implants are a good option if you are missing a tooth or even multiple teeth.
When several of your teeth are missing your jawbone will atrophy, thus causing bone loss in your jaw. This process can cause you to lose even more teeth.

By replacing the missing teeth, you can prevent bone resorption from occurring and protect yourself from facial structure collapse. 

Replacing missing teeth with custom dental implants offers a natural-looking replacement that is durable and needs no special care. 

4. Your Teeth Are Cracked or Broken

Severe tooth cracks on teeth that cannot be saved need to be replaced with dental implants. An example of a type of cracks that cannot be saved by a root canal or other procedures is a split tooth. 

Extreme cracks in teeth are vertical, and they start at the enamel and go into the nerve center, or pulp, of the broken tooth.

If not replaced, cracked and broken teeth can cause severe pain, inflammation, and infection. Eventually, untreated cracks will result in the loss of the whole tooth.

5. You Want a More Natural-Looking Smile

Dental implants offer a more natural-looking tooth than other replacement options. Because of advancements in dental care, the materials that make up the crown of the implant can match your natural teeth perfectly. 

Also, the dental implant is placed below the gum, so your gum tissue also looks natural. Meanwhile, dentures use acrylic to replicate your gum line, and it looks fake.

If you have a dental implant, no one will even know! When you have a beautiful, natural-looking smile can boost your confidence. You will never feel the need to cover up your smile again. 

6. Your Dentures Do Not Fit Correctly

One issue that many people have with dentures is that they sit awkwardly in your mouth. This can cause people to have issues speaking and excessive salivation.

Dentures can also shift and not stay in place, but dental implants are permanently screwed into your mouth and will not shift. 

Because dental implants are created to replicate your natural teeth, they fit in your mouth the same way your natural teeth do. 

7. You Want a Permanent Fix for Your Dental Issues

Unlike the other tooth replacement options like a root canal procedure or dentures, dental implants are a permanent solution to your problems. 
Root canal failure is painful, costly, and time-consuming. When a root canal fails, the typical solution is to completely replace the tooth. Instead of risking that trouble, you can begin with a dental implant for a long-lasting result. 

Dentures also need to be replaced when they become stained, when they break, or if you misplace them. With the use of dental implants, you will not have to worry as much about these issues.