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Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign pricing varies depending on case complexity. At our clinic, your $250 digital scan fee will be credited toward your treatment if you choose to proceed. We also offer financing options.
Most Invisalign treatments take between 6 to 24 months, with simpler cases on the shorter side. Treatment length depends on your individual needs and how consistently you wear the aligners.
You may feel mild pressure or discomfort for the first few days of each new aligner set. This is normal and a sign that your teeth are moving. Most patients adjust quickly.
You can begin Invisalign treatment at Magnolia Dental Care in Edina, MN. We specialize in adult Invisalign treatment and use advanced scanning technology to plan your case accurately.
Clean your trays by brushing them gently with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid using hot water. You can also use special Invisalign cleaning crystals or tablets to keep them fresh and clear.
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Common symptoms include puffy or swollen gums, redness, and bleeding when you brush or floss. If you notice persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth, it’s important to schedule an evaluation.
During your routine exam, Dr. Sarah Latterell or a dental hygienist will use a small probe to gently measure the “pockets” (the space between your tooth and gum). Healthy gums typically measure 3mm or less. Deeper pockets may be an indication of gum disease and we will use digital X-rays to verify and determine the stage of the disease.
Often called a “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and below the gumline. Root planing involves smoothing the roots of the teeth to help the gum tissue reattach and eliminate pockets where bacteria hide.
Yes. Untreated periodontal disease is an infection that can cause inflammation in other parts of the body. It has been linked to systemic health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Controlling gum disease is a vital step in maintaining your total body wellness.
While scaling and root planing can effectively manage the infection, gum disease requires ongoing maintenance. We will provide custom-tailored oral hygiene instructions and may recommend more frequent maintenance cleanings to prevent the bacteria from returning and to protect your bone and tooth structure.
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself—the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, which refers to the actual pain, stiffness, or dysfunction affecting that joint and the surrounding muscles.
Many patients experience persistent jaw pain or tenderness, a clicking or popping noise when opening the mouth, and stiffness that makes laughing or smiling difficult. Frequent headaches and sporadic aching in the teeth can also be signs of TMD.
TMD can be triggered by several factors, including bruxism (chronic teeth grinding or clenching), jaw injuries, arthritis, or even genetics. Lifestyle factors like high stress or excessive caffeine intake can also magnify jaw tension.
During your assessment, Dr. Sarah Latterell will check your facial muscles for tenderness, listen for clicking sounds, and observe your jaw’s range of motion. She may also take X-rays and discuss your sleep habits, airway health, and medical history to identify the root cause of the discomfort.
Yes, most cases are managed with conservative, non-surgical methods. Dr. Sarah Latterell may recommend custom night guards to prevent grinding, specific jaw exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and “soft food” diets. For persistent pain, a custom-fitted dental appliance may be used to reposition the jaw and relieve pressure.
A smile makeover is a personalized combination of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures designed to improve the appearance of your smile. Rather than just fixing one tooth, Dr. Sarah Latterell looks at your entire facial aesthetic, including your lip line, face height, tooth proportions and gum tissue, to create a comprehensive plan that achieves your “dream smile.”
Every plan is unique. Depending on your goals, your makeover may include teeth whitening to brighten your smile, porcelain veneers or dental bonding to correct shape or gaps, Invisalign treatment for alignment, or crowns and implants to replace missing or damaged teeth.
The timeline depends on the complexity of your plan. Simple enhancements like whitening and bonding can often be completed in one or two visits. More involved transformations involving orthodontics or dental implants may take several months. During your consultation, we provide a clear roadmap of what to expect.
While the primary goal is a beautiful look, many cosmetic treatments also improve oral function. For example, straightening your teeth with Invisalign treatment or replacing leaking fillings with crowns or veneers can make it easier to maintain hygiene and prevent gum disease, decay and fractured teeth.
To keep your new smile looking its best, you should maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, and stay current with your professional cleanings at Magnolia Dental Care. If you have veneers or crowns, we may also recommend a custom night guard to protect your investment from nighttime grinding.
Absolutely. At Magnolia Dental Care, our crowns are custom-designed to resemble your natural teeth in both shape and color. We match the porcelain or ceramic material to your surrounding teeth so that the restoration blends in seamlessly. Most patients find that their crowns are virtually indistinguishable from their natural smile.
Typically, a dental crown requires two appointments. During the first visit, Dr. Latterell prepares the tooth and takes a digital impression. You will be fitted with a temporary crown while a professional dental lab crafts your permanent one. About two weeks later, you return for the second appointment to have the permanent crown bonded into place.
No. We use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area during the preparation phase, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. After the procedure, you might experience some mild sensitivity in the gums or the tooth, but this usually subsides within a few days.
With proper care, a dental crown typically lasts between 5 and 15 years. However, many patients keep their crowns much longer by practicing excellent oral hygiene: brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular professional cleanings at our Edina office.
If a crown feels loose or comes off, contact us immediately. A loose crown can allow bacteria to seep underneath and cause decay in the underlying tooth. If it falls off, keep the crown clean and bring it with you to your emergency appointment so Dr. Latterell can determine if it can be re-cemented or if a replacement is necessary.