Insurance and Flex Spend - Don't Miss Out on Your Benefits

It's about this time of year, where people have settled into their work and they start to call as about open enrollment and what benefits they have remaining before they expire. If you haven't checked with us, it might a good time to do so.

Why is that? Well, if you need to take advantage of benefits that are expiring, you'll want to make an appointment as soon as possible. Many people wait until the end of the year, and with the holidays and all, it can be challenging to get everyone in. We don't want you to miss out.

If you think you might want to change your flex spending amount, give us a call. If we know of a procedure that you are due for, or have put off in the past, this would be a good time to take advantage of open enrollment changes. If your company is changing providers or giving you a variety of choices, you can always check out our website or call us to see if we are in network.

In the end, its about us helping you get the best smile you can. That's something worth smiling about.

Need Help Understanding Dental Insurance?

For many patients, dental insurance is a benefit that they receive from their employer. Like health insurance, it's intended to ensure that patients receive the proper medical care that they require at more a more affordable cost. We couldn't agree more strongly with this purpose. But, given the many different plans and options that are available from providers, sometimes this can get VERY confusing.

If you have the time, take a look at your coverage and what you're entitled to. If you don't have time or can't make heads or tails of things, get some help from your dentist. They can help wade through all the details of your plan; from co-pays to deductibles and limitations.

By working with a dentist that takes the time to go through your insurance coverage BEFORE your visit has two three significant advantages.

1. It can save you time!
2. Patients can avoid costly surprises!
3. Patients can maximize their benefits!

If you'd like to read more, we've put together a small article which you can read by clicking on the link: Understanding Dental Insurance & Dental Plans.

What's all This Talk about Dental Sealants for Kids?

We all want to keep our children happy and healthy. This goes for their teeth as well.

As much as we can keep after them to brush and floss, there are many other things that can help to ensure that their teeth stay cavity-free. A easy procedure to consider is the use of Dental Sealants.

Dental Sealants are a protective layer that is applied to teeth. It acts as a barrier against decay. Much like a protective clear paint layer, it can't be seen but is there simply to protect teeth from the natural decay that occurs from sugary foods and spots that are missed from ordinary brushing.

The great news is that many dental insurance companies cover dental sealants up to a certain age. If you haven't heard or looked into Dental Sealants before, click here to read more about Dental Sealants.

Dental Implants with Dr. Tsai - Millbrae Dental Care

Many of my patients are surprised to learn you don't need to see a specialist to have a dental implant or mini implant placed. Dentists like me, who have gone on to take post graduate implant training, are able to place dental implants as well as mini implants right in our office.

This is great news to our patients since they can have their implants from start to finish in one office. Also, dental implant costs are significantly lower when placed by a dentist versus an oral surgeon; making dental implants a more affordable treatment. We can also offer lower cost bone grafts and extractions if needed. For more involved cases we work closely with a specialist.

Many patients are concerned about the process or procedure to place a dental implant. Once they find out how common and well understood the treatment is they are able to relax. Most dental implants can be placed in an hour or so. Once placed you will return to our office for a followup visit to make sure everything is healing properly. Then about four to six months later we will place the final crown and abutment. Below I have posted a video on YouTube that illustrates the implant process.

Jaw Pain and Sleep Apnea Relief Through Neuromuscular Dentistry

Do you think of your dentist for just teeth check-ups? Think again. Dr. Tsai is one of only a few dentists that is trained in many areas outside of common dentistry such as jaw pain (TMJ) and Sleep Apnea (breathing).

Pain or a clicking sensation around the jaw might be an indication of an affliction known as TMJ or TMD. It's estimated that there are over 10 million Americans that suffer from jaw pain like this. Even if it's a small discomfort, it might lead to other problems down the road. Sleep apnea, is another common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. You might not know it you have it, but one result of this affliction is a lack of quality sleep on a regular basis that makes you feel tired the next day.

These are two serious, but very treatable conditions. This 3-minute video clip gives some pointers on what to look for and how a painless treatment can be implemented.

Quick Video Tip - How to Brush and Save Time

Nearly everyone knows how important brushing is for maintaining teeth and a healthy smile. But, doing it right is just as important -- especially after Halloween! Over time, it's quite common for people to develop bad habits. If you have children or would really like to know HOW to brush properly, here is a 90 second video on how to do it right.

Get Your Cash for Candy This Halloween!

We're putting our money where your children’s mouths are!

It is well known that too much candy can lead to uncomfortable dental problems. Millbrae Dental Care, is doing something about it...while contributing to Millbrae AYSO soccer program for Halloween candy brought into our office by local children!

The office will be making up to a $2500 donation ($10 for each student) to Millbrae AYSO & giving each child up to $10 ($2 for every pound, for the first 250 children) of Halloween candy that children bring in! We've named the event “Cash for Candy.”

Children also have the option of donating their "Cash" to the AYSO - for a potential donation of $5,000! It begins Monday morning after Halloween & lasts until Thursday, November 12th, 2009.

No appointment is necessary. Children must be accompanied by an adult and are encouraged to simply walk into the Millbrae Dental Care office between 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Monday through Thursday. The office, located at 88 Capuchino Dr., is at the corner of Broadway and Capuchino Dr. in Millbrae.

Make Your Brushing Better - from Web MD

We all know we need to brush our teeth in order to maintain a healthy smile. So, if you're good enough to know how important this is, why not become better at it? Here are 10 Common Brushing Mistakes and how you can CORRECT them.