Questions, answered
Straight answers about visits, costs, whitening and caring for your teeth at home. Can’t find yours? Call 289-312-1482 and we’ll answer it.
21 questions
Visits and appointments
How old should my child be for their first dental visit?
Ideally around age two. By then most or all of the baby (primary) teeth have come in. Early visits are short and low-pressure, so your child gets used to the chair.
Kids dentist →
How often should I have a dental checkup?
It depends on your mouth. Many people do well with a checkup every six months. Depending on your home care, how quickly tartar builds up and any treatment you need, we may suggest coming more or less often.
Dental checkups →
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please give us 2 business days’ notice. That way we can offer your time to another patient who needs it.
What if I miss an appointment?
We send a reminder before every appointment. If you do miss one, call us and we’ll find a new time that works for you.
Payment and insurance
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard and American Express. We also bill most insurance plans and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) directly, so you only pay the difference.
Plans we accept →
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan. We can send a quote to your insurance company first, so you know what’s covered before you decide.
Is whitening covered by insurance?
It depends on your plan. Check with your benefits provider before you start treatment, and we’re happy to help you find out.
Emergencies
What if I have a dental emergency?
Call us first at 289-312-1482. We keep time for same-day emergencies during clinic hours, for pain, swelling, cracked teeth and lost fillings. If we’re closed and you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, bleeding that won’t stop or a serious injury, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Emergency dentist →
Whitening
What whitening options do you offer?
We offer options from at-home whitening to professional in-office Zoom whitening.
See whitening results →
Can I get whitening if I'm not a patient here?
Yes. Patients from other dental offices are welcome to whiten with us.
Does whitening damage teeth?
No. Some people notice a little extra sensitivity to cold, but it only lasts a short time.
Treatments
I'm thinking about a cosmetic procedure. Where do I start?
We always start with a consultation. Every smile is a little different, so we look at each patient individually before recommending anything.
Cosmetic dentistry →
Do you offer orthodontics?
Yes, for children and adults. We offer traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners, almost always without removing teeth.
Invisalign →
What are veneers?
Veneers are custom porcelain shells, about as thin as a fingernail, that fit over the front of your teeth. They can improve the colour and shape of your teeth for a bright, even smile.
See veneer results →
Do you make sports mouth guards?
Yes, lots of them, and there are plenty of colours to choose from.
Caring for your teeth
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Your gums are probably inflamed and swollen, so even a soft toothbrush can irritate them. This is usually caused by plaque or tartar building up along the gumline. Book a visit: left untreated, bleeding gums can lead to bone loss around the teeth.
Gum disease treatment →
How often should I brush my teeth?
Twice a day, as the Canadian Dental Association recommends. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, with gentle back-and-forth strokes on every tooth surface, and brush your tongue too.
How often should I floss?
At least once a day. Flossing clears food and plaque from between your teeth, where your brush can’t reach.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a soft, invisible film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. Brushing and flossing every day removes it.
What is tartar?
Tartar (the dental term is calculus) is plaque that has hardened onto the teeth, above and below the gumline. Only a professional cleaning can remove it.
What's the best toothpaste to buy?
Choose one with fluoride, which helps prevent cavities. Flavour, whitening and tartar control come down to personal choice. Adults need about a pea-sized amount; for young children, ask us how much to use.
Still have a question?
Call or email and ask us directly. New patients welcome, and we bill your insurance or CDCP directly.
Request an appointment
Call during clinic hours or email us your name, phone number and what you need: checkup, cleaning, emergency, Invisalign, a free consultation, or your insurance or CDCP details. We’ll call you back to confirm a time.
© 2026 Simcoe Smile Dental. All dentists licensed in Ontario and registered with the RCDSO.