Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Chan Dental in Torrance, CA, we are pleased to work with various insurance providers to make your dental treatments more affordable. We currently partner with:

• Delta
• Aetna
• Cigna
• Metlife
• United Concordia

Please note that this list is subject to change, so it’s always best to call our office first. However, even if your provider isn't on our list, we will still process your claim as a courtesy.

Helping You Understand Your Coverage

Insurance plans can be intricate and confusing, but our committed team is here to help you understand your coverage. We will help you navigate the benefits you're entitled to and how to make the most of them.

Maximizing Your Insurance Benefits

At Chan Dental, we actively ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your coverage. Our team will plan treatments in a way that leverages your benefits effectively and ensures you get the best value and care.

Questions About Your Insurance Coverage?

If you have more questions about your dental insurance or want to get our most updated list, please reach out to Chan Dental in Torrance, CA. We aim to provide a seamless and positive experience and ensure you get the most out of your dental care and benefits.

It’s essential to weigh the costs when considering orthodontic treatment. At Chan Dental in Torrance, CA, we often get queries about the cost difference between Invisalign and traditional braces. Let's dive into it.

Initial Invisalign Cost Overview

Invisalign often has a slightly higher initial cost compared to traditional metal braces. However, the overall expense is influenced by various factors, so it’s essential to look beyond the upfront price.

Factors Influencing Invisalign’s Cost

Complexity of Treatment

The severity of misalignment or bite issues determines the length and complexity of the treatment and impacts the overall cost. More complicated cases might require longer treatment times and can be more expensive.

Duration of Treatment

Shorter treatments can sometimes be more cost-effective than longer ones, regardless of the method chosen.

Additional Procedures

Some patients require additional dental procedures, such as extractions or fillings, before starting orthodontic treatment. These added services can affect the total cost.

Location and Dentist’s Expertise

Fees can vary based on the location of the dental office and the expertise of the dentist or orthodontist. For instance, treatments at Chan Dental in Torrance, CA, might differ in price from a clinic in a different region or state.

Invisalign’s Hidden Benefits

Invisalign offers many benefits that traditional braces don’t. The aligners are discreet, comfortable, and can be removed for oral hygiene and meals.

Ready to Discover Your Best Smile?

We recommend you schedule a personal consultation at Chan Dental to get a more precise idea of the costs and benefits. Please call our Torrance, CA, dental office at (310) 791-9991 to get started.

The answer to that question is different for every patient and is highly dependent on their specific needs and level of compliance during treatment. Here's what you should know. 

Determining Invisalign® Treatment Time Frames

Each patient has different needs when it comes to straightening their teeth. For example, if you just have one or two gaps to close between your teeth, your treatment won't take as long as someone who needs to correct their bite. 

The average treatment time frame for most patients is 10 to 18 months. The best way to determine what your time frame might be is to book an evaluation with Dr. Chan.

He will collect information about your teeth that will allow him to determine if treatment with Invisalign is right for you and create a treatment plan. He will also be able to give you an estimate of your treatment time frame. 

Compliance Is the Key

Wearing your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily is the key to completing treatment on time. Being diligent about wearing your aligners daily keeps your teeth moving and ensures your treatment stays on track. 

If you'd like to book an evaluation with your Invisalign dentist in Torrance, contact Chan Dental at (310) 791-9991.

Routine dental exams and teeth cleanings are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. At Chan Dental in Torrance, CA, we emphasize the importance of these visits to ensure your smile remains healthy and vibrant.

Early Detection of Dental Issues

Issues such as cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer can be identified at their initial stages, making treatments more effective and less invasive. Chan Dental uses the latest technology and expertise to spot these concerns.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Even with meticulous at-home care, plaque and tartar can accumulate on your teeth in hard-to-reach areas. Professional teeth cleanings remove these deposits to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Gum Health Assessment

Your gums play a vital role in supporting your teeth. Regular checkups allow our dentist to assess the health of your gums and provide necessary treatments or advice to prevent gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.

Maintaining Overall Health

Your oral health is closely linked to your overall well-being. By ensuring your mouth is healthy, you're also taking steps to safeguard your overall health. 

Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup with Us

At Chan Dental, a routine checkup involves more than a quick look at your teeth. It is a comprehensive approach to protect your oral and overall health. Please don't wait until a problem arises; be proactive and schedule your next appointment at our Torrance, CA, dental office.

A dental checkup is a simple, stress-free way to keep your smile healthy and catch any issues early. When you visit the dentist, the appointment typically includes a thorough exam, professional cleaning, and tips to maintain your oral health at home.

First, one of our friendly dental hygienists will start with a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing may miss. They’ll polish your teeth to remove surface stains, leaving your smile fresh and bright.

Next, the dentist will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. We’ll check for cavities, gum disease, and any signs of damage or wear. In some cases, digital x-rays may be taken to spot any problems below the surface, like bone loss or issues between teeth.

Finally, your dentist will discuss any concerns and answer questions about your oral care routine. We can help with brushing techniques, flossing tips, or advice on avoiding sugary foods. 

Call Our Dentist in Torrance, CA

Regular dental checkups are key to preventing bigger issues down the line and keeping your teeth and gums in top shape. At Chan Dental, we’ll ensure you leave with a healthier, happier smile!

Call us today or book your appointment online. 

Gum disease might start small (like a bit of redness or bleeding when you brush), but if ignored, it can cause bigger issues, like loose teeth or worse. However, it’s easy to stop gum disease before it starts. 

Brush Like You Mean It

Brush those teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to pay extra attention to your gumline—that’s where sneaky plaque loves to hide. Morning and bedtime brushing keeps bacteria from throwing a party in your mouth.

Floss Is Your BFF

Flossing gets into those tight spaces between your teeth and clears out food and plaque hiding under the gumline. 

Swish Away the Bad Stuff

Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to freshen things up and wipe out leftover bacteria.

See Your Dentist (We Miss You!)

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are the ultimate gum disease defense. Professional cleanings tackle tartar build-up, and your dentist can spot early signs of trouble before things get serious.

Eat Well and Ditch Bad Habits

What you put in your body matters. Load up on crunchy veggies, drink water, and enjoy foods packed with vitamins to keep your gums strong. Oh, and skip tobacco—it’s not doing your gums any favors.

Call Us Today 

Protecting your gums doesn’t have to be boring or stressful. Schedule that checkup, and let’s keep your gums in great shape! 

For patients with gum disease, it's essential to see a dentist more frequently. At Chan Dental, we typically recommend appointments every 3–4 months or as advised by our dentist.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease or periodontal disease is an inflammation that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It starts as gingivitis, characterized by swollen, red gums that bleed easily. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss.

The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

If you have gum disease, more frequent dental visits are crucial for several reasons:

Early Detection

Regular checkups allow our dentist and hygienists to monitor your gums for signs of disease progression, leading to more effective interventions.

Professional Cleanings

Frequent cleanings are crucial to remove plaque and tartar buildup, especially from pockets between the gums and teeth.

Medication and Treatment Monitoring

If you're on medications or undergoing specific treatments for gum disease, regular visits allow us to monitor their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Proactive Dental Care is Key

While routine dental checkups are crucial, at-home care is just as critical. Be sure to follow your visit with consistent brushing and flossing, and use antiseptic mouthwashes to keep gum disease at bay.

Do You Have Signs of Gum Disease?

Managing gum disease is a team effort, and at Chan Dental, we are here to support you. If you've been diagnosed with gum disease or suspect you might have it, please call to book an appointment with us at our Torrance, CA, dental office. 

Veneers are one of the best solutions for transforming teeth that are chipped, stained, or uneven. These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of your teeth. They can instantly create a flawless, natural-looking smile.

How Veneers Fix Chipped Teeth

If you have a small chip or crack, veneers can restore your tooth’s shape and strength. They act like a protective shield and cover imperfections while reinforcing the structure of your tooth. No one will ever know it was chipped in the first place!

How Veneers Fix Stained Teeth

Some stains—especially deep discoloration from medication or years of wear—don’t always respond to traditional whitening treatments. Veneers offer a permanent whitening solution, covering stains with a bright, even-toned surface. They’re also stain-resistant, so coffee and wine lovers can keep sipping without worry. 

Are Veneers Right for You?

If you’re looking for a long-lasting and dramatic smile upgrade, veneers might be the perfect choice for you. They’re durable, natural-looking, and can completely transform your teeth in just a couple of visits. With veneers, you can finally achieve the symmetrical, white smile you've always wanted. In fact, many celebrities can attribute their picture-perfect smiles to veneers!

Book a consultation at our Torrance dental office today. 

Are you looking for a quick fix or a long-lasting solution? Call us for a teeth whitening in Torrance! We have professional in-office and take-home whitening options. 

Professional In-Office Whitening

If you’re after fast, dramatic results, in-office whitening is the way to go. This treatment, done by your dentist, uses high-concentration whitening gel and advanced light technology to lift deep stains in about an hour. It’s perfect for events or when you just want to refresh your smile ASAP.

Take-Home Whitening Kits

Would you rather whiten your teeth on your own time? Custom take-home whitening trays offer professional-grade results with the convenience of at-home use. Your Torrance dentist provides trays fitted to your teeth and a whitening gel to use over a couple of weeks. This option gives you control over your results while being gentler on your teeth.

Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening 

Over-the-counter options are fine for maintaining your smile but won’t deliver the same power as professional treatments like we have at Chan Dental. From strips to whitening toothpaste, store-bought options are easy to grab but often take longer to show noticeable results. 

Call Us for Professional Whitening in Torrance

Are you unsure which option is best for you? Book a consultation, and let’s get your smile sparkling! 

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving dental aesthetics in color, shape, size, alignment, and overall smile appearance. At Chan Dental in Torrance, CA, we offer a range of treatments, from teeth whitening to Invisalign, to make your smile radiant and confident.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Teeth Whitening

Over time, teeth can get stained from foods, drinks, and smoking. Whitening can brighten your teeth by several shades for a refreshed and rejuvenated smile. 

Dental Veneers

These thin porcelain or composite resin shells are custom-made to cover the fronts of your teeth. They deal with a variety of dental issues, such as discolored, broken, or misaligned teeth.

Dental Crowns

An aesthetic crown fits over a tooth like a cap. Commonly used to protect decayed or broken teeth, we also use them to conceal discolored or misshapen teeth for cosmetic purposes.

Dental Bonding

This procedure uses tooth-colored composite resin to discreetly repair chipped, broken, or gapped teeth. 

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign offers a discreet way to straighten teeth. Using clear, custom-made aligners, Invisalign gently corrects misaligned teeth and bite issues by gradually moving teeth into the desired positions.

Your Smile Transformation Awaits at Chan Dental

If you've been considering a smile makeover, our skilled cosmetic dentist can guide you through the best options tailored for you. Call Chan Dental in Torrance, CA, to schedule a consultation appointment.

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and regular dental checkups. Made of titanium, the implant fuses with the jawbone and provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth. 

Implants' Longevity Compared to Other Tooth Replacements 

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge typically lasts 5 to 15 years. While a bridge is a functional solution, it relies on healthy adjacent teeth for support, which can weaken or damage them over time. 

Full or Partial Dentures

Removable dentures usually have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. Over time, dentures will require relining or replacement due to wear and tear or natural changes in the mouth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Enhanced Stability and Function

Implants are designed to mimic the root structure of natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, implants stay firmly in place so you can eat and speak confidently. 

Preserved Jawbone Health

One of the unique benefits of dental implants is their ability to stimulate the jawbone, just like a natural tooth root. This stimulation prevents bone loss, a common issue with other tooth replacement options.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

While other tooth replacements serve their purpose and are suitable for many people, dental implants are a stable, long-lasting option. If you're considering a tooth replacement, visit us at Chan Dental in Torrance, CA. Our expert dentist will guide you through the best options tailored to your needs. 

One of the amazing benefits of dental implants is that they can last for many years, even a lifetime, with the right care. This makes them a wise investment over other tooth replacement options.  

So, how can you make the most of your smile investment? Read on!

Dental Implant After Care

More good news about dental implants—they're easy to care for because they closely mimic a natural tooth!

You can brush and floss your implant just like a natural tooth. Keeping your implant tooth clean and bacteria-free is the key to its success. 

Routine visits with your Torrance dentist every six months for exams and teeth cleanings will also protect the health of your dental implant. Dr. Chan will take x-rays once a year to ensure that your implant is healthy and properly functioning. 

Avoid Certain Foods

Just as you would with a natural tooth, you should avoid biting directly into hard foods with your implant tooth, as this could damage the porcelain crown. 

Cut hard foods like apples, crusty bread, and carrots into bite-size pieces to avoid damage to your natural teeth and implants. 

If you have questions about dental implants in Torrance, CA, contact Chan Dental at (310) 791-9991 for more information.