Have questions before your visit? We've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions from our Hawthorne patients about dental care, orthodontics, insurance, payments, and appointments.
GENERAL DENTAL QUESTIONS
We recommend most patients visit every 6 months for a routine exam and professional cleaning. Some patients with higher cavity risk, gum disease, or other ongoing concerns may benefit from more frequent visits — every 3 to 4 months. Dr. will recommend the ideal schedule based on your specific oral health status.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first baby tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Early visits allow us to monitor development, counsel parents on teething and hygiene, and establish a positive relationship with dental care from the very beginning.
Yes. We use digital X-ray technology, which emits up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. The dose from a full set of dental X-rays is comparable to the natural background radiation you receive during a short airplane flight. We always use lead aprons for additional protection and only take X-rays when they are diagnostically necessary.
CEREC is our in-office milling technology that designs and fabricates a custom porcelain crown in about an hour — all in a single visit. There's no temporary crown, no second appointment, and no waiting 2 weeks for a lab. We scan your tooth digitally, design the crown on screen, mill it from a ceramic block, and bond it in place the same day.
ORTHODONTIC QUESTIONS
Metal braces start at $87/month with our in-house payment plan, with zero or low down payment options. Total treatment cost varies by case complexity and treatment length. Ceramic braces and Invisalign cost slightly more. At your free consultation, Dr. Nourian will provide a precise quote, explain all financing options, and verify any orthodontic insurance benefits before you commit to anything.
Absolutely — there is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. More than 1 in 4 orthodontic patients today are adults. We treat patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Invisalign and ceramic braces are especially popular with adults for their discreet appearance. Call to schedule a free adult orthodontic consultation with Dr. Nourian.
INSURANCE & PAYMENT QUESTIONS
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, and United Concordia. We verify your specific benefits before your appointment. For uninsured patients, we offer our in-house membership plan, CareCredit, Sunbit financing, and special offers including a $79.99 new patient exam.
Yes, multiple options. CareCredit offers 0% promotional financing for 6–24 months. Sunbit provides fast approvals across a wide range of credit scores with fixed monthly payments. For orthodontics specifically, our in-house payment plan starts at $87/month. We'll help you find the best option for your budget at your appointment.