Checkups & Cleanings
Routine checkups and cleanings are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Signature Smiles, we make preventive care simple, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.
Most patients should know that a cleaning is not a single standardized procedure applied identically to everyone. The amount of time and effort depends on how much tartar is present, how your gums respond, and whether you have areas that need extra attention. Someone who comes in consistently often has a quick, uneventful visit. Someone returning after several years may have more to remove, and we’ll talk you through what we’re seeing as we go rather than surprising you afterward.
Preventive Care Made Simple
Regular dental visits help keep your teeth and gums healthy while allowing us to catch potential issues early. Our team takes a gentle, thorough approach to ensure your visit is efficient, comfortable, and focused on your long-term oral health.
A few things worth knowing before you come in:
– Sensitive teeth and tender gums are common and worth mentioning at the start, so we can adjust our approach and pacing.
– If your gums bleed during the cleaning, it’s usually a sign of inflammation from buildup, not a sign that something is being done wrong.
– Tell us about any medications, health changes, or dental work done elsewhere since your last visit.
– If you’re in the middle of Invisalign or clear aligner treatment, bring your trays and your current wear schedule.
– If you’ve had pain, a chipped tooth, or a lost filling, say so — we offer emergency dental appointments and don’t want you waiting on a routine visit to address it.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your appointment includes a comprehensive exam, professional cleaning, and a personalized review of your oral health. We take the time to answer your questions, discuss any concerns, and recommend care that fits your lifestyle.
Afterward, your teeth usually feel noticeably smoother, and surface stain that had built up since your last visit is typically reduced. Some people experience mild gum tenderness or temporary sensitivity to cold for a day or two, especially if there was significant buildup near the gumline. That generally eases on its own; rinsing with warm salt water and using a soft-bristled brush can help in the meantime. The results hold up based on what happens between appointments. Brushing twice daily, cleaning between your teeth, and keeping to a regular visit schedule are what keep tartar from re-establishing itself. We’ll tell you specifically where buildup is collecting on your teeth — behind the lower front teeth, around a crown, along one particular molar — so your home care can target those spots instead of being general. If our dentist spots something during the exam, such as a cavity that needs a filling or a tooth that may need a crown or root canal therapy, we’ll explain the finding and your options without pressure.
Care That Fits Your Routine
Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Colleen Moreno provides gentle, personalized care focused on comfort, precision, and lasting results. She takes the time to understand each patient’s needs, helping create healthy, confident smiles in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Yes, we take insurance.
We accept many major insurance plans, including Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare, MetLife, GEHA, Ameritas, and select Anthem plans. Our team is happy to help you understand your coverage and make your visit as simple and stress-free as possible.
Get in Touch
- Mon - Thur 8AM-5PM