Dental Checkups
What if Dr. Simon finds a cavity?
He will explain what he found, what your options are, and what happens if you decide to wait. Many minor issues can be handled the same day if time allows. Anything more involved gets scheduled at a time that works for you.
Do you see kids too?
Yes. Smile Haus sees patients of all ages. Bringing the whole family in at the same time works well for busy schedules, and the team is comfortable working with younger patients.
What if it has been a long time since my last visit?
Come in anyway. Smile Haus is a judgment-free space. Dr. Simon is not here to lecture you about how long it has been. He is here to help you figure out where things stand and what to do next.
How often should I come in?
Most patients do well with two visits per year. If you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or other ongoing concerns, Dr. Simon may recommend coming in more often. He will tell you what makes sense based on what he actually finds.
How long does a checkup take?
Most visits run between 45 minutes and an hour, including your cleaning, exam, and time with Dr. Simon. If additional treatment is needed, the team will talk through scheduling before you leave.
Emergency
What if something happens after hours?
Call the office number. You will find guidance for after-hours situations. For uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, or significant facial trauma, go directly to your nearest emergency room.
Can you handle my emergency without sending me to a specialist?
In most cases, yes. Dr. Simon treats extractions, root canals, and restorative work in-house so you get complete care without the delay of a referral.
What if I am not sure it is an emergency?
Call anyway. Describe what you are feeling and the team will help you decide whether you need to come in right away or can wait for a scheduled visit.
How quickly can I be seen?
Same-day appointments are available for dental emergencies. Call as soon as something happens and the team will get you in as fast as possible.
Crowns & Bridges
Do you accept insurance for crowns and bridges?
We work with most major dental insurance plans. The team will review your coverage before treatment begins and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs. Financing options are also available if you need them.
Is there an alternative to a bridge for a missing tooth?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth without involving the surrounding teeth at all. During your consultation, Dr. Simon will compare both options based on your specific situation so you can make an informed decision.
What if my crown or bridge feels loose?
Call us right away. Do not chew on that side and keep the restoration safe if it comes off. In most cases, re-cementing is a quick fix. If there is damage to the tooth underneath, Dr. Simon will walk you through your options.
Will my crown or bridge look natural?
Yes. Porcelain restorations are matched to the color and shape of your surrounding teeth. Most patients find that no one can tell the difference.
Will the procedure hurt?
Local anesthesia is used during preparation so you stay comfortable throughout. Some mild sensitivity in the days after is normal and typically short-lived. If anything feels off after your appointment, the team is easy to reach.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With good home care and regular checkups, most crowns and bridges last 10 to 15 years or longer. The materials are built to handle daily chewing, and Dr. Simon monitors your restoration at every visit to catch anything early.
Root Canal Treatment
How painful is a root canal?
A root canal is much easier than most people expect. You are fully numb during the visit, so you should not feel pain. Most patients say the relief they feel after treatment is the biggest difference.
How do I know if I need a root canal in Dyer, IN?
If your tooth keeps hurting, feels sensitive to temperature, or your gums look swollen, it is time to get it checked. Dr. Simon will take a close look and explain what is going on in a way that makes sense.
How long does a root canal take?
Most appointments take about an hour to an hour and a half. Some teeth need more time depending on the condition. You will know the plan before anything starts.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
Your tooth is gently numbed so you stay comfortable. The infected area inside the tooth is removed, then the space is cleaned and sealed. This stops the infection and protects your tooth.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
In most cases, yes. A crown covers the tooth and keeps it strong when you bite and chew. It helps your tooth feel normal again.
Can I go back to work after a root canal?
Yes, most patients go right back to their day. You might feel a little sore later, but it is usually mild and easy to manage.
What happens if I delay a root canal?
Waiting can make the problem worse. The infection can spread and the pain can increase. Acting early gives you the best chance to save your tooth.
How long does a tooth last after a root canal?
With good care, your tooth can last for many years. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits all help keep it in good shape.
Why should I save my tooth instead of removing it?
Keeping your natural tooth helps you chew comfortably and keeps your other teeth in place. It also helps protect your jaw over time.
What should I expect during recovery?
You may feel a little sore for a few days, but most people feel much better quickly. Once the infection is gone, you can get back to eating and smiling with confidence.
Dental Implants
Am I too old for implants?
Age alone is not a barrier. What matters is your overall health and bone density. Dr. Simon evaluates each patient individually, and many patients well into their seventies and beyond have gone through implant treatment successfully.
What if I do not have enough bone?
Bone grafting can rebuild the area before the implant is placed. It is a common part of the process and does not disqualify you. Dr. Simon will let you know at your consultation whether this is part of your plan.
How long does the whole process take?
From placement to final crown, most cases take three to six months. The majority of that time is healing, not appointments. Dr. Simon maps the timeline out clearly at your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
I have been missing a tooth for years. Is it too late?
It is rarely too late. Depending on how much bone remains, grafting may be needed first to prepare the area. Dr. Simon will assess your situation and tell you exactly what is involved. Most patients who think they are not candidates find out they have more options than they expected.
Full Arch Implants
Can I eat normally during healing?
A temporary restoration keeps you functional while you heal. Dr. Simon recommends softer foods during that period, but you are not without teeth. Once your permanent restoration is in place, you can eat normally without restrictions.
How long do full arch implants last?
The implants themselves can last a lifetime with proper care. The restoration on top may need maintenance or replacement over the decades. Regular checkups and basic home care are what keep everything going long term.
What if I have been told I do not have enough bone?
Bone grafting can rebuild the area before implants are placed. It adds time to the process but does not disqualify you as a candidate. Dr. Simon will tell you at your consultation whether grafting is part of your plan and what that involves.
How do I know which option is right for me?
Dr. Simon makes that determination based on your bone density, your bite, and your goals. He explains the difference between each option and why he recommends what he does. You are never pushed toward a specific treatment without a clear reason.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Before anything is scheduled, the team walks you through your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Financing options are available so cost does not stand in the way of a permanent solution.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients feel pressure during placement, not pain. Mild soreness in the days after is normal and responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers. The experience is far more comfortable than most people expect going in.
Clear Aligners
What makes getting clear aligners at Smile Haus different?
Your treatment stays in one place with one provider who knows your full dental history. Dr. Simon manages your plan from your first scan to your final retainer. There are no referrals, no unfamiliar offices, and no starting over with someone new halfway through your treatment.
How much do clear aligners cost?
Cost varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Dr. Simon provides a clear breakdown at your consultation before anything is scheduled. The team also walks you through your insurance coverage and available financing options so you know exactly what to expect.
Will I need a retainer after treatment?
Yes. A retainer is what keeps your results permanent. Without it, teeth naturally shift back over time. Dr. Simon fits you for a retainer at the end of your treatment and walks you through how and when to wear it.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Some patients feel pressure or mild discomfort when switching to a new tray, which is normal. It means the trays are working. The discomfort typically fades within a day or two. It is different from the soreness that often comes with wire tightening in traditional braces.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For most cases involving crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite issues, clear aligners produce comparable results to braces. Cases involving significant bite correction may still be better suited for traditional orthodontics. Dr. Simon will tell you honestly which option makes more sense for your specific alignment.
What if I lose or damage a tray?
Contact Smile Haus right away. Dr. Simon will advise whether you should move to your next set of trays or wait for a replacement. Do not go without a tray for an extended period, as your teeth can shift back quickly.
Can I drink coffee or tea with my aligners in?
Water only. Hot liquids can warp the plastic, and anything with color can stain the trays. Take your aligners out, enjoy your coffee, brush your teeth, and put them back in before the 22-hour window runs out.
Will clear aligners affect how I talk?
Most patients notice a slight adjustment period during the first few days. Your tongue needs time to get used to the trays. For the majority of patients, any change in speech is minor and resolves quickly.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
20 to 22 hours per day is the standard recommendation. The trays only move your teeth when they are in. Wearing them less than that slows your progress and can throw off your treatment timeline.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment length depends on how much movement your teeth need. Minor corrections can take as little as a few months. More complex cases may take 12 to 18 months. Dr. Simon gives you a realistic estimate at your consultation based on your actual situation.
Teeth Whitening
Do I need a cleaning before whitening?
In many cases, yes. A cleaning can help improve your results by removing buildup first.
Can I whiten my teeth if I already have sensitivity?
Yes, but we may recommend a slower or lower-strength option.
What should I avoid after whitening?
It’s best to avoid dark foods and drinks for the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
Will whitening work on crowns or fillings?
No. Whitening only changes the color of natural teeth.
How long does in-office whitening take?
Most appointments take about 60 to 90 minutes.
Can whitening damage enamel?
No. When done properly, professional whitening does not damage enamel.
Is professional whitening better than store-bought products?
Professional whitening is more controlled and usually gives more even results.
How much whiter will my teeth get?
That depends on your starting shade and the type of staining you have. We’ll give you realistic expectations before treatment.
Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some patients notice temporary sensitivity. We can adjust treatment to help reduce that.
How long do whitening results last?
Results vary based on your diet, habits, and oral hygiene. Foods and drinks that stain can shorten how long results last.
Come See a Different Kind of Dentist
Call (219) 268-8091 or schedule online to set up your visit. We'll be in touch soon.


