General
That question is difficult to answer, a cleaning can range from $150 – $220+. The cost of a cleaning is based on the number of units of time it takes to complete the treatment.
Every appointment slot is booked for YOU, therefore we require a 24 hour cancellation notice. Without notice we may not be able to accommodate another patient who is anxious to be seen.
Depending on your reason for booking, you might expect a full exam, x-rays, oral cancer screening, potential cleaning. Bring along your insurance information and list of medications.
Yes, Dr. Brown offers oral sedation but not nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. She provides minimal to moderate sedation with triazolam (medication like Ativan). Treatment with her can be booked after a consultation to review your medical history and need for sedation.
Children 12 and under:
- Dental exam every 6 months
- Fluoride starts at age 6, every 12 months.
- 2 bitewing x-rays every 2 years and some other x-rays.
- Routine dental work like fillings and extractions
- Sealants
Income support for children 13 – 17 years:
- Dental exam every 24 months
- 2 bitewings every two years and some other x-rays
- Routine dental work like fillings and extractions
- Cleanings are not covered.
Income support for adults (must bring your monthly MCP stub to your visit):
- Routine fillings
- Extractions (not impacted)
- Dental exam once every 3 years
- Bite-wings every 3 years.
- Cleanings are not covered.
- Maximum coverage of $300.00 per calendar year, April 1st – March 31st. The cost of an exam and x-rays are deducted from your maximum coverage.
- New patients on income support will not be eligible for direct billing and will be given a reimbursement form to submit to MCP.
We accept cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
We direct bill most insurance companies. When booking your appointment, you can ask one of our receptionists if your insurance is one of them. Please keep in mind you are responsible for knowing your insurance coverage.
Yes! We are a family practice and always accepting new patients into our clinic.
If you’re eligible for existing provincial government programs, you’ll still be able to apply for the CDCP. Provincial dental programs aren’t included in the insurance category that Heath Canada has listed as a qualifying factor.
Dentists believe that the CDCP should improve access to care for people who don’t have benefits. The CDCP should not take away or replace the benefits that people already have. If you have an existing one, you shouldn’t cancel. You’re still considered to have access to dental insurance, and therefore be considered ineligible for CDCP, if you choose to opt out of available benefits like these.
No, we strongly recommend that you continue with your regular scheduled appointments. If you cancel, you will deal with wait times, we don’t know what will be covered, and your current condition could worsen. You and your dentist can determine the best plan for your oral health.
There’s no additional fee. This is the usual fee we charge that is set yearly by the Newfoundland Dental Association (NLDA) for all patients, regardless of their specific dental benefits coverage. The federal government decided not to fully fund the CDCP. Unfortunately, this lack of funding puts the responsibility on the patients and their dentist.
Dental offices are like mini-hospitals and there’s a lot that goes into the cost of dental care – expensive equipment, infection control, rent, utilities, staffing cost, and high levels of training and so much more. We believe dentists should be fairly compensated by the government to offset this cost.
You’ll have some out-of-pocket costs because the CDCP doesn’t cover 100% of the normal fees. Every group has a different level of coverage, so that will impact your level of co-payment and the remaining balance billed by your dental clinic.
Once you apply through Health Canada and they confirm that you qualify, your information will be shared with Sun Life, who’ll enroll you in the CDCP. Sun Life will then provide your coverage start date and member card.
The start date to access oral health care will vary based on when each group can apply, when the application is received, and when enrollment is completed. Please contact the government with any specific questions.
We have enrolled and are accepting patients under that CDCP plan!
Please visit our Locations & Hours to view our current hours of operation.
Preventative Dental Care
It depends on how your wisdom teeth are coming in and whether they’re causing problems. If they’re erupting straight, have enough room, and you can keep them clean, they may not need to come out at all. But if they’re impacted (stuck under the gum or bone), coming in at an angle, or causing crowding, pain, or repeated infection, removal is usually the better call. We’ll take a look at your X-rays and let you know what we’re seeing and if extraction is recommended, we’ll walk you through exactly why.
Most patients need them every 1–2 years, though your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your oral health.
Cavities, infections, gum disease, bone loss, impacted teeth, fractures, cysts, tumors, and other issues that may not be visible during an exam.
Sealants are most effective when applied soon after permanent molars come in, usually around ages 6 and 12. Dentists may also recommend them for teens or adults with deep grooves in their teeth that are prone to cavities.
Sealants can protect teeth for 5–10 years, but they should be checked during regular dental visits. If they wear down or chip, they can be repaired or reapplied quickly.
Sealants are a preventive treatment to keep cavities from forming, while fillings repair damage after a cavity has already developed. Sealants help you avoid the need for fillings later.
Dental sealants are covered for children 12 and under under the MCP. Our team can confirm coverage before your appointment.
Share recent X-rays with your dentist; they’ll decide if new ones are needed.
No, a comprehensive exam is more in-depth and occurs less frequently than routine cleanings or checkups.
Typically, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
No, brushing and flossing are still essential to maintain overall oral health.
Sealants are thin and smooth, so any change in texture is minimal and temporary.
No, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.
Dental x-rays are necessary for your dentist to diagnose and treat an array of potential issues, including but not limited to possible dental caries (“cavities”), infection, fractured teeth, residual root tips, and pathology such as tumors and cysts, etc.
Most dental insurance plans typically cover dental X-rays as part of routine preventive care. Some plans may cover full X-rays only once every few years or limit the number of X-rays per visit.
Dental hygienists screen for oral cancer as part of every dental hygiene appointment, regardless of age, and educate clients about risk factors and how to detect potential problems.
It’s a quick and painless process that involves examining your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat for any signs of abnormalities or suspicious lesions.
Oral cancer may develop in any of the following areas:
- Lips
- Oral cavity (tongue, gums, inside the cheeks, under the tongue, roof of the mouth)
- Oropharynx (back of the mouth, throat and tonsils)
Detecting the disease in the early stages is key to the survival rate. Thousands of new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in Canada each year.
When we are working in your mouth, we are pulling and stretching tissues along with spraying water therefore causing a risk to spread the cold sore (herpes) to other areas of the like your eyes.
When you get your teeth cleaned, we are stirring up the bacteria under the gumline. In doing this it can make a patient more susceptible to systemic infections. For this reason, we wait 6 months or would need your specialist approval if it’s before the 6-month protocol.
Your oral health affects your overall health.
This is a common misunderstanding with your insurance plan. Every insurance gives you a certain amount of units of scale, which is the time spent on scaling your teeth. For example, some insurance companies (provincial government) give you 12 units of scale per calendar year. On average a patient would use 2 units at one visit, so technically you could have your teeth scaled 6 times a year.
The 6 – 9 months is normally the maximum for a recall exam (check-up) or polish.
This is because of the proximity of the saliva glands that are located behind those teeth under the tip of the tongue. Some people have more active glands than others therefore creating quicker and heavier build-up.
Bleeding gums tell us that things are not as healthy as they should be and you need to continue to brush and floss to make the bleeding stop with healthier gums.
It helps prevent gum disease.
It is is a field of dentist and prosthodontics using CAD/CAM to create dental restorations. CAD/CAM also known as Cerec, is most commonly used to manufacture crowns. The process of fabricating a crown, with this technology has become more predictable over the years and more convenient for patients. Depending on the tooth involved, you can now have your crown prepped, designed, and finished in one appointment. At your crown appointment we will prep the tooth for a crown, then take a digital scan. The assistant will start to design your new crown chairside and once completed, we will send it to our milling unit (Prime mill) and the machine will cut a crown out of a block of Zirconia. Once the crown has been milled, it will than go into an oven (speed fire) where the temperature will rise upwards of 1600 degrees. When completed the crown will then cool. Once cooled, the crown is polished. Finally, we try the crown in and once cemented the patient is on their way!
If you’re interested in whitening your teeth for a upcoming wedding, grad or vacation, we require that you’ve had a dental exam within the last 6 months and have no outstanding dental treatment (like fillings).
It is recommended by the Canada Dental Association that once a child starts to get teeth; they should see a Dentist. Although they may cry on their first visit, continuing to have an exam every 6 months to get them use to the chair, environment and procedure.
Every 6 months or more frequently if recommended by your Dentist or Hygienist. It is important to assess the hard and soft tissues in the mouth for early detection of cavities, fractures, infections and oral lesions such as oral cancer or other systematic issues that may occur in the mouth.
Restorative Dental Care
It depends on how your wisdom teeth are coming in and whether they’re causing problems. If they’re erupting straight, have enough room, and you can keep them clean, they may not need to come out at all. But if they’re impacted (stuck under the gum or bone), coming in at an angle, or causing crowding, pain, or repeated infection, removal is usually the better call. We’ll take a look at your X-rays and let you know what we’re seeing and if extraction is recommended, we’ll walk you through exactly why.
Your dentist will discuss replacement options like implants or bridges if necessary.
Most patients recover in a few days, though full healing may take a few weeks.
The procedure is painless with local anesthesia; mild discomfort during recovery is normal.
Not always. Your dentist will assess if other treatments are viable.
With proper care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Modern techniques ensure the procedure is as comfortable as getting a filling.
Most dental plans will cover a portion of the cost of fillings. However, coverage details can vary, so it’s important to check with your specific insurance provider.
There are two different types of fillings, Composite and Amalgam. In most cases, the material is chosen based on the patient’s preferences along with the clinical requirements of the restoration. The size of the restoration and how the patient bites can determine what filling material will be most suitable.
While implant placement is not covered under insurance, most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for full-coverage crowns. To ensure you are covered, contact our office and we can send a pre-determination to your insurance so you will know exactly what your policy covers before we start the process.
- Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most widely used type of dental bridge, featuring crowns (caps) on both sides with artificial teeth (pontics) filling the gap in between. Dentists recommend traditional dental bridges when there are healthy natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge: Similar to the traditional bridge, a cantilever bridge has a crown on only one end instead of both. Dentists use this type when there are natural teeth on just one side of the gap. However, cantilever bridges tend to be less durable than traditional bridges due to their design.
- Maryland Dental Bridge: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bridge uses metal wings instead of crowns to anchor the bridge. The wings are bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth to secure the bridge in place. Maryland bridges are usually used for front teeth as they are not strong enough to handle the chewing forces of back teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: This type of bridge resembles a traditional bridge but is supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. Before placing the bridge, the implants must fully integrate with the jawbone, a process that typically takes three to six months, though it may take longer in some cases. Implant-supported bridges are used when three or more consecutive teeth are missing.
Depending on the location of the missing tooth and if only 1 tooth needs to be replaced we can make a bridge in-house.
Dental bridges are meant for those who are missing a tooth. You can get a dental bridge if you have healthy gingiva and bone. However, it’s always best to discuss your case with your dentist.
Using oral health tools like, floss threaders, super floss and water pics, the patient is able to clean under the bridge keeping the tissue healthy.
Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for full-coverage crowns. To ensure you are covered, contact our office and we can send a pre-determination to your insurance so you will know exactly what your policy covers before we start the process.
- When a tooth has a root canal
- A tooth that has been heavily restored
- When a tooth has hairline fractures
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic preferences
Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for full-coverage crowns. To ensure you are covered, contact our office and we can send a pre-determination to your insurance so you will know exactly what your policy covers before we start the process.
Typically, a crown can last 5 – 8 years keeping in mind there are a lot of factors that vary from patient to patient for example, grinding, medications, underlying medical conditions, tooth structure under the crown, condition of oral cavity, and more.
No impressions needed! Our CEREC primescan has an intraoral scanner that allows you to perform high-precision digital impressions of the patient’s teeth, without the use of traditional impressions.
To allow time for us to prepare the tooth, design, and mill the crown we like to tell our patients to be prepared for a 2- 3-hour appointment. However, this appointment does not require the patient to be present for the whole time.
It takes approximately 1 hour to prep the existing tooth, 1 hour to design, mill, sinter, and polish the restoration and 30 minutes back for us to try in and cement the crown. Within that timeframe, there are 45 minutes to 1 hour where you can read a book or shop around the mall.
If by chance you cannot do a 2- 3-hour appointment, call the office and let us know. We can arrange the appointment to be 1.5 hours and you can come back to the office later that day or any other day you prefer for cementation.
Cosmetic Dental Services
Composite bonding is a cosmetic treatment where we apply a tooth-coloured resin directly onto your tooth to reshape, repair, or improve its appearance. Bonding works well for chipped or cracked teeth, small gaps between teeth, minor discolouration that whitening won’t fix, and teeth that are slightly uneven or misshapen. The resin is matched to the colour of your natural teeth, sculpted into place, and hardened with a curing light. With proper care it typically lasts five to ten years. It’s a great option if you want a noticeable improvement without the commitment of veneers.
Most dentists recommend whitening no more than once or twice a year for maintenance, with a full treatment every one to two years depending on how your results hold. Over-whitening can weaken enamel and increase sensitivity. Your dentist will advise a schedule that is appropriate for your teeth.
Whitening agents do not change the colour of dental restorations. This means visible restorations on your front teeth may not match your newly whitened natural teeth. Your dentist will assess this before recommending whitening and discuss whether any restorations need to be replaced afterward to match your new shade.
If you can, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and dark foods for 24-48h after treatment. After that, the risk is more gradual, rinsing with water after consuming staining drinks is a practical everyday habit.
Re-staining after whitening is normal and gradual. The most common causes are regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or dark-coloured foods, combined with natural enamel ageing. Improving your maintenance habits and doing a top-up treatment when needed will restore your results.
No, teeth whitening is not permanent. Teeth naturally re-stain over time from food, drink, and aging. However, with good maintenance habits and periodic top-up treatments, the results can be maintained for years.
Professional teeth whitening typically lasts between six months and two years. How long your results last depends mainly on your diet, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you do periodic top-up treatments.
Often yes, but it is important to discuss this with your dentist first. There are gentler whitening options available, and your dentist can recommend the best approach for your situation.
Costs vary depending on the number of teeth and complexity, but bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic options. We can provide an estimate during your consultation.
Whitening treatments don’t lighten bonding material. If you’re considering whitening, do it before bonding for best results.
Porcelain veneers are more durable, natural-looking, and long-lasting than composite alternatives.
Most veneer treatments are completed in 2–3 visits.
Veneers can correct minor misalignment, but significant crowding may require orthodontics.
The procedure is minimally invasive and usually painless. Local anesthetic may be used for comfort.
Since enamel is removed during preparation, veneers are considered a permanent solution.
Porcelain is stain-resistant, helping veneers maintain their bright appearance.
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or more.
Yes, bonding is effective for filling small cavities and repairing chipped teeth.
No. The procedure is gentle and typically requires no anesthesia.
Most patients enjoy results for 5–10 years, depending on care and lifestyle habits.
Teeth whitening is NOT covered under insurance plans.
It is recommended to have your cavities treated before teeth whitening so that your tooth doesn’t further decay and is strong enough to withstand the peroxide.
Most patients experience no issues during this treatment. Some patients may experience temporary tooth and gum sensitivity.
Yes, professional teeth whitening under the supervision of a dental professional is safe for your teeth and gums. If you are not a suitable candidate for teeth whitening, you will be advised by our team.
Appliances
For best results, yes. The biteplane protects your teeth every night you wear it, and the benefits tend to be most consistent when it is used regularly. Your dentist will give you specific guidance based on your situation.
With proper care, rinsing after use, keeping it in its case, and bringing it to your dental appointments, a hard acrylic bite plane can last several years. Heavy grinders may wear through one sooner, but they still tend to outlast soft over-the-counter guards by a significant margin.
You can, but the results are often disappointing. Over-the-counter guards are not fitted to your bite, which means they can sit unevenly, wear out quickly, and in some cases encourage more grinding rather than less. A custom bite plane from your dentist is a significantly more effective and durable solution.
Not entirely. What it does is protect your teeth and jaw from the damage that grinding causes. Many patients find that their jaw feels less tense over time as the muscles are no longer working against tooth surfaces, but the biteplane’s primary job is protection, not suppression.
SureSmile aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day for the best results. You’ll remove them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and to brush or floss.
Most patients complete SureSmile treatment in 6–18 months, depending on how much tooth movement is needed. After your consultation, your dentist will give you a personalized timeline based on your smile goals.
Use a soft brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner daily. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the surface.
Yes! You may start with softer foods, then gradually return to your regular diet as you adjust.
At Avalon Dental, we only create snoring appliances for patients who have completed a consultation with a doctor and received a diagnosis and recommendation for an oral appliance as a treatment option.
CPAP therapy is the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. Oral appliances are not a replacement, but an alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
Yes, if they break or become damaged, they can often be repaired by your dentist.
Some initial discomfort is normal, but your gums will adjust over time.
With proper care, removable partial dentures can last five to ten years before needing replacement or adjustment.
Yes! Start with soft foods and gradually reintroduce a variety of foods as you adjust.
It’s normal to take a few weeks to adjust to your dentures; some gum soreness, minor speech changes, or adjustments are common. We’ll provide follow-up visits to refine the fit for your comfort.
With proper care, you can expect your dentures to last five to ten years before requiring relining, refitting or replacement.
Custom mouthguards provide superior protection and comfort compared to store-bought options. Designed specifically for your mouth, they ensure a snug, secure fit that won’t slip during activity. This precision reduces the risk of injuries, protects teeth and soft tissues more effectively, and enhances comfort for better focus during sports.
Typically, it takes about a week after impressions are taken.
It’s best to replace mouthguards regularly, especially for children whose mouths are still growing.
Mouthguards are critical for contact sports including hockey, basketball, and martial arts. Non-contact sports like cycling or gymnastics can still pose risks for dental injuries.
You may notice your speech sounding a bit different however this is only until your tongue and lips get used to the aligners.
Your dog will love the aligners, so keep them safely in the case provided when not wearing them.
They are often used to mean the same thing, but strictly speaking a bite plane is a specific type of custom-fitted, hard acrylic appliance; one category within the broader umbrella of “night guard.” When your dentist recommends a biteplane, they are recommending a custom dental appliance, not an over-the-counter product.
To get a bite plane, you will need to have a digital scan completed (10 – 15 mins). Once the lab receives your scan, they begin the fabrication process and your biteplane will be ready within 1 – 2 weeks. Once we have it, we’ll book you an appointment and we’ll ensure the appliance fits properly.
Yes. Biteplanes are covered by most dental insurance plans in Canada. Coverage amounts vary by plan, so your dental office can verify your benefits before you proceed and let you know what your out-of-pocket cost, if any, will be.
Biteplanes are recommended to a patient for various reasons such as if you grind your teeth, clench your teeth, TMD, tension headaches, protection for cosmetic dentistry like crowns, veneers, and bridges, and if you have implants.
