Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

All-on-4 replaces a full arch of teeth using dental implants, while traditional dentures rest on the gums and can shift or loosen over time. Because we secure All-on-4 dentures with implants, the teeth stay in place while you eat, talk, laugh, and smile.

Here are some important differences between All-on-4 and regular dentures:

• Comfort and stability — All-on-4 feels more like natural teeth because the implants are anchored in bone. There are no adhesives, no rubbing, and no slipping.
• Chewing ability — Implants provide a strong biting force. Many patients enjoy foods they had to avoid with dentures, such as steak, apples, or crusty bread.
• Jawbone health — Implants stimulate the bone like natural roots, which helps prevent bone loss and changes in facial shape. Dentures cannot provide this benefit.
• Appearance and confidence — All-on-4 teeth are custom-designed to match your facial features, speech patterns, and smile line. They look natural—not bulky or “denture-like.”

Dentures remain a valid option for some patients, especially when cost or healing time is a concern. Dr. Hu will explain the pros, cons, cost differences, and long-term expectations so you can confidently choose the solution that feels right for you.

Are you a good All-on-4 candidate in Renton?

We would love to help you see if All-on-4 implants are right for you. Call Hu Smiles in Renton, WA, at (253) 277-8767, and we'll help you schedule an appointment.

Most dental crowns and bridges last 10–15 years or longer, depending on your oral hygiene and daily habits. Many patients keep their restorations much longer with regular checkups and good home care.

How to Care for Crowns and Bridges

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to clean around the edges.
• Clean underneath the bridge using floss threaders, water flossers, or interdental brushes.
• Avoid chewing ice or using teeth to open packages.

These habits protect the natural teeth supporting your restoration and help prevent decay where the crown or bridge meets the tooth.

Protecting Your Restoration Long Term

Grinding or clenching can place extra stress on crowns and bridges. If you grind at night, a custom nightguard can protect the restoration and your natural teeth from wear or fracture.

Why Checkups in Renton Matter

During routine visits, Dr. Hu will examine the fit and condition of your crown or bridge, looking for early signs of looseness, chipping, or decay. Small issues are easier and less expensive to fix when caught early.

With proper care and regular dental visits, your restoration can stay strong, comfortable, and fully functional for many years.

Have Questions About Crowns and Bridges?

At Hu Smiles in Renton, WA, we always want you to feel fully informed before you make treatment decisions. If you'd like to schedule an appointment to learn more, please call us at (253) 277-8767.

Dental implants are considered one of the safest and most predictable treatments in modern dentistry. The procedure has a very high success rate when performed with proper planning and imaging.

Precise Implant Planning

At our office, Dr. Hu uses digital x-rays and CBCT scans to measure bone density and map the exact placement of the implant. This technology helps avoid nerves, sinuses, and other critical structures, reducing surgical risks and promoting stable long-term results.

Let’s Talk About Implant Risks

Like any medical procedure, implants come with potential risks. The most common are minor swelling, bruising, or soreness after surgery. These symptoms usually fade within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Less common risks include infection, failure of the implant to fuse with the bone, or damage to surrounding teeth. If you smoke, have uncontrolled diabetes, or low bone density, we may recommend additional steps such as bone grafting to improve success.

The best way to reduce risks is through careful planning, good oral hygiene, and regular checkups. Most patients find that implants feel natural, work comfortably, and last for many years with proper care.

Let’s Start a Conversation. Call Our Renton Clinic Today.

Implants are a significant commitment, and it’s a good idea to learn everything you can before deciding. At Hu Smiles in Renton, WA, we’ll answer all your questions, explore your options, and ensure you feel fully informed and confident before moving forward.

Call us at (253) 277-8767, and we’ll help you schedule an appointment.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, the most important step is to contact our office right away. We reserve time for same-day emergency visits so we can help you get out of pain quickly. Until you’re able to come in, here are general guidelines for the most common situations.

I have a toothache

Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove anything trapped between the teeth. Do not place aspirin on the gums—it can cause burns. Over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses can help until your visit.

I broke my tooth

Save any pieces if possible and bring them with you. Avoid chewing on that side until we can evaluate the damage.

My tooth got knocked out

Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently if dirty, but do not scrub. If you can, place it back in the socket. If not, store it in milk or saliva and come in immediately. Teeth have the best chance of survival if treated within an hour.

My dental crown fell off

Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on it. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth until your appointment.

Contact Your Emergency Dentist in Renton

The best thing you can do in any dental emergency is call Hu Smile in Renton, WA, at (253) 277-8767. Our team will guide you step-by-step and make sure you get the care you need quickly and comfortably.

Full mouth reconstruction costs vary significantly because every case is different. Some patients need a few crowns and implants, while others require extensive treatment across all teeth. Dr. Hu provides a detailed cost estimate only after your comprehensive evaluation, when he understands precisely what treatments you need.

Will you help me understand treatment costs?

During planning, Dr. Hu explains all your options with transparent pricing for each component. You'll understand what each treatment does, why we recommend it, and what it costs so that you can make informed decisions about your care. Some patients choose the most comprehensive approach, while others select more conservative options that fit their budget.

Can I plan my treatment over time?

We can phase treatment to work with your financial situation and schedule. Some patients prefer completing everything as quickly as possible, while others space treatments over months or even years. Dr. Hu sequences the work to address urgent problems first, then builds toward your complete restoration at a pace that works for you.

Does insurance cover full mouth restoration?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of treatments like crowns, root canals, and extractions when medically necessary. Our team will help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits.

What are your payment options in Renton?

For out-of-pocket costs, Hu Smiles offers several payment options:

• Most major insurance plans accepted
• In-house membership plan: $250/year includes exams and a 25% discount on treatment
• Financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Lending Club

Call Hu Smiles in Renton, WA, at (253) 243-2246 to discuss your specific situation and explore your options.

Keeping your new smile bright and healthy comes down to good daily habits and regular dental care can help maintain your smile makeover. Most patients find that maintaining results is easy with a few simple practices.

Everyday habits that protect your smile:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to prevent staining between teeth
• Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, which can discolor enamel and restorations
• Avoid chewing ice, pens, or hard foods that may chip teeth or veneers
• Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench
• Keep up with dental checkups

Professional cleanings remove stains and buildup that brushing alone can’t reach. Regular exams also help us monitor veneers, bonding, implants, or whitening results and address small issues early.

How long will smile makeover results last?

The longevity of your smile makeover varies by individual and depends on which treatments you received and how well you care for them:

• Porcelain veneers: 10–15 years or longer with proper care
• Dental crowns: 10-–15 years, sometimes much longer
• Teeth whitening: 6 months to 3 years before touch-ups needed (varies by habits)
• Dental bonding: 3–5 years, may need touch-ups sooner
• Invisalign results: Long-term if you wear retainers as directed

Every smile is different, so Dr. Hu will explain how long you can expect your results to last and how to keep your smile looking its best. With consistent care, most patients enjoy their makeover results for many years.

Are you ready for a smile makeover in Renton?

Dr. Hu would love to talk to you about your smile vision and if a makeover is the right path in your case. Get started by calling our Renton, WA, dental office at (253) 277-8767 to schedule an appointment.

Dental anxiety is extremely common—you're not alone, and we completely understand. At Hu Smiles, Dr. Hu and our team are particularly sensitive to nervous patients' needs and have created an environment designed to help you feel safe and comfortable.

We Never Judge at Our Renton Dental Office

Many anxious patients worry about being lectured or criticized, especially if it's been years since their last visit. That won't happen here. Our team focuses on where you're going, not where you've been, and we treat every patient with compassion and respect.

Comfort Options Available

We offer several ways to make your visit more relaxing:

• Nitrous oxide sedation — Safe, fast-acting "laughing gas" helps you feel calm while remaining awake and responsive.
• Oral conscious sedation — Involves taking a calming medication before the appointment for deeper relaxation.
• IV general anesthesia — Provided by a trusted anesthesiologist, you will be fully asleep.
• Noise-cancelling headphones — Listen to your favorite music or podcasts to block out dental sounds.
• Gentle, unhurried approach — We take our time and never rush through appointments.
• Clear communication — We explain what's happening before we do it, so there are no surprises.

You're Always in Control

Let us know about your anxiety when you schedule your appointment. We'll take extra time to answer questions, explain each step of your visit, and give you control over the pace of treatment. Need a break? Just raise your hand. Want to understand something better? Ask anytime.

Your comfort matters to us, and we're here to help you get the dental care you need without fear or judgment. Call our Renton, WA, dental office at (253) 277-8767 to see how we can help you. 

Invisalign can correct many of the same issues as traditional braces, using clear aligners rather than metal brackets and wires.

Crowded or overlapping teeth — Crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of decay and gum inflammation. Invisalign gently creates space so teeth can align properly and become easier to clean.

Gaps or spacing between teeth — Aligners can close spaces for both cosmetic improvement and gum health. Some patients also need space closed before future dental work, such as crowns or implants.

Teeth that shifted after braces — It’s common for teeth to move when retainers stop being worn. Invisalign is often used to correct these relapses quickly and discreetly.

Mild bite problems — Certain overbites, underbites, and crossbites can improve with aligners, which may also reduce uneven tooth wear or jaw strain.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, Dr. Hu will take a digital scan and show you a preview of your smile before and after treatment. If your case is more complex, Dr. Hu will explain alternative orthodontic options or combination treatments. You'll choose the path that fits your timeline, budget, and goals. 

Ready to Learn More? Call Our Renton Dental Clinic

Call Hu Smiles in Renton, WA, so we can help you schedule a convenient appointment to learn more about your treatment options.

It’s a common misconception that veneers “ruin” natural teeth. When done correctly, veneers are one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available. 

Why We Remove Enamel for Veneers

To make room for the veneer, a very thin layer of enamel, often less than a millimeter, is smoothed away. This step accomplishes the following: 

• Creates space so the veneer blends seamlessly
• Helps the veneer bond securely to the tooth
• Prevents a thick or unnatural appearance

This small reduction does mean that veneers are considered permanent because enamel does not grow back. However, the amount removed is minimal compared to crowns, which require reshaping the entire tooth. Many patients choose veneers specifically because they preserve more natural tooth structure.

How Veneers Protect Teeth

Once bonded, veneers can strengthen worn or chipped teeth, protect edges that are prone to cracking, and create a smooth surface that resists stains. With good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, veneers support long-term oral health.

If you ever decide not to maintain veneers in the future, the teeth can still be restored with new veneers or another cosmetic option. Dr. Hu will explain the benefits and considerations so you can make an informed decision

Are Veneers Right for You? Call Today!

Our cosmetic dentist in Renton, WA, will be happy to meet with you to discuss your options. Please call (253) 277-8767 to schedule an appointment.

A tooth that needs a root canal often shows clear signs that the nerve is infected or inflamed. Symptoms can come and go, or they may get gradually worse over time.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

• Severe toothache, especially a throbbing or pressure-like pain
• Pain when chewing or biting down
• Sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers after the source is gone
• Gum or facial swelling 
• Pimple-like bump on the gums (can indicate an abscess)
• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth

If you experience any of the following signs, call Hu Smiles in Renton right away: 

• Pain that wakes you up at night
• Swelling that is spreading
• A bad taste or odor near the tooth
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

Why These Symptoms Happen

The pulp at the center of your tooth contains the blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth alive. When decay, a crack, or trauma reaches this part of the tooth, bacteria cause infection and inflammation. A root canal removes the infection and saves the natural tooth.

Contact Our Renton Dental Office

Not every toothache needs a root canal, but ignoring symptoms can lead to worsening pain or an abscess. If you notice any of these signs, call our Renton, WA, dental office at (253) 277-8767. Dr. Hu will examine the tooth, take x-rays, and explain your treatment options so you can choose the best solution.