Where are you located?
1502 S. La Brucherie Road, El Centro, CA 92243. We are conveniently located just 1 mile off the I-8 freeway. Take Exit 116 Imperial Avenue. Turn left on Ocotillo and right on S. La Brucherie Road. Our facility is a ½ block on the left.

What are your hours?
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Saturday, Sunday and after hours call Theresa Flores at 760.996.5222 and leave a detailed message.

Do you accept Medi-Cal, deferred payments or offer financing?
We accept most private insurances and major credit cards, but we do not accept Medi-Cal.  Southwest Dental Group may defer your payments not covered by your dental insurance. There are dental treatments as low as $11 per month with no money down through our CareCredit plans.

Are silver fillings safe?
Silver mercury fillings can leak causing decay and cracking of your teeth.  Mercury in its elemental form is on the State of California’s Prop 65 list of materials known to cause reproductive toxicity. The answer to this problem lies in white composite fillings and crowns. Natural-looking white fillings replace old silver fillings and fix the areas of new decay. They are strong and durable and, because they are tooth colored, they look like your natural teeth!

What is a crown?
Due to advanced technology, ceramic crowns now make it possible to restore broken or worn teeth with prosthetics that are amazingly lifelike. Crowns are used when teeth are chipped, broken or the cavity is very large. A crown covers the entire tooth surface adding strength and protecting the remaining tooth structure.

My teeth are discolored. Does teeth whitening really work?
Teeth become discolored due to the natural aging process. Other lifestyle habits can also cause teeth to have a yellowed or gray look. Drinking coffee, tea, soda and red wine can also stain teeth. Smoking is proven to discolor the teeth. Our cosmetic smile specialists are trained in whitening your teeth professionally.  ZOOM2! whitening takes approximately one hour at our facility, and we also have at-home professional-quality whitening options. ZOOM2! produces dramatic results and is visibly effective after one treatment.

Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Independent studies by universities have found that ZOOM2! did not change the underlying structure of the teeth, nor did it damage fillings or tooth enamel. The active ingredient in the ZOOM2! whitening gel is hydrogen peroxide, which has been safely used by the dental community to whiten teeth for many years.

What can I do to eliminate gaps between my teeth?
A gap can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry. There are a number of options available to you. On the orthodontic side we can use the Invisalign® system which gently shifts teeth into position with a series of custom-fitted clear aligners. In addition our cosmetic dentists handpicked from LA and San Diego can conceal damaged teeth and close gaps with bonding, porcelain veneers or LUMINEERS.  Yes, you can have the Hollywood smile you’ve always dreamed about with no money down for as low as $144 per month through our CareCredit plans. 

How many visits do veneers or LUMINEERS take?
Usually two visits. The first visit is for the impressions, and the second is for the actual delivery or veneer application procedure.
 
Can I afford the cosmetic dentistry treatment I need?
Our dentists believe everyone deserves to have a beautiful, healthy smile. We offer cosmetic dentistry financing options to ensure that our patients receive affordable treatments that fit their budgets. At SWD there are treatments starting as low as $11 per month with no money down with our CareCredit financing plans. Our staff is happy to explain the options available to you.  

What types of braces do you recommend for straightening teeth?
Southwest Dental Group has the only Board Certified Orthodontist in the Valley on staff.  At your free orthodontic consultation, they will advise you of your best options for success. Some of the treatments available are: Cosmetic braces (Clear or Porcelain); Invisalign (As Seen on TV); Lingual Braces (Not Visible—Behind the Teeth); and Retainers and Appliances.

What is Invisalign?
Many adults use Invisalign to avoid conspicuous and inconvenient metal braces. The Invisalign process features a series of clear, custom-made aligners that are placed in the mouth. They gradually shift the teeth into position. The aligners are more comfortable than braces and can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing. Call for your free orthodontic consultation. Find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign.

I have missing teeth. I’ve heard about dental implants. How do they work?
Missing teeth can cause serious problems. Often with tooth loss speaking and chewing properly becomes difficult. The missing teeth may cause misalignment of your bite as adjacent teeth shift out of place. We strongly recommend that you restore your smile with crowns, bridges or dental implants. Dental implants are surgically inserted into your jaw so that the replacement teeth look and function just like natural teeth. For more information, please contact our dentists for a consultation.

I’m afraid of needles and going to the dentist. Do you offer nitrous oxide?
If you are apprehensive about your dental treatments, Southwest Dental Group has Certified Oral Sedation Specialists ready to take care of you! Sedation dentistry is a term that refers to the use of relaxation anesthesia during dental procedures such as crowns, bridges, fillings, implants, root canals, and tooth extraction. Both adults and children can benefit with sedation dentistry.  Oral sedations come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids or nitrous oxide. All medications are approved for safety by the State of California and are administered by a dentist certified in oral sedation.