Billing: You asked, we listened!

We’re excited to share that we’ve upgraded our payment system to make it more secure and convenient for you. At Your Smile, we’re always looking for ways to simplify your experience — including how you manage your account.

You asked, we listened!

Billing statements will now include both a QR code and a direct link to the “Make a Payment” page on our website. This page is available 24/7, requires no account login, and can be forwarded or saved for future use. Unlike one-time “direct payment links,” this website link will never expire.

Here’s what’s new:

-Paperless billing: Unless you request otherwise, billing statements will no longer be printed and mailed. Instead, a PDF statement will be emailed to the address we have on file.

Here’s what stays the same:

-SikkaPay stays in place: iPosPays by SikkaPay will continue to handle in-office, website, and direct payment links.
-Direct payment links available: Quick links can still be requested by text or email. These links expire after 72 hours, so please check for emails from no-reply@sikkasoftware.com or texts from 831-231-4343.
-Transaction fees: A flat 3% surcharge applies to credit card payments both in-office and online. There is no additional fee for debit cards, HSA, or FSA cards.

We hope these updates make managing your account simpler and more flexible. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call — we’re happy to help.

Celebrating 20 Years!

Custom Night Guards

The Importance of Custom Night Guards for Protecting Your Smile

Do you ever wake up with sore jaw muscles, headaches, or sensitive teeth? If so, you might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night – a condition called bruxism. Left untreated, bruxism can lead to worn-down teeth, fractures, gum recession, and even damage to dental restorations like crowns or fillings. One of the best ways to protect your smile is with a custom night guard made by your dentist.

Why a Custom Night Guard?
You can find over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” mouthguards at the store, but they don’t compare to a professionally made night guard. Here’s why:
-Perfect Fit – A custom guard is designed from an impression or scan of your teeth, so it’s more comfortable and stays in place while you sleep.
-Better Protection – Store-bought guards are often bulky and uneven, which can put strain on your jaw joints. A custom guard distributes pressure evenly and protects both your teeth and jaw.
-Durability – Dental-grade materials used in custom night guards are stronger and longer lasting than store-bought versions.
-Tailored to You – Your dentist can adjust the thickness and design depending on how severe your grinding is.

Health Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard
-Prevents Tooth Damage – Guards stop enamel from wearing down, reducing the risk of chips, cracks, or sensitivity.
-Reduces Jaw Pain & Headaches – Relieves stress on your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
-Protects Dental Work – Helps prevent expensive repairs to crowns, fillings, and veneers.
-Improves Sleep Quality – Many patients find they sleep more comfortably without clenching or grinding.

Signs You May Need a Night Guard
-Frequent headaches or jaw pain in the morning
-Worn or flattened tooth surfaces
-Chipped teeth without a clear cause
-Soreness in your face or temples
-Your partner notices grinding sounds at night

Invest in Your Smile
A custom night guard is an investment in your oral health — one that can save you from discomfort, costly dental treatments, and long-term damage. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night, talk to your dentist. Together, you can protect your smile and your overall well-being.

Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather

In case of an unforeseen weather event, we encourage you to communicate your intentions and/or availability.  We understand that road conditions vary greatly by location, and advance notice of your cancelation may mean we can get someone else in, treated, and safely back home before local conditions deteriorate.

If our office decides to close for the day, that decision will be made at 6:00 a.m..  Once that decision is made, we will reach out to our scheduled patients by text message.  If you would prefer a different method, please feel free to leave that information on our voicemail at 410-877-3000.

For your convenience, any weather related schedule changes will be posted on our facebook page as soon as those decisions are made.

Maryland Healthy Smiles

The Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program is broken into 5 enrollment categories.  Those categories are Children, Adult*, Pregnant, Postpartum, and Former Foster Care.  Each category has it’s own set of policy allowances and limitations, so it is important to understand which category you fall into.  Each patient will be enrolled in only one category at a time, regardless of their situation.  This means that although you may have been in foster care and are currently pregnant,  it is possible that you are only enrolled in the program under “Adult”.

Enrollment Categories/Plans currently accepted:

• Children (under the age of 21)
• Pregnant Women
• Postpartum
• Former Foster Care (Under the age of 25)

*At this time, we are not accepting new patients enrolled in the “Adult” category/plan.

If you have questions about your coverage or your enrollment category, please contact the Maryland Healthy Smiles Program at 1-855-934-9812.

Elevating Dental Care: Introducing Fluoride Varnish to Our Standard of Care for Adult Patients

Introduction: At Your Smile Bel Air Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing our adult patients with outstanding dental care that goes beyond expectations. We are excited to announce the formal inclusion of fluoride varnish* as a core component of our standard of care. In this blog post, we will introduce fluoride varnish, highlight its advantages over other fluoride treatments, and emphasize its low risk of ingestion and convenience for our valued adult patients.

Understanding Fluoride Varnish: Fluoride varnish is a highly effective preventive treatment that offers targeted protection against tooth decay and enamel erosion. It is a concentrated gel-like substance that contains a higher concentration of fluoride compared to other fluoride treatments. Here’s why we have chosen to incorporate fluoride varnish into our standard of care for adults:

1. Enhanced Protection: The application of fluoride varnish forms a durable coating on the teeth, acting as a physical barrier against acid attacks and enamel demineralization. This protective layer significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay and helps maintain strong, healthy teeth.
2. Low Risk of Ingestion: We understand the concerns surrounding fluoride ingestion, especially for adult patients. With fluoride varnish, the risk of ingestion is minimal due to its fast-drying nature. The varnish adheres to the teeth quickly, minimizing the chances of swallowing any significant amount.
3. Convenience for Adult Patients: Fluoride varnish offers unparalleled convenience, making it an ideal choice for our adult patients. The application process is simple and non-invasive, taking only a few minutes during your regular dental visit. Unlike other treatments, there’s no need to wait for any specific amount of time before eating or drinking. You can resume your daily activities immediately after the application.

The Benefits of Fluoride Varnish for Adults: By including fluoride varnish with our routine dental cleanings, we are prioritizing the oral health and well-being of our adult patients. Here are the key benefits you can expect:

1. Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay: Fluoride varnish provides a concentrated and long-lasting fluoride release that effectively strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
2. Protection against Enamel Erosion: The protective barrier created by fluoride varnish shields the teeth from acid attacks, reducing the risk of enamel erosion and maintaining a healthy smile.
3. Alleviation of Tooth Sensitivity: Fluoride varnish can help alleviate tooth sensitivity by sealing exposed dentin and reducing discomfort.
4. Tailored Treatment for High-Risk Individuals: For adults with a higher risk of tooth decay or specific oral health conditions, fluoride varnish can be applied directly to targeted areas that require additional protection, such as areas showing early signs of decay or exposed root surfaces.

Conclusion: With the addition of fluoride varnish to our standard of care, we are excited to offer our adult patients an enhanced level of protection against tooth decay and enamel erosion. Fluoride varnish is a safe, convenient, and highly effective preventive treatment that minimizes the risk of ingestion while delivering targeted benefits. Experience the difference of our comprehensive dental care by scheduling your next appointment today.

*While adult fluoride varnish has been established as a standard of care at our dental office, it is important to note that coverage for this treatment may vary among dental insurance plans. We recommend patients to contact their dental insurance provider for detailed information regarding coverage, benefits, and any associated costs. Please be aware that any fees related to fluoride varnish treatment are the responsibility of the patient. Our team is available to assist you in addressing any queries or concerns you may have regarding insurance coverage.

Location Address

We have found that many patients are experiencing issues finding our office using Apple Maps. Please refer to Google Maps.

Follow the smell of crabs and tacos to 1205B Baltimore Pike, Bel Air, Maryland, 21014! 

Inclement Weather

In case of an unforeseen weather event, we encourage you to communicate your intentions and/or availability.  We understand that road conditions vary greatly by location, and advance notice of your cancelation may mean we can get someone else in, treated, and safely back home before local conditions deteriorate.

If our office decides to close for the day, that decision will be made at 6:00 a.m..  Once that decision is made, we will reach out to our scheduled patients by text message.  If you would prefer a different method, please feel free to leave that information on our voicemail at 410-877-3000.

For your convenience, any weather related schedule changes will be posted on our facebook page as soon as those decisions are made.

Use it or lose it!

As the end of the year is quickly approaching, we want to remind you to utilize any unused insurance benefits before they expire. Many of you also participate in Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Plans with your employer. In most cases, any benefits left in these accounts do not roll over each calendar year.

Your health is important to us and we want to make sure you get the care you deserve. If you or a family member needs an appointment or has any questions, please call us today so we may discuss your needs. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!

With best wishes for continued good health,
Dr. Danielle Zhu

Concerned about out of pocket expenses? We accept the CareCredit credit cards, mobile wallets, and most social mobile payment platforms.

Now Open

Our patients have been so gracious and encouraging through this process. We are so thankful to be rounding out our first week here at 1205B Baltimore Pike.