Vandervoort Family Dentistry
William M. Vandervoort and Jordan L. Smith

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Questions for Your Tuscaloosa Dentist

Do you have questions about your dental health? We sure hope so! And we're happy to answer them because educating our patients empowers them to make the right decisions for their smiles and dental health

We've answered some of the questions we frequently hear from our patients, but if you need help finding the information you need, we encourage you to call us at (205) 345-7755 and talk with a helpful team member.

General

The short answer is, yes! When you need a dentist for you and your loved ones, choosing the right combination of quality dental care mixed with compassion and honesty is essential. You want to find a place where you can form long-lasting relationships and know that your oral health and overall well-being are always prioritized.

So, can Vandervoort Family Dentistry provide the dental experience you want, and are they accepting new patients?

A Patient-Centered Dental Experience

Our dental office is currently looking for new patients to welcome to our dental family; here’s our promise to you if you choose us as your dental home:

Integrity—We will always treat you like a member of our own family.

Reliability—We will provide consistent, exceptional service to you and your loved ones.

Honesty—We will work to provide the best dental treatment possible while always giving you a voice regarding your oral health.

Ready to Schedule a Dental Appointment in Tuscaloosa, AL?

If you would like to schedule appointments for you and your family, the expert dental team at Vandervoort Family Dentistry will happily take your call! We want to be your dental home in Tuscaloosa, so contact our dental office at (205) 345-7755 to get started today.

We can’t wait to meet you!

Yes we do accept insurance! When you find out you need dental treatment beyond routine cleanings every six months, it can feel overwhelming. Your dentist will explain the necessity of the treatment and how it will help you maintain your oral health, but you might be thinking about whether they accept your dental insurance and how much everything will cost.

Keep reading to learn more about using dental insurance and payment options at Vandervoort Family Dentistry.

Your Insurance Options

Our dental team will work diligently to maximize your dental insurance benefits by filing your claims and paperwork for you. Usually, your insurance will pay a portion of your treatment, and you will be responsible for the remaining amount.

Vandervoort Family Dentistry is a preferred provider for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

Other Payment Options

In addition to cash, checks, and major credit cards, you can arrange to make payments through any of the following companies:

  • Sunbit
  • Proceed
  • CareCredit

It’s fast and easy to apply, but if you have questions, let us know!

Questions about Dental Insurance in Tuscaloosa, AL?

If you would like to discuss your dental insurance or payment options with an experienced team member, we’d be happy to help! At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, our goal is to provide quality dental care and any assistance you need with insurance or financing.

Contact us at (205) 345-7755 for more information.

At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, we’re proud to care for patients throughout the greater Tuscaloosa, AL, area. Located conveniently at 217 McFarland Circle North, our office is easily accessible from many neighborhoods and nearby communities, making it simple for families to get high-quality, friendly dental care close to home.

Serving Tuscaloosa and Surrounding Communities

While we’re based in the heart of Tuscaloosa, Dr. William M. Vandervoort and our experienced team also welcome patients from:

  • Northport
  • Wood Villas
  • The Highlands
  • University Place
  • Hillcrest
  • Cottondale
  • Alberta
  • Skyland Park
  • Coker

For patients coming to us from Northport or the University of Alabama area, our office is easily accessible via Interstate 359 north (which follows US-11) to Exit 6 and a short drive east on McFarland Boulevard (US-82).

For those driving here from Hillcrest or Cottondale, take US‑82/McFarland Boulevard across the Woolsey Finnell Bridge over the Black Warrior River, which will take you directly in front of the office!

A Caring Tuscaloosa Dentist for the Whole Family

Whether you’re a student at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), a long-time local, or newly settling into the area, Vandervoort Family Dentistry is here to provide expert care in a comfortable setting. From preventive cleanings to restorative treatments, we make it our mission to treat you like family.

Contact Dr. William M. Vandervoort and our caring and helpful team today to schedule an appointment!

At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, our patients’ needs are our top priority. Our phenomenal team, led by Dr. William M. Vandervoort, is committed to providing families in Tuscaloosa with outstanding care, using the most advanced dental technology, in a warm and caring environment. Our comprehensive range of treatments and procedures includes:

  • Family dentistry
  • Cosmetic dentistry
  • Preventive dentistry
  • Sedation dentistry
  • Dental implants
  • Dental crowns and bridges
  • Full mouth reconstruction
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Treatment for bruxism and TMJ disorder
  • Teeth whitening

The Cutting Edge of Dentistry in Tuscaloosa!

Beyond our extensive experience, expertise, and empathetic “chairside manner,” staying at the forefront of developments in dental technology allows us to ensure comfort and efficient, effective treatments for every patient. Among the incredible tools and techniques that help us do this are:

  • Digital x-rays and sensors
  • Panoramic x-rays
  • CBCT cone beam imaging technology
  • Sedation dentistry — including nitrous oxide and intravenous (IV) sedation
  • Intraoral cameras
  • Digital impressions
  • Rotary endodontics
  • Digital record-keeping

A Top-Quality Holistic Dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL

If you’re looking for a top-quality dental practice in Tuscaloosa to provide the most effective, efficient, and empathetic dental care for everyone in your family, contact Dr. William M. Vandervoort and the friendly and helpful Vandervoort Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Finding a dentist for you and your family can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, we serve the entire Tuscaloosa community, making patients of all ages feel comfortable and welcome.

Whether you’re new to the area or looking for a dentist who truly cares about you, we would love to welcome you to our dental office.

Our Convenient Location

Our dental office is located at 217 McFarland Cir N, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Because we’re in the heart of rural west Alabama, we serve patients from seven counties, including Tuscaloosa/Northport and Northside/Samantha.

We are conveniently located just 10 minutes from The University of Alabama, 10 minutes from Northport, and 15 minutes from Tuscaloosa Regional Airport.

From downtown Northport:

  • Head south on Main Ave.
  • Continue onto Lurleen B Wallace Blvd.
  • Exit onto McFarland Blvd./US-82 W.
  • Exit toward Rice Mine Rd. NE/McFarland Circle.
  • Take a left onto McFarland Circle N.
  • Our office will be on your left.

Need a Family Dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL?

If you’re looking for a dentist in Tuscaloosa or the surrounding area, consider the experienced dental team at Vandervoort Family Dentistry! We provide comprehensive care to you and your loved ones.

To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (205) 345-7755.

Having a single dentist for your entire family offers far more than just convenience. A family-focused dental provider who understands each person’s needs, preferences, and health history helps ensure more personalized, effective care—and smoother scheduling too.

Here are four big reasons to choose one dentist for your whole family!

1. Simplified Scheduling & Less Stress

Coordinating everyone’s appointments in one location saves time, reduces travel, and makes it easier to fit checkups into busy routines. Families can often book same-day appointments, reducing the likelihood of missed visits and time off work or school.

2. Continuity of Care from Childhood to Adulthood

A provider who already knows your family’s dental history can offer more targeted, proactive care. Family dentists treat all ages. This fosters a comfortable and trusting relationship, especially for kids, and provides consistent care as each family member’s needs evolve.

3. Better Prevention Through Family Insight

When one dentist sees your whole family, they learn patterns in lifestyle, diet, or genetics. If there’s a history or risk of a particular issue, like gum disease or cavities, they can customize prevention strategies to keep everyone’s smiles bright and healthy.

4. Streamlined Billing and Records

Keeping all your dental care under one roof means fewer accounts, simpler paperwork, and easier insurance coordination.

Find the Best Family Dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL

If you're in Tuscaloosa and want compassionate, comprehensive care for your entire family, contact Dr. William M. Vandervoort and the trusted Vandervoort Family Dentistry team to schedule your visit today!

Cosmetic Dentistry

While cosmetic dentistry in Tuscaloosa certainly enhances the appearance of your smile, it offers more benefits than simple aesthetics. Many cosmetic treatments provide significant functional and health benefits that improve your overall oral well-being.

Functional Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic procedures like porcelain crowns and veneers don't just improve how your teeth look—they strengthen and protect damaged or weakened teeth from further deterioration. Dental implants restore complete chewing function while preventing jawbone loss that occurs when teeth are missing. 

Long-Term Health Improvements

When teeth are properly aligned and restored through cosmetic dentistry in Tuscaloosa, patients often experience improved bite function, reduced jaw strain, and better overall oral hygiene. Addressing cosmetic concerns early can prevent more serious dental problems from developing over time.

Confidence and Quality of Life

Beyond the physical benefits, cosmetic dentistry has a significant impact on your confidence and social interactions. When you're comfortable with your smile, you're more likely to maintain better oral hygiene habits and seek regular dental care, contributing to long-term oral health success.

At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, our cosmetic treatments combine beauty with function to give you a healthier, more confident smile.

Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular; because we take more pictures than ever, having the best smile possible is essential. You’re more likely to project a positive self-image when you love your smile, and your self-confidence will improve as a result.

So, what cosmetic treatments can restore your smile? Keep reading to learn more.

What Issues Can Cosmetic Dentistry Address?

When you schedule a cosmetic consultation, our dental team can address any of the following dental concerns:

  • Missing teeth
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Crooked or misaligned teeth
  • Worn or oddly shaped teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Stained or discolored teeth

Enhancing Your Smile with Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Our Tuscaloosa dental office provides a wide range of cosmetic treatments for you to choose from, including the following:

  • Professional teeth whitening with both in-office and take-home options
  • Composite and porcelain veneers to enhance your smile’s natural beauty
  • Porcelain crowns to protect and conceal imperfections
  • Dental implants to replace your teeth
  • Full mouth rehabilitation for more extensive smile goals

Looking for Cosmetic Dentistry in Tuscaloosa, AL?

To improve your smile’s appearance, consider the expert dental team at Vandervoort Family Dentistry. We can create a treatment plan to suit your smile goals, timeline, and budget. Call our dental office at (205) 345-7755 to get started.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

We can complete a tooth crown from start to finish in about two to three weeks and with two visits to Vandervoort Family Dentistry

tooth crown from a tuscaloosa dentistThe Crown Process in Tuscaloosa: Step-By-Step

Once we've determined that a dental crown is the best procedure to restore your smile, your first appointment will be to prepare your tooth for its restoration. 

Our dentists take impressions of the tooth and make it a temporary crown to wear while we wait for a trusted dental lab to create your final restoration. It takes the dental lab two to three weeks to complete a crown. 

When your new tooth is ready, you'll return to our Tuscaloosa dental office to have our dentists permanently place and adjust it. Once we place it, you'll be ready to enjoy food and share your restored smile with the world!

When Do I Need a Dental Crown?

Our dentists might recommend a tooth crown in these situations:

  • To rebuild an extremely decayed, fractured, or damaged tooth
  • To replace a larger broken or lost filling
  • As the finishing touch to a single dental implant
  • To strengthen a tooth that's had root canal treatment

If you have questions about dental crowns in Tuscaloosa, contact your team at Vandervoort Family Dentistry for more information. 

Dental Implants

With a natural feel and unrivaled stability and durability, dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement. Unfortunately, they’re not a suitable solution for every patient.

An individual’s health history is central to determining whether or not they’re a suitable implant candidate. The suitable dental implant candidate is typically one who:

  • Is 18+ years of age
  • Doesn’t currently suffer from gum disease
  • Has a sufficiently healthy jawbone to support dental implants

Of course, the best way to definitively determine if dental implants are an appropriate solution for you is to receive a thorough, personalized assessment from a qualified dental care professional familiar with your medical history and current oral health.

Additionally, after implant placement, patients must commit to strong at-home oral care and a healthy, balanced diet rich in calcium, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help ensure long-term success.

Efficient, Effective Dental Implants in Tuscaloosa, AL

Are you in Tuscaloosa and looking for a top-quality dental team to assess your candidacy for dental implants and guide you through the placement process? Don’t just Google "Tuscaloosa dentist near me" and take your chances!

Contact Dr. William M. Vandervoort and the outstanding Vandervoort Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

While it takes three to six months for your dental implant to heal and integrate with your bone completely, most patients find that the benefits they enjoy after their implant is completed definitely outweigh the wait time for finishing. 

tooth implant from a tuscaloosa dentistThe Dental Implant Process at Vandervoort Family Dentistry

The first step in completing a dental implant in Tuscaloosa is the placement surgery. Dr. Will can complete that procedure for you here at Vandervoort Family Dentistry. 

Once he places the implant, it takes three to six months for it to fuse and integrate with your bone through a process called osseointegration. Titanium is biocompatible, so it naturally fuses with your bone over time and becomes part of your jawbone, just like your root. 

Once your implant is fully healed and integrated, Dr. Will designs and creates your restoration, which is a porcelain crown for a single tooth or a bridge or denture if you're replacing multiple missing teeth. 

Would You Like to Learn More about Tooth Implants in Tuscaloosa?

If you'd like to determine if dental implants are the right treatment for your needs, book an initial evaluation with Dr. Will to gather all the information you'll need to make the best decision for your smile.  

A dental implant placement is a simple surgical procedure that is not painful because we use anesthetic to ensure you don't feel anything during your treatment. We also offer options for sedation dentistry if you feel that would benefit you during your procedure.  

woman smiling after getting implants in tuscaloosaSedation Dentistry during Dental Implant Process

We offer three levels of sedation to help you relax during procedures like dental implant surgery. 

  • Nitrous oxide: Also called laughing gas, takes the edge off with no lingering side effects
  • Oral conscious sedation: Medication you take an hour before your procedure. Deeper relaxation that feels like sleeping, yet you're still responsive.
  • IV sedation: A deep sleep-like sedation is achieved by delivering medication intravenously.

If you feel that sedation dentistry would benefit you, our dentists can help you determine which level is best for your needs. 

Your Comfort Is Our Priority at Vandervoort Family Dentistry

Our team goes above and beyond to ensure that we provide an exceptional patient experience. Our dentists are gentle and highly skilled.

Dr. Will is extensively trained in many fields of dentistry, so we can offer a wide range of comprehensive services so our patients can rely on working with our team that they're already familiar with and trust. 

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

A full mouth rehabilitation may sound drastic, but living with a combination of dental concerns can hurt many areas of your life. When you’re ready to reclaim your smile and oral health, consider a combination of dental procedures to help you love your smile, eat your favorite foods, raise your self-confidence, and look forward to going out with friends.

Regardless of your oral health condition, we can create a treatment plan to improve and enhance your quality of life. Please keep reading to learn more about it.

Combining Treatments for Your Smile

When planning a full mouth rehabilitation, we focus on your timeline, budget, and smile goals. We will discuss your goals in detail, ensuring you are happy with the treatment plan before proceeding. We can combine any of the following procedures to achieve the smile of your dreams:

  • Tooth extraction
  • Dental implants
  • Tooth-colored fillings
  • Dental crowns and bridges
  • Porcelain veneers

Ask us about other possible treatments as well!

Want to Learn More about Full Mouth Rehabilitation in Tuscaloosa?

If so, the expert dental team at Vandervoort Family Dentistry can help! We can guide you through the process, making your perfect smile a reality. You can reach us by calling (205) 345-7755.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are cosmetic prosthetic devices placed over the front surfaces of teeth to enhance the visual appeal of a person's smile. Veneer placement involves bonding the thin porcelain overlays to the fronts of chipped, discolored, or otherwise irregular-looking teeth. Porcelain veneers themselves are not permanent. In the event of damage or staining, a set of veneers can be removed from a person’s teeth, with a new set bound in its place.

It’s crucial to understand, however, that the veneer placement process itself is not reversible. This is because the process by which veneers are bonded to natural teeth involves the removal of a thin layer of tooth enamel to ensure a proper fit. As tooth enamel neither regenerates nor has an artificial replacement, this preparatory process is considered permanent and irreversible. In the absence of veneers, the alteration to the enamel elevates the risk of potentially dangerous decay and can threaten the original tooth structure.

Precisely Placing Porcelain Veneers in Tuscaloosa, AL

If you’re in Tuscaloosa and want to learn more about the placement of porcelain veneers and how to maximize their lifespan once in place, contact Dr. William M. Vandervoort and the excellent Vandervoort Family Dentistry team today to schedule a consultation!

Preventive Dentistry

The general rule of thumb is to see your Tuscaloosa dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and exams. However, some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs.

Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important?

Even if you brush and floss daily, plaque can still build up over time. Plaque buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Fortunately, professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that brushing alone can’t get rid of, and exams help catch early signs of decay or gum disease before they become major problems.

Who Should Visit the Dentist More Often?

Some people may need to see their Tuscaloosa dentist every three to four months, including those who:

  • Have a history of gum disease or frequent cavities
  • Are prone to plaque and tartar buildup
  • Have diabetes or other health conditions that affect oral health
  • Wear braces, dentures, or dental implants

Book Your Next Appointment with Your Tuscaloosa Dentist

Routine dental visits are the key to a healthy, long-lasting smile. If you’re due for a teeth cleaning, schedule an appointment with Vandervoort Family Dentistry today! You can call us at (205) 345-7755 or book online. 

We welcome patients of all ages from Tuscaloosa and the surrounding areas. We can’t wait to care for your smile! 

Sedation Dentistry

At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, we understand that it's not always easy for patients to visit their dentist, especially when they feel fearful or anxious due to a bad experience in the past. 

We know these patients require some extra special care, so we offer several options for dental sedation in Tuscaloosa to help our patients receive the treatment they need most comfortably for their needs. 

person getting sedation in tuscaloosaThree Levels of Dental Sedation to Meet Your Needs

We offer three different levels of sedation dentistry at Vandervoort Family Dentistry, and our dentists can help you determine which would be best for your needs if you feel that dental sedation could be helpful for you. 

Nitrous Oxide: Our Lowest Level of Sedation

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, combines nitrous oxide and oxygen to "take the edge off" and help you feel more relaxed in the dental chair. 

We deliver it through an inhalation mask, which quickly leaves your system once the mask is removed, making it safe for you to go on with everyday activities. 

Oral Conscious Sedation: A Deeper Level of Relaxation

Oral sedation comes to you through medication you take about an hour before your dental procedures. It helps you feel deeply calm and relaxed, almost like you're sleeping, yet you're still responsive. 

IV Sedation: Our Deepest Relaxation

IV sedation is delivered intravenously, and Dr. Will monitors your vital signs and heart rate the entire time, adjusting the medication as needed. 

Both IV sedation and oral sedation require you to have transportation arranged to and from your dental appointments. 

A dental implant placement is a simple surgical procedure that is not painful because we use anesthetic to ensure you don't feel anything during your treatment. We also offer options for sedation dentistry if you feel that would benefit you during your procedure.  

woman smiling after getting implants in tuscaloosaSedation Dentistry during Dental Implant Process

We offer three levels of sedation to help you relax during procedures like dental implant surgery. 

  • Nitrous oxide: Also called laughing gas, takes the edge off with no lingering side effects
  • Oral conscious sedation: Medication you take an hour before your procedure. Deeper relaxation that feels like sleeping, yet you're still responsive.
  • IV sedation: A deep sleep-like sedation is achieved by delivering medication intravenously.

If you feel that sedation dentistry would benefit you, our dentists can help you determine which level is best for your needs. 

Your Comfort Is Our Priority at Vandervoort Family Dentistry

Our team goes above and beyond to ensure that we provide an exceptional patient experience. Our dentists are gentle and highly skilled.

Dr. Will is extensively trained in many fields of dentistry, so we can offer a wide range of comprehensive services so our patients can rely on working with our team that they're already familiar with and trust. 

Teeth Whitening

Are you considering teeth whitening in Tuscaloosa? If so, you may wonder if professional teeth whitening is better than a store-bought product. The answer is yes! Here's why.

The Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening

There are several reasons why it's better to whiten your teeth under the supervision of your dentist:

  • Safety First — Your dentist can provide support if you encounter any problems with teeth whitening, such as tooth sensitivity.
  • Better Results — Your dentist has access to more potent bleaching products that deliver better results faster. 
  • Customized Options — Your dentist can provide customized teeth whitening that protects your soft tissues from irritation and produces excellent results.

Professional Teeth Whitening at Vandervoort Family Dentistry

At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, we offer two convenient options for brightening your smile with professional teeth whitening—in-office and take-home treatments.

An in-office whitening treatment provides immediate results that you'll enjoy right away, while a take-home kit offers customized teeth whitening in the comfort of your home. 

Either way, you'll appreciate the results when you invest in professional teeth whitening, and our team can help you maintain your brighter smile with bi-annual teeth cleanings that polish your smile to perfection.

Contact our Tuscaloosa dental office at (205) 345-7755 for more information about professional teeth whitening. 

At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, we offer two convenient options for brightening your smile – in-office or take-home teeth whitening. 

woman getting in office teeth whitening in TuscaloosaIn-Office Teeth Whitening

An in-office whitening treatment at Vandervoort Family Dentistry takes about an hour and delivers immediate results. 

We start by blocking your gums and soft tissues with a barrier to protect them from excess whitening gel. Then, we apply high-strength gel to your teeth and allow it to remove stains and discoloration. This may take more than one application. 

When the treatment is done, most patients leave with teeth that are six to eight shades lighter than when they started!

Take-Home Teeth Bleaching in Tuscaloosa

Our take-home teeth whitening kits are an excellent way to brighten your smile in the comfort of your home whenever it's most convenient for your schedule. 

We'll create plastic trays with impressions of your teeth, customized just for you. You'll apply the bleach to the trays and wear them for about 30 minutes daily for 10 to 14 days or until you've achieved the desired results. 

Best of all, you always have whitening trays to brighten your smile as needed! 

Learn more about teeth whitening in Tuscaloosa when you call Vandervoort Family Dentistry at (205) 345-7755.

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