Answers
Answers, in plain language
If your question isn’t here, call (843) 884-8315 and a real person will help.
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Open Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Hours & finding us
What are your hours?
Open Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday
- Closed
Where is the office?
We’re at 2023 Hwy 41 in Rivertowne Place Shopping Center, next to Harris Teeter, in Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.
Directions in Apple Maps (opens in a new tab)Directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Is there parking?
Yes. You’ll find us in Rivertowne Place Shopping Center, next to Harris Teeter, with plenty of parking right out front.
How do I reach the office?
Call (843) 884-8315 or write to frontdesk@rivertownefamilydentistry.com.
A friendly voice will pick up, answer your questions, and find a time that works for you.
Becoming a patient
How do I book an appointment?
The fastest way to book is a quick call to (843) 884-8315. A friendly voice will pick up and find a time that works for you.
Online booking is coming soon.
What happens at a first visit?
Your visit starts with digital x‑rays and photos, displayed on the screen right beside you. Seeing what we see makes everything that follows easier to understand.
Next comes a thorough, gentle exam of your teeth and gums, so we get a complete picture of your dental health, not just a quick look.
Before you leave, we’ll sit down and talk through any treatment you may need: in plain language, at your pace, with plenty of room for questions.
Who will I see at my first visit?
New-patient visits are typically scheduled with one of our dental hygienists. If something hurts or feels urgent, we’ll schedule you directly with the dentist instead.
Will I be kept waiting?
We strive to run on time so you won’t be kept waiting, and we ask that you arrive on time as well. The only time we deviate from the schedule is for a dental emergency that requires immediate attention, because if it were yours, you’d want the same.
What if I’m nervous about the dentist?
Gentle techniques, unhurried visits, and a team that takes dental anxiety seriously. Your comfort truly is our top priority.
For patients who feel nervous in the dental chair, Dr. Marquez takes extra time to go at your pace.
What if I’m not sure what I need?
You don’t need a diagnosis to give us a call. Tell us what you’re noticing, or simply that it’s been a while, and we’ll point you in the right direction. No pressure, no jargon, just a friendly conversation about what makes sense for you.
Insurance & payment
Which dental insurance do you take?
In-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and several other carriers. Lori, our insurance coordinator, will help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.
Questions about your coverage? Call (843) 884-8315 and we’ll be happy to help before your first visit.
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
We offer a courtesy discount for patients without dental insurance, and accept all major payment methods.
The practice
Who is the dentist?
Dr. Alexandra Marquez, DMD, leads Rivertowne Family Dentistry, continuing the practice’s long tradition of gentle, comprehensive care for Mount Pleasant families.
She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and believes the best dentistry starts with listening: taking time to understand each patient, explaining every option clearly, and never rushing a visit.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Marquez grew up bilingual, and she’s happy to conduct entire visits in Spanish.
Do you see children?
Patient, unhurried visits that help kids build a lifetime of positive dental habits. We treat patients of all ages.
Cleanings, exams, and everyday care that keep every smile in the family healthy, from first tooth to golden years.
Will I see my own x‑rays?
Low-dose digital imaging you can see on the screen beside you. Patient education is a cornerstone of how we practice.
What services do you offer?
Preventive & Family Dentistry: Exams & Cleanings, Digital X-Rays & Photos, Children’s Dentistry, Gum Health & Periodontal Care, Sealants & Fluoride, Oral Cancer Screenings.
Restorative Dentistry: Tooth-Colored Fillings, Crowns & Bridges, Implant Restorations, Dentures & Partials, Root Canal Therapy, Extractions.
Clear Aligner Therapy: Aligner Consultations, Discreet Treatment, Digital Treatment Planning, Retainers.
How long has the practice been here?
Rivertowne Family Dentistry opened its doors in July 2011, in Rivertowne Place Shopping Center next to Harris Teeter, and it’s been a neighborhood fixture ever since.
Area of care
Preventive & Family Dentistry
How often should I come in for a cleaning?
For most people, every six months works well. If your gums need extra attention, Dr. Marquez may suggest visiting a bit more often for a while. She will walk you through the schedule that makes sense for you.
Are digital x‑rays safe?
Yes. Digital x‑rays use a very low dose of radiation, and we only take them when they are truly needed. If you have concerns, just ask. We are always happy to explain what we are looking for and why before we start.
When should my child first see the dentist?
A good rule of thumb is by the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits are short and gentle, and they help your child get comfortable with the office. If you are not sure whether it is time, call us at (843) 884-8315 and we will help you decide.
It has been years since my last dental visit. Will I be judged?
Not here. Life gets busy, and you are far from the only one. We will start with a thorough, unhurried exam, explain what we find in plain language, and help you decide what to tackle first, one step at a time.
Do cleanings hurt?
Most cleanings are comfortable, though gums can feel a little tender if it has been a while. Tell us right away if anything bothers you and we will adjust. Comfort is a big deal in our office, and we never rush you through a visit.
Area of care
Restorative Dentistry
Do fillings hurt?
The tooth and the area around it are numbed before we start, so most people feel some pressure but not pain. A little sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal. If anything still feels off after that, call us at (843) 884-8315 and we will take a look.
Is a root canal really as bad as people say?
No, and this is one of the most common worries we hear. With thorough numbing, modern root canal therapy usually feels similar to having a filling placed. Most people come in because the tooth already hurts, and treating the infection inside it is typically what brings relief.
How do I know if I need a crown or just a filling?
Generally, a filling repairs a smaller area of decay, while a crown protects a tooth that is cracked, heavily worn, or too damaged for a filling to hold. We will show you photos of your tooth on the chairside screen so you can see what we see. From there, Dr. Marquez will explain your options and the reasons behind her recommendation.
Should I just have the tooth pulled instead of fixing it?
When a tooth can be saved, keeping it is usually the better long-term choice, since a missing tooth can affect chewing and let neighboring teeth shift over time. That said, every situation is different. Dr. Marquez will walk you through both paths in plain language and help you decide what makes sense for you.
How long do fillings, crowns, and dentures last?
It depends on the size of the restoration, where it sits in your mouth, and how you care for it. With good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, fillings often last many years and crowns often last a decade or more. We check your existing dental work at every visit so small problems get caught while they are still small.
Area of care
Clear Aligner Therapy
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most people feel gentle pressure for a day or two after starting a new tray. That pressure is simply a sign your teeth are moving, and it usually fades quickly. Many patients tell us it was much milder than they expected. Dr. Marquez will let you know what to expect for your particular case.
How long does treatment usually take?
It depends on how far your teeth need to move. Some cases finish in a matter of months, while others take a year or longer. At your consultation, Dr. Marquez will look at your teeth and give you a realistic timeline for your specific situation.
How many hours a day do I need to wear the trays?
Most plans call for wearing your aligners about 20 to 22 hours a day. You take them out to eat, to drink anything besides water, and to brush and floss. Consistent wear is the single biggest thing you can do to keep treatment on schedule.
Am I too old for clear aligners?
Probably not. Healthy teeth can move at almost any age, and we see adults of all ages choose aligner therapy. Candidacy depends far more on your bite and the health of your teeth and gums than on your birthday. A consultation is the easiest way to find out where you stand.
What if I lose or break a tray?
It happens more often than you would think, so please do not feel embarrassed. Just call us at (843) 884-8315 and we will help you sort out the next step. Depending on where you are in treatment, you may move to your next tray a little early or wear your previous one while a replacement is made.
Ask us directly
(843) 884-8315Open Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
We’d love to welcome your family to ours. Call the office or send us an appointment request and we’ll find a time that works.