Center For Dental Excellence

Negative experience: My first visit to the Center for Dental Excellence in Simsbury, Connecticut, was in June 2023. At that time, I already had eight implants (four upper, four lower). I was quoted over $50,000 for two zirconia arches, including a $5,250 charge for “metal bar support.” During my initial evaluation, Dr. Bruce Nghiem claimed one of my upper implants was not secure and recommended placing two additional implants. This proved unnecessary and resulted in a significant added cost. Over the course of 14 appointments spanning nearly two years, the arches never achieved a proper fit. The lower arch was remade three times and consistently rocked, eventually breaking due to instability. Rather than addressing the issue, Dr. Nghiem blamed my bite and made the arches bulkier, increasing discomfort. Despite being charged for metal-supported (titanium bar) arches, no such support was ever present. This was later confirmed visually, by X-ray, and by my new provider. When I questioned this at the time of my dismissal and requested a refund, it was denied. I was only issued a $5,250 refund nine months later. The upper arch also caused significant issues. Teeth were ground down without proper explanation, and subsequent remakes were made thicker, creating constant pressure, speech problems, and discomfort. The arches were too small and narrow, leaving no room for my tongue and causing frequent biting and painful sores. Communication throughout treatment was poor. My concerns were routinely dismissed, and I was often made to feel unheard. Scheduling was equally frustrating, with long gaps between appointments and excessive wait times. In May 2025, after nearly two years of failed treatment, I was told nothing more could be done. I had spent over $50,000 and was left with prosthetics that were visually acceptable but functionally unusable. I then sought care elsewhere and received properly fitting zirconia arches in just three visits over three weeks for $20,000 total—a stark contrast in both efficiency and outcome. Ultimately, this experience resulted in a complete loss of over $50,000, involving unnecessary procedures, misrepresented services, and a failure to take responsibility for the outcome.

Negative experience: Absolutely horrible. All about over charging and not the patient. I got a quote for non cosmetic/needed dental work and they said $20,000 out of pocket AFTER my 2 insurances. I went back to my old dentist, got the work done, $1700 out of pocket. I showed them the estimate from this place and they said "this is ridiculous, they are over charging, double and triple charging and adding on things that are 100% unnecessary or needed! They said they had never seen such a ridiculously bloated bill! Unless you have money to waste or like iver paying find another dentist.

Fantastic experience: My family has been going to CDE since we were children. I have bounced between the Simsbury and West Hartford locations depending on where they have availability. A few years back I had my first real dental scare where I had to get 2 root canals in my two front teeth. I was in a lot of pain and Dr. Nghiem came in on a Saturday morning to evaluate and make sure I was treated. He was able to painlessly drain and treat the infection so I was safe to get my root canals a few days later. Even though CDE is out of network for me, I will always stay with them because of how well they treat their patients from regular check ups to weekend emergencies. I cannot express how grateful I am to the staff there for being so kind and comforting. They truly are the best and I am so grateful that I have access to a dental team I can trust to get me through anything.

Fantastic experience: They have taken care of some very complex dental needs of mine over the years. Always reducing my fear and increasing my confidence in a solution. The entire staff is lighthearted and accommodating.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Nghiem completely changed my life. I used to feel so insecure about my teeth and dreaded going to the dentist, but from my very first appointment, I knew I was in the right place. Dr. Nghiem was kind, patient, and explained everything in a way that made me feel comfortable and confident about my treatment. The results are beyond what I ever imagined—my smile looks amazing, and I finally feel proud to show it. The whole team is welcoming, professional, and truly cares about their patients. Walking into this office has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re looking for a dentist who not only transforms smiles but also restores confidence, Dr. Nghiem is the one. Absolutely exceptional!

Fantastic experience: I've had teeth for 81 years! For the first 70 or so I searched for a great dentist. Then I found Dr. Ngheim! He is everything I'd hoped to find: expert; professional; gentle; polite; a perfectionist; and just a nice guy. His staff is a reflection of him and all are a delight. Dental visits actually become something I look forward to, instead of dread, because I know I'll be in better shape after the visit. However, my search for the best chocolate layer cake continues...

Fantastic experience: I am so impressed by the entire staff with the kindness and compassion during my full teeth removal and replacment utilizing implants. It was a long journey to complete the process for the implants. I am beyond words with the results. They took such great care to make sure it all want flawlessly. The Dr. And his staff at both the Simsbury and West Hartford locations we incredible, professional, and caring every single visit and with the post care. So happy with the new teeth, the results are amazing. I love my smile!

Fantastic experience: The best dentist I’ve ever been to—by far!

Fantastic experience: All aspects of my visit were professional and my problems were addressed and corrected.

Fantastic experience: Very good quality service from friendly, helpful and understanding staff.

Fantastic experience: The doctors were skilled and the staff caring.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly and professional. Great experience.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to this place for 40 years and always get friendly professional service.

Fantastic experience: I just left the office. I had a 5 hour appointment with Dr. Michael Christian. 10 temporary crowns. Will need to go back in a few weeks for the permanent crowns. Dr. Mike and the staff are artists. I'm very happy with the result. I highly recommend CDE and Dr. Michael!

Fantastic experience: This is an exceptional dental practice. Everyone is friendly and Dr. Lawrence is incredible. He definitely raised the bar on dental excellence. I walked in with an unusual toothache and he did not leave my side until he figured out what was going on, explained it all to me and then figured out how to resolve it.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic friendly dental service as usual. No waiting time. Plenty of parking space and clean and inviting dental office.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Nghiem and the entire staff at the office are great! I highly recommend them!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Nghiệm is an excellent dentist. He and his assistants did a wonderful job on my teeth. They were very kind and considerate while working on my case. I highly recommend them.

Fantastic experience: Great in every way! Can't imagine a better group. I've been with them (as a patient) since I was 45 yoa (1992) ... year in and year out as good as it gets. tom p.

Fantastic experience: Our family has been going to Dr Larry Christian since 1978. The staff has always been wonderful to us and would recommend this group to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Excellent treatment. Superior service. Big YES to this practice.

Fantastic experience: This is my last cleaning with Nancy, who is retiring. She has been the family hygienist for 40 years. It has been a pleasure even when she drew blood! She made Fones dental school proud! The next five years were with Rosa who was also excellent. I can't remember who the last wo were but they were also good.

Fantastic experience: Always a wonderful experience

Fantastic experience: Becky is a great hygienist, and Dr. Christian is a great dentist!

Fantastic experience: Exceptional from the front desk to the back room

Fantastic experience: The most friendly staff!!

Fantastic experience: Great dentist and dental assistant and admin at exist. Much more expensive than I thought. $2,600 for recap.

Fantastic experience: Entire staff is pleasant and efficient. I have been a customer for over 20 years and highly recommend them for dental services.

Fantastic experience: Very professional staff, pleasant office. Everyone expressed concern and made me very comfortable. Dr. Christian Is outstanding.

Fantastic experience: Excellent dental care. I've been going there for 21 years.

Fantastic experience: The level of professionalism at this office is exceptional. Staff is courteous and friendly. Dr. Christian and his staff (especially Tatiana) are awesome people. Thank you. 7/22/21 Back for an annual check and the only thing that has changed is that it has become even better. Dr. Christian and his staff are wonderful. They take the time to explain and answer your questions. 10/22/24 Another visit to this dental practice and another pleasant experience.

Fantastic experience: Always in good hands with Dr. Mike, thank you!

Fantastic experience: I had a new implant procedure completed. It went quicker than was anticipated, was relatively painless. I had full confidence in Dr Nghiem and his team, and as always they used the most up to date technologies and procedures. It went smoothly and I had no stitches! I highly recommend him!

Negative experience: I drove 3 hours round-trip to this location after searching for dentists with top reviews. Needless to say, I didn’t consider my experience exceptional and actually felt pretty dismissed and insulted by Dr. Christian. I won’t go into details but if there had even been 1 critical review at the time, I would have spared myself the stress of hiring a babysitter and driving halfway across the state to go here. Might be worth going to if you’re local but my personal experience was far from 5 stars.

Fantastic experience: The Doctor and the entire staff are a great team.

Fantastic experience: Excellent service. Timely. Went above and beyond. Very pleased.

Fantastic experience: The staff and doctors are professional, welcoming, and most importantly they do superior and honest work. The DMDs take the time to explain and show you why they’re doing a procedure, and I feel they have cutting edge equipment and technology. I’ve been a patient for a long time and feel I am getting the best of everything with Center for Dental Excellence. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Fantastic experience: Another excellent cleaning! This practice is superior with a very knowledgeable friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: As usual, a great experience at the CDE. I have always had great outcomes as a result of the treatments by, and advice of the CDE (for many, many years!). From arrival, through treatment to departure: pleasant and professional. TD

Fantastic experience: Dr. Nghiem is a super professional doctor of prosthodontics and a caring individual. He respects his patients and educates them on their options. Highly recommend!!

Fantastic experience: Tina is a superb dental hygienist. I have never had better service.

Fantastic experience: A pleasant and ostensibly perfect health care experience.

Fantastic experience: Always super caring. And boy do my teeth look great.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Dr. Christian for about 30 years, and I’ve had a good experience every time. He’s very knowledgeable, professional, and an awesome dentist.

Fantastic experience: Janice is great! She took the time to clean my teeth!! Will definitely want her to clean my teeth again!!!

Negative experience: I had to email them twice to get them to reply back. If you don't take my insurance then you could just say so instead of not responding. Bad communication skills by staff.

Fantastic experience: Excellent experience. Professional, thorough and kind!

Fantastic experience: Fully equipped office with top notch staff. Love love love these folks.

Fantastic experience: Efficient and gentle

Fantastic experience: Great people and great service. I have been going here for years and highly recommend it

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend Dr. Nghiem. Outstanding dental work, professional and compassionate.

Fantastic experience: Had an emergency on a Friday. Dr. Nghiem had me come in right away .Dr. Nghiem is the best in the business .He is an amazing technician. His staff is extremely friendly and always welcoming with a smile.

Fantastic experience: They got me right in for an urgent problem. Both the hygienist and Dr Christain were very thorough! Great care.

Fantastic experience: Amazing service. Hygienists and dentists are so kind and understanding!

Fantastic experience: The visit was excellent! Came in and was seen right away and my issue was taken care of swiftly.

Fantastic experience: Excellent job at all times

Fantastic experience: Dr Nghiem and his staff are wonderful. They are compassionate, professional and thorough in all they do. Dr Nghiem has gone above and beyond guiding me through some very difficult decisions and explaining procedures. He is succinct in his approach which I find refreshing as he gives the facts, the solutions and his expert opinions without the “big sale” tactics. He always has a smile and puts his patient’s comfort and feelings first, asking often how you’re doing, if you need a break and so on. It’s rare that I put my trust into a physician of any kind, but with Dr Nghiem and his staff, I know I’m in the most capable hands and my results will not disappoint.

Fantastic experience: I received my 6 month dental cleaning and check up. The hygienist Casey is fantastic. She kept me comfortable during the cleaning process and my teeth and gums look great. Not to mention the heated, vibrating dental chair which added to comfort. Many thanks to Dr. Michael Christian who expertly rebuilt my teeth with crowns and veneers.

Fantastic experience: My visit today was outstanding. The practice is very thorough with every aspect of my dental problems. Everything was addressed with patience towards my concerns and problems. Staff is very professional and nice. Since I was looking for a dental specialist for my problems I will follow up and return for whatever procedures I need and can afford for my dental problems.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly staff and great dentists. Thanks for the great experience.

Fantastic experience: I felt very comfortable, I really liked the care that I received, and I liked Dr. Bruce very much.

Fantastic experience: I had a great cleaning with Danielle I left the office with my teeth feeling really clean. She was gentle and very informative. I would highly recommend going to the Litchfield office.

Fantastic experience: Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Fantastic experience: Everyone is kind and polite. I feel as if I am in good hands. Even a little funny sometimes!

Fantastic experience: Very professional and efficient! Kasia is the best!

Fantastic experience: They are amazing!!!!! Especially Kaisha and Dr. Mike! I always look forward to my visit with them.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic experience! I would 100% recommend the practice. My hygienist Danielle was hilarious and gentle. Excited to go back for my next visit.

Fantastic experience: Loved the people and their personalities! I have been searching for someone I could have confidence in and who I think would be the right fit for me. I've accomplished that goal. Little nervous about all the work I need done but.....Today's appointment was, as usual, very enjoyable. The staff is wonderful and Dr. Christian lives up to an assessment another dentist made about him. He's the best there is! He was right!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Michael Christian was Excellent! He is truly a magician at Prosthodontist work. His skills are amazing, as well as the care he gives to patients. Thank you so much.

Fantastic experience: Every thing with appointment went very well good place to go for dental work

Fantastic experience: Great dental group. Very glad to have started with them

Fantastic experience: Staff very friendly and knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: The office is so friendly and helpful. Love this practice.

Fantastic experience: This is not your average dental office. Dr Nghiem and his staff are highly skilled in the complex world of dentistry. They will accommodate all your needs from an easy filling to intricate dental work such as implants and reconstruction work, which they specialize in. They have an excellent staff to satisfy all your needs from assisting to scheduling to billing. I highly recommend The Center For Dental Excellence! Dennis C

Fantastic experience: Responsive, knowledgable , excellent doctor and staff.

Fantastic experience: Explained everything very well. Dr. Christian took his time and didn't appeared rushed

Fantastic experience: Love CDE! I had 2 appointments back-to-back today and needed them to be at the same time. I was accommodated - great hygienist and great dentist! Thank you.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Michael Christian was amazing with my teen daughter, he made her feel confident how her smile will be after she will take her braces. Also Maddy and Megan was great to us. Thank you so much!

Fantastic experience: Prompt, friendly, thorough, provided good info on preventing buildup on molars

Fantastic experience: The whole office is absolutely amazing, kind, and very accommodating. Marlena was fantastic and went the extra step to confirm insurance & make sure I understood everything. Dr Nghiem and his assistant were very thorough and respectful. I am very thankful for their team.

Fantastic experience: Center For Dental Excellence has been a large part of my life for most of 2023. I had quite a bit of work done, as I've had dental challenges for years - growing up without Fluoride in water, and lousy genes, to begin with. The pros: 1. Excellent work. Bar none, no complaints on the work. 2. Very competent staff. Friendly. 3. Fairly organized. The staff seemed to be working in concert. This is important, with a project of this length. The cons: 1. Be prepared to sell your first born. This work is EXPENSIVE. 2. The length quoted might be somewhat longer than expected. Some of this is due to different rates of healing, which is beyond anyone's control. But also, with so many moving parts, things hit snags. I had expected to be done by the end of September, and it took me another 75 days. But in the grand scheme of things, that's ok, except that I had moved south, and had to fly back three separate times. 3. You might like the work so much, that you elect to have more done. An expensive project can become much more expensive. If work of this magnitude is in the budget, I can't think of a better place to do it. Of course, I don't know how the price might be different elsewhere. But if excellent dentistry is what your end goal is, then CDE is the right option. The old adage that you get what you pay for is appropriate. Or maybe, expect to pay quite a bit for excellent work. On one personal note, Dr. Bruce Nghiem was my dentist, and it wasn't lost on me that he never cut corners, he was almost obsessive with detail and perfection, and we actually developed a decent rapport as the months went by. Very happy to have had him work on me. And props and thanks to Jenn, also!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Nghiem and his staff are the best I have ever come across, we are in the process of a bottom denture and was so afraid to do this, my teeth were pulled, and implants were put in place and within three hours my new denture was put in. I was so amazed at the work they did, never felt like anything foreign was in my mouth. Just like it was there all along, never any pain. We are still in process until I get my permanent denture, I can't say enough about them. Dr Nghiem is so caring, made me so comfortable and constantly asked if I was alright during all procedures. I will see no one else for any constructive procedure. Truely is THE BEST! I finally got my permanent denture, and it is great, Feels so natural. I will see none other than Dr. Nghiem for all my dental care. Shirley Wainman

Fantastic experience: Was very pleased that my fractured tooth was saved and repaired.

Fantastic experience: the staff and Dr Nghiem are caring, supportive and patient. always making sure i am doing okay and provide the best dental work

Fantastic experience: From the front office to the treatment areas the staff in this firm offers only the most professional dental service and care I have ever encountered. Having had extensive work done over the last several months I am always surprised by the excellent result as each phase of treatment is finished. I recommend this office without reservation.

Fantastic experience: My husband had the best dental experience of his life!

Fantastic experience: My husband had a phobia about dentists and had neglected his teeth for years. Dr. Michael Christian was very informative and spent quite a bit of time to explain our options. Dental assistant Isabella was very kind and put him at ease.

Positive experience: Dr. Nghiem is a really good dentist, & his helper is fantastic. I had TWO teeth extracted at the same time (they were next to each other). I was terrified! I had no previous sedative, just the injected anesthesia. But Dr. Nghiem focused on his excellent work & the helper kept reassuring me verbally. This was today, so I have yet to see how it heals up & how the implants go, & that's the only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5.

Fantastic experience: My visit to Center for Dental Excellence, LLC was very pleasent. Rosa was vey cordial and friendly. Barbara Calabro

Fantastic experience: I have been a patient for over 41 years . Along with my family, pleased with the service and every visit was a pleasant experience .

Fantastic experience: I have never been treated so well and so kindly as this office. Dr. Is amazing. Had a major emergency and now I am better. Thanks so much for your kindness. This is what patient care is about!!!!!!!

Fantastic experience: Excellent dental cleaning and advice.

Fantastic experience: very professional and excellent Team

Fantastic experience: Today was the first day after over a yr of going through pain and suffering that I felt my issues with TMJ will be addressed the staff was absolutely wonderful Dr Christian walked me through what I have to go through to get back to my old self, it's going to take some time but at least now I have some answers and that's all I could wish for at present. I give this office a sixth star because of the way I have been taken advantaged of over the past yr, get a second opinion , I am glad my better half found this place. I highly recommend coming to this Dental Office.

Fantastic experience: Great stuff, Great everything

Fantastic experience: Excellent hygienist, staff and Dr's

Fantastic experience: The best.

Fantastic experience: There's no better dentist office. Especially for complicated issues. I'm a stage 4 throat cancer survivor & my mouth is a train wreck. They sorted out the game plan in as simple as possible terms. It makes you feel way more confident when you know what's going on. The whole staff is top-notch, from the admin, to the techs and of course the Drs.

Fantastic experience: Arrived early / taken in early. Charming expert staff - made me extra comfortable with neck pillow. Dr Christian was warm and friendly. No one is better than he at what he does.

Fantastic experience: Great care. Always comfortable. I was 40 years with my past dentist whom retired and reluctant to change. My anxiousness relieved on very first visit. Thanks Dr Christian. Several years later I wish to continue my praise for the CFDE. The office is immaculate, the people are helpful and friendly, the cleaning is superb, and Dr. Michael Christian is the BEST.