I have a terrible fear of going to the dentist. What should I do?
What if I have no insurance or just lost my insurance?
What if I can’t afford dental treatment at this time?
How much does dental insurance pay? 
Why aren’t my teeth cleaned at my first appointment?
Why not just take out all my teeth out and get dentures?
Why are my teeth getting shorter?
Are my teeth the cause of my headaches?
Why are my teeth getting more crooked as I get older?
How can I change the look of my teeth?
How effective are whitening toothpastes and how do they work?
How do I know which toothpaste to use?
I have a terrible fear of going to the dentist. What should I do?
If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. Between 9% and 15% of Americans state they avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. However, the greatest fear is the fear of the unknown. The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears. Once we know what your fears are, we can begin to work with you to determine the best way to make you less anxious and more comfortable.
What if I have no insurance or just lost my insurance?
What if I can’t afford dental treatment at this time?
How much does dental insurance pay?
Can you afford not to go to the dentist? By delaying a visit to the dentist, you are likely to turn small problems into much larger and more expensive problems. By getting regular cleanings and exams you can prevent cavities and other more serious dental diseases; saving you money in the long-run, even without insurance. Unlike medical insurance, dental insurance is a discount. Dental insurance has a yearly maximum, usually between one and two thousand dollars. A percentage of your costs are paid only until the maximum is reached. After that, you must pay the total cost of any work you need for the remainder of that year. The longer you wait, the worse your dental problems get and the more expensive they are to fix. Fixing a small cavity is inexpensive. Fixing an extensively decayed tooth can cost thousands of dollars. When dental insurance has a $1000 maximum, waiting until you have insurance could end up costing you thousands of dollars. Time is the best friend of dental disease. Don't wait. At Smile Solutions, we can restore your dental health with the most beautiful, conservative and cost effective treatment available.
Call today to set up your comprehensive evaluation!
Yes. At Smile Solutions, we make financing easy and comfortable for you. We offer several payment plans including Care Credit. Apply online today at carecredit.com.
Why aren’t my teeth cleaned at my first appointment?
There are several types of dental cleanings. At your first comprehensive evaluation, we determine what type of cleaning you require to be restored to maximum periodontal health. We looks at a number of things; the health of your gums, how much tartar (calculus) and plaque you have, and how long it has been since your last cleaning. After the exam, we explain what type of cleaning you need and your appointment is scheduled appropriately.
Why not just take out all my teeth and get dentures?
Extracting teeth should be a last resort. Dentures and partials are plastic teeth surrounded by acrylic and metal. Dentures are not an equal replacement to natural teeth. They move and slide around causing trouble chewing foods such as bagels, apples, steak, and sandwiches. Dentures also change the way food feels and tastes in your mouth. Unfortunately, some people must have dentures and partials made. At Smile Solutions, we make you the most beautiful dentures and partials possible. Our dentures are made to mimic natural teeth. We can also attach dentures and partials to implants; this leads to increased comfort and function.
Why are my teeth getting shorter?
Are my teeth the cause of my headaches?
Teeth can get shorter for multiple reasons. Fracture from an accident, oral habits like chewing your nails, pencils, or grinding your teeth together. All of these things can cause headaches, facial pain, and pain in your mouth and around your head and neck. At Smile Solutions, we are experts at diagnosing why you are having these problems and fixing the source of the problem.
Why are my teeth getting more crooked as I get older?
Teeth shift to the front of your mouth over time because of excess pressure from clenching or grinding. Teeth should only be touching when we eat. The rest of the time your teeth should be resting comfortably 1-3mms apart with your lips closed. Clenching and grinding, even lightly holding the teeth together causes extreme pressure on the teeth. Teeth are suspended in the jaw by ligaments. When the teeth are compressed, the ligaments shift and move the teeth. At Smile Solutions, we can diagnose what is making your teeth shift. You may be a candidate for Invisalign, the nearly invisible way to straighten teeth.
How can I change the look of my teeth?
Several different options are available to change the shape of teeth, make teeth look longer, close spaces between teeth, and repair chipped or cracked teeth. Among the options are porcelain crowns and bridges, veneers, and re-contouring. Dr. Wehrman specializing in creating beautiful smiles. Talk to Dr. Wehrman to see what’s right for you. Check out our before and after page.
How effective are whitening toothpastes and how do they work?
All toothpastes help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach. Over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching substance). No whitening toothpastes or over-the-counter bleaching product can come close to the bleaching effect you can get at your dentist's office through chair-side bleaching. Whitening toothpastes and over-the counter bleaches can lighten your tooth'scolor by one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in your dentist's office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter. Learn more about Zoom Whitening.
How do I know which toothpaste to use?
When purchasing toothpaste for you or your child, select one that contains fluoride. Fuoride-containing toothpastes have been shown to prevent cavities. You should also select a product approved by the American Dental Association. The ADA's Seal of Acceptance means that the product has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness and that packaging and advertising claims are scientifically supported. When considering other properties of toothpaste – such as whitening toothpastes, tartar-control, gum care, desensitizing, etc. - simply ask your dental hygienist or dentist which product is best for you.