FAQ's

Q: I brush every day, but my breath is still not fresh. Is there anything else I can do?
A: Millions of people struggle with halitosis (or bad breath) despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings; and, careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and if the problem still persists, we can offer several solutions.

First, we can provide you with a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue, significantly alleviating odor. Or, we can recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.

Q: What is a crown, and why do I need one?
A: If your doctor has recommended a crown to you, it is likely either to correct a broken tooth or to repair a tooth that has deteriorated due to cavities (decay). The decay in your tooth eats away healthy tooth structure much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed, leaving healthy tooth structure but not much of it. A crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth, while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision-milled porcelain or full metal (gold or silver) and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long-lasting smile.

Q: I know I need X-rays, but I prefer not to be exposed to unnecessary radiation. Do you offer digital X-rays?
A: Yes, we do offer digital X-rays. Digital X-rays (radiographs) use less radiation and are safer for you than traditional film-based X-rays. You will find that Dr. Kleven researches the latest trends in technology to find the solutions that best promote your overall health, safety, and comfort.

Q: How does fluoride help my teeth?
A: Research shows that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and in adults by halting tooth decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. Interestingly, many people continue to be misinformed about fluoride and fluoridation. Fluoride is a safe chemical component when used correctly. When your dentist applies fluoride to your teeth, usually in the form of a fluoride varnish, gel, or foam, that fluoride is more concentrated than the fluoride contained in toothpaste or mouthwash. The ADA recommends that dental professionals use any of the professional strength, fluoride varnish, gel, or foam products carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Q: I just want my smile to look good. What are some options to help the appearance of my smile?
A: You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it is the first thing others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments, or you may have concerns that need more attention. Some smiles can be enhanced with simple whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneers, crowns, or bridges; gum contouring; periodontal therapy; or, a combination of all these techniques. Dr. Kleven will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, your areas of concern, and the overall condition of your oral health.

Q: I want my front teeth to look better, but I don’t want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
A: Dr. Kleven has a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.

Q: What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
A: By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or an implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and will restore your smile to its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, Dr. Kleven places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural-looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

Q: My teeth keep chipping and cracking. What causes this, and what can I do about it?
A: Many people who notice chipped or cracked teeth, but who don’t remember when the injury occurred, damaged their teeth while they were sleeping. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night will cause your teeth to chip, crack, and even break. To keep you from seriously damaging your teeth, we recommend a dental appliance called a nightguard. A custom-fitted nightguard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching in your sleep. Dr. Kleven takes great care in making sure you have a proper fit to prevent pain in your jaw joint. Do you also suffer from headaches? You may find that a side benefit of your nightguard is headache prevention. Many headaches start during the night, caused by the extreme pressure generated as you grind and clench your teeth. Ask us about having a nightguard custom created especially for you.

Q: I want and need a lot of dental work, but I’m afraid I can’t afford it. Do you offer monthly payment plans?
A: Yes, we do offer monthly payment plans through our financial partner, CareCredit™. We provide a variety of ways for you to pay for your treatment so that it fits comfortably into your personal or family financial goals. Erin and Janelle work with you to create the solution that best accommodates you so you can have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always desired.

Q: What different payment options do you provide?
A: Our team at Advanced Dental Services does not want to make the financial aspect of treatment an obstacle to maintaining your dental health or to achieving your dental goals. We have several payment options available and are happy to discuss them with you in a comfortable, private setting. [link to “Afford Your Care” page.]

Payment options include:

• Cash and personal checks are accepted as your treatments are provided
• We gladly accept all major credit and debit cards
• 5% courtesy discount for treatment payment in full, in advance (cash, check, or credit/debit cards)
• Monthly payments set-up in our office with our Advanced Monthly Payment Plan. Appointments will be scheduled when the estimated patient payment is received. This includes our 5% courtesy discount
• Extended payment programs through CareCredit™ which allow monthly payments for treatment received

Q: What is periodontal disease?
A: Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often times bleeding during brushing or flossing. If treated in a timely manner, these conditions can be reversed, preventing periodontal disease from developing. Periodontitis is much more difficult to treat.

Periodontitis affects your gums, bone, and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. To prevent tooth loss, you may require more extensive, specialized treatment from your general dentist or even from a periodontist. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss ― teeth either fall out on their own or must be extracted. If you don’t catch periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth and may put yourself at risk for other serious health problems.

According to CAESY™ Dental Education, “Ailments associated with periodontal disease include respiratory disease, pneumonia, strokes, ulcers, difficult-to-control diabetes, low birth weight babies, and infective endocarditis ― a dangerous infection of the heart valves. Researchers recently discovered that this chronic infection in your mouth creates an open doorway for plaque bacteria to enter the bloodstream. These bacteria, Streptococcus sangguis, may cause blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack.”

Q: How can porcelain veneers help my smile?
A: Porcelain veneers improve your smile by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concerns, including: gaps in teeth; chipped and broken teeth; dull or yellowing teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional means; “gummy smiles” (showing too much gum when one smiles); and, crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers broaden, straighten, whiten, and beautify most any smile. This procedure can be done in as little as two clinical visits. Many of our patients feel like this was the best improvement they could have made for their overall confidence. Ask us at your next visit, or send us an email about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile.

Q: How can I safely whiten my teeth?
A: Dr. Kleven recommends multiple ways to whiten your teeth, including:

• At-home whitening trays ― these products use peroxide-based gels to bleach your teeth. Generally, the process involves the daily application of the gel in a formed “mouthguard” for about two weeks. Side effects may include short-term tooth or gum sensitivity.
• Porcelain veneers ― many people who have tetracycline-stained teeth and cannot whiten their teeth with traditional means, or people who want a more permanent solution, will opt for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great way to whiten your teeth in a more permanent fashion. The veneers do not stain over time, and they also correct many other concerns you may have, including crooked teeth, gaps in teeth, and gummy smiles. Most of the smile makeovers you see on television are accomplished with porcelain veneers.