FAQs

Throughout the years, patients have been asking us a number of questions, some of which have been coming up quite often. Here are just a few of the more commonly asked ones, but if there is a question you have that we have not answered here, please feel free to call us to find out more. Perhaps we will even add it to this list!

Can you show me what my smile can look like ahead of time with imaging software?

We routinely use dental imaging to help our patients visualize the end results of cosmetic and restorative work. By simply asking the right questions, taking various photos of your current smile, and keying in the correct input into the computer, we will generate a graphic image to demonstrate accurately how your procedure will affect your smile.

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What different payment options do you provide?

In an effort to keep dental costs down while maintaining a high level of professional care, we have established the following payment plans for the use of our patients. Fees may be paid as follows:

  • Prepayment, and payment at the time of treatment with a 5% discount.
  • Use of your VISA or MASTERCARD.
  • For expensive or extensive procedures, we're also pleased to offer financing plans through CareCredit. To learn more about CareCredit, click here.

Extended payments are available upon special request, and subject to credit approval. Acounts outstanding more that 60 days from treatment date will bear interest at 1.5% per month or 18% per annum. All major treatment and treatment involving a laboratory procedure will require an appropriate down payment. Our senior citizens, 65 and over, will receive a 10% discount for payment at time of treatment.

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How can I ask the doctors questions directly?

We encourage our patients to have open, direct communication with Drs. Wehrkamp and Wehrkamp. Therefore, they are available daily to answer your questions either via e-mail or voice mail. Depending on office traffic and the complexity of your questions, they strive to respond within 24 hours.

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How can I safely whiten my teeth?

There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home bleaching products to in-office supervised treatments. Drs. Wehrkamp and Wehrkamp can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Once you have decided on the most appropriate method, you will probably spend anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening treatments.

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I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?

We understand many people have qualms about having their teeth worked on. So, we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. For entertainment and distraction, we have special headphones and DVD movies available in all rooms so you can keep your mind on more pleasant things. And for the more complex procedures, we also offer laughing gas and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

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Crowns, veneers, on-lays, inlays and partials.where can I learn more about these procedures?

Our Web site is designed to help you learn all you need to about the various restorative and cosmetic techniques we offer. Simply click on the Patient Library link in the margin, then select your article topic from the listing provided. But, if you desire even more information about a larger variety of topics, click here to visit the American Dental Association Web site.

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I brush everyday, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?

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 the problem persists, we can offer several solutions.

First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates 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 also 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.

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I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

Drs. Wehrkamp and Wehrkamp have a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of 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. In other cases, it may be necessary to attach 'invisible' braces behind the front teeth. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option best suiting your individual situation.

Of course, Drs. Wehrkamp and Wehrkamp are two of the few general dentists in the country who also provide orthodontics for their patients, a convenience that is difficult to surpass. For children, the ideal age is between 9 and 11 years to begin straightening their teeth, but today, many adults are finding orthodontia is not nearly as inconvenient to their lifestyle as they imagined. And the results--straight teeth---speak for themselves.

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What is Smile Analysis?

A smile analysis determines the proper aesthetics with relationship to your facial symmetry, lip line and phonetics. Each person has a unique "perfect" smile; one proportional and flattering to your face. And with Smile Analysis, we can show you what your best smile can look like.

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What is Smile Design?

The highlight of smile design is watching your eyes light up the first time you look in the mirror at the change that has taken place. Our experience of watching our guests react to their new smile is almost overwhelming. We see an immediate change in their confidence and their interaction with others. The result is the creation of a beautiful new smile with a comfortable neuromuscular occlusion.

Typically changing the clinical smile is rewarding, but when clinical changes affect the psychological and emotional components---that is exhilarating! Most see dentistry simply as a repair and maintenance facility. But when a patient lives are changed in such drastic measures, it confirms the reason many of us got involved in dentistry in the first place, which is to help others.

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