FAQs
Common Questions about Dentistry
- Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…Where can I learn more about these procedures?
- What are crowns in an hour?
- What are my options to replace missing teeth?
- What happens if missing teeth are not replaced?
- How can I improve my smile?
- Do veneers look natural?
- My teeth are stained. Can you help?
- Does your office use lasers?
- I have chronic headaches. Can you help?
- What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?
Q) Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…Where can I learn more about these procedures?
A) You can also review restorative and cosmetic services pages for more information. If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call our Ann Arbor dental office. We would be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.
Q) What are crowns in an hour?
A) With innovative CEREC technology, we can create custom crowns, inlays, and onlays in about an hour. This means that in just one visit, you can get a custom-made, all-white, reliable restoration. No temporary. No follow-up visit. It's that simple.
Q) What are my options to replace missing teeth?
A) We offer bridgework, partials, full dentures, and dental implants to replace missing teeth. With X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your teeth, Dr. Olsen can help you decide which replacement option will be best for you.
Q) What happens if missing teeth are not replaced?
A) Missing teeth can lead to a host of other problems, including additional tooth loss. Research shows that if a missing tooth is not replaced, up to 20% of adjacent teeth will fall out in the next 4 to 8 years. Missing teeth also cause remaining teeth to shift, causing spaces between teeth, food impaction, bite collapse, chewing alteration, and TMJ pain. You’re also more susceptible to gum disease, a serious health condition that can significantly shorten your life span.
Q) How can I improve my smile?
A) That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we will discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, tooth-colored restorations, and/or replacement teeth. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a smile makeover plan for your new smile. We offer digital imaging for smile previews, as well.
A) Yes! Dr. Olsen will carefully determine the size, shape, and color of your veneers based on you unique features and preferences. Then, a skilled ceramist will handcraft the veneers according to your and the doctor’s specifications. Made from high-quality porcelain, veneers allow natural light to shine through, which will give your smile a healthy, natural glow. Click here for more frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers.
Q) My teeth are stained. Can you help?
A) Yes. We offer teeth whitening solutions to brighten teeth dramatically in your own home. Call us for an appointment today!
Q) Does your office use lasers?
A) We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry… DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It will scan your teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay, and we will not have to inspect each of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.
Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, reduce gum tissue for esthetics, and do biopsies. You will need no stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.
Q) I have chronic headaches. Can you help?
A) Chronic headaches may be a symptom of a misaligned bite, bruxism (grinding), or TMJ disorder. Dr. Olsen will carefully examine your occlusion (bite), jaw, head, and neck to determine the underlying causes of your pain. Oftentimes, we can correct the problem with a custom nightguard. Call our office if you have more questions about headache relief with non-surgical therapies.
Q) What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?
A) For your convenience, we accept cash, check, and most major credit cards. You will receive a five percent discount for large balances that are paid in full upfront. Third-party financing is available through Springstone, CareCredit and Citi Health for qualified applicants.