Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For most patients, visiting the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams is the recommended standard. However, this schedule can vary depending on your individual oral health needs. If you have specific concerns like gum disease, frequent cavities, or a higher risk of dental problems, Dr. Chen may recommend more frequent visits.

Your Smile Deserves the Best Care

Regular cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. During these appointments, a dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that your regular brushing and flossing might miss, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This deep cleaning helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues from developing. At the same time, Dr. Chen will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health, checking for signs of decay, infection, or more serious issues like oral cancer.

Routine dental exams are crucial for early detection. Many dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, start small and progress silently without noticeable symptoms. Catching these problems early allow us to treat them with less invasive, more cost-effective methods—plus, they prevent bigger issues down the road. 

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning and Exam in Bellevue

Call us today at (425) 451-7388 to schedule your appointment. 

Composite bonding is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can dramatically improve the look of your teeth. Using a tooth-colored resin, Dr. Chen can do the following: 

• Repair Chips or Cracks — Whether caused by an accident or daily wear and tear, chips and cracks can make your teeth look uneven or damaged. Composite bonding smooths and restores these imperfections, creating a natural appearance.
• Close Small Gaps — Small gaps between teeth, especially in the front, can affect the overall look of your smile. Composite bonding can fill in these spaces and create a more uniform and aligned appearance without the need for braces.
• Reshape Teeth — If you have teeth that are uneven in size, length, or shape, bonding can be used to reshape them and give your smile a more harmonious look. 
• Improve Discoloration — Composite bonding can conceal stubborn stains or discoloration that don't respond to whitening, ultimately giving you a brighter, more uniform smile.
• Protect Exposed Roots — Composite bonding can cover exposed roots caused by gum recession, reducing sensitivity and protecting your teeth from further damage.

Call Us for Dental Bonding in Bellevue, WA

Composite bonding is highly versatile and can be used on one or several teeth, helping you achieve a beautiful smile with minimal effort. It's a quick and comfortable treatment, usually requiring just one visit to our dental office. Call us today for more information or to schedule your consultation! 

Teeth whitening results vary based on several factors; however, they generally last several months to a year. The factors that impact teeth whitening results include:

• Your oral care habits, like brushing and flossing
• The type of whitening treatment you choose
• Lifestyle factors like diet

Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products

At Advanced Dentistry Northwest, Dr. Chen offers professional-grade teeth whitening solutions that deliver more dramatic and longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter products. Treatments like in-office whitening or take-home kits can brighten your teeth by several shades and typically last longer because the formulas used are stronger and more effective. In general, results from professional whitening can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on how well you care for your teeth afterward.

Factors That Affect Longevity

To keep your smile bright, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental cleanings. Additionally, avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages—such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco—can help preserve your whitening results. Dr. Chen may also recommend touch-up treatments with take-home whitening trays to extend the life of your brighter smile.

Do you want a whiter, more radiant smile? Call us today to learn more about our professional teeth whitening in Bellevue, WA! 

Crowns and bridges are durable dental restorations that are designed to last many years with proper care. On average, a crown or bridge can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, they can sometimes last even longer.

What Influences Their Longevity? 

The lifespan of crowns and bridges depends on several factors. First, the material used plays a significant role. Crowns are highly durable and can withstand the pressures of chewing and biting. Bridges, which replace one or more missing teeth, are also designed to be strong and long-lasting.

Proper oral hygiene is another key factor. Just like natural teeth, crowns and bridges require regular brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup and protect the surrounding teeth and gums. Avoiding habits that can damage your restorations, such as chewing on ice or hard objects, can also help prolong their lifespan.

Finally, regular dental visits are essential. Dr. Chen will monitor the condition of your crowns and bridges during routine exams to ensure they remain in good shape. With proper care and attention, crowns and bridges can provide you with a long-lasting solution for restoring the function and appearance of your teeth.

Call Advanced Dentistry Northwest for More!

Call us today for more information or to book your consultation. 

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, and for good reason. Unlike dentures or bridges, which sit on top of the gums or rely on adjacent teeth for support, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. The implant itself is a titanium post that acts like a natural tooth root, which provides a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.

Why Patients and Dentists Alike Choose Dental Implants 

This unique design allows implants to offer several advantages over other options. For one, they help maintain the structure of your jaw. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone can start to deteriorate due to the lack of stimulation that a tooth root would normally provide. Implants prevent this bone loss by mimicking the role of a natural tooth root, keeping your jaw healthy and strong. Dental implants also provide superior stability, so you don’t have to worry about your restoration shifting or slipping like you would with dentures.

Another benefit is their longevity. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, so they're a cost-effective and reliable solution. While other options may need to be replaced over time, implants offer a permanent way to restore your aesthetics and your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

Call Us for Dental Implant Restorations in Bellevue

Are you interested in dental implants? Give us a call! Dr. Chen can connect you with a local oral surgeon to place the dental implant, and we'll take care of the rest!

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it’s recommended that children have their first dental visit by the age of one or within six months of their first tooth coming in—whichever comes first. Starting dental visits early helps establish good oral hygiene habits from a young age and allows Dr. Chen to monitor your child’s dental development.

The Importance of Early Childhood Dental Visits

Early visits are important for several reasons. First, they allow us to detect any potential issues early, such as tooth decay, misalignment, or developmental concerns. Catching these problems early can help prevent more serious complications down the road. Second, early dental visits help your child get comfortable with the dentist and the dental office environment. Creating a positive experience early on can help reduce anxiety and make future visits easier for you and your child.

We're Proud to Offer Family Dentistry in Bellevue, WA

At Advanced Dentistry Northwest, we provide gentle, caring dental care for patients of all ages. We’re here to ensure your child feels safe, comfortable, and happy during every appointment.

We are pleased to welcome new patients from all surrounding areas, including Kirkland, Medina, Sammamish, Hunts Point, and beyond. 

Call us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Chen. 

Welcome to our state-of-the-art Bellevue dental office, where we treat you with the same care and attention we give to our own family and friends. For your first visit, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete the necessary paperwork. Or better yet, you can print out our office forms and fill them out at the comfort of your own home!

X-Rays and Dental Cleanings

During your first appointment, we’ll take either full-mouth x-rays or 4 bite-wings, depending on your situation and insurance coverage. These x-rays help Dr. Chen detect issues like cavities between teeth (interproximal decay), root infections (periapical lesions), and jaw bone loss—problems often invisible to the naked eye. Your dental cleaning (prophylaxis) will be performed by either Dr. Chen or one of our skilled hygienists, provided your gums are healthy.

Oral Exam and Treatment Planning

Once x-rays are complete and your teeth polished, Dr. Chen will conduct a thorough examination, addressing any concerns or smile goals you have. If needed, he’ll also discuss gum disease (periodontal disease), which affects up to 85% of U.S. adults. Dr. Chen will recommend treatment options, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) and improved home care. To clarify unfamiliar procedures, we’ll show you helpful video clips for better understanding.

Your Comfort Comes First

Dr. Chen and our team prioritize your comfort, offering modern amenities to make your visit enjoyable. You can listen to your favorite music or watch TV during your appointment—whatever you'd like to relax and have a more pleasant experience!

Contact Us Today

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to meeting you! Fill out our new patient forms here.

Common gum disease symptoms include bleeding gums and tenderness. Gum disease can be sneaky in its early stages, often starting with symptoms that are easy to miss. The good news is that catching it early can prevent serious issues down the road, so knowing the signs is important for protecting your smile.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

Early gum disease, also known as gingivitis, often comes with subtle signs like:

• Swollen, tender, or red gums
• Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing
• Chronic bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Receding gums, causing your teeth to look longer
• Shifting teeth or a change in how they fit together

As the disease progresses into periodontitis, you may experience more severe symptoms like loose teeth or even tooth loss. It’s important to be proactive if you notice any of these signs.

How Is It Treated?

At Advanced Dentistry Northwest, Dr. Chen focuses on early detection and gentle, effective treatment for gum disease. One of the most common treatments is scaling and root planing, which involves a deep cleaning of the gums to remove plaque and tartar that have built up below the gumline. For more advanced cases, we work with trusted specialists for surgical procedures. With the right care, you can stop gum disease in its tracks and protect your smile.

If you're concerned about your gum health, reach out to our dental office in Bellevue, WA to schedule a visit today.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps fight cavities by protecting dental enamel. 

Strengthens Tooth Enamel

Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth that protects them from decay. Over time, acids from the food and drinks you consume can weaken enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Fluoride strengthens enamel by replenishing minerals that acids strip away.

Helps Reverse Early Decay

In the early stages of tooth decay, fluoride can even help reverse damage. Incorporating fluoride into your daily routine—through fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, or professional treatments—better prepare your teeth to fight off decay. Fluoride works by remineralizing weakened areas of enamel before cavities can fully form.

Professional Fluoride Treatments in Bellevue, WA

At Advanced Dentistry Northwest, Dr. Chen offers professional fluoride treatments as part of your preventive care. These treatments provide a concentrated boost of fluoride to further protect your teeth. This is especially beneficial for children, individuals with a history of cavities, or those with weakened enamel. Along with good oral hygiene habits, fluoride treatments are an effective way to keep your teeth healthy for life.

Call Us Today!

Call our dental office in Bellevue, WA to learn more about our preventive care options, including fluoride treatments and sealants. 

Yes, veneers are an excellent cosmetic solution for enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Veneers are custom-made to cover the front surface of your teeth. They conceal imperfections and give your smile a beautiful, natural-looking appearance. Veneers are an ideal option for patients looking to correct various cosmetic flaws such as discoloration, chips, gaps, or uneven teeth.

Enhance Your Smile with Custom Veneers

One of the main benefits of veneers is that they offer a quick and dramatic transformation. Unlike other cosmetic treatments that may require multiple procedures or months to see results, veneers can give you a new smile in just a few visits. Porcelain veneers are especially popular because they mimic the natural translucency and shine of tooth enamel, making them virtually indistinguishable from real teeth.

Veneers are also highly durable. With proper care, they can last 10 to 15 years or more, providing a long-term solution for improving your smile. Additionally, they're stain-resistant, so you can enjoy a bright, white smile without worrying about discoloration from foods or drinks.

Ready to Achieve a Flawless Smile?

If you’re looking to enhance the appearance of your smile, Dr. Chen can help you decide if veneers are the right choice for you. They offer a natural, long-lasting way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.