Questions About Family or Cosmetic Dentistry?
At our practice, we understand that visiting the dentist can sometimes bring up a lot of questions—and we’re here to make sure you feel informed and confident every step of the way. Whether you’re considering a routine cleaning, teeth whitening, veneers, or a more comprehensive cosmetic procedure, having the right information can help you make the best choices for your smile and overall oral health. As a trusted Stony Brook dentist, we’re proud to offer guidance, education, and top-tier care to every patient we see.
Over the years, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive from individuals and families about both general and cosmetic dental treatments. From inquiries about dental insurance to the details of specific procedures like Invisalign or dental implants, we aim to address it all. Your comfort and clarity are just as important to us as the quality of the care we provide. As your Stony Brook dentist, we want you to feel at ease before, during, and after your visit.
If you don’t see your question listed below, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our friendly team is always happy to help explain your options or walk you through what to expect. Choosing our Stony Brook dentist who listens and responds to your concerns is essential—and that’s exactly what we’re here to do. We look forward to assisting you and your family with all your dental care needs.
- What can I do about bad breath?
- How often should I visit the Periodontist?
- How Can I Take Care of My Teeth if I'm Wearing Braces or a Retainer?
- Will My Braces Interfere With My School Activities Like Sports, Playing an Instrument, or Singing?
- Do I Need to Brush My Teeth More Often if I Have Braces?
- What kind of braces are available?
- What is Orthodontics?
- What age should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?
- Do Braces Hurt?
- What Are Some Signs That Braces May Be Needed?
- Should I See My General Dentist While I Have Braces?
- What are the proper ways to take care of my dentures?
1.Firstly, make sure to use a soft bristled brush. Hard bristled brushes can wear down the enamel of your teeth.
2. Place your brush at a 45 degree angle to your gumline. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gumline.
3. Use short back and forth strokes or tiny circular movements to brush your teeth. Each movement should be no bigger than the size of each tooth.
4. Make sure to use gentle strokes while brushing. Gentle strokes are effective in removing plaque, while too much pressure can wear down the enamel of your teeth.
5. Brush all surfaces of each tooth, including the outer, inner, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
6. Finally, don't cut your brushing short! Make sure to brush for at least 2 minutes.
1. Take 18" of floss and wind it around the middle finger of each hand .You can use these fingers to take up floss as it becomes dirty. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the floss leaving 1-2 inches in between for cleaning.
2. Gently move the floss up and down the spaces of your teeth. Never snap the floss down onto your gums, as it can cause damage.
3. As you move the floss down into the space between two teeth, slide it up and down against the surface of one tooth. Gently clean at the gumline as well.
4. Repeat this process for all of your teeth.
- gums that bleed while brushing
- red, swollen or tender gums
- gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- bad breath that doesn't go away
- pus between your teeth and gums
- loose teeth
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- a change in the fit of partial dentures
In-office teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening works by producing a significant color change in your teeth in short amount of time, usally within an hour. The procedure is done at the dentist's office applying a high-concentration peroxide gel on the teeth after they have been protected with a special shield.
Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits
These whitening kits are purchased from your doctor for use at home. The strength of the gel used in these kits is lower than that used for in-office bleaching, and thus the gel can be applied for longer periods of time. Usually the trays are worn a couple hours a day or overnight for a few days or weeks depending on the product.
Over the counter whitening
Over the counter teeth whitening kits are store-bought and use a lower concentration gel than both in-office bleachin and take-home kits purchased from your doctor. While they are less expensive, they typically are less effective than methods that can be performed by your dentist because of the low concentration gel. Additionally, over the counter trays are not custom fit for your teeth, which can result in irritation to your gums while wearing the trays.
Regardless of the cause of your bad breath, good oral hygiene and regular checkups to the dentist will help reduce it. Brushing and flossing will eliminate particles of food stuck between your teeth which emit odors. It will also help prevent or treat periodontal disease (gum disease), caused by plaque buildup on your teeth, which can lead to bad breath. Dentures should be properly cleaned and soaked overnight in antibacterial solution (unless otherwise advised by your dentist). Finally, make sure to brush your tongue regularly to eliminate any residue.
Clean and Soak
Removable dentures should be taken out at bedtime, cleaned, and soaked in a water-based cleaning solution overnight to keep your mouth healthy, remove food and plaque, and minimize staining. Dentures should be cleaned only with dish washing liquid or denture cleanser applied to a moistened denture brush or soft toothbrush, and all surfaces, inside and out, should be gently scrubbed. Individuals with implant overdentures need to practice especially careful oral hygiene, with thorough cleaning of the gums, attachment mechanism, and overdenture.
Keep Those Appointments!
Periodic examinations are key to maintaining oral health and ensuring that your dentures continue to function properly. In addition to routine exams, see your dental professional to:
- Address sore spots and irritations
- Remove stubborn stains that don’t come off with routine cleaning
- Repair broken dentures
- Determine if dentures need to be replaced (usually needed every 4 to 8 years).
Cost
Fees for denture-related services vary widely. Speak to your dental professional and contact your state or local dental society about any available resources.
Your Beautiful Smile
Communicating your needs, concerns, and expectations will help your dental professional provide you with the treatment plan and dentures that are best for you—giving you peace of mind, good oral health, and a reason to smile for years to come.