Frequently Asked Questions

• Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
• Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when you brush or floss
• You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.
• You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look
• You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
• You are pregnant
• You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck
• You have difficulty chewing or swallowing
• You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay
• You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders
• Your mouth is often dry
• You smoke or use other tobacco products
• You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy
• Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite
• You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth and it isn’t going away

Yes. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, you can still have dental health problems that only a dentist can diagnose. Visiting the dentist regularly will also help prevent problems from developing. Be sure to notify your dentist of any changes in your overall health since many medical conditions can impact your dental health.

Since each patient has unique needs, this can vary from person to person. Some people need to go to the dentist once or twice a year, while others may need to visit more often. 

Sensitivity toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate, can be used to treat sensitive teeth. After a few weeks of use, you may notice a decrease in sensitivity.

If you do not get relief by brushing gently using sensitivity toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in-office to the roots of your tooth to reduce the sensitivity. 

Signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus coming from around the teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums

Click here to find out more about periodontal disease and how the doctors at Finger Lakes Family Dental can treat it.

Typically, bleeding gums indicate the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis. If your gums are bleeding, regular brushing can help reduce the inflammation. You should also visit your dentist as soon as possible to have a periodontal screening and recording performed in order to assess the best course of treatment. Click here to find out more about periodontal disease and how the doctors at Finger Lakes Family Dental can treat it.

Tobacco, acidic foods, and certain drinks, such as hot coffee and tea can stain teeth. Cutting back on these substances can help keep your teeth looking white and healthy.

Research suggests that people with poorly controlled blood glucose levels are more susceptible to gum disease, which can result in tooth loss if not treated in a timely manner. If you have diabetes, be sure to visit your dentist regularly and follow home care recommendations. Talk to your dentist if you experience dry mouth or bleeding gums, and don't forget to mention any changes in medications.

About half of all pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis, a condition which causes swelling, bleeding, redness, and tenderness in the gum tissue. A more advanced oral health condition called periodontal disease may affect the health of your baby. Click here to find out more about periodontal disease and how the doctors at Finger Lakes Family Dental can treat it.

Chemotherapy and Radiation can cause a number of oral health problems, including: mouth sores, infections, dry mouth, bleeding of the gums and lining of the mouth, and general soreness and pain of the mouth. It can be harder to control such problems while undergoing these treatments since they result in a compromised immune system. Your doctor can prescribe you special mouth rinses to reduce discomfort during treatment. Be sure to see your dentist before treatment begins and then to continue with recommended follow-up care. 

Even though patients who wear dentures do not have to worry about dental decay, annual visits to the dentist can address other concerns, including ill-fitting appliances and mouth sores. During these visits, your dentist will perform a cancer screening and head and neck exam and evaluate the fit or need for replacement of the existing appliances. 

Bacteria found on teeth and on the taste buds of the tongue break down food particles, producing sulfur compounds. These sulfur compounds are what cause bad breath. During the day, saliva washes away these bacteria and sulfur compounds.  However, while you sleep, saliva production decreases, which means that the foul smells do not get washed away. As a result, it is common to wake up with morning breath.

Any Oral B electric toothbrush will work with the recommended tips:

Oral B Instructions

1. Read the full instructions in the box, especially regarding the battery.
2. Charge the battery for 24 hours before using.
3. Place a small amount of gel on bristle head with brush turned to “off”.
4. Keep it “off” spread gel over fronts of teeth.
5. Pull out cheek with one hand and place brush over the teeth, turn “on” with thumb.  This will minimize splatter. Hold handle with two hands for better control. “Golf Club Hold.”
6. Begin with upper right, brushing one tooth at a time. Scalloping brush up and down as well as side to side, getting brush to flare out. Hug the teeth and reach below the gumline. Move your wrists in front of you as you go along. Move your arms in front of you.
7. Do all outsides first (start with uppers, from right to left), then do all outsides of lowers. Then do all inside of lowers, and then finally do inside of all uppers. If increased vibration/tickling are experienced, push harder put pressure on the insides of the teeth by closing down on the brush handle. Push until flared out (show sample) Use the prescribed Prevident gel toothpaste or gel toothpaste to keep the bristles from fraying.
8. Turn brush on and rinse head under running water, towel dry and then store.

The dentist or hygienist will ask about your recent medical history, examine your mouth and decide whether you need x-rays. Depending on your treatment plan, the hygienist may check your gums for gum disease. Your dentist will evaluate your overall dental health and conduct an oral cancer screening by holding your tongue with gauze, checking it and your whole mouth, then feeling your jaw and neck. 

Flossing eliminates the bacteria and plaque in the spaces between your teeth, which your toothbrush can't get to. If you do not floss, the plaque between your teeth will harden into tartar; this tartar can only be removed by a dentist.

• Be sure to spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth, and don’t forget to floss at least once a day.
• Make an effort to brush after every meal. If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help.
• Try to minimize the times during the day when sugary foods are eaten and brush your teeth afterwards. Be especially mindful of foods that stick to your teeth, such as peanut butter and raisins.
• Don’t forget to visit the dentist regularly.

According to the American Dental Association, sealants can help prevent tooth decay in both adults and children. Sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars.  They act as a barrier, protecting your teeth against decay-causing bacteria.

Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss daily as well. Try to avoid tobacco products and sugary foods. Taking proper care of your teeth is the best way to fight tooth decay and gum disease.

Visiting your dentist regularly will enable him or her to catch oral problems (such as gum disease or cavities) early. When you go to the dentist, ask him or her any questions you may have about your oral health or certain dental procedure. Be sure to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your overall health as well.

Invisalign treatment is an orthodontic treatment that involves a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.

Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation with your doctor. He or she will evaluate your smile and discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you.Then, he or she will present you with a digital treatment plan that demonstrates how your smile will change over time. Your doctor will go over the timeline of your treatment plan, as well as treatment cost.

Once you approve your plan, your aligners will be created. You will wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will schedule regular appointments (typically once every four to six weeks) to monitor your progress.

• Invisalign aligners are discrete — people may not even notice them. 
• You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. 
• Invisalign treatment does not use wires or brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss. You can also continue to eat your favorite foods.
• Unlike other brands, Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack material, which is more comfortable and provides a better fit. The aligners are also adjusted to fit your gum line for comfort and appearance. 

Some people feel temporary discomfort (pressure) during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This discomfort is normal — it shows that your aligners are transforming your smile.

Several factors can affect your treatment time, including the complexity of your case and how often you wear your aligners. Invisalign treatment tends to take 12 to 18 months, but you can begin to see results within a few weeks.

Your Invisalign treatment may require SmartForce® attachments, which are discrete, small tooth-colored shapes that are attached to your teeth. These shapes help the aligners move your teeth with the right amount of force, and make complex tooth movements possible. 

If you need SmartForce attachments, your doctor will attach them at the start of treatment and remove them when your treatment is over.

Typically, the cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to the cost of traditional braces. Your doctor will determine the cost of your treatment based on how complex your case is and how many aligners you need.

It depends. Talk with your doctor about the dental work you’ve had done, and he or she will assess whether Invisalign aligners are the best option for you. Unfortunately, Invisalign aligners tend to be ineffective for patients with bridgework.

It is recommended that patients who have completed any type of orthodontic treatment, use a retainer to prevent their teeth from shifting. Every case is unique, so ask your doctor if you will need to wear retainers after completing your treatment.

FastBraces is an approach to orthodontics that can straighten your teeth in significantly less time than traditional braces. FastBraces cost about half as much as traditional braces. The shorter treatment time also reduces the number of visits to our office, which can save you money as well.

FastBraces use a triangular bracket (which differs from the square bracket used by traditional braces) attached to a metal wire. The triangular bracket moves the crowns and roots of the teeth simultaneously for quicker, more predictable results. 

Typically, treatment with FastBraces takes between three months and a year. However, some patients see results in just a few weeks. In contrast, traditional braces usually take two to three years to completely straighten teeth.

FastBraces is designed to be a non-extraction treatment plan. In contrast with traditional orthodontic treatments, FastBraces works by moving the entire tooth (not just the crown or the root), often avoiding the need for extractions.

While you may experience some discomfort after your braces are tightened, FastBraces tend to be less painful than traditional braces.

Yes, but unlike traditional braces, you will only need to wear it for a short amount of time each day. Most patients wear their retainers for about 15 to 20 minutes daily, while others only wear them overnight.

Most patients who can receive traditional braces can also be treated with FastBraces. However, FastBraces are not recommended for patients with impacted teeth, surgical cases, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.

FastBraces are commonly used to address:

• Gaps
• Crooked teeth
• Underbites
• Overbites
• Crossbites
• Open bites

FastBraces are faster, less expensive, and less painful than traditional braces. In addition, since FastBraces work faster than traditional braces, there is less time for plaque and bacteria to build up around the brackets. As a result, choosing FastBraces can reduce your risk of developing oral health issues.