Our Lansing dental care team is always ready to answer your questions about your oral health and our dental services. Here are several frequently asked questions by patients. Please feel free to ask us a question during your visit.
Is fluoride safe for my overall health?
Yes! It is a naturally occurring mineral found in the ground and water. Fluoride can help to strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to cavities. It can even reverse the beginning stages of a cavity. Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter!
Are there other ways to straighten my teeth besides traditional braces?
Yes! ClearCorrect is a clear tray system that straightens teeth faster and more comfortably than traditional braces.
Why can’t I just come once a year for a cleaning? Is every 6 months necessary?
The ADA recommends routine dental cleanings for optimal oral health. For most individuals, this equates to every 6 months. We adhere to patient-centered care and will develop a maintenance plan for your needs. Some patients will benefit from a 3 or 4-month rotation. Regular cleanings enable us to detect and prevent many oral health problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
I heard the fillings put in my teeth have mercury in them. Are the dental materials used here safe?
Dental amalgam, or silver fillings, is an alloy of metals such as silver, copper, and tin. Mercury is used to bind these materials into a hard, stable, and safe substance. Over 100 million Americans have had this safe, affordable, and durable material used to restore their teeth. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have been conducted by multiple organizations, including the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They consistently acknowledge that scientific evidence supports that an amalgam or silver filling is a valuable, viable, and safe choice for dental patients.
Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual?
Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque and bacteria IF used with proper brushing techniques and for the recommended 2 minutes. The fact is, the average human does not do either of these well! Studies show that electric toothbrushes are generally more effective than manual toothbrushes at reducing plaque and gingivitis. That is because electric toothbrushes do the work for you! They have 2-minute timers to ensure sufficient time for plaque removal. They aid proper brushing techniques by monitoring pressure, oscillating, and/or vibrating brush heads to remove plaque, and assist with brush placement. They are an investment in your oral health that is worth considering.
How do I get a brighter whiter smile?
There are many over-the-counter ways to brighten your teeth, but professionals offer the most effective options. We offer Zoom teeth whitening and custom tray whitening. Learn more about these teeth whitening options.
Do you really need to “scrape” my teeth? Why can’t we just polish?
Yes, the “scraping” you hear is the removal of any buildup on the teeth, such as plaque and/or hardened plaque known as calculus (tartar). Calculus is so hard that it cannot be removed by toothbrushing and flossing alone. Removing this buildup at an early stage can prevent cavities and periodontal disease.
Do you stick that same straw in everyone’s mouth?
Absolutely not! Preventing the spread of infection and cross-contamination is an ongoing, consistent duty at our office. All instruments that enter a patient’s mouth are either cleaned and heat sterilized after every patient or disposed of. If you look around each operatory, you will also see many barriers in place to aid in infection control. You’ll notice our keyboards have a protective coating, plastic wraps on handles, and switches. Your safety is of our utmost concern.