Cosmetic Dentistry Blog of Dr Sussman & Pogal

Invisalign® is a great alternative to metal braces. It requires less maintenance, but more personal accountability for leaving the aligners in as many hours as possible. To make the most of your Invisalign treatment you must be diligent about wearing the aligners for the proper amount of time. Make sure to keep the aligners in for at least 20-22 hours of the day, and only remove them during meals and for brushing and flossing.

Brushing your teeth and flossing during Invisalign treatment remains essential to great dental hygiene. The aligners fit tightly around your teeth in order to gradually move them into the correct place. Plaque can collect between your teeth and irritate your gums if you don’t brush and floss. You must brush your teeth after eating and before putting the aligners back in your mouth. Regularly cleaning your aligners is another way to make your Invisalign treatment successful. Ask our dentists how to correctly clean them.

Invisalign can be used to correct both minor and severe teeth crowding and gaps. The process involves using a series of aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The treatment produces straight, aligned teeth, all without unsightly metal braces. Make sure you replace the aligners on time to achieve the best results.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in the Rochester area, contact Dr. Sussman and Dr. Pogal at 585-227-4390 to schedule your free consultation. We have been serving patients in Upstate New York for nearly 35 years. 

A smile comes in many shapes, sometimes straight, sometimes crooked, sometimes with overcrowding or gaps. Many adults choose to hide their smile rather than correct it. There’s no reason to go on ashamed of your teeth, when an orthodontist can easily correct the problem in less time and with less money than you think. There are more options than just metal braces, and in as little as a few months you could be smiling wider than ever. Here are 5 reasons to consider adult orthodontics if you are unhappy with your smile:

1) Flexible options. Adults have more options than children when it comes to braces. You don’t necessarily have to have a mouth full of metal to straighten your teeth anymore. Invisalign has been revolutionizing the world of orthodontics for nearly 20 years. This translucent form of braces involves aligners that are switched out over time to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. Invisalign can be used to correct minor and major overcrowding and gaps. They are easy to care for, and you can still eat whatever you’d like. 

2) Requires less time.  Many adults are afraid that they will have to wear braces for up to two years, and that it will severely impact their quality of life. The time required can be as little as three months for aesthetic issues. In less than a year you could have the smile you’ve always wanted. Of course, your treatment time could be longer. The only way to know for sure is to visit our dentists for a consult.

3) Your health. Seeing an orthodontist is about more than the way your teeth look, it’s about paying attention to tooth decay, tooth placement, and the condition of your gums. If you don’t address the problem, you could put your teeth and gums in trouble years from now.

4) Financing. The cost of braces has gone down, but can still be quite high depending on the extent of your dental needs. Invisalign or metal braces start at about $3,500 and go up from there. With financing and payment options, we can help you find a way to pay for orthodontics that meets your financial needs.

5) Build your confidence. You’ve been shying away from showing off your teeth for too long. With straighter teeth you will stop being self-conscious and have the confidence to show off your new smile at work and at home.

Stop putting off getting braces. There’s no need to wait when you have so many options. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in the Rochester area, contact Dr. Sussman and Dr. Pogal at 585-227-4390 to schedule your free consultation. We have been serving patients in Upstate New York for nearly 35 years. 

We all know the importance of flossing at least once a day for great dental hygiene, but for some people this can be a frustrating process. Our Rochester dentists would like to help you get the most out of flossing between professional cleanings and exams and reduce the frustration of not knowing the right way to do it. Over time, you may find that proper technique can make flossing an easy process that you don't want to skip.

Perfect Flossing in 5 Steps

1. Using about a foot and a half of floss, wind one end around one of your middle fingers. Once most of the floss is on one hand, wind the other end on the other middle finger. As you floss, the line will move from one hand to the other.
2. Grip the floss between your thumbs and forefingers with each hand. Choose one spot to begin, making sure each tooth is flossed on all sides.
3. Gently guide the floss between your teeth with a rubbing motion avoiding any sharp movements that can cut the gums.
4. Just above the gum line, curve the floss into a C shape along the side of one tooth. Carefully slide floss between the gum and the tooth to clear debris from below the gum line.
5. Use the floss to rub the side of each tooth as you move around your mouth.

To schedule your next routine dental checkup in Rochester, NY, please call experienced general dentists Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal at 585-227-4390. We serve patients in Rochester, Greece, Webster, and the surrounding areas of New York.

Yes! There is a wrong and a right way to brush your teeth. The American Dental Association outlines the most effective tooth brushing techniques to incorporate into your dental hygiene routine:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damaging your enamel and gum tissue
3. Hold your tooth at a 45-degree angle to your gums
4. Gently brush all surfaces of your teeth – the outer, inner and chewing surfaces
5. To brush the back of your front teeth, tilt your tooth brush into a vertical position and brush gently up and down
6. Brush your tongue

These measures should help you avoid cavities, gum disease enamel erosion and other problems. Remember also that flossing should be an essential component of your routine. Floss once a day, every day, to remove the plaque and food debris hiding between your teeth and beneath the gum line. Flossing can help you prevent gum disease and will prevent tooth decay between your teeth.

To schedule your next routine dental checkup in Rochester, NY, please call experienced general dentists Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal at 585-227-4390. We look forward to helping you maintain outstanding oral health!