Frequently Asked Questions
Patients often voice common concerns
regarding their dental care. We've compiled a list of some of the
questions we frequently receive. Please feel free to contact us at
973-209-4944 if you have a question you do not see addressed here.
How does Dr.
Schlenoff stay up-to-date on all of the current techniques and
materials?
In addition to being a clinical assistant professor at The New York University College of Dentistry and a clinical instructor at Aesthetic Advantage, Dr. Schlenoff devotes an exceptional
amount of time to continuing education. For example, he has become laser certified, attended Dr. Larry
Rosenthal's Esthetic Advantage Course at NYU and studied occlusion
with Dr. Peter Dawson at the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study in Tampa, Florida. Both doctors are renowned in their respective
fields of study, and are helping to define the practice of dentistry
in the 21st century.
Before we
proceed with treatment, can you use imaging software to show me
what my smile may look like when we're done?
Yes! We can use our imaging software
to manipulate digital photographs. This enables us to preview how
your smile may look following any of several given procedures. This
process is helpful to everyone involved in the treatment, including
the doctor, the patient and the entire dental team. It's quite beneficial
to know your end point before you start. If you like, we can even
print out "before" and "after" pictures for you to take home.
Do you accept
referrals?
Yes, and we sincerely appreciate the
confidence you have in us to refer your friends, family and co-workers.
We will always strive to create the best possible experience for
them.
How can I
safely whiten my teeth?
We can perform an in-office laser
teeth whitening procedure, or we can provide you with a take-home teeth whitening
kit. Both procedures are safe and predictable. However, for cases
in which decay or old fillings are present, cosmetic bonding procedures,
such as crowns or veneers, may be necessary.
What makes
your dental practice different from any other one I can visit?
Every single member of our team is
highly trained and motivated to make your visits here as comfortable
and satisfying as we can. We vow to do whatever is necessary to make
sure you have a positive experience in our McAfee dental office.
My gums bleed
after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of
periodontal (gum) disease. Aside from the dangers to your oral health,
gum disease has recently been linked to heart disease and low-birth
weight babies. We're not trying to scare you, but we do want to emphasize
the importance of eradicating any gum disease you may have. Please
come see us so we can work together to restore and maintain good
periodontal health.
Where can
I learn more about crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, partials and
other restorative procedures?
We go out of our way to explain all
of our dental procedures using non-dental terminology. We offer an
extensive array of educational materials, including before and after
pictures, brochures and an informational DVD that plays in the reception
area. It is imperative to us you fully understand your treatment
before getting started.
I want my
front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What
would you recommend?
"Instant Orthodontics" is a phrase
that's gaining some attention. Quite simply, this enables you to
undergo treatment consisting of cosmetic bonding, veneers or crowns
to attain the smile redesign you're looking for. Of course, each
patient's needs differ. A 50-year-old man, for example, is far more
likely to undergo Instant Orthodontics than a child. For the child,
traditional orthodontics is still likely to be the preferred option.
My spouse
snores and keeps me up at night. I've heard that a dentist might
be able to prescribe an appliance that prevents snoring. Can you
help?
There are appliances we can make that,
in many cases, can reduce or eliminate snoring altogether. The "offender" simply
needs to come in twice: once for impressions so we can create models
of his or her teeth, and again for final fitting of the appliance.
The appliance is worn only at night.
\What are
Smile Analysis and Smile Design?
Essentially, this is the art and science
of creating a smile that fits your face. It takes into account the
lips, gum lines, nose, chin, and the position of the eyes.basically
everything. We can then preview the new smile using digital imaging
and wax mock-ups.
How can I straighten my teeth without bulky metal braces?
Dr. Schlenoff is Invisalign certified, so he offers clear, removable orthodontic aligners for adults. You can have a straighter smile without the pain, inconvenience, and appearance that traditional straight-wire braces present. Learn more about Invisalign here.
