Fluoride Treatment

Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it is not immune to acid. When bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches, they produce acid that dissolves calcium and phosphate out of the enamel surface. Left unchecked, those weakened spots become cavities that need fillings. Fluoride works by binding with the minerals already in your saliva and drawing them back into the enamel, forming a surface that stands up better to the next acid attack.

A professional fluoride application is considerably more concentrated than what you get from toothpaste or tap water, which is why we apply it in the office under the care of our dentists and hygienist. Most often it comes as a varnish painted onto clean, dry teeth with a small brush. It sets quickly, tastes mild, and reaches the grooves and between-tooth surfaces that are hardest to protect at home. We pair it with your regular dental cleaning and dental exam, so one visit covers the removal of plaque and tartar, a check for decay and gum changes, an oral cancer screening when appropriate, and the protective finish of fluoride.

Children benefit the most visibly. Developing teeth take up fluoride readily, and young patients often have deep grooves in newly erupted molars where decay starts quietly. We see children from age one through the teen years, and for many of them we combine fluoride with dental sealants to cover those chewing surfaces. We also treat children with special healthcare needs, and we take the time to explain each step in a way that feels manageable.

Adults benefit too, and some adults need fluoride more than they realize. Situations where we commonly recommend it include:

• Dry mouth from medications, medical conditions or treatment, since less saliva means less natural mineral repair
• A history of frequent cavities or new decay showing up at recent exams
• Gum recession that exposes softer root surfaces to acid
• Orthodontic treatment with braces, where brackets and wires create more places for plaque to collect
• Crowns, bridges, implants or other restorations with margins worth protecting
• Sensitivity to cold air, cold drinks or sweets

If you are in braces or clear aligners with our board-certified orthodontist, fluoride is a practical companion to daily brushing and flossing throughout treatment. The same goes for patients who have invested in restorative or cosmetic work — protecting the natural tooth structure around those restorations keeps everything in service longer.

Cost, Insurance and Membership

Fluoride is among the least expensive things you can do for your teeth, especially compared with treating decay later. We accept all major PPO insurance plans and offer a complimentary benefits check so you know your coverage before you sit down. Self-pay and cash patients are welcome, and we accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Without insurance, our in-house membership plan covers exams, X-rays, two cleanings and two fluoride treatments a year at 100%, with 20% to 50% off other treatment — $199 a year for ages 18 and up, $99 for ages 17 and under, with no annual maximum, deductibles, waiting periods or pre-authorizations. CareCredit financing is also available for larger treatment plans.