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Dr. Alan Bruce Steiner, DMD

Dentist | General Practice

Dr. Alan Steiner is a Dentist practicing in Denville, NJ. Dr. Steiner specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
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Dr. Alan Bruce Steiner, DMD
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How do you stop the pain of braces tightening?

Ask your orthodontist, everyone is different. The braces may need to be done more slowly.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How long does it take for elastics to start working?

If you are talking about elastics in orthodontic treatment, they start working immediately. Every case is different. Some teeth can move into proper position in 3-4 weeks, and READ MORE
If you are talking about elastics in orthodontic treatment, they start working immediately. Every case is different. Some teeth can move into proper position in 3-4 weeks, and others take 2-3 years. Assuming of course everything has been done properly. At 17 years old, movement should be on the quicker side of the equation.

Can flossing cause black triangle teeth?

Proper flossing can prevent it. If you have developed black triangle, it is likely you have either not been cleaning your teeth properly or you have a pathological bite the has READ MORE
Proper flossing can prevent it. If you have developed black triangle, it is likely you have either not been cleaning your teeth properly or you have a pathological bite the has not been corrected.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Can black triangles in teeth be fixed?

They can be cosmetically fixed with bonding or porcelain laminates. Assuming the gum disease that caused the problem has been eliminated.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Can composite bonding fix crooked teeth?

Sometimes it can.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Can Invisalign fix black triangle teeth?

The only thing that can fix black triangle teeth would be laminates. Triangles are areas of missing bone, the laminates can fill in the spaces with larger teeth. Even gum surgery READ MORE
The only thing that can fix black triangle teeth would be laminates. Triangles are areas of missing bone, the laminates can fill in the spaces with larger teeth. Even gum surgery will not fix it, because the problem is the loss of bone, not the teeth.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Can you drink coffee after dental bonding?

Coffee or things like grape juice can stain bonding if it is not smooth enough. This usually can be polished off if the bonding is porcelain that will not stain. I never tell my READ MORE
Coffee or things like grape juice can stain bonding if it is not smooth enough. This usually can be polished off if the bonding is porcelain that will not stain. I never tell my patients to stop drinking coffee. I have never had a complaint in 50 years.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Do you need straight teeth for composite bonding?

No.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Does dental bonding look natural?

It can look totally natural or totally cosmetic, the choice is yours.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How much denture adhesive should I use?

As little as possible, but as much as you need to achieve a good result. After awhile, a denture needs to be refitted or relined for adequate function Alan B. Steiner, DMD READ MORE
As little as possible, but as much as you need to achieve a good result. After awhile, a denture needs to be refitted or relined for adequate function

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Do you need to replace a back molar?

Which molar? If a wisdom tooth, likely no. If a tooth is lost, the teeth around it will shift. If you lose a lower back molar, eventually you could lose the one above it. It also READ MORE
Which molar? If a wisdom tooth, likely no. If a tooth is lost, the teeth around it will shift. If you lose a lower back molar, eventually you could lose the one above it. It also depends on your bite. Some people have no issues, other people need their bite to be closer to perfect to avoid TMD pain and discomfort.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How long is the dental implant process?

Implant takes 4-6 months to heal before you can put a restoration on it. Restoration, depending on what is the restoration, could take 2 weeks for a crown to 2 months for a denture. READ MORE
Implant takes 4-6 months to heal before you can put a restoration on it. Restoration, depending on what is the restoration, could take 2 weeks for a crown to 2 months for a denture. If you need an extraction and cannot do an immediate implant, then it would take longer.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Is an abscess tooth serious?

Very. Aside from pain and swelling, eventually can cause a cavitation in the bone that can lead to all kinds of disease and maladies. Have it removed at the least. Place an implant READ MORE
Very. Aside from pain and swelling, eventually can cause a cavitation in the bone that can lead to all kinds of disease and maladies. Have it removed at the least. Place an implant if you can afford it or a bridge. I would not recommend an implant, even though your dentist might. Watch the movie called "Root Cause"

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Can Listerine kill gingivitis?

It can help kill bacteria, however, regular use of a mouthwash containing alcohol is not a good thing. I recommend Tooth and Gum Mouthwash.


Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Will hydrogen peroxide kill gingivitis?

No, it will kill you. A little diluted Hydrogen peroxide can oxygenate your mouth and destroy some bacteria. The disease can only be cured with professional soft tissue management. READ MORE
No, it will kill you. A little diluted Hydrogen peroxide can oxygenate your mouth and destroy some bacteria. The disease can only be cured with professional soft tissue management. Long-term use of peroxide is unhealthy and dangerous. Read the label.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?

If periodontal disease is not treated, you will eventually lose teeth.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Are home plaque removers safe?

The best way to remove plaque at home is brushing and flossing. An easier way is to use a waterpik and a sonicare toothbrush. Plaque and tartar are different. You cannot remove READ MORE
The best way to remove plaque at home is brushing and flossing. An easier way is to use a waterpik and a sonicare toothbrush. Plaque and tartar are different. You cannot remove tartar effectively by yourself at home.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How can I remove tartar from my teeth without going to the dentist?

It is not possible for you to remove the tartar where you cannot see it. You would need special instrumentation and microsonics.


Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Do you oil pull before or after brushing?

Do it after you clean your teeth. Oil pulling is an alternative medical practice in which an edible oil is swished around the mouth for a period of time and then spit out, similar READ MORE
Do it after you clean your teeth. Oil pulling is an alternative medical practice in which an edible oil is swished around the mouth for a period of time and then spit out, similar to mouthwash. There is no evidence to support the claims made for the benefits of oil pulling.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Does coconut oil kill oral bacteria?

I doubt it, It is simply 100% fat. It could kill you though. 10% fat by calories is the ideal percentage of fat in your diet for ideal health and healing. Alan B. Steiner, DMD READ MORE
I doubt it, It is simply 100% fat. It could kill you though. 10% fat by calories is the ideal percentage of fat in your diet for ideal health and healing.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD