La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
Fluoride treatment takes only a few minutes at the end of a cleaning, and that short step can help strengthen the outer layer of your teeth. At our La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua offices in Wisconsin's Coulee Region, we offer fluoride treatment to children and adults as part of everyday preventive care. Whether you are bringing in a two-year-old for an early visit or protecting your own teeth as the years go on, we will help you decide whether fluoride makes sense for you.
Fluoride treatment is a professionally applied mineral coating that our hygienists place on the surfaces of your teeth. Fluoride works with the enamel, the hard outer shell of each tooth, to help it resist the acids that form when bacteria break down food and drinks. The treatment we provide in the office is more concentrated than what you find in toothpaste, which is why we apply it during your visit instead of sending it home.
Fluoride matters to us locally. Dr. Randall Moseng, one of our dentists, helped bring fluoridation to Holmen's water supply. Water and toothpaste offer steady, everyday exposure. A treatment in the dental chair adds another layer of support on top of those habits.
We see patients of all ages, starting at age 2, and fluoride can play a role at nearly every stage. For young children, it supports teeth that are still developing and often pairs well with dental sealants on the back teeth. For teens with braces or busy schedules, it can help protect areas that are harder to keep clean.
Adults can benefit too. People who snack often, have had cavities before, have dry mouth or have gum recession that exposes more of the tooth may find fluoride especially worth discussing. Patients with crowns, bridges or fillings may also ask about it as part of caring for the natural tooth structure around that work. During your dental exam, our dentist and hygienist will look at your history and current needs before making a recommendation.
Is fluoride treatment right for me or my child?
The best way to know is to talk with us at your next cleaning, where we can review your teeth and habits together. We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach, and we will explain why we are or are not suggesting fluoride for you.
Here are a few situations where patients often ask us about it:
- Children visiting for their first few cleanings
- Anyone with a recent history of cavities
- Patients with dry mouth or exposed root surfaces
- People wearing braces or clear aligners
- Adults with several fillings or crowns
If you have questions about fluoride itself, bring them up. As part of the Ascent Experience, we focus on clear explanations and no judgment about how long it has been since your last visit. You can also expect small comforts like a warm towelette, a blanket and headphones while you are in the chair.
What should I do after a fluoride treatment?
Follow the short instructions your hygienist gives you, which usually means waiting a little while before eating or drinking. We will tell you exactly how long to wait based on the treatment you received, so the fluoride has time to work with your enamel.
After that, your regular routine does most of the work. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth, and keep coming in for cleanings and exams. Fluoride is one part of preventive dentistry, not a replacement for good home care. Over time, these steps together give your teeth their best chance to stay healthy, and we will keep an eye on things at each visit.
How can I pay for fluoride treatment?
We work with many dental insurance plans, so please call the office closest to you to confirm your coverage. We also welcome self-pay patients and are happy to talk through your options before your visit.
If you do not have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, are worth a look. The Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans include cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride, plus a discount on treatment. These plans cannot be combined with insurance. For larger treatment needs, we offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance, subject to qualification and approval by the lender. Our team can explain current plan details when you call.
How do I schedule a fluoride treatment?
The easiest way is to ask for fluoride when you book your next cleaning at any of our four offices. Families across La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia, Viroqua and nearby towns like Onalaska, West Salem, Westby and Whitehall can see the same team for everything from children's checkups to restorative care.
Give us a call, and we will find a time that fits your family's schedule. We look forward to welcoming you and helping protect your smile, close to home.
Dentistry, Done Differently.
Questions
Fluoride Treatment FAQs
Does insurance cover fluoride treatment at Rivertown Dental?
Many dental insurance plans include fluoride, and we work with many of them across our La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua offices. Coverage varies by plan and sometimes by age, so please call your office and we can help you confirm your benefits. If you don't have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans (the VIP Program) include fluoride along with cleanings, exams and X-rays, though they can't be combined with insurance.
Does a fluoride treatment hurt?
No, fluoride treatment is quick and gentle, with no needles or drilling. Your hygienist simply applies the fluoride to your teeth after your cleaning. Many patients pair it with the comforts of our Ascent Experience, like a warm towelette, a blanket and headphones.
How long does a fluoride treatment take?
The treatment itself takes only a few minutes and is usually done at the end of your cleaning visit. There's no separate appointment needed in most cases, so it fits easily into a routine checkup for you or your kids.
Is there anything I need to do after a fluoride treatment?
There's no recovery time, and you can head straight back to work, school or your day. Your hygienist will give you simple instructions, such as how long to wait before eating or drinking, so the fluoride has time to do its work.
Who should get fluoride treatment?
Fluoride can be helpful for patients of all ages, and we see children starting at age 2. Your dentist or hygienist will look at your teeth and talk with you about whether fluoride makes sense for you or your child, and how often. We're happy to answer your questions with clear explanations and no judgment.