More Teenagers Choose Aligners To Straighten Teeth

February 28th, 2019 by | No Comments

Dental Partners of Boston’s own Orthodontist, Dr. Yael Frydman, was recently featured on CBS Boston. The story shares that there is growing trend among teenagers who are choosing to use teeth aligners over traditional braces, the most popular aligners being Invisalign, to help straighten their crooked teeth.

Braces are the traditional method of straightening teeth and is shown to be a procedure that many patients avoid, teenagers and adults alike, because of the fear of feeling embarrassed or being teased over their looks. This is why people may have avoided going to an orthodontist to fix their crooked teeth, but with this recent innovation in dental technology of teeth aligners, that fear can be completely eradicated!

Invisalign was first developed for adults as an alternative to braces to allow them to straighten their teeth unbeknownst to their colleagues or acquaintances. As invisible aligners have become popular and have started to show how effective the treatment is, there have been many teenagers expressing interest in Invisalign as well. Orthodontists, like Dr. Frydman, now work not only with adults but also teenagers and even children as young as 7 years old to straighten their teeth with this amazing technology that’s practically invisible, more hygienic and less uncomfortable!!!

At Dental Partners of Boston, the cost of Invisalign aligners the same as traditional braces and they give you the same results in shorter amount of time for certain patients! Some treatments can be less than a year depending on the amount of adjustment your teeth need. The exact time frame for your treatment will be determined by you and Dr. Frydman when you come in for your initial consultation. It is vital that you work with Dr. Frydman throughout the entire process to ensure that the your teeth straighten properly with minimal complications.

Treatment begins with Dr. Frydman taking a 3D scan of your mouth which will be used to design your custom aligners. You can see on a big screen a simulation of your teeth, but straight! Aligners then go into production, and about 3 to 4 weeks later they will arrive at our office. Visits are then scheduled every 4-10 weeks, depending on how well you do, and you will take home the amount of aligners needed for that period of time. Being able to eat what you want, brush your teeth, and floss is another benefit for invisible aligner treatment since they can be removed easily. And no more poking wires is always a plus!

If you are interested in Invisalign, and would like to see if it is the solution to fix your crooked teeth then schedule an appointment with us today!

 

Dangers of Vaping To Your Oral Health

February 22nd, 2019 by | No Comments

A big marketing strategy that e-cigarettes companies have used to improve sales and sell to more and more customers is the notion that they are safer than regular cigarettes. The reasoning behind this marketing strategy is that an e-cigarette’s oil is cleaner and doesn’t use smoke or have chemicals in it that produce carcinogens that then enter your body. Nicotine is instead introduced into your body from an oil vapor. “Vaping” may be marketed as safe, but it can unfortunately have huge oral health implications.

In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that e-cigarettes have not been fully studied. Consumers know there can be potential risks of e-cigarettes when used as intended, but may not know what all of the risks are. This is a serious problem, and there are many e-cigarette users that have no idea what kind of harm they are doing to their body, which includes your oral health.

What Are the Effects of Vaping on Gum Health?

Effects of e-cigarette use

Even if extensive research by the government has not been done on the negative effects of vaping, we do know that e-cigarettes still do cause problems we know about. Their main purpose is still to deliver nicotine to your body and that can cause harm to your mouth, gums and tongue. Nicotine may also contribute significantly to the development of gingivitis and periodontitis, which can cause bad breath and infections which can in turn start going into the rest of your body. Below are some other ways nicotine from vaping can impact your oral health:

  • Causes Gum Recession: Nicotine reduces the amount of blood that can flow through your veins. Without sufficient blood flow, your gums don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy. Nicotine basically chokes the tissues in your mouth from the blood that they need to survive, which in turn causes the gum recession. A Gum recession treatment would then be necessary to repair your gums and eliminate any tooth sensitivity you’d be experiencing.
  • Masks The Symptoms of Gum Disease– Nicotine can hide the symptoms of gum disease, making it harder to be diagnosed. When you have gum disease your gums begin to get inflamed from the increased blood flow. As mentioned above nicotine reduces the amount of blood flow in your veins which makes diagnosing gum disease harder. If the progression of gum disease can’t be observed, diagnosed, and treated then things go from bad to worse rather quickly!
  • Causes Bad Breath: Nicotine also inhibits your body’s ability to produce saliva. With not enough saliva you are more susceptible to bacteria buildup, dry mouth, and tooth decay which are all major causes of bad breath! Chewing gum, and mouth wash can hide your bad breath only temporarily as the root cause isn’t being treated.

If you’re thinking about using e-cigarettes or if you already use them you’ve got to watch out for the signs of gum disease. But like we have explained nicotine reduces the appearance of symptoms so it is a lot more difficult to determine. If you are concerned about your oral health because of the use of e-cigarettes then you need to come in to Dental Partners of Boston to consult with our experienced dentists. Dr. Guzman is our resident periodontist who can use his expertise to determine if you do in fact have gum disease which would need to be treated.

Ultimately the best prevention method of gum disease from vaping is to avoid the habit all together. It’s best to avoid any product that includes nicotine. If you show signs of gum disease from vaping and are willing to break the habit it is recommended that you visit our Boston dental office every three months to allow Dr. Guzman to treat and monitor the removal of any gum disease present in your mouth.  

All of the dentists and staff at Dental Partners of Boston truly care about your oral health. You should as well! Give our Boston dental practice a call or schedule an appointment here today so we can help you to improve your smile and live a healthy happy life!

Why It’s Vital That Metal Fillings Have To Be Replaced!

February 12th, 2019 by | No Comments

the inside of a mouth that has a metal filling that needs to be replaced with a tooth colored filling from dental partners of bosotn
Many studies* have been conducted on metal fillings that show how dangerous they can be and why they need to be removed and replaced with a tooth colored filling. In this post you will learn about the dangers of having a metal filling and how important it is to come into our Boston dental practice to have them replaced.

Metal silver-colored fillings, also known as Dental Amalgam Fillings within the dental industry, are around 50% mercury. If you are unfamiliar with the dangers of mercury we hope to educate you on what it can do to your body. We also encourage you to always ask your dentist for tooth colored fillings to repair your tooth not only for the cosmetic purpose but for your overall health!

Multiple countries all over the world have placed a ban or limit the use of dental mercury amalgams but there are still regions around the world that use them including here in the United States.  Many dentists offer alternatives to amalgam that are mercury free, the most popular being a direct composite resin, known as a tooth colored filling, because it’s a lot harder for anyone to detect a filling is in your mouth.

Many adults have had a metal filling in their mouths for years. Unfortunately they are probably unaware of the potential risks, and damage it might have caused to the rest of their body. Mercury which is a toxic metal to humans, is continuously emitted from dental amalgam fillings in a vapor form that can be absorbed by the body and remain in the brain, kidney, liver, lug, or gastrointestinal tract. If you are a patient that has had multiple metal fillings the output of this vapor increases. This is especially the case from daily activities such as drinking hot liquids, chewing, and teeth grinding.  Mercury also is released during the placement, replacement, and removal of the filling.

When Should I Replace My Metal Fillings?

As soon as possible! The soonest you can schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston the better your overall health is going to be without the risk of mercury poisoning. Additionally, replacing a metal filling with a tooth colored filling is that it also can help protect your tooth. The resin has very good adhesion to help your tooth keep its shape. Metal fillings can unfortunately destroy a healthy tooth as it stretches, and expands inside of your mouth.  Schedule an appointment with us today so that we can take care of replacing your metal fillings to improve your overall health and smile.

* If you would like to learn more about mercury in metal fillings you gain more information here

How Can I Get My Jaw To Stop Hurting?

February 6th, 2019 by | No Comments

TMJ pain can be treated with a TMJ appliance from Dental Partners of Boston
If you are experiencing pain in your jaw it could be caused by many different kinds of conditions. From gum inflammation to a tooth ache, but one of the most common is a TMJ disorder.  TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint connecting your jawbone to the skull. It is one of the most used joints in your body as it allows for chewing, and talking, we utilize this joint daily, and if it becomes inflamed it can cause major pain and discomfort. Dental Partners of Boston’s dentists can treat TMJ which we will share more about below.

This inflammation or other cause of pain are called TMD, temporomandibular disorder, or TMJ disorders. More commonly it’s known simply as TMJ.

Over 15 percent of Americans deal with chronic facial pain. This includes jaw pain or headaches related to TMD. Women between the ages of 20-40 are the most impacted. This pain can last for a few weeks then slowly go away, but for some patients the pain won’t stop.

What Can Cause TMJ?

There is no single cause of TMJ, but it can be related to tension in your jaw or temporal muscles. There are many factors that contribute to the problem. Some common examples include:

  • A Jaw or Neck Injury.
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth.
  • Dislocation of the joint
  • Poorly Placed Crowns or Fillings
  • Improper Bite Alignment

Do I Have The Symptoms of  TMJ?

If you are wondering if you have TMJ know the condition can actually impact patients differently. The symptoms you might experience if you have TMJ can include:

  • Jaw Pain or Stiffness
  • Pain Around The Jaw, Cheek, Ears, & Neck
  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Pain While Chewing
  • Lock Jaw
  • Popping, Clicking, or Grating jaw noises
  • Earaches
  • Changes To Your Facial Expressions
  • Changes To How Your Upper & Lower Teeth Fit Together

As you can see there is a vast array of symptoms you might feel if you have TMJ. A dentist cannot officially diagnose the condition but our Boston dentists can help treat TMJ  symptoms.

How Do You Treat TMJ?

Once we determine what symptoms you are experiencing our Boston dental team will work with you to create a treatment plan. We will address the main causes of your pain and use methods specific to the symptom and if needed a custom TMJ appliance can be created that you wear while you sleep.  The appliance is like a mouth guard that helps to realign your jaw and prevent additional damage from happening.  Your custom TMJ appliance can be made in our office in a single office visit, and we will work with you to ensure that it is helping to alleviate the symptoms you are feeling from TMJ.

Schedule An Appointment

If you are experiencing some of the symptoms above and feeling discomfort schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston today. Our experience and team approach will give you a customized treatment plan specific to your case, and faster results than at a normal dental practice. Stop living with the discomfort of TMJ. Schedule an appointment with our practice today!

Why Is My Mouth Dry?

January 31st, 2019 by | No Comments

A decrease in saliva can be sometimes be a normal thing and often it’s just annoying to deal with. But it can also have a major impact on your general health and the health of your teeth and gums as well as your appetite and enjoyment of food.

Dry mouth happens when the salivary gland in your mouth don’t make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by the bacteria, which limits bacterial growth and washes away food particles. Saliva also increases the ability to taste and makes it easier to chew and swallow. In addition, enzymes in saliva aid in digestion of food. Suffice it to say saliva plays an important role in the health of your mouth and teeth.

Causes of Dry Mouth

Treatments of dry mouth depend on what it’s caused by:

  • Sickness – When we are ill, our bodies can be affected in a variety of ways. Depending on the illness, the symptoms can range from being mildly unpleasant to dangerous. One side effect that can be caused by being ill is having a dry mouth.
  • Medications – Many different medications can cause dry mouth. This can include different types of drugs in the following categories: blood pressure medication, antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives and others.
  • Radiation therapy – You have been exposed to radiation there is a good chance your mouth may feel unusually dry. It may also be a side effect of anti-nausea medicine to help with the effects of radiation.
  • Diabetes – If you have diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels including in one’s saliva which can lead to dry mouth.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

If you’re not producing enough saliva, you may notice these signs and symptoms some or all of the time:

  • Saliva that seems thick and stringy
  • Dryness or a feeling of stickiness in your mouth
  • Difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing
  • Bad breath
  • Dry or sore throat and hoarseness
  • Dry or grooved tongue
  • A changed sense of taste
  • Problems wearing dentures

Having a dry mouth can be very uncomfortable. But even more than that dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A periodontist, like Dr. Guzman, specializes in the treatment of gum disease and, depending on the cause, can help determine what kind of treatment you will need. Do not let your dry mouth go undiagnosed. Everyday it will get worse and every day there will be less and less saliva to fight away the bacteria in your mouth. Schedule an appointment with our periodontist in Boston today to have your dry mouth assessed and get the treatment that is right for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

January 28th, 2019 by | No Comments
A dental implant like those used by the dentists at Dental Partners of Boston.

Dental implants have truly changed the replacement of teeth over the years. Before the development of dental implants, people with dentures were unable to chew many kinds of food. This has all changed with the widespread use of dental implants.

What Is A Dental Implant?

Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts or frames that are surgically positioned in the jawbone, where they function as a study anchor for replacement artificial teeth, known as crowns.

Dental implants fuse to your jawbone allowing for the most stable support for a crown, bridge or mounted denture. Bridges and dentures that are mounted to a dental implant will not shift or slip in your mouth, allowing you to speak and eat normally- something that is so very critical to your everyday life.

A dental implant is an excellent way to replace a missing tooth. This solution feels and acts the most like a natural tooth when smiling, brushing and chewing. The implant replaces the actual root of the missing tooth and heals in the bone for several months. A major advantage is no need to alter any other teeth when placing an implant. A dental implant is a good solution for just a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. When smiling or talking there is no way to tell the difference between a dental implant and your natural tooth.

Why A Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in caring for your gums and the other supporting tissues of your mouth. Periodontist can offer more specialized care and attention when a dental implant is the option that is right for you. Because dental implants are personally connected with the gum tissue and underlying bone in the mouth a periodontist will know exactly what to do and why to do it. Periodontist have a special knowledge, training and a competence that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your natural teeth. While a periodontist provides specialized care for your gums there are two other areas that a periodontist has special training in:

  • A periodontist can help prevent tooth loss. A periodontist knows the specific treatments needs in order to save your natural tooth. The treatments that a periodontist will provide will remove damaged tissue and if done in time can prevent further infection from spreading which can save a tooth from removal or a root canal.
  • A periodontist can replace missing teeth. When a need arises when teeth need to be removed your Periodontist has a detailed understanding of the relationship between tooth, gum, and jaw bone structure and will take the proper care needed to remove a tooth.

If dental implants in Boston is the option you are looking for, Dental Partners of Boston can provide the care that you need. Schedule an appointment with us today

How Bad Habits Affect Your Teeth

January 16th, 2019 by | No Comments
fear of the dentist is common, but sedation dentistry can help ease the fear and worry

Our goal at Dental Partners of Boston is to not just assist in improving your dental health but also to help you prevent problems from ever arising. One of the bigger issues our patients run into is their bad habits. Simple everyday things that many people do subconsciously that can weaken the enamel on your teeth.

Enamel has the impressive title of being the hardest substance in the human body. Despite this beneficial trait, enamel can chip quite easily, putting your dental health and well-being at risk. Despite seeming quite harmless, over time these habits can do a significant amount of damage to your smile. Of course if a chipped tooth or other item arises that requires an emergency dental appointment we are here to help! Here are a few habits to be aware of that can cause complications with your dental health:

A Few Habits To Work On Breaking

  • Nail Biting

Biting nails is often associated with nervousness or anxiety. There are many reasons to avoid and break this habit but for dental purposes the repeated pressure from nail biting causes the enamel on the front teeth to weaken and fracture. The pressure of repeatedly biting a surface as hard as your nails can also increase the the risk of tooth resorption, causing the roots of your teeth to shorten and eventually resulting in tooth loss.

  • Your Teeth Are Not Tools

Many people, especially small children, use their teeth like their pliers or scissors, cutting or ripping into packaging.  Doing so can lead to fractured or broken teeth and even tooth loss. A common side effect of broken enamel is tooth decay and cavities. It can be tempting to use your teeth when a proper tool isnt nearby, however, we encourage you to make the effort to do whatever it takes to break this habit.

  • Chewing On Pens And Pencils

Your jaw is capable of applying immense pressure to your teeth, far more than most people realize. People that tend to chew on pens usually do so while thinking or working and dont realize theyre chewing on the pen or how hard they chew on it. When chewing on hard items like a pen, the molars are often used. Molars are generally where people most often get fillings or crowns to repair damaged teeth or dental restorations. Chewing on pens significantly increases the chances of damage not just your teeth but also the comparatively fragile restorations.

  • Chewing Ice

Chewing ice has been a popular idea since ice become commonplace in the home. Some people chew ice regularly as a simple habit and others chew ice daily as a way to control their appetite and lose weight. Regardless of why you chew ice, it;’s important that you stop. The hardness and cold temperature of ice don’t just damage the enamel, it can chip the tooth itself.

Emergency Dental Work In Boston

Whether your teeth have been damaged by one of these common habits or something completely different, Dental Partners of Boston is equipped to handle and provide excellent emergency dental care. Schedule an appointment with us today if you have a dental emergency or would like to schedule a regular dental visit for the Boston area. Your dental health and well-being is our top priority!

A New Year & A New Smile!

January 4th, 2019 by | No Comments

Our team at Dental Partners of Boston wants to wish you and yours a Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season, spending it with those that you cherish and love! With the new year come hopes, dreams and resolutions. For many of us we make goals and within a few weeks or months unfortunately forget about them. We put ourselves and our needs on the back burner while we take care of the daily parts of our lives and the people around us. Now is the time to change that! Make 2019 the year you take care of you!  

Your smile is important to you. The way you present yourself is important but not more important than how you feel. Having a beautiful smile that you are confident to show the world can really improve your self esteem and quality of life. Let us share some of the ways that cosmetic dentistry can help give you a brighter and whiter smile.

We offer many cosmetic dentistry services such as: botox and dermal fillers, dental bonding, dental implants, dental veneers, teeth whitening, Invisalign and much more. Here’s a closer look in to what some of these services can do for you.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are small pieces of porcelain that fit over a tooth’s enamel, covering teeth abnormalities. Porcelain has long been the material of choice for dental crowns and bridges and now veneers. Porcelain is a trusted material by dental professionals because the material is flawlessly imitaties a tooth’s enamel surface. We will select the right shade of porcelain for your teeth making it look as natural as possible. Veneers can fix small or medium gaps between teeth, correct slightly crooked teeth, improves badly stained teeth and more.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can really take your smile to the next level. We offer take home and in-office options. Basically we want to accommodate whatever teeth whitening needs you have and we’ve paired that with different choices for the best quality and convenience.

Invisalign

Invisalign or invisible braces offer many benefits and is something that is very popular in our practice.  Some benefits include:

  • Fewer food restrictions
  • Easier care than braces
  • Less Painful than braces
  • Freedom to play sports
  • Ease of playing musical instruments

Invisalign can also improve self-esteem. Having a beautiful smile helps build comfort and confidence with your appearance, which can lead to improved happiness as well.

Cosmetic dentistry is so much more than just aesthetics. It’s about improving your smile to be able to fully function the way it was meant to. It helps bring peace of mind and improves quality of life. Let your cosmetic dentist in Boston help improve your smile in 2019. It’s time to take care of you. Why not start with finding confidence in your smile again? Schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston today!

Things to Consider Before A Gum Graft

December 28th, 2018 by | No Comments

If your gums are receding, a gum graft may be something that you are considering. Gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth. This can cause the root surface of your teeth to become more likely to decay, as well as be more sensitive and prone to abrasion.

What To Expect With A Gum Graft

During a gum graft pieces of tissues from the roof of your mouth or from nearby healthy gum tissue are removed. Then the tissue is attached to the area where your gums have worn away.

There are steps you need to take when preparing for a gum graft. There are three types that will be discussed: free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, and pedicle (lateral) graft. These options will be discussed and recommendations made, based on your needs by your Boston Periodontist. Some things to keep in mind before your gum graft include:

  • There is no need to fast or change your diet on the day before or the day of the procedure. You will just need to show up and the type of graft you will be getting will be confirmed.
  • You will need to arrange a ride to and from your appointment. You’ll be given medication for pain and discomfort that may make it unsafe for your to drive.
  • Local anesthesia will be used to numb the area where the procedure will be done.
  • The procedure usually doesn’t take long. Once the procedure is finished the graft will be sutured up. You will likely then wash your mouth out with antibacterial mouthwash.
  • Discussion of care will follow the procedure to make sure it heals completely.

If gum grafting in Boston is something you are interested in, please schedule an appointment with us today. Our team of dentists are experienced and ready to help you make the decision for gum grafting or give you other options.

Another Option: Pinhole Surgical Technique

If something less invasive is what you are looking for to help with receding gums, the Pinhole Surgical Technique may be what you are looking for. The treatment is usually done in one visit, and patients typically have needed only over the counter pain medicine for the minor discomfort they may feel post treatment.

When the procedure is performed the affected teeth are cleaned and prepared. Then the gum tissue is numbed with a local anesthetic. A small entry point is made in the gum above the tooth or teeth that need to be treated. Next a specialized instrument is used to free the gum tissues at the entry point and gently move the gums down to their proper position. Then a small angled instrument helps to pass collagen strips or gum graft material through the entry point and place them under the gums. The Pinhole Surgical Technique is beneficial to the individual by: improving their level of comfort, speeding up procedure time, and providing instant results.

If the Pinhole Surgical Technique in Boston sounds like something that would benefit you, our team at Dental Partners of Boston, is ready to help you feel confident in your smile again. Schedule an appointment today.

Consider Saving A Tooth Before Removing It!

December 18th, 2018 by | No Comments
Can you Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?

Nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing along with six-month dental check-ups, can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Sometimes thought your teeth may have an infection or disease which needs additional care. When possible, talk with your boston dentist to consider treatments that can save your teeth instead of losing them.

Getting your tooth pulled because you think it’s easier or most cost-effective is not a always a good reason to lose a natural tooth. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, affect your ability to properly chew and start to disfigure your smile. Tooth extraction often is more painful that the infection itself, and replacing an extracted tooth with an artificial one, such as a dental implant, requires additional appointments that can add up quickly.

What is a root canal?

There is a common misconception that root canals are painful. In reality, a root canal helps relieve tooth pain and helps to save your tooth by removing the infected tooth nerve and pulp. White enamel and a hard layer called dentin create the structure of a tooth. These layers house a soft, delicate tissue called pulp. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and other connective tissues that helped the tooth develop.

A root canal targets the inside of the tooth. This becomes necessary when the pulp is inflamed or becomes infected. Tooth decay, cracks and chips can all be causes of the infection inside your tooth. If left untreated, the infection of your tooth’s pulp can lead to severe pain and an oral abscess.

Treatment includes removal of the infected pulp, and the area is carefully cleaned and disinfected by your Boston Dentist. Once complete a dental crown or filling will be placed on top for added protection. After a root canal, the tooth is still fully functional.

What if my tooth has to be removed?

Sometimes a root canal isn’t enough to save a tooth. When this happens and a tooth needs to be removed, and as mentioned above, dental implants are a great option. Dental implants are not only a popular way to replace missing teeth but they are effective as well. They are designed to blend in with your other teeth. Dental implants are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile.

The development and use of dental implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry over the past 40 years. They are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. Posts are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a study anchor for a replacement teeth.

If you are looking for an office that performs root canals in Boston or dental implants, then schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston today. Our experienced dentists will work with you to develop your unique treatment plan to create your healthy, and beautiful smile!