Our BrightSmile Teeth Whitening System

June 26th, 2020 by | No Comments

Ask anyone the most notable signs of healthy teeth, and they will most likely mention whiteness as an example of a hygienic, well-maintained dental environment. The coloration of our tooth enamel is undoubtedly a contributing factor in how well-cared-for our smiles seem.

Most will understand that a beautiful smile is often taken as a visual impression of good health, and feeling able to give the world a care-free smile is important to our confidence and how we express ourselves. For that reason, we offer excellent tooth whitening services.

If you would like to see your teeth lightened by several shades while looking naturally luminous and healthier than ever, you’re in the right place. When you come to Dental Partners of Boston, we’ll start by discussing your goals for your smile and helping you make the right choice for you and your situation.

The BrightSmile Whitening Procedure

The BrightSmile whitening system is among the best whitening systems available today. It’s a relatively simple cosmetic option and a straight forward procedure. It usually takes about one hour. You’ll be delighted and amazed at the same-day results.

To begin with, we will clean your teeth and check for any problems that might interfere with the treatment, such as sensitivities, loose fillings, chips, or fractures.

Next, we will ensure your lips and gums are protected from the whitening agent and isolate the teeth that are to be treated. We will apply a gel developed from hydrogen peroxide, carefully applying it evenly. A non-invasive laser is used next, accelerating the whitening action.

Home Strips Vs. Professional Care

Many over-the-counter teeth whitening products are distributed with varying quality control. To most, however, it is quite apparent that having a professional whitening treatment will grant noticeably superior results. For example, we will be able to tailor treatments to your needs and situation.

No matter how careful you are applying the teeth whitening kit at home, a professional touch is always worthwhile. A practiced touch is almost always safer in a controlled clinical setting.

Why Choose DPB?

Dental Partners of Boston are skilled and qualified in every avenue of professional dentistry, and we take our dedication to our patients seriously. We offer a range of excellent services and have become known throughout the Boston area for our reliability, professionalism, and impeccable standards. Please contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Are you considering cosmetic dentistry?

June 18th, 2020 by | No Comments

Many elements factor into natural confidence, from having self-belief to feeling able to express yourself without apology. This latter point is crucial, and may be why people choose to wear clothes that express who they are, why they take care of their skin, maintain hair-cuts, manicured nails, a

Of course, a vital underpinning of fantastic self-confidence is ensuring that you smile from ear to ear without insecurity. For some, this is easier than others. Teeth that experienced trouble growing in a perfectly calibrated dental environment, damage, stains, and other consequences of wear and tear can cause someone’s beaming smile to feel tainted, at least in their mind.

For many, cosmetic dentistry, such as that provided by Dental Partners of Boston, can improve a smile while retaining a patient’s natural beauty, and your beautiful beaming ear-to-ear appreciation of that around you. We would certainly recommend that you contact Dental Partners of Boston for a personal consultation to help you assess your needs – we can ensure you have more than one reason to smile.

The following examples should give you an idea of the services we provide.

Chipped Teeth

Of course, a simple chip can happen anytime, anyplace, from eating hard foods to general wear and tear, or as the unfortunate consequence of an accident or injury. You needn’t have to put up with a cracked or chipped tooth, as our consultants will help you find the best solution necessary for a quick and easy repair.

Complete Smile Makeovers

Complete smile makeovers are fantastic opportunities and can be designated in the following ways, either through one treatment or a combination:

Dental Veneers Dental veneers are high-quality porcelain laminates that bond to your teeth. The excellent, robust, ultra-thin material covers the teeth by sliding over them, helping to cover stains and minor damage. This can be a light, unintrusive dental adjustment that helps strengthen and improve the aesthetic of your dental situation.

Composite Bondings Dental bonding is the use of enamel-colored resin composite that is utilized to repair a tooth suffering from damage. For instance, cracks, decay, and stains can be treated using this method. This works exceptionally well for uneven teeth, misshapen teeth, or recessed gums.

Dental Implants  Tooth loss is never something that improves your confidence, but you needn’t feel stuck with it. Small titanium posts that replace tooth roots allow for excellent jawbone connectivity and rigidity. The installed crowns atop this foundation can grant you a beautiful tooth repair option. They will be recommended at your dentist’s discretion, and have helped unlock the restored smile of even the most damaged dental environments.

Gum Depigmentation  You needn’t have to have encountered a harmful situation or practiced neglectful dental hygiene to have un-even gum coloring. Some medications can cause discoloration, and habits such as smoking or drinking coffee can aid this. For some people, uneven coloring on the gums is hereditary. Gum depigmentation is the simple and effective procedure of using a non-invasive laser to react with the water content in your gums. To this end, you will have an even, healthy pink gum pigmentation with long-lasting results, usually completed in one practice visit with two additional appointments.

Teeth Whitening Staining and discoloration can take place thanks to the general wear and tear of daily living, and so there’s no shame in enjoying a regular tooth whitening to restore your natural color. Our teeth whitening do-it-yourself kit is a popular choice. Still, in-office teeth whitening is also a phenomenal option that can help you ensure the treatment effective. Both methods will help you ensure your teeth are whitened by several shades, which should restore you to your natural self.

If you’re interested in discussing cosmetic dentistry options today, please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our award-winning dentists.

What You Need to Know About Dentures

June 12th, 2020 by | No Comments

Ask the average person what they think of dentures, and most would tell you that they are a dental tool only utilized for those reaching old age. Of course, the elderly population does find thorough use in preserving their dental health and function with dentures, but there’s no rule suggesting that age is a limiting factor for their use. Dentures regularly help people from all walks of life, of all ages, unlock a beautiful, preserved smile alongside all the functions we would expect from a healthy dental environment.

Dental Partners of Boston are proud to offer denture treatment for those who may not have been able to keep their natural teeth. This is considered a remedy for those who need tooth replacement, and so it’s best to contact us regarding your needs via a quick and easy appointment. Also, keep in mind that dental implants are far and above the best option to semi-permanently replace missing teeth, and so asking us about your potential choices can help us guide you.

Who Needs Dentures?

We all have an idea of the elderly pensioner dunking their dentures in a glass of water beside their bedside at night. Our dentists often find that those who need dentures are pleased to discover how far they have come in the last twenty years of dentistry, how functionally they serve as dental replacements, and how thoroughly hygienic they are. 

The truth is, anyone can need dentures after experiencing tooth loss via gum disease, injury, or difficulties with oral health. To put it simply – there’s no shame in asking about them. You’ve most likely met people who wear them. Thanks to how discreet and well-made these replicants are, it would be hard to tell without someone expressly informing you that this is the case.

Dentures unlock your ability to eat with comfort, to smile naturally from ear to ear, to increase your dental strength, and to regain your confidence.

What Options Are Available?

There are two types of dentures worth knowing about: complete and partial. 

  • Complete dentures are full replacements for patients who may have suffered almost full or full loss of their natural teeth set. Complete dentures are created to meet your particular needs and may require removing the weakened, few teeth you have left to provide you with an easy-to-wear full set, taking into account your arch shape. Thanks to the nature of complete dentures, it’s true that these are certainly the most form-fitting, custom, and reliable set you can have designed.
  • Partial dentures are for those who still retain some of their teeth and do not need a full arch created. We take our time to ensure your partial dentures fit in with the natural lining of your teeth, filling the gaps reliably with a gum-colored base instead of with an artificial aesthetic.

Good To Know:

Your dental situation changing for the better can sometimes alter how you are used to speaking, as you get used to the new installations. It may take a couple of weeks, as will eating foods you are used to (we recommend a slow build-up back to harder and varied food items).

We recommend semi-regularly visits to ensure your dentures are being cared for well, remain comfortable, are retaining strength. This way, we can provide the best denture experience for you. 

One appointment could be all you need to start the road to regaining confidence in your smile. We look forward to speaking with you and answering all of your questions.

A New Treatment for Receding Gums

June 5th, 2020 by | No Comments

Receding gums is a condition where your gums pull back from the tooth surface, which then exposes the root surfaces of your teeth. This is a form of gum disease and is a serious consequence of poor oral health, which may lead to tooth loss.

Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including aggressive brushing over the long term, hardened plaque buildup, smoking, hormonal changes in women, family history of gum disease, diabetes, and HIV. Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which increases your risk for receding gums as it means that your mouth has less saliva than it should. When you have a dry mouth, the tissues in your mouth can become vulnerable to bacterial infections and injuries.

Receding gums is something that is most common in adults 40 years of age and over, and for this reason, people often think that it is a normal sign of aging, and it can go untreated.

Symptoms of receding gums include bleeding after brushing or flossing, bad breath, red, swollen gums, pain at the gum line, exposed tooth roots, visibly shrinking gums, and loose teeth. Receding gums will be diagnosed by a dentist who will give you an examination.

In the past, the only way to cover exposed dental roots was gum grafting surgery where gum tissue was harvested from other areas of the mouth. Traditional gum surgery was something that often created a lot of bleeding, and many patients found it uncomfortable. Today, however, the solution is far better with the pinhole surgical technique. During pinhole surgery, a tiny incision is made above the affected tooth or teeth. Then tiny collagen strips are placed inside of the incision, holding the tissue in place and encouraging healing. This means it is far more comfortable for the patient than traditional methods, and there are reduced chances of infection. The incisions are so small that it means that patients also won’t have to live with scarred gum tissue.

Not only is it a far more comfortable procedure, but the pinhole surgical technique is a faster procedure as dentists can treat several teeth at a time. Most patients will see the desired results in one or two pinhole surgical treatments, whereas in the past, traditional gum surgery often required several sessions.

While some patients experience some bruising and swelling following pinhole surgery, the procedure does offer instant results, which means that patients can enjoy full gum coverage immediately following the procedure, fending off dental sensitivity.

If you have gum recession, you are likely to qualify for the pinhole surgical technique. You will need to make an appointment with the Dental Partners of Boston to determine whether the pinhole surgical technique is right for you. During your consultation with the doctor, you will find out about the benefits of pinhole surgery and whether it would alleviate your symptoms.

Restore Your Smile with a Full Mouth Reconstruction

May 30th, 2020 by | No Comments

Have you ever had a bad day and in your worst mood, but then you felt joy when someone made you laugh? Or suddenly grinned back at someone smiling at you? Smiling is contagious. When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, neuropeptides, dopamine, and serotonin, which lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, decreases stress levels, relaxes your body, and lifts your mood.

Of course, you may be holding back your smile if you have damaged teeth, which can lower your self-esteem and confidence. But now is the time to start enjoying all the great benefits of smiling. This is why all of us at Dental Partners of Boston work together to provide you with a full-mouth reconstruction.

Smile Restoration with a Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction is one of the most complex procedures in dentistry. It involves a series of procedures, which solve severe dental problems and cosmetic concerns. Although the processes involved aren’t all cosmetic, it can include some cosmetic fixes, such as teeth whitening as part of the full mouth reconstruction treatment. 

You may consider consulting with us about a full mouth reconstruction procedure if:

  • You have damage following gum recession or gum disease
  • You have been involved in an accident that has caused damage to your mouth or loss of teeth
  • Your teeth have become worn down by tooth grinding or acid erosion from food, beverages, or acid reflux
  • If you’re experiencing jaw pain or headaches caused by jaw misalignment

What Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedures Will You Need?

While a full mouth reconstruction may be necessary to restore your oral health and improve your cosmetic concerns, no two procedures are alike. Only the Dental Partners of Boston dentist working on your full mouth reconstruction can determine the right procedures for your unique dental needs. However, some of the reconstruction procedures include:

Dental implants

Dental implants are the most permanent dental reconstruction method. The procedure involves the placement of a titanium root in the jawbone, with a crown over the implants. This procedure restores a significant amount of functionality, which means you can eat your favorite foods without experiencing any pain or difficulties. What’s more, implants help prevent bone resorption.

Dentures

Dentures are artificial arches of removable upper and lower teeth. Most patients can adapt well to upper dentures because of the suction created between the denture base and the palate. However, lower dentures may require an adhesive.

Although dentures are a popular full mouth reconstruction option, they have some drawbacks. For example, because they’re removable, they can

shift when eating or chewing. This means that you may not be able to eat your favorite foods. Also, they don’t prevent bone resorption.

Crowns

Dental crowns may be an excellent option to restore your smile if you have fractured or decaying teeth. Your prosthodontist will reshape your teeth so that the crown can fit over it. Once your prosthodontist has created your permanent crown, it will be inserted and restore the functionality and appearance of your teeth.

Porcelain veneers

If your front teeth are discolored or misaligned, artificial shells, known as veneers, can be created and placed over your teeth to match the color of your other natural teeth.

Discuss Your Full Mouth Reconstruction Options

Do you suspect that you need extensive dental work to restore your smile and oral health? Take the first step and contact us to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, we will discuss your concerns and needs, and help you determine the right full mouth reconstruction procedure for you.

The Dangers of Gum Disease

May 21st, 2020 by | No Comments

Studies show that gum disease has been linked to numerous health issues including heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Proper dental care for your teeth and gums will prevent serious and painful dental treatments that will be required if gum disease is allowed to develop. If you are seeking gum disease treatments, prevention, and control, please contact us at Dental Partners of Boston.

What is Gum Disease?

Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth, but an overgrowth can lead to tooth decay, which can then cause infection in the gums. If these infections are allowed to progress without treatment, gum disease, also known as Periodontal Disease will set in. Bacteria builds up in between and around the bases of your teeth, creating plaque. Hardened plaque can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning. Plaque is the first indication that a serious condition may be developing.

If you notice that your gums have become red, swollen, and are painful in one or more areas in your mouth, it is likely that you have developed the most common form of gum disease: gingivitis. Sometimes your gums will bleed during your regular brushing and flossing routines. Gingivitis can be reversed with a thorough cleaning, excellent home care habits, and regular visits to our office for cleanings and exams. Correcting this condition in time will prevent the disease’s progression into serious infections and periodontal disease.

Am I At Risk for Gum Disease?

For some, there are certain risk factors that increase the chances that you will develop gum disease, especially if we aren’t able to intervene in the early stages. For example,

  • Smoking. Smoking leads to a number of oral health conditions, and it affects your whole body wellness. Smoking has serious repercussions on your oral health, not only staining the teeth but causing gum recession which undermines the connective tissues that anchor your teeth in your jaw. Gum disease is a danger, as is tooth loss.
  • Hormonal Changes. When the body goes through normal changes such as puberty, pregnancy and breast-feeding, and aging, there is often a shift in oral health as the body adapts.
  • Diabetes. Diabetic people are generally at high risk for infections and illnesses, and this goes for oral health issues as well. Well-controlled diabetes will lessen the changes, but if diabetes is poorly controlled, gum disease is likely to develop.
  • Medication. A common side effect of certain medications is known as dry-mouth. The lack of saliva can cause an overgrowth of bacteria, making the mouth vulnerable to infection and gum disease.

If you are concerned about gum disease, please call our office today to schedule an appointment. We will conduct a thorough exam and recommend a course of action to correct and prevent gum disease.

 

Why Oral Cancer Screenings?

May 14th, 2020 by | No Comments

Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth. It can often go undiagnosed for a long time if you don’t see a dentist because the symptoms can be hard to pick up on. Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we ensure your oral health is in check, offering complete oral exams, including oral cancer screening. It’s something everyone should be receiving, and we can help you with that.

Complete Oral Exams at Dental Partners of Boston

If you want to find out how your oral hygiene in general is doing, we can carry out a complete oral exam here at Dental Partners of Boston. This allows us to get a full look at your oral health and hygiene and the chance to spot any problems. We can see early signs of issues that would otherwise go unnoticed and ensure the right treatments are provided at the soonest possible opportunity. It’s something you should make the most of.

Oral Cancer Screening

As part of our complete oral exams, we carry out oral cancer screenings. It’s important that we do this because oral cancer can often be diagnosed late, making treatment more difficult and complex. We can find the earliest symptoms and take action. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheek lining, the roof of the mouth and the floor of the mouth. As part of our complete oral exams, we can check these parts of the mouth for signs of or oral cancer.

Why This is So Important

Like any cancer, finding the problem early and getting the treatment you need is what matters most. Overcoming the issue will be much easier if the diagnosis is given sooner rather than later in the development of the disease. That’s what we’re here for and why we encourage everyone to have regular oral exams carried out so that this kind of screening can take place. It’s particularly important for people in high-risk groups, such as smokers and people who consume a lot of alcohol or have weakened immune systems.

Please schedule an Appointment with Us Today

If you want to have oral screening carried out on you as part of our complete oral exam, you simply need to get in touch and schedule an appointment with us today. We’re always happy to meet new patients and we’ll be able to find an appointment slot that works for you. A member of our team will be ready and waiting to take your call and to help you in any way they can.

Our complete oral exam will ensure everything is as it should be in terms of your oral health. Please contact us to schedule an appointment today.

Ways Parents Can Help Children Care for Their Teeth

May 6th, 2020 by | No Comments

As a parent, you want the best for your child in terms of their health, including their oral hygiene. But you might be unsure of how to help your child learn to care for their teeth. Don’t worry; we’ve got tips and strategies that’ll help you ensure your child develops good oral health and hygiene habits as soon as possible.

Implement an Oral Hygiene Routine Early On

To avoid troublesome issues like gum disease and tooth decay, you need to make sure you get into good oral hygiene strategies with your child as early as possible. If it’s something that they grow up doing as part of a daily routine, it’ll become normal for them and they’ll show little resistance to the idea of brushing and flossing daily the way you want them to.

Make it Fun for Your Child

Another good way to establish those routines from an early age is to make it fun. Sure, brushing their teeth is never going to be the highlight of their day, but you can make it playful and engaging in ways that’ll make them more likely to go ahead and do it without refusing. For example, you could set a timer, use incentives, or play a song that indicates how long they need to brush.

Invest in Age-Appropriate Brushing and Cleaning Tools

There are toddler brushes and flossing tools that make things much easier for your child when they’re very young. Make sure you choose these tools because it’ll mean that they can plan an active role in looking after their oral health and hygiene from an early age and won’t be relying on you to do it all for them.

Be There to Set a Good Example

It’s a good idea to brush your own teeth and take care of your oral hygiene while your child is also present. This shows them that it’s not something that only they have to do. Instead, it’s something that you and everyone else does, too. Kids are impressionable at a young age, and when they see their parents doing something, they’ll want to do the same as well.

Make an Appointment with a Pediatric Dentist

Another key part of taking care of your kids’ teeth and oral hygiene is ensuring they have regular checkups with a pediatric dentist. Many offer “practice visits” for children to go see what the office is like before they have their first exam and cleaning. This way, they know what to expect and have been taught to look forward to their check-up. They won’t feel trepidation upon returning for their regular bi-annual visits. The right pediatric dentist will not only make your child feel safe and comfortable in their care but expertly teach them how to take care of their teeth at home, helping to establish good habits as they grow.

If you have any other questions or want to find out more about what we can do for you here at Dental Partners of Boston, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Covering the Cost of Dental Implants

April 29th, 2020 by | No Comments

We realize that finances play a role when we recommend that a dental implant is placed for patients who are missing teeth. Implants are the ideal solution because they feel and function just like a regular tooth. It’s essential to keep the bone structure healthy as well, which an implant will ensure, unlike other tooth replacement options such as dentures. We don’t want our patients to believe that without the cash to pay for the treatment, they won’t be able to afford dental implants. 

Please don’t consider dental implants to be a luxury option only. Putting off the treatment will only put your oral health, and your overall wellbeing, in jeopardy. At Dental Partners of Boston, we understand that affording dental work isn’t always easy. So, that’s why we have a variety of options at your disposal.

The following is how we try to make dental implants accessible to everyone.

We Talk To Your Insurer

The first port of call is to speak to your insurance company. However, as someone who doesn’t deal with them often, you may not know what to say or the questions to ask. But, you don’t need to because we’ll do it for you.

All you have to do is contact us for an exam and consultation. At your appointment, we will gather your necessary insurer details, such as the name of the company, phone number, and policy reference. Our advisors are experienced and dedicated, which means we’ll do the hard work and report back with the findings.

We Accept A Range Of Payment Options

If your insurance policy does not cover you, you can use your flex spending or health savings account as dental implants are classified as a qualifying medical expense. 

A payment plan is a possible arrangement. Unlike other dental practices, we create your schedule to your specific needs. This ensures the amount you pay back each month is affordable and doesn’t put you under any undue pressure. During your consultation, we will gather some financial details from you to determine what is agreeable for you and us. 

Dental Partners of Boston

After years of providing quality dental implants to patients, we understand how treatment may seem out of reach due to costs. We do everything to make our services affordable and will work with you so you can have the care you need. Please give us a call today or request an appointment, and we’ll go over all the details and options together.

How Dental Implants Work

April 22nd, 2020 by | No Comments

Dental implants are a fantastic solution to missing teeth and can allow you to return to normality both in terms of feel and appearance and also in terms of function. At Dental Partners of Boston, we have doctors who are well-trained and experienced at placing dental implants.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants work by replacing the root of a tooth with a small screw-like metal implant, that then becomes bonded with your jaw.

Once this implant has been bonded, an artificial tooth – or “crown” – is fitted.

With a dental implant, the tooth is remarkably stable and performs just like any other tooth in your mouth. It doesn’t get removed for cleaning, and you won’t be left feeling like there’s a foreign object in your mouth, either.

Why Are Dental Implants the Best Solution for Missing Teeth?

Dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth, first and foremost, because of how natural they are in terms of feel, appearance, and performance.

Many older approaches – such as dentures – involve complex cleaning processes, and have often required significant changes to the lifestyles of the individuals involved.

Dental implants, by contrast, allow you to get on with your life just as you would with your natural teeth. Once the healing process is complete, you can expect to quickly forget about the fact that you have implants in at all.

What Should You Expect from the Process?

Here’s a straightforward rundown of the process of having dental implants fitted.

Initial consultation

The first step of the process is an initial consultation with your implant dentist, where you will discuss the various options available and will have impressions and x-rays of your mouth taken, as required.

Dental implant placement

Following your initial consultation, you will have the implant itself fitted in your jaw where your missing tooth would be.

This process is like any other dental surgery, in that it will be performed under anesthetic, and will require some healing and may cause a bit of swelling and bleeding. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that patients frequently find the process to be less painful than they imagined it would be.

Osseointegration

Before the process can proceed further, the main part of the implant has to fuse with your jawbone. This happens as a natural part of the healing process and results in a firm base for the tooth.

This process can take up to a few months but is unlikely to interfere much with your everyday life – although you will be on a soft food diet for the first few weeks.

Abutment placement

Once the implant has bonded with your jaw, a small connecting element – called an abutment – will be attached to the implant just above the gum line. Your custom-made tooth will later be attached to this abutment.

Customization and attachment of new teeth

Once the abutments have been fitted, custom-made and lifelike teeth will be installed in place, based partly on molds taken from your existing teeth.

When the custom-made teeth have been attached, they will look, feel, and perform just like your real teeth would.

Checkups

Dental implants don’t decay like real teeth, but they do still require the same cleaning routine, along with regular checkups.

Once the implants have healed and settled, these checkups will be essentially the same as any other dental checkup would – and will tend to occur with the same frequency, too. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with one of our exceptional doctors to discuss your dental implant options today.