Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

AvaDent Digital Dentures Offer Revolutionary, High-tech Advantages to Denture Patients

Mon, 07 May 2012 19:22:00 GMT

Canton, MA May 2012. Dream Smile Dental is pleased to announce the incorporation of AvaDent™ Digital Dentures into the practice. As one of a select number of dental practices to offer this breakthrough, digital, CAD/CAM technology, Dream Smile Dental can now create an AvaDent Digital Denture with a precise, computer fit, in just two appointments.

Traditional dentures can take as many as five or more appointments and still not have the patient advantages found with AvaDent. The AvaDent process starts with one convenient record taking appointment to capture the patient’s exact features. The information is then sent to AvaDent’s Scottsdale, AZ facility where it is imputed into a computer, digitally designed and precision milled from a compressed, pre-shrunk disk of acrylic.

In addition to the precision fit and two appointment convenience, AvaDents are more bacteria resistant than traditional fabricated dentures to help eliminate sore spots and “denture breath”. And because AvaDents are digital, each one has a permanent digital record so if they are ever lost or broken they can be replaced quickly and easily without the patient even coming into the practice.

“With AvaDent our patients can regain their youthful smile with the natural look and feel they may have thought they had lost forever,” said Dr. Evetta Shwartzman owner of Dream Smile Dental. “We tell our patients that with AvaDent you can have a smile that is virtually you!”

Dream Smile Dental is located at 2184 Washington St. Canton, MA, 02021.

Dental Procedures Can Cure Darkening Teeth

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:57:00 GMT

Are you troubled by the darkening or staining of your teeth? Unfortunately, this is a natural process. As we age and as a result of our lifestyle and habits our teeth naturally darken over time. Although food, drink and smoking staining is easy to whiten, naturally darkened teeth are more difficult. However, it is possible to shave years off of your appearance through various dental procedures.

While there are over the counter products for teeth whitening, in-office cosmetic whitening procedure is one that will yield the highest results and can whiten teeth up to 9 shades.

If your "pearly white" smile has begun to deteriorate, and it is affecting your work or social life, or your confidence, teeth whitening is an easy, painless procedure.

Before beginning any whitening procedure, however, you need to find out if whitening is the right procedure for you. Consult a dentist rather than attempting over-the-counter whitening methods since bonding or porcelain veneers could be the best and most effective solution for you and your teeth.

The in-office light source teeth whitening process works by applying specialized whitening gel to your teeth, and then positioning the light source directly on the teeth to activate the gel. By repositioning the light source to maximize the results, you can achieve your brightest smile in one and a half hours.

Another option is home bleaching. The Cosmetic Dentist takes impressions of your bite to create customized bleaching trays to be used at home with an advanced and more effective formulated gel than any over-the-counter bleaching options. This two week process can brighten your smile up to 5 shades.

Interested in stopping the darkening and aging appearance of your teeth? Contact Dream Smile Dental to see if teeth whitening is right for you.

Invisalign Instead of Braces

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:17:00 GMT

Braces used to be the only way to straighten teeth affected by a bad bite. But now, we have a system called Invisalign that allows us to straighten your teeth without using the brackets and wires of traditional braces.

The patented Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually reposition your teeth. The Invisalign system aligners are more visually appealing than braces. They are also removable, which makes it easier to clean your teeth after eating. The aligners are smooth and comfortable, and they don't irritate your gums, teeth, cheek and tongue. The Invisalign system also eliminates any allergic reactions that you may experience.

Aligners are created and customized from clear molds of your teeth. Each aligner is worn for about 2 weeks and they are removable for when you eat, drink, and floss.

Every 2 weeks you replace the aligner with the next one in the series. Your teeth move a little at a time until they are straight. Every 6 weeks you come back to see us at Dream Smile Dental so we can make sure your teeth are progressing correctly. Invisalign typically takes 9 to 15 months.

Come on in a see us for a review of your teeth and your lifestyle so we can see if Invisalign is right for you or your teen.

A Root Canal is Not so Bad

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:56:00 GMT

We know a root canal as a painful dental procedure. Technically, the "Root canal" is the natural cavity within the center of the tooth.

The root canal procedure is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected from a crack or break. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and the pulp are removed from the canal and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Endotontists are specialists in root canal therapy. We know that a root canal procedure isn’t often the most welcomed dental experience. At Dream Smile Dental our endodontists do everything possible to make this procedure a comfortable experience.

A root canal is needed when a tooth's nerve and pulp become irritated, inflamed, and infected as a result of tooth decay, large fillings in a tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face. Often we use our dental microscope to find the offending cracks and detect any defects on your teeth before any major problems develop. At Dream Smile Dental, our high tech LED light assisted microscope magnifies and illuminates the tooth and the area that needs attention.

Tooth pain often radiates so it is very difficult to identify the damaged tooth without the microscope. By using the dental microscope, we will have greater magnification capabilities, better access and the means to see small details with great precision, allowing us to more easily find the damaged and painful tooth. This greatly enhances the dentist's abilities to locate the offending tooth, recommend a procedure and end your tooth pain.

By finding the offending tooth easier, or finding problems before they start, your dental procedures will be quicker, more efficient, and more successful.

Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs you may need a root canal include:

Severe tooth pain during chewing
Sensitivity or pain to heat or cold
Discoloration of the tooth
Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
A pimple on the gums

Do you have any of these symptoms? Contact Dream Smile Dental.

Our Bite Can Affect Our Physical Health

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:57:00 GMT

With such an emphasis put on our physical and mental health these days, many people don’t realize the impact on our health that an improper bite has. When you have an improper bite, your entire body can become misaligned. Over 75 million Americans have a misaligned body due to an improper bite.

Everyone wants straight teeth, but an improper bite and misaligned body isn’t actually about straight teeth. How your teeth come together with the muscles and joints of your jaw is what we are referring too when we talk about “your bite”.

All of the muscle and bones in our body have relationships with the others. So, if your jaw is out of line, your entire body is out of line. Just like hip or back pain makes you limp. Overtime, this causes pain in your knees or feet. When your jaw is out of alignment causing an improper bite, the discomfort can start affecting you outside of your face, head and neck.

By relaxing the muscles of the face and neck areas, we are relieving the symptoms of headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, jaw discomfort and many more go away. This changes our way of life, our stress levels and how we live. Do you want you bite evaluated? Contact Dream Smile Dental.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month Means FREE Oral Cancer Screenings

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:54:00 GMT

One American dies every hour from oral cancer, in fact oral cancer strikes three times as many victims as cervical cancer. While most cancer death rates have declined over the years, the death rate from oral cancer has remained consistent or risen. Usually, by the time oral cancer is discovered it is too late in stage development and the five-year survival rate is only 22%.

The VELscope® System cleared by the FDA and Health Canada, assists dentists and hygienists in discovering cancerous and precancerous growths that may not be apparent to the naked eye.

Early detection of oral cancer is imperative to successful treatment and increasing life expectancy. When oral cancer is detected in the early stages, the five-year survival rate is 80% or higher. The VELscope® System can also help discover abnormal growths before they become cancerous.

By detecting potential problems earlier with the VELscope® System, Dream Smile Dental not only provides the best dental health care available, but also the best health care as well.

For the entire month of April, Dream Smile Dental is offering FREE oral cancer screenings to new patients. Contact us for an appointment.

Free Teeth Whitening - Facebook Promotion!

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:53:00 GMT

On April 10th 2012, Dream Smile Dental will hold drawings for up to 10 FREE In-office teeth whitening procedures. Everyone who “likes” Dream Smile Dental on Facebook is automatically entered into the drawing.

For every 100 “likes”, we will draw one winner. If we reach 500 “likes” we will draw 5 “FREE Whitening winners”, if we reach 1000 “likes” we will draw 10 “FREE Whitening winners”.

Like Dream Smile Dental on Facebook and get your friends to “Like” it as well to increase your chances of winning. The more likes, the more FREE Whitening procedures will be given away!

Why Teeth Whitening? Over time, your teeth change color as a result of age, habits or from what you eat and drink. Teeth whitening brightens discolored or stained teeth and gives you back the natural smile of your youth.

Your smile is your first impression. One of the first things you notice when you meet someone is their smile. A self confident, white smile allows you the self assurance you deserve in social and business situations. Now you can have that bright natural looking smile too, like us on Facebook.

Permanent Treatment for Cold Sores

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:24:00 GMT

Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. Those who suffer from cold sores often suffer from them regularly. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and for many people, cold sores can be very painful.

Traditional treatment with pills and ointments may get rid of cold sores, but only 1 to 2 days faster. Pills and ointments can help ease the pain from the blisters or other uncomfortable symptoms. However, often the worst part of cold sores are the sores themselves. Many find them embarrassing. For this, pills and ointments do not always help.

Laser treatment for a cold sore is a fast, painless procedure. It can be performed by one of the dentists or hygienists at Dream Smile Dental on any cold sore lesion on the lips. Treatment of the cold sore during the “tingly feeling" stage can prevent the cold sore from progressing to the “full bloom" stage. Treatment after the blister has formed will greatly reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the outbreak. Laser treatment will also significantly reduce the chances of another cold sore recurring in the area that was treated.

The first symptoms of cold sores may include pain around your mouth and on your lips, a fever, a sore throat, or swollen glands. They will disappear in a couple weeks, but if this is too long for you or if you suffer from frequent or even occasional cold sore break outs, this treatment is for you!

Regardless of Level of Play, Get Better Protection from Your Mouth Guard

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:04:00 GMT

Lacrosse and Baseball season are right around the corner. Right now you are getting your elementary, high school or college level athletes prepared for their season. No matter what level of play, it is important to keep their teeth safe. PlaySafe mouth guards are perfect for high school athletes, younger children, or college sports.

Did you know that 34% of all sports related injuries involve the face and this year more than 5 million teeth will be knocked out? On the flip side, more than 200,000 teeth will be saved by PlaySafe mouth guards. PlaySafe mouth guards are custom made by your dentist to perfectly fit your child’s teeth and mouth. PlaySafe mouth guards are far more effective than store bought, plastic mouth guards. Here is why:

Because PlaySafe mouth guards are made specifically for your teeth and face, they are far more effective than over the counter mouth guards. Additionally, PlaySafe mouth guards can be altered for braces or missing teeth. There is no need for the athlete to have their teeth clenched in order to keep the PlaySafe mouth guard in place; they are made to exactly duplicate your teeth.

The effectiveness of the mouth guard obviously depends on the child. If they are not wearing it, of course there is no protection. No problem. Kids will wear them and love them because they can be custom made with their favorite colors.

Call Dream Smile Dental to make your appointment for a PlaySafe Mouth Guard.

Oral Cancer Causes and Treatments

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:20:00 GMT

Around 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year - with only 45% of those diagnosed surviving more than five years. Cases of mouth cancer or oral cancer have risen by 20% in the past 30 years. It affects twice as many men as women.

Cancer is an abnormal and excessive growth of cells. Scientists are still trying to figure out all of the causes and cures of oral cancer. They do know however, that oral cancer is almost always caused by chewing tobacco. Tobacco use and prolonged, heavy alcohol drinking are the biggest risk factors, but it has also recently been determined that the presence of oral HPV is also a clear risk factor for the disease.

Recommendations for the prevention of oral cancer includes abstinence from all types of tobacco, only moderate alcohol consumption, limited exposure to UV light and use of a SPF 15 lip balm to protect against cancer of the lips. At Dream Smile Dental, we also recommend avoiding sources of oral irritation like poorly fitting dentures, eating the required daily servings of vegetables, fruits and whole-grains and regular dental checkups including an oral cancer exam.

Often, oral cancer is discovered too late, which is the main reason for the high death rate. Early detection and diagnosis is imperative in increasing life expectancy; it is 90% curable when found in the early stages. However, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages.

At Dream Smile Dental, our practice has incorporated VELscope, the most powerful tool available for the discovery of oral abnormal cell growth for up to 5 years before it rises to the surface and can be seen by the naked eye. If you are concerned, or have never been screened for oral cancer, contact us.

Anxious Dental Patients can Choose Sedation Dentistry

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:48:00 GMT

Too many people compromise their dental health because of their fear of going to the dentist. Between the needles and the sound of drills, many convince themselves that if they just brush and occasionally floss, their teeth and dental health will be fine.

When the idea of the going to the dentist causes stress and anxiety, you have options. Sedation dentistry is a good idea for you.

Sedation dentistry uses anesthesia to put patients into a relaxed state. Using anesthesia to calm patients, to put them in a sleep-like state though awake, keeps them relaxed throughout their dentist appointment. For those with dental phobias this is a perfect solution.

Nitrous oxide, anti anxiety medications, or oral sedatives are some of the sedation methods used. The dental treatment you need and your level of anxiety will determine the type of sedation dentistry method used. The dentists at Dream Smile Dental along with your input, will determine the best option for each patient situation. Contact Dream Smile Dental and schedule a consultation to talk about your dental anxiety and discuss any concerns you may have.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:48:00 GMT

Doctors believe that there are more than 18 million people living with sleep apnea and many of them are undiagnosed. Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night.

More men than women have sleep apnea, but in women the incidences increase after menopause, most likely as a result of hormonal changes.

Obviously sleep apnea disrupts your sleep, however undiagnosed sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, stroke, memory problems and diabetes.

Watch for these signs that you may have sleep apnea:

Loud or chronic snoring - Snoring is a milder form of airway obstruction. If you’re snoring loudly, chronically and keeping your partner awake, it could be a sign of sleep apnea and you should talk to a sleep apnea dentist.
You gasp for air – Sleep apnea suffers commonly pause in breathing. Those pauses are often followed by gasping, choking or snorting. In severe cases, you may experience frenzied gasps for air every 15 to 30 seconds throughout the night.
Exhausted all day – Poor sleeping at night leads to sleepiness during the day. But this is one of the most often overlooked signs of sleep apnea. If you’re spending seven to nine hours in bed per night and still feel sleepy during the day, it could be a sign of sleep apnea.
High blood pressure - Sleep apnea is linked to hypertension. When you stop or pause in breathing, this causes your blood pressure to spike.
Use the restroom often at night – This could be linked to aging, but it is also a classic sign of sleep apnea. The stress on your body caused by not breathing triggers a full-bladder sensation.
Wake up with a headache - Frequent pauses in breathing during the night decrease the oxygen levels in the brain, causing pain.

If you suffer from all or some of these signs, the best thing to do is to contact Dream Smile Dental, a sleep apnea dentist, and schedule a consultation. We will do some diagnostic tests in the office and then most likely send you home with a sleep monitor. This will give us the necessary information to determine the level of sleep apnea you suffer from and be able to recommend the ideal treatment option for you.

TMD is Very Common and Should be Treated

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:26:00 GMT

According to the latest statistics TMD is one of the most commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions. However, only half to two-thirds of the suffering population seek treatment for the condition. There are several reliable treatment options available to patients for resolving TMD and reducing or eliminating the associated jaw pain.

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, or TMD, has been shown to affect up to 12% of the American population. This makes TMD the second most frequently occurring musculoskeletal condition resulting in pain and disability next to chronic lower back pain.

Effects of TMD are often serious; early diagnosis and dental therapy can help ease and eliminate the muscle pain, headaches and tension associated with the disorder and restore healthy, pain-free jaw movement.

Dr. Shwartzman says identification of the underlying source of pain and discomfort are essential to crafting an individualized treatment plan. Although there are a wide variety of causes for TMD, she says some of the more prevalent reasons include poor bite alignment; chronic clenching or grinding of teeth, especially during sleep; trauma or accident; anxiety or stress, and chronic illness. Dr. Shwartzman assures patients that through diagnosis of oral history and habits, x-rays of the teeth and jaw, and a thorough examination from an experienced dentist, patients can identify TMD and treat it using personalized solutions such as neuromuscular dentistry for bite realignment and a custom-fitted oral bite guard called an orthotic.

"There are many treatment options, but oral appliances such as orthotics can be a straightforward solution to relieve from jaw pain," says Dr. Shwartzman. "For some patients, they are an ideal solution because they are custom crafted for each individual and generally can provide rapid relief from symptoms."

Dr. Shwartzman says patients seeking relief from the pain associated with TMD should consult a qualified neuromuscular dental practice before undergoing treatment to ensure proper therapy and the most effective results. She also adds that given the right treatment for each individual, patient(s) can resume normal daily functions and get back to living their lives without pain.

"Because TMD symptoms like headaches, tension, and muscle tenderness aren't always attributed to the temporomandibular joint, some people experience years of discomfort before receiving a proper diagnosis, says Dr. Shwartzman" "When patients finally experience relief from their symptoms, they couldn't imagine living life any other way."

Original article SF Gate

FREE Oral Health Presentation for Parents

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:02:00 GMT

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and three local professionals will donate their time to speak to parents about important health issues and answer questions that concern you.

Address your dental questions and concerns
Find out if your child needs braces
Learn about common misdiagnoses of ADHD and other behavioral disorders that can be eliminated by the right bite to increase brain function
Find out how Bed Wetting, Ear infections and Sleep Apnea are Dental Related
Learn about the importance of mouth guards in sports

Speakers: Konstantin Ronkin DMD, LVIF. Courtney Wager RDH. Wes Barton DMD.

The Event will take place at The JFK Elementary School in Canton. 100 Dedham St. Canton, MA 02021. For more information Click Here or Call (781) 330-0900.

Win a FREE Just Released Sonicare Diamond Electric Toothbrush

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:28:00 GMT

Play Am I Wearing Invisalign with the DSD Girls on our Facebook Page for a chance to Win a FREE Just Released Sonicare Diamond Electric Toothbrush!

Answer "YES" or "No" on each photo. Anyone who guesses all 5 correctly enters a drawing to win a FREE Just Released Sonicare Diamond Electric Toothbrush.