What To Expect From Teeth Whitening

Decided to have your teeth whitened? The first step is to be sure that your expectations are realistic.

It’s important not to expect a celebrity-bright smile, as everyone’s teeth react differently to the peroxide.

You may expect quicker whitening results if you opt for an in-office whitening procedure. These procedures are considered safe, though you can expect some sensitivity in your teeth and gums, which usually resolves after the whitening procedure is complete. It is not uncommon for the tooth color to "rebound" a week or two following this type of treatment, so using an at-home product such as Crest Whitestrips may help maintain the results following the treatment.

When you undergo an in-office whitening procedure, your dentist will apply the bleaching solution directly to your teeth and may possibly use a laser or other specialized device to speed up the bleaching process. You can expect to see some results after one treatment, but you may choose to have more than one treatment to get the effect that you want. An in-office bleaching treatment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs anywhere from $500 to $1000 for your entire mouth.

How long can you expect the benefits to last? That depends in part on your habits. If you smoke, or if you drink large amounts of coffee or tea, you may need another procedure after a few years.

The Team!

The Melrose Family Dentistry Team having lunch at Jerry Remy's while attending the Yankee Dental Congress in Boston:

Invisalign - The Clear Alternative to Braces

Melrose Family Dentistry is your local Invisalign Provider for Melrose, Malden, Stoneham, Saugus, Wakefield, Reading, Lynnfield and other surrounding areas of Massachusetts.  Call today to see if Invisalign clear braces are right for you! (781) 665-2113.

2012: A Great Year to QUIT SMOKING!

Besides being an instant bad breath cure, quitting smoking can improve the appearance of your teeth. For many people, tooth staining is one of the most common side effects of smoking. You may see some improvement with tooth whitening toothpastes or other whitening products, but the stains will persist if you continue to smoke.

Need another reason? Besides the superficial problems of stained teeth and bad breath, smoking can affect your oral health by significantly increasing your risk for developing oral cancer. Oral cancer includes cancer of the lip or mouth, including the tongue, the insides of the cheeks, the gums, the area under the tongue, the bony area in the top of the mouth and the area in the back of the mouth behind the wisdom teeth.

Data from the National Cancer Institute show that more than 5,000 people in the United States will die from oral cancer in 2008, and more than 22,000 new cases of oral cancer will be identified. The best way to reduce your risk for oral cancer is to stop smoking. Tell your doctor or dentist that you are ready to quit smoking and he or she can help direct you to local support groups and perhaps prescribe nicotine replacement products to help you through the process. In addition, be sure to follow a regular routine of good oral health care, including twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing.

Orthodontic Braces Melrose MA, Malden, Stoneham, Saugus, Wakefield

Looking for Orthodontic Braces in the Melrose, Malden, Stoneham, Saugus, Wakefield area?

When should I begin treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age seven. Although only a few orthodontic problems need to be corrected at that age, an early exam allows the orthodontist to offer advice and guidance as to when the appropriate age to start treatment would be. Let your orthodontist guide you as to when to start treatment. Feel free to ask questions about the timing of treatment.

How long will my treatment take?

The length of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem that requires correction, growth and tissue response to treatment as well as the level of patient cooperation during their treatment. Orthodontic care requires a team approach in which the family dentist, the orthodontist and the patient play key roles that can impact the length of treatment and the quality of the end result. Generally, the length of comprehensive orthodontic treatment can range from approximately 18 months to 30 months, depending on treatment options and individual characteristics.

What are the stages of treatment?

Generally, there are two or three stages of orthodontic treatment. Most patients will benefit from an active corrective stage followed by a retention stage. Some patients will benefit from two active treatment stages often referred to as two-phase treatment. The goals of each stage should be discussed with the orthodontist so that patients and/or parents have realistic expectations.

How are teeth moved?

Teeth respond to the gentle forces that are applied that connects the brackets and provides the forces to steer the teeth in the proper direction. It’s actually the wires d to them. “Braces” are a combination of “brackets” and “wires”. Brackets are the part of the braces that attach to the teeth. Brackets are the “handles” that help control movement of the teeth. Braces require a wire called an archwire that move teeth. The interaction of brackets and archwires enables the orthodontist to have three-dimensional control over the movement of the teeth. In many cases, additional forces are needed to help balance the underlying jaw structure and to help the upper and lower teeth fit properly together to make the bite right. Examples of these extra forces include: elastics (rubber bands) hooked to teeth; headgear; functional appliances; and palatal expanders.

For those near the Melrose, Malden, Stoneham, Saugus, Wakefield area that would like to make an orthodontic braces appointment please call (781) 665-2113 today.

Looking for an Orthodontist in Melrose, Malden, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield MA?

Recent years have brought about many changes within the dental industry, specifically with regards to orthodontic treatment and care. Now more than ever patients are experiencing fewer incidences of cavities and missing teeth due to the heightened awareness of fluoride use and preventative dentistry. This increasing awareness on the health and look of a patient’s smile has fueled the desire for many to seek out orthodontic treatment not only as a medical necessity, but for cosmetic reasons as well.

Whether its traditional braces or custom made removable appliances, orthodontics can help you have the healthy, straight, beautiful smile you've been waiting for!

Give us a call today (781) 665-2113 and schedule your orthodontic consultation!

Now accepting new patients from Melrose, Malden, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield MA and surrounding areas.

Invisalign Dentistry Stoneham, Saugus, Malden, Melrose, Wakefield...

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you simply wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You simply pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete and you achieve the confident smile that you've always wanted. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth!

For those in the Massachusetts towns of Melrose, Wakefield, Stoneham, Saugus, Malden and surrounding areas, call us at (781) 665-2113 to make an appointment with our Invisalign Dentist.

Your Six Month Smiles Dentist - Stoneham, Saugus, Wakefield, Malden...

http://www.melrosefamilydentistry.com/

Six Month Smiles - Stoneham, Saugus, Malden, Wakefield...

Are you one of the millions of adults who are unhappy, self-conscious or even embarrassed of your smile?

Many adults spend their entire lives covering their mouths when they laugh, smile or talk. They feel stuck because they do not want to wear metal braces for years or they are concerned that other corrective procedures could be too invasive or too expensive. Now, there is an effective, safe and affordable cosmetic solution that fits your lifestyle.

A revolutionary combination of proven orthodontic techniques, modern materials, and innovative thought - Six Month Smiles® utilizes specialized clear braces to gently straighten and align teeth in an average time of just six months.

Take the first step towards improving your smile, your confidence and your life contact your local Six Month Smiles® dentist today at (781) 665-2113.

Flossing, The Bad Breath Killer!

Need another reason to floss your teeth at least once a day? Flossing daily helps improve bad breath by effectively removing the food particles and bacteria that contribute to it. That makes flossing one of the easiest ways to prevent and banish bad breath.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is more common than many people realize. You may joke about bad breath, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, but it’s an important oral health issue. Bad breath can be more than an embarrassing social problem—it can be a sign of disease or illness.

Saliva is Your Friend

Less saliva means that your mouth is more susceptible to plaque buildup, which can create an unpleasant smell on your breath. Pay extra attention to any of the following circumstances that can reduce the saliva in your mouth and promote bad breath:

•Drinking alcohol. Alcohol-containing beverages may promote a dry mouth and cause bad breath. So don’t forget to floss after an evening out on the town, no matter how much you’re tempted to hop into bed and forget about it.

•Early morning. Saliva stops flowing while you sleep, so you may be prone to bad breath in the morning. If so, mornings may be the best time for your daily dental flossing.

•Being hungry or thirsty. When you’re dehydrated, there’s not as much saliva in your mouth, so you’re prone to bad breath and increased bacterial buildup. Drink enough fluids and remember to floss. Also, remember that chewing food increases the saliva in your mouth, so if you’re skipping meals or dieting, you may develop bad breath.

If you’re dieting and eating less frequently, a mint floss can not only help bad breath by removing bacteria, it may help you with your diet by providing a fresh taste in your mouth that makes you less tempted to snack. People who are following extremely low carbohydrate diets also sometimes report bad breath, but these reports are anecdotal. If you’re on a low-carb diet, or any restrictive diet, you may be promoting bad breath. If you must restrict your food intake and eat infrequently, drink plenty of water to help maintain the level of saliva in your mouth to help prevent bad breath in addition to following a good oral care routine.

Other Causes

If you experience chronic bad breath that doesn’t seem to improve despite a consistent oral hygiene routine, talk to your dentist and doctor for further evaluation to identify or prevent serious health problems.

Sometimes bad breath can be a sign of a more serious issue. Some serious oral health conditions associated with bad breath include:

•Throat problems such as strep throat.
•Dental cavities or gum disease.
•Throat or oral cancer.
•Tonsils that contain trapped food particles.
•An infected root canal

In addition, bad breath can be a symptom of a variety of serious non-oral health problems including liver disease, diabetes, HIV, digestive system ailments such as reflux and even lung infections or lung disease.

The Importance of Habit

Research supports a link between lack of flossing (among other poor oral hygiene behaviors) and bad breath. In a study of more than 1,000 adults conducted in Kuwait, never using dental floss was significantly associated with reports of bad breath, as was infrequent tooth brushing, being or having been a smoker.

Your oral care routine to help prevent bad breath should include not only daily flossing, but also brushing the teeth, tongue, gums and roof of your mouth twice each day. Using a mouthwash can provide short-term relief for bad breath, but use it as an addition to (not a substitute for) brushing and flossing.