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Founded by the late Dr. Lloyd Miller

Excellence in Dentistry Since 1958

A Brief Guide to Dental Crowns and Teeth Restorations

woman smiling

Teeth tend to wear down over time, given that they are in constant use. The progress of their deprecation gets worse if one doesn’t properly care for their hygiene.

Fortunately, all is not lost if you suffer from dental issues since dentistry evolves with time. For example, restorative dentistry offers various solutions to people with tooth damage.

One example is dental fillings. Dental fillings work to fill holes left in the tooth structure after decay. This solution is perfect for people who want a quick solution to minor dental issues. However, it’s not the end all be all when restoring the damaged tooth.

The Case for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are one of the best dental solutions for people with teeth in terrible shape. This solution involves using a tooth-shaped cape fixed over the damaged teeth. The cap encases the tooth entirely and functions as an extension of the natural tooth.

Another fact worth noting about dental crowns is that they come in different forms. The most common option is porcelain, but patients can also get them in gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and composite resin.

The different dental crown types have unique features and varying price tags, so patients should take the time to consult with their dental doctor before making a final choice.

The Dental Issues Crowns Can Fix

Dental fillings may be helpful for minor damage, but it’s not the ultimate dental fix. In fact, there are various scenarios where dental crowns are much more suited to the patient. See a few examples below.

1. Weak, Decaying Teeth

Tooth decay is one of the top dental issues people have to deal with. It can cause a few other problems, including irreparable tooth loss and a generic taste in the mouth. If you have tooth decay, likely dental fillings can’t help your case.

Instead, your chosen dentist may recommend a dental crown to preserve the teeth rather than removing them for good.

The dental crown is a better alternative for people with severely decayed teeth since it serves as an extra buffer that can save the tooth from complete damage.

2. Broken, Fractured Teeth

One common dental issue that many people have is having a tooth that is either chipped or damaged in some way. Teeth can get chipped if you accidentally bite something hard.

There are products specifically made to handle this sort of dental issue. One example is Dental Bonding, which is a tooth-colored resin that is used to repair chipped teeth.

A more permanent solution is to have a dental crown fitted. Crowns are ideal in this case since they can completely cover a damaged tooth, thereby concealing any weakness or hole in the structure.

Conclusion

Ultimately, dental crowns are the best choice for a discolored or damaged tooth. However, it’s important to remember that not all dental crowns are the same.

Your chosen dentist will help you decide if dental crowns are a suitable option for you. If you would like to learn more about dental crowns or other dental issues, we encourage you to meet with our in-house dentist.

The Weston Dental Specialists Group features some of the best dentists in Weston, MA. Our team of dental specialists can help you with any dental issue you may be facing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our trained dental professionals.

Are Veneers Worth It?

Veneers

Veneers | When it comes to dental veneers teeth that have minor chips, cracks, or discoloration can benefit from this popular type of cosmetic treatment. You just need to know which of the two types – composite or porcelain – is most appropriate for your individual situation. Your dentist can provide you with their recommendations at your initial consultation.

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are a thin type of material that is bonded onto the front-facing surfaces of teeth to correct minor cosmetic issues.

Composite

Composite are the least expensive of the two types of dental veneers. If you are getting composite veneers, your dentist would apply a malleable material onto the surfaces of treated teeth. This material will harden, and your dentist will polish it to a smooth finish. 

Porcelain

Porcelain is a bit different than composite. Instead of being applied as a putty-like material in a series of layers, porcelain are placed all at once at a follow-up appointment. Since this type of veneer requires some removal of tooth structure, it is a permanent treatment that should be carefully considered before you commit to it.

Composite Pros and Cons

The main advantage of composite veneers is that they are less expensive than porcelain. They can also be applied at only one appointment and involve no removal of tooth enamel.

One disadvantage of composite veneers is that they can become easily damaged or stained. It may be best to think of them as temporary solutions to cosmetic problems if you cannot afford porcelain at the present time.

veneers

Porcelain Pros and Cons 

Porcelain is more expensive for a reason. It is a stronger material than composite and is more stain resistant. It also offers a closer match to the appearance of natural teeth.

One disadvantage of porcelain is that they, as mentioned earlier, require some removal of tooth enamel for placement. They also require more than one appointment. At your first appointment, your dentist would place temporary laminates onto your treated teeth. After creating a mold from your teeth, they would send it to a dental lab, which will be creating your permanent laminates to be fitted at a later appointment.

Is it worth it?

Dental veneers have a high rate of satisfaction among patients. They make a good solution for those who have cosmetic issues with their teeth, but have the option of avoiding completely replacing a tooth.

Your Consultation

Would you like to learn if dental veneers make sense for you? If so, please reach out to our dental office today to schedule a veneers consultation at your earliest convenience.

Invisalign In Weston: What You Need To Know

Invisalign in Weston

Invisalign In Weston | Do you find yourself hiding your smile at times? Maybe you’re unhappy because of gaps between your teeth or a misaligned bite. If so, you’re far from alone. Most adults in the U.S. are actually somewhat insecure about their teeth. Fortunately, an orthodontics treatment called Invisalign can straighten your teeth without the need for bulky wires and brackets.

The Invisalign System

Invisalign in Weston is a modern system for straightening teeth that does not involve the need for metal wires or brackets. It consists of a series of plastic aligners that are switched out periodically for a new set to straighten your teeth according to your individual treatment plan.

Benefits include:

  • Improved gum health
  • Enhanced comfort
  • Virtually undetectable
  • No food restrictions

Improved Gum Health

When you have crooked teeth, it becomes harder to brush and floss your teeth. If food particles are left between your teeth, plaque has an opportunity to form and accumulate. Plaque eventually leads to the development of tartar and inflammation that damages your gums and, eventually, your teeth.

Invisalign In Weston makes cleaning your teeth easier than with traditional metal braces. This is because you can remove your aligners whenever you like to brush or floss your teeth. Just don’t forget to always replace them when you’re done so that your treatment time is not lengthened.

Invisalign in weston

Enhanced Comfort

Traditional metal braces are certainly good at what they do. However, those metal wires and brackets can sometimes irritate the soft tissues of the mouth and tongue. Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth plastic that is custom-fitted to the individual contours of your unique teeth and mouth.

Virtually Invisible

One thing that patients love about Invisalign is that the clear plastic aligners are not on prominent display, as with traditional metal braces. In fact, your dentist or orthodontist may be the only other person who knows you’re being treated.

No Food Restrictions

Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign In Weston is conveniently removable by the patient themselves. With traditional braces, you cannot eat foods that are hard and sticky, as they could damage your braces or stick to the wires and brackets.

With Invisalign, you would be removing your aligners to brush and floss your teeth. Just make sure that you are keeping them in your mouth for the required 22 hours daily to stick to your treatment plan.

Schedule Your Consultation Invisalign In Weston

If you are unhappy with misaligned teeth and have found yourself recently searching online for “dentist near me,” you’re probably already a good candidate for treatment with Invisalign. To determine if this innovative system makes sense for you and your individual needs, contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Prosthodontics: Common Procedures and Uses

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics | If you’ve recently been searching Google for the search term “dentist near me,” you may be looking for information about replacing one or more teeth that you have lost, or will soon have extracted. 

Moreover, prosthodontics is a subspecialty of dentistry with a focus on artificial tooth replacements. By using prosthodontics, your dentist is seeking to restore or preserve dental function, appearance, and health by diagnosing and treating the patient.

Some common prosthodontics procedures include:

  • Dental bridges
  • Crowns
  • Dental implants

Here is some information about each of these common prosthodontics procedures and what they involve:

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a type of appliance for replacing one or more missing teeth. Consisting of several pieces fused together, bridges are an alternative to partial dentures. They allow you to eat and speak in an improved manner and restore the appearance of your teeth.

Bridges are made of gold, metallic alloys or porcelain. In addition, if the front teeth require replacing, porcelain is normally preferred. It more closely matches the color of natural teeth. Therefore, most patients choose procelain.

Moreover, dental bridges are available in a wide variety of types. Find out which bridge is right for you! Schedule a consultation today!

prosthodontics | woman smiling

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a great restorative treatment. In general, dental crowns are fitted over the top of existing teeth. They restore the tooth’s appearance and function. For instance, crowns are commonly used whenever a dental filling will not suffice because there is not enough tooth structure left to support it. In addition, they are also used frequently with dental implants, providing a surface for the patient to chew and bite upon.

Dental Implants

Overall, implants are an amazing technological innovation. Dental implants prevent some of the problems that people have with one or more missing teeth. For example, bone loss, teeth shifting into the empty spaces left by missing teeth, and inadequacies of certain types of restorations, like dentures. 

In short, each implant begins with the implantation of a metal post directly into the jawbone, which fuses with it over time. Once this process has completed, typically after a few months, the dentist attaches a connector piece called an abutment onto the metal post.

Schedule Your Prosthdontics Consultation

Undecided about what type of prosthodontics procedure would work best for you? Get a better idea of the most appropriate treatment choice for you and your individual situation by contacting us. New patients are welcome.

About Us

Weston Dental Specialist Group offers a variety of advanced prosthodontics, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. Our practice has been enhancing smiles since 1958. Learn more with a consultation today!

Preventive Dental Care | New Year and New Resolutions

Preventive Dental Care

Preventive Dental Care | As we say farewell to 2021, many of us will be making our customary New Year’s resolutions. It’s never a bad idea to make at least one of those a resolution to improve your health, particularly your oral hygiene. By renewing your commitment to preventative care in the new year, you will be saving yourself a lot of time and expense by preventing unnecessary dental work.

Here are a few activities related to preventative maintenance that you want to make sure that you are keeping up with to give yourself your best chance of preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental Cleaning

Between proper oral hygiene at home, and your routine dental cleaning appointments, you should be able to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay.

The importance of dental cleaning appointments is that your dental hygienist will be able to remove any plaque from your teeth and under your gum line. Plaque is a sticky substance that damages the teeth and gums, eventually leading to periodontal disease if it is not removed regularly.

Preventive dental care | woman smiling

Just the Basics

It’s easy to neglect routine oral hygiene activities like brushing and flossing when you are on a busy schedule. If you’ve been slacking in this department, now would be a great time to renew your commitment to oral hygiene so that you don’t find yourself searching online for the term “dentist near me” to perform a tooth extraction or root canal procedure. For this reason, Preventive Dental Care is essential.

Make sure that you are practicing Preventive Dental Care such as:

  • Flossing daily
  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
  • Using a good fluoride toothpaste

At times, you may find yourself away from home, and your dental floss and toothbrush. But you can still rinse your mouth out with some water after you eat something to remove oral bacteria and at least some of the food that would otherwise be in your mouth. When you return home, brush and floss normally.

Don’t Neglect Nutrition

Nutrition is one of those areas that patients often overlook when it comes to their Preventive Dental Care. If you are constantly drinking sugary acidic sodas, for example, you are contributing to tooth decay. Acids found in sodas can strip away your tooth enamel, leaving your tooth even more vulnerable to the sugars contained in the sodas. So cut back on these types of drinks and sugary snacks. 

When it comes to foods that support oral health, don’t neglect fruits that contain high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to build and protect gum tissue that surrounds and protects your teeth.

The Bottom Line

As you ring in the New Year, consider renewing your commitment to oral health. This means brushing and flossing as directed and keeping up with your dental cleaning appointments. By doing so, you will have given yourself your best chance of keeping a healthy and attractive smile.

Contact our office to learn more about Preventive Dental Care. New patients are welcome.

Dentist Near Me: Choose Experience! Serving Your Community Since 1958

Dentist Near Me

 Dentist Near Me | When it comes to providing dental care, there is no substitute for experience. We are incredibly proud and honored to have served the Weston community since 1958, with all of the dental treatments and procedures that area families rely upon. Although we are deeply rooted in the past, we also keep up-to-date with the latest in dental technology to provide state-of-the-art dental care to all of our patients.

If you’ve recently been searching Google for “dentist near me,” look no further. We provide all of the latest general dentistry, cosmetic, and prosthodontics treatments and procedures under one roof for patients of every age, including treatments for dental emergencies.

Here are just a couple of the dental services that we provide as you Dentist Near Me.

Porcelain Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a type of cosmetic treatment that has become increasingly popular in recent years among those looking to regain the sparkle in their smile. Veneers help to conceal minor cosmetic issues like chips and discoloration. They are a thin shell applied to the front surfaces of teeth to enhance their appearance.

To receive porcelain veneers and enhance your smile, you just need to come in for an appointment where we will form an impression of your teeth to be sent to a dental lab. This allows for the creation of your porcelain veneers to fit your individual teeth precisely.

Once our Dentist Near Me receive your porcelain veneers back from the lab, we can fit them at a follow-up appointment by bonding them to the surface of your teeth. Not only will any minor imperfections, like small chips or cracks, be covered up by the porcelain veneers, porcelain itself provides a close match to the color of natural teeth, including their translucence.

dentist near me with patient

Dental Sealants

Although tooth decay is quite common, it is also preventable. It is particularly unfortunate when young children develop tooth decay and require dental fillings. One way to prevent tooth decay is with dental sealants. 

Dental Sealants Fast Facts: 

  • Requires no injections or anesthesia
  • Fast, simple, and comfortable treatment
  • Prevents up to 80% of cavities
  • Saves money in the long run by preventing unnecessary dental work

Getting dental sealants couldn’t be easier. We paint on a liquid material that will harden and provide a barrier against the entry of oral bacteria that cause tooth decay. Sealants are typically used on the back molars that are more difficult to clean.

Let Us Hear From You!

Dentist Near Me | Is there something about the appearance of your teeth and smile that you are unhappy with? If so, you may want to undergo a cosmetic procedure, such as teeth whitening or dental veneers. Has it been awhile since you had your last dental exam and cleaning? Contact us today to get back on track with these important preventative appointments.

We would love to hear from you if you have any questions about any of our dental treatments or procedures. Please call today if you have any questions or concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment. 

LANAP and LAPIP Treatment: Gum Disease

LANAP and LAPIP Treatment

How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

LANAP and LAPIP Treatment | If you are concerned that you may have developed gum disease, you may have good reason to worry. Nearly half of U.S. adults are affected by gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease. So 65 million people are actually dealing with gum disease right now. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons that people require dental care. To determine if you have gum disease, you will need to know some common symptoms. And if you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will need some information about treatments like LANAP and LAPIP treatment.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a condition that develops due to improper oral hygiene habits. By regularly brushing and flossing, you are helping to prevent and remove something called plaque, which is a sticky film that adheres to teeth. The bacteria contained within plaque releases acids that can damage teeth and gums. Over time, gum disease can undermine the support of teeth, even causing them to loosen and fall out.

lanap and lapip patient smiling

What are some symptoms of gum disease?

Although gum disease can progress without any obvious symptoms, there are typically some signs that are evident as it develops, such as:

  • Gums that are red, tender or swollen
  • Gums that frequently bleed during brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums that can make teeth appear longer than they actually are
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth

LANAP & LAPIP Gum Disease Treatment

LANAP, which stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, and LAPIP, which stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitus Procedure, are two of the most advanced treatments for gum disease. They rely upon the use of a safe dental laser that has various settings.

One advantage to undergoing a LANAP or LAPIP procedure for gum disease treatment is that the laser is incredibly precise. It only targets damaged or diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact. This means that your recovery and healing time will be shorter than other types of treatments.

How are LANAP & LAPIP different from normal gum disease surgery?

Traditional gum disease surgery involves incisions and sutures. This can result in undesirable effects, like a reduction of the gum line or a painful postoperative recovery. In the case of traditional treatments for peri-implant disease, a bone graft is often required.

LANAP or LAPIP Procedure

Before your procedure, your dentist will provide you with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process. They will then use a laser to remove diseased and infected tissue without the need for cutting or affecting healthy gum tissue.

After your dentist has finished using the laser, they will remove any deposits of tartar found on your teeth and flush all pockets using an antibacterial rinse. Next, they will again use a laser to remove tartar and sterilize or clean the bone, root, and tissues around your teeth or implant.

The Bottom Line

Provided you follow all instructions and take part in follow-up appointments, LANAP and LAPIP treatment is an excellent way to promote tissue and bone regeneration, as well as reduce pocket depth and help your body recover from chronic infection. These procedures allow you to restore your oral health and appearance without the discomfort and lengthy recovery times involved with more conventional techniques.

Contact Weston Dental Specialists Group at (781) 894-0347  or schedule your consultation online.

What to Expect When Visiting a New Dentist

Visiting a new dentist can be a little unnerving for some people.  If you have recently found yourself entering the phrase ‘dentist near me’ in a Google search, you should know that the first dental appointment is normally a fairly routine affair. Dentists sometimes just use that initial visit as a get-to-know-you session, leaving the dental work for a subsequent visit.

Although every dentist is little different, there are some common elements to a typical first dental visit:

  • Records and paperwork
  • Discussion of patient concerns
  • Dental exam and cleaning
  • X-rays if needed

Records and Paperwork

Before undergoing any type of treatment or procedure, your dentist will probably need some medical records from you. You’ll need to fill out a complete medical history form. Keep in mind that all of this information will remain confidential, so be honest with your answers. This allows your dentist to correctly assess any dental health risk factors that could affect your treatment options.

Smiling young woman sitting in a dental treatment chair

Discussing Any Concerns

Most dentists will want to meet with you prior to performing an examination. This is a chance to have a conversation with your dentist and share any questions or concerns that you may have about your dental health or needed treatments.

Dental Exam

Your dentist will want to check your mouth for any signs of sensitivity or pain, as well as look for signs of gum inflammation or redness. They may also examine your jaw and supporting muscles.

In the case of an emergency dental visit, your dentist may restrict the examination to just the site of the problem. But since a problem in one area of the mouth can lead to problems in another, they will likely perform a comprehensive examination.

Dental Cleaning

Undergoing a professional dental cleaning involves the removal of plaque and flossing of your teeth so that your teeth and smile are at their very best. Regular dental visits almost always involve a dental cleaning. If you have anxiety, this cleaning can be performed under sedation or laughing gas.

A dental cleaning can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending upon the condition of your teeth. If your gums are already irritated, you may experience some sensitivity. Let your dental hygienist know if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort.

X-Rays

Many dentists perform x-rays at every dental appointment so that they can visualize the current condition and health of your gum tissue and supporting bone.

Preparing

Don’t overdo things with brushing and flossing before your appointment. Your dental team already knows if you’ve been regularly brushing or not. If you work over your teeth and gums right before your appointment, it won’t make up for months of neglect.

Your First Dental Visit

Visiting a new dentist is much like starting a new relationship. There may be a moment or two of awkwardness before a comfort and trust level is established. Open and honest communication goes a long way in helping develop a relationship that is vital to protecting the health and appearance of your teeth and smile.

Learn more about dental care by contacting our friendly, expert team at Weston Dental Specialists Group. Call (781) 894-0347  or schedule your consultation online. See you soon!

Veneers: Should I Get a Smile Makeover?

Veneers

Veneers | Your smile says a lot about you in terms of your confidence and appearance. So if it has some flaws, you may not be able to look and feel your very best. The good news is that smile defects can be corrected with advanced dental techniques and procedures. The so-called “smile makeover” is actually a number of procedures that are put together for the needs of each individual patient. One patient may need dental implants and veneers, while another might get by with professional teeth whitening and cosmetic bonding.

Your Smile Makeover

To come up with a plan to fit your unique needs, your dentist will be taking into account factors like your overall facial appearance and the shape, length, and color of your teeth.

Your cosmetic dentist will be working closely with you in formulating a unique treatment plan so that you can achieve the smile that you are looking for. A smile makeover plan may include a number of cosmetic and restorative procedures, such as composite bonding, teeth whitening, dental veneers, crowns, gummy smile reduction or orthodontics.

veneers-woman holding veneers

So before actually getting a smile makeover, you will need to take part in a consultation with your dentist so that they can examine you and provide the best recommendations to improve the health and appearance of your teeth and smile.

Some possible treatments and procedures that can make up a smile makeover include: 

  • Dental implants
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Dental crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Wisdom teeth removal
  • Professional teeth whitening
  • Dental bonding

Some of the problems that can be corrected by a smile makeover include the following.

Spacing and Alignment

If you have issues with teeth that are gapped, overlapping, or crooked, a smile makeover can straighten and align them using orthodontics, veneers or Invisalign.

Missing Teeth

It’s hard to look your best when you have one or more missing teeth. Besides mere cosmetic concerns, missing teeth can also have a negative impact upon your bite and raise your odds of developing tooth decay. So addressing missing teeth with a smile makeover can improve both your appearance and oral health.

 Some possibilities for repairing missing teeth include dental implants, partial dentures or dental bridges. 

Harmony and Balance

Chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth can be addressed through cosmetic bonding to enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. If you have a gummy smile, it can be re-contoured to boost the overall look of your teeth and smile.

Fuller Lips and Cheeks

Those with an aging or unshapely face can get a significant improvement through the use of certain treatments and procedures that fall under the smile makeover category, including oral maxillofacial surgery or orthodontics.

Length of Teeth

Having long teeth is associated with a more youthful appearance because the aging process tends to wear down teeth, resulting in teeth that are shorter. Also, those with a gummy smile may have teeth that appear shorter.

To correct shorter teeth, composite bonding or porcelain veneers can be used. A gummy smile can be corrected through a modification of the gum line. Laser dentistry procedures can be used as well.

Schedule Your Consultation

 Contact our team to learn more about veneers and your smile makeover. New patients are welcome. Contact our team at (781) 894-0347  or schedule your consultation online.

Nitrous Oxide: What Is Dental Anxiety?

Nitrous Oxide

If you experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, or even when just thinking about it, you should know that you are not alone. Experiencing dental anxiety is extremely common among patients of all ages. We want you to be able to receive needed dental care with as little stress and anxiety as possible!

Here is some information to provide you with some strategies to help reduce your anxiety. It includes methods ranging from helpful tips to sedation techniques, like the use of nitrous oxide. Taken together, these elements should help you get through your next dental appointment as comfortably as possible.

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is an uneasy feeling that you may have about a dental appointment or procedure. Fornitrous oxide - female-dentist-preparing-inhalation-sedation-mask-put-her-patient (1) most people the dental anxiety that they experience is unpleasant, but they are able to get through it. Others may be actually terrified at the mere thought of undergoing any type of dental procedure, which could indicate a more serious form of anxiety known as dental phobia.

As if dental anxiety wasn’t bad enough in its own right, it can cause problems when a patient puts off necessary dental treatments and procedures. Left untreated, problems like tooth decay and gum disease can result in the need for serious and expensive dental work that can heighten anxiety even further.

How can I become less anxious when visiting the dentist? 

If you are debating with yourself whether to talk with your dentist about your worries and fears, the answer is most definitely yes. Dental anxiety, as mentioned earlier, is extremely common. Your dental team is used to this type of reaction, so don’t be embarrassed about opening up about your anxieties so that we can help calm your fears so that you are less anxious and more comfortable.

Some strategies for coping with dental anxiety include:

  • If you are undergoing a consultation for any type of dental procedure, open up about your anxiety. One way we can help is by giving you a detailed explanation of every step of the procedure that you will be undergoing so that you can mentally prepare for it.
  • Establish some type of signal, like raising your hand, to let us know that your anxiety is increasing. In the meantime, you may want to rinse your mouth or do something to help you catch your breath before restarting.
  • Earbuds help. Bring earbuds so that you can listen to your favorite music during your treatment.

 Learn More

Learn more about dental anxiety and nitrous oxide with a dental consultation today.  Contact our office at (781) 894-0347  or schedule your consultation online. New patients are welcome!