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Future of Dentistry Blogger

Say Goodbye To Old Amalgam Fillings

By Cosmetic dentistry, Dental health, General dentistry

white fillings Boston

Can you remember what your teeth looked like before you had your first cavity? If you are like most of us, you got some cavities fairly young, and the ubiquitous silver fillings that were once standard. At Future of Dentistry,  there is a better option.

Composite fillings can be made to match the color of your teeth, so even though a cavity has been filled, they’ll blend in seamlessly. They are made of a composite resin material that is strong when bonded to the tooth.

Another benefit is that they may, in the long run, be better for your health. While standard metal fillings are still considered safe by the American Dental Association, some people don’t want them because they contain small amounts of mercury.

At Future of Dentistry, white fillings are standard. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to us for complete general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

 

ArticleID 6865

3 Reasons Not To Skip A Dental Checkup

By Dental health, General dentistry

cosmetic dental Wakefield

Life gets busy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with all your responsibilities. At Future of Dentistry, we understand that. But we encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup because you think it’s less important than the other twenty items on your to-do list.

Twice-yearly dental exams are indispensable for keeping your smile in optimal shape!

“But my teeth feel fine.”

We’ve heard this excuse. The fact is that no news isn’t necessarily good news. Dental problems can be progressing without you being aware of it.

1. Your Gums May Be Receding
Gum recession doesn’t happen all at once. Gum tissue can move back almost imperceptibly until teeth and bone are at risk.

2. Decay May Be Lurking
When the acids in plaque start drilling into a tooth, we usually don’t feel it until it has passed through the enamel and dentin and hits the nerve. Ouch! By that time, there is a crater in the tooth. Regular cleanings remove plaque before it can do any deterioration.

3. Prevent Oral Cancer
About 50,000 individuals will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Our team screens for oral cancer during your exam. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is vital.

After your entire mouth has been examined, the team at Future of Dentistry will discuss what is necessary moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or considering cosmetic or restorative dentistry treatments, we will make sure that you get all the information you need. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to us for general dentistry and a host of other services. Contact us today!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

ArticleID 7291

How To Brush Teeth With Braces

By Dental health, General dentistry

orthodontics invisible braces Wakefield

At Future of Dentistry, we know it can be hard to keep your teeth clean if you wear braces. There are numerous places bits of food can hide and it can be hard to get toothbrush bristles in all those nooks and crannies. It’s especially challenging when the patient is young, as it can be hard to convince them to get into the habit.

Food Turns Into Bacteria

The brackets and wires on braces create places where harmful bacteria can thrive. If brace wearers don’t practice consistent, proper oral hygiene, their teeth can become permanently damaged.

The Cycle of Decay In 5 Stages

  1. The particles of food collect in the tiny spaces in and around the brackets and wires
  2. The bacteria in the food particles multiply
  3. The bacteria creates plaque
  4. The plaque erodes the enamel
  5. The plaque destroys enamel and the dentin below, forming a cavity

The Detriments of Bacteria

Bacteria on the surface of the teeth, especially that which is trapped between the enamel and the metal parts of braces, can cause conditions like halitosis, gum disease, bone recession, and even tooth loss.

How to brush with braces

Aside from remaining vigilant of their dietary choices – something everyone should no, braces or not – there are several steps patients with braces can take to maintain their oral health. Here are the steps to effective brushing while wearing braces:

  1. Use fluoride toothpaste
  2. Remove elastics before brushing
  3. Place your brush at a 45 degree angle against the gums
  4. Gently brush with a circular motion along the gum-line where the gums and teeth meet
  5. Brush at least 10 seconds on each tooth
  6. Gently brush the brackets
  7. Press the brush firmly so that the bristles spread into the gaps between the wire and the tooth
  8. Brush in and around all of the brackets and make certain to get under the wires – a battery-powered brush may be helpful.
  9. For the chewing surfaces, use a firm back and forth motion
  10. Spit out excess toothpaste
  11. Closely inspect your teeth and braces in the mirror to check that they are clean and shiny
  12. Replace the elastics
  13. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash for 1 minute to help prohibit cavities and white spots
  14. Use other oral care products as prescribed by your dental professional

If you are new to the area and looking for an experienced pediatric dentist, visit Future of Dentistry! We’ll help you keep your smile in tip-top shape. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

 

ArticleID 8229

No Cavities? Thank Your Parents

By Dental health, General dentistry

how to prevent cavities Wakefield

At Future of Dentistry, we stay on top of new discoveries in the exciting field of dentistry and occasionally share interesting facts with our patients. Today’s post focuses on new findings in a compelling field of research: genetic dentistry.

According to Mary L. Marazita, director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh, “About 60% of the risk for tooth decay appears to be due to genetic factors.”

Whoa! Did she say 60%? That’s huge. You might be thinking: “That’s why I brush and floss but still get cavities.” Or, better yet, you might be thinking, “No wonder I have never had a cavity but eat candy often and occasionally go to bed without brushing.”

A recent article on CNN.com highlights tooth decay risk factors that have a genetic link:

  1. Enamel Strength: Your genes play an important role in the composition of your tooth enamel. Soft enamel is more cavity prone.
  2. Sugar Cravings: Whether or not you love sugar has a genetic basis. Now you can blame your parents if you pop M&Ms all day. But it still isn’t good for your teeth!
  3. Chemical Composition of Saliva: Your saliva can protect against cavities – if it properly metabolizes critical minerals and vitamins like calcium, potassium, iron, and Vitamin C. Your genes influence your saliva’s power to prevent decay.
  4. Immune Response to Bacteria: We don’t like to think about the detrimental bacteria in our mouth but, hopefully, our immune system is ever-vigilant at fighting their constant attempts to cause decay and gum disease. The durability of your immune system is determined, in part, by genetics.

In the next few decades, scientists in the emerging specialty of genetic dentistry may play a critical role in the development of new cavity prevention techniques.

So thank your parents if you have good dental health, and maintain it with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to Future of Dentistry. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

 

ArticleID 6970

Is Your Low-Carb Diet Giving You Bad Breath?

By Dental health, General dentistry

bad breath treatment Boston

Many people believe that bad breath is linked to poor brushing. The truth is that there are many causes. At Future of Dentistry, we can help you identify the cause of bad breath, and discuss how to cure it.

Your diet dramatically affects your breath. Because digestion begins the moment foods enter your mouth, and because they are absorbed and distributed throughout the body, you probably will be able to smell strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic long after you’ve eaten them.

That means mouthwash will only mask any smell. Constantly sucking on breath mints is also not wise. For real relief, you may need to avoid strong foods altogether.

For dieters, low-carb and no-carb diets promote fat burning. But bad breath can be an unwanted side effect, caused by the chemicals released during this process. Drinking more water can help alleviate it.

Lastly, flossing regularly is often the key to truly fresh breath. Many people don’t realize how much food can be stuck between their teeth, and this food can cause sour breath if it isn’t removed. More importantly, the food particles turn into plaque which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

If you’re coping with bad breath, ask Future of Dentistry about it at your next checkup. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to us for general dentistry, and to improve their smiles with our cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

 

ArticleID 5041

4 Ways To Get Your Teeth In Line

By Cosmetic dentistry, Dental health, General dentistry

Wakefield dental financing

Perhaps getting everything lined up for a breathtaking smile can take a bit of work. Often, teeth can become misaligned, overcrowded, or abscessed. In any one of these cases, restorative and cosmetic options from Future of Dentistry can help!

We offer Invisalign® Clear Braces, which can help you restructure your teeth without the need for traditional braces or metal. Here are 4 ways they can benefit your teeth, guaranteeing a healthier, straighter, more comfortable smile.

The Benefits of Invisalign®

1. Prevent and Fix Overcrowding: When abscessed wisdom teeth, or other misaligned teeth, push the rest of your teeth out of the way, it can cause major structural issues and even affect your bite. With clear braces (and an extraction, in the case of a wisdom tooth) you can push back against that misalignment and restore your smile’s vibrant and consistent appearance.

2. Fill Gaps In Teeth: Invisalign® can push teeth that are too far apart, closer together, letting you fix gaps in your smile without the need for an implant or additional restorations.

3. Fix Overbites and Underbites: Clear braces help you fix teeth that are too close together, too! Whether you have an overbite, and underbite, or overlapping teeth, Invisalign® can help.

4. Promotes Oral Health: Straighter teeth are easier to clean. Food and debris can get caught between the gaps in crooked teeth and can be harder to clean out due to the awkward shape and angle. With the help of clear braces, you can ensure an even gum-line that is easier to floss and brush.

At Future of Dentistry, we want you to get all your ducks (or teeth) in a row! Don’t put off dental treatment. Come to us instead. We offer clear braces and other cosmetic dentistry options. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley also come to us for dental implants. Contact us today!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

 

ArticleID 5429

Why Look For The Seal?

By Dental health, General dentistry

Look For The Seal In Boston

Here’s a reminder from Future of Dentistry: when you go to the store for oral care products, make sure your purchase carries the seal of the American Dental Association.

You can depend on the American Dental Association (ADA), which only places its seal on a product after it has been found to be safe and effective. This means that companies have to meet ADA standards, which are even higher than those required by law.

Making sure to purchase products with the seal is practically like shopping with a dentist by your side!

At Future of Dentistry, the products you use at home are just one part of the dental health equation. The other part is seeing us for regular cleanings and checkups! Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley trust us with their smiles, and come to our office for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

 

ArticleID 4432

Common Myths About Cosmetic Dentistry

By Cosmetic dentistry, Dental health, News & Updates

At Future of Dentistry, we improve smiles with cosmetic dentistry every day. From the questions that some patients ask, though, it seems there are some myths about what cosmetic dentistry can and cannot do. So, we’re using this blog post to clear up a few of them.

Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry Is Never Necessary For A Healthy Smile

Many “cosmetic” dental procedures are not solely cosmetic. Procedures such as tooth replacement prevent potential issues like tooth movement, bone loss, and difficulty chewing and speaking.

Myth #2: A Dental Bridge Is The Only Way To Replace A Missing Tooth

Dental bridges have been used for many years with success. However, dental implants are often a better choice for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants have many advantages. They feel like natural teeth, they are stronger, and they are easier to clean than dental bridges. Implants can also be used to anchor dentures or partial dentures.

Myth #3: At-Home Teeth Whitening Is As Effective As Professional Whitening

Commercially purchased whitening systems cannot compare to professional-strength teeth whitening treatments. They may remove surface stains, but do not provide the best results.

Myth #4: Dental Bonding Is The Best Way To Fix A Chipped Tooth

Dental bonding can restore the shape of a tooth, but may not be the best long-term solution. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers.

Myth #5: Braces Are The Only Way To Correct Crooked Teeth

Braces can transform a smile, even in adults. However, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, porcelain veneers can reshape your teeth and help you get a beautiful smile.

At Future of Dentistry, we want the best possible smile for you. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley also come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Request an appointment today!

Contact Future Of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future Of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future Of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future Of Dentistry – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future Of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future Of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

5 Ways To Restore A Tooth

By Dental health, Restorative dentistry

There is more than one way to fix a tooth. If you are the fortunate owner of perfectly healthy teeth, you may never need any of these procedures. However, if you are like most, you will need to restore a tooth eventually. Today’s post looks at five cosmetic dentistry options from Future of Dentistry that are routinely used to repair a damaged tooth:

  1. Porcelain Veneers: These wafer-thin covers can hide a chip or crack or fix the alignment of a tooth that is slightly crooked. Dental veneers are quickly becoming one of our most popular services.
  2. Fillings: A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are produced in a dental lab, they are generally called indirect fillings. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are ordinarily smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth. If you have old silver amalgam fillings, you can replace them with white fillings.
  3. Dental Crowns: Crowns and bridges can help redefine the shape of your mouth and repair any inconsistencies on misshapen or cracked teeth. A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, stability, and function. They can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.
  4. Dental Implants: A permanent dental implant is often  a great restoration for a tooth that has been extracted. It revitalizes the entire tooth—both root and crown. Most dental implant recipients report that the implant is indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Dental implants are used in a variety of applications, such as anchoring dentures and dental bridges.
  5. Dentures: At our practice, we offer customized, permanent dentures, so you can avoid uncomfortable, loose fitting teeth.

For more specifics on any of these procedures, contact Future of Dentistry. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley also come to us for restorative and general dentistry. Request an appointment today!

Contact Future Of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future Of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future Of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future Of Dentistry – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future Of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future Of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

Get A Fabulous New Smile With Porcelain Veneers

By Cosmetic dentistry, Veneers

Porcelain veneers from Future of Dentistry are a versatile treatment that can improve a range of flaws on any smile.

Veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are attached to the front of your teeth. Veneers are custom-fitted for each tooth. Once they are in place, your smile will be as near to perfect as possible!

With porcelain veneers, you can:

  • Cover chips and cracks in teeth. Chips and cracks can diminish any smile. Veneers can cover them with a completely natural appearance.
  • Cover gaps. If there are little gaps between any of your front teeth, veneers are in ideal solution.
  • Restore worn enamel. Tooth enamel can wear away, and unfortunately will not replace itself. Once a veneer is bonded to the tooth it becomes a new protective layer.
  • Enjoy increased confidence. Nothing beats a perfect smile to boost your self-esteem. As a bonus, veneers are low-maintenance and stain-resistant. You’ll still need to brush and floss, though!

Porcelain veneers from Future of Dentistry can give you a fabulous new smile. We’ve put them on patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley, who also come to us for other cosmetic dentistry options. Contact us today!

Contact Future Of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future Of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821

978-663-4303

Future Of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826

978-957-1811

Future Of Dentistry – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845

978-685-8313

Future Of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-2299

Future Of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824

978-970-2089

Future of Dentistry
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