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Types of Dental Mouthguards

custom mouth guards

Brushing and flossing aren’t the only things to think about when it comes to protecting your teeth. There are times that, like other body parts, your teeth need to be covered too. Depending on what you’re trying to safeguard your smile against, there are a few different types of mouthguards that you can consider.   Bite Splints People who tend to clench and grind their teeth — a condition we call “bruxism” — often experience TMJ problems, headaches, broken dental work, and chipped teeth. A bite splint creates a small amount of space between your upper and lower teeth, so … Continue reading

Dental Bonding: Fast, Effective, Affordable

after dental bonding treatment

Looking for a fast, affordable way to have a big impact on your smile’s overall appearance? Consider dental bonding! Bonding is a tooth-colored putty that our Somerville dentist shapes over your tooth, instantly hiding the aesthetic flaws of issues such as: Exposed root surfaces Small gaps between teeth Chipped or uneven enamel Misshaped or pitted surfaces   Like white fillings, bonding fuses to your tooth and is cured with a bright light. But getting a tooth bonded for aesthetic purposes usually doesn’t require any numbing. All we’ll need to do is gently roughen the surface being bonded. Composite bonding is … Continue reading

Advantages of White Fillings

Woman with white fillings

Amalgam (silver) fillings have been used for years in dentistry. But today, Somerville families have a better option: white fillings that are made out of modern materials. Sure, silver fillings are an effective way for treating large cavities. But choosing a white restoration has big benefits when it comes to the overall results. Here are a few reasons why our Somerville dentists recommend mercury-free white restorations instead of conventional metal ones:   They Match Your Teeth Composite fillings come in a variety of different colours. Our Somerville dentists can match your restoration so that it blends in with the shade … Continue reading

How to Handle a Broken Tooth

broken tooth

If you’ve ever had a chipped or broken tooth, quick action is essential. Knowing what to do in the event of a dental emergency (and getting to our Somerville dentists as quickly as possible) can help reduce the amount of treatment that you need and save your tooth.   Step 1: Stay Calm and Stop Any Bleeding Dental injuries can be scary because of the amount of blood involved. Your mouth is full of blood vessels, which means even the smallest injury can be quite evident. Use a clean gauze, tissue, or wash cloth to apply firm pressure to the … Continue reading

Fillings vs. Crowns: Which do You Need?

Dental crown

Do you have a tooth that’s broken, worn down, or has a cavity? You may be wondering whether you need a traditional filling or something more comprehensive like a dental crown. At Somersmiles Dental, we provide both restorative options in our office. The one that you and our Somerville dentist choose will depend on factors like:   Extent of the Damage Do you have a large cavity, crack, or worn-down tooth? The size and extent of the structural damage is the biggest factor when it comes to whether you need a crown or filling. Crowns cover your entire tooth, while … Continue reading

How Often Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?

teeth cleaning at dentist

Do you really need to schedule a scale and clean every six months? For most people (with healthy teeth and gums) a cleaning twice a year is best. But if you have a history of gum disease, you may need to have your teeth cleaned as frequently as every 3-4 months. The frequency of your cleans depend on a variety of factors, such as:    Gum Attachment Levels If gingivitis has the opportunity to expand into gum disease, it causes the tissues to detach from your teeth. Over time “pockets” develop under the gums and lead to bone loss. Since … Continue reading

Non-Traditional TMJ Treatments

man in TMJ pain

Do you struggle with TMJ pain or frequent headaches? Even if you don’t have diagnosed TMJ disorder (TMD) you can benefit from non-invasive solutions to help with the constant soreness or associated migraines. While bite splints tend to be a common TMJ treatment for Somerville families, there’s another option worth considering: cosmetic injectables.   How Injectables Help with TMJ Pain  Although generally considered a cosmetic procedure, injectables can pull double-duty when it comes to managing muscle pain around the jaw and face. Since they’re a natural muscle relaxer, injectables ease the tension that causes pain and fatigue. When applied, the … Continue reading

Age Requirements for Cosmetic Dentistry

ten with cosmetic dental work

Do you have a teenager who is wanting to spruce up the way their teeth look? Or maybe an elementary-aged child with a chipped front tooth? If your child’s smile is detracting from their self-confidence or becoming the source of embarrassment, there are certain cosmetic solutions worth considering. However, their age and oral development will play a part in which options they qualify for.   Bonding For chipped front teeth, the best choice for a child is usually dental bonding. The white composite is shaped over the area so that the tooth looks whole again. It’s quick and affordable, making … Continue reading

The Oral-Systemic Health Connection

health connection with teeth

Did you know that your smile’s health is a reflection of your overall wellness? The oral-systemic health connection is a strong one. In fact, research shows that active gum disease and other dental infections are directly related to problems like Infertility (both genders) Pneumonia Diabetes Preeclampsia Erectile dysfunction Low birth weights and premature labour High blood pressure Stroke Heart attack …and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.   Why It Matters Having an active infection inside of your mouth allows oral bacteria to spread further into your body. Bleeding, swollen gums mean that dental plaque can dislodge from your teeth and move straight … Continue reading

Professional vs. Commercial Whitening Kits

woman with shades of teeth colour

If you want a brighter smile, teeth whitening is convenient and affordable. But the type of whitening method you choose can affect your outcome and experience. When it comes to over-the-counter whitening products, how do they compare to what’s offered in our Somerville dentist office? Is there any difference?   Strength As with any type of product, an over-the-counter material is going to be weaker than the professional version. That’s because concentrated whitening gels aren’t safe to use if you have active tooth decay or gum disease. Seeing our Somerville dentist for whitening will give you better, faster results than … Continue reading