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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

What is Gum Recontouring?

smile recontouing

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers, some of the things most people are familiar with are treatments like teeth whitening, dental veneers, or bonding. But one procedure that can make a big impact on your smile’s appearance doesn’t have anything to do with your teeth…but rather your gums. Since your gums “frame” your smile, an irregular shape and contour can make healthy teeth look short or lopsided. As a solution, we can adjust your gumlines to reveal fuller teeth and a healthier looking smile. We call the process gum recontouring.   Significant Results in One Visit During … Continue reading

Is a Dental Veneer the Same Thing as a Crown?

porcelain veneers

You want to have something done about your front teeth. They’ve gone through wear, chips, staining, and even have a few small gaps between them. You’ve seen photographs of cosmetic crowns and porcelain veneers, but still aren’t sure which one is right for you. Is there a difference between the two types of porcelain restorations? Why would one be better over the other?   Full vs. Partial Coverage Dental crowns are restorations that cover the full surface of your teeth above the gums. They encircle all sides as well as the top. In contrast, dental veneers only cover one surface … Continue reading

What’s Causing Your Sensitive Teeth?

Do your teeth seem to be more sensitive than they used to be? Are you noticing a “zing” when you bite into cold foods or feel chilly wind rush by your smile? Or maybe you only have one area of your mouth that feels tender every time you brush?   Depending on what’s causing it, there are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity. Here are some of the first things you’ll want to discuss with our Somerville dentists:   Use of Whitening Products Did your tooth sensitivity start after you switched toothpaste to the whitening … Continue reading

The Difference Between Crowns and Bridges

Repairing a damaged tooth can require various techniques, depending on your situation and what your smile has been through. At times, the choices available may seem a little overwhelming.   Two of the most common restorative dental treatments that our Somerville dentists offer are crowns and bridges. But what’s the difference between the two?   Dental Crowns for Individual Teeth Crowns (sometimes called “caps”) are single-tooth restorations that cover a tooth to protect it, after it has experienced significant structural damage or been treated with a root canal. A crown is usually made of porcelain, but it can also have … Continue reading

4 Signs That You Should Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth” are the ones that are farthest back in our mouths.  There are four of them total, with some people having an extra one or two every now and then.   You probably know many people who have had their wisdom teeth removed – but how do you know if you’re going to be one of them? The friendly and professional team at Somersmiles Dental in Somerville can evaluate your wisdom teeth and help you decide if they should stay, or if they need to go.     You Should Get Your Wisdom … Continue reading

Do Injectables Help with TMJ Disorder?

Woman with TMJ Pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder — otherwise known as TMD or TMJ disorder — is a painful condition that can cause symptoms such as toothaches, headaches, migraines, and muscle fatigue. It can also lead to broken dental work and fractured teeth.   While using a bite splint and practicing relaxation exercises can help to minimize the tension of TMJ disorder, what if there were a longer-term treatment that didn’t require daily prescription medication or surgery?   That’s exactly what injectables have the potential to offer TMD sufferers. Although they’ve primarily been used in the past for aesthetic purposes (such as smoothing out … Continue reading

Top Three Cosmetic Dental Options Worth Considering

woman after dental veneers

Looking to enhance the way your smile looks in photos or when you’re laughing in front of friends? Our Somerville dentists offer comprehensive cosmetic options to address a number of aesthetic issues in your teeth. But your needs are different than others, and so is the type of treatment that we may recommend.   Depending on your end goal, timeframe, and budget, we may suggest one or a combination of aesthetic procedures such as:   Teeth Whitening Fast, affordable, and effective, professional teeth whitening can help your smile look brighter than ever. Whitening is safe and the perfect stand alone … Continue reading

What to do When You Break a Tooth

Broken Tooth

It’s an accident that we see every day. Someone falls, trips into the wall, or gets knocked in the elbow at a ball game…and they break a tooth. While we’re always ready for dental emergencies a Somersmiles Dental, there are steps you can take to be prepared too.   Make Sure You’re Not Bleeding Our mouths can tend to bleed pretty heavily after an oral injury. Stop to make sure you’re ok, and that any bleeding is controlled. You can use a clean washcloth, sterile gauze, or even a tea bag to apply pressure to the area and encourage clot … Continue reading

Three Easy Cosmetic Dental Treatments Worth Considering

Woman having professional teeth whitening at the dentist

Looking for a quick, comfortable, or affordable option for boosting your smile’s appearance? While you could go with a dramatic smile makeover that addresses multiple aspects of several teeth, you could choose to pick one or two aesthetic services for a personal pick-me-up until you’re ready to go with something more dramatic. At Somersmiles Dental, here are three great options to consider:   Professional Teeth Whitening For the most effective whitening results, talk to our Somerville dentist before buying an over the counter kit. Because store-bought teeth bleaching products are made from weaker solutions, they often don’t work as well … Continue reading