Dental veneers are a quick and straightforward way to correct multiple aesthetic issues. In just two easy appointments, veneers can cover chipped, discolored, misshapen, or misaligned teeth. Porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, with a beautiful luster like healthy tooth enamel.

 

In Cambridge, MA, these veneers typically cost about $950 to $2,500 per tooth. They represent a valuable investment in your self-confidence and professional image.

Why Porcelain Veneers?

Durability

Porcelain veneers last significantly longer than composite resin veneers and are better at resisting chipping and cracking.

Stain Resistance

Porcelain veneers are less likely to show stains than composites.

Appearance

Porcelain has a luminous appearance, similar to natural enamel. While composite veneers can appear dull, porcelain ones shine like healthy teeth.

The Process of Receiving Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can be fitted and installed in two comfortable appointments. During the first appointment, your cosmetic dentist will assess your teeth's natural shape and color. They will determine which aesthetic flaws need correction and recommend the type and quantity of veneers you need.

 

The doctor will take digital or physical impressions to ensure the veneer exteriors perfectly match your natural teeth.

 

Your dentist will shape your teeth to prepare for the veneers, removing a fine layer of tooth enamel. Removing a sliver of enamel enables the installation of veneers flush against your teeth. They will take a second set of impressions to shape the rear-facing side of each veneer.

The dentist will provide a set of temporary veneers to cover and protect your prepared teeth while the lab makes your final veneers.

 

The second and last appointment involves installing the veneers. Your dentist will ensure the exposed surfaces are ready to cement the veneers. The veneers wrap slightly around your teeth to give a natural look from any angle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers

Why are porcelain veneers a good value?

You will go home with a stunning smile without the hassle of undergoing multiple cosmetic procedures. Veneers can replace tooth whitening, bonding, and minor alignment corrections.

How do I keep my veneers looking their best?

While porcelain veneers are tough and resist stains, you must be cautious to protect them for extended wear. Do not bite hard objects like fingernails or ice. Take care with staining foods and beverages, and rinse your mouth after each meal and snack. If you care for them properly, porcelain veneers may last 10 to 15 years.

Call Cambridge Family Dentistry

Porcelain is the premier veneer material due to its stain resistance, durability, and attractive appearance. While porcelain veneers are a significant investment, they combine multiple benefits in one procedure. Please call our Cambridge, MA, office at 617-868-7479 to schedule your consultation today.

Dental crowns are protective caps that cover broken, cracked, or decayed teeth, restoring their chewing ability. Crowns can also restore the appearance of stained and discolored teeth. These dental appliances typically last about 5 to 15 years, though they can last significantly longer with proper care.

How Dental Crowns Work

A dental crown is a custom-made appliance that fits over a prepared tooth, restoring its function and appearance. Fitting a dental crown typically takes two appointments:

Consultation

During your first appointment, your dentist will decide whether you need a crown and explain your options. Depending on the damaged tooth's condition, location, and oral habits, your dentist will recommend a crown material.

Impressions

Your dentist will take physical or digital impressions of your mouth to capture the proper shape and size of the crown.

Tooth Preparation

The next step involves shaping the tooth to accept the crown. Your doctor will remove all damaged or decayed areas of the tooth and refine its shape so the crown will firmly adhere. They will take another set of impressions to shape the crown's interior. They will create a temporary crown for you to wear while the dental lab fabricates the final version.

Final Crown Placement

When your permanent crown arrives, your dentist will ensure it fits well and cement it. You will leave the office with a fully functioning, attractive crown.

Material Choices for Dental Crowns

• Emax crowns: Emax is an advanced lithium glass that provides the appearance of fine porcelain with durable wear. These crowns are best in the front of the mouth.
• Zirconia crowns: This material offers enough durability to use on a molar while maintaining a tooth-colored appearance.
• Porcelain over metal crowns: Many patients choose this material for its durability and practicality in all areas of the mouth.
• Gold crowns: Gold is the most robust crown material and ideal for patients who clench or grind their teeth.
• Base metal crowns: A basic metal crown can be an excellent choice for molars and teeth with insufficient structure to support other materials.

Conditions Affecting Crown Longevity

Location

Crowns in the back of the mouth may last longer than crowns placed in the front.

Tooth Condition

If your dentist needs to remove a great deal of natural material to place the crown, it may be more challenging for the appliance to adhere to the tooth.

Teeth Grinding or Clenching

Patients with bruxism (chronic teeth grinding and clenching) often go through crowns at a faster rate than others. Dentists can help their crowns last longer by selecting the correct material. Patients should also consider a custom night guard to prevent tooth damage.

Oral Hygiene

Patients not brushing and flossing as directed may experience decay around and under the crown.

Oral Habits

Chewing non-food objects like fingernails, pens, or ice could damage or dislodge a crown from the prepared tooth.

Food Choices

Avoid sticky foods like caramel and taffy to keep from pulling your crown out. Chewing starchy foods may also pull out the crown. Avoid chewing gum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

What should I do if my crown falls out?

Locate the crown and bring it to your dentist. They should be able to cement it into place. Ensure that you bring the crown in as soon as possible, so that your gum will not need any preparation.

Why is a crown better than a filling?

A crown and a filling have different purposes. In some situations, when you have a choice between them, a crown helps your natural tooth last longer and provides a more attractive appearance. For example, if you need a root canal, a crown will help your natural tooth last longer and have fewer complications after the procedure.

 

However, many teeth can undergo successful restoration with a filling. Your dentist will share why they encourage you to receive one or the other.

Call Cambridge Family Dentistry

A crown is a durable, attractive tooth replacement option that can last decades when given proper care. With a new dental crown, you can complete your smile, enhance your appearance, and regain your ability to chew your favorite foods.

 

Speak to your dentist today about restoring a damaged tooth with a crown. Please call our Cambridge, MA, office at 617-868-7479 to schedule your appointment.

It is recommended that you visit your dentist for a dental cleaning every 6 months. This routine dental care will not only remove any plaque buildup and keep your teeth clear, but it will also allow the opportunity for your dentist to address any areas of concern before they progress. 

Thankfully, dental insurance typically covers two dental cleanings every calendar year. But what happens if you don’t have dental insurance? How much does a teeth cleaning cost out of pocket? 

Cost of a Routine Dental Cleaning in Cambridge, MA

You can expect your dental cleaning to cost you anywhere between $100 to $250 out of pocket. The average fee for routine dental cleaning is about $175.

Investing in this treatment and preparing yourself for it financially twice per year can save you hundreds - maybe even thousands - of dollars when it comes to dental costs. After all, without routine dental cleanings, you are putting your oral health at risk. This could lead to the need for more complex dental treatment. 

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Cleanings

While most routine dental cleanings come at a standard cost, there are a few factors that could lead to variations in this amount, including: 

What your visit includes. Your routine dental cleaning could come with additional services, such as fluoride treatments, x-rays, and oral cancer screenings. Each of these will include an additional fee. 

Reputation and experience of the dentist. Sometimes, based on reputation within the community and the years of experience a dentist has, the fee for a routine cleaning may be higher. This usually comes with a greater sense of trust that patients are willing to pay extra for. 

Geographical location. Depending on where your dentist is located, the fee for a routine cleaning could be different. The average costs stated above are the average fees charged for this preventive care in Cambridge, MA. 

Quality of care. Some dental offices may advertise very low dental cleaning fees. However, in doing so, their quality of care and attention to detail may be lower, too. Keep this in mind. 

The Importance of Dental Cleanings

Many patients regularly visit the dentist for their dental cleanings while many others wait for a toothache or dental emergency to schedule an appointment. This leads to complex procedures and high treatment costs. 

It doesn’t matter how good or how often you brush and floss your teeth at home, you cannot remove all the plaque buildup. And this can lead to cavities as well as gum disease. 

Whether you have dental insurance or not, find ways to include this treatment in your life. Consider dental cleanings as you would a physical for your overall health. They are important. 

Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning Today! 

If you are in or around the Cambridge, MA area and you need a dental cleaning, then the team at Cambridge Family Dentistry can help. We provide routine professional teeth cleaning, as well as deep cleaning including scaling and root planing to treat gum disease. 

To learn more or to schedule your appointment, contact us today at 617-868-7479. Or, request an appointment online. 

Invisalign was a game-changer in the world of orthodontics when it became available. It allowed patients a discreet option for straightening teeth and treating misalignments - without the need for traditional metal brackets and wires. 

 

Millions of people have reached successful results with this treatment. Let’s take a closer look at what it is, how it works, and if you may be a candidate for Invisalign. 

What is Invisalign? 

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses removable clear aligners to transform smiles. Using state-of-the-art 3D-imaging technology, a treatment plan is mapped out and aligners are created to align teeth. 

 

Invisalign can treat many different orthodontic conditions, including mild or moderate:

• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Bite misalignments, i.e. crossbites, underbites, overbite, open bites
• Gapped teeth
• Slanted teeth
• Protruding teeth

 

It is important to note that major or complex orthodontic issues may need to be addressed by alternate orthodontic treatment options. 

How Does Invisalign Work? 

Invisalign treatment includes a series of custom-designed aligners that encourage teeth to move into their new position. These aligner trays are made of clear, durable plastic that is BPA-free and they are created from 3D scans that are taken of your teeth and mouth. The scans are able to predict movement your teeth and can then create custom aligners that will take your smile from point A to point B. 

 

Aligners are meant to be worn for about two weeks before being switched out to the next one in the series. Slight pressure will be felt as the new aligner begins to guide the teeth. Throughout treatment, regular visits to the dentist will confirm that your treatment plan is on track. 

 

Invisalign aligners are removable, but in order to be effective, they need to be worn for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours every day. Typical treatment is completed within 18 to 24 months - or sooner. However, not wearing the aligners as instructed could result in delayed (or even failed) treatment. 

Benefits of Choosing Invisalign

There are many reasons why Invisalign has become so popular - and a lot of it has to do with all the benefits. 

• Discreet treatment thanks to transparent aligners
• Removable aligners
• No restrictions on food - you can eat what you want
• Better oral hygiene as you can brush and floss normally

 

Best of all, Invisalign is as effective - if not more effective - than traditional braces. 

Are You a Candidate for Invisalign?

While Invisalign can successfully treat many different orthodontic issues, it is not the best option for every patient. In order to be a candidate, you will need to:

• Have all of your teeth
• Have a mouth free of tooth decay and gum disease
• Comply with treatment and wear aligners as instructed
• Not require complex orthodontic care

 

Of course, you have to be ready for a new, beautifully straight smile, too!

Learn More About Invisalign

Would you like to know more about Invisalign - and whether or not you are a good candidate? If so, then the dental team at Cambridge Family Dentistry can help. We have cheered on many of our patients as they have transformed their smiles through the use of Invisalign. Will you be next?  

Learn more today. Contact us at 617-868-7479. Or, request an appointment online. 

It is recommended that patients see their dentist every 6 months for routine dental cleaning. These appointments are relatively quick since there is little time allowed for heavy buildup of plaque and calculus - and less to clean. 

Some patients may require deeper cleaning, and this can take a little longer.

But just how long does a deep teeth cleaning take? What can you expect? Let’s talk about it. 

What is a Deep Teeth Cleaning? 

Plaque is a sticky residue that forms due to a combination of bacteria and food debris, And calculus is plaque in its hardened form. Both attach to the surface of the tooth and, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on your oral health. 

As its name suggests, a deep teeth cleaning goes a bit further - and a bit deeper - than regular dental cleanings. Using special tools, dentists and hygienists take time to remove plaque and calculus from the surface area of the teeth as well as along the gum line where buildup frequently occurs. If the situation warrants, the deep cleaning may even go below the gum line. 

How Long Does a Deep Teeth Cleaning Take? 

Regular dental cleanings take about 30 minutes to complete. However, a deep cleaning may last an hour - or two - depending on how much plaque needs to be removed. 

If you have not been visiting the dentist regularly for a cleaning, then you should expect your appointment to take longer than usual. After all, plaque and calculus build up over time and the more time it has had - the more there is to clean. Not to mention that plaque can be tougher to remove the longer it remains on the teeth. 

What to Expect with a Deep Teeth Cleaning? 

A deep teeth cleaning involves two procedures: scaling and root planing. 

Scaling involves the removal of plaque and calculus from the surface of the teeth, the gum line, and underneath the gums where the roots are found. 

Root planing is the second step which involves smoothing out the roots so that the gums can fit against the teeth and reattach properly. This reduces the chance of leaving spaces or pockets for bacteria to collect, leading to future oral health issues. 

How Often are Deep Cleanings Needed? 

A deep cleaning may require more frequent dental visits than routine cleaning, at least until the gums and teeth are back in connection and the mouth has healed. Don’t be surprised if it is recommended that you have these cleanings every 3 months. 

Frequent deep cleanings can halt the progression of gum disease. 

The Need for a Deep Teeth Cleaning

Leaving plaque and calculus to build up can lead to oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. These are both conditions that cannot heal themselves on their own - and could result in serious issues down the road. Regular deep teeth cleaning can reduce the chance of this happening. 

If you have not had a cleaning in a while, eat a high-sugar diet, or have poor oral hygiene habits, you will benefit greatly from a deep teeth cleaning. 

Schedule Your Deep Teeth Cleaning

Take charge of your oral health today. At Cambridge Family Dentistry, we understand that routine teeth cleaning can be your best defense against plaque and calculus - and the issues they cause. That’s why we provide our patients with routine and deep teeth cleanings to maintain a healthy mouth. 

To learn more, contact us today at 617-868-7479. Or, request an appointment online.

When it comes to treating underbites, traditional metal braces have always been the go-to option for dentists. But, with the introduction of Invisalign, this is beginning to change. 

Using clear, plastic aligners that are comfortable and removable, Invisalign has proven itself to be an effective choice for treating many orthodontic issues - including underbites. 

Understanding How Invisalign Works

Custom-designed, clear aligners are worn at a minimum of 20 to 22 hours every day as they encourage the teeth to move into their desired position. In this instance, to correct an underbite. Then, at an interval set by your dentist - usually every week or two - the aligner will be removed and a new one will be worn. 

Many patients enjoy the benefits that come with Invisalign treatment, such as: 

• They can be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing
• They may even be more time-efficient than traditional braces
• They are comfortable with minimal (and temporary) feelings of pressure

Invisalign can treat many mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, gaps, crowded teeth, open bites, crossbites, and, of course, underbites. 

Compliance with treatment is crucial as the Invisalign aligners will only work if they are worn. Not doing so could delay your treatment plan - or make the treatment ineffective altogether. 

 

What is an Underbite? 

Ideally, your upper front teeth should cover your lower front teeth just slightly when your mouth is closed. This is what dentists consider a properly aligned bite. However, when the opposite occurs and the lower teeth are covering the upper teeth, this is referred to as an underbite. 

Underbites can be caused due to the jaw being misaligned. A mouth that is too overcrowded with teeth can also be the culprit, as can sucking on one’s thumb, a pacifier, and/or a bottle after 3 years of age. 

Underbites will not realign themselves without treatment. Rather, it can lead to further dental concerns that will likely need to be addressed down the road. Teeth can become chipped or worn down. And it can cause regular mouth breathing which can result in halitosis - or chronic bad breath. Some patients have even struggled with simple tasks, such as talking or eating, due to complications from an underbite. 

Underbites make it difficult to thoroughly brush and floss teeth. And, as a result, tooth decay can become a big issue. If this, too, is left untreated, cavities and gum disease can result. 

It is evident that patients wanting a healthy mouth cannot leave underbites untreated. Thankfully, there are many different treatment options available to correct them and provide long-lasting relief. And one of the most popular and effective options is Invisalign. 

A thorough examination by your dental team will help determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for your underbite. 

Learn More About Invisalign Treatment

If you are interested in Invisalign treatment and want to know if it can benefit your oral health needs, then our dental team at Cambridge Family Dentistry can help. Using Invisalign, we have helped many patients transform their smiles. To learn more, contact us today at 617-868-7479. Or, request an appointment online.