• Glazed porcelain is our most esthetic and lifelike dental material. Extrinsic staining from foods, etc. is unlikely.
• Under most conditions they appear to have a useful life of five to twelve years or more.
• They are much stronger and more reliable in function than bonding.
• When artistically fabricated, they are far more esthetic and natural looking then bonding. Whitening of teeth is readily accomplished.
• The gum tissue likes glazed porcelain and will appear healthy and pink next to it. Has no dark gumline edges.
• Can be used to create more even teeth and most color changes.

Porcelain Disdvantages

• Some enamel must be removed from the front surface of the tooth and the incisal edge so that the finished teeth will not look fat and distorted in form. The laminate procedure is not reversible.
• The cost is close to that of full porcelain crowns.
• Top-notch artistic ceramists are required to produce esthetics in such thin dimensions.

Some variables do exist: Very dark teeth stained from tetracycline antibiotics will not whiten a great deal but smokers, coffee, tea, cola and red wine drinkers notice improvements. The practice monitors the progress of the bleaching. We recommend this approach over dental office bleaching because it offers lower costs, patient control, effectiveness, and safety. Fillings, crowns, bonding, caps, etc. cannot be whitened by these procedures. Therefore, bleaching is normally done before restorations are placed.

Tooth Bonding Advantages

• It’s a fast one-visit application.
• Color and translucency matches natural teeth quite well.
• Requires minimal preparation of remaining enamel. It is sometimes reversible by removing the bonded resin and polishing the enamel.
• Useful for restoring small defects, minor stains and discolorations and closing some spaces.
• A very conservative approach, where its use is indicated.
• Very unlikely to have tooth sensitivity or intrusion on the tooth nerve.
• Lowest initial cost for a restorative procedure.
• Very useful in creating more even teeth and most color changes.

Tooth Bonding Disadvantages

• Its relative weakness and softness (compared to enamel) may mean recurring service for repairs. It does not stand up well under strenuous use.
• May require avoiding staining substances such as coffee, tea, cigarettes, red wine and cola drinks.
• Has a short life span of three to five years, needing replacement or repair.
• Lacks some of the lifelike qualities of natural teeth or well-made porcelains.
• Unsuitable for covering large numbers of teeth (Too much maintenance).
• Increases the thickness of teeth to some degree. We highly recommend bonding to correct minor space, shape and color defects. Placed with care and skill in the right situation, bonding will produce a very satisfying restoration for both dentist and patient.

What is Invisalign and how does it work?

• Invisalign is the latest technique in straightening your teeth without braces using clear trays called Aligners. Aligners are made of a clear, thin medical-grade polymer that is virtually invisible when worn.
• 3D technology is used to create clear Aligners that are custom made to fit your teeth. Imaging technology is used to project tooth movement during alignment stages. Invisalign creates a series of clear, custom-made Aligners that gradually move your teeth.
• You wear each set of clear trays for about 2 weeks and come in for short office visits about every 6 weeks.

How long does it take and what is the cost?

• The treatment time is about the same as braces, but it’s a lot more convenient for active adults and teens because it’s clear and removable.
• The cost depends on the type and length of your treatment. We can go over that during a free consultation.
• Our office offers a number of affordable financing plans – including ‘No Interest’ financing starting at about $135 per month.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

• Nearly invisible – You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
• Removable – You can still eat and drink what you want.
• Better oral hygiene – You can brush and floss normally ato maintain healthy gums and teeth.
• Comfortable – There are no wires, metal, or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.

Consultation and Getting Started

• A free Invisalign consultation takes about 30 minutes. That’s the best way to find out if Invisalign is right for you.
• You can find more information at the Invisalign Web site.
• Would you like to schedule your appointment today? We invite you to contact us through email or by phone: (781) 272-5890 for your free consultation. The office is located at 281 Cambridge Street (Route 3A), Burlington, Massachusetts 01803 (easily accessed via MBTA).

Why Dental Implants?

Dental implants are ideal for people who need to replace missing or broken teeth or patients who want dentures to function better while chewing. The biggest advantage of implants is that you can leave the adjacent teeth intact and don’t have to drill or remove enamel. They’re also very esthetic. There are no metal clips, clasps or arms. You can do either single tooth implant or multiple teeth. Most patients with missing teeth, dentures, or unsaveable teeth can have dental implants.

What Is a Dental Implant?

No matter what implant company you use, there are three parts to every dental implant. First there is a fixture, which is equal to the root of the tooth. Second there is an abutment, which is the middle of the tooth that connects the crown to the fixture. Finally, there is a crown that sits on top of the abutment.

Implants are the most durable restoration known to dentistry. There are very few failures. They work very well with the gums around the implant. They need less maintenance than natural teeth, because you can’t get a cavity or gingivitis.

How Long Does the Entire Process Take?

It is patient specific or case specific. In some cases, there’s something called an “immediate implant”, in which the patient experiences virtually no downtime. This is when we do an implant and a temporary crown in one day. A single implant surgery can be performed in around 45 minutes. The patient comes back in a week to check the healing. In three months their permanent crown is delivered. In the meantime, they can smile and use the tooth right away while they’re healing. An esthetic temporary is always provided during this period of time.

Some situations take longer, however, in every instance we are prepared to make immediate cosmetic temporaries. The patient never goes without good looking teeth.

What Does the Actual Procedure Day Entail?

The new technologies of 3 dimensional x-rays and models are making it very user friendly for the dentist and the patient. They streamline all the procedures and make getting implants very efficient.

The average recovery period for a single tooth implant is about a day. Multiple implants placed the same day are a little more stressful but are still less of a recovery than getting wisdom teeth pulled or a root canal.

How Do You Choose a Qualified Dentist for the Procedure?

First a qualified dentist would start with a thorough examination and diagnosis to study the situation. Three dimensional models and x-rays are very important. Second, the dentist has to be a good listener to the patient’s needs. Third, the dentist should be able to explain what is necessary to accomplish the procedure in terms the patient feels comfortable with and understands. You should also choose a dentist that helps make you feel comfortable and at ease during the entire process. Finally, one should choose a dentist who is team oriented because implants usually involve the whole dental office and a dental lab.

If you are unsatisfied with your appearance or existing denture, you will experience drastic changes with the versatility, reliability, and affordability of dental implants. We want you to experience the confidence of a beautiful smile.

Please feel free to contact our office at (781) 272-5890 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is a Crown?

A dental crown is a cover for a tooth. The terms crown and cap are interchangeable. It strengthens and protects weak teeth.  It is also the most durable and esthetic restoration dentistry has to offer.  You can say it is integration or marriage of strengthening teeth and maximum esthetics.

Why Crowns?

There are  three circumstances in which a dental crown is recommended.  First reason: weakness due to fracture or decay. In this instance there is loss of substantial enamel.  Secondly, to strengthen any tooth after root canal.   Third reason would be to improve cosmetic appearance of dark or unsightly teeth. A crown can be used on a natural tooth or implant to restore the tooth above the gum line.

Dental crowns and caps have unparalleled aesthetics due to the use of modern porcelain materials.  Tooth shades can be custom matched to suit any shade of white and bright enamel.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Crown?

In our office it takes two visits because it is the best way to make the best looking crowns.  The first visit is to prepare the tooth, make a mold and temporary crown.  The second visit is to deliver the permanent crown and takes 30 minutes.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

The tooth has to be shaped so that the crown can easily be placed.  Remarkably, crowns need no more reduction of enamel than 1.5 millimeters. This is the equivalent of the thickness of a dime, which illustrates how little enamel needs to be removed.

It’s a very comfortable procedure.  It’s similar to when you get a filling. When we put a crown on a tooth that’s either an implant or root canal,  you probably would not need Novocain since the tooth is not sensitive.

How Do You Choose a Dentist for Crowns?

You would seek a dentist with a good sense of esthetics and one that has done a lot of them.  Dr. Lewis has personally done about 9,000 crowns in his career as a dentist. The vast majority are still in service. Dr. Lewis stands behind his work so much that he if he does a crown for you he will not charge for a remake as long as he is in practice.  He will warranty crowns provided you never miss a hygiene appointment.