The Heart of FDA: Building Trust One Smile at a Time

The Heart of FDA: Building Trust One Smile at a Time

At Falmouth Dental Arts, trust isn’t something we talk about often — it’s something we build quietly, visit by visit, year after year. For more than 40 years, FDA has had the privilege of caring for multiple generations of families. Parents bring their children, those children grow up and bring their own kids, and somewhere along the way, our team becomes a familiar part of their lives.

That kind of continuity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of long-term relationships, consistent care, and a genuine commitment to knowing our patients as people, not just charts.

What makes those long relationships possible is the way our team shows up, year after year. Many of our patients have spent decades with the same dentist and hygienist, and that familiarity creates a sense of ease you can’t replicate overnight. Appointments feel less like checklists and more like conversations. 

We notice the small changes and remember past concerns. We can have honest, straightforward conversations because there’s already a foundation of trust in place. That relationship allows us to focus on long-term oral health, not just what needs attention that day.

At FDA, we take pride in being approachable and down-to-earth. We want patients to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, or even just chatting about what is going on in their lives for a moment before their appointment begins. To create that personal experience, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos have intentionally built an office culture that allows our team to care for our patients the way we believe is best — thoughtfully, consistently, and without rushing. It gives us the freedom to focus on relationships, not volume. To us, dentistry isn’t transactional. It’s personal.

At the heart of Falmouth Dental Arts is a simple goal: to care for our community with honesty, familiarity, and respect. Whether you’ve been coming here for decades or are new to the practice, we’re grateful for the trust you place in us. One smile at a time, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done — showing up, listening, and caring for our patients like neighbors.

Private Practice vs. Corporate Dentistry: What’s Best for Your Family?

Private Practice vs. Corporate Dentistry: What’s Best for Your Family?

When it comes to choosing a dentist for your family, there are a lot of options out there. One of the most common questions we hear is about the difference between a private dental practice and a corporate dental office. While both provide dental care, the experience—and the approach—can feel very different.

At Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe it’s important for families to understand those differences so they can choose what feels right for them. For us, dentistry has always been about people first, and that belief shapes everything we do.

What Is Corporate Dentistry?

Corporate dental offices are usually part of a large network or group owned by a corporation rather than the dentist you see. These offices often focus on efficiency, standardized systems, and high patient volume. Because of that structure, patients may see different doctors or staff members from visit to visit.

For some families, corporate dentistry can feel convenient, especially when offices have extended hours or multiple locations. However, that convenience can sometimes come at the cost of consistency and personal connection.

What Makes Private Practice Different?

A private dental practice is typically owned and operated by the dentist who provides your care. That means the doctor you see is deeply invested—not just in your smile, but in the long-term health of your entire family.

In a private practice like ours, decisions are made based on what’s best for our patients, not what fits a corporate model. Treatment plans are personalized, conversations are unrushed, and care is built around relationships that grow over time.

Consistency You Can Count On

At Falmouth Dental Arts, continuity of care is important to us. You’ll meet either Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos at your initial visit, and you can be assured that’s who will remain your primary dentist going forward. The same consistency applies to your dental hygienist, helping build comfort and familiarity at every visit.

When your dentist truly knows your dental history, your preferences, and even your concerns, care becomes smoother and more thoughtful. There’s no need to start over or re-explain things at every appointment.

Care That’s Personal, Not Rushed

In many corporate settings, appointments can feel fast-paced, with tight schedules and limited time for questions. In contrast, private practices are often able to slow things down.

We believe our patients deserve clear explanations and honest conversations. Dr. B and Dr. K take time to talk through options, explain why we recommend certain treatments, and make sure everyone—kids included—feels comfortable and informed.

Long-Term Thinking

Because private practices focus on long-term relationships, care is often more preventative and proactive. Instead of quick fixes, we look at the bigger picture—how today’s decisions affect your smile years down the road.

This approach helps families avoid unnecessary treatment and focus on maintaining healthy smiles for life.

Choosing What’s Right for Your Family

At the end of the day, the best dental choice is the one that makes your family feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their care. For many families, a private dental practice offers a level of personal attention, consistency, and connection that’s hard to find elsewhere.

We’re proud to be a private practice rooted in relationships, community, and thoughtful care. For us, dentistry isn’t about numbers—it’s about people, and that’s what makes all the difference.

A Gentle New Way To Clean Your Teeth: Air Polishing

A Gentle New Way To Clean Your Teeth: Air Polishing

At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’re always looking for ways to make your dental visits more comfortable, more effective, and more personalized. One of our favorite new tools is a cleaning technology called air polishing that has been proven to be effective and beneficial to our patients.

We use a system called the PROPHYflex, and patients often describe it as a “gentle power washer for the mouth.” It’s powerful enough to clean well, but gentle enough for sensitive smiles.

How Does Air Polishing Work?

Air polishing uses a soft spray of air, warm water, and fine powder to clean your teeth. Depending on your needs, we may use calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or glycine powder.

This gentle combination helps remove surface stains, cleans away soft plaque, reaches hard-to-clean areas, and supports a healthier mouth by reducing acids and balancing pH levels.

Who Can Benefit from Air Polishing?

Air polishing is ideal for patients with sensitive teeth or gums, enamel wear or gum recession. We will also suggest it if you have braces or orthodontic appliances, and crowns, bridges, veneers, or implants.

Because it’s so gentle, it’s safe to use around dental work and sensitive areas.

Powerful, Yet Comfortable

Air polishing helps us clean above and below the gumline, between teeth, and around crowns, bridges, braces, and implants. It also gives our hygienists better access to areas that traditional tools may struggle to reach.

Because it removes stains and soft plaque so effectively, air polishing can reduce how much ultrasonic or hand scaling is needed during your visit. In some cases, it can even replace the traditional spinning polisher.

Not Just for Cleanings

Air polishing isn’t only used during hygiene visits. Our dentists also use it to prepare tooth surfaces before restorations, help maintain implants, and remove cosmetic stains safely.

Every smile is different, and we believe your dental care should be too. Air polishing is just one of the ways we tailor your cleaning to be both effective and comfortable. If you’re curious about whether air polishing is right for you — or simply want to learn more — we encourage you to ask your dental hygienist at your next visit. We’re always happy to answer questions, explain your options, and help you feel confident and comfortable before, during, and after your cleaning. Your smile is a team effort, and FDA is here to support you every step of the way.

Independently Owned, Community Focused: What That Means for Your Smile

Independently Owned, Community Focused: What That Means for Your Smile

You can’t drive around Greater Portland without noticing new corporate dental offices popping up everywhere. With the growing trend of national chains buying locally-owned dentists, it’s easy to question if all dental care is the same. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe the way a dental practice is owned and operated makes a big difference for your smile.

Deep Roots in the Community

Our dental office has cared for patients in the Falmouth area for over 30 years. Today, the practice is owned by Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos, who were trained by and worked alongside Dr. Glenn Knock, the original owner, before becoming owners themselves.

That means the personal care and consistency our patients rely on has been the heart of the culture at FDA for decades, and will continue for years to come.

Your Dentists Are Always Here

Unlike many corporate dental offices, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos are on-site and personally see patients. You’re never passed from provider to provider.

Consistent, Personal Care

At the outset, each patient is paired with a dedicated hygienist and dentist. Seeing the same team at every visit helps us build relationships, notice small changes early, and make your appointments more comfortable.

Supporting Our Community

We don’t just work here. We’re part of the Falmouth Community, and that’s important to our team. To support and give back, we support local events like Very Merry Falmouth, Dancing with the Dentists, plus we sponsor various clubs and activities within the Falmouth School District.

Why This Matters for Your Smile

Independent, local care means seeing familiar faces, building real relationships, and knowing your dental team truly cares about you. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we treat you like a neighbor — because you are one. That personal connection helps us provide thoughtful, consistent care and support healthier smiles for years to come.

12 Days of Dental Tips

12 Days of Dental Tips

A Holiday Countdown to a Healthy Smile

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—full of family gatherings, sweet treats, and endless reasons to smile! But while you’re decking the halls, don’t forget to give your teeth a little attention, too. To keep your smile merry and bright, we’re celebrating the season with 12 Days of Dental Tips—simple ways to protect your teeth through the holidays and into the new year.

Day 1: Don’t Skip Brushing

Even with a busy holiday schedule, brushing twice a day for two minutes keeps your smile shining.

Day 2: Sip Smart

Enjoy your favorite festive drinks but alternate with water to rinse away sugars and acids.

Day 3: Sweet, but Sensible

Sticky candies and caramels love to linger—enjoy them in moderation and brush soon after.

Day 4: Floss Before You Frost

Floss daily to remove plaque before it turns your sweet tooth into a cavity culprit.

Day 5: Use Tools, Not Teeth

Opening gifts? Don’t use your teeth—use scissors or a nutcracker to avoid cracks and chips.

Day 6: Snack on Crunchy Goodness

Apples, carrots, and celery clean teeth naturally while you snack—holiday bonus!

Day 7: Schedule a Smile Check

Start the new year fresh—book your next cleaning before the calendar fills up.

Day 8: Rinse and Refresh

Can’t brush? Swish with water after meals to help wash away food and acids.

Day 9: Protect Your Pout

Keep lip balm handy to prevent dry, cracked lips during cold winter days.

Day 10: Pack Your Brush

Traveling for the holidays? Don’t forget your toothbrush—and maybe pack a spare.

Day 11: Handle Hard Treats Gently

Let hard candies and ice melt in your mouth to protect your enamel and avoid dental damage.

Day 12: Share Your Smile

A healthy smile is the best gift of all! Thank your dental team for helping you keep it bright all year long.