Jun 16, 2020
“The entire team at Falmouth Dental Arts really cares about our patients and environment. I’m excited to be working and learning alongside Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos.”
Dr. Georgia Smith grew up just down the road from Falmouth Dental Arts, in Yarmouth, Maine. As the daughter of two veterinarians, Dr. Smith saw the life of medical professionals from a young age, and from a very close point of view. She always valued the aspect of helping people (or pets!), and considered pursuing the family business. As a high school student, she shadowed her childhood dentist and appreciated the work-life balance a career in dentistry provided.
Dr. Smith earned her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University in Boston, and attended Dalhousie Dental School in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After graduating from Dalhousie, Dr. Smith took her practice back to her home state, working in multiple practice locations as the sole on-site dentist. Looking for a more collaborative and team environment, Dr. Smith was referred to Falmouth Dental Arts by a colleague who knew Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos as wonderful teammates.
Jun 15, 2020
Although we usually think of braces as a hallmark of teenage years, there are many reasons that adults could benefit from a straighter smile. The perks of aligning your pearly whites go far beyond vanity. Braces align your bite, enhancing your ability to chew food and even alleviating some speech impediments. Straight teeth are much easier to clean; better brushing and flossing reduces the potential for cavities and periodontal disease.
However, for many adult patients, the idea of wearing braces carries a sort of stigma. The team at Falmouth Dental Arts encourages all of our patients to have a healthy smile. We want to help you at every step of the journey, no matter your age! Let’s take a look at the three major types of dental braces:
- Conventional: Conventional braces consist of a single bracket, mounted to the front of each tooth with dental cement. Wire is strung through the brackets, and the shape and tension of the wire gradually moves teeth to the desired, aligned shape. Brackets can be metal, clear, or ceramic. Conventional braces boast the shortest average treatment time. However, they also are the most noticeable of the three types of braces, which can be a deterrent for some patients. With customizable rubber band options and shiny silver, conventional braces can add some extra sparkle and flair to your smile. A healthy mouth is the best accessory of all!
- Lingual: Lingual braces apply the same general concept to orthodontic alignment: brackets are cemented to the teeth, and metal wires work to straighten teeth. However, lingual brackets are cemented to the back of the tooth, not the front. This option eliminates the immediate image concerns. However, because they require a little more customization and time than conventional braces, lingual braces are typically the most expensive brace option.
- Aligners: Like a perfect mold of your teeth, aligners are customized clear trays made from an elastic thermoplastic material. Aligning treatments consist of multiple removable trays and enamel-colored “buttons” which are affixed to your teeth. The buttons allow the trays to snap into place and gradually leverage your teeth into the desired configuration. Typically, trays are switched every two weeks. However, aligners require the highest degree of patient discipline because their success relies on the patient remembering and keeping the trays in place for most of the day (typically 20-22 hours per day). Since they require more responsibility, aligners are a good option for adults. Many adults prefer aligners because the clear material is much less visible than conventional options.
Invisalign is the most recognizable brand of dental aligners. Falmouth Dental Arts now offers Invisalign treatment for our patients. If you think that you could benefit from braces of any kind, discuss the options with your doctor during your next visit. They’ll be happy to discuss the pros and cons of each option with you. If you are a candidate for Conventional or Lingual braces, you will be referred to one of the trusted local orthodontists.
Please note: our office opened on June 1 with new protocols and procedures in place to keep you and our staff safe. You can also read the full list of these updates on our COVID Protocol Page, easily found in the top menu bar of our website, so you know what to expect before your next appointment. If you are overdue for your appointment, rest assured we will be in touch soon as we catch up with our backlog. We do look forward to seeing you again. Thank you for being our patient!
Mar 6, 2020
You go to see Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos for your dental care. But where do Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos go to get their teeth checked? Where did they go when they were kids? What inspired them to get on the other side of the dental chair? Let’s listen!
1.Who was your childhood dentist?
Dr. Brunacini: My dad! My father, Timothy, was my dentist. I grew up at his dental office, watching dentist videos on VHS. The Charlie Brown special, The Dental Flossophy, was my favorite.
Dr. Karagiorgos: His name was Dr. Arnold Weiss. He was still practicing when I went to dental school!
2. Did you look forward to going to the dentist?
Dr. Brunacini: Yes. I always had good exams and good experiences.
Dr. Karagiorgos: I did. I really liked everything about going to the dentist.
3. What was your favorite part of a trip to the dentist?
Dr. Brunacini: I was part of the “No Cavity Club” for a while. We had our pictures taken with a Polaroid camera and hung on the wall. That was cool, but eventually I got a cavity. My dad wasn’t happy about that.
Dr. Karagiorgos: There was an airplane mobile on the ceiling above the dentist chair that I liked to look at. After my exam, I’d get to choose a prize from the toy chest. The jelly hands were my favorite.
4. Did your childhood dentist inspire you to pursue dentistry?
Dr. Brunacini: Not really. Even though he was my dad, he never pressured me to be a dentist. I’ve always been medically-minded, and I liked that the dental office is a fun, cheerful, uplifting place to be. Everyone’s smiling!
Dr. Karagiorgos: No, not Dr. Weiss. But my cousin was also a dentist and she really encouraged me to pursue the field. She knew that I liked people and appreciated the science side of things. It was a practical option.
5. How do the dentists at FDA help younger patients to love their dental visits?
Dr. Brunacini: We’re always striving to be accommodating and to be good listeners to all of our patients. We do give out little toys and stickers, but we empower young kids to be responsible for their dental health. They get excited about it.
Dr. Karagiorgos: The dentists and hygienists here all work hard with our younger patients to meet and talk to them on their level. We explain things in a way they can understand, and always answer their questions. I would encourage parents to make sure that they are always talking about their own dental cleanings and procedures in a positive light–kids listen to everything!
Do you have more questions for Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos? Ask them at your next exam! To schedule, please call our office at 207.781.5900.
Image credit: Peanuts Worldwide LLC
Mar 4, 2020
Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we always love seeing our patients! However, we know that not everyone loves going to the dentist. This anxiety can range from mild apprehension to full blown Dental Phobia–a fear so intense that it causes people to avoid dental care altogether.
Infrequent dental visits have a negative impact on your overall health, which is why we are committed to helping everyone receive the oral health care that meets their needs. Our team of experienced and compassionate dental professionals strive to help our patients feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they step in our doors. Still feeling a little nervous? Here are some relaxation techniques that we’ve found helpful for many patients:
1.Talk it Out! If you suffer from anxiety or fear caused by the thought of your dentist visit, please let us know! Getting to know you and your oral health needs is a central part of Falmouth Dental Arts’ approach to oral health care. We care about the well-being of our patients and find that talking about their fears and going through procedures step-by-step can be very comforting. We are always happy to take the extra time to answer your questions and listen to you!
2. Music, Podcasts, & Books-on-Tape — Oh My! Bring your headphones to your next dental appointment, or ask to borrow a pair from us! Many people find it helpful to distract themselves during the dental procedure by immersing themselves in their favorite podcast or tunes. Find something that puts you at ease and watch the time fly by…you’ll be done with your appointment before you know it!
3. Breathe In…Breathe Out. Try to focus on your breath during your next appointment. Slow, conscious breathing techniques give your body more oxygen and help your nervous system calm down. This technique is central to yoga and meditation practices and can be extremely helpful for reducing anxiety. It’s something you can start to do at home, in the waiting room, as well as throughout your appointment.
4. Laugh it Off! For patients with more severe dental phobia who need additional support being comfortable during a dental procedure, we offer nitrous oxide (Laughing Gas). When you arrive in our office, you’ll be escorted to your dental chair, given a small mask to fit over your nose, and will breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. With nitrous oxide, you maintain consciousness so you can still communicate with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos throughout the procedure. You’ll just be a little more comfortable and much more relaxed!
Give us a call at 207-791-5900 today to learn more about the use of nitrous oxide and the other techniques we recommend for a relaxing dental visit. Let us provide you with the best oral health care that keeps your teeth healthy and your mind calm!
Mar 1, 2020
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that is the study and treatment of improper bites possibly resulting from tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships or both. Improperly aligned teeth and jaws are called a malocclusion and often lead to a host of painful dental disorders. The type of dentist that specializes in orthodontics is orthodontists. Orthodontists can protect your bite, maximize your teeth’s effectiveness in performing their functions and create a well aligned smile. Orthodontists are able to do this through numerous methods. In addition, they are able to guide jaw growth, lower risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, correct harmful oral habits, improve the way lips meet, and improve appearance resulting in improved self-esteem. Orthodontic treatment can rejuvenate the facial appearance through reshaping the jaw, neck and lips. These different enhancements place orthodontic treatment in the same category as cosmetic surgery.
With all of the technological advancements, there has been a growing trend for adults to receive orthodontic treatment. According to the American Dental Association, nearly 30% of orthodontic patients in the US are adults. There is no longer the preconceived notion that orthodontic treatment is strictly for kids who need to fit braces for their teeth. More adults are becoming increasingly fashion conscious and paying more attention to their appearance. Adults are requesting orthodontic treatment to create the “well-aligned smile”. An improved smile creates improved self-confidence for people.
A referral will be made by the dentist if orthodontic treatment is requested. During the orthodontic visit, an evaluation is made to identify an individualized treatment plan. Typically, before the treatment plan is developed the orthodontist will need to obtain the following:
- Oral, facial and function evaluation
- Intraoral and facial photographs
- Panoramic and cephalometric x-rays
- Impressions for models of the teeth and bite
The results from the different assessment methods and tests performed will result in a treatment plan developed by the orthodontist. The orthodontist will discuss all of the orthodontic treatment alternatives that will be best suited for the individual.
