May 2, 2024
The weather is getting warmer, birds are chirping, flowers are beginning to bloom…there are a lot of reasons to smile in the springtime! If you feel self-conscious about your smile, FDA can help! From crooked teeth to stained teeth, we have cosmetic dentistry options that can give you the smile of your dreams! It all begins with a simple consultation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. Oftentimes, they can help improve the look of your smile in as little as two visits to our office. If curious to know more about the cosmetic dentistry options at FDA, here is a brief overview:
Dental Bonding
At FDA, we use dental bonding to sculpt individual teeth with a special tooth-like material that looks, acts, and feels like the real thing. Some of the perks of dental bonding include:
- It can address many different cosmetic flaws or injuries, such as chips and discoloration.
- It is an affordable and painless procedure.
- It can be completed very quickly: the composite resin adheres to your teeth and can then be polished and shaped to match your other teeth in one or two visits.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a common and safe cosmetic treatment. We offer both in-office whitening and at-home options. That said, bleaching can be uncomfortable if you have sensitive teeth and isn’t always the right option if you have implants. Review your options with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos. They can help you decide if it will work for you!
Porcelain Restoration
If you have old metal crowns and bridges, this is an option to consider. Porcelain restoration can improve the look and feel of your crown or bridge. It provides you with the translucency and shine of your natural teeth and has a texture that is very similar to that of enamel. We sculpt and shape the porcelain to fit perfectly with your existing bite, so it will feel comfortable and natural.
Dental Implants
A great long-term option for replacing lost teeth in a safe and predictable way, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. It’s important to replace missing teeth as you can lead to a loss of support in the mouth, which forces other healthy teeth to drift.
Same-Day Crowns
In addition to the traditional cosmetic procedures listed above, FDA also provides the simple option of same-day crowns. Our practice has the CEREC® Primemill, a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, which allows us to mill, bake, and stain your new crown all in one visit. This technology makes getting a crown a faster and more comfortable experience, and is no more expensive than traditional crowns. It can also be used for other dental restorations.
Spring into your new smile! If you have questions about our cosmetic procedures or would like to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. Learn how Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos can help you have the smile of your dreams!
Aug 23, 2019
We love helping our patients achieve the smile of their dreams! Many dental issues can be corrected through cosmetic dentistry and the first step for any cosmetic procedure is a simple consultation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. They are here to discuss your dental health goals and help you find the right fit for your needs. A question we often get from patients is if they should replace old metal crowns and bridges with porcelain. There are many advantages to replacing your old crowns, but the reason to replace them isn’t one-size-fits-all. To learn more about porcelain restoration and who could benefit from this procedure, we spoke with Dr. Brunacini.
1. What is porcelain restoration?
Dr. Brunacini: Porcelain is the material that is used to give crowns and veneers the esthetic properties–color, luster, and a tactile sense. Porcelain restoration provides you with the translucency and shine of your natural teeth—you’d never be able to tell there was a need for a crown—and the texture of the polished porcelain is very similar to that of enamel. It is a restoration that needs to be fabricated in a lab, and requires taking an impression to send to the lab. We are now doing crowns that are metal-free. By doing so, we can create highly esthetic AND very strong restorations with minimal risk of chipping or breaking. It is a great option for patients!
2. Why would I need to replace a metal crown or bridge?
Dr. Brunacini: There can be numerous reasons for patients to need to replace their metal crowns. The most obvious one is when a new area of decay develops under an existing crown or bridge. This is one reason we do regular x-rays; they are very important to discover any changes underneath crowns before they become loose or problematic.
Also, for some patients, they find it unsightly to have metal show, so replacing a metal crown with a porcelain crown is a good solution for their needs. For many years, dentists placed crowns with a metal substructure and porcelain overlayed on top of the porcelain. Over time, the porcelain can chip, which may lead to poor esthetics or difficulty cleaning the crown. The only way to fix this situation is to replace it with a new crown.
If you have questions or concerns about your metal crowns, schedule a consultation with me or Dr. Karagiorgos. We are here to help you achieve your dental goals!
3. I’ve heard porcelain crowns can cause more wear and tear on my other teeth. Is this true?
Dr. Brunacini: With newer types of porcelain, there is less concern with wearing down opposing teeth. Of course, it is very important to finely adjust the bite on crowns to be sure they function well with the other teeth. This is why when we fit a porcelain crown, we sculpt and shape the porcelain to fit perfectly with your existing bite.
4. Are there any special care instructions for porcelain crowns and bridges?
Dr. Brunacini: There really isn’t much “special” care needed. For patients who grind their teeth, a night-guard may be indicated to protect the porcelain from chipping. However, most patients can simply stay on top of their regular home care, such as brushing twice daily and flossing daily. This should be sufficient enough to maintain porcelain crowns for many years!
Thank you, Dr. Brunacini!
Whether your reason is cosmetic, physical, or a bit of both, our team of caring dental professionals is here to help you find the right path toward a better smile. If you have more questions about porcelain restoration or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, call our office at 207.781.5900 today.
Jun 7, 2019
Here’s something to smile about: you can have the smile of your dreams in as little as two visits to our office! We all want to feel confident when we look in the mirror, and having a smile that you are proud to show off is a big part of that. If you find yourself self-conscious about your teeth or hiding your smile in social settings, know that we can help! Many dental issues can be corrected through cosmetic dentistry and that starts with a simple consultation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. To learn more, we highlighted the cosmetic procedures we offer…perhaps there is one that is the right fit for you!
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a very safe way to achieve the bright smile you’ve always wanted, and can be done in just a few treatments. We offer both in-office whitening as well as at-home options for our patients. The first step is to have a conversation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. They will help determine the right option for you, as in-office bleaching can be uncomfortable if you have sensitive teeth and might not be the best option if you having previously restored teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
If you have chipped, worn, or stained teeth, porcelain veneers may be a good solution for you. Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells that are shaped and fixed to your natural teeth. Veneers feel and look just like your other teeth, and they don’t require any special or additional care. They can be custom fitted in just two short visits and dramatically improve the shape, color, and length of your teeth!
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an affordable and painless procedure that can address many different cosmetic flaws or damages. Small chips and discolorations in your teeth are often unnoticeable to others, but can be glaring when you look in the mirror everyday. We use dental bonding to sculpt individual teeth with a special tooth-like material that looks, acts, and feels like the real thing. Bonding can also be completed very quickly, as the composite resin adheres quickly to your teeth and can then be polished and shaped to match your other teeth.
Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth, there may be a better solution for you than wearing uncomfortable dentures. Many people believe that if they can still eat, tooth loss isn’t an issue; however, missing teeth can lead to a loss of support in the mouth, forcing other healthy teeth to drift. Many people with a healthy jawbone and soft tissue are suited for implants–your general health is a better indicator than your age. Dental implants provide a great long-term option for replacing lost teeth in a safe and predictable way, as they are designed to last a lifetime. Talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos about your options!
Metal Free Porcelain Restorations
There are many advantages to replacing your old metal crowns and bridges with porcelain. Porcelain restoration provides you with the translucency and shine of your natural teeth—you’d never be able to tell there was a need for a crown—and the texture of the polished porcelain is very similar to that of enamel.
You can rest assured that by improving the physical characteristics of your crowns, inlays, and bridges, you won’t also be wearing down your opposing teeth. When we fit a porcelain crown, we sculpt and shape the porcelain to fit perfectly with your existing bite, and the porcelain is hard enough to resist wear while soft enough to avoid damaging your natural teeth.
As you can see, there are lots of options for those of you who are looking to improve your smile. Whether your reason is cosmetic, physical, or a bit of both, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos are here to discuss all of your dental health goals with you. Let us help you have a healthy smile that makes you proud! Please call us at 207.781.5900 with any questions or to schedule your consultation.
*Image courtesy of IEmoji.com
Apr 22, 2019
The sign in our office is true: “Those teeth aren’t going to brush themselves.” Your teeth need you to brush and floss daily, and they need you to get regular check-ups with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. However, 100 million Americans fail to see a dentist each year. Whether it’s a busy schedule, dental anxiety, or lack of insurance, professional oral health care should not be avoided. Seeing a dentist regularly is a great way to support your oral health and can help prevent small issues from becoming big dental problems. By catching problems early on, you can save yourself time, money, and pain. Here are five signs it’s time to make an appointment with us:
You have pain.
A toothache is the classic reason to come to our office and should not be ignored. There are many possible causes for a toothache such as a cavity or broken tooth. Either way, a toothache should be evaluated by Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos right away to determine the cause and prevent the tooth from dying. Jaw pain can also be a sign of a dental issue such as bruxism or teeth grinding. Whatever pain you’re experiencing in your mouth, Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos can diagnose and address the issue, as well as help you avoid future issues.
You try to hide your smile.
What if you could have the smile of your dreams in just one or two dental visits? If you’re self-conscious about your smile, it can affect your confidence and prevent you from living your life to the fullest. Whether you’re missing a tooth or wish your teeth were whiter, many dental issues can be corrected through cosmetic dentistry. Building a relationship with us so we can understand your goals and needs is a great way to not just take care of your health, but also to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
You notice blood when you brush or floss.
There are several reasons for bleeding gums, one of them being gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. If your gums bleed easily, it’s time to talk with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. Gingivitis is reversible and preventable and we can help you get on the right path to better oral health. Bleeding and swollen gums could also be a sign that something else is wrong, another important reason to involve us in your health care.
You’re pregnant.
Coming in for a check-up should be on every mom-to-be’s checklist. As we’ve said before, oral health is directly related to overall health, and regular dental check-ups and a good oral health routine will help keep you and baby healthy. Pregnancy hormones can also cause changes in your mouth. For example, many women develop pregnancy gingivitis, or swollen gums, which can be helped with extra dental cleanings. Some women also develop overgrowths in their mouth called “pregnancy tumors,” which can be uncomfortable. Mostly, these growths go away on their own, but if you have discomfort or concerns, come in and see us.
It’s time for a check-up.
If it’s been over 6 months since you last visited, then it’s time to come in for a cleaning and exam. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, regular dental check-ups can help prevent problems from developing and treat symptoms (like those in the list above) before they advance. Regular visits to our office are just as important as brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Plus, we always love to see you!
It you’re experiencing symptoms or if it’s time for your next appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900. Our team of knowledgeable and compassionate professionals are here to make your dental care as effective and comfortable as possible.
Jan 17, 2018
We all want white teeth, but the best way to achieve that is to understand what stains the teeth to begin with. It’s important to know that teeth have pores and absorb similarly to our skin. We often think twice about applying certain products and chemicals to our bodies, so we should care the same for our teeth! Luckily for all of us, there are methods to remove stains from teeth, and allow us to regain their natural shade of white.
What stains our teeth?
The foods and drinks we consume have much to do with the discoloration on our teeth. Though they’re packed with nutrients, acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes have a tendency to stain teeth a yellowish color. These foods also strip enamel from teeth, revealing the dentin beneath. Coffee, black/green tea, blackberries, soda, and red wine all cause discoloration. The bacteria in our mouths latch on to sugar, and when bacteria feed on sugar they release acids in the process: acids that create tooth decay. Even those who enjoy seltzer water are not off the hook; tooth discoloration can happen with anything carbonated due to the acids involved.
Teeth Whitening
We understand that no one wants to worry about their teeth when enjoying morning coffee, so we’re here to help you achieve your best smile. There are several safe and effective methods to remove food and drink stains; however, before trying any sort of whitening you should be aware that the ingredients in whitener dehydrate the teeth. When teeth become dehydrated, they also become porous. It’s then difficult for them to insulate the nerve which causes the teeth/gums to experience temperature sensitivity that could last for 16-36 hours after whitening. The teeth naturally rehydrate within this time from saliva.
Professional teeth whitening is perfectly safe. The best time to whiten teeth is before bed and it’s good to wait 48 hours before consuming dark liquids. This should allow enough time for the teeth to rehydrate making them more impermeable. The main ingredient in most whiteners is hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.
Whitening Methods
If you’re interested in whitening your teeth here are some methods for you to look into. Please note that some methods may take more time than others. Also, not everyone will see the same results. Unfortunately, if the enamel has been stripped from your teeth there is no way to whiten the dentin beneath.
- Paint-ons
- Over-the-Counter trays and gels
- Whitening strips
- Coconut oil pulling
- Professional whitening
If you have any questions about the best option for you, or if you’d like to learn more about our professional whitening service, please give us a call at 207-781-5900.
