What is a Smile Makeover?

Posted March 15, 2011

Believe it or not, you probably know someone with porcelain veneers. Known as instant orthodontics, veneers are often the primary procedure in a smile makeover procedure for a reason. They correct several cosmetic dental problems with just one procedure.

Porcelain veneers are thin, durable restorations crafted with high-quality porcelain. A skilled ceramist hand sculpts each veneer according to the dentist’s specifications. I’m Dr. Thomas Villani, an experienced cosmetic dentist, and I’ll design your veneers to complement your overall appearance. Once your veneers are ready, I will adhere them directly to your front teeth, giving you a beautiful, brand new smile.

When appropriate, I Brighton Family Dental Group recommend porcelain veneers to patients looking to bring new life to their smile. If your teeth are slightly misaligned, chipped, crowned, oddly spaced, or discolored, veneers may be the right — and most conservative — cosmetic dental procedure for you. (more…)

Predict the Future with Your Child’s Smile

Posted February 19, 2011

A smile can say a lot about someone. Successful, happy people who exude a lot of confidence tend to smile a lot. Also, a smile is the first thing a person notices about you.

Here at Brighton Family Dental, we’ll give your kids a reason to smile. We want to help keep your kids’ grins healthy and bright, and we know you want the same. What if we told you there is another reason to get your kids to show off those pearly whites?

A recent study at DePauw University shows how intensely people smile in childhood photographs may predict their adult marriage success.

According to the research, people whose smiles were weakest in childhood snapshots were more likely to get divorced later in life. Among the weakest smilers in college photographs, 1 in 4 ended up divorcing, compared to 1 in 20 of those with the boldest smiles. (more…)

National Children’s Dental Health Month

Posted February 17, 2011

This month is a very special month, according to the American Dental Association. Each February, the ADA sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month.

National Children’s Dental Health month is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of oral health, and the Brighton Family Dental Group team could not support the cause more!

Developing lifelong, quality dental hygiene habits starts at an early age with parental help. Teaching your children how to brush their teeth sets a great foundation. The ADA teaches proper teeth brushing in 5 simple steps.

1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

2. Move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes.

3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.

4. Tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes to clean the inside surface of the front teeth.

5. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Of course, four year olds don’t know what a 45-degree angle is, but teach your children by example. Use Children’s Dental Health Month to make brushing and flossing a fun family activity. This will instill healthy habits in your kids that will help them achieve a lifetime of quality oral and overall health.

The ADA suggests you bring your children in for their first checkup at the age of 1, but unless there are problems, 2 is a good age for children to be seen by the dentist for the first time. Generally, these checkups are quick and simple, but they are a great way for us to make sure that your child is growing and developing properly. Get your child excited about going to the dentist by making it sound fun. The ADA has great suggestions for teaching children about their teeth in an entertaining way.

We want to see your kids in our office in Brighton, Massachusetts. For more information about family dentistry or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (617) 562-5210.

The Brighton Family Dental staff will work with you to schedule an appointment that fits into your busy schedule. We look forward to seeing you and giving your child a reason to smile!

Three Misconceptions about Dental Implants

Posted February 9, 2011

As technology advances, the web becomes our go-to forum for information. However, you can’t always believe what you read. This holds true with dental implants. I’m Dr. Villani of Brighton Family Dent al Group, and I would like to share with you three misconceptions — and truths — about dental implants.

Misconception: Dental implant surgery has to be done at a hospital or same-day surgery center.

Truth: Dr. Kondrat, our periodontist, places implants in our office. He will consult with you and plan your implant procedure, answering all of your questions along the way. Dr. Kondrat will place the implant(s) in one visit, and when your mouth is ready, I will place the crown, bridge, or denture over the implant(s). The entire process will be completed in our office.

Misconception: Seniors, smokers, and persons with diabetes cannot receive dental implants.

Truth: Adults of any age with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures are candidates for implant dentistry. Smokers and persons with diabetes are not ruled out, but they will have a slower healing time and must wait longer to receive their crown, bridge, or denture. This is something that we will discuss at your consultation.

Misconception: Many dental implants are rejected by the body.

Truth: Implants have a 98% success rate, and that is quite astounding. Implant posts are small, biocompatible titanium that anchors to the jaw bone, mimicking natural teeth roots. Dr. Kondrat may use special techniques to promote fast healing and your body’s acceptance of your implant(s). In addition to securing the crown, bridge, or denture, implants stimulate jawbone tissue to prevent bone deterioration. So, they’re very beneficial to the body!

Education about dental procedures helps eliminate the misconceptions brought about by Internet information overload. At your consultation, I’ll answer all of your questions with facts. To schedule a one-on-one consultation or second-opinion visit about dental implants, contact my Brighton office at 617-562-5210. I’m Dr. Villani, and I believe that you deserve to know the truth about dental implants so that you can make an informed, educated decision about the future of your smile.

Bridging the Gap

Posted January 28, 2011

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to give you a complete, beautiful, natural-looking smile. If this is the kind of smile you are looking for, you have come to the right place!

A number of cosmetic procedures exist to remedy your smile woes, but each procedure can have a different effect on a smile in need of some help. Some procedures are more invasive than others, so if you are looking for a minimally invasive smile fix, a dental bridge may be the procedure that will give you the smile you have been searching for.

Missing teeth make a smile look unattractive, but they can also cause problems with chewing and speaking. Also, your remaining teeth may shift to try and compensate for the missing teeth. This can cause your smile to look like a mess, and may lead to more problems related to your bite and the function of your teeth.

If you have one or more missing teeth in a row, I will most likely recommend a dental bridge. A dental bridge literally “bridges the gap” between your teeth. The replacement teeth on a bridge are set between two dental crowns. The crowns attach to healthy teeth and hold the bridge securely in place. The bridge is not removable, however it is a super conservative way to get a complete, visually pleasing smile.

I am proud to offer an extensive list of cosmetic procedures to my patients. I invite you to come in for a consultation if you think a dental bridge or other dental procedure may give you the smile you have been dreaming of.

Upgrade Your Old Fashioned Fillings

Posted January 20, 2011

I’m Dr. Villani, one of the dentists at Brighton Family Dental Group, and I am proud to offer quality dental care to my patients. To do this, my team and I incorporate the latest and most advanced technological developments in the way we treat our patients.

I often see adult patients who have fillings they got when they were kids. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about: those metal, black/silvery fillings. Well, it seems like these fillings may not be as safe as dentists once thought. These traditional fillings are made from amalgam, which is a combination of silver, copper, and mercury, and are thought to be toxic.

Also, if you’ve had your filling since you were a kid, chances are it has begun to wear down due to everyday wear and tear. This can lead to tooth decay of the tooth underneath the filling and mercury leakage from the filling itself. Don’t panic if you have an amalgam filling, though. I am here to tell you about a much safer alternative.

Here at Brighton Family Dental Group, my team and I repair dental cavities with composite resin fillings. Composite resin fillings contain no heavy metals, which immediately make them safer for you. These fillings are safe for everyone, and the ADA strongly encourages pregnant mothers and young children to get composite fillings, rather than amalgam, because they contain no mercury at all. Composite resin fillings are also cosmetically better for your smile. Each filling is tinted to blend in with your surrounding teeth, so you will never have to worry about dark, unsightly fillings damaging the appearance of your smile.

I make your health a priority, so I take no chances when it comes to giving you quality dental care. Call my office in Brighton, Massachusetts at (617) 562-5210 if you are ready to upgrade your old fashioned fillings.

Keep it Simple

Posted January 13, 2011

Let’s be honest. It is all too common that everything, and I mean everything, becomes way too complicated these days. With the responsibilities of having a full time career, raising a family, and all of the millions of other things you have going on, it seems impossible to find an extra minute in the day to just relax. If you’re a mom, I know you know what I’m talking about.

Moments of free time can be few and far between when you’re the one responsible for everyone’s schedules and needs. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made. Don’t let going to dentist be one of them.

I’m Dr. Thomas Villani of Brighton Family Dental, and I have a simple solution for you.

Here at Brighton Family Dental, my team and I are dedicated to providing our patients with quality dental care. We offer a variety of cosmetic, restorative, and health-related procedures to our patients. The best part, however, is that we treat patients of all ages. That’s right, we can treat your entire family, from your 5 year old to your grandmother. After all, we are a family dental group.

We want to help you instill healthy dental hygiene habits in your kids and keep your mouth healthy at the same time. Think of us as your one-stop dental health shop. We want to make it simple for you.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are a crucial component to having a healthy mouth. These check-ups, along with good at-home hygiene habits are the best protection and prevention against long term serious oral problems. Let us help you keep your loved ones’ mouths healthy.

My team will work with you to schedule appointments that are convenient for you and fit into your busy schedule. What could be better than getting the kids’ teeth and your teeth cleaned in the same appointment block and then not having to come in again for another six months?

To schedule an appointment, please call my office in Brighton, Massachusetts at (617) 562-5210. I look forward to seeing you!

Dedicate Yourself to Great Dental Health in 2011

Posted January 6, 2011

With the new year upon us, new year’s resolutions are on everyone’s minds. Unfortunately, it is more common for people to forget about their resolutions before the end of January, rather than keep them for the entire year. I am Dr. Thomas Villani of Brighton Family Dental Group, and I have a challenge for you.

Be the exception to the new year’s resolution trend. Set a goal and stick to it. It won’t be as hard as you think because my team and I are here to help.

I want to encourage you to dedicate yourself to your dental health in 2011. This means different things for different people. If you can’t remember the last time you had a dental exam, it’s time to come in. I like to see my patients for a check-up every six months to make sure that their mouths are healthy and working properly. In addition to a dental cleaning, I will check for gum disease and scan for oral cancer at this check-up.

Regular dental exams and cleanings are crucial to having a healthy mouth, and are the best prevention against developing serious, long-term oral problems. In addition to caring for your mouth, I will care for your peace of mind, as well. I encourage you to ask questions and voice your concerns. My team and I want you to be as informed as possible so that you can make decisions that will impact your dental health and you’ll feel completely comfortable in our office.

If you already have a healthy mouth, maybe your dental goals are more cosmetic. If you have been wondering if porcelain veneers are the right solution for your chipped or stained smile, come in for a consultation. I will be happy to sit down and discuss your dental goals and possible treatment plans with you. I offer a variety of cosmetic procedures to my patients, so if falling in love with your smile is one of your new year’s resolutions, go ahead and schedule a consultation. I want to help you achieve your perfect smile.

Make a resolution that your mouth and overall health will thank you for. To get started, contact my office in Brighton at (617) 562-5210. I look forward to hearing from you!

The Bad Breath Battle

Posted December 22, 2010

Did you know that most people don’t even know if they have bad breath? Do you know for sure what your breath smells like?

Dentists and doctors call bad breath halitosis. In most cases, the offensive smell comes from bacterial waste products. That’s right! In your mouth live over 600 types of bacteria, good and some bad. Some of the bacteria produce sulfur compounds that are, to be frank, very stinky!

If you want to avoid the embarrassment of bad breath, start by visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. You should also brush twice and floss once each day. Bacteria and bacterial waste can hide on the tongue, so use a tongue scraper each time you brush. If your dentists recommends treatment for tooth decay or gum disease, follow through.

Don’t use oral care products that include alcohol. These products will dry out your mouth and worsen bad breath. Instead, keep your mouth moist all day by drinking plenty of water. If you wear a removable prosthetic, like a denture or partial, keep it very clean. Follow all of the care instructions and let your dentist know if you have problems with cleaning your appliances.

Lastly, when you’re out and about, try to stay away from garlic, curry, and onion when you dine. Tuck a mini toothbrush and handheld flosser into your pocket, and after meals head to the bathroom to freshen up. You can purchase small, disposable toothbrushes with dry toothpaste that activates upon contact with water or saliva.

If you have questions about bad breath, dental care, or oral health, call my office, Brighton Family Dental Group, to schedule an appointment. I’m Dr. Villani, and my team members are always enthusiastic about sharing dental information with patients. To schedule a consultation or checkup, call 617-562-5210. We welcome new patients!

The Three Types of Dental Crowns

Posted December 15, 2010

If you need a crown, your tooth has sustained damage that can’t be repaired with a filling. You might have a deep cavity, crack, or chip. Your tooth could be worn down, which will, over time, negatively alter your bite. Or, you may need a crown following a root canal. Depending upon the amount of tooth structure that needs restoration, Dr. Villani may recommend a full crown or a ¾ crown, which we call inlays or onlays.

A full crown covers the entire portion of a tooth that extends out of the jaw.
An inlay fits between the cusps (bumps) on top of a tooth.
An onlay fits over a cusp and down the side of a tooth.

A proponent of conservative dental care, Dr. Villani will recommend the type of crown that will preserve the optimal amount of healthy tooth structure, while providing a dependable restoration for your tooth. Crowns, inlays, and onlays are made in a dental lab. Most often, the restorations are made from tooth-colored ceramic or precious metal. If you need a crown, expect two visits with Dr. Villani. The first will involve preparing your tooth and taking an impression for the lab. You’ll wear a temporary until your second visit, when the doctor will secure the permanent restoration.

Have questions? Call Brighton Family Dental Group at 617-562-5210 today, and reserve your checkup or consultation. We look forward to making you smile!

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