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!

Want a New Smile for the Holidays?

Posted December 7, 2010

If you’re ready to give yourself the gift of a beautiful smile, the holidays are the perfect time. I’m Dr. Villani, a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Brighton, MA. Over the years, I’ve seen patients postpone or forego cosmetic dentistry because it seems frivolous. But after getting porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, or a full smile makeover, people have more self-confidence. It’s truly amazing to see the joy and new outlook that my smile makeover patients experience.

Studies show that a more attractive smile makes a person appear more intelligent, successful, and friendly. After teeth whitening, according to one study, people were more likely to get a job offer and a higher salary. When you look at cosmetic dentistry from this perspective, you can see how a smile makeover could impact your success, professionally and socially.

What does a smile makeover entail? It depends entirely on your unique needs and preferences. Schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Villani, or my associate, Dr. Kondrat. We’ll sit down and discuss your ideal smile, and we can talk about which procedures would achieve the results you want. Most commonly we suggest, custom porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding or recontouring, and white fillings and crowns. But rest assured, your treatment plan will be designed exclusively for you. There is no packaged solution in cosmetic dentistry. We aim to preserve your unique appearance, while giving you a more attractive overall image.

Call Brighton Family Dental Group today at 617-562-5210 to schedule a consultation. Be sure to ask about our free Invisalign and teeth –whitening assessment, as well.

A Root Canal can Salvage an Infected Tooth

Posted December 3, 2010

We have all heard about the dreaded root canal. It’s true: root canals have a bad reputation. I am Dr. Thomas Villani and I am here to tell you that root canals aren’t as bad as they sound. My associate at Brighton Family Dental Group, Dr. Richard Kondrat, and I are happy to answer questions to put your mind at rest before and during your root canal procedure.

Why would you need a root canal? Inside each tooth, a canal houses dental pulp, or nerve. The pulp is the life source of the tooth. It brings nutrients to the tooth, removes waste, and without it, the tooth cannot live. If a deep cavity or fracture penetrates in the sealed canal, the pulp can become infected. As the bacteria grow, so does the pressure. Soon you will have a full-force infection, and most likely, an intense toothache. It is important to act quickly because the pulp that sustains the life of the tooth is now infected. Root canal therapy is usually needed to repair the tooth and cure the infection.

To perform your root canal, I will administer anesthesia to completely numb the infected tooth. I will make sure you are comfortable before beginning the procedure. Then I’ll use small tools to precisely remove the infected pulp from the tooth. A manmade substance will be inserted into the tooth before a dental crown is secured on top. After a root canal, the tooth is no longer alive, but it can remain intact if infection does not return.

I know that dental work can sometimes seem overwhelming and invasive, but my staff and I are here for you. We listen to our patients’ concerns and address them with education, technology, and clinical excellence. We want to help you make the most informed decision possible so that we can give you the best care possible. Please contact my office to schedule an appointment or if you would like more information.

Get a Straight, Beautiful Smile without a Mouth Full of Metal

Posted November 16, 2010

For many people, having a mouth full of metal is the way they remember their teenage years. If you wore braces when you were younger, but do not still wear a retainer, your teeth may have shifted over the years. If you look in the mirror and see crooked, widely spaced, or overlapping teeth, I, have a solution you will love. My name is Dr. Thomas Villani, and I’m a cosmetic dentist in Brighton.

For most adults, especially those in the professional world, wearing metal braces simply isn’t practical. Here at Brighton Family Dental Group, we are proud to offer another option. Invisalign is a clear, removable aligner that allows you to get the result of traditional braces, while maintaining a mature, natural appearance.

I am so confident that you will love this treatment option that I offer a free Invisalign consultation to all interested patients. After a thorough exam and consultation, I will help you decide if Invisalign is the best orthodontic treatment for your particular needs. Planning is key to seeing the results you want at the end of your treatment.

I will begin by taking x-rays and impressions of your mouth. Your aligners will be fabricated in a certified laboratory using the data I collect and the plan I create. Once the aligners are delivered to our office, you will come in for a second visit, and I’ll make sure your aligners fit comfortably. I will also answer your questions and explain how to use your aligners to get the best results. Basically, it is important to wear them as often as possible, except during meal times and to clean your teeth.

Treatment can last anywhere from 9 to 24 months, which is shorter than treatment with traditional braces. You will need a new set of aligners every few weeks as your teeth shift according to your treatment plan. My office will be happy to work with you to schedule progress checkups around your work and personal commitments.

If you are ready to fall in love with your smile again, please contact my office to schedule your free Invisalign consultation.

Your mouth and body are connected. Let us tell you how!

Posted November 9, 2010

Here at Brighton Family Dental Group, we are dedicated to keeping your mouth healthy, but this is actually more important than you may have thought. A number of recent studies have proven that a direct correlation between oral health and overall health exists. My team and I want to educate you and your family on how good oral health paves the way for a long, healthy life.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a prime example of how connected oral health and overall health is. The mouth is more or less the portal to the body, and through it, our bodies are exposed to countless bacteria and germs. Bacteria from gum disease enters through the mouth, gets into the bloodstream, and increases a person’s risk for heart disease, lung disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia, not to mention the common cold and other mainstream sicknesses.

About 80% of Americans have some form of gum disease, and many don’t know it. In the early stages, most people probably won’t notice any symptoms or anything out of the ordinary. The best way to prevent gum disease is by brushing and flossing daily. Gum disease, however, is just one example of how strong the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body is.

Here at Brighton Family Dental Group, we are proud to offer our patients information about the mouth/body connection. The protection and insurance to having a healthy mouth is to attend regular six-month cleanings and appointments. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.

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