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Cosmetic Dentistry | Tyngsboro Dentist

Cosmetic dentistry can transform the appearance of your teeth while retaining or enhancing your oral health. According to AACD.com “…cosmetic procedures can range from basic color correction to replacing missing teeth, and everything in between.” While cosmetic dentists may employ the use of anesthesia for a surgical improvement, most procedures are non-invasive. Here are a few procedures cosmetic dentists perform.

Teeth Whitening – a common procedure for cosmetic dentists is teeth whitening. Coffee, tobacco, alcohol, predisposition and many other things can contribute to a less-than-white smile. If over the counter methods haven’t quite worked to bring back your pearly whites, you may consider speaking with a cosmetic dentist for a more intense treatment.

Dental Bonding– for chipped, cracked or gapped teeth, your dentist will apply a tooth colored resin to the chipped area. They will layer resin, utilizing a UV light to harden it as they go, in order to build back the original look of the chipped tooth or teeth.

Veneer Application – you can think of a veneer as a thin shell that fits over the surface of your existing teeth to improve the color, shape, size or length of teeth. Veneers are made of porcelain or a resin composite and permanently bonded to the teeth.

Gum Reshaping – when your gums appear more pronounced than your teeth, or your gemlike is uneven, a cosmetic dentist may recommend gum reshaping. Essentially, a small amount of gum or bone tissue is removed or contoured to even out the appearance of your gum line or tooth ratio.

Crowns – similar to a veneer, dental crowns are a porcelain or ceramic tooth look-alike that fits over a weak or damaged tooth. Crowns are made to fully encase the tooth and can last between five to 15 years depending on how well they are cared for.

Braces – these are within the realm of cosmetic dentistry because braces shift the teeth into optimal position for your bite and mouth size. Braces are one of the most common procedures a cosmetic dentist may perform, as tooth alignment is just as much about oral health as it is aesthetics.

To learn more about cosmetic procedures, or to schedule an appointment today, visit us online at www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly serves patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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What Do I Need to Know About Dentures? | Tyngsboro Dentist

We commonly think of dentures as a solution for elderly individuals with a lifetime of oral hygiene and age considerations that have contributed to the full or partial loss of teeth. However, younger demographics have increasingly sought dentures to repair damage caused by poor oral hygiene practices or in extreme sports.

Dentures are removable acrylic replacements for missing teeth. They can be created to fill in gaps, or replace a full set of teeth, depending on your need. Typically, individuals who need dentures have experienced a trauma to their teeth that caused them to decay, fall out or become chipped.

Here are some things to consider if dentures are a solution for you:

  • They take some getting used to. As with any new thing in our lives, speaking with new dentures will take some practice. Over time however, the muscle memory from speaking throughout your life will help you overcome the unfamiliarity in no time.
  • Made of synthetic materials, a denture might not feel like your teeth, but are hand created to look good and be comfortable to wear. Dentures are first molded to the space or row of teeth that has experienced the loss and fastened according to your need.
  • Dentures are available as a full, partial, or implant-supported set.
    • Full Dentures. Used for patients missing either arch or both, full dentures are permanently secured into a base. They can be held in place via adhesive or suction.
    • Partial Dentures. More like a retainer, false teeth are held by a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Partial dentures are for patients missing only a few teeth.
    • Implant-Supported Dentures. These dentures snap into implants inserted into a patient’s jawbone. The implants give the denture more support, preventing movement while you speak, eat or drink.

Before you embark on attaining a set of dentures, your dentist will consult with you about your options, the healing process, and best practices for maintaining your dentures. It is important to maintain your daily brushing routine as well as clean and sanitize your dentures for overall mouth health.

To learn more about dentures, or to schedule an appointment today, visit us at http://www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com/.

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Brighten and Whiten with a Professional Whitening Session | Tyngsboro Dentist

Interested in getting that brighter and whiter smile you’ve always wanted? You aren’t alone. Whitening products and treatments are some of the more common dental requests. Not only because there are loads of products over-the-counter to purchase, but because whitening is a simple, immediate way to improve your smile.

Generally, there are two types of professional teeth whitening services offered. And here is how it all breaks down:

Professional bleaching and laser whitening. This is what we all know as professional whitening. This in-office procedure is done by applying hydrogen peroxide or other similarly strong active agents to the teeth to help remove both deep and surface stains. Although more expensive, you can opt for laser whitening, which involves the use of similar active agents only with the addition of a strong laser to help speed up the bleaching process.

Whitening trays. The use of whitening trays is mostly an in-home procedure. The dentist simply creates a custom mouthpiece you’ll wear for several hours every day or even overnight for as much as two weeks. In most cases, the mouthpieces can be used again.

Prior to the procedure, dentists will usually take an extensive oral health history, checking for previous and current cases of tooth sensitivity and discoloration. There are potential side effects worth taking note of, including irritation, sensitive teeth, and sore throat during and after the treatment.

Once you are done with your treatment, realize the work falls on your hands to keep your teeth bright. Proper dental hygiene and avoiding bad habits is imperative to keep your smile looking gorgeous for as long as possible.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Tips to Make Your Veneers Last as Long as Possible | Tyngsboro Dentist

We all want that perfect smile, but for many of us, it doesn’t happen naturally. In fact, most of us need a bit of dental work to achieve the smile we’ve always wanted. Thanks to modern medicine, porcelain veneers are one of the top cosmetic dentistry procedures and can really turn your smile around. But the longevity of your porcelain veneers greatly depends on how well you take care of them. So, pay attention to aftercare instructions from your dentist and these simple tips for optimal longevity:

Practice good dental hygiene. Good oral care at home helps to prevent periodontitis, which can cause your gums to recede. Veneers are placed right at the gum line. If your gums do start to recede the appearance of your veneers could be compromised.

Avoid excessive force. This is a habit for many of us, but your smile doesn’t like it. Things like biting your nails or chewing ice can break or dislodge a veneer, and for some, could be the reason you have the veneer in the first place. Make a conscious effort to stop these types of habits.

Quit clenching and grinding your teeth. By grinding your teeth your veneers can be chipped or broken due to the force generated by these actions. If you suffer from bruxism at night, find out about getting a night guard to protect your teeth and veneers.

Limit foods and drinks that stain. And lastly, while porcelain veneers are very resistant to staining the cement used to hold them in place can stain over time. Try to avoid coffee, tea, soda, wine and tobacco.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Dental Prosthesis: Three Ways to Improve Your Smile | Tyngsboro Dentist

In the quest for the perfect smile, the options can be a bit overwhelming. You and your dental professional will sit down to discuss what you would like to see in your smile, eventually finalizing a treatment plan. And depending on your particular case, a dental implant or two may be called for. And while the artificial tooth roots are all made of titanium screws, not every dental prosthesis is the same.

Dental crowns. A dental crown is a cap that fits over the top of a tooth and is made to match the color and shape of the natural tooth. To place an implant-supported crown, the natural tooth will first need to be extracted, an implant screw is placed in the jawbone and an abutment is attached. Once the implant site has healed and the bone has fused with the implant, a permanent dental crown replaces the temporary crown.

Implant-supported dental bridge. While a dental crown is a single cap, a dental bridge is made up of two dental crowns with a fake tooth or teeth between them. Implant-supported bridges are used when the natural teeth are unable to support a dental prosthesis. The placement of a dental bridge is similar to placing a dental crown, but instead two dental implants are placed.

Implant-supported denture. Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are used to restore an entire upper or lower arch of teeth. Although dentures can be used as a removable dental prosthesis, fixed dentures used dental implants for permanent stabilization in the mouth. Placing an implant-supported denture requires the placement of at least four dental implants and the extraction of any remaining decayed or damaged teeth.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Foods to Eat as Your Mouth Heals | Tyngsboro Dentist

There comes a time in everyone’s life that a dental procedure needs to be done. We aren’t talking about a dental examination – those are a part of a thorough check-up. We’re talking dental procedure – something you’ll likely need some type of anesthetic to complete. And after oral surgery, your mouth is going to be very tender and will need some time to recover. But you’re hungry! Don’t worry – we have a step-by-step guide to help you eat your way back to health. After all, our smiles are in recovery mode and the goal is to avoid infection and irritation. After your procedure, the American Dental Association recommends these staples:

  • Pureed or cream soups
  • Oatmeal or cream of wheat
  • Cottage cheese
  • Soft scrambled eggs
  • Yogurt
  • Smoothies or shakes
  • Mashed potatoes

When it comes to temperature, the operative word is warm. Hot or cold foods and drinks can affect the healing process.

Eating a balanced diet with lots of protein can help you heal because it helps build and repair muscle, skin, and tissue. You can easily get lots of protein from protein powder mixed with milk or water, soup with beef or chicken broth. There are also several soft fruit and veggie options to ensure you get adequate nutrition while healing. For example, you can eat mashed avocado to get the small amount of recommended healthy fat you need per day. Peaches, kiwi, and strawberries are soft and high in vitamin C, which helps repair tissues. Keep things as low in sugar as possible to avoid gum disease and once your dentist signs off on crunchier foods, slowly introduce them back into your diet.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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When Your Smile Needs to Go to Rehab | Tyngsboro Dentist

Because there are so many types of dental issues, dental professionals have dedicated their careers to developing various procedures to repair said issues. And while we aren’t all born with a naturally brilliant smile, all is not lost. It may be just a simple whitening procedure or a round of braces, to something more extensive like a total smile makeover.

If most—or all—of your teeth are crooked, broken or decayed, you may have given up hope for a healthy, beautiful smile. For many, it causes issues with self-esteem, others day-to-day functions like eating or speaking. A total smile makeover, also known as full-mouth rehabilitation combines the best technology, materials and techniques with decades of advanced clinical training and experience.

People of all ages seek full-mouth rehabilitation for many reasons, including inherited dental problems, such as a bad bite, traumatic injuries from car accidents or sports, or chronic illnesses. Tooth-grinding, acid reflux, bulimia, and drug and alcohol abuse may also inflict severe damage on the teeth. Full-mouth rehabilitation can be used to solve a variety of dental problems, including:

  • pain or soreness in the teeth, gums or jaw
  • missing teeth
  • loose teeth
  • decay in most or all teeth
  • bad breath
  • severely worn, shortened teeth
  • severe erosion of the enamel
  • extremely sensitive teeth
  • teeth that are cracked, chipped or broken
  • crowns or bridges that crack, chip or break
  • an overbite or protruding jaw
  • crooked or misshapen teeth
  • discolored teeth
  • a narrow or a “gummy” smile
  • ear congestion and/or dizziness
  • headaches or migraines

If you’re ready to get the smile that you’ve always dreamed of, make an appointment to see your dental professional as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Everything You Need to Know About Hybridge Implants | Tyngsboro Dentist

We all want to have a great smile and will jump through some dental hoops to get it. We will even buy various over-the-counter products, like teeth whitening kits, in order to get the smile that we dream of. Cosmetic dentistry is the best way to achieve the more intricate work we need done. However, you may not know that depending on your smile’s health, you may not be eligible for the work you’d like done. For example, some patient’s teeth may be too crooked to use invisible braces like Invisalign, or gum disease could prevent you from getting other types of cosmetic dental work, like dental implants.

If your dentist claims that you are ineligible for traditional dental implants, there is no need to fret – there is a new option that can help to get that smile you want. Dr. Yankowkas has integrated Hybridge implants to create the smile you’ve always wanted. These dental implants are ideal for patients for those that don’t qualify dental implants.

Hybridge is a specific technique/protocol that results in a fast, cost effective, simplified treatment approach. The final prosthetic restoration is a cross-linked PMMA and chrome cobalt bridge replacing up to 12 teeth, supported on 5 or 6 dental implants. Told you can’t have an implant? The Hybridge process utilizes bone that all patients already have. The result is full dental function for less than half the cost of conventional implant bridgework and in a fraction of the time. In fact, The Hybridge treatment process can be completed in as little as two weeks, but ultimately depends on the patient’s individual case.

You can have the smile you’ve always wanted. Dental technology is pretty fantastic these days.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Options for Optimal Smile Improvement | Tyngsboro Dentist

When we begin to consider making improvements to our smile, the smartest thing to do is to schedule a dental appointment in order to discuss your ideas with your dental professional. They know your smile best and can give you proper feedback as to what your options are. Together you will devise a plan to ensure you will get the smile you’ve always wanted. Here is a rundown of the more common cosmetic dental procedures. Each has its own improvement, but not all are going to be necessary.

Bleaching. Bleaching is a common and popular process in which individuals use chemicals to whiten their teeth. This can be performed by your dentist or at home through a series of dental supervised techniques.

Bonding. Bonding is tooth-colored material in which is used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. This usually only requires a single dental visit and bonding lasts for several years.

Crowns. Crowns are caps that are placed over teeth in order to restore it to its natural shape and appearance. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but also take the most time to complete.

Veneers. Veneers are pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth in order to change the color or shape of teeth. This procedure requires your dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Before the custom veneer is cemented directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff your tooth to compensate for the added thickness.

Contouring. This is a procedure used to correct crooked teeth or irregularly shaped teeth that may overlap. This is commonly used to alter the length, shape, or position of your teeth. Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with bite.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Replace a Flawed Tooth in a Day? | Tyngsboro Dentist

endodontist

We do our best to maintain the healthiest, brightest smile we possibly can through our daily dental hygiene routines. Each day we brush, floss and rinse, hoping that we are doing everything we can to keep out of the dental chair for some painful procedure. But accidents happen, and sometimes our mouth is the victim. It’s time to get spend loads of time in the dentist chair, trying to repair our broken tooth, right? Not so fast…

CEREC® is the world’s only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one office visit. That’s right – with CEREC® you can be in and out in a single visit with a permanent, all-ceramic crown, onlays, or veneers. This means fewer injections, less drilling, and less time out of your hectic schedule for dental care.

A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings or discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive, and plaque-resistant. We no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated.

The tooth that requires a CEREC® restoration is prepared and a 3D photograph is taken of the prepared tooth. From there, we use computer-aided design CAD software to create the restoration digitally. Using a single block of porcelain that is color-matched to your tooth, the digitally designed restoration is sent to a milling machine for shaping. The milling process usually takes about 15 minutes per restoration. Once the restoration is finished being milled, it is fitted onto the prepared tooth and adjusted until the bite is accurate.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.