fillings

Sealants, or plastic coatings that cover the surface of teeth (particularly molars and premolars), help prevent tooth decay by smoothing out uneven surfaces where bacteria and acids could get trapped. There are many different types of sealants, including: resin-based, glass ionomer, etc.

This treatment is especially recommended for children, but is also an option for adults who are prone to cavities. Even though brushing, flossing, and fluoride mouthwashes can remove plaque from your teeth, sealants add an extra layer of protection.

According to a systematic review of sealants published by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2013, scientists concluded that getting sealant treatment effectively reduces cavities for at least four years and that children without sealants were twice as likely to get cavities as those with sealants. Additionally, both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend the application of sealants.

Sealants are also cost-effective compared to fillings. Although the cost depends on your insurance, fillings cost about $100 per cavity, while sealants only cost about $30 to $40 per tooth.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and their newest addition to the team, Dr. Zarah Ali, if you have any thoughts or concerns. The caring team at Wellesley Dental Group will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist Dr. Van. Dr. Emad is happy to help with your orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other periodontal or oral surgery needs, Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.

Resources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/upshot/defending-your-childrens-teeth-and-dentists-the-value-of-sealants.html?_r=2

http://www.cochrane.org/CD001830/ORAL_sealants-for-preventing-dental-decay-in-the-permanent-teeth

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/procedures/sealants/article/dental-sealants

http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/ADA_sealants_work_facebook.jpg?la=en

http://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30473-1/pdf

Dental amalgam, a type of filling material that is a combination of mercury, silver, tin, and other metals, is a cheap and long-lasting way to restore your teeth and prevent further tooth decay.

However, a study that analyzed the link between dental fillings and mercury exposure of around 15,000 individuals conducted by the department of environmental health science from University of Georgia's College of Public Health reports that using amalgam can cause mercury levels to be prolonged in the body. This is the first study that controls for variables such as age, ethnicity, race, gender, and diet.

The study's main author, Lei Yin, PhD, MD, MS, says that although tooth decay is a common problem, there is little discussion concerning the different types of dental materials available. Co-author Xiaozhong "John" Yu adds that they hope the study accurately measures mercury level exposure so that scientists can assess future risks.

Although the Food and Drug Administration deemed amalgam fillings safe for adults and children over 6 years old in 2009, the researchers found that there was a dramatic increase in methyl mercury, which is most likely linked to dental amalgam. A high level of mercury is toxic and could result in problems in the brain, heart, kidney, lung, and immune system.

Because it is essential that our patients are properly informed about their choices for dental fillings, please ask us any questions about whether or not the materials we use have an impact on your health!

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and their newest addition to the team, Dr. Zarah Ali, if you have any thoughts or concerns. The caring team at Wellesley Dental Group will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist Dr. Van. Dr. Emad is happy to help with your orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other periodontal or oral surgery needs, Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.

Resources:

http://www.dentistrytoday.com/news/industrynews/item/1266-amalgam-fillings-may-raise-mercury-levels-in-the-body?hq_e=el&hq_m=1088158&hq_l=2&hq_v=7c40e2efa1

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/procedures/fillings/article/dental-amalgam-a-health-risk

http://smilebydesign.in/pics/amalgam_fillings.jpg

What comes to mind when you hear cosmetic dentistry? Chances are, you thought of teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is a great option for a brighter and dazzling smile. However, there are so many additional ways that cosmetic dentistry can benefit your smile. Some of these include dental veneers, dental bonding and dental implants. In this article, we’ll take a look at each of these and their benefits. Remember to always consult with your dentist about what forms of cosmetic dentistry would be best for you.

Dental veneers are generally extremely thin porcelain shells that fit the front of your teeth. During the procedure, the front of the teeth are buffed down about half a millimeter to allow room for the veneer. Your teeth will then be cleansed with bonding chemicals to ensure the cement is successful. Afterward, your veneers will be cemented to the front of your teeth. Veneers are a great alternative to fillings when unfortunate drilling must be done on the front of your teeth. Fillings don’t always match the color of teeth and can look rather unpleasant in your smile. Dental veneers are also a more permanent alternative to teeth whitening. Veneers are also used to cover up gaps in the front teeth and to give you your ideal smile!

Dental bonding is a process in which a plastic resin material is shaped and hardened to bond to any part of your crown. Bonding is generally used to fix chipped teeth, close gaps or repair severe decay. The putty-like material is molded into shape for the desired effect and hardened with a special light. Dental bonds are tooth colored, so you don’t have to worry about having an obvious filling in your tooth. When teeth undergo decay, they can end up with holes and unwanted shaping. Fix this by asking your dentist about dental bonding!

Dental implants are the most complicated procedures of this trio. Implants are used when someone is missing a tooth or must have a tooth replaced. This involves a surgical procedure to fixture the root of the implants in your gums and jawbone. The implant will fuse over time through osteo-processes as if it was one of your very own teeth. It is vital that you consider this procedure with your dentist as the healing time can take anywhere between 2-6 months. This can be a truly positive  life-changing procedure!

Next time you think of cosmetic dentistry, think of endless possibilities for a superb smile! Smiling is so important and necessary for a healthy life. If you're not happy with your smile, cosmetic dentistry is the perfect place to start. Remember to consider your options wisely as these procedures are not always covered by insurance policies and all have varying healing times. Cosmetic dentistry can increase your self-esteem and give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of, so don’t be afraid to do further research.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Van. Dr. Emad is happy to help with your orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.

References:

http://www.dentalimplantcostarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cosmetic-dentistry-costa-rica097.jpg

You know what they all say, “Sip All Day, Get Decay!” It's not only a catchy phrase, it's the truth! There is a clear correlation between soda consumption and tooth decay, as well as to other health complications including diabetes, kidney problems, and obesity. We all are familiar with the fact that bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and carbohydrates from the foods and beverages you consume to acids, which decays tooth enamel. What's even scarier is that the acids can remain in the mouth for 20 minutes after snacking or drinking.

To avoid this reality, many turn to diet soda thinking that there will be no consequences for their teeth. You may have even been asked at one point or another, "Which is better, Diet Coke or regular Coke?" It turns out that their damaging effects on teeth are roughly the same!

What many individuals may not realize is that diet soda is still acidic, which negatively impact the health of your teeth.  Research from the Minnesota Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, and the University of Cincinnati Biology Department shows the pH of a regular Coke is around 2.6, which is highly acidic. On the other hand, the pH of diet coke is about 3.2. For comparison, the pH of battery acid is 1, which isn't too far off from the pH values of soda! While diet soda may not be as bad as regular soda, they do contain acids, which can cause serious damage to teeth. Phosphoric acid and citric acid is often present in many diet sodas to add flavor to the drink. These acids can demineralize and decalcify teeth. Sometimes the damage may require fillings, root canals, dental crowns, dental implants, dentures or other dental procedures.

Not to mention, many beverages use artificial flavorers and sweeteners in place of sugar for the purpose of maintaining the flavor. Although they may not contain sugar, they can make beverages acidic and can cause many problems for your teeth.

In addition to having negative oral health effects, diet soda can have a significant impact on your kidneys. According to an 11-year study at Harvard Medical School with 3,000 women participants, researchers discovered that diet cola is linked with a two-fold increased risk for kidney failure. Kidney function began to decline as women drank two or more sodas a day.

A consistent consumption of both regular and diet soda is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Children and young adults are most prone to tooth decay because their tooth enamel is not yet fully developed. Unfortunately, many children and young adults in the United States  have decreased their intake of milk  and increased their intake of soda. In fact, according to research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, children are consuming it more than double the rate of the last 10 years. Soda consumption among adults has grown approximately 25 percent!

A healthy diet plays an important role in your overall health. It is essential to choose foods and beverages that provide vitamins and minerals for not only a healthy body, but also a healthy mouth. Avoid giving the label, "diet or sugar-free" the same meaning as, "healthy for teeth!" You can prevent tooth decay and other health problems by staying hydrated with water and implementing good oral health habits. If you are a soda-lover, make sure to drink in moderation. Also, limit your intake of carbonated beverages, including sports drinks and juice. Most importantly, make sure that you are not substituting acidic beverages for water.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist Dr. Van. Dr. Emad is happy to help with your orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.

References:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Sugar-free-drinks-Are-they-safe-for-teeth/articleshow/46515368.cms

http://www.wda.org/your-oral-health/sip-all-day

http://www.myhousecallmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/diet-soda.jpg

Did you know that coconut oil acts as a natural antibiotic when digested? Did you also know that it kills the bacteria responsible for tooth decay? It's true! There's also evidence to suggest that the antibiotic part of the oil can be added to oral hygiene products.

Dr. Damien Brady and his team at the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland are responsible for these findings. They set out to see if the natural antibiotic in coconut oil could be used to fight strains of streptococcus bacteria, which is commonly found in the mouth and responsible for tooth decay.

The researchers tested the impact of coconut oil, vegetable oil and olive oil in their natural states and when treated with enzymes, in a process similar to digestion.  The oils were then tested against Streptococcus bacteria which are common inhabitants of the mouth. Only the enzyme-modified coconut oil showed an ability to halted most strains of bacteria from reproducing. It also attacked Streptococcus mutans, an acid-producing bacterium which is a major cause of tooth decay.

Test studies have also found that semi-digested coconut oil kills Candida albicans, a yeast that causes thrush. The scientists think that enzyme-modified coconut oil, meaning in its semi-digested state, could possibly have antimicrobial properties in oral healthcare, specially in hygiene products.

The research gave some insight into the workings of antibacterial activity in the human gut. "Our data suggests that products of human digestion show antimicrobial activity. This could have implications for how bacteria colonise the cells lining the digestive tract and for overall gut health," said Dr Brady.

Dr. Brady said: "Dental caries is a commonly overlooked health problem affecting 60-90% of children and the majority of adults in industrialized countries. Incorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives, particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations."

    Drs. Ali & Ali are happy to answer any questions you may have about this exciting new discovery! Or, if you have a different question or concern, don't hesitate to contact us at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist Dr. Kim or Dr.Pradhan. Dr. Emad is happy to help with your orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.

References:
http://www.ait.ie/aboutaitandathlone/newsevents/pressreleases/2012pressreleases/title-16107-en.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-19435442
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/en_US/images/ItemImages_SW/images_Xl/BAR033_Xl.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71SWHpNlPeL._SL1500_.jpg
http://images.iherb.com/l/SPE-11201-1.jpg
http://foodmatters.tv/images/coconut-oil.jpg
http://www.lesliekeegan.com/sites/default/files/coconut-oil1.jpg

LEARN HOW INVISALIGN CAN WORK FOR YOU

Thursday, January 23rd
3 - 6 pm

Drs. Ali & Ali will be providing FREE consultations to answer your questions about Invisalign treatment, the clear way to straighten teeth. If you have wondered if Invisalign is right for you, make an appointment for this special event.

Down payment matching with dollar value up to $500
Complimentary teeth whitening - a $550 value
Financing options available

Space is limited to the first 10 appointments.

If you would like to schedule or have any questions please don't hesitate to call
(781)237-9071 or email smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com

Read more about Invisalign here!

Prevent Cavities with Fluoride Varnish

Growing up, children start to develop a sweet tooth and begin to dig in to various desserts and candies. While sweets may leave kids happy, their teeth may be battling the development of cavities. A great way to slow down or help cavities from getting bigger is to give a child fluoride varnish. Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that can be painted on a child’s teeth to keep cavities from forming. If a child already has cavities, no fear! Fluoride varnish can be painted over teeth with cavities to prevent them from worsening. This varnish can be painted on a child’s teeth one or two times per year. Researchers have deemed ...the application of fluoride varnish to be safe and accepted. While this resin-based varnish adheres to teeth, fluoride is ingested over a period of time as the varnish slowly comes off. While a fluoride varnish can help maintain good oral health, it is not a ticket out of visiting a dentist to receive routine check ups. When this varnish is applied, the child’s teeth may look yellow in color and be a bit sticky to the touch on the first day. No worries; the color and the stickiness will eventually disappear. After a coat of fluoride varnish is applied, children can drink water at any time. However, children should only eat soft foods for their next meal and they should try to avoid sticky foods for the remainder of the day. These foods can include chewing gum, gummy bears, toffee, etc. A fluoride varnish also allows children to have a free pass on brushing their teeth for the day; this is the only time children should not brush or clean their teeth until the following day.

Don't forget, fluoride varnishes are also recommended for adults!  If you have any more questions, feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com

Also, check out this AGD fact sheet!

References:

http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/fluoride-varnish

http://www.astdd.org/docs/Sept2007FINALFlvarnishpaper.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12137653

http://www.ada.org/sections/newsAndEvents/pdfs/fluoridation_facts.pdf

[caption id="attachment_5991" align="alignleft" width="614"] The Caring Team at Wellesley Dental Group[/caption]

Here at Wellesley Dental Group, we have built our team with a spirit of family and togetherness. Just this weekend, we joined together at the home of Drs. Ali and Ali and shared laughs, smiles and celebrations that come with the holidays. It is this warm sense of family that we have that we would like to share with you, our patients and our extended family. Through your support and trust, together, we have created the community that is Wellesley Dental Group!

We want to wish you all a very happy, warm, and beautiful Holiday Season!

From: The Caring Team at Wellesley Dental Group

A while ago, we blogged about a possible sugar tax being implemented on foods with added sugar and sweeteners, such as soft drinks. It was designed to discourage both adults and children from purchasing unhealthy food and drink. Now it seems that the next step has been taken by reducing the availability of these items in schools, helping to further combat obesity.

There has been a huge reduction in drink calorie content available in schools (90%) between 2004-10. These numbers reflect the partnership between the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association with major drink companies to lessen these drinks' availability.

Vending machines in schools now look much different than in previous years. An assortment of water, milk, juice and sports drinks is what's typically available versus an assortment of sodas before. An assessment of the foods offered in school cafeterias will be underway soon as well.

As the obesity rate climbed, officials began to take notice and search for the cause. Christopher Ashley, supervisor of food and nutrition for Springfield City Schools, said:

“Nine years ago I came into this segment of food service, and you’d see a Honey Buns and two Mountain Dews for breakfast. Now kids are going through the line and getting a better breakfast. That’s just the start.”

The alliance between the William J. Clinton Foundation and beverage companies should continue to make a difference. As stated above, obesity rates have dropped significantly in the past few years. With an emphasis placed on health and wellness not just in schools, but in the media, it is believed that the rate will continue to drop. Once the school menus reflect the nutrition of the drinks, students will be at a major advantage for better overall health.

It's important to note that reducing the consumption of soft drinks will improve your smile! Drs. Ali & Ali are committed to spreading oral health awareness and urge you to opt for healthier drinks that don't damage teeth. Feel free to contact us with any questions at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com.

Sensitive teeth is a common problem. Teeth typically are sensitive due to the root surface becoming exposed. The root lacks the protective enamel to keep sensitivity at bay.

Some of the most common causes of sensitivity are gum recession, tooth decay, faulty fillings, and teeth grinding.

One of the most common ways to treat it is a special toothpaste formulated to alleviate sensitivity. They aim to help seal the weakened and exposed tooth structure.

It takes a few weeks for the toothpaste to fully take effect. If this does not seem to work, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. Drs. Ali would be happy to answer any questions you have, so feel free to contact us at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com.

We recently received the below review on Yelp. We are truly speechless and touched by our patient's kind words and comments. Thank you so very much!

08/07/12

"After a negative experience at another local dentist, I followed my friends' advice and took my then 2.5 year old twins to see Dr. Femina Ali at Wellesley Dental Group.  Immediately, she put my children's minds at ease--even conducting my daughter's dental exam in a waiting room chair when she was too nervous to sit in the big dental chair.  Dr Ali's patience and natural ability with children has had such a positive impact on my children that they actually LOOK FORWARD to their semi-annual cleanings and visits.
Once we saw firsthand their high level of service and dedication at the Pediatric level and realized that they work with adults as well, my husband and I switched for our own dental visits as well.  Now we all go as a family, which I feel sets an especially good example for my kids.  They see that we're making our dental care a priority, so they are as well. My husband and I have both needed fillings in the past five years, and Dr. Ejaz Ali is an absolute perfectionist (which we love)!  Using cutting edge technology, he makes a mold to not only fill the tooth, but to make it a seamless match that will last a lifetime and look like it was always part of the tooth.  He did such a great job that I opted to have my previous fillings taken out and replaced with his handiwork.  My teeth look great and my smile is brighter and healthier than ever!

In addition to Drs. Femina and Ejaz Ali, I also have to mention their staff.  They employ a team of people who are warm, engaging, and passionate about dental health.  In the office and representing the practice around town, they make everyone feel welcome and take a genuine interest in each patient.  They even help entertain our kids while we're having our teeth cleaned!

Over the years, we have used their Oral Surgeon Dr. Ghazi to extract numerous teeth from both children.  He has the gentlest touch and always took great care to make it quick, easy, and painless for my children.  My children have also seen Dr. Emad--their orthodontist--to have their teeth evaluated for future orthodonture needs.  As a busy working mom, I am so grateful to have these services offered in-house, so I don't have to go elsewhere.  It makes it so much easier for me, especially knowing their high standard of care.

All in all, we can't say enough about the Wellesley Dental Group.  They are what every dental practice should be.  After six years as patients and friends of the Wellesley Dental Group -- we wouldn't trust our teeth and smiles to anyone else!!" - Joanna

Fillings that do more than just fill in decay? It's true! Scientists at the University of Maryland have created the first dental filling that not only kills bacteria, but also helps regrow tooth that has been damaged be decay.

Professor Huakun Xu explains,

"Tooth decay means that the mineral content in the tooth has been dissolved by the organic acids secreted by bacteria residing in biofilms or plaques on the tooth surface. These organisms convert carbohydrates to acids that decrease the minerals in the tooth structure."

These new fillings, called nanocomposites, should last longer than the normal amount of time (five to ten years).  More tests must be conducted to confirm this, but this new technology will definitely change the world of dentistry.

You can read the full article here. Also, please contact us if you have any questions at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com!

A big part of self esteem comes from your smile. Do you have silver fillings that you are embarrassed about? Or, are you worried about the reported side effects of the mercury?

Composite (white) fillings are made of a synthetic resin and can be customized to match the shade of your teeth. Unlike amalgam (silver) fillings which fill in the cavity and require strenghtening elements to hold it in place, composite fillings offer more durability. They are combined with dentin and enamel bonding properties to restore the tooth to its near original strength. The result is a tough and undectable filling, and that's definitely something worth smiling about!

Some people worry about the mercury content in silver fillings. They are made of half powdered alloy of silver, tin and copper and half liquid mercury. The mercury acts as a binding agent to fuse the particles together. The strength of the filling depends on mercury due to its unique bonding properties. Mercury vapor is the type of mercury that people are exposed to. You can read more about the concerns here.

Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to learn more about composite fillings!

Most Americans are familiar with silver fillings (also known as amalgams) as they have been used for years to fill cavities.

However, as new materials and technology has come to market, there are more options available to patients, and more dentists willing to provide these options.

Without getting too technical, silver fillings can expand and contract with hot and cold, and this movement can cause cracks along the border of the filling. What this means is that tiny gaps exist between the actual tooth and filling, leaving room for bacteria to make its way beneath the filling.

Decay is not too pleasant to look at.

Fortunately,  resin based composite fillings as well as porcelain inlays, onlays, and crowns look more like our own teeth and they can be designed at the dentist in one-visit.  Dr. Ali often uses the CEREC machine to custom design a porcelain restoration that will save as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible.

Here's another example:

Porcelain is a material that gets bonded to teeth so it provides a strength that metals do not offer.  The finished product is a natural looking tooth that has been restored to its function, shape, strength, and beauty.