The practice of Dr. James Stein offers individuals in the Boston area a variety of restorative and cosmetic dentistry options. Some of our patients want to improve the appearance of their smiles; perhaps they have a small gap that they'd like filled, or they wish to lighten the color of their teeth. For these patients, we offer a wide selection of cosmetic dentistry options, including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and dental bonding. Other patients come to our practice for preventative care to maintain good oral health. For these individuals, we suggest regular oral examinations and professional cleanings. Dr. Stein will use only the most advanced technology to effectively care for your teeth and gums. Read on for more information about general and cosmetic dentistry at our practice, and if you have questions about any of the following procedures or treatments, please contact our office today.
One of the elements of a beautiful smile is a set of bright, white teeth. Dentists are now able to whiten teeth almost instantly through in-office treatments. During a teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Stein applies a peroxide-based gel to the surface of the teeth, and directs a light to photo activate the reactants in the gel and bleach the teeth. The in-office procedure takes about an hour, leaving you with noticeably whiter teeth. The procedure is completely safe and convenient for those with busy schedules. Dr. Stein also offers customized trays for easy, at-home teeth bleaching.
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Veneers are an excellent way to conceal dental imperfections such as chips, cracks, and discolorations. They can also be used to fill gaps and create symmetry in one's smile. Most procedures require just two visits and are completed in two weeks. These porcelain and ceramic shells are slipped over the surface of the teeth like sheaths and are secured into place with a strong dental adhesive. Although they are thin and lightweight, veneers are extremely durable and can last for decades with the proper care. Dr. Stein personally prepares the teeth to receive veneers that match the size, shape, and shade of the surrounding teeth so they blend in with the patient's smile while improving its overall appearance. If you are interested in learning more about veneers, contact our practice.
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Bonding uses a resin filled material to repair a tooth with structural damage and improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth. Bonding is a less expensive alternative to veneers, and can repair teeth that are crooked, misaligned, or discolored. Dr. Stein prepares the tooth by roughening the surface, then applies the resin to the tooth and sculpts it into the desired shape. Finally, he sets the resin by hardening it with an intense beam of light. Dr. Stein may suggest bonding as a way to treat damaged teeth because it leaves much of the original tooth intact while adding support to the tooth structure.
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Tooth-colored fillings, made of filled composite resin, are a more appealing choice than their traditional silver amalgam metal counterparts because they blend in with the surrounding teeth. Not only are the tooth-colored fillings discreet, but they are a safe and effective option. Silver amalgam fillings have been found to expand and contract with changes in the temperature, causing damage to the tooth, whereas tooth colored bonded fillings may support and strengthen the tooth.
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Some patients require a combination of treatments in order to achieve their desired results. Dr. Stein can evaluate your smile and recommend cosmetic options to straighten, whiten, and fill in gaps between teeth. He may suggest a set of porcelain veneers, or a teeth whitening treatment, or perhaps some bonding to eliminate a gap. Dr. Stein encourages patients to collaborate during their smile makeover; if you have a specific request that you'd like us to fulfill, please don't hesitate to share it with us. Our goal is your goal.
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Dr. Stein has been providing comprehensive dentistry services for many years; patients enjoy his warm demeanor and gentle technique. Since prevention and early treatment are essential to keeping teeth and gums healthy, Dr. Stein encourages patients to make visits to his office at least twice a year. During these visits, he can check for plaque build-up, fractures, cavities, and other bite or structural problems. Dr. Stein also conducts a professional cleaning to eliminate bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. Regular check-ups and cleanings prevent periodontal disease or infection, eliminating the need for costly and invasive dental treatments.
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During an oral exam, Dr. Stein screens for cavities, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer to effectively examine the mouth, teeth, and gums. Often, oral cancer is asymptomatic in its early stages, so the disease may go unnoticed. A professional oral examination with Dr. Stein may reveal any cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions. If these conditions are detected, Dr. Stein has the techniques to treat the disease before it progresses any further.
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Brushing, flossing, and following a healthy diet are excellent ways to keep teeth and gums strong and healthy. Regular, professional cleanings are just as important as a good daily oral hygiene regimen. A thorough cleaning will eliminate bacteria or decay and prevent more serious problems from developing. We suggest that you visit our office twice a year to maintain great oral health.
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Extracting a tooth is never the first line of defense; Dr. Stein will exhaust all other options before recommending an extraction. In cases where he needs to extract a tooth, our staff will ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed. We will provide you with detailed post-procedure instructions to follow so that recovery is as quick and painless as possible. You may opt to have a bridge, dental implant, dentures, or partial dentures placed to fill the gap.
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We realize that emergencies, such as those involving cracked or fractured teeth, can happen even at the most inconvenient moment. For this reason, we are prepared to handle dental emergencies; you may contact our office’s 24-hour live answering service at any time to receive assistance.
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Prevention plays a key role in oral health, and fluoride treatments are an effective way to ward off tooth decay. Though there are several ways to receive fluoride on your own (drinking water, supplements, toothpaste, and mouth rinse), Dr. Stein offers professional-strength fluoride treatments at his practice.
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TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which is located where the jawbone meets the skull. TMJ disorders can cause excruciating facial pain, clicking or popping noises, headaches, earaches, and general discomfort. Some of the causes are misaligned bites, arthritis, a dislocated joint, or teeth clenching and grinding. After diagnosing TMJ disorder through an extensive examination and analysis of your bite and jaw, Dr. Stein can treat it with restorative procedures to correctly align the teeth and bite. Dr. Stein also offers services to repair teeth that have been damaged by TMJ disorder as a result of teeth grinding or clenching.
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Constantly grinding or clenching your teeth (known as bruxism) can damage the tooth's enamel, fracture the structure of your tooth, or cause temporomandibular joint pain. Dr. Stein offers teeth grinding therapy and mouth guards at his practice to help patients break the habit.
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At our full service dental practice, Dr. Stein and his staff offer a selection of restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry options to keep teeth looking and feeling great. To learn more about our practice or to set up an appointment, contact the office of Dr. Stein today.