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Diabetes and Your Oral Health

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Diabetes

Over 9 million people in the United States have diabetes, and about 1.4 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed every year. In fact, more than one in every 10 adults who are over the age of 20 have it. March 28th is the official American Diabetes Association’s Alert Day. Find out more about what you can do to protect yourself.

Do you suffer from diabetes?

What is it?

Diabetes is a number of diseases that involve problems with the hormone insulin. Normally, the pancreas releases insulin to help your body store and use the sugar and fat from the food you eat. Diabetes can occur when your pancreas produces very little or no insulin, or when your body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin. Every 21 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes, and as of now– there’s no cure. Additionally, the disease is directly linked to poor oral health.

What’s the correlation?

Your oral health affects your overall health in a big way. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body.

Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes and you might be surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with the condition. Research shows that there’s an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes. Other complications associated with it include heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

The progression of gum disease.

Not only are diabetics more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of it. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). All diabetics are at an increased risk for gum disease because they’re generally more susceptible to bacterial infection. Therefore, they have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

It’s manageable.

Stop tooth loss before it starts.

If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you’re more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth. Like all infections, serious gum disease may be a factor in causing blood sugar to rise and may make diabetes harder to control. Maintaining good oral health is an essential part of living a healthy life. Additionally, diabetics need to manage their disease closely to stay healthy.

Make An Appointment

See us twice a year.

Always keep us informed of any changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is irregular.

The American Dental Association says that good oral health is integral to general health. Therefore, be sure to brush and floss properly and see us for regular checkups.

If it’s been over six months since your last appointment–make one today!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Smile Makeovers

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Put your trust in us.

What a difference a beautiful smile makes! We know that choosing the right cosmetic dentist who will makeover your smile takes a great deal of trust. But, no matter what it is that you want to change about your teeth– we can help.

Are you worried about the results? How will you know that you’ll be satisfied? At Burba Dental, we strive to put your mind at ease with our beautiful smile guarantee. In fact, we guarantee that if you’re ever unsatisfied with any of our work, we’ll fix it– free of charge, until you’re satisfied. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite smile makeovers!

Amy

Before.

After.

Amy came to our office during a difficult time in her life. She was 34, facing a divorce, and coping with life as a single mother of two children. Her confidence and self-esteem were very much affected by not only what was happening in her personal life, but also by her smile. She felt like she needed to hide her teeth due to the visible decay and discoloration from old bonding. After repairing and restoring her teeth with porcelain veneers, Amy had a sudden boost in confidence. Her new, beautiful smile and increase in self-esteem resulted in Amy’s ability to move forward in both her personal and professional life.

Deb

Before.

After.

Deb, 58, always wanted “perfect” teeth. She felt as though her teeth made her look older, and she wanted a more youthful appearance. Using both crowns and veneers, we gave Deb a full smile makeover. When we handed her the mirror afterward, she began to cry and believed her outward appearance finally matched how she felt inside. Beautiful!

Frank

Before.

After.

Frank’s career involves close interactions with people on a daily basis. Over the years, his teeth deteriorated. Several were missing and those that remained were badly broken down. Frank was hesitant to have his teeth fixed because of unpleasant dental experiences in the past. He had always chosen to extract the teeth that were broken and decayed instead of repairing them. After a great deal of consideration, Frank chose to have his smile restored. As a result, we were able to give him back his beautiful and youthful smile. He had both upper and lower teeth restored with fillings, bridges, crowns, and veneers.

Deidre

Before.

After.

Deirdre, 37, always felt as though her smile made her look like a child. With her sister’s wedding approaching, she found a new motivation to improve her smile. Deirdre wanted a more sophisticated appearance for the wedding photos, and with six porcelain veneers, we were able to give her the look she always wanted.

Make An Appointment

Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

If there’s something about your teeth that you want to change, schedule a consultation for a smile makeover and let us work our magic! You’ll love your new smile– we guarantee it.

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Make This Halloween Tooth Friendly

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Happy Halloween!

Trick-or-Treat.

Just thinking about Halloween candy and its effect on your children’s teeth is enough to make you want to avoid the holiday all together. But don’t fret, your kids CAN eat candy, and trick-or-treat with their friends– and still be healthy.

Tooth Decay in Children

More than half of all children have cavities by the second grade.

The U.S. Surgeon General recognizes oral health as critical to overall well-being. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, cavities are a chronic disease that’s five times more common than asthma among our nation’s children.

The majority of tooth decay occurs from eating foods that contain sugars or starches that enable bacteria in dental plaque to produce acids. If the acids remain in their mouth for longer than 20 minutes, it can lead to a loss of tooth minerals and eventually– cavities.

Making Better Choices

The kind of candy they eat makes a difference.

Choosing the right kinds of candies and snacks this Halloween is a crucial part to keeping your kiddos teeth healthy.

Try and avoid lollipops or any hard candies that will allow large amounts of sugar to sit in their mouth for long periods of time. If your child licks a piece of hard candy every few minutes, they’ll be more susceptible to tooth decay, because long-lasting snacks create an acid attack the entire time they’re in the mouth. Therefore, one approach would be to allow your little witches and goblins to indulge in their Halloween candy at mealtimes– instead of as a snack.

In addition, avoid sour candies, since they’re highly acidic, and taffy– because it can get stuck in their teeth.

Don’t worry– we aren’t making you avoid all of the good stuff this holiday. Grab some dark chocolate! Its antioxidant properties will help to keep your kid’s hearts healthy.

Furthermore, sugar-free hard candies can stimulate saliva and prevent dry mouth.

Finally, chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps to prevent cavities, by aiding in removing food particles in teeth left behind that cause decay.

We’ll Buy Back Your Candy!

Donate your candy to this wonderful cause.

We’re having an awesome event that we’d love for you to participate in. This Halloween, if you have leftover candy, or candy that you don’t want your children to eat– donate it!  On November 2nd, we’ll buy back your unwanted candy and donate it to servicemen and women overseas. It’s a great way to teach your kids about our military and giving back to the community. Plus, they get a little cash incentive. It’s a win-win.

Have Fun

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

It’s okay to let your children have Halloween treats– just make sure they do it in moderation. Depriving your kids of all candy will only make them want it more. Remember, good dental health depends on more than just their diet.

Practice good oral hygiene by making sure your kiddos brush and floss every day, use fluoride toothpaste, and visit us regularly. If it’s been over six months since they’ve been in to see us, make an appointment today.

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Meet The Burbas

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Drs. Randall and Stanley Burba

Between the two of them, they have a lot of knowledge.

They’re your favorite dentists, but how much do you really know about them? Find out more about the amazing doctor and son team– the Burbas!

Dr. Randall Burba, DDS

Dr. Randall Burba, DDS

Dr. Randall Burba, DDS

Dr. Randy Burba earned his undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry from Providence College in Rhode Island, and in 1995 he earned his doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He began his dental career alongside his father, Dr. Stanley Burba, in Salem, MA.

Dr. Burba is committed to providing his patients with exceptional care. For sixteen years he’s been practicing general dentistry in a family practice with an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry. His high work ethic means that he won’t just rely on his years of experience. Additionally, Dr. Burba and his team offer state-of-the-art dentistry to their patients through a considerable amount of continuing education, and both Dr. Randy and Dr. Stanley are AACD accredited.

AACD Accreditation

AACD accreditation is the standard of excellence in the cosmetic dentistry field, and only around one out of every 500 dentists worldwide have attained this level.

The process of obtaining accreditation includes:

-An extensive written examination.

-An oral examination administered by the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry.

-Close-up photographic documentation of a broad range of cosmetic treatments performed on patient.

-A peer review of their artistic skills in delivering cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Randy has also held leadership positions in the AACD and he’s a past president of the New England Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the national AACD.

Advanced Training

Dr. Randy Burba doesn’t limit his advanced training to cosmetic dentistry. While Massachusetts requires 20 hours of continuing education each year, he routinely exceeds 100 hours, staying up with advances in implant dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and TMJ treatment. Furthermore, he’s a graduate of the Dawson Academy in Florida, which teaches full mouth rehabilitation, complex restorative dentistry and occlusion.

Personal Life

picture of a camera- Dr. Burbas passion

His other passion is photography!

In his spare time– when he’s not treating patients, Dr. Burba enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, woodworking, photography and traveling.

Dr. Stanley Burba, DDS

Dr. Stanley Burba DDS

Dr. Stanley Burba, DDS

Dr. Stanley Burba was raised in Salem, MA, and still lives here with his wife, Janet, a hygienist in our office. He’s been serving the Salem community for over forty years! After graduating from St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, MA, he received his Bachelors of Science from Northeastern University in Boston. He went on to attend Georgetown University School of Dentistry and received his DDS degree in 1965.

After graduating he held a position as an instructor in the Department of Crown and Bridge at Georgetown University Dental School in Washington, D.C. Then, in 1967, he left to serve our country in Vietnam and received a U.S. Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Dental Service. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and then a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps.

Once he returned home from Vietnam, he went on to open his family dental practice in Salem. He is committed to providing valued patient care in an environment of trust and understanding. His passion for dentistry is displayed in his desire to continue offering the best in patient care. In addition, he attends continuing education courses every year to keep up with the advances in dental medicine.

Awards

– Georgetown University of Dentistry Clinical Diligence Award (1965)

– U.S. Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Dental service in Vietnam (1967)

– Fellow International College of Dentists (1987)

Personal Life

Dr. Stanley and Mrs. Burba have four kids: Randall, Elaine, Elizabeth and Deborah. Between their four children, they have a whopping ten grandchildren! During their free time they enjoy traveling, boating and spending time with their family.

Make An Appointment

Picture of a calendar and a toothbrush to remind people to schedule their dental appts

Schedule your appointment today.

If it’s been over six months since you’ve been in to see us, request an appointment today or give us a call to schedule 978-744-7575!

Are You Following Us On Social Media?

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Stay connected.

Thanks for being such a loyal reader of the Burba Buzz!

Every day, more than one billion people connect with each other using social media. In just the last 10 years alone, social media has completely changed the way we communicate, and has allowed us to reach people all around the world. Here at Burba Dental Partners, we have 3 different social media platforms that we use to interact with our patients. We would love for you to follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

We have fun contests, deals, and all sorts of goodies in store for you. You can even schedule appointments, keep up with the latest office news, and find a wealth of information about your oral health.

Facebook

On our Facebook page, we like to keep you up-to-date with current news, photos, and events. Through Facebook, you can find a link to schedule an appointment, and we’re also available to answer any and all questions you may have for us. Let’s be friends.

Twitter

 

 

We love to tweet! On our Twitter, we share anything and everything related to your oral health. We have tips and tricks, along with informative articles about your dental and overall health and well-being. Follow us to join the fun. As an added bonus, we’ll even follow you back!

Instagram

Lastly, we have an Instagram. We enjoy posting pictures of our office events, and showing off our amazing patients. Dr. Burba even does volunteer trips to countries without adequate dental care and sends back pictures of the beautiful work he does.

Our other favorite thing to do on our Instagram page, is feature our patients posing with one of our in-office signs. The next time you’re in the office, just ask us to pose with the sign of your choice. We have a couple of options to choose from, and it’s especially fun for your little ones.

It’s true!

#showmeyoursmile

What Are You Waiting For?

If you like our content, or you’re a patient of yours– make sure you’re following us on all of our social media platforms. It’s a great way to communicate with us, and stay up to date with everything happening here at Burba. We can’t wait to be friends!

 

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

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What Is Oral Cancer?

Educate yourself and help stop the spread of oral cancer.

Oral cancer, a.k.a cancer of the mouth and upper throat, kills about one person every hour of every day of the year. Of the people that are newly diagnosed, about 40 percent won’t survive longer than five years. In addition, those who do survive can suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties eating and speaking. The death rate associated with oral cancers is particularly high since the cancer is often discovered late in its development.

Why Do We Have Oral Cancer Awareness Month?

Because the death rate is so high, it’s important we dedicate an entire month to educating the public about the risks. Oral Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated in April, and it’s a national screening campaign to end oral cancer. Awareness in the American public is low, and without education– the problem won’t get any better.

The purpose of the campaign is to remind everyone that regular cancer exams by your dentist, remain the best method to detect oral cancer in its early stages. The Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Oral Medicine, the American Dental Association, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, just to name a few– have all joined the Oral Cancer Foundation in its campaign to educate the public about knowing the risks.

Risks

Being aware of the symptoms and risk factors of oral and oropharyngeal cancer– along with early detection and treatment, may be the key to a complete recovery. There are a number of things that contribute to the onset of oral cancer, but the top three are tobacco, alcohol and HPV.

Tobacco

Tobacco can wreak havoc on your mouth.

Cigarette smoking puts you at a higher risk for developing mouth cancer, since tobacco smoke contains chemicals that have been proven to contribute to oral and esophageal cancer.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for a healthy mouth.

All forms of alcohol can cause or contribute to mouth cancer. Alcohol, particularly when used in addition to tobacco, has been recognized as an important risk factor for almost 50 years.

HPV

Young people are increasingly at risk for oral cancer due to HPV.

Finally, genital HPV, also known as the human papilloma virus, is a very common sexually transmitted disease. It usually causes no symptoms and goes away by itself, but it can cause serious illnesses, including oral cancer. In fact, HPV is responsible for approximately 60% of all oral cancers.

As a result, the fastest growing demographic of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals. If you have HPV, you’re 30 times more likely to develop oral cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of this terrible disease can help with early detection, and ultimately save lives. The following are all signs you could have oral cancer:

-A white or red patch in your mouth.

-A feeling that something is caught in your throat.

-Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

-A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat.

-Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw.

-Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth.

-Swelling of your jaw.

-Pain in one ear without hearing loss.

If you have any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you need to see us for an exam right away. Usually, these symptoms don’t mean cancer, but you need be sure. An infection or other problem can cause the same symptoms– but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Get Checked

We can’t stop this virus from spreading, but we do hope to save lives with professional involvement and public awareness. While the death toll is high, when cancers are detected and treated early, mortality and treatment related health problems are greatly reduced.

If you’ve never never had an oral cancer examination, there’s no better time to schedule one than this month. When you do, be sure to ask that this examination be made a routine part of all of your future dental check-ups. Make your appointment today!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Sugar and Your Teeth

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Sugar, Sugar

We know it’s tasty, but it hurts your pearly whites.

Everyone knows eating too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, but many aren’t exactly aware of how and why it happens. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in your mouth that uses sugar from foods and drinks to produce acids that dissolve and do damage to your teeth. Each acid attack lasts for around 20 minutes, but the good news is– it’s avoidable.

What Are The Effects?

According to the American Dental Association, your mouth is full of hundreds of bacteria. Some are helpful, but others can actually feed on the sugars you eat, and create acids that destroy your enamel. Tooth enamel is the shiny, protective outer layer of your teeth that keeps them healthy. Cavities are a bacterial infection created by acids that cause a hole in your teeth. Without proper treatment, cavities can progress past the enamel and into the deeper layers of your tooth, causing pain and even eventual tooth loss.

Avoid Sugary Drinks

That’s a lot of sugar for one drink!

 

Sugary drinks, including fruit drinks, sports drinks, sweetened waters, sugary teas, energy drinks, and sodas, have been recognized as the primary source of added sugars in American diets. Sugary drinks don’t make you feel full, so you eat the same amount of food as before– but with a lot of extra sugar calories on the side.

When you have a craving for one of these drinks, try choosing a healthy alternative, like water, milk, or 100% fruit juice with no added sugars.

The Remedy

To avoid having a mouth filled with cavities, we have several tips to prevent them.

Stimulate Saliva Flow

Make sure it’s sugar free!

In addition to cutting down on sugar, stimulating saliva flow is recommended. Chewing sugarless gum, and incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet that are high in fiber, are great ways to accomplish this. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products also contain calcium and phosphates that strengthen your teeth, and they’re much better choices than something high in sugar or starch.

Brush and Floss

Always brush after you eat or drink something with lots of sugar.

It’s important that you stay on top of your oral health by brushing and flossing twice a day. It’s even more crucial to brush after you consume sugar. Whenever you eat or drink something sweet, make sure you brush your teeth right when you’re finished. However, if whatever you have is acidic– wait at least a half hour before brushing or flossing.

Use Fluoride

Let fluoride do the work for you.

According to The American Dental Association, you should be using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to not only prevent tooth decay caused by too much sugar, but also reverses it in its early stages. The ADA also recommends professional fluoride treatments from a dentist.

In addition, you should try and introduce tap water into your routine. Fluoride is added to your tap water source and it doesn’t affect the appearance, smell or taste of your drinking water, but it does give you the benefit of helping to prevent cavities.

Finally, rinse your brush off before you add your toothpaste to avoid washing away the added fluoride.

Stay On Top Of It

Vigilance is the key to preventing the negative effects of sugar on your teeth. Limit your sugar intake, and always brush after eating anything with a high sugar content. Choose healthy foods and drinks that strengthen, instead of damage your teeth. Include regular appointments to see us and you’ll keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime.

 

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Celebrate World Oral Health Day!

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World Oral Health Day is celebrated on March 20th.

Each year, World Oral Health Day is celebrated around the world on March 20. It was created to spread the word about the importance of keeping your mouth healthy all year long.

This event is organized by the World Dental Federation, and was launched in 2013 to raise awareness about maintaining good oral health, and how it’s directly related to your overall health and well-being.

How do they spread the message?

Organizers decided to achieve this goal by launching an international awareness campaign that’s promoted locally by national dental associations in more than 140 countries worldwide.

The program offers dentists around the world the chance to make a difference with a worldwide effort to reduce tooth decay and organize events under a single message. Every year, a new message is chosen.

“Live Mouth Smart.”

This year’s message.

This year’s message is “Live Mouth Smart.” There are many different ways you can do this. The first thing you can do is to make sure you’re getting regular dental cleanings and check-ups. If you have kids, you should start having their teeth checked and cleaned from an early age. This helps them maintain the best oral health they can as they get older, and ensures they live not only a longer life– but also one free from pain.

It’s also important to understand the risk factors that lead to oral diseases. These include tobacco, harmful alcohol and unhealthy diets – especially those rich in sugar. Avoiding these risky behaviors can help you to protect your oral health and prevent other conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

Finally, “Living Mouth Smart”, means understanding that good oral health is much more than just having a nice smile. Oral diseases can impact every aspect of your life – including your ability to perform basic functions. A worst case scenario is oral cancer, which can have deadly consequences.

Our contribution.

Dr. Burba volunteering.

Every year, to help the people of Jamaica, Dr. Randy and Burba Dental Partners partner with the Great Shape! Inc. 1000 Smiles Program—the world’s largest international humanitarian dental project.

Dr. Burba joins over 350 volunteers who partner with the 1000 Smiles project. Together, they’re able to help serve more than 15,000 Jamaicans. Volunteer dentists and hygienists provide fillings, cleanings, extractions, sealants, dentures and education in pop-up dental clinics and schools.

Previous campaigns.

These campaigns were in the past, but their messages are just as important as ever. Previous campaign themes included:

2013: Healthy Teeth for a Healthy Life.

2014: Celebrating Healthy Smiles.

2015: Smile for Life!

2016: Healthy mouth. Health body.

Getting involved.

Dental education is important all over the world.

If you’re interested in celebrating World Oral Health Day, we encourage you to organize efforts on March 20 or within the month of March. Be sure to tag the American Dental Association, or use the hashtag #WOHD17 on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook posts.

You can also visit World Oral Health Day for more info.

Schedule a cleaning every 6 months.

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

 

15 Fun Facts About Your Teeth

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img_7768

 Teeth
They are strange little things
Always biting
Leaving their crescent, jagged mark
Everywhere
Tough bone, made to last
They say a smile on your face
Is the most beautiful accessory
A person can have
But no perfect smiles are without
Teeth

Our teeth are wonderful, fascinating things! Their main purpose is chewing, or breaking down items of food by cutting and crushing them in preparation for swallowing and digestion.

Let’s take a look at 15 facts about your pearly whites that you might be surprised to hear!

#1

33-percent-of-people-are-born-without-wisdom-teeth

Are you one of them?

#2

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Wow! That’s why you have to be so careful with them.

#3

Our ancestors had to improvise.

Our ancestors had to improvise.

#4

attachment-1-10

You should have all of your adult chompers by your teenage years.

#5

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Flossing your teeth does all of that? Who knew?

#6

img_8136

That’s a lot of missing teeth! Be aware of your surroundings.

 

#7

attachment-1-8

Healthy teeth require a lot of toothpaste!

#8

chewing-sugar-free-gum-rids-teeth-of-acid-1080x1080

Make sure it’s always sugar-free! Sugary gum is terrible for your teeth and makes you much more prone to cavities.

#9

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Among these are 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including 4 wisdom). Most people have their full adult set by the time they reach their teenage years.

#10

img_8513

They’re already there, they’re just waiting to pop through.

#11

img_8509

If this happens, put it in milk and get to us immediately.

#12

img_8512

Did you know?

#13

img_8511

Even harder than our bones.

#14

img_8510

This is an eye opening statistic. Make sure you’re bringing your child in for their first appointment, by their first birthday.

#15

attachment-1-9

Now You Know

We hope you’ve learned something about how wonderful your pearly whites really are, and how important it is to take care of them. If it’s been over 6 months since you’ve come to see us, make your appointment today.

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

The Battle Royale: Invisalign Vs. Braces

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“I Want Straighter Teeth.”

While both braces and Invisalign can help straighten your teeth, they each have their pros and cons. How do you know which one is right for you?

Invisalign

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Will you choose Invisalign?

There’s a new option in orthodontics. No longer do you need bulky, uncomfortable metal brackets filling your mouth in order to straighten your teeth. Now, with Invisalign, you can have a beautiful, straight smile in half the time of traditional braces. Without wires, brackets, or without anyone even knowing you’re wearing them on your teeth.

Invisalign is a treatment option that relies on clear, retainer-like aligners to shift your teeth into place. You must wear the aligners for no less than 22 hours per day, changing them every two weeks, to a new pair that will continue shifting your teeth. The treatment typically takes six months to a year.

First, Dr. Burba will take a detailed impression of your teeth in order to facilitate in planning your tooth movements. Three dimensional images of the impressions are programmed into a computer that will create a set of aligners designed specifically for your teeth. The aligners work by gently moving your teeth into a new position. After about two weeks, they’ll fit naturally. At this point, you’ll switch out your aligners. This process continues until your teeth are straight. Having a new computerized method is much more accurate than other orthodontics. Because of that, Invisalign works in less than a year, or about half the time of traditional braces.

Advantages

-They’re a much more comfortable alternative to traditional braces.

-Tooth maintenance is much easier. Simply remove the aligners to brush and floss normally.

-You can eat anything you want without the fear of your food getting stuck. Remove them to eat, and put them back when you’re done.

-They’re much faster than traditional braces. You’ll be completely done with them in six months to a year, as opposed to the two to three years traditional braces require.

-Invisalign is virtually invisible. Nobody will know you’re wearing them.

-If you have a special occasion to attend, you can remove them.

Disadvantages

-They won’t work without patient compliance. Because the aligners are removable, it’s up to the patient to wear them for 22 hours a day, and make sure to put them back in after meals.

-They’re more expensive than traditional braces.

-Sometime they won’t work for more complex dental issues.

Braces

Studio Portrait of Smiling Teenage Girl

Are braces the better choice?

Braces are metal brackets used to align and straighten your teeth, and help to position them correctly to align with your bite. They’re also used to treat underbites, malocclusions, overbites, cross bites, crooked teeth, and various other issues related to the teeth and jaw.

Braces can be either cosmetic or structural, depending on the makeup of your mouth.

Advantages

-You can’t lose them.

-They don’t need to be removed for meals.

-They’re less expensive than Invisalign.

-You don’t need to be disciplined to wear them.

Disadvantages

-Wire brackets can cause sores and pain.

-They require a longer treatment period.

-Braces aren’t removable.

-They require more maintenance.

Make An Appointment

Schedule your consultation today!

Schedule your consultation today!

As with all dental treatments, you should always get Dr. Burba’s suggestion on what treatment will work best for you.  Scheduling a consultation will give him the opportunity to take x-rays and look at your teeth. From there, he can decide what the best treatment plan is for you.

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.