We live in strange times - gestures once taken for granted - handshakes, hugs, fist bumps - are now taboo; even our smiles are often hidden behind masks. But that doesn’t mean no one is seeing your smile. COVID-19 has meant socially distancing ourselves but it has also meant a boom in social media. Humans are social creatures and we’ve found new and creative ways to connect even while apart. 

More selfies, virtual school, virtual meetings, and video chats are happening than ever before, which means we are even more up close and personal with our smiles. We all want to feel confident on screen - teens and adults alike. Self confidence is a huge factor in teen development and Invisalign has been found to increase teen confidence both during treatment and once they’ve achieved the smile they always wanted. 

There is no need to wait to get the smile of your dreams for you or your child; and at Convivial Dental, we have combined the technology of Invisalign and virtual appointments, to make sure you are as safe as possible while achieving that smile. 

Why is Invisalign a great choice right now?
While we are all allowed out and about again, fears are still running high. We still need to be careful about what we touch, where we spend our time, and with whom. Invisalign allows for a more socially distanced approach to orthodontics, while still making sure you get the expertise of a trained and specialized orthodontist like Dr. Cartsos. To get started, we use a 3D scanner to take images of your teeth and bone structure in order to map out a customized treatment plan and to build custom aligners that will help straighten your smile - invisibly. That means less time in your (or your child’s) mouth to get started. 

Once your treatment plan is put in place, you will receive clear aligners to wear 22 hours a day - no skimping or treatment will take longer! We will want to see you for appointments, just like with braces, but with Invisalign we can space those appointments further out! And, with our virtual appointments we can see you from home! If we don’t see anything unexpected, we will give you instructions to move forward - no need to come into the office. Socially distant - Check!

In order to further minimize your time at our practice - gosh we miss seeing our patients all the time but we know it's safer - we have implemented curbside pick up for aligners. During your treatment, you will receive a few batches of clear Invisalign aligners at a time. We then gauge your progress at appointments (in person or virtual) and move to the next set - if all is going well, you can just pick them up curbside! 

While we’d rather see each and every one of our patients all the time, we are doing our part to flatten the curve and keep everyone healthy and safe. Invisalign, paired with virtual appointments, allows us to help you attain the smile of your dreams in the safest way possible - it’s the choice. Not just any practice can do this, at Convivial Dental we have the expertise with both orthodontics and technology to help you get that smile. Our fun and friendly office may look a bit different than it used to, but we’re still cooking up ways to make you feel the love while you’re here! 

There is so much that we’re depriving ourselves of these days, don’t let the smile of your dreams be one of those things. We have flexible financing and low down payments.

Call us today at 617-735-0800 or click below to schedule a free consultation - we can start virtually or in person - your choice! 

Bringing your little one to the dentist for the first time can be stressful: Will they sit in the chair? Will they open their mouth for the dentist? Will they be scared? Then add a pandemic where they haven’t been away from their grown-ups much if at all… no wonder we have parents calling us left and right voicing concerns and asking if they really need to bring their kiddo to the dentist or if they can push it off. 

Well, at Convivial Dental we believe that pushing off a dental exam (even during a pandemic) can be harmful to your child’s oral development. It’s important to start good dental habits early and that includes visiting the dentist twice a year for a cleaning. That said, we know how stressed out you are - we’re parents too! That’s why we work hard to ensure that your child doesn’t experience any stress or anxiety while at our practice - in COVID times and normal life as well. Read on to learn more about how our practice strives for the best experience possible - for grown-up AND kiddo. 

Positivity Goes a Long Way
Children feed off what they see their grown-ups expressing. If you’re anxious, they will be too. Rest assured that as a pediatric dental office, we specialize in kids as young as 1 year old and we know how to keep them positive and relaxed. 

Before the pandemic, we ensured that our waiting room was full of toys to keep your child entertained prior to their appointment. While we can’t do that right now, we’re always waiting to greet you at the door with a bright happy atmosphere, happy voices and smiling eyes above our masks! 

Plus, you are always welcome to stay in the examination room with your child. They’ll sense your calm and they’ll feel more comfortable knowing you’re right there with them for the entire appointment. 

Distraction and Relaxation
Think about your last spa visit...feels like an eternity ago, we’re sure! There was probably soft music to relax you. Well, at Convivial Dental we ensure there is fun music and great energy throughout the office. We also have TV screens on the ceiling for your kiddo and they are able to choose the movie or cartoon they would like to watch and listen to on (sanitized) headphones. This will help distract them while they lay back during a procedure and help support their sense of relaxation.

Listening and Explaining
We care about you and your kiddos. That’s why we start every visit with a conversation. Your child is invited to tell us about their day and any concerns they may have, then we follow up with an explanation of what we’ll be doing. Often children (and adults!) will lose their fears by simply understanding what is happening, when and why.

We encourage you to do some reading with your child prior to their appointment. There are some wonderful children’s books about going to the dentist that will help them understand what will happen before they arrive. Some suggestions are: Curious George Visits the Dentist, Celebrate! Going to the Dentist, Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig) and Just Going to the Dentist (Little Critter). Links are provided but we encourage you to go to your favorite local bookstore! 

Sedation
For those children who need just a little extra TLC, we do offer nitrous oxide, a sedation technique commonly used to reduce anxiety and alleviate any pain. Topical pain relievers can also be useful for children with sensitive teeth eliminating discomfort. 

For more complex dental issues, extreme anxiety, or a fear of needles, we can provide deeper sedation prior to your child’s appointment via a liquid or tablet sedative.

At Convivial Dental we care about your teeth but we also care about your mental and emotional well being. If you have further concerns about booking an appointment please give us a call - we’re happy to discuss and answer any questions. 

If you’re ready to schedule your appointment call us today at 617-735-0800 or click below to get started. We can’t wait to see you and your little one! 

All over the Internet you'll find videos and articles showing how you can close the gap between teeth or space them out. There is a plethora of DIY orthodontic techniques out there — you can even mail order your own impressions to get clear aligners, without even seeing a dentist or orthodontist. Following the instructions laid out in these videos and articles (by people who have zero training in orthodontics) is about the worst decision you can make for your overall oral health.

Performing DIY or at-home orthodontia can lead to or cause:

• Loss of teeth
• Infection
• Cavities or infections that are missed or undiagnosed
• Gum damage

Dr. Christina Carter, president of the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists, says that DIY orthodontics can have terrible consequences. She spoke to TODAY about closing gaps between teeth using rubber bands or elastics:

"The teeth are connected to the gums and the blood supply and there is a risk of infection, of tearing the gums which might not heal properly, and a risk of damaging the attachment between the tooth and gums so the tooth no longer gets the support it needs." She also noted, "A simple rubber band can actually slide up the tooth and cut all the attachments to it and you can actually lose a tooth."

One of the worst parts about DIY orthodontics is that you never consult with a trained orthodontist, so you're really operating on a dangerous lack of information. It's best not to risk damage to your teeth or infection. Let Drs. Cartsos and Zavras know what you want to accomplish with your teeth and we will help you find the safest and most cost-effective way to achieve it.

Drs. Cartsos and Zavras want you to be informed and practical about your oral health. Should you have any questions about orthodontic treatment options, please do not hesitate to give us a call at our convenient Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts office.

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Proper oral hygiene techniques are always worthwhile, but they are especially crucial when you’re wearing orthodontic appliances such as braces. When you don’t maintain an effective oral hygiene routine, you can be more susceptible to gum disease as well as tooth decay, cavities, decalcification, discoloration, and/or staining of the teeth.

Braces themselves don’t cause these issues, but since they create spaces that are difficult to clean, they provide extra sources of food (dental plaque and food debris) for the bacteria that do. Bacteria create a biofilm on the surface of a tooth that can spread if not addressed. That bacteria food can only be removed by a mechanical action: brushing and flossing your teeth!

Here’s a list of smart hygiene steps to follow for the duration of your braces treatment:

Proper tooth brushing technique: Make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly (for a total of about two minutes), but not too hard. Point the head of the toothbrush at the gum line and brush just hard enough so that you feel slight pressure against the gums. Use a soft, small-headed toothbrush or an electric toothbrush if you’d like. Try your best always to clean on and around every tooth, bracket, and wire in your mouth!

Flossing: Braces can make flossing a chore, but it’s an essential adjunct to proper tooth brushing. Make sure to floss between all your teeth and brackets. Drs. Cartsos and Zavras can provide you with braces floss threaders and interproximal toothbrushes (small brushes used to clean areas under wires and between brackets) to make the task easier. You might also consider purchasing an oral irrigator that uses a stream of water to blast food particles and debris from between teeth and gums.

Rinse with water: This may sound slight, but it’s a good idea, especially if you aren’t able to brush. Rinsing your mouth with water throughout the day helps to dislodge the decay-causing food particles that become lodged in braces.

Hygiene away from home: It’s a good idea to have a kit with a toothbrush, floss, floss threaders, mirror, and small water cup on hand at school or work. That way, you’ll be sure to have all the tools you need to keep your mouth clean.

Regular professional cleanings: As always, it’s best to visit your dentist regularly to verify everything in your mouth is in order and your oral hygiene routine is effective. Twice a year is sufficient, unless the dentist recommends more frequent visits.

It's vital to keep your teeth and gums clean during your braces treatment, and that requires your care and attention. If feel like you need help with any of the techniques above, a member of our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts team can demonstrate them for you!