Telehealth doctor visits are becoming increasingly common and convenient. At Convivial Dental we are happy to provide complementary Virtual Consultations to Chestnut Hill and our surrounding communities. If you are interested in Invisalign or braces, here’s what you need to know about getting your orthodontic treatment started from the comfort of your home.

What are Virtual Consultations?

Virtual consultations offer a convenient and easy way to learn about your orthodontic treatment options from the comfort of your home and are available to patients of all ages. You can get started right away without having to place a call, schedule an appointment, or make a trip to the doctor’s office. This has become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic where reducing unnecessary trips can help keep you and your community safe. During your virtual consultation, you will receive an assessment of your smile and treatment options. 

How can I get started with my virtual consultation? 

Simply visit our Appointment Request page (https://www.convivialdental.com/appointment-request) to begin. Answer a few questions and any details you would like us to know. Submit the form and we will be in touch right away! It’s quick and easy to do—the whole process will only take you a few minutes. 

What happens after I submit the form on the Appointment Request Page? 

A member of our amazing team will reach out to you and find the perfect day and time for your virtual visit and answer any questions you may have. 

I’ve received my smile assessment from Dr. Cartsos and want to get started on treatment—what’s next? 

At the end of your Virtual Consultation, Dr. Cartsos will put you in contact with our treatment coordinator. Our treatment coordinator can answer any follow up questions and schedule you for a digital scan using our state-of-the-art iTero 5-D scanner. 

I loved my virtual consultation. Do you also offer virtual appointments throughout treatment? 

Absolutely, in many cases after your initial visit we can monitor your progress and give recommendations remotely. We provide our patients with a Virtual Care kit to ensure they have everything they need at home to keep their treatment on track and make our virtual appointments even easier. We can always schedule an office visit for anything that needs to be addressed in person. At Convivial Dental we offer virtual appointments mid-treatment to monitor treatment progress with a HIPPA safe virtual platform called DOXY ME.

What COVID-19 safety precautions does your office take for in-person office visits? 

The safety and well-being of our patients, staff and community is a top priority for us. We protect our team and our patients with the latest recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). We have all of the latest sterilization protocols in place to ensure that our facilities and clinics are ready for your arrival. All patients and staff members are screened prior to visiting the office and are required to wear approved face masks. 

Are you ready to get started on your new smile? Click below to begin your virtual consultation now! 

Care You Can Trust:

Dr. Cartsos is a leading orthodontist and TOP GOLD PLUS TIER INVISALIGN PROVIDER in Chestnut Hill and surrounding Boston Area. Dr. Cartsos and her team utilize state-of-the-art treatments and technologies to provide the most effective, safe, and comfortable experience for their patients. 

With over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, Dr. Cartsos has the ability to customize orthodontic treatment and cater to each person’s needs and life-styles with various modes of treatments. We love working with children of every age and enjoy working with adults as well.

In addition to a full time private practice, Dr. Cartsos serves as Associate Professor of Orthodontics at Tufts University on a part-time basis.

Dr. Cartsos is a co-founding member of the Tufts Medical Center Cleft Lip & Palate- Craniofacial team adding orthodontic services to this multidisciplinary team to address complex cases and can contribute to life changing improvements. For the last 10 years, her passion and mission has been to contribute my orthodontic services to this multidisciplinary team to address complex cases. She often works in conjunction with Pediatric ENT specialists, Plastic Surgeons, Oral Surgeons, Pediatric Dentists, Geneticists, Speech pathologists, Audiologists and Nutrition specialists to provide total rehabilitation of the face, teeth and jaws.

EDUCATION

Certificate in Orthodontics – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Master’s Degree in Orthodontics (Decision Analysis) – Tufts University

Doctorate of Dental Medicine – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

MEMBERSHIPS/ASSOCIATIONS

American Association of Orthodontists

American Dental Association

Massachusetts Dental Society

Massachusetts Association of Orthodontists (Board member)

Northeastern Society of Orthodontists

American Cleft Palate - Craniofacial Association

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Orthodontist, Private Practice (since 1996)

Associate Professor of Orthodontics, Tufts University (since 2005)

Director of Graduate Orthodontics, Tufts University

Course Director, Orthognathic Surgery, Tufts University

Craniofacial & Cleft Palate Team, Tufts Medical Center

Former President of Tufts Orthodontic Association

Premier Preferred Invisalign® Provider

Certified Incognito™ Provider

PERSONAL

She is married to Dr. Ethan Zavras’ our pediatric dentist and they share two teenage sons that keep them very busy. They have an eight-year-old Dachshund, Daphne. Her personal interests include travel, tennis, and skiing.

Kids are active, and with lots of activity comes the potential for mishaps. Before an emergency occurs, you’d be smart to stay informed about the problems your child may encounter.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind about teething pain, loose baby teeth, and other common dental issues.

Teething Pain

Discomfort while teething is common for babies from the time they are four months until they are about two and a half. Teething can cause drooling, tender gums, and irritability. To help relieve your child’s discomfort, gently rub his or her gums with wet gauze or offer a cold teething ring.

Loose Baby Tooth

It is normal for a child’s first set of teeth to become loose and fall out. If a tooth is knocked out by a forceful blow, however, you should make an appointment with our office to determine whether any damage may have occurred. You should also book an appointment if the baby tooth that’s on its way out develops a crack but doesn’t fully fall out.

Issues with Permanent Teeth

Sometimes, permanent teeth can come in before the baby teeth have fallen out. In this event, schedule an appointment with us even if your child does not report discomfort or pain. Drs. Cartsos and Zavras will need to determine if the permanent teeth are coming in correctly to avoid problems later on.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can have multiple causes: periodontal disease, rough brushing, or an injury to the gum tissue. If your child experiences heavy bleeding, it’s vital to call our office immediately. Wash the youngster’s mouth with warm salt water and put gentle pressure on the area to soothe it before your appointment.

Drs. Cartsos and Zavras and our team are always here to address any concerns you may have regarding your child’s dental health. Contact our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts office for emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Valentine shopping list is traditional and simple: Flowers. Candy. But if your Valentine is in braces this year, suddenly your choices become more complicated. No need to worry! Drs. Cartsos and Zavras and our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts team have some sweet suggestions that are both braces-friendly and Valentine-approved.

First, let’s look at some options where Cupid’s arrow has missed the mark.

• Caramels—these sticky treats are difficult to clean from orthodontic work, and sticky, chewy foods can even cause damage to wires and brackets.
• Chocolate covered nuts—hard foods such as nuts can break or bend wires and brackets.
• Assorted chocolates—a confectionary minefield! There are bound to be some caramels and nuts in there somewhere, hiding beneath an innocent coat of chocolate, just waiting to ruin your Valentine’s evening.
• Other candies such as taffy, licorice, hard candy? No, no, and no. Remember, anything sticky, chewy, or hard is on the “Loves Me Not” list.

So, which chocolate treats won’t break hearts or braces?

• Soft truffles—if it’s not Valentine’s Day without a be-ribboned box of chocolates, choose soft truffles to fill it.
• Chocolate mousse—the perfect end to a romantic dinner.
• Chocolate covered strawberries—it’s a special occasion treat that won’t mistreat braces.
• Rich chocolate cake—always a delightful indulgence, and even better if it’s in the shape of a heart.

If your Valentine is not a chocolate fan, there are other sweet treats that are delicious alternatives.

• Cheesecake can be topped with (pitted!) cherries to celebrate in holiday-appropriate color.
• Soft heart-shaped cookies will be even more romantic with decorative icing—add your initials for a personal touch.
• Select an array of frozen yogurt, ice cream, or gelato in different shades of pink.
• Macarons also come in a variety of pink and red shades—but make sure this confection is on your Valentine’s braces-friendly list!

Of course, you can celebrate the day without sugary tributes. A single flower, watching your favorite movie together or, best of all, a heartfelt card or letter are all wonderful ways to show you care. But if it’s just not the same holiday without a sweet treat, try some of our suggestions. Your Valentine will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

First word, first step, first haircut, first… toothbrush? While it may not be considered a typical milestone, choosing the right first toothbrush is an important first step in your child’s future dental health.

The time to start brushing is when your baby’s first tooth appears. Until then, you have probably been using a clean, moist washcloth or gauze to carefully wipe your baby’s gums. Continue that gentle treatment with a toothbrush designed for infants. Look for a toothbrush designed especially for infants and toddlers, with extra-soft bristles and a small head for tiny mouths.

When your toddler is ready to try brushing for the first time, there are many options to make learning the proper technique enjoyable for both of you! Extra-soft bristles and small brush heads again are important for young children, and brushes are available with colorful patterns and designs to charm any child. There are brushes available with handles designed for easy gripping, right-handed and left-handed options, and even electric models.

No matter which brush you choose, Drs. Cartsos and Zavras and our team recommend:

• Use soft bristles and a brush head sized to fit your child
• Use the proper amount of toothpaste (when your child is old enough to spit out toothpaste instead of swallowing)
• Replace the toothbrush every three months, or earlier if it is frayed
• Always supervise your young child while he or she learns to brush
• Don’t forget to schedule checkups every six months at our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts office!

You probably won’t be preserving your baby’s first toothbrush in your baby book, but teaching your child the proper way to brush with the right toothbrush can lead to a lifetime of dental health. And that’s a milestone to celebrate!