A beautifully white smile can instantly enhance your appearance and give you the self-esteem boost that you’ve been looking for. After all, a whiter smile looks fresh, ready, and beautiful. If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, know that you’re not alone. Many of our patients come through the doors, searching for ways to get that sparkling white look. Fortunately, we have the answer to their problem!

At Levenson Smile, we have three primary teeth whitening options. They are created with all types of people in mind. Whether you’re needing a whiter smile right away, or prefer to get results over time gradually, we have the right treatment for you! Check out the differences in each treatment and let us know which one you are interested in learning more about.

In-Office Treatment

Professional in-office whitening treatments are the choice for many patients. The patient simply sits in the dentist’s chair while a gel is painted on to each tooth. A light is used to activate the bleach that is in the gel as the patients kick back and relax. After about one hour, the results are dramatic! You’ll walk away with a beautiful white smile that you are proud of.

At-Home Treatment

The second option is the at-home treatment. To do this, the dentist will need to make impressions of your teeth so that customizable trays can be made for you. A whitening gel is placed into the tray and worn overnight. As you sleep, the whitening gel works to transform the color of your teeth slowly. Keep in mind; this process is not instant. If you’re looking for immediate results, then this treatment option may not be right for you. It takes several weeks to achieve the final results.

KöR Teeth Whitening System

The preferred whitening treatment is the KöR whitening system. Consider it a combinational approach to teeth whitening as it uses both in-office and at-home techniques in order to achieve the best results.  The bleaching system is done in-office as well as at home. This combination approach helps to get the whitest and brightest smile in the shortest amount of time.

Who Should Get Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a great option for patients who are unsatisfied with the color of their teeth. Keep in mind, teeth whitening does not repair cracked, broken, or damaged teeth. In some instances, teeth whitening may cause sensitivity. Your dentist can help identify if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening.

What Can Teeth Whitening Do for You?

Teeth whitening can restore any confidence that you’ve lost due to a dingy smile. You’ll look and feel your best and finally feel confident flashing your smile in a room full of people. Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful smile.

Overview

Are you ready to get that show-stopping white smile? If so, then give Levenson smile a call today. We are more than happy to answer your questions and provide additional information about our teeth whitening treatments. Contact us today to schedule your next visit.

At Levenson Smile, we know how much our patients have struggled with getting the perfect smile. Crooked or gapped smiles are not just an issue that can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, but there can also be some associated oral health risks. That is why we always ensure that we offer our patients the best service and care offered anywhere.

Recently, more patients have heard about Invisalign and are asking us if that would work for them. We’ve compiled a few key reasons that you may want to consider Invisalign rather than brace to give you a smile you have always wanted.

What is Invisalign

Before deciding if Invisalign is right for you, it is important to understand how the system works. Invisalign is a custom-created tooth straightening system that utilizes the existing configuration of your teeth. A series of aligners are then created that start where your smile is, and gradually changes shape until you reach the perfect smile.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign are not permanent dental fixtures. We simply take a digital impression of your teeth and then work with a special lab to create your dental plan. Each aligner is custom fit to your teeth, so it just slides right over your existing teeth. While you wear your aligners almost all day, you still remove them throughout the day. While wearing them as directed will help you get your desired results more quickly, many patients enjoy the freedom that they have by being able to remove them at any time.

Many patients don’t like that braces also come with some pretty drastic changes to your lifestyle. Braces prohibit you from being able to eat fresh corn on the cob, fresh apples, sticky caramel, and even popcorn. In contrast, your Invisalign system should be removed when you eat any food. This means that you do not have to change your diet at all. Instead, go to the movies and share the large popcorn!

Another major factor that influences people’s decision to hold off on braces is the appearance. Many adults can feel childish or unattractive while they wear braces. Invisalign is made from a special proprietary material that is not only durable, but it is also clear! That means that you can wear your aligners, and people may not even know that you are straightening your teeth while you talk to them!

Invisalign is also fast. While results can vary based on how frequently patients wear them when you wear your aligners as prescribed, your results can be completed in as little as six months, and almost all patients have completed their treatment plan within 18 months. In contrast, traditional braces can take as long as two years!

Overview

If you have decided that you are ready to get the perfect smile that you deserve, then call Levenson Smile today in Worcester,  MA and ask about Invisalign. Our talented and friendly staff have the experience and care that you need to ensure that you get the results you expect. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Living with missing teeth isn’t an ideal situation for anyone. Not only will the gaps in your teeth impact how you feel about your smile, but it can also affect your overall confidence and self-esteem. You may also find that the way in which you use your teeth changes to compensate for your missing teeth, such as eating differently or even altering the way that you pronounce your words. Fortunately, there are now more options than ever when it comes to helping patients rediscover their smile. For missing teeth, two of the choices that you are most likely to come across will be dentures and dental implants. Despite sounding similar, they are very different solutions.

 

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable, partial or full arches of missing teeth which sit over the top of the gums where your gaps are. In the past, dentures were primarily associated with the older generation, and whilst it’s true that multiple tooth loss is more common amongst senior-age people, more patients than ever before are now benefitting from dentures to replace their teeth. Fortunately, the design of modern dentures has also improved, and they are now considered much more comfortable and esthetically like natural teeth.

All dentures are bespoke, created specifically for each individual patient. With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums, to which your row of artificial teeth is attached. In full upper dentures, the base usually fits over the palate, which is the roof of the mouth, too. However, lower dentures have a base which is horseshoe-shaped so that it doesn’t interfere with the tongue.

How are dentures kept in place?

Dentures are kept in place using a special adhesive that secures the base to your gum. However, many patients find that the level of stability offered by the adhesive is far from ideal, and small movements of the denture, including embarrassing slips, are fairly common.

Reasons to choose dentures

Dentures may be the most suitable tooth replacement solution for you if:

-          You are on a fairly restricted budget

-          You are looking for replacement teeth that can be removed when you want or need to

-          You don’t like the thought of going through very invasive dental treatment

-          You have weakened bones in your jaw that make dental implants unsuitable
 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a very popular alternative to dentures. Unlike dentures, however, they offer a way of permanently replacing the missing teeth. This is because they have a very unique design, which comprises of:

-          An artificial tooth that is usually made from porcelain or, in some cases, zirconia

-          A titanium post

-          A special connector that keeps the prosthetic tooth attached to the post

Dental implants can successfully be used to replace individual missing teeth, or as part of a bridge or denture solution.

What keeps dental implants in place?

Dental implants are unique in the technique that they use to hold them in place. These replacement teeth are secured using the titanium post element. These posts are placed into the jawbone at specific locations so that they can act as anchors for the visible prosthetics. Once inserted into the jaw, the bone naturally heals around the post to permanently anchor it in place. This process takes several months. During this time, patients are fitted with temporary teeth whilst their bespoke versions are being made.

Single dental implants require an individual post for each prosthetic tooth. However, implant-supported bridges and dentures, which are comprised of a conventionally designed bridge or denture but with attachment that allow them to be connected to implant posts, can need anywhere from four to eight to hold them securely in place.

Reasons to choose dental implants

Dental implants are the most popular tooth replacement solution for a variety of reasons, including:

-          They are more stable than bridges or dentures.

-          They offer patients the chance to have a permanent restoration.

-          The implant posts stimulate healthy bone growth in the jaw, helping to prevent the deterioration that often occurs in patients with tooth loss.

-          Implants most closely resemble natural teeth.

-          You can brush and floss your teeth just like normal, with no special cleaning required.

-          Virtually no maintenance is required.

-          Dental implant-based solutions have been shown to last for decades, making them a superb investment in your long-term smile.

If you are confused about whether dentures or dental implants would be the best solution for your missing teeth, our experienced and knowledgeable dental team would be happy to offer their advice. Contact our offices today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep apnea is much more common than people might think. In fact, estimates suggest that more than 18 million Americans and 100 million people worldwide suffer from this sleep disorder which is characterized by an interruption in the normal pattern of breathing while you sleep. Whilst there are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is by far the most prevalent. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep your airway open despite your natural instinct to breathe. This causes you to temporarily stop breathing, until your body recognizes that there is a lack of oxygen and triggers your brain to take an extra-large breath. This is enough to push past the blockage and resume normal breathing again. However, sleep apnea rarely occurs as just one episode during each period of sleep. In patients with severe OSA, it isn’t unheard of for them to experience up to 100 episodes of interrupted breathing during an 8-hour window of sleep.

The effects of sleep apnea can be significant. Patients can suffer from disturbed and poor-quality sleep, low blood oxygen levels, memory problems and mood swings. They are also at greater risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and depression, and more likely to be involved in accidents due to their daytime fatigue.
 

Central sleep apnea

The less common type of sleep apnea is known as central sleep apnea or CSA. Central sleep apnea is a neurological condition in which the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep. In the case that someone is diagnosed with CNS, they are almost always referred to a neurologist to help them find a treatment to reduce and control their sleep disorder.

Fortunately, there are also treatments available that can reduce and even eliminate obstructive sleep apnea and the detrimental impact that it can have on your life. Although these can be provided by your doctor, most cases of OSA get referred to dentists for treatment.

Causes of sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is believed to have a number of factors that contribute towards its development. These are:

• a small upper airway

• abnormally large tonsils

• being overweight

• a recessed chin

• a large overbite

• a large neck

• being a smoker

• drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol before bed

• taking recreational drugs

• a genetic predisposition towards the disorder (parents or grandparents with the condition)

Treatment for sleep apnea

In virtually all cases of OSA, you can expect your dentist to make some recommendation relating to lifestyle changes that you can make which may ease your symptoms. In many instances, these will help to significantly reduce the number of episodes of sleep apnea that you are experiencing. Some of the changes that you may be recommended to consider may include:

• losing weight

• eating a healthier, more balanced diet

• quitting smoking

• cutting back on alcohol consumption, particularly before bed

• changing certain medications which may be contributing towards the problem

• changing your pillow or sleep position

If these changes alone don’t give you sufficient relief, your dentist will look at other options for treatment including:

CPAP

CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a machine that delivers a constant supply of oxygen to your body via a mask that is placed over your nose and mouth while you sleep. This treatment has shown to be highly effective, although it can take some getting used to since initially, patients can find the mask uncomfortable.

Dental devices

There are also some devices that are worn inside your mouth to help reduce or eliminate sleep apnea. These work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue so that the upper airway is opened more widely to allow oxygen through. These devices are usually custom-made to ensure the most comfortable fit.

If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea and the way in which your dentist can treat this common but compromising condition, please get in touch with our dental team who would be delighted to speak to you confidentially.

Many of our patients at Levenson Smile already have some idea of what they want the perfect smile to look like. They can imagine the freedom and confidence that their perfect teeth will give them in a social setting. Having teeth that you aren’t confident about can impact your ability to interact in many social settings.

Patients often discuss difficulties with speaking up during an important meeting or laughing with a group of friends. Fortunately, the staff at Levenson Smile help make these dreams a reality every day for our patients, and we can do that for you too.

Issues with Smiles

There are a number of issues that our patients can easily identify by themselves that do not take the years of education that our staff has. For instance, stained chipped, or gapped teeth can all detract from your smile. One of the most common issues that patients have are teeth that do not have the proper alignment. Many patients may shy away from getting this corrected because they have heard that it is too painful, too expensive, or that it takes too long.

Advances in dental science have created a number of different approaches that we can use to fit your needs and get you the smile you want.

Braces

Braces have been a tried and true method for helping straighten teeth for decades. Braces are dental devices that have a small bracket that is attached to the front of each tooth. Then a series of bands, wires, or springs can be strategically attached to these brackets.

Braces work by placing regular and continuous pressure on the teeth to gently guide them back into the proper alignment. Braces have come a long way since their inception, and there are a variety of different options to fit your needs. While braces are very successful at being able to correct and properly align your teeth, many patients feel that they take too long, or they do not like that they cannot temporarily remove them for an important meeting or event.

Retainers

Dental retainers are often used in the last phases of having braces, or for patients who have mostly aligned teeth, but may need to alter their bite position. After braces are removed, teeth can often have a tendency to try to slip back out of place. A retainer is worn at night to help maintain the correct position of the teeth and make sure that the results of straightening your teeth last longer.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an option that works well for many patients to straighten their teeth without having to undergo attaching objects to your teeth. Instead, an impression of your teeth is made, and then a digital program is outlined specifically for you. Once this plan has been approved, it is sent to a lab, where they make a series of different aligner trays to fit your teeth throughout the entire straightening process. Each tray is slightly closer to what your final smile will look like.

The aligners are made of a clear plastic that is generally not noticeable by anybody else. They are designed to be worn for about 22 hours out of every day. This means that you sleep in them and wear them through most of your day. You only remove them to eat and brush your teeth (and the aligners). Patients often like that the aligners are not as visible and that they can be easily removed for short periods of time (like family dinner).

Overview

Levenson Smile offers a variety of treatment options to help give you a smile you have been dreaming of. Call our friendly staff today to schedule your consultation and see how we can help you get the confidence you deserve!

Headaches can be caused by a huge variety of different things. Sometimes they occur due to loud noises, dehydration or exposure to certain substances in the environment around us. They can even happen because we are tired or run down. However, in many circumstances, headaches are caused by dental problems. There are several in particular that are well known for causing a range of unpleasant symptoms that include headaches. These are:

Malocclusion:

This is when the upper and lower teeth do not come together properly when the patient closes their mouth. Examples include overbites, underbites, crossbites and openbites. Malocclusion can cause tension to develop in the jaw face, neck and shoulder muscles and this can lead to tension headaches.

Bruxism:

This condition is characterized by the unconscious or subconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth. It most often happens when we are asleep, although it can occur in the daytime if we are particularly worried or stressed. One of the key effects of bruxism is that is causes massive pressure to be placed onto the teeth and jaws for the duration of each episode. Not only can this cause uneven wear and damage to the teeth, but most sufferers of bruxism also experience headaches, particularly in the mornings.

Sleep Apnea: 

Sleep apnea is a very common condition that occurs when the sufferer experiences a temporary interruption to their normal pattern of breathing through the night. This is most often caused by soft tissue at the back of the throat collapsing due to being relaxed, blocking the airway. The patient’s body then recognizes the lack of oxygen reaching the lungs and over-compensates to push past the blockage and recommence normal breathing. A sufferer can have between one and a hundred or more episodes of sleep apnea during one regular period of sleep. Sleep apnea causes disrupted sleep for both the sufferer and their partner, and this, combined with a reduction in the amount of oxygen received in the night can cause many symptoms including headaches.

Dental treatments for headache relief

The great news is that there are treatments that can help provide relief from headaches that are caused by dental problems. Precisely which treatment you will need will depend on the underlying trigger causing your headaches. This is where your dentist is your most valuable support. Your dentist can assess your teeth to determine if it is definitely a dental issue that is causing your headaches, and which type of dental problem is responsible. Using this information, the right treatment can be recommended.

Dental treatment for headaches caused by a malocclusion

If your dentist has identified that you have problems with your bite that are likely to be causing your headaches, you will almost certainly be recommended for orthodontic treatment. This is because only orthodontic treatment can adjust the position of the teeth and jaws so that the teeth come together properly when you close your mouth. However, depending on the extent of your malocclusion, you may also need to have one or more teeth removed.

Orthodontic treatment usually involves wearing either a conventional brace or using a new solution called Invisalign. Braces involve metal or ceramic brackets being placed onto the teeth, through which wires and bands are attached to apply pressure to the teeth and jaw to move them into the correct positions. Invisalign uses the same method but relies on a series of transparent, custom-designed aligners to push teeth into their new places. By resolving your bite issues using orthodontic treatment, you will see a reduction in the number of headaches that you experience.

Dental treatment for headaches caused by bruxism

If you have been diagnosed as suffering from bruxism, your dentist will probably get you to wear a nightguard to protect your teeth. This will prevent them from coming into direct contact with one another, eliminating damage to the enamel but also providing cushioning that reduces the amount of stress placed on the teeth and jaw. You may also be recommended to try medications that help to reduce stress and anxiety that makes you clench and grind your teeth. As a result, your headaches should significantly reduce.

Dental treatment for headaches caused by sleep apnea

Sleep apnea largely occurs due to carrying excess weight and because of certain lifestyle factors. For example, drinking alcohol before bed makes you more likely to experience episodes of sleep apnea since it is a relaxant. Smoking, certain medications and medical conditions and even advancing age also increase your risk of experiencing sleep apnea. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available. In the first instance, you will be given advice and support about making positive lifestyle changes that will improve your symptoms. This may even provide sufficient relief so that you do not need any further treatment. If not, you may be given a treatment called CPAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This involves a mask being placed over your mouth which gently blows oxygen into your airway to keep it open while you sleep. There are also other sleep devices which can prove effective in treating sleep apnea and reducing the number of headaches that you experience as a result of your condition.

If you would like more information about dental treatments for headache relief, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our offices where our experienced dentistry professionals will be delighted to help you.

If you have missing teeth, you have almost certainly considered dental implants to replace them. Considered by experts everywhere to be the most successful, stable and long-lasting solution available for tooth loss, dental implants can enable patients to enjoy a fully restored and beautiful smile.

What you might not know is that there are several different types of dental implants available. Here is what you need to know about what your options are.

Single tooth dental implants

If you have just one missing tooth that needs to be replaced, a single tooth dental implant is the solution that you are looking for. You will need just one titanium post placed into your jawbone, which will heal around the post to secure it permanently. This process is known as osseointegration and needs to happen to ensure that your implant is a success. The implanted post will act as an anchor for the prosthetic tooth, as well as helping to preserve the bone in your jaw.

The visible part of your solution is a custom-designed crown, created perfectly to your specifications in not only the correct shape and size to fit the gap, but also glazed in a color to match your existing teeth. You will be fitted with a temporary crown while the implanted post is being secured via osseointegration. Once this has happened, you will return to have your temporary crown removed and your permanent one attached.

Implant-supported bridge

If you have two or three missing teeth, you may be recommended for an implant-supported bridge. Artificial teeth are created and attached to one another in the design of a conventional bridge. However, rather than the bridge being secured onto neighboring teeth and putting the under strain, it is instead connected onto two implant posts. This gives patients the stability and permanence of dental implants and removes many of the issues associated with conventional dental bridges.

Implant-supported denture

Just like an implant-supported bridge, an implant-supported denture takes the design of a traditional denture, and instead of the gum mold being attached to your mouth using adhesive, it is connected onto a number of implant posts. How many implant posts you will need will depend on the size of your denture. Typically, a full arch can be placed onto six or eight implant posts.

All-On-4 dental implants

All-On-4 dental implants are a revolutionary type of dental implant solution in that they can be placed and loaded with your permanent, artificial teeth in just one day. They are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth on just four titanium implant posts. This is possible thanks to the unique placement of the implanted posts which are angled and placed in the parts of the jaw where there is the strongest, healthiest bone. This means that you don’t need to wait for osseointegration to occur. Your custom-designed artificial teeth are designed and manufactured while you wait. At the culmination of your appointment, they are attached, and you are able to leave our offices with your new functional and beautiful smile completely intact.

Mini dental implants

At around 2mm to 3.5mm in diameter, mini dental implants are notably smaller than the conventional titanium posts used for dental implants which are typically 3.5mm to 6mm. Their smaller size means that there is less impact on the jaw bone, but it also means that less bone is needed to support each implanted post. This means that they are a great option if you don’t have sufficient healthy bone in your jaw to hold traditional implants. Other key differences between mini and regular implants include:

• there is no abutment connector, the visible part of the tooth is attached directly to the implant base

• Your gums will heal quicker

• It may be possible to place your mini dental implants and load them with your new artificial teeth the very same day!

If you would like more information on any of the dental implant options listed here, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your requirements, get in touch with our experienced dental implant specialists by calling our offices in Worcester, MA on (855) 849-8255.

If you have missing teeth, you have almost certainly considered dental implants to replace them. Considered by experts everywhere to be the most successful, stable and long-lasting solution available for tooth loss, dental implants can enable patients to enjoy a fully restored and beautiful smile.

What you might not know is that there are several different types of dental implants available. Here is what you need to know about what your options are.

Single tooth dental implants

If you have just one missing tooth that needs to be replaced, a single tooth dental implant is the solution that you are looking for. You will need just one titanium post placed into your jawbone, which will heal around the post to secure it permanently. This process is known as osseointegration and needs to happen to ensure that your implant is a success. The implanted post will act as an anchor for the prosthetic tooth, as well as helping to preserve the bone in your jaw.

The visible part of your solution is a custom-designed crown, created perfectly to your specifications in not only the correct shape and size to fit the gap, but also glazed in a color to match your existing teeth. You will be fitted with a temporary crown while the implanted post is being secured via osseointegration. Once this has happened, you will return to have your temporary crown removed and your permanent one attached.

Implant-supported bridge

If you have two or three missing teeth, you may be recommended for an implant-supported bridge. Artificial teeth are created and attached to one another in the design of a conventional bridge. However, rather than the bridge being secured onto neighboring teeth and putting the under strain, it is instead connected onto two implant posts. This gives patients the stability and permanence of dental implants and removes many of the issues associated with conventional dental bridges.

Implant-supported denture

Just like an implant-supported bridge, an implant-supported denture takes the design of a traditional denture, and instead of the gum mold being attached to your mouth using adhesive, it is connected onto a number of implant posts. How many implant posts you will need will depend on the size of your denture. Typically, a full arch can be placed onto six or eight implant posts.

All-On-4 dental implants

All-On-4 dental implants are a revolutionary type of dental implant solution in that they can be placed and loaded with your permanent, artificial teeth in just one day. They are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth on just four titanium implant posts. This is possible thanks to the unique placement of the implanted posts which are angled and placed in the parts of the jaw where there is the strongest, healthiest bone. This means that you don’t need to wait for osseointegration to occur. Your custom-designed artificial teeth are designed and manufactured while you wait. At the culmination of your appointment, they are attached, and you are able to leave our offices with your new functional and beautiful smile completely intact.

Mini dental implants

At around 2mm to 3.5mm in diameter, mini dental implants are notably smaller than the conventional titanium posts used for dental implants which are typically 3.5mm to 6mm. Their smaller size means that there is less impact on the jaw bone, but it also means that less bone is needed to support each implanted post. This means that they are a great option if you don’t have sufficient healthy bone in your jaw to hold traditional implants. Other key differences between mini and regular implants include:

• there is no abutment connector, the visible part of the tooth is attached directly to the implant base

• Your gums will heal quicker

• It may be possible to place your mini dental implants and load them with your new artificial teeth the very same day!

If you would like more information on any of the dental implant options listed here, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your requirements, get in touch with our experienced dental implant specialists by calling our office in Worcester, MA on (855) 849-8255.

Many patients have wondered what teeth whitening treatments are available by Dr. Levenson, Worcester dentist. Teeth whitening is an extremely popular and affordable procedure done at Levenson Smile that provides patients with a vibrant, beautiful smile in as little as one hour. Depending on the teeth whitening treatment chosen, patients can either complete in-office teeth whitening, or whiten their teeth at home with at-home whitening kits. Both are options available through Levenson Smile.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Dr. Levenson of Worcester's Levenson Smile offers in-office teeth whitening for patients who need a whiter smile fast! This is a wonderful option for patients who want to brighten their smile for an upcoming special event, such as a wedding or reunion. Patients can schedule their teeth whitening session at the front office, and come in at a time that is convenient for them. During the whitening session, patients can watch television or listen to music while the bleach is activated with a special light. The treatment takes approximately one hour, and can allow patients to leave the dentist's office with teeth up to eight shades whiter.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

For patients who want to gradually whiten their teeth in the privacy of their own home, Levenson Smile also offers at-home bleaching kits. Dr. Levenson will make a custom whitening tray that fits the patient's teeth, and send them home with instructions and whitening gel to use in the tray. The whitening gel is used for approximately thirty minutes a day, over the course of several weeks, until the patient achieves the ultimate results. At-home teeth whitening kits give patients a little more control over their whitening, and allow them to maintain their whiter smile and touch up several shades when necessary.

Both at-home whitening and in-office whitening are effective, affordable ways to rejuvenate a smile. Teeth can become stained due to a variety of reasons, including genetics, age, food, drink, and medications. Bleaching the teeth is safe, and Dr. Levenson uses FDA-approved whitening products to ensure not only wonderful results, but also a safe treatment.

If you are interested in learning more about the options available for whitening and bleaching teeth, call Levenson Smile of Worcester today to find out which whitening solution is best for you. Together with your dentist, you will be able to achieve a whiter, brighter smile in as little as one appointment, and can find the self-confidence to flash those pearly whites to the world!

Worcester area dentist explains the symptoms of sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that affects thousands of Americans. Patients in the Worcester area who are interested in learning about this condition often ask their dentist, Dr. Stanley Levenson, to describe the symptoms of sleep apnea so they can better understand the condition and know if it is affecting their quality of life.

Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms may include the following:

• Inability to reach restorative levels of sleep due to abnormal breathing patterns

• Patients often stop breathing for several seconds before they gasp for air or awaken

• Chronic snoring

• The inability to fall asleep (insomnia)

• Daytime fatigue that can affect concentration, memory, and overall mood

• Sexual dysfunction

• Increased depression and anxiety

Most patients with obstructive sleep apnea aren’t even aware of it until they hear about how they sleep from their sleeping partners. Others may be depressed and tired and are unsure why, and visit their doctor who suggests a sleep study to check for sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and can be caused due to the tongue falling back in the throat, excess fat around the neck blocking the airways, or even a poorly aligned jaw, which can affect the open airways. 

How can patients address conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea? In many cases, it can be easily resolved by using oral appliance therapy. While many physicians may recommend the use of a CPAP machine, they are clunky, hard to travel with, and uncomfortable for patients to use. This results in lowered compliance. However, oral appliances are like mouth guards, which are worn at night and are less obtrusive. Patients find them to be easier to use and comply with and therefore can improve their overall quality of life while addressing their condition.

Patients in and around the Worcester community who are interested in finding out more about treatment options for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are welcome to contact Dr. Stanley Levenson of Levenson Smile. We can assist patients in finding affordable ways of treating their condition that can provide effective results.