Welcome Dr. Andren!

Dr. Stefan Andren

We are excited to welcome our new dentist Dr. Stefan Andren to A Perfect Smile! Dr. Andrenwill be working with Dr. Robert Nelson to offer restorative, preventative, and cosmetic dental care.

Dr. Andren attended dental school at the University of Minnesota and moved to Maine with his family in 2002. Andren is an active member in the dental community and completes hundreds of hours of continuing education every year through the American Dental Association, Maine Dental Association, Greater Portland Dental Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In addition, he donates time and dental services to help low income Maine residents and has travelled to refugee camps near Haiti to perform emergency dental care.

“I am so thrilled to be joining the team at A Perfect Smile. Dr. Nelson and his team have created such a special place here in Falmouth,” Andren said. “Patients love the spa-like atmosphere and the experience the team delivers. Advances in dental technology and techniques allow us to achieve more while doing less, and give every person the smile and health that they have always dreamed of.”

Dr. Andren starts seeing patients this week! Call 781-2448 today to make an appointment!

Dr. Nelson’s having a birthday, and he wants to give YOU tickets to the Patriots vs. Bills Game

Here’s the perfect way to launch the new year!

Dr. Nelson of A Perfect Smile in Falmouth, Maine is giving you a chance to win a pair of Tickets to see the New England Patriots on 1/1 vs. The Buffalo Bills!

How to Enter:

Write one paragraph about your biggest challenge with your smile or oral health and how A Perfect Smile has helped make a difference in your life. Post it on your blog, or facebook with a link back to http://portlandmainedentist.com then email snelson4284@gmail.com with your entry, OR just email your entry to snelson4284@gmail.com

OR

Refer a Friend to the Practice with our Care to Share program

OR

Check-in to the office or leave a comment on our Facebook page


Contest Rules:

One winner will be chosen at random on 12/20/11. You’ll be contacted by our office right away.

The Secret to an Easy Smile Makeover: No Prep Dental Veneers

Have you ever wanted to change the look of your teeth? Is there that one gap that bugs you every time you see in photos? Would you like to straighten your smile without braces? Well, if this sounds like you, you’ll be happy to learn that A Perfect Smile in Falmouth, Maine is now offering “No Prep” dental veneers which give you gorgeous results without the reduction of your natural tooth structure.

No prep veneers offer patients a wonderful, and easy cosmetic solution:

The placement process is virtually pain-free.
No prep veneers fit perfectly over your teeth without adding bulk.
Patients who have delayed cosmetic dentistry can have a smile makeover
without fear of discomfort.
The natural tooth structure is preserved.
Patients do not have to wear temporary dental veneers.

In addition, No Prep veneers are stain-resistant so they do not
need to be touched up in the future. Patients who have veneers placed on
just the top or bottom teeth may periodically whiten the natural teeth to
keep them as bright as the veneers.

Am I a Candidate for No-Prep Dental Veneers?

Call A Perfect Smile at 207-781-2448 for a free consultation!  During your consultation, Dr. Nelson will determine whether you are a candidate for No Prep Veneers, and, if you are not, which option will best transform your smile.

Coming soon: No Prep Veneers at A Perfect Smile

We are excited to announce that Dr. Nelson will soon be offering a new cutting-edge cosmetic solution to patients at A Perfect Smile in Southern Maine. Dr. Nelson has been learning a new“no-prep” veneer technique that will offer an alternative to patients seeking to improve their smiles without taking away from their natural tooth structure.

“No-prep” ceramic veneers are adhesively bonded to the front surface of the teeth and can help patients with chipped, cracked, or stained teeth, as well as teeth that are worn down from grinding or daily wear.

Dr. Nelson has always taken an innovative approach to smile design, using state of the art technology and materials. No prep veneers will allow him to provide patients with a smile makeover in a less invasive way than more traditional methods.

If you have questions about smile makeovers,  we are happy to arrange a private consultation. For more information, call A Perfect Smile, a Portland, Maine dental practice at 207-781-2448

 

 

Want to prevent gum disease? Eat more fish!

The Journal of the American Dietetic Association has recently released the report that links the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish to healthier gums. In a study of over 9,000 people, those with diets high in fish and peanut butter (foods loaded with omega-3s) are 20- 30% less likely to develop gum disease. Harvard Medical School Researchers think omega-3 fats may help calm oral inflammation caused by infections.

The best part? It’s really easy to get the health benefits from fish. Researchers say you only need to a eat a moderate amount like 2 or 3 servings a week. We are so lucky to live in a place with such amazing seafood! If you haven’t been to one of the fabulous fish markets in Portland, Maine, go check them out and get on your way to healthier today!

Do you have questions about the health of your gums? We are happy to arrange an oral health consultation just for you. For more information, call A Perfect Smile, a Portland, Maine dental practice at 207-781-2448

Source: US National Library of Medicine

You may also like: Oral Health Survey Results

 

Un-Bitable

As I’m writing this, I am forced to look at my unattractive, jagged fingernails and while it is a bit unsettling, I know that I need to share my recent discovery in the dental dangers of my most lasting habit – nail biting! I have been biting my nails for over 20 years. I’ve tried all the recommended methods- goo on my nails, an elastic snap when I catch myself, Band-Aids, stickers, manicures, and reminders from friends. Nothing has worked!

Fortunately, I am not alone. Nail-biting (onychophagia) is a common stress-relieving habit. You may bite your nails in times of stress or excitement, or in times of boredom or inactivity. Both men and women are nail biters. Interestingly enough, a few of the studies I’ve read report that people with higher levels of intelligence are more likely to bite their nails.

In my quest to ditch this habit and learn how to stop nail biting, I did a little dental research. Apart from having shabby looking fingers, nail biting can give rise to several oral health related problems and damage dental work. Nail biting is particularly damaging to the front teeth causing chips, wear, and cracks in the enamel. Your front teeth are not meant to be in constant chewing mode.

Dr. Nelson sees nail biters of all ages everyday at A Perfect Smile so I asked him what wear and tear nail biting places on our teeth. According to him, nail biting has been found to:

  • Damage to dental crowns, veneers, and bonded teeth
  • Cause problems with orthodontic treatment
  • Increase the potential for gingivitis
  • Pass infections between your fingers and mouth
  • Spread oral diseases, such as herpes

GROSS!

If you are a nail biter whose been meaning to quit… what are you waiting for!?!

I’m making it my mission to change my 20+ year habit! I challenge you to do the same. Let’s give our fingers and teeth a break and find a new healthier habit this spring!

- Sarah Nelson

*This post originally appeared in Share a Smile – A Perfect Smile’s Monthly e-newsletter

Have you quit biting your nails? We’d love to hear what you did to quit! Please share your tips in the comments.

You May also like:

Chapped Lips are no fun!

American Heart Month

Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 killer in the US. To urge Americans to get educated about keeping their hearts healthy, Congress has proclaimed February “American Heart Month.”

Did you know that that your heart health is linked to your oral health?

In addition to causing irreversible jaw bone damage and gum recession, researchers have found that people with periodontal disease (gum disease) are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Some patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Check with your cardiologist before you schedule your next professional dental cleaning. They will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Celebrate American Heart Month by scheduling health and dental check ups with your doctor and dentist! For more information, call A Perfect Smile, a Portland, Maine dental practice at 207-781-2448.

You may also like:

What is a Periodontist?

Why Periodontal Disease is bad for your Health

Dr. Nelson’s New Year Goal

It’s a new year and Dr. Nelson has embarked on a new adventure to deepen his yoga practice. For the next 6 months, he will be working through a Vinayasa Yoga teacher training program at Greener Postures Yoga in South Portland.

Dr. Nelson has been a dedicated yogi for the past several years and is advancing his yoga practice to learn how to be of greater service to himself, his patients, and the world.

Dr.Nelson is a cosmetic dentist in Falmouth, Maine.

Introducing the Boost Whitening System

Many things, including dietary habits and certain medications can affect the whiteness of your smile. Teeth whitening is more popular than ever, and A Perfect Smile is now offering The Boost Whitening System to make whitening your smile easier and faster than ever before.

The Boost whitening system’s main active ingredient is carbamide peroxide and is safe for most patients. As the carbamide peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching any colored substance while keeping the structure of the tooth unchanged.

The entire Boost whitening procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours. Dr. Nelson recommends a cleaning prior to the actual Boost Whitening session to ensure you get the most out of your experience.

Boost whitening treatments provide beautiful, long-lasting results. If you have questions about teeth whitening in Maine, please contact us for a consultation at 207-781-2448.

A Perfect Smile is a general and cosmetic dental practice in Portland, Maine.

Staff Picks

The staff at A Perfect Smile in Portland, Maine recommend their picks for oral health products.  Check them out!

Lisa – “My favorite Dental Product is Johnson and Johnson Reach Dentotape waxed floss.”

Michelle R- “Philips Sonicare FlexCare & Rechargeable Toothbrush with UV Brush Head Sanitizer kills up to 99% of bacteria and viruses, keeping your toothbrush clean.”

Rebekah- “I like the convenience and great dental benefits of Rotapoints.”

Amy- “Oral B-Triumph Electronic Toothbrush, Reach Access Flosser for those hard to reach areas-such as ones wisdom teeth.”

Becky- ”The in office Zoom! teeth whitening. I am still amazed with the results!”

Amanda – “My must have dental product would have to be Johnson and Johnson woven floss with fluoride. I always keep extra on hand because when I run out I refuse to use anything else.

This floss feels like I am removing more bacteria and plaque, doesn’t shred, and gets fluoride on the in betweens. I love it!”

Heidi- “My favorite dental product is Colgate’s Total toothpaste- it’s only toothpaste on the market to have Triclosan which helps patients with gingivitis.”

Ellen – “I like Listerine Zero. No alcohol with full antibacterial benefits!”

What’s your “must have” dental product? Please share with us in the comments!