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    • OCTOBER 7, 2024
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    The Truth About Whitening Toothpastes: Spoiler Alert – It’s Mostly a Gimmick

    Let’s face it, we all want a sparkling smile that could light up a room (or at least your Zoom meetings). Enter the magical world of “whitening” toothpastes – those charming little tubes that promise to remove stains, brighten your smile, and have you looking like you just walked out of a toothpaste commercial. But here’s the thing: most of those promises? Well, let’s just say they’re more marketing than miracle.

    So, let’s break it down, shall we?

    The Toothpaste Industry’s Secret Sauce: Mostly Abrasives

    First off, the majority of those toothpaste brands you see proudly boasting about their “whitening” powers are simply using abrasives to buff away surface stains. Think of it like using sandpaper to polish a countertop. The gritty particles in these toothpastes are good at scrubbing away what’s already on your teeth, like coffee, tea, or red wine stains (all of which are basically the nemesis of your pearly whites). But here’s the kicker: these toothpastes don’t actually whiten your teeth. They’re like the equivalent of a car wash that only scrubs the dirt off the exterior – your teeth look cleaner, sure, but they’re not going to be any whiter than they were before.

    The Real Whitening Power? Peroxide, Baby.

    Now, if you’re serious about giving your teeth that dazzling Hollywood shine, you need to go a little deeper than the latest “whitening” toothpaste on the shelf. The only true whitening products are the ones that contain peroxide. Yes, peroxide! You know, that stuff … Read the rest

    • OCTOBER 3, 2024
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    The Rise of Corporate Dentistry: Why Supporting Local Dental Offices Matters More Than Ever

    At Massasoit Dental Associates, we take pride in being a part of our community—a locally owned, independent dental practice that values patient relationships over profit. As we see a rise in corporate-owned dental chains across the country, it’s more important than ever to shed light on the significant differences between local, community-driven practices like ours and the growing corporate presence in dentistry.

    The Corporate Takeover of Dentistry: A Troubling Trend

    In recent years, many dental practices have been purchased by large corporations, turning patient care into a commodified, profit-driven venture. These corporate chains often promise convenience, but the reality is that they operate very differently from locally owned practices. Instead of prioritizing long-term relationships with patients and delivering personalized care, the focus shifts to maximizing profits.

    Here are some of the key concerns that come with the rise of corporate dentistry:

    1. Profit Over Patient Care

    At many corporate-run dental chains, the pressure to meet financial targets can result in rushed appointments, overprescribed treatments, and less focus on preventive care. Dentists in these practices are often encouraged to follow production quotas—focusing on upselling services rather than addressing the unique needs of each patient.

    At Massasoit Dental Associates, our top priority is your health and well-being. We are driven by the satisfaction of helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles, not by meeting corporate goals.

    2. Lack of Personal Connection

    Corporate dental offices often rotate staff and dentists frequently, making it difficult for patients to form a lasting, trusting relationship … Read the rest

    • SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
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    Maximize Your Dental Benefits Before the Year Ends

    As we approach the end of the year, it’s important to make the most of your dental insurance benefits. At Massasoit Dental Associates, we want to remind you that in most cases, any unused benefits do not roll over into the new year. That means if you don’t use them, you lose them!

    Many dental insurance plans are structured around the calendar year. This means that your annual maximum, which is the amount your insurance will pay for your dental care throughout the year, resets on January 1st. If you have been delaying any treatments—whether it’s a routine cleaning, filling, or a more extensive procedure—now is the perfect time to take action.

    Why You Should Act Now

    • Annual Maximums: Most plans have a yearly maximum for covered dental work. If you haven’t hit your limit, it’s an opportunity to take advantage of your benefits before they expire.
    • Preventative Care: Many plans fully cover preventive services like cleanings and exams. Staying on top of these helps prevent more significant (and costly) dental issues in the future.
    • Pending Treatments: If your dentist has recommended any treatments, now is a great time to schedule them before the year ends, especially if you’ve already met your deductible. You’ll save money by using your insurance coverage rather than postponing and resetting your deductible next year.

    Not All Plans Follow the Calendar Year

    While many insurance plans reset on January 1st, not all do. Some might operate on a fiscal year or have a different schedule … Read the rest

    • SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
    • 0

    Tori? Nope, Not a Fantasy Creature. Just Your Friendly Oral Bumps!

    Ah, tori. If you’ve recently heard the word for the first time, you’re probably imagining something exotic—like a mystical creature that guards a dental treasure chest. But nope! In the world of dentistry, tori (or singular “torus”) are just those little bony bumps in your mouth that can make you feel like your jaw’s throwing a surprise party. And guess what? They’re totally normal!

    So, let’s chat about tori and put your mind at ease, because, spoiler alert: you’re not turning into a dental superhero or developing new jaw powers (though that would be pretty cool).

    What Exactly Are Tori?

    Tori are harmless growths of bone in your mouth. You’ll most commonly find them along the inside of your lower jaw or the roof of your mouth. Think of them as your mouth’s quirky way of saying, “Hey, look, I can do more than just house teeth!” They don’t come with any special abilities—no enhanced biting strength or tooth-laser powers—but they’re part of what makes your mouth, well, yours!

    Are They Weird? Unusual? Should I Be Worried?

    Absolutely not! About 20-30% of people have tori. That’s right—there’s a good chance your neighbor, your boss, or even your dentist has them, too. It’s like a secret club you didn’t know you were in. And unlike most clubs, this one doesn’t have any weird membership fees or initiation ceremonies.

    Tori are just bony outgrowths, often hereditary, so if your family has them, you might, too. They tend to grow slowly over … Read the rest

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