Taking care of teeth is a fundamental part of overall health, yet often people don’t think about timing when it comes to dental checkups. For those with dental insurance, scheduling a dental checkup early in the year can be particularly beneficial. Let’s dive into why this strategy makes sense.

As wonderful as the holidays are, they aren’t necessarily a good time for your teeth. Many of the treats that people tend to indulge in around this time of year could end up doing a lot of harm to your smile. While you always have the option of calling your dentist if you have any concerns about your dental health, it’s generally best to avoid oral health problems altogether if you can help it. To that end, you should protect your smile by exercising caution around these 4 popular holiday foods.

Have you been feeling tooth sensitivity when eating anything incredibly hot or cold? Are you experiencing a sharp pain when you bite down? If so, you could have a cavity. It’s important to see your dentist to mend the damage before it progresses further. They’ll need to clean any decay and fill in your tooth in order to preserve it. That said, there’s more than one way to do so! Keep reading to learn about the options so you can make an informed decision.

After having your braces put on, your dentist went over a few dietary instructions, which included not eating candy. However, Halloween is right around the corner. You don’t have to worry about fighting your sweet tooth while passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Orthodontic associations recommend following a few tips before sneaking a piece of candy.

(more…)

If you’re embarrassed by gapped, overcrowded, or rotated teeth, braces can give you a straight smile. Whether you need complex tooth movements or minor adjustments, you’ll probably need braces on both your top and bottom teeth. Although it’s possible to get braces on just the upper or lower teeth, it’s rarely a good idea, and here’s why.

(more…)

For those with missing teeth, dental implants can be a great way to once again have a full and beautiful smile. While teeth are naturally incredibly strong, wear and tear, gum disease, and tooth decay will weaken their structure over time which can cause them to eventually fall out. They might also become lost due to other things like facial trauma. When your teeth go missing, dentists agree that dental implants are the next best thing. In addition to looking and feeling completely normal, they are actually stronger than natural teeth. Read on to find out more about the benefits of dental implants.

Do you have an upcoming appointment to receive a dental crown to restore a compromised tooth? While you can be sure to enjoy an incredibly durable and lifelike solution, the lifespan of your results will go hand-in-hand with how you care for your smile. Furthermore, you’ll have to go through a recovery phase following your placement procedure, which can present some challenges if you aren’t careful. Keep reading to learn what to expect from getting a dental crown and ways to make your healing process easier.

Longer days and warmer weather are just around the corner! For many, the months between May and September are filled with weddings, family reunions, and other important events. If your teeth have taken on a yellow hue, then your feelings of excitement may have turned into feelings of dread. Fortunately, there is a solution: professional teeth whitening. To learn when to whiten your teeth before a special event (and how to maintain your bright smile), read on.

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance your smile, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about potential discomfort. From teeth whitening to veneers and orthodontic treatments, various options are available to address different cosmetic concerns. Understanding the nature of these treatments will help alleviate any worries and ensure a positive and pain-free experience, so read on to learn whether cosmetic dentistry will hurt.

There are more options than ever before to address common aesthetic concerns, but porcelain veneers continue to rank among the most popular elective procedures every year. They can treat many imperfections at once using a minimally invasive procedure that can save time and money. However, your cosmetic dentist must remove some enamel to bond them to your teeth. Since your enamel can’t grow back, it’s normal to have concerns about altering your teeth. There’s no reason to worry because it doesn’t harm them. Your dentist will always take the conservative approach when prepping your teeth for veneers. Here’s how much enamel you can expect them to remove while on your journey to a picture-perfect smile.

(more…)