There are plenty of reasons to get teeth whitened: In anticipation of being in a wedding, for example. But what would be a simple decision for most women gets a little more complicated for those who are pregnant. Are teeth whitening and pregnancy a bad combination? In its recommendations about dental care during pregnancy, the...
A big part of Invisalign’s popularity is that, unlike with regular braces, wearers of the clear aligners can take them out to eat whatever they want. While that’s convenient, it also presents the problem of what to do with Invisalign when eating. Proper care of Invisalign aligners is essential. Their success for straightening teeth depends...
There’s more to deciding between dental crowns vs. implants than just picking a personal preference, or what works with your budget. While both are effective solutions to restore a tooth, they are not really the same. Understanding the different uses for dental crowns and dental implants could make the choice obvious. In situations where either...
It’s easy to think that a cavity on a kid’s baby tooth is no big deal. After all, baby teeth (also called primary teeth) are only temporary. So how important can they be? Actually, the condition of a child’s teeth can affect the adult teeth that will eventually replace them. It’s beneficial for parents to...
Stressful situations—like public speaking, a job interview, or a first date—can make almost anyone’s mouth go dry. But for some it’s more than just an occasional nuisance. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a condition that can have complications for both oral and overall health. There are solutions for dry mouth. Relief can come in...
Just as brushing and flossing protect teeth from tooth decay, bite guards and mouthguards protect them from other outside forces that can harm them. They are devices that cover teeth to form a protective barrier, shielding them from cracking and chipping. Bite guards and mouthguards are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. They might also...
What makes a great smile? Straight, white teeth, of course. But don’t forget about the gums. The size and shape of gum tissue can impact the overall look of a person’s mouth. Some opt for laser gum reshaping, a surgical procedure that can correct the gumline. Gums that come down too low can create what’s...
Clear aligners have a definite appeal for straightening teeth compared to traditional braces. They’re generally less noticeable and work faster. Since 1997, Invisalign has been the industry leader in alternatives to braces. But there’s a newer product, on the market since 2018, that has caught consumer’s attention. It’s called byte, and patients are wondering which...
A few years ago, the National Association of Dental Plans reported that about 74 million Americans had no dental insurance coverage. Anyone in that group understands the struggle of finding and paying for affordable dental care. Good oral care is important in many ways, and goes beyond just having a clean mouth and nice teeth....
There are plenty of reasons why some patients avoid the dentist, and we’ve heard them all. Anxiety about pain or dreading the cost are common concerns. So is simply failing to make time in a busy schedule. And the recent COVID-19 pandemic has added a new excuse to the list. No matter what is coming...