Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and other forms of malocclusion (the imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed) can be a source of low self-esteem and poor oral health. If you find yourself hiding your smile, being embarrassed by your teeth, or suffering from chronic oral health issues (like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath) it may be time to consider braces or clear aligners. Are you ready to start your journey to ...
Summer is almost here, and there are several good and important ways that people prepare for it: booking vacations, summer activities for kids, working out, saving money, and eating healthier. Another way to prepare for summer is to create a plan to take care of your oral health. Neglecting your teeth for any amount of time can lead to dental decay, damage, and staining. Thankfully, there are many practical habits you can integrate into your ...
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that treats dental misalignment and malocclusion. Orthodontists complete four years of dental school and two or three years of an orthodontic residency program to be able to practice orthodontics. During this time, they learn how to create treatment plans and position the brackets of braces (and other appliances), so that each patient achieves perfectly aligned teeth and jaws. General dentists can also offer orthodontic treatment as there are ...
After months of treatment, you’re finally removing your last set of Invisalign aligner trays! This momentous occasion is marked by a beautiful smile - no more gaps, crowding, or crooked teeth – and the beginning of the retention phase. Wait, what!? We know the treatment process can feel long, and you probably want nothing more than to check orthodontia off your list permanently. But before that can happen, there’s one more step to ensure your ...
Dental Assistants Recognition Week™ (also known as DARW) is held the first full week in March (this year, it's March 6-12), and we want to take this opportunity to give our hard-working dental assistants the recognition they deserve! Our dental assistants are crucial to the success of our practice. They perform multiple functions, and we couldn't provide the level of patient care we do without them. One of the dental assistant's most ...
For some patients, the most uncomfortable part of dental work happens before the actual procedure. The process of taking traditional dental impressions is never pleasant and can be particularly traumatic for those who experience dental anxiety or have a gag reflex. Though dental impressions aren’t necessary for all procedures, they are needed for those that entail tooth structures or appliances to be fitted in your mouth. Common procedures that require dental impressions include: Dental ...
Chewing gum may not have gotten your school teacher's approval, but as long as it's sugar-free, it will get a nod from your dentist! In fact, sugar-free gum is the only item in the candy aisle that can actually improve your oral health. Adding sugar-free gum to your day can help: Increase Saliva Flow Saliva plays a critical role in your overall oral health. In addition to washing away bacteria, saliva keeps your ...
Happy Birthday, the Alphabet Song, Stayin’ Alive – what do all these songs have in common? They make great hand-washing soundtracks! Over the past year and a half, hand washing has been everyone’s focus. Why? Because it’s the best way to prevent the spread of germs (lest we forget we are in a global pandemic). How Does Handwashing Work to Fight Disease? If done correctly, washing hands rids your hands of bacteria, viruses, and ...
There are some things those of us over a certain age know all too well, like minivans without screens, phones attached to cords, and silver dental fillings. We’re now reaping the rewards of advancing technology (for the most part). Road trips are quieter thanks to mobile entertainment systems, phones are everywhere (usually in our hands), and metal amalgam fillings are no longer the only option. Today, dental practitioners can place composite resins, also known ...
If you’re one of the estimated 50-80% of adults with dental anxiety, chances are you’ve avoided or delayed dental care at some point in your life. Whether it be a routine cleaning or a more in-depth procedure, such as a root canal or filling, putting off dental visits often results in more significant issues down the road. In the majority of cases, dental anxiety is a result of a prior traumatic dental experience ...
