Around 80% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 49 wish they could have a whiter smile. As such, it’s probably no surprise that teeth whitening is a highly popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. But before you can undergo the treatment, your dentist will need to check your grin for signs of decay. Any cavities you have should be treated before you begin teeth whitening; your dentist is here to explain why.

Straightening your smile with clear aligners is a very gradual process. The treatment involves a number of aligners that are all designed to guide the teeth slightly closer to their ideal positions. But what if your teeth aren’t moving the way they’re supposed to? Below is a quick look at some potential reasons why your clear aligners aren’t yielding the expected results – as well as some possible solutions.

Many people are surprised when they’re told that they need to get attachments as part of their Invisalign treatment. They naturally have a number of questions, such as “Why are the attachments necessary?” and “Will it hurt to have the attachments removed?” It’s important to be prepared before you start your Invisalign journey, so here’s a look at what attachments are and what you can expect when the time comes to have them taken off your teeth.

Even though you’re bothered by the way your teeth look, you’re reluctant to pursue cosmetic dentistry because of some of the things you’ve heard about it. However, it’s important to note that there are quite a few myths about cosmetic dentistry floating around – and you shouldn’t let misinformation stand between you and the smile of your dreams. Read on to get the facts behind the 5 cosmetic dentistry myths listed below.

Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, you can enjoy a brighter grin that leaves a powerful first impression at job interviews and other important events. However, if you’re investing in a better smile, you will naturally want to know how long you can expect the results to last. Here’s a quick overview of what the lifespan of a number of popular cosmetic dental procedures looks like.

If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, cosmetic dentistry could be the key to making the improvements that you want. But before you can start the process of enhancing your grin, you need to make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape first. Why does the state of your dental health matter when it comes to cosmetic dentistry? Here’s what you need to know.

The new year is almost here, and you’re likely planning to greet it by getting together with friends and family. Chances are that the celebration will involve a few alcoholic beverages. But while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a drink every once in a while, you should be aware of the impact that alcohol can have on your oral health – as well as the steps your dentist might suggest for keeping your smile safe.

For years, you have enjoyed the benefits of a strong, beautiful-looking dental crown. Recently, however, an unsightly black line has appeared around the restoration. What exactly does this mean? And what can you do to fix the problem and keep it from happening again in the future? The answers to these questions can be found below.

Your tooth is feeling sensitive when you drink your coffee in the morning. This started happening a few weeks back, but it wasn’t every day. Now you’re noticing it every morning and your tooth even woke you up last night because you felt discomfort. You wonder if it’s time to visit your emergency dentist? Is this really an emergency? Read on for some answers!

(more…)

October is Dental Hygiene Month, which means now is a good opportunity to stop and consider the care you’re giving your smile. Are you doing everything you can to keep your teeth and gums clean? Chances are that there’s still some room for improvement, and in many cases making a few small changes to your dental hygiene routine can help. Below are 3 habits that your dentist recommends picking up as soon as possible.