What makes an attractive smile? Straight, even pearly whites with symmetry and balance contribute to a person’s overall attractiveness. In fact, studies show that next to a person’s eyes, one’s smile is the second physical attribute people notice. But we aren’t all born with excellent dental genes. If you want a gorgeous smile for yourself or your children, you aren’t alone. According to Humana, over 4 million Americans wear braces ...
The temporomandibular joint (also called the jaw joint or TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in the human body. These all-too-important joints allow us to speak, chew, yawn, and laugh. So, when our jaws fall victim to injury or dysfunction, it can have devastating effects on our physical, mental, and social health. Luckily, calling attention to these overworked (and underappreciated!) joints can help you avoid painful TMJ disorders in the future. And ...
October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Let’s talk about the amazing world of dental hygiene and our awesome dental hygienists. Dental hygienists assist the dentist with performing dental cleanings and other preventative care such as dental sealants and fluoride treatment. They are an essential part of every dental practice and celebrating Dental Hygiene Month means celebrating them too. How important is dental hygiene? Much like personal hygiene, dental hygiene focuses on your oral health ...
It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health. According to the CDC, “Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.” The list of health issues linked to smoking includes: Coronary heart disease Stroke Lung cancer Cardiovascular disease Respiratory disease Cancer anywhere in almost any part of the body Difficult becoming pregnant Early delivery Stillbirth Ectopic pregnancy Orofacial clefts in infants When it comes to oral health, smoking ...
Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic dentistry option for people who are insecure about their smiles. You may want to consider veneers if you have cosmetic flaws like extrinsic dental stains, crooked teeth, gapped teeth, misshapen teeth, or short teeth. One, two, or several veneers can be used to correct these issues. Veneers are not a permanent solution, and porcelain veneers are irreversible. We discuss exactly what that means and other considerations in this blog ...
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 ...
