Orthodontics can change many things about your smile, from the spaces between your teeth to your bite to the alignment of each tooth. For many people, investing in orthodontics is about more than having straighter teeth—it’s about having the confidence to smile more often. When considering orthodontic treatment with braces...
Most of us know that drinking water is important for our health. However, water doesn’t just help lubricate your joints, protect your tissues, remove toxins, and even support a normal body temperature—it also protects your smile . But why is drinking water so great for your teeth and gums? Here’s...
While it would be great to have your teeth stay bright white for your entire life, the reality is that your smile will naturally become less white and more stained over time. Most tooth discoloration is natural, but there are some instances in which discoloration could signal an oral...
Gum scaling is a procedure in which your dental hygienist will gently scrape the sides of your teeth just below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. A gum scaling procedure provides a more effective treatment for gum disease than a regular teeth cleaning because it allows your hygienist...
Dental implants are meant to last for as long as possible. In fact, a properly placed and cared for dental implant can last for life. By visiting your dentist regularly and taking excellent care of your implant, you can ensure that the implant remains secure and never needs to...
Implant-supported dentures are like regular dentures in that they provide an artificial prosthesis to replace missing natural teeth. However, unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures do not rely on suction between the gums and the prosthesis to work. Instead, a few dental implants will support the denture, allowing for a secure...
Temporomandibular joint disorders, often referred to simply as TMJ, can cause a range of problems with the jaw, face, and even the ears. The temporomandibular joints exist on either side of the head close to the ears and help facilitate jaw movement. It is because of the temporomandibular joint that...
Missing natural teeth affect more than just your self-confidence. Whether you’re missing a natural tooth in the back of your mouth that’s noticeable or you’ve lost a front tooth, it’s important to know that there are potential health impacts of missing teeth. So how can a single missing tooth—or...
Tongue thrusting happens when the natural position of the tongue is too far forward in the mouth. Tongue thrusting causes the tongue to press on the front teeth, or between the rows of top and bottom front teeth, which can cause problems with bite, teeth alignment, and even jaw...
IPR stands for interproximal reduction. Interproximal reduction is a technique that has been used for decades in dentistry, most commonly in orthodontics, to create more space for tooth movement and help teeth fit together more appropriately for a beautiful smile . During an interproximal reduction procedure, your oral healthcare professional...
