However, Invisalign isn’t just for crooked teeth. Invisalign can fix the majority of tooth and jaw alignment issues where traditional braces would normally be the only option. What other cases can Invisalign help?

Gapped Teeth

Gapped teeth are a concern for many patients. For some people, the gaps in their smile will lessen as they age, but for others, the gaps are there to stay. When you want to close the gaps between your teeth, Invisalign is an effective form of treatment that can discreetly move your teeth closer together to create a uniform smile you can enjoy for life!

Overbites

Overbites are one of the most common issues that are fixed with traditional orthodontics. However, Invisalign is also adept at treating overbites, including deep overbites [2]. If your orthodontist has told you that you have an overbite, ask him or her about Invisalign to correct your bite and deliver a beautiful, functional smile.

Underbites

Underbites tend to be more obvious than overbites, but not in all cases. Underbites can cause chronic jaw pain and difficulty speaking and chewing, and these problems typically become worse over time rather than improving. Fortunately, when you need to correct your underbite, you have the option of going with Invisalign to correct your bite!

For a Straighter Smile

Invisalign provides an overall straighter smile. For people who don’t necessarily have crooked teeth but want to improve the general appearance of their smile, Invisalign provides a way to gradually straighten your teeth with invisible treatment [3]. One of the best benefits of Invisalign is that it’s removable, allowing you to care for your teeth and gums just as you would without orthodontic treatment for brighter, more even teeth.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

While Invisalign can treat the majority of orthodontic cases, there are some people who will need more extensive treatment where an option such as traditional braces would be more effective. Is it time to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign? Adults and kids alike love the discreet treatment of Invisalign for a beautiful, straight smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
2. http://www.jdentaled.org/content/72/8/948
3. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/braces-have-changed-metal-tooth-
colored-clear

The post Invisalign Isn’t Just for Crooked Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The bone that supports your lower teeth happens to be the thinnest in the skull, making these teeth more likely to shift and become crowded or cooked. But are crowded teeth a problem, and how do they impact your smile?

Improper Tooth Alignment

When the teeth don’t align properly, they can cause issues with your bite. An improper bite is also referred to as a malocclusion.

While it may not seem like a big deal if your teeth don’t align properly, the truth is that having a bad bite has more of an impact than you think. Improper alignment can make it harder for you to bite and chew, which can cause issues when eating and even speaking properly [1]. Some patients may experience pain or discomfort as the result of improper alignment.

Fortunately, orthodontics provides a simple fix for most people who have crowded teeth so they can eat and speak with comfort.

Trouble with Oral Hygiene

Crowded teeth are typically more difficult to clean as a result of their position in the mouth. People who have crowded teeth are at higher risk to get tooth decay and gum disease, as plaque can hide in places that are impossible to reach at home with a toothbrush and floss [2]. Even teeth that are in their correct positions can leave room for plaque to hide, which is why regular professional cleanings with your dentist are necessary.

By correcting crowded teeth, you make it easier to keep on top of your oral care at home and reduce your risk for getting cavities and gum disease!

Issues with Self-Confidence

People who have crowded teeth are often self-conscious of their smiles whether or not people can see the affected teeth. For some people, they feel that crowded teeth can impact their entire appearance and impact their self-confidence.

Your orthodontist can develop an effective treatment plan to correct your teeth crowding for a more beautiful, functional smile. Orthodontic treatment can often improve patients’ confidence in their smiles, and allows them to not only interact more confidently with others, but to also feel good about how others perceive them [3].

Get a Consultation with Your Orthodontist!

If you have crowded or crooked teeth that have impacted your bite, your ability to care for your smile, or your self-confidence, it’s time to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. You can ask your dentist for a referral, or look for an orthodontist in your area who has experience correcting crowded teeth.

You’re never too old to have the smile you deserve. Don’t live with the consequences of crowded teeth—you can have a healthier, more attractive smile with the right treatment from your professional orthodontist!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/teens/concerns
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/oral-health/are-you-too-old-for-braces
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1118280/

The post What is the Impact of Crowded teeth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Procedures that fall under cosmetic dentistry range from porcelain veneers to teeth whitening to gum re-contouring, all to achieve your vision for your smile! Are you unhappy with your teeth and considering cosmetic dentistry? Here’s why it’s absolutely worth the investment!

Improve the Health of Your Smile

Cosmetic dentistry can not only improve the alignment of your teeth and your bite to support oral health, but is usually an excellent opportunity for patients to address underlying dental concerns.

Before most cosmetic dentistry procedures such as a professional teeth whitening or even veneers, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your smile for any existing problems with your oral health [1].

This is because your teeth and gums will need to be at their healthiest for you to have your best outcome from the procedure. So not only will your investment into cosmetic dentistry benefit your oral health, but you’ll also be more motivated to take care of your smile afterward!

Gain More Confidence

Most people invest in cosmetic dentistry to fix issues with their smile that they’re embarrassed about. Whether your teeth are discolored, uneven, or chipped, your cosmetic dentist can help you gain more confidence in your smile.

People who are proud of their smile find themselves having the confidence to speak, laugh, and eat when in public and not be afraid that someone will see their teeth. Whether you’re investing in cosmetic dentistry for an upcoming event or just because it’s time to have the smile of your dreams, having beautiful teeth means you’ll smile more, which research has shown makes you happier [2].

You’ll also stress less about your interactions with people, from interviews and meetings to potential dates and family gatherings, you’ll never again worry that people are looking at your teeth for the wrong reasons.

Prevent Future Damage

Some people need to seek cosmetic procedures because of damage that’s already happened to their teeth. For example, someone who has grinded their teeth for years may have worn down their teeth and need crowns or veneers to restore their smile and prevent future damage.

If you have chipped or fractured teeth from years of wear and tear, dental bonding or veneers can actually strengthen your smile and reduce the likelihood that this type of damage would happen in the future.

In addition, correcting misaligned teeth can improve jaw pain and headaches from affecting your quality of life [3]. Crooked teeth can cause these symptoms because of how they affect the jaw, so by investing in cosmetic dentistry, you invest in a healthier you!

Is It Time to Consider Cosmetic Dentistry?

If you’ve been putting off treating your smile, there’s no better time than now to schedule a consultation with your professional dentist. He or she can help you review your options so you can have your best smile for life!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/About%20the%20ADA/Files/ada_house_of_delegat
es_whitening_report.ashx
2. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-02/msu-sfa022211.php
3. https://www.dentalhealth.org/jaw-problems-and-headaches

The post Why Cosmetic Dentistry Is Worth the Investment appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Too much or too little gum tissue can cause the gums to appear uneven. Some people will have this issue present their whole lives, while others may have it develop later in life. A crooked gumline has many causes from genetics to gum disease to hormone changes during pregnancy.

But what can be done about an uneven gumline? Here are your treatment options based on what could be causing this issue!

If Your Gums Are Receding

If your gumline is uneven due to receding gum tissue, you may see areas where the gums appear to pull back from the teeth, giving some teeth a longer appearance and exposing tooth roots. A receding gumline can also be caused by:

• Brushing your teeth too aggressively
• Gum disease
• Smoking and tobacco use

You’ll need to visit your dentist to know for certain what the cause is. If your gum recession is the result of advanced gum disease, you may need a gum graft to repair missing gum tissue [1].

However, if the appearance of your gums is caused by aggressive brushing, switching to a softer toothbrush may be able to help.

If You Have Gummy Smile

Your uneven gums could be caused by gummy smile, a condition in which gum tissue covers too much of the teeth. Gummy smile could also be caused by the muscles in the upper lip exposing too much gum tissue when smiling, in which case, dental treatment may not be appropriate.

While gummy smile typically doesn’t affect oral health, it can be treated in a cosmetic procedure called gingival contouring, or gum contouring, which can be done with a laser to essentially reshape the gum tissue to permanently improve appearance [2].

If the Cause is Genetic

When uneven gums are caused by genetics, gum reshaping is usually the best treatment option to give you a smile that looks natural and healthy.

This form of cosmetic gum surgery will require that you treat any underlying issues beforehand—for instance, if you have a mild form of gum disease, it’ll need to be addressed before the procedure.

A gum contouring procedure can be done at your dentist’s office with local anesthesia and requires minimal recovery time, for some patients a few days and up to two weeks depending on your unique smile [3]. Your dentist can let you know more about what to expect during your consultation.

Are You Experiencing Uneven Gum Tissue?

If you have uneven gums, there is treatment available to help restore your appearance based on what’s causing the issue. Your dentist can further evaluate your gums to determine how best to treat your irregular gumline and give you a beautiful smile.

Schedule an appointment with your oral healthcare professional today to learn about your options!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-graft-surgery
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4672859/
3. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-contouring-procedure#2-6

The post What Can Be Done to Treat an Uneven Gumline? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Having a brighter smile can give you confidence in your personal life, in your professional life,
and even encourage you to have a healthier smile. Here’s how a whiter smile can actually
change your relationships.

People Notice Your Smile First

When asked what they notice first about a person, people will usually say it’s their smile.
People are naturally drawn to teeth that appear whiter and more even in color. You can make
the best first impression with a professional teeth whitening—no one will forget you with such
a dazzling smile.

A white smile can also make you appear younger, healthier, and more attractive. People
associate yellow or stained teeth with age. With a brighter smile, you can look years younger
and wow your friends, family, or a potential date with your pearly whites!

Boost Your Confidence at Work

Work can be stressful, especially when you’re in a position where you need to constantly show
your worth to clients, colleagues, and management. When you need to make the right
impression every day, having a bright smile can help eliminate your worries about appearing
unprofessional or unkempt in appearance.

With a professional teeth whitening, you can allow yourself to have unwavering focus on your
job knowing that your smile is wowing your audience. Stay focused on your presentation, your
meeting, or a promotion with a beautiful white smile to match your already great appearance!

Have More Reasons to Smile

With white teeth, you have even more reasons to smile. Smiling not only boosts endorphins
and therefore your mood, but it also makes you appear more attractive and draws people to
you. People are also more likely to smile back at you with a white smile. Radiating this type of
positive energy can help you attract the right kind of people in your life!

You’ll also be more motivated to take care of your smile with a professional whitening. Since
tooth enamel is porous, your enamel will be subject to future staining. This makes keeping up
with regular dental cleanings and your brushing and flossing routine even more important, as
it’ll help prolong your professional teeth whitening.

If you’ve been considering a professional teeth whitening, there’s no better time than now to
set up a consultation with your dentist. Although regular brushing can remove surface stains,
deeper stains that have accumulated over time usually need to be removed professionally. Your
dentist can help you to have your best smile with a whitening treatment!

The post How a Bright Smile Can Change Your Relationships appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Here are the two different types of Invisalign retainers:

Clear Retainers – These retainers are molded from clear plastic which fits over your teeth. These retainers are more discreet and less noticeable which makes them a popular choice for adults.

Acrylic Retainers – These are the most common types of retainers out there.

Here are 5 tips on taking care of invisalign retainers:

1. Clean Your Invisalign Retainers

Your retainers are going to end up accumulating a lot of food debris, bacteria and plaque which makes it
all the more important for you to keep it clean.

If you have acrylic retainers then make sure that you rinse them out a couple of times every day with
lukewarm water to remove any build-up of bacteria. Ensure that you disinfect your retainer on a weekly
basis by leaving it to soak in a body of distilled water with a little drop of castile soap or baking soda.

You can also make a paste with equal quantities of baking soda and water to scrub your appliance clean.
After which you can gently clean your aligner with it and your toothbrush and then rinse it out with
lukewarm water. Do not put your aligners into boiling water or use harsh chemicals.

2. Protect Your Retainers from Heat

Your Invisalign retainers are composed of plastic so it is hardly surprising that they are likely to become distorted under extreme heat. Always clean your aligners with lukewarm water to prevent your
retainers from losing their fit and becoming distorted. If you happen to leave your retainers exposed to
heat unintentionally then it is best to contact your dentist to ensure that they fit properly.

3. Avoid Soaking Your Retainers in Mouthwash

Soaking your retainer may sound like a good idea to get rid of any odor but it should be avoided at all
costs as mouthwash has a pigment that your retainer will end up absorbing which will make your teeth
appear to be a different color.

4. Watch What You Drink

Be careful about what beverages you consume with your retainers on and how it affects your dental
health. Continue maintaining good oral health by carrying your aligner case with you so you can store
your retainer in it when you drink any beverages.

5. Clean Your Invisalign Retainers Before Placing Them in their Case

Clean your old retainers and store them in their case when you are moving on to another set of
retainers in case you require them later. Storing your retainer properly and in a clean manner ensures
that they stay clean and ready for use.

Invisalign retainers are a great way to improve your smile in a very discreet and almost invisible manner.

Follow your orthodontist’s instructions and stay committed to keeping your retainers clean and
maintaining good dental health.

The post 5 Tips to Caring For Your Invisalign Retainers appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Here’s why getting your teeth whitened at your dentist’s is always more effective than getting a
take-home kit and trying to do the process by yourself!

Customize Your Shade of White

Take-home teeth whitening kits typically take days if not weeks to show any significant change
in your teeth. They also don’t quite allow you to customize your shade of white—do you want a
mega-watt smile or do you want something more subtle?

With an in-office laser teeth whitening, you can pick your shade with the help of your dentist
and make all your teeth the same color to create a cohesive look. The process is simple and you won’t need to worry about ensuring that all your teeth are the same shade of white during a painstaking and lengthy at-home process.

Quick and Simple

With an in-office laser teeth whitening, you don’t need to worry about waiting weeks to get a whiter smile. Laser teeth whitening typically only takes one hour at your dentist’s office. The procedure is simple, painless, professional, and safe.

Instead of wasting time and money with take-home kits, you can instead get dramatically
whiter teeth in just one appointment. This is especially beneficial if you want white teeth for an
upcoming event such as a wedding or a job interview—no waiting; just one appointment and
your smile is flawless!

Safer Than Whitening Kits

When it comes to an in-office whitening, you can’t beat the safety and thoroughness of the
procedure. Your dentist conducts the whitening and controls every aspect of the process,
including the concentration of peroxide that whitens your teeth to your specific shade. Your
dentist also protects your gum tissue from any harsh elements during your appointment.

In addition, you dentist is experienced, professional, and the whitening takes place in a safe,
comfortable, and hygienic environment. You also help reduce your risk for developing tooth
sensitivity after the procedure—with a professional teeth whitening, you don’t need to worry
about take-home kits stripping your tooth enamel and leaving you with sensitive teeth.

It’s hard to top the confidence that comes with a whiter smile—so why wait for yours? Skip the
take-home kits and instead invest in a professional treatment that’s simple, safe, and quick. You
can have a bright, beautiful smile in just an hour at your local dentist office, so schedule an
appointment today!

The post Is In-Office Laser Teeth Whitening More Effective Than Take-Home Options? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dental implants have many long-term benefits that you’ll soon see. Here’s why implants are the
best investment for your smile in the long run!

Stimulate Bone Growth

One of the best benefits of dental implants is that they stimulate bone growth in your jaw.
When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported that tooth will begin to diminish over
time. Without a replacement, the body has no need for this bone. When your jaw bone loses
density, your face can begin to have a shrunken or aged appearance.

With dental implants, the bone in your jaw is once again stimulated by a “tooth”. This will help
enhance the fullness of your face and may even give you a younger appearance. This will also
help your jaw remain strong and healthy over your lifetime!

Save Money on Future Replacements

Since dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime with the proper care, they save you
money on future replacements. With dentures and bridges, a replacement is inevitable after a
few years. With dental implants, you have a permanent solution that will never need to be
replaced. Only the dental crown will need to be replaced, and these crowns have the potential
to last a decade or even longer!

Reduce Risk of Cavities

Since dental implants aren’t able to get cavities, you’ll help reduce the chances that bacteria
from tooth decay or gum disease will build up on your replaced teeth. This could facilitate a
healthier smile with the proper home care and regular visits to your dentist!

Keep Teeth from Shifting

Dental implants prevent your teeth from shifting over time. Teeth shifting happens as the result
of missing teeth, which the body will then compensate for by slowly moving the remaining
teeth into their place. Dental implants help your teeth stay in their proper positions over your
lifetime, so you won’t have the need for cosmetic work as the result of shifting!

Enjoy Food Again

You’ll never have to worry about your dental implant falling out or causing you any discomfort,
unlike some cosmetic tooth replacements. This means you can enjoy all the foods you used to
enjoy before you lost your tooth or teeth. In fact, since dental implants function just like your
normal teeth, you’re unlimited in what you can have to eat!

Improve Confidence

Dental implants not only provide you with an array of long-term physical benefits for your
smile, they provide lasting emotional benefits as well. They often give patients the confidence
to smile again, to fully express themselves, and to enjoy foods out in public. Even your speech
may improve, as missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce words properly.

From inspiring confidence to providing you with a sturdy, functional, and beautiful solution to
your missing teeth, dental implants are rapidly becoming the most popular choice to restore
smiles. Have you been considering dental implants? Make an appointment with your dentist
today to discuss the long-term benefits dental implants may have in store for you!

The post What Are Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Studies Show Avoiding the Dentist Makes You Unhappier

Recent research has shown that people who avoid the dentist tend to be unhappier in their lives. This is because people who regularly skipped their dental appointments were more likely to have missing teeth, gum disease, and other oral health issues that impacted their day-to- day life.

The research also showed that people who neglected to care for their oral health were also more likely to have poorer overall health. People who have a healthy, beautiful smile are more likely to be happier and take better care of their bodies than people who don’t. This is why having your best smile is so important—not just for overall health, but for your happiness!

Research Proves Smiling Improves Your Mood

Studies have also proved that smiling—whether genuine or faked—can boost your mood and even your immune system. This is because the act of smiling releases endorphins, and your body can’t tell the difference between a real and a fake smile. People who smile more tend to be happier and more confident!

Unfortunately, people who are severely self-conscious of their smiles often avoid smiling altogether. Having oral health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay can progress if not treated. These problems often get to the point where your smile is compromised and you no longer feel comfortable showing your teeth. When you have a gorgeous smile, you can speak and laugh without holding back and enjoy the increased happiness that comes with it!

A Beautiful Smile Increases Success and Confidence

Often, self-esteem begins in childhood. While having an imperfect smile is considered cute among children, it can be hugely damaging to the image of an adult. Having a subpar smile can impact your success, confidence, and even your approachability. A beautiful smile can make you more attractive and appear more trustworthy and approachable. Your smile affects how people perceive you. A great smile can help you be more warm and open, while hiding your smile or having an unpleasant smile can lead people to be more distrusting or less attracted to you.

Don’t wait to get the smile of your dreams. With all the benefits a perfect smile offers you, why not see what can be improved? Maybe you need a simple whitening to help get your confidence back on track, or maybe you need more involved restorative work. Regardless, schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist to talk about your perfect smile!

The post Studies Prove Your Smile Has a Direct Impact on Your Self-Confidence appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

A trip to the dentist isn’t most people’s ideal day out, which is why many avoid the process altogether. The problem with doing so is that you leave yourself vulnerable to a broad range of health issues that are brought on by a lack of dental care. For example, a missing tooth can cause you both mental and physical discomfort on a daily basis. A long-term solution to this type of problem is dental implants, but many are unaware of exactly what dental implants are and just how beneficial they can be.

To get a better idea of how dental implants can help you, here are five benefits that can improve your day-to-day life.

Return to Regular Eating Habits

For people with dentures or missing teeth, eating certain foods can be a near-impossible task that leads to discomfort or embarrassing situations. Your dentures coming out by accident firmly clamped around a chewy piece of meat or stuck into a crunchy apple is mortifying, to say the least.

Dental implants not only allow you to eat food that dentures and other dental treatments would deny you of; they also give you peace of mind, knowing that you don’t have to adjust your diet to comply with the requirements of other dental treatments. Everything on the menu just became a realistic choice and you’ll be able to get stuck in.

A More Natural Appearance

Although your teeth stay tucked away inside your mouth most of the time, they play a large role in your overall appearance. Removable dentures that aren’t slim enough can make the owner’s mouth look unnatural and distracting to others.

Dental implants look and feel like real teeth, meaning that they don’t have an adverse effect on the way you look. Take away the potential of feeling self-conscious or embarrassed by dental-related issues by seriously looking into the prospect of dental implants.

Improved Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is a character trait that has the potential to make an enormous impact on your everyday life. Whether you’re socialising, at work, dating, or with your loved ones, confidence is something that dental issues can chip away at that positive state of mind. Your appearance can play a vital role in how confident you are as a person, so a dental issue can be a serious hindrance when you consider how much your teeth are exposed on a daily basis.

The natural look of dental implants can make you feel more comfortable in your own skin and confident in situations you previously wouldn’t have been. Not only that, but by feeling and acting like real teeth, it will make you more confident to eat in front of other people and less worried about eating certain foods, which would have previously been a nightmare during social or work-related meals.

More Convenient and Comfortable

While your teeth may not be essential to carry on living, many people couldn’t imagine life without them. So if you plan on maintaining a healthy set of pearly whites for the rest of your life, you’re going to need them to be as comfortable as possible.

Because dental implants are placed into the jaw, acting as an anchor for the tooth, they serve the same purpose as your natural teeth. The fact that you won’t have to remove them regularly for cleaning and maintenance — like other dental treatments, such as dentures — makes them a more convenient option. By sitting in amongst your other teeth without the need to remove it, a dental implant is a lot more comfortable, too.

It’s a Long-Term Solution

One of the reasons people seek alternatives to removable dentures is that they want something more long-term. Thankfully, dental implants are the ideal choice for quality and longevity. Dentures will last around five years or so, after which they will begin to show signs of wear and tear. Dental implants not only help to eliminate removable prosthesis but also spare healthy teeth in bridge preparation.

If your mouth stays healthy and your oral hygiene routines are regular and efficient, there’s no reason why your dental implant won’t stand the test of time. An implant will remain firmly fixed to your upper or lower jaw and will only need to be removed if an issue occurs. This means you won’t have to keep returning to the dentist for new dentures.

Maintaining a healthy set of teeth should always be a top priority in regards to personal hygiene — not just for aesthetic reasons, but also because of the high volume of bacteria in your mouth, as there are many health problems caused by infections. Dental implants are just one of the many dental treatments available to the public, but they are amongst the most popular because of the day-to-day benefits they provide. If you have a missing tooth that needs replacing or dentures you aren’t happy with, it’s time to consider what dental implants can do for you.

The post 5 Everyday Benefits of Dental Implants That Can Change Your Life appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.