If you’re considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering: Will Invisalign affect my speech? It’s a valid concern – after all, clear aligners sit directly on your teeth, and any change in the mouth can potentially influence how we pronounce words. The good news? For most people, any speech changes are temporary and minimal.

If you’ve been avoiding seeing the dentist out of fear of pain, you could be causing more harm to your smile than good. After all, your preventive check-ups and cleanings do more than just polish your teeth! They also are an important way to prevent cavities, gum disease, and even diagnose existing problems like oral cancer that you may not even be aware of.

Here’s how to ensure that your next dental appointment stays calm and comfortable, and why you should never let fear stand in the way of a healthy, beautiful smile!

It’s natural for teeth to become stained yellow or brown after repeated exposure to darkly pigmented foods like coffee, tea, and berries, and often, brushing and flossing more thoroughly is enough to brighten them. However, many patients wonder whether they should worry if their teeth have taken on a gray tint.

There are several potential reasons for this type of discoloration, and your dentist can suggest an appropriate treatment to enhance your appearance after you’ve consulted with them. Continue reading to learn more about 3 possible causes and how your provider can help!

Modern dentistry has given us a range of safe and effective cosmetic dental treatments, and teeth whitening is one of the most popular among them. Since professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist can leave your smile up to eight shades whiter, you’ll undoubtedly want to do what you can to preserve these impressive results. Since your teeth will be temporarily more vulnerable to developing new stains after this treatment, here’s a brief guide to a few excellent foods to enjoy while your enamel is recovering.

Porcelain veneers have allowed many patients to transform their teeth into beautiful new forms. These thin porcelain shells mimic the appearance of natural dental structure, and they are designed to be cemented over troubled teeth to conceal flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains. While they can potentially address all these issues with a single treatment, the process involves removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for the appliances. Here’s a brief guide to how porcelain veneers work and how much enamel must be removed for them.

Keeping up with your oral health during summer vacation isn’t as simple as it sounds! Even if you’re not the sort to forget to pack your toothbrush, you might be tempted to skip out on a cleaning session or two. But it’s important to keep your teeth in mind so you don’t develop dental complications while you’re trying to relax.

Don’t worry – we know you’re probably busy packing and planning. Here’s a summer vacation dental checklist to help lighten your load and keep you on track.

If you’ve recently purchased a dental insurance plan, you’ve made a wise investment. You’ll find that your dental insurance works a bit differently than your medical coverage. Here’s what you need to know to benefit from reduced rates for the services you need to keep your mouth healthy.

(more…)

Regular dental care is essential for a healthy mouth and body. While you rely on your dentist to keep your teeth and gums healthy, your dental hygienist is also an important asset for your oral health. In honor of Dental Hygienist Week, here are 5 reasons to appreciate your dental hygienist.

(more…)

You probably already know that brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is a simple way to prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re not also having a checkup every 6 months, though, you’re missing a crucial component of your oral care routine. It’s important to have a checkup and cleaning every 6 months to ensure that your grin stays in top condition even if you don’t have any obvious dental issues. Keep reading to learn 3 good reasons to schedule your next appointment!

Valentine’s Day is a time of romance, passion, and sweet treats. However, not all candies are created equal when it comes to your oral health. While indulging in a little sweetness is part of the celebration, some candies can wreak havoc on your teeth. If you’d rather save all the sugar for your loved ones, continue reading. You’ll learn what kind of candies to avoid and healthier alternatives for a guilt-free celebration.