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How Long Do You Wear a Retainer After Braces?

 

Happy young woman with perfect smile holding retainers during orthodontic appointment.

It is estimated that over four million Americans each year wear braces or orthodontic devices to straighten their teeth. Once the treatment with braces is finished, patients need to continue with maintaining their smile with a retainer. How long do you wear a retainer after braces? Here is what you need to know. Of the…

Gum Boil Treatment, Causes and Symptoms

 

Concerned young woman discussing her dental problem with a dentist.

Lumps on the gum tissue can be a sign of a gum boil or abscess. When bacteria accumulate under the skin on the gums, it can result in a type of gum infection. There are a variety of causes for oral abscesses on the gum tissue, but most require medical gum boil treatment by a…

How to Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

 

Invisalign cleaning crystals

If you are straightening your smile with Invisalign® clear aligners, there is maintenance you need to perform on your aligners. People love Invisalign over traditional metal braces for teeth straightening due to their discreet and comfortable aspects, but they do require cleaning and sterilizing. The best option for maintaining your aligners is cleaning crystals. Invisalign…

When Can I Smoke After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

 

Young woman with a packet of cigarettes not sure if to smoke.

Tooth removal or extraction is a common oral surgery that requires some recovery and healing time. Once a tooth is removed, the gum tissue must be allowed to heal. Wisdom teeth removal is often the first tooth extraction procedure many people endure. After the extraction, one of the post-procedure recommendations is refraining from smoking. If…

How to Close Gap Teeth in Your Smile

 

Happy Afro-American woman with perfect smile sitting in a dental chair and showing her thumb up.

Do you have a teeth gap? Many people have gaps in their teeth – Michael Strahan is famous for the gap between his front teeth. However, not everyone embraces gap teeth like Mr. Strahan. If you have spaces between your teeth, it can be a distraction and may impact your oral health. There are a…

How Smile Makeovers Can Boost Your Overall Confidence

 

Confident young businessman with perfect smile. during the business meeting

Are you embarrassed by the way your teeth look when you smile? Imperfections such as chips, stains and misshapen teeth can negatively affect your personal and professional life. By improving your smile, you can boost your overall confidence. Cosmetic dentistry procedures in a smile makeover can correct a variety of imperfections to improve your appearance…

How Do I Get Rid of Different Types of Teeth Stains?

 

Smiling young woman hiding her mouth behind an open book because of teeth stains.

Yellow, brown, black and gray – there are all types of teeth stains that can impact the appearance of your smile. Not only are they different colors, but the stain can be on the surface or deeper within the tooth. If you want a bright, white smile that looks healthy and attractive, you want to…

Bad Wisdom Tooth? Sore Throat on One Side May be a Symptom

 

Woman suffering from pain caused by wisdom tooth.

The last large molars to arrive are the wisdom teeth. Most people do not receive their last four back molars until after the age of 17 and once they arrive, they can cause problems. Some wisdom teeth are proactively removed, but many people still have their back molars. Due to the far back position, wisdom…

How Long Does a Crown Take to Perform?

 

A satisfied man after dental crown procedure talking to a dentist.

Dental crowns are the gold standard in tooth restorations. Cracked, broken or damaged teeth can be repaired with crowns. Plus, dental restorations for missing teeth like dental implants and bridges may use crowns in their procedures. Crowns can even be used in cosmetic dentistry to create a beautiful smile. If you need a tooth restoration,…

Is Chewing Gum Bad for You or Your Smile?

 

Two happy young women chewing gum.

A stick of gum can freshen your breath or keep your mouth busy. From sweet bubblegum for kids to gum with whiteners for adults, gum is loved by people of all ages. But is chewing gum bad for you or your smile? When it comes to caring for your teeth, you should know how what…