Did you know that 80% of people surveyed want whiter teeth? A brighter smile appears cleaner and healthier. Scientists have even speculated that having luminous teeth is viewed as a sign of good genetics, which can be attractive to potential mates. When your grin is sparkling, it projects confidence, warmth, and vitality. These factors have been a driving force since ancient times! Read on to learn about the history of teeth whitening and how you can achieve a dazzling smile now.

If you recently started wearing Invisalign, you have probably noticed that it takes some getting used to. From cleaning your aligners to remembering to brush and floss after every meal, there can be a bit of a learning curve. Some patients also find it difficult to remove their trays. People who have Invisalign attachments may also find it harder to take their trays off. Rather than tugging on your aligners and risking breaking them, read on to learn about five methods that will make removing clear aligners easier.

If you’re ready to invest in a straight smile using the clear choice in orthodontics, you probably didn’t expect your dentist to recommend interproximal reduction (IPR) before getting Invisalign. Although its name may sound a little scary, it’s a common procedure needed before wearing clear aligners. The goal is to create more space to align crowded teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. Since your enamel won’t grow back, it’s normal to be concerned about the procedure, but there’s no reason to worry. Here’s what you can expect with IPR and why it’s necessary to achieve your best smile.

(more…)

Popcorn is a popular snack for those going to the movies, on picnics, or just curling up at home with a good book. This salty, buttery treat can even be relatively healthy if you use the right ingredients. As much as people love popcorn, it isn’t the best option for your smile. Read on to learn about four ways that popcorn can negatively affect your oral health and what you can do to prevent them.

As you may already know, drinking too much alcohol is bad for your overall health. It can lead to serious health conditions like liver disease and high blood pressure. This bad habit can also put your teeth and gums at risk of oral health issues. To help you maintain a healthy smile, read on to learn more about how overdoing it with alcohol may result in an unhealthy smile.

So, let’s say you’ve decided to get straighter teeth with an Invisalign treatment. Have you figured out the best time to begin? The aligning process can last a while, after all. Finding a good start-point will make it easier for you to adjust in the long run.

As it happens, summer is a great time to begin Invisalign. To learn more, here are three advantages to starting your teeth-straightening journey this season!

If you struggle from TMJ disorder, you know how painful the condition can be. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) impacts your daily life, making chewing and talking more difficult. That’s because it affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to your skull. When the joint is displaced, slipping and sliding causes pain in the muscles and joints around your face. If you want to help alleviate pain caused by TMJ disorder, here are things you shouldn’t do.

Just what advantages do dental implants offer patients? You may know that they replace missing teeth, but their other benefits may not be apparent. How do they differ from dentures? How well do they work on a day-to-day basis?

To help answer these questions, here’s a summary of five key facts about dental implants. Hopefully, it’ll help you see that implants are a great treatment that you might pursue in the future.

With the rise of DIY projects, people are really taking to heart an old, famous saying: If you want something done right, do it yourself. This even applies to dentistry, with some of us trying methods to whiten our teeth ourselves.  DIY projects are possible for all sorts of things, the thinking goes, so why not whitening?  It’s cheaper, faster, and more convenient than visiting a cosmetic dentist!

As great as the promises of self-whitening sound, however, they’re generally false advertising. Contrary to popular belief, DIY whitening is quite dangerous, and can have negative effects on your teeth. To avoid hurting your smile in an attempt to help it, listed below is a guide to DIY whitening dangers and why dentists are the better option.