Straightening teeth with Invisalign can give people the confidence to smile wide. But can Invisalign literally widen a smile—meaning, can it move teeth enough that more are visible when a patient smiles? The success of Invisalign at widening a smile depends on the alignment problem of the teeth. When teeth are crowded together, they may...
It’s rare to find a dentist who will provide patients with traditional braces for their crooked teeth. Metal, ceramic, and lingual braces are typically only fitted by orthodontists. But there are other options out there to straighten teeth. Invisalign is one of the most popular and successful. Patients often ask “Do I need to find...
Updated 6/22/2020 Children can have a range of reactions to a dentist, from fearful anxiety to curiosity. Preparing a child for that first dental visit can help cut down on the fear and anxiety to create a better experience for everyone involved. Some parents may be tempted to put off checkups because of their child’s...
If your child is ready for their first visit to the dentist, or if they have a dental emergency, you may be wondering about the best type of professional to treat him or her. Is it necessary to take your kid to a pediatric dentist, or can you bring them to your current dentist? Some...
Having a piece of a tooth break off and fall out is certainly startling. And if there is pain or blood involved, it is definitely considered a dental emergency. Even if it doesn’t hurt or bleed, a cracked tooth or chipped tooth should be seen by a dentist. The amount of urgency, however, depends on...
It’s hard to ignore a toothache, and even if you can, it’s not always a good idea. Sensitivity or pain in the mouth is usually a sign that there is a problem. It might go away, but if it doesn’t, it could be a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a bacterial infection at the...
Most dental offices have either closed or gone into “emergency only” status during COVID-19 quarantine. So, while it is possible to get emergency dental care in most places, patients might also want to consider “internet only” options for speaking with a dentist online for simple consultations (non-emergencies). This is what is called teledentistry. Teledentistry is...
As of right now, most U.S. states have suspended elective procedures in dental practices. But this leaves the question: What about dental emergencies? Where should you go, and what should you do, if you have one? (And what counts as a dental emergency, anyway?) While many are turning to their local hospital emergency rooms (ERs),...
We’ve been receiving a lot of questions about COVID-19 (coronavirus) recently, including questions about coronavirus isolation and dental appointments. In an effort to keep our readers safe and healthy, we wanted to provide some expert advice on these specific topics. Please visit the CDC page on coronavirus If you have specific questions about its symptoms...
Every year on March 8, the world comes together to honor women and womanhood on International Women’s Day. It’s an opportunity to salute the achievements of inspiring females across the globe. This year the celebration takes on an even greater significance in the United States, as we mark 100 years since women fought for and...