Invisalign aligners are known for their subtlety. Many teenagers and adults prefer braces made of clear plastic as opposed to those made of bulky, visible metal, but is it possible for these custom trays to lose their nearly invisible appearance? If you want to make sure your orthodontic treatment remains discreet, your dentist shares four tips you can use to properly maintain your Invisalign.

Choosing Invisalign clear aligners to straighten your teeth can be an ideal alternative to traditional metal brackets and wires; however, there is a certain level of responsibility you must agree to if treatment is to be successful. While there are many benefits to wearing these removable trays, including greater flexibility when eating, forgetting to wear your aligners can lead to delays. Keep reading to find out what your dentist recommends if you want to stay on track while wearing Invisalign.

Dental anxiety can make even the simplest dental appointment stressful for you and your family. That’s why many dental practices offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to help create feelings of calm, reducing fear and allowing the patient to relax. But despite its benefits, there are many misconceptions about it. If you’re interested in sedation for you or your child, here are a few common myths you needn’t worry about!

If you or your child suffers from anxiety or dental phobia (odontophobia) you or they may need a little help relaxing at your oral health appointments. Nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to the rescue! Nitrous oxide is a safe, colorless, mildly sweet-smelling gas that is used as a sedative in many dental procedures. It helps elicit feelings of calmness and reduces your gag reflex, yet it keeps you awake and alert enough to follow instructions and communicate clearly with your dentist.

For many individuals, chewing a piece of gum is a mindless activity. For others, it’s a way to curb an addiction to tobacco products or food. Unfortunately, if practiced too frequently, it can begin to take a toll on one’s jaw, resulting in chronic pain. If you already exhibit the symptoms associated with TMJ, keep reading to find out whether your favorite gum can be at fault for your increased discomfort.

If you don’t struggle with dental anxiety, you may wonder why your dentist is recommending sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide is commonly used to help ease nerves and calm the fears of those who dislike visiting the dentist’s office, but are there other reasons it might be helpful? Read on to discover the alternative benefits of sedation and how it can help you during your next appointment.

There are various types of flaws that can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Whether it is chips and cracks caused by sports-related injuries, stains and discoloration left behind by years of drinking coffee, or gapped and misshapen teeth that are the result of improper tooth development, finding a solution to conceal these imperfections can feel defeating. However, with cosmetic dentistry continuing to increase in popularity, patients have the option to choose between custom veneers or direct bonding. Find out more about each and which one might be best for your unique needs.

Private dental insurance can be an overwhelming topic for many individuals. It often takes someone with training and expertise to fully understand the details and verbiage associated with various programs. If you are considering enrolling in your employer’s plan, you may wonder about some of the terms used as part of your policy – one of which is “deductible.” Learn more about this term and how you can start saving more each time you visit the dentist’s office.

It’s no secret that most dental insurance companies do not offer coverage for cosmetic dental treatments. After all, they are deemed “elective procedures” because they do not provide ways to improve one’s oral health. Instead, they are designed to enhance appearances and help patients achieve greater confidence. But are there any instances in which an insurance provider will provide some sort of coverage for cosmetic services? Keep reading to find out.

When considering the various cosmetic dentistry services that are designed to whiten teeth, there are two popular options most people think of – teeth whitening or veneers. Capable of eliminating stains by either targeting them with a professional-grade bleaching agent or concealing them with customized dental restorations, these solutions deliver optimal results every time. But how can you know which one is right for you? Keep reading to find out.