Washington Dental Care West Loop Blog

It is natural for teeth to become discolored over time. Stain can occur for a number of different reasons, including dark-colored beverages, tobacco products, and aging. That being said, it’s still one of the most common reasons why patients are self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. If you are considering teeth whitening, you should discuss your options with your dentist to make sure it is a safe option for you. Continue reading to learn some reasons why.

If you’ve ever wanted to improve the appearance of your smile but haven’t necessarily needed to, you may have at least considered cosmetic dentistry. This innovative, elective branch of oral health care can help you customize a beautiful, healthy smile. But despite how safe and effective it is, there are a lot of myths swirling around out there about it.

If you’re interested in seeing how you can improve your smile but have held back due to things you may have heard about this branch of dentistry, here’s the truth about a few common myths that could be holding you back from making the best decision of your life!

A bright, white smile is one of the most sought-after cosmetic improvements for many people, often associated with confidence and good health. However, it’s hard to achieve perfect pearly whites without professional help, like teeth whitening treatments. More often than not, tooth discoloration sets in, leaving your smile looking yellow or dull. But what causes tooth stains, and how can you reverse the process? Continue reading to learn more about tooth discoloration and how to keep your grin looking glorious.

If you grind your teeth, either consciously during the day or unconsciously at night, you’re not alone. This is a pretty common habit, though that doesn’t make it less annoying! Teeth grinding can cause uncomfortable aches and, because of the pressure exerted on your teeth, lead to premature wear. With all this in mind, could you really receive an Invisalign treatment?

Fortunately, the answer is yes! Keep reading to learn why Invisalign is actually perfect for teeth grinding.

Invisalign has discreetly and comfortably straightened millions of smiles, and the treatment is only growing in popularity. While most patients report that this orthodontic method is much easier to comply with than traditional braces, it’s still important to practice excellent oral hygiene when wearing clear aligners to prevent oral infections, dental stains, and treatment delays. Here’s a brief guide to how you should use dental floss during Invisalign treatment.

Whether you currently wear dentures or you are just starting to explore your tooth replacement options, dental implants seem to be the preferred solution by dentists and patients alike. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they offer so many additional benefits you can’t find with other tooth replacement methods. To do this, they require a longer process at a higher cost. This begs the question: are dental implants worth the investment? Here’s what you should take into consideration.

Reconstruction of a house is quite a project. It often includes making various, significant changes in multiple places and can take some time, but when it’s done, it completely revitalizes the home. In smiles, full mouth reconstruction can work similarly—to an extent. It can be a lot of work, but unlike a house remodel, there’s usually a brief recovery period, depending on what procedures you receive.

What exactly can you expect when recovering from full mouth reconstruction? Your dentist will be able to give you the most clarity, but here are some examples of the things you can experience.

Your bags are packed, your plane tickets are purchased, and your hotel is booked: vacation here you come! But what happens if the unexpected occurs while you’re away? Don’t let a dental emergency ruin your travel plans. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself from an oral health disaster on your summer adventure!

Many adolescents and young adults undergo wisdom tooth extractions. Why? Very often, between the ages of 15 and 25, the third molars at the back of the mouth start to cause problems. Without timely extractions, your oral health could suffer significant damage, particularly if the wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck fully or partially beneath the gumline). Do you have impacted wisdom teeth? This blog post explains a few warning signs that you should look for.

Cavities aren’t the only threat to dental health. Gum disease is also a leading cause of tooth loss and it can affect your overall wellness negatively. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports at least 50% of adults have a form of the infection. Traditionally, scaling and root planing are used to treat gum disease, also known as a “deep cleaning.” However, Arestin is often used along with scaling and root planing to stop the infection in its tracks. Here’s how it can restore your gum health.

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