According to the CDC, approximately 90 percent of adults in the United States have had a cavity (tooth decay) at some point in their life. But while in the past, they might have been treated with metal (amalgam) fillings, today your dentist uses tooth-colored, composite resin fillings to restore your smile.

If you’re wondering how long you can expect your new filling to last, and how to take care of it so it continues to protect your smile against further damage, here’s everything you need to know about living with tooth-colored fillings!

Cosmetic dentistry has become incredibly popular in the past few decades, and you have probably seen many movie stars and media personalities who have received aesthetic oral treatments without even noticing. However, the ways people have used to achieve prettier smiles have not always been as safe, effective, and sanitary as they are today. Here’s a brief guide to a few ancient cosmetic dental methods to help you appreciate how wonderfully pleasant and comfortable modern treatments are.

Our smiles naturally lose their youthful luster as we get older due to discoloration, wear, and other changes. The good news? Cosmetic dentistry offers several transformative treatments that can restore your smile’s radiance and help you look younger. Read on to learn which five services can work wonders for your appearance and boost your confidence.

Seemingly, everyone wishes they had brighter teeth, though very few people come by them naturally. Years of exposure to darkly pigmented foods and drinks can leave them looking more yellow or brown than pearly white. Although plenty of over-the-counter strips and toothpastes exist, many people struggle to achieve their ideal shade. Not only that, but the one-size-fits-all applicator trays can lead to overapplying or misusing the product, which can cause sensitivity.

Many patients hoping for a more natural approach wonder about alternative whitening options, like activated charcoal. Continue reading to learn whether this home remedy is effective and how to lighten your smile safely!

Years of exposure to foods and beverages that are high in pigments and dyes can leave unsightly stains and discoloration on a person’s smile. Thankfully, professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist can brighten your smile far more effectively than store-bought dental bleaching products. However, your teeth will be susceptible to developing new stains for a few days after treatment, so it’s important to make smart decisions about what you eat and drink to preserve your results. Here are a few foods and drinks to avoid after teeth whitening.

Are you frustrated by aesthetic imperfections in your smile that detract from your appearance? Issues like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, mild overcrowding, or slight gaps can leave you so self-conscious that you avoid spending time with others. After all, no one wants to feel like they’ll be judged for their dental condition.

Thankfully, your dentist can mask one or several problems simultaneously by fitting you with porcelain veneers. These versatile prosthetics are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to hide flaws and boost your confidence. However, many patients avoid this procedure because they have heard it might result in tooth sensitivity. Continue reading to learn more about why this sometimes happens and what you can do to safely set your concerns aside!

Dental implants have become a popular solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a permanent, natural-looking alternative to dentures and bridges. However, despite their growing popularity, several myths persist about dental implants that can cause hesitation or confusion. Understanding the truth behind these myths is essential for making informed decisions about oral health care. Here are three common myths about dental implants and facts that debunk them.

When you are missing one or more teeth, it can be difficult to complete all of the tasks that you once found easy. This includes things like chewing your food thoroughly, speaking clearly, and smiling without feeling self-conscious about your appearance. Fortunately, dental implants can improve all of these areas of your life. However, you may be asking yourself: does getting dental implants hurt? Continue reading to learn more about the procedure and what you can expect.

Gum disease is an insidious little menace that starts out small before blooming into a destructive infection that causes permanent damage to your gums, teeth, and jaw. It begins as gingivitis, and while this infection can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene, it often goes unnoticed for far too long. Here’s a quick overview of a few gum disease risk factors along with a few measures you can take to help keep your mouth infection-free.

Your habits can make or break your oral health. While it’s common knowledge that brushing and flossing are essential for your oral hygiene, there are many habits that can have positive or negative effects on your teeth and gums. While breathing through your mouth may seem like a harmless and involuntary practice, it makes your teeth vulnerable to infection and injury. Here is a brief overview from your dentist of the risks that come with mouth breathing.