While smart eating decisions and excellent oral hygiene practices are proven ways to prevent many dental health issues, some people may have trouble keeping their teeth in good shape even if they have the best habits. In some cases, this may be due to genetic factors, and some individuals may need extra care from their dentist to keep their smiles healthy. Here’s a quick look at a few oral health issues that can be genetic and how your dentist can help preserve your grin.

When you hear the words “root canal,” two things often come to mind: pain and cost. While modern dentistry has dispelled many myths about pain (root canals today are no more uncomfortable than getting a filling), the financial side of treatment is still a common concern. Many people wonder how expensive a root canal is. The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the tooth involved, and whether or not you have dental insurance.

It’s normal in life to occasionally experience regret. Whether it’s buyers’ remorse, the frustration of wasting calories on a disappointing meal, or deciding to swing by the gas station “in the morning” instead of taking care of it on the way home from work, there’s very little worse than the feeling that you should’ve just listened to your intuition. But one thing you probably won’t regret is getting a root canal.

While this tooth-saving treatment may sound a little scary at first, the truth is that today’s root canals are safer and more successful than ever. Here’s why an impressive 87 percent of those who get them say they’re glad they did, and why you’ll be happy too!

Thinking about whitening your teeth? You’re in good company! A brighter smile is one of the most common goals in cosmetic dentistry, and, luckily, one of the most achievable. But how does teeth whitening work, and how long will it take to reach your ideal shine? Continue reading to see what can affect your whitening treatment timeline so you can plan your smile transformation with confidence.

For many patients who choose to straighten their teeth with SureSmile, a major part of the appeal of aligners is their discreet appearance. Clear trays are less noticeable, so they’re great for teens and adults who don’t want anyone to know they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. But what happens if they become discolored? Here are a few reasons why this might occur, and what you can do to prevent it.

SureSmile clear aligners have completely reshaped the orthodontic landscape, giving patients the ability to achieve their smile goals without any of the hassles or inconveniences of traditional metal braces. That said, if you’re thinking about getting SureSmile for your misaligned teeth or problematic bite, you should know that diligent oral hygiene is a must all throughout your treatment process – and this includes daily flossing! Here are some tips to help you stay on track with this habit and to ensure you’re doing things correctly!

SureSmile aligners were designed to be more discreet, easier, and more comfortable than traditional braces. But even despite these improvements, it’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort, especially when advancing to a new set of trays. Thankfully, this is temporary and typically very mild. However, should you require a little relief, here are a few tips and tricks for easing the pain and staying on track with SureSmile!

Gum disease is far more common than you might think, often sneaking in uninvited and overstaying its welcome until your gums are in trouble. The good news is that it’s treatable—especially when caught early. If your dentist recommends periodontal treatment, it’s for the health of your smile, but you probably have questions about what comes next. If you’re ready for answers, continue reading. Here are six essential things to ask your dentist about gum disease treatment.

When you have infected gums, bacteria can seem like the last thing(s) you’d want. It was a strain of those microbes that caused your infection in the first place. That being said, new research shows probiotics fight gum disease very effectively. Adding more of them to your diet could put your gum tissue on the path to recovery. To learn more about the matter, let your Birmingham dentist tell you about probiotics, their effects on gum disease, and how to get them.

Although any dental restoration can rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality, dentures remain popular because they’re often the most cost-effective option. However, that’s not always the case because the rate can vary from person to person based on your unique circumstances. Continue reading to learn more about three factors that can influence the price of your new smile so you can make an informed decision!