Orthodontic treatment with SureSmile® Aligners can improve your smile faster and easier than you ever thought possible. SureSmile® is a technology-based straightening system that combines aspects of traditional braces with modern technology to create a series of clear, custom-fit molds for your best smile ever.

Here’s how SureSmile® improves your smile:

It’s completely customized

The SureSmile® Aligners system uses 3-D technology to move your teeth more efficiently and directly into their proper position. Using custom-printed models and robotic laser trimming, your aligners will have an incredible fit and precise function for your personal needs.

Incredible precision and modern design

SureSmile® Aligners are created using a modern algorithm, a robust Cloud-based software platform, and an expert digital lab team to straighten your smile tooth-by-tooth. This precision not only results in total comfort, but also gives your dentist the power, control, and flexibility to ensure your treatment creates your dream smile.

Top-rated materials

SureSmile® Aligners are made with world-renowned Essix® plastic, which is known for its superior performance at straightening teeth and its virtually invisible aesthetic, making your treatment that much better for everyday life. And thanks to its effective design, these aligners produce amazing results in 30% less time than traditional braces do. 

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re interested in learning more about how SureSmile® Aligners can create your perfect smile, make an appointment with us today!

Everyone wants a bright, white smile, right? But most people also want coffee, tea, wine, and soda—all things that stain our teeth and make the dream of a healthy white smile seem out of reach. But achieving a pearly white smile is actually easier than most people think! Teeth whitening procedures are a simple way to make a big difference. Here are the top 3 benefits of opting for a whitening treatment.

Self-Esteem Boost

The most obvious benefit of teeth whitening is the impact it will have on your self-esteem! Feeling good about yourself is important and with a bright, white smile you won’t have to think twice about smiling big and showing your teeth. You’ll notice more confidence at work, speaking in front of a crowd, on a date, or even just walking down the street. In addition to boosting your confidence, a white smile is also known to offset the effects of aging. Win, win!

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A dental filling is an extremely common dental procedure used to help to protect your teeth from further decay. Whether you have a cavity, enamel loss, or tooth breakage, fillings are artificial materials used to reinforce your teeth and keep them healthy. If you need a filling, your dentist will consider a number of factors when choosing which type is best for you. These factors may include cosmetic considerations (like where in your mouth the filling needs to go), the cost, and the extent of the needed repair.

There are several types of fillings available, including:

• Composite Fillings – A composite resin filling is made from a mixture of fine plastic and glass particles. It is made to match the natural color of your tooth and is most often used on the front teeth or wherever it might be visible. This type of filling bonds directly to the tooth, which makes it very strong and durable.
• Amalgam Fillings – Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals including mercury and silver. These fillings don’t match your teeth and so are most commonly used for problems with your back molars. These filings are very strong and can last for ten years or longer.
• Ceramic Fillings – Ceramic fillings are made of tooth-colored porcelain that has a very natural look. While they are resistant to staining, they can be more fragile than amalgam fillings and are a much more expensive option.

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The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least once a year to get your teeth professionally cleaned, though many dental insurance policies actually cover two cleanings per year. While going at least once a year is the recommendation, some people do require more frequent visits. People who should go more often include those who tend to get cavities quickly, people who have already been diagnosed with gum disease, smokers, diabetics, and pregnant women.

Here are some other things to know about dental cleanings.

What it involves:

• Tartar Removal. Even with regular flossing and brushing, tartar and plaque can accumulate on your teeth in hard-to-reach places. Because tartar hardens, it often can only be removed with ultrasonic treatments and fine hand tools during a professional cleaning.
• Fluoride Treatments. Fluoride applications are used to strengthen the enamel of your teeth and may be applied during the cleaning.

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You probably remember getting fluoride treatments as a kid. Or maybe you’re familiar with the fluoride rinses your children get. But are fluoride treatments suitable for adults? While not always necessary for adults, it’s actually a common misconception that fluoride only works for developing teeth in kids and professional opinion is generally in favor of adult fluoride treatment for many reasons. If you’re on the fence, here are some reasons it may be beneficial for you.

• If you’re experiencing receding gums, fluoride treatments can slow down that process and protect your enamel from softening.

• If you have crowns or bridges in your mouth, fluoride can protect restorative dental work that could be in jeopardy because of weakening teeth.

• If you have sensitive teeth, fluoride can help. Many adults consume foods that are acidic or use at-home teeth-whitening products which can lead to increased sensitivity or sore gums. Fluoride can help reduce sensitivity by strengthening your enamel.

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A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" placed over a tooth to cover it and restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are common dental treatments and they come in a variety of materials and types. Read below to learn what the signs are that you might need one.

Signs You May Need a Dental Crown

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

• A broken or decaying tooth: Dental crowns are usually applied to protect a weakened or decaying tooth from further damage.
• Broken cusps. Cusps are the part of your teeth you use to tear and chew food. If a cusp breaks, dental crowns are common treatments.
• Large fillings: Crowns are often used to cover and support a tooth with a large filling or a history of repeated fillings when there isn't a lot of natural tooth left.
• Excessive wear: Sometimes patients have extremely weakened and worn-down teeth due to grinding, acid reflux, or a highly acidic diet. Adding a crown can restore teeth to their normal size and strength. Oftentimes, a patient will also be given a mouthguard to wear to further protect the crown and remaining teeth.
• Undesirable appearance: A lot of patients are simply unhappy with the way their teeth look. Crowns can be used to change the shape or color of a tooth. They can also be used to reduce the appearance of gaps between teeth.
• Root canal: Root canals are common treatments that hollow out the roots of a damaged tooth. However, because this procedure removes a lot of the original tooth, it can weaken what’s left. A crown can be added to restore some strength and function.

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Good oral health is about so much more than just your teeth and gums. Your mouth is the entryway to your body and without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can grow and spread and cause issues throughout your entire body. Here are some surprising health problems caused by poor oral health.

Gum Disease

Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection that affects the gum tissues and bones surrounding your teeth. Typically the result of poor brushing and flossing habits, periodontal disease occurs after bacteria from untreated plaque have caused an infection. Because our body’s response to infection is inflammation, gum disease can put our body under a lot of stress from chronic inflammation.

Cardiovascular Disease

If the gums are inflamed due to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, that same bacteria can actually get into your bloodstream. This bacteria can form plaque on your arteries that can harden and result in atherosclerosis, a very serious condition that can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. The bacteria can also cause endocarditis, a serious condition that occurs when the lining of the heart becomes infected.

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Following dental implant surgery, your dentist will provide detailed information about how to properly recover, including information on what to eat and what not to eat. But as a general guideline, a soft, non-chewing diet is recommended for 10 days to 2 weeks after surgery to allow the gum tissue to heal. Patients who maintain a good, nutritious diet of soft foods generally tend to feel better and heal faster. The following foods are some great ideas to consider eating after dental implant surgery:

Soft Dairy

Dairy is a great option because it has calcium, which is necessary for building strong teeth. Your best options for soft dairy products include yogurt and milkshakes, which require little to no chewing and are filling and delicious.

Soft Fruits

Soft fruits such as bananas and applesauce are great options following a dental implant surgery. You may also be able to enjoy berries and grapes. After the first few days, oranges and apple slices are probably okay, but be mindful of not irritating the mouth from chewing too much.

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As the seasons change, it can be a great time to refresh your health, too. The coming of fall can be the perfect time to get into better habits for your oral hygiene. Here are a few tips to have your healthiest smile ever this season:

• Replace your toothbrush: A lot of people use the changing of the seasons to do some housekeeping, like replacing heating unit filters, blankets, and gutters. But why stop at home maintenance? It’s also a great time to switch out your toothbrush! As a general rule of thumb, toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months.

• Eliminate a habit: A new season is a great time to reflect on your bad habits and make better choices. Whether it’s smoking, drinking too much soda, or eating too much candy, try using the new season to eliminate a habit that harms your teeth.

• Start a new healthy habit: After you eliminate one bad habit, try replacing it with one good habit! This fall, try something you may not be familiar with to give your mouth a boost. Ideas include trying a charcoal-based toothbrush, wearing a mouthguard at night if you think you might grind your teeth, or dry brushing your teeth.

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Invisalign are clear aligners used as orthodontic devices to straighten your smile. The treatment involves wearing a series of clear aligners over a period of months, with each successive set of aligners moving teeth closer to their ideal, straighter position. Whether you are a teenager or a senior citizen, Invisalign can work for you. And while there is no specific age requirement for this treatment option, there are some general guidelines that may help you determine if they’re right for you or your child:

• Length of treatment: The majority of Invisalign patients wear their aligners for about 12 months. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may be required to wear your aligners for as little as eight months or as long as eighteen months or more.
• Teeth positioning: Overall, Invisalign is recommended for kids who have lost all of their baby teeth and have a full set of permanent teeth, which is usually around ages 12 or 13. It’s not recommended for children whose mouths are still growing and developing, or for any child who has significant tooth decay or damage. Typically before Invisalign is started on a younger patient, an X-Ray will be done to assess the position of the teeth and check how much space is needed for remaining teeth to come through.
• Maturity: Patients must be responsible enough to wear the aligners for up to 22 hours a day, every day. Luckily, each Invisalign aligner tray has a small blue indicator on them that will allow you or your dentist to know if they’re being worn frequently enough. Patients will also need to keep their aligners and mouth clean!

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are interested in finding out more about Invisalign for you or your child, make an appointment with us today!