Gannett Drive Dental Blog

Just about everyone wishes that their smile was a little bit whiter. If you have a coffee habit, a smoking problem, or have just started to see your teeth discolor as you’ve aged, you may have looked into getting a whitening kit that can help your smile shine again.

You may have also noticed that there’s no shortage of over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions at your local pharmacy. However, using—and especially overusing—these products can produce serious problems. Here’s more information about why that is, and what to do instead.

If you’re embarrassed by stained, crooked, or missing teeth, you may be a candidate for a smile makeover. You have more options than ever to address common aesthetic concerns to create a picture-perfect smile. Your cosmetic dentist will create a personalized treatment plan to turn the smile of your dreams into reality. Here are 4 reasons why you should invest in beautiful teeth.

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Compared to an intense toothache, you might think tooth sensitivity is harmless. After all, don’t all body parts get sensitive now and again? Surely your delicate teeth, then, aren’t a big deal. However, the truth is that tender pearly whites can point to a dental emergency. Leaving them untended, therefore, may put you at risk of oral problems. Still, your local dentist can help prevent such issues. To that end, here’s a summary of how to tell if a sensitive tooth (or teeth) needs emergency care.

If you are having a tooth extracted soon, you’re probably looking forward less to having that tooth removed, and more to how your smile will look after you get the tooth replaced. Going from a damaged, incomplete smile to one that you’re proud to show people is a great feeling.

Dentures are one of the most popular tooth replacement options, and many people get a set of them after having several problem teeth extracted. However, you may wonder how much time you’ll have to deal with gaps in your smile before you can get your dentures. The answer depends on a few factors; here’s a guide that can give you some useful information.

Some denture wearers may assume that staining or discoloration won’t be an issue, but the truth is you should still be mindful about how you take care of them. While they are not porous like traditional tooth enamel, dentures can still dull over time if you are not careful. To ensure you keep them looking great for years to come, read on to learn from your dentist in South Portland about what you can do to whiten dentures.

Many patients are hesitant to move forward with orthodontic treatment because they want to avoid the hassle of metal wires and brackets. Well, Invisalign is a modern solution that allows you to discreetly and comfortably get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. One significant advantage it offers is that there are no dietary restrictions! You must simply remove the clear aligners before eating. Unfortunately, that means food can easily get trapped between teeth when you put the trays back in. Flossing is essential after every meal to prevent bacteria growth and tooth decay. In this blog post, you’ll learn more about the importance of flossing and how to do it correctly.

If you are missing 1-4 teeth in a row, a dental bridge is a great option to spruce up your smile. Constantly advancing dental technology has enabled bridges to look and feel like natural teeth. Bridges made with high-quality materials can last more than a decade with the right care. Even the most well-made bridges don’t last forever, though. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in South Portland the four most common reasons for dental bridge failure and what you can do to make your investment last as long as possible.

You might be more concerned about your teeth as the summer months come into view. After all, you probably want them to look good in your upcoming vacation photos. That being the case, you might want to consider cosmetic dentistry. Depending on your situation, a cosmetic dentist could transform your smile. To find out for sure, read this summary about how cosmetic dentistry works, examples of its treatments, and why to see a dentist before your final decision.

Are you missing one or more of your teeth? If so, you’re probably considering getting dental implants—one of the best tooth replacement methods! While the results can provide the necessary support to preserve your dental health, you may have more difficulty with the procedure if you’re diabetic. Read on to learn how diabetes can risk dental implant failure and ways to ensure a successful treatment.

Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime, but that’s not a reality for many Americans. At least 120 million adults are missing one or more teeth. You have more options than ever to treat tooth loss; however, dental bridges and partials continue to be common solutions. Although they might seem similar, there is a big difference between partial dentures and dental bridges. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice for your smile.

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