Dental crowns have been used for centuries to protect compromised teeth while restoring them to their original size and function. Technology has improved massively over the years, and today’s dental crowns are incredibly lifelike and beautiful. However, some older types of crowns can become conspicuous in the smile as they age. Here’s why a black line might be forming around the base of your dental crown and what you can do about it.

It can be difficult to accept, but our bodies go through many changes as we age, and our teeth are no exception. Whether your grin looks dark and dingy, out of shape, or somewhat crooked, dental problems can leave you looking older than you feel. Fortunately, your dentist can set the clock back by enhancing your appearance with cosmetic dentistry. Keep reading to learn more about 3 of the ways your smile transforms with age, and how your dentist can help.

Ever since people have figured out how to recognize their own reflections, they have been concerned about their appearance. People have used some form of cosmetic dentistry to whiten, straighten, and fill out their smiles for thousands of years, and you’ll be happy to know that modern technology allows dentists to make teeth prettier in far more clean, comfortable, and effective manners. Read on to learn about ancient cosmetic dental techniques and why you should be glad we no longer use them.

Since teeth are made for chewing and cannot do so without a strong and healthy jaw, your dentist is quite concerned with taking care of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Located on either side of the skull, these joints are the connection points that allow the jaw to move, and it comes with its share of health concerns. Here’s what your dentist can do about TMJ disorders.

Chances are that you have heard of Botox, but only in the context of people using it to reduce the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles. While it is certainly effective, that’s not all it’s good for! Botox has actually been a go-to pain reliever used by healthcare professionals for decades, and one of the most common problems it can help resolve is TMJ dysfunction. If you’re constantly dealing with headaches/migraines, a sore jaw, or teeth grinding, Botox may be just what you need to find relief.

You may consider Invisalign a purely cosmetic treatment. After all, most focus on how it straightens your smile. However, clear aligners also have a physical perk. More specifically, Invisalign can help with TMJ disorder by aligning your bite. You’d then feel less pain and experience a better quality of life. To prove these claims, your Plano dentist is here with the evidence. Here’s a summary of TMJ disorder, how Invisalign helps it, and the other benefits of clear aligners.

Are you considering enhancing your pearly whites? Improving your smile is beneficial for many reasons, including increasing your self-confidence. While cosmetic dental treatments are worth the cost, you want to make sure you receive the best care possible. Since cosmetic dentistry is not technically a specialized field, there are not certain dentists who are just cosmetic dentists. Therefore, you want to be sure to pick the right dental professional for your upgraded grin. Read on to learn more about the differences between general and cosmetic dentistry and how to choose the right dentist for your smile goals.

When people talk about things that make them unhappy about their smile, the color of their teeth tends to be at the very top of the list. That’s why teeth whitening is such a popular cosmetic treatment—your dentist can offer you a brighter smile within just an hour or two!

The popularity of professional whitening has led to the rise of over-the-counter whitening products that can be done at home. However, some patients are rightfully concerned about whether these whitening kits are any good. If you’re curious, here’s what you should know.

Do you tend to cover your mouth when smiling or talking? If so, you are not alone. A recent study conducted by OnePoll revealed that an astounding 57% of Americans cover their mouth when they laugh due to insecurity over their teeth. One in two people will even try to smile with their mouths closed. The good news is that you don’t have to live with crooked or misaligned pearly whites! Thanks to cosmetic dental treatments like Invisalign and veneers, you can confidently grin again. But which one would be best for you? Read on to learn the benefits of each and how to know which one to choose.

When you’ve just finished a big meal, it’s natural to want to clean some of the more unsightly leftovers out from between the teeth. Often, people use a toothpick to do that; they can get the job done well, and are portable enough to carry anywhere.

However, most dentists will tell you that toothpicks will absolutely do more harm than good for your teeth. There are quite a few ways that using one can result in a dental emergency if you’re even a little careless. Here are a few examples.