Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Cracked aligners. Tooth decay. Treatment plan delays. These are all things you want to avoid during your orthodontic treatment. The good news is that you can dramatically reduce your chances of running into problems like these with the right best practices in place. With this in mind, keep reading to learn six important dos and don’ts with SureSmile!

In order for SureSmile clear aligner treatment to be successful, you should keep your aligners in your mouth for 20 – 22 hours each day (22 hours is preferable). That might seem like a big task — after all, 22 hours is more than 90% of each day! However, you can comply with this requirement if you make some simple adjustments to your habits. This blog post explains why the 22-hour wear time is so important and how you can keep up with it.

One of the greatest features of SureSmile treatment is that the aligners are removable; you can (and should) take them out when you eat, drink, and clean your teeth. But what if removing your aligners is a bit more challenging than you anticipated? Perhaps your fingers keep sliding off, or the aligners seem to be too snug to pull off. Here are some practical tips that might help:

Replacing your missing teeth with any kind of prosthetic is a step in the right direction. However, if it has been several years since receiving your fixed dental bridge or dentures, you may be looking to pursue a more permanent solution. Can dental implants replace current restorations? The only way to find out is to keep reading and hear from trusted dental experts who can explain whether it’s possible for you and your smile.  

No one wants to be dealing with a toothache! If you find yourself in this situation, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as you get the opportunity. This way, they can address the root of the problem and relieve your pain. Until you are able to see your dentist, there are some steps you can take at home to reduce your discomfort. Here are some home remedies that may be able to help you.

Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, Halloween can be full of fun and sweets. The problem is, if this is the first year you’ve celebrated while undergoing SureSmile orthodontic treatment, you’ll want to be mindful of your aligners. So long as you stick to the care basics, like cleaning your trays regularly, and maintain good dental hygiene, you’ll be able to stay on track with your treatment timeline. Read on to learn four ways you can protect your SureSmile aligners this Halloween.

Not only are oral sores uncomfortable, but they can be distracting and take away from your appearance. There are several different types of sores that can occur in and around the mouth, so there are a variety of different causes. If you notice that you have an oral sore, it’s important to take the right steps to treat it before it can cause further issues. Continue reading to learn about the different types of sores, their causes, and what you should do.

When you have an injured or decayed tooth, a dental crown can be used to strengthen and protect it. But before you can receive the final restoration, your dentist will need to make sure that the tooth in question has been properly prepared. Here’s a quick overview of what you can generally expect when getting ready to receive a new dental crown.

Are you embarrassed by a chipped tooth? Maybe you’re insecure about dark fillings? No matter the issue, you can boost your self-esteem by investing in dental bonding. It offers a lot of bang for your buck because it’s affordable, convenient, and provides noticeable results. It continues to rank among the most popular elective services every year. Here’s what you need to know to determine if dental bonding is the solution for you.

(more…)

Millions of Americans struggle with visiting the dentist’s office. For some, it can be the result of a traumatic experience that occurred years ago. For others, it may be the inability to sit still because of a disability or injury that makes sitting in a dentist’s chair unbearable. No matter the reason, your oral health still matters, and seeking professional help to care for your teeth and gums is essential. If you’ve never considered it before, here are 4 benefits of sedation dentistry that may help you return to your dentist with greater peace of mind.