Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

One of the best things about summer is all the delicious foods that are available! Whether you are savoring tasty meats at a friend’s backyard barbecue or indulging in a sweet, cold treat, there are countless options for enjoying seasonal flavors. Of course, you still need to think about your smile’s health when you are making dietary choices. Extra caution is necessary if you have braces. Which summertime foods can you eat with braces, and which ones would it be better to avoid? This blog post provides some helpful guidance.

Any form of malocclusion can make talking, eating, and even smiling more difficult. When your bite does not properly align, it not only causes you to be more self-conscious but also leads to a breakdown of your tooth enamel and possible jaw pain. While traditional braces are commonly used to treat overbites or other similar misalignments, you may wonder if SureSmile clear aligners can do the same. Keep reading to learn how this discreet solution can help you enjoy a beautiful, functional smile.

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.