Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that treats dental misalignment and malocclusion. Orthodontists complete four years of dental school and two or three years of an orthodontic residency program to be able to practice orthodontics. During this time, they learn how to create treatment plans and position the brackets of braces (and other appliances), so that each patient achieves perfectly aligned teeth and jaws. General dentists can also offer orthodontic treatment as there are ...

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Spring is the season of renewal! Trees are blooming, birds are singing, and…we’re reminding you about the dangers of oral cancer. We know it doesn’t really fit with spring’s eternal feeling of hope and optimism, but April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and early detection is a beautiful thing. The Prevalence of Oral Cancer The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 54,000 new cases of oral cancer (oral cavity and oropharyngeal ...

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Dental Assistants Recognition Week™ (also known as DARW) is held the first full week in March (this year, it's March 6-12), and we want to take this opportunity to give our hard-working dental assistants the recognition they deserve! Our dental assistants are crucial to the success of our practice. They perform multiple functions, and we couldn't provide the level of patient care we do without them. One of the dental assistant's most ...

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For some patients, the most uncomfortable part of dental work happens before the actual procedure. The process of taking traditional dental impressions is never pleasant and can be particularly traumatic for those who experience dental anxiety or have a gag reflex. Though dental impressions aren’t necessary for all procedures, they are needed for those that entail tooth structures or appliances to be fitted in your mouth. Common procedures that require dental impressions include: Dental ...

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‘Tis the season for reflection and resolutions. Of course, you can improve your oral hygiene any time of year, but there’s something about looking ahead that makes it seem not only possible but probable. Here are our top 10 Dental Resolutions – take any or all of them into 2022! 1. Floss Regularly We know we’re supposed to floss every day, but many people (maybe even most) don’t. There’s always a good ...

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The holidays are here, and with them come all the joys of the season – lights and decorations, time with friends and family, and those special treats we only get this time of year. The best way to enjoy the holiday festivities and keep your oral health intact is to balance those sticky, sugary foods with some that actually benefit your teeth and gums. We promise it’s not as hard as you might think! Fruit ...

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There are some things those of us over a certain age know all too well, like minivans without screens, phones attached to cords, and silver dental fillings. We’re now reaping the rewards of advancing technology (for the most part). Road trips are quieter thanks to mobile entertainment systems, phones are everywhere (usually in our hands), and metal amalgam fillings are no longer the only option. Today, dental practitioners can place composite resins, also known ...

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If you’ve made it to adulthood without needing braces, you might be in the clear – or not. Our mouths change over time due to factors ranging from facial trauma to natural jaw shifting. The good news is that it’s almost never too late to correct teeth and bite problems, and many can be addressed with braces. While each patient is unique, common signs you might benefit from braces include: Crowded Teeth One of ...

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An estimated two in three Americans are missing one or more teeth, and a shocking 30 million Americans are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. Given the role a healthy smile plays in one’s self-confidence and quality of life, tooth loss can significantly impact a patient’s life. Fortunately, we now have several treatment options available, and patients can opt for realistic dental implants. Not only do today’s implants ...

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It’s summertime, and we’ve traded winter coats and hot cocoa for breezy linens and refreshing umbrella drinks. Unfortunately, though you might be counting down the days until your “Out of Office” is on and your feet are in the sand, because the culprits behind tooth decay and enamel damage never take a vacation. We don’t want to be the ones to rain on your parade (especially since you’ve waited all year ...

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