Columbia Healthy Smiles Blog

It’s understandable to be excited for a teeth whitening treatment. Whether you’re receiving an in-office treatment or a take-home kit, you can expect your smile to brighten by several shades. However, there might be such a thing as being too excited. If you have an active case of cavities, it’s important not to “cross the streams” and add a teeth whitening treatment to the mix! Keep reading to learn why you should take care of cavities before enhancing your smile.

Are your pearly whites seeming less and less white? The consumption of dark foods and beverages, tobacco use, and simply getting older can all contribute to discoloration. Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments are available, but they often don’t provide the dramatic results that are desired. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can offer beautiful results in a fraction of the time! Continue reading to learn some reasons why professional teeth whitening may be for you!

If you straighten your teeth with metal braces, you could be undergoing treatment for one or two years. What’s better than that, generally speaking, is completing your treatment in 12 to 18 months with Invisalign. But what if you could have a straighter, brighter smile in as little as two weeks? Well, who wouldn’t choose that option, right?

This isn’t a random, fantastical scenario – you could in fact straighten your teeth in two weeks with porcelain veneers! If you want to know whether you’d be a good candidate for this “orthodontic” option, keep reading.

You could potentially benefit from veneers if you’re frustrated by chips, cracks, stubborn stains, mild gaps, or slight overcrowding in your grin. These thin porcelain shells are made to look just like your natural teeth, then are bonded to the front surface to mask imperfections.

These prosthetics are durable enough to shield the underlying teeth, but their primary function is to improve your appearance. As a result, many dental insurance plans don’t cover the cost. When you’ve personally invested in your dental work, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to maintain it. With that in mind, keep reading to learn about 4 ways to keep your veneers looking and feeling their best!

It’s the Halloween season again, and that means it’s time for spooky fun and frightening festivities. While many dentists enjoy celebrating this important occasion by dressing up in terrifying attire, watching monster movies, or enjoying a classic horror novel, the dental community has its concerns about the sheer volume of candy consumed and how it can affect patients’ oral health. Here’s a brief guide to keeping your smile gorgeous and strong while celebrating Halloween.

Dealing with tooth pain and unsure if it’s an emergency? A toothache can disrupt your daily activities, from work and school to sleep and family time. Recognizing when tooth pain signals a need for immediate dental attention is crucial. Keep reading if you want to learn about the different types of tooth pain and to discover which kinds of healthcare professionals can best address your concerns.

Are your teeth less than pristine? Do they fail to glow under the light of your bathroom mirror? Would you describe their hue as more yellowy? Stained pearly whites are a common source of frustration, so rest assured that your dissatisfaction is valid! Fortunately, with discipline and a little elbow grease, you can achieve whiter teeth. Keep reading for some time-tested tricks!

With summer finally here, it’s the perfect time for road trips, vacations, and plenty of photo ops to make memories. If you want to look your best for every moment of your adventures with friends and family, cosmetic dentistry may hold the key! Read on to find three cosmetic treatments that can help you achieve a stunning, sun-kissed smile.

Summer is here and that means it’s time for hot, sunny days filled with adventure. However, you don’t have to go to the beach or travel to some exotic location to have a new experience! If you have a tooth or two you’ve been meaning to have replaced, starting dental implants now is a great choice. But why is summer the best time to get your treatment started? Continue reading to find out!

You can’t put a price on the benefits of having a bright, beautiful smile. Unfortunately, many adults are embarrassed by stained or discolored teeth. Teeth come in many shades and tones naturally, and they change color over time. However, other factors can also lead to discoloration. You don’t have to live with brown or yellow teeth. Your cosmetic dentistry can turn back the clock using a personalized treatment plan with teeth whitening.

(more…)