Omega Dental of Bedford Blog

If you’re looking for a more comfortable and discreet method than braces to straighten your smile, you might be a good candidate for Invisalign. Unlike traditional braces, which rely on sharp metal brackets and wires, this treatment utilizes smooth, transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to shift them.

Although the clear aligners are intended to exert enough gentle pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them over a designated period, some patients wonder whether they also help prevent oral issues, like cavities. If you’re curious, continue reading to learn more about it!

When most people think about orthodontic treatment, they picture teenagers wearing braces. But what if you’re an adult or even a senior who wants to straighten your teeth? You may be wondering: Am I too old for Invisalign? The truth is, Invisalign isn’t just for younger patients—it can be an excellent option for adults of all ages who want a healthier, more confident smile.

Losing an Invisalign aligner can feel like a dental emergency—especially when you’re in the middle of treatment and working hard to stay on track. But don’t worry, it’s more common than you might think, and there are clear steps you can take to fix the issue without derailing your progress.

If you’ve misplaced a tray, here’s what to do next.

While the preservation of patients’ natural teeth is one of the primary goals of dental medicine, it is sometimes necessary to remove a compromised tooth to protect the health of the rest of the smile. While it’s understandable that you might want to celebrate after your tooth extraction, alcohol use can complicate the healing process and may lead to oral infections. Here’s a quick overview of the risks of consuming alcohol too soon after an extraction and when it will be safe to enjoy a drink again.

Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental solution that can transform the appearance of your smile by correcting imperfections like stains, chips, gaps, and minor misalignment. But if you’re considering investing in veneers, a natural question to ask is: how long do veneers last?

The short answer is: with proper care, veneers typically last between 10 to 15 years, and in many cases, even longer. However, the exact lifespan of veneers depends on several factors, including the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and your overall dental health.

Eliminating stains and discoloration on your teeth with the help of professional whitening is a fast, safe, and effective solution, but many patients are hesitant to try it out of fears of experiencing dental sensitivity. But while this side effect can be quite common with over-the-counter whitening strips and gels, how likely is it with the treatment you receive from your dentist? Here’s a guide to helping prevent your risk of tooth sensitivity following professional whitening, and why you can expect it to be much less severe than it would be with OTC products.

Dentures can be an effective, durable solution to missing teeth, but they need to be adjusted periodically. The temptation to pull up a YouTube video for a how-to tutorial to reline your dentures yourself may be strong, but it may also cause you more harm than good. Here is why it’s best to visit a professional for relining if your denture doesn’t fit anymore.

Dental bridges are a popular way to replace several consecutively missing teeth because they can simultaneously rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality. These prosthetics contain the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) sandwiched between two dental crowns. They anchor either to healthy abutment teeth or to dental implants embedded in your jawbone.

Although they are usually made from durable resin or porcelain that can last 5 to 15 or more years with the right care, that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to harm. Unfortunately, your bridge can fail if it’s not properly maintained. Continue reading to learn 3 potential problems to avoid!

Undergoing a full-mouth reconstruction is an exciting time in anyone’s life. After all, soon you’ll have a healthy, beautiful, and functional smile that you can be proud to share with the world. But recovering from the procedures involved in your mouth’s makeover can often require some special care. Here’s what you can expect from the healing process from some popular full-mouth reconstruction procedures.

Did you know that towards the back of your back, connecting your upper and lower mandibula, is a hinge-like joint known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)? It essentially allows you to open and close your mouth smoothly, so it’s pretty important! However, excess pressure from teeth grinding or a misaligned bite can lead to a TMJ disorder – and long-term health consequences.

Keep reading, and you’ll learn why treating TMJ disorders sooner than later is the best strategy for your health and comfort!