Columbia Healthy Smiles Blog

If you are one of the millions of people in the United States living without one or more natural teeth, there’s a chance you’re already familiar with a few replacement options: dentures and dental bridges. Proven effective and highly reliable among patients and dentists, you may prefer something more stable and long-lasting. If that is the case, dental implants are the way to go, but how much will they cost? Learn what kind of financial investment is required for these prosthetics and which factors your dentist will consider before discussing price.

Just like natural teeth, even the most well-made denture can fall victim to staining over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods can gradually dull your dentures’ color, impacting your confidence in your smile.

Thankfully, there are easy ways to prevent denture stains and keep your dentures looking bright and fresh for years to come.

Millions of Americans wear dentures, yet many myths about them still persist, causing unnecessary worry for those considering them as a tooth replacement option. Let’s set the record straight by debunking some of the most common misconceptions about dentures so you can feel confident about restoring your smile.

Clear aligners like SureSmile are a convenient and discreet way to straighten your teeth, but removing them, especially in the beginning, can feel tricky. Because they’re custom-fitted and designed to fit snugly over your teeth, they don’t always pop off with ease. If you’re struggling to remove your aligners, don’t worry, this is a common challenge, and with the right technique, it gets much easier. Here are some practical tips for safely and easily removing your clear aligners.

Thanks to their ability to correct multiple kinds of cosmetic imperfections at once, veneers are often an excellent choice for creating the smile of your dreams. That said, before you begin any dental treatment, it’s worth learning about the potential side effects. Some patients find that their teeth are more sensitive than normal after they have veneers placed. Below is a brief discussion of why this happens and what you can do about it.

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.