Columbia Healthy Smiles Blog

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.

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.