Columbia Healthy Smiles Blog

If you were being haunted by a nagging toothache, you might be excited that it finally went away. You seemingly got the relief that you needed, but did you know this may not be the best news? While your discomfort may be gone, the cause of the problem may still be lingering in your smile. Keep reading to learn why it might’ve disappeared and what to do if you have a toothache.

Dental implants are amazing prosthetic devices that can replace missing teeth with gorgeous and functional restorations that look, work, and feel just like the real thing. While you may have heard about how these remarkable appliances can help protect your oral health and improve your diet, you may not realize how they can make you feel better about your appearance. Here’s a brief look at a few of the astounding cosmetic benefits of dental implants and how they can improve your life.

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.