Lauri Barge, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Are you considering pursuing your dream smile with Invisalign? Maybe you’ve already started the teeth-straightening process. Either way, you’ve probably heard all of the perks that come with this discreet orthodontic treatment – from the lack of dietary restrictions to the shorter average treatment timeline. But can you still get cavities with Invisalign? If this is something you’ve been wondering, read on to learn the answer!

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and countless people rely on it for a quick pick-me-up to get them started in the morning. However, this drink is rich in pigments and tannins that can leave unsightly stains on your teeth, and it can also cause distracting discoloration to form on your Invisalign clear aligners. Here’s a brief guide to how Invisalign works and how you can enjoy coffee during your orthodontic treatment.

While they can help you attain a straighter smile and look subtle, some may have concerns that aligners will impede their speech ability. Speaking clearly and confidently is a key component of success both in your professional and personal life. No one wants to stammer and slur through a presentation they’re giving at work. In this post, you’ll find discussion about the potential challenges Invisalign may present to your speech and what you can do about it.

Dental implants require a firm foundation to ensure optimal stability and support once a custom restoration is secured. For many patients, especially those living without teeth for some time, this often means undergoing additional procedures to help improve jawbone density. If your dentist recommends a sinus lift before clearing you for dental implant surgery, here’s why.

Previously, patients struggling with tooth loss had limited options. That’s no longer the case! Dental implants have completely revolutionized the dental field because they look great, they feel natural, and they are inserted directly into your jawbone. So, it’s not surprising that millions of patients have chosen to restore their smiles with this tooth-replacement solution! If you are considering doing the same, then keep reading to learn five facts about dental implants.

The teeth play several crucial roles in communication since they help us form the words we speak and make up the smiles we use to signal good will and joy to other people. Tooth loss is an unfortunately common problem, but some people may be hesitant to commit to replacing missing teeth if other people aren’t noticing them. Here’s a brief guide to the consequences of tooth loss and the advantages of replacing the missing teeth in the back of your mouth.

If someone in your family is dealing with gum disease, you may wonder if this condition is hereditary. The American Dental Association reports that genetic factors can increase a person’s risk of gum disease, and these infections can lead to serious consequences for your oral health if they are left untreated. Here’s what you should know about how some genetic conditions can increase your risk of gum disease as well as a few tips for keeping your smile healthy.

Gum disease is an incredibly common issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease at one severity or another. When untreated, it can progress, causing a wide range of issues. This can be anything from tooth loss to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. The good news is that your dentist may be able to help reverse your symptoms, but this depends on what stage of gum disease you have. Continue reading to learn about the different stages of gum disease and how they can be addressed.

Probiotics are an interesting concept. Just by ingesting some “good bacteria”, you can ward off “bad bacteria” and help your body function optimally. Talk about irony! What’s more is that there are many different strains of healthy bacteria with different benefits – just like how there are different strains of harmful bacteria that cause different illnesses.

With all that variety, you may or may not be wondering whether there’s a probiotic that can help prevent gum disease. As it turns out, a recent study suggests the answer to that could be a resounding “yes!”.

Summer is the season that everyone seems to look forward to. Whether you’ve taken a few days off work to get some much-needed rest, or you have planned an elaborate beach vacation, there is plenty to be excited about. If you truly want to make the most out of the summer months, professional teeth whitening is an excellent option to help you get there. Continue reading to learn three reasons why this summer is the perfect time to get your teeth whitened.