Recently, we’ve been treating a lot of black triangles between teeth, or “open gingival embrasures.” Black triangles are the result of gum tissue not completely filling the space between your teeth. This can be normal, or it can be the result of gum recession or bone loss. However, up until now there hasn’t been a […]
Smile Makeover vs. Smile Enhancement – Which is Right for You?
When I see patients during their cosmetic dentistry consult, the first thing I do is put a picture of their smile up on the screen. Then I ask them for a punch list of the things they want to change. Almost always, the number one thing is the color of their teeth. However, to achieve […]
3 Ways we use Invisalign in our Cosmetic Dentist Office
My team and I recently attended a two-day course at the Align Technology office in Raleigh on how to incorporate Invisalign in the general and cosmetic dental office. The course, titled Catalyst, was taught by Dr. Corey Anolik and Dr. Christina Blacher, better known as the Queen of Invisalign. As a practice, we have invested […]
The Connection Between Your Dental Health and Mental Health
The connection between your dental health and mental health is not something that’s talked about often. Patients typically view their dental health as a separate entity and miss the connection between their dental health and overall physical health, as well as their mental wellbeing. According to research, the relationship between dental health and mental health […]
Tooth Replacement – Should I Replace a Missing Tooth?
I saw a patient recently who was in her mid-60s. She had accumulated a lot of dentistry over the years and was having some issues with new dentistry done by another dentist. As we are going through our exam, we started discussing the obstacles that are keeping her from getting to 100 with all her […]
How Long Does It Take To Get Dental Implants?
I see a lot of patients who need one or more dental implants, and they often ask me, “Doc, why is this going to take so long?” They’ve seen on TV that you can get same-day dental implants, and they don’t understand why their one or two implants will take six to seven months’ time. […]
Do I Need a Dental Crown or a Filling?
A question I get asked by patients daily is “do I need a crown, or could I get away with a filling?” Patients believe that the less invasive option is always better, so why not try a filling first instead of a dental crown. There are several reasons why a filling might not be the […]
4 Things to Know Before you Start Invisalign
Invisalign has become the gold standard for adult orthodontic treatment because of its proven track record of success over the last 20 years. There are several advantages to Invisalign vs. braces, and even more to Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club. But before you get started with your Invisalign treatment there are a few things you […]
Advantages of Invisalign vs Braces
When I meet a new patient, I spend a great deal of time diagnosing their dental risks and identifying problem areas. We also discuss their goals for their dental health, which typically include straightening and whitening their teeth. Today, Invisalign has become the gold standard for adult orthodontic treatment and can help most patients achieve […]
What Type of Dental Crown is Right for You?
There are a few types of dental crowns available for patients. Typically, when a patient is told that they need a crown, they aren’t told which type of crown they are getting. This is a decision made behind the scenes, without the input of the patient, based on several factors that the dentist must consider. […]
