Elwood Avenue Dental Blog

Feeling self-conscious about your smile is more common than you might think. Small imperfections like discoloration, gaps, or uneven teeth can affect confidence, even if your teeth are otherwise healthy. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile while maintaining its function, offering solutions for many of the concerns that make people hesitant to smile freely.

With modern techniques and materials, cosmetic dentistry can address a wide range of aesthetic issues in safe, effective, and natural-looking ways.

The American Dental Association recommends having a basic dental checkup and cleaning every six months to prevent common oral concerns and maintain your smile. Despite this, sources estimate that only approximately 40% to 45% of adults in the United States visit their dentist annually, and over 30% to 40% only visit when a problem arises.

You might not think you need an appointment if you don’t see obvious concerns, but unfortunately, skipping standard visits might damage your grin. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential consequences of avoiding routine exams!

In our current world of technological connectivity and social media visibility, more people than ever before have begun to worry about the condition of their smiles. Dental flaws, such as stubborn stains you can’t seem to brush away, might inadvertently communicate that you don’t know how to take care of yourself, or perhaps that you simply don’t bother to, which many people consider unattractive.

However, did you know that healthy teeth are not naturally snowy white? Continue reading to learn more about why brighter enamel isn’t always healthier and how to help preserve your dental condition!

Most people think of a dental checkup as a quick cleaning and cavity check, but your dentist is doing far more behind the scenes than you might realize. Each visit is packed with small, precise evaluations that help keep not just your teeth healthy, but your overall well-being, too. Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know your dentist was doing during your checkup and why they matter.

If you’re considering Invisalign, you may already know about the benefits: clear aligners, no metal brackets, and the ability to remove them for eating. But many patients share a common concern: will Invisalign affect the way I speak? Since speech is a big part of daily life—whether at work, in school, or social situations—it’s natural to want to know how aligners might impact your voice. While Invisalign can cause some temporary changes in the way you speak, most people adjust quickly and regain their natural speech patterns.

Invisalign has transformed orthodontics, offering a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth without the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. While the aligners are removable and easier to clean around, many patients wonder: Can you still get cavities during Invisalign treatment? The short answer is yes. Although Invisalign provides many oral health advantages compared to braces, cavities can still develop if you’re not careful. Here’s what you need to know.

Invisalign is a remarkable alternative to traditional metal braces that can resolve mild to moderate dental misalignments using customized sequences of clear aligners that are easily removable and virtually invisible when worn. While many patients report that the process is much simpler and easier than straightening teeth with metal braces, you’ll still need to adhere to a few important rules during Invisalign treatment. Here’s what you should know about the Invisalign process before committing to it.

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation, redness, and swelling of the gums. While gingivitis is often discussed in terms of brushing and flossing habits, one question people frequently ask is: Is gingivitis contagious? The answer is yes and no. Gingivitis itself isn’t contagious in the way a cold or flu might be, but the bacteria that cause it can be transmitted from person to person. Understanding how this works can help you protect both your oral health and that of your loved ones.

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. It’s usually caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup along the gumline. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more serious gum disease (periodontitis), which can threaten your oral and overall health. While it’s important to visit your dentist for professional care, there are also several effective home remedies that can help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and promote healthier gums. These natural approaches are most effective when combined with a good oral hygiene routine.

When most people hear the word “probiotics,” they think of gut health – yogurt, kombucha, or supplements that help with digestion. But did you know that probiotics may also play a role in your oral health, particularly in preventing and managing gum disease? Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues and bones supporting your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, chronic bad breath, and even increase the risk for systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Probiotics might offer a natural and effective way to support healthy gums.