Island Coast Dentistry Blog

Your mouth and lungs may seem like completely separate parts of your body, but they’re more closely connected than you might think. Research has found an association between poor oral health, particularly gum disease, and certain respiratory conditions. Although gum disease doesn’t necessarily cause lung disease, maintaining healthy gums may be an important part of protecting your overall health.

If you’re considering veneers to improve the appearance of your smile, you may be wondering what they’ll actually feel like once they’re placed. Will they feel bulky? Will you notice them when you eat or talk? Will they feel like your natural teeth?

You might’ve been enjoying your dental crown ever since you got it placed. It’s likely been serving you well for the past several years. You can more easily eat and show off your smile, maybe even looking so natural you forgot all about it. That said, this restoration won’t last forever. You will need to get it replaced eventually, but when is a good time? Here are three signs you are due for a new one.

Many patients choose Invisalign because it’s considered a more comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces. Instead of relying on brackets and wires, these transparent trays fit snugly over your arches to shift your teeth to their ideal places.

But you might be surprised to learn that you’ll likely need to wear a retainer following your treatment. It’s natural to have questions, like why this may be necessary or how long you’ll have to wear it. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect!

Tooth loss is a common health problem that can lead to a host of issues like trouble speaking, difficulty chewing, jaw pain, indigestion, malnutrition, and further tooth loss. To prevent these symptoms, the American Dental Association recommends replacing lost teeth as soon as possible, and dental implants are the best replacement option because they look and feel just like the real thing. Here’s a quick look at how the dental implant placement process works as well as what it is like to use these devices.

Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild smiles after tooth loss because of their unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they’re embedded in your jaw and eventually fuse with the bone to function more like natural teeth.

But if you have developed dental misalignments, you might wonder whether you can successfully complete orthodontic treatments with a dental implant in place. Continue reading to learn more about it so you know what to expect!

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a popular choice for adults seeking a straighter smile without traditional braces. But if you have dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or veneers, you may be wondering whether clear aligners are still an option. The answer is usually yes, but it depends on the type of restorations and your overall dental health.

Dental restorations are designed to last for many years, so it’s important to protect them during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign works by applying gentle pressure to your teeth to gradually move them into alignment. While this pressure is safe for most natural teeth, special care is needed to avoid damaging existing restorations.

A smile makeover isn’t a single procedure—it’s a customized treatment plan designed to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. Depending on your needs, it may include treatments like veneers, whitening, bonding, crowns, orthodontics, or even implant restoration. Because every smile is unique, the process is highly individualized and requires careful planning from start to finish.

This is why the type of dentist you choose matters so much. A smile makeover is both a science and an art, and the right provider will be able to balance healthy function with beautiful aesthetics.

If you’re considering a smile makeover, one of the first questions you probably have is: how long will it take? The answer depends on your goals, the treatments involved, and your current oral health. A smile makeover is highly personalized, meaning timelines can range from a single appointment to several months. Here’s what you can expect.

Mouthwash is a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine, offering benefits such as freshening breath, reducing bacteria, strengthening enamel, and helping prevent gum disease. However, many people are unsure about how much mouthwash they should use to get the best results. Using the proper amount ensures effectiveness while avoiding unnecessary waste or irritation. Here is a helpful guide to using mouthwash correctly.