Westgate Dental Care Blog

While Invisalign aligners are a more comfortable, discreet way to straighten your teeth, you may still be eager to determine when your new smile will be ready. The good news is that although exact treatment times will vary from person to person, most conclude well before they would with traditional braces. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from Invisalign, and how to help keep your gorgeous grin right on schedule!

Not all tooth discoloration is the same. While yellowing is common, some people may notice their teeth turning gray instead. Gray teeth are different in the fact that they often stem from genetics, dental trauma, and other issues that make whitening toothpaste and store-bought strips ineffective. The good news? Your cosmetic dentist has several effective treatments that can brighten your smile. Continue reading to learn more about gray teeth and how modern cosmetic dentistry can help.

It’s no secret that beyond family time and catching up with friends, the holidays are all about food. But if you’re trying to protect your teeth, you might wonder which holiday dishes are best for your oral health. Fortunately, you don’t have to skip your favorite meals to keep your smile bright. Many of your favorite traditional foods are, in fact, dentist-approved! Here are some delicious holiday options you can enjoy without worrying about being on your dentist’s naughty list.

Are you considering correcting your ‘bad bite’ with Invisalign? This dynamic orthodontic treatment works faster and more comfortably than traditional braces, and its discreet appearance makes it perfect for older patients and responsible teens who don’t want to draw attention to their smiles. Unfortunately, however, many patients don’t think they can use Invisalign, because they don’t know if the trays will work for their particular problem. Here’s a closer look at which bite issues it can fix, and a few that it unfortunately can’t.

Millions of people turn to Invisalign every year to straighten their smiles. These clear aligners slip over your top and bottom teeth to gradually straighten them over time. But what if you only need one arch corrected? Can you cut the treatment in half to save time or money? Well, it depends. Keep reading to see when single-arch Invisalign makes sense and when your dentist might recommend a full mouth approach.

Laser dentistry is an FDA-approved technique that is designed to treat soft and hard tissues and structures inside the mouth. Whether it’s teeth or gums that need treatment, this unique device delivers a more comfortable approach and positive results. If you are considering laser dentistry for an upcoming procedure, here are four benefits you can expect.

It can be tempting to set an alarm on your phone and allow yourself to take a 30-45-minute nap during the day. When fatigue sets in because of poor rest the night before, it can seem harmless to curl up on the couch and get a bit of shut-eye. Unfortunately, this habit can have a negative effect when it comes to bedtime, especially if you have sleep apnea. Learn why you should avoid napping and how you can start getting better rest at night.

Dental anxiety is real, and it affects children and adults of all ages. While the most common reasons for this often include a sensitive gag reflex, the inability to sit still, or a dislike of the sights and sounds inside a dentist’s office, another reason keeps patients from seeking dental care – the media. Find out how the portrayal of dentists in movies and TV instills fear, and ways you can achieve greater comfort and confidence when meeting with your oral healthcare professional.

Toothpicks are the most common item people reach for after a meal. When food becomes stuck between teeth, these spiked pieces of wood offer an easy way to remove the lodged object, but how safe are they to use? Are they potentially harmful to your teeth and gums? Find out the truth and why you might want to consider a better and less damaging alternative.

It’s easy to become entranced by the viral TikTok trends emerging online. While it might seem as if these “miracle solutions” that influencers are pushing are worth trying, one is causing dentists to take notice – charcoal toothpaste. With promises to whiten teeth, users may be unaware of the harmful effects this type of product can have on their pearly whites. If you want to avoid potentially damaging your teeth, keep reading to hear from the experts on what you should do to achieve a safer, whiter, and more beautiful smile.