Getting braces as an adult can be difficult to commit to. While many adults refuse to endure the aesthetic sacrifice, others just can’t commit to the frequent appointments or the expense of lengthy treatment. There are also adult patients who believe they’ve “missed the boat” for orthodontics because they never underwent treatment as a child. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment is no longer restricted to metal brackets and bands, and it’s not just for kids. In fact, there is a newer, highly preferred solution to straighten your smile as an adult – Invisalign.

With Invisalign orthodontics, effectiveness, comfort and aesthetics can all co-exist. Invisalign uses clear (nearly invisible) aligners that are changed out every two weeks until the teeth are in their ideal position. Invisalign is also removable, so you’ll never be held down by your orthodontic treatment when you want to eat, brush your teeth or enjoy a special event. (more…)

If you’re a parent of an athlete, you may pat yourself on the back every time you remember to pack a sports drink in your child’s bag for practice or a game. However, you may want to rethink that drink. When it comes to your child’s smile, sports drinks can be especially harmful. In fact, studies show that sports drinks are up to three times more harmful than sodas!

Why are sports drinks so bad? They are high in sugar and acidity, which is a deadly recipe for your pearly whites. More specifically, your tooth enamel is in danger when you sip or consume sports drinks consistently. Enamel is a hard, protective layer of your tooth. When acids, sugars and bacteria combine, they eat away at this outer enamel and the underlying dentin layer is more exposed. (more…)

Whether it is due to your lifestyle habits or your genes, some patients are more at risk for oral health problems than others. For a number of reasons, it is important to know if you are considered a high-risk patient. First you’ll need to practice more diligent oral hygiene habits at home and even visit your dentist for routine exams more frequently than the average patient. In fact, your dentist may want to see you three times a year or more if you are a high risk dental patient, instead of the recommended twice a year schedule.

Another reason it is important to know where you stand as far as your likelihood for dental problems is for your overall health. Your mouth is the entryway into your body. Oral health conditions can pose a serious threat to your heart, brain, bones and blood pressure! (more…)

February is the perfect time to invite more love in your life. When it comes to your smile, how much do you love (or even like) the way it looks? With today’s advancements in cosmetic dentistry, patients have countless opportunities to fall in love with their smile. From simple teeth whitening to full smile makeovers, there’s simply no reason to avoid looking in the mirror due to unsightly teeth. At Salt Run Dentistry, we offer an expansive menu of services in cosmetic dentistry, ensuring each patient can find ways to improve their smile aesthetics, regardless of their budget, time or lifestyle. Here’s a quick look at procedures that can help you love your smile this year:

Teeth Whitening: It’s simple, quick, affordable and highly effective. Professional teeth whitening can take years off of your appearance in just one hour. If your smile has dulled with age or become stained from bad habits, this is the perfect solution for you. (more…)

If you are a mom-to-be, you’ve got a lot to think about. While your oral health may not be at the top of your list, it is yet another area of your body that is affected by pregnancy. Changing hormones and other tendencies during pregnancy can trigger the following oral health concerns:

#1 Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gum disease is the most common oral health problem for pregnant women. A rise in hormones causes the gum tissues to become inflamed, typically during the second trimester. While hormones don’t directly cause the gums to become irritated, it does make the body less able to fight off bacterial invasion from plaque buildup. (more…)