Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence Blog

Every cloud has a silver lining—so the saying goes. Even when all hope seems lost, you can find good in the situation. For instance, if you have tooth extraction, it may feel like your smile is lost too. It’s true that extraction shouldn’t be taken lightly and is permanent, but even if you find yourself in this predicament, it has benefits for your oral health. What are the positive benefits of tooth extraction? Consider these outcomes that can help you feel good about your smile again.

You might know of someone who doesn’t get the regular dental care they need. They may give a range of reasons why they don’t go, but this can go for many people. You may be in the same boat, worried about certain things that make you postpone your treatment. However, it’s better to address your concerns than ignore them. Here are four reasons why people often skip their dental visits and options for people who are afraid of the dentist.

There are many patients who are anxious about going to the dentist. It’s a fear they may not be able to overcome, so they can’t get the treatments they deserve. If you find yourself in this boat, then one way you can make your visits easier is with dental sedation. You may not know too much about it, but some things you might see online are myths that may stop you from getting it. So, here is the truth behind three common misconceptions.

Being able to enjoy life with a healthy smile is something to be thankful for, especially this time of year. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you may be thinking about all the things you appreciate but often forget about. As you consider all the delectable foods you get to enjoy while gathering with family and friends, you may want to consider adding your teeth to your list of what you are grateful for. Why? Here are four reasons to think about.

All things considered, a gap between two front teeth can seem like a rare smile flaw. It certainly isn’t discussed as often as tooth stains, chips, cracks, and similar issues are. Even so, please don’t panic; it’s quite possible to fix the unwanted gap in your grin. Your Arlington Heights dentist can even share a few treatment options that’d help, ensuring your smile gets the care it needs. Just keep reading to learn about diastemas and their cosmetic dental solutions.

Aging is a natural progression of life that leads to the golden years of wisdom and laughter. But while most people picture fine lines and gray hairs, they don’t often think about how the aging process affects their smile. The truth is, it often undergoes many changes that can show your seniority. Keep reading to learn what to expect from your smile as you age and how cosmetic dentistry can help turn back the clock.

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are a popular choice for straightening teeth because they are discreet and removable. However, over time, even the clearest trays can begin to turn yellow if they aren’t cared for properly. Discolored aligners are not only unsightly but can also indicate bacteria buildup. Understanding the common causes of yellowing and how to prevent it can help you maintain both the appearance and hygiene of your aligners.

If you’re starting Invisalign treatment, you might be wondering whether you’ll need to give up your daily coffee habit. The good news is you can still enjoy your morning cup of joe—but there’s a right way to do it. Coffee can stain your aligners, trap heat against your teeth, and increase the risk of cavities if you aren’t careful. With a few simple habits, you can keep both your treatment and your favorite drink on track.

Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces because it tends to be more comfortable and discreet. The transparent plastic over your teeth doesn’t lacerate your tender tissues and allows your natural smile to shine through.

With that said, it can take some time to adjust to some of the lifestyle changes required for this treatment to be successful. If you’re considering Invisalign and want to be prepared in advance, continue reading to learn 3 ways you can get ready!

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants have long been lauded as the gold standard, since they’re capable of restoring a smile in terms of both appearance and functionality. That said, if you have dental implants, you’re probably fully aware that there are titanium posts inside of you—without these posts, the implants wouldn’t be able to serve as sturdy replacement tooth roots!  

But how else will this metal in your mouth impact your daily life? You might think that even something as simple as walking through a metal detector will now cause problems, but in reality, you usually won’t have to worry about these types of inconveniences when you have dental implants. Here’s what you need to know.