Costello Dental Blog

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.  

Modern dental restorations are incredibly durable, and when they’re taken good care of, they can last for several years without needing a replacement. That said, if your bridge does fail, it can be frustrating and confusing. You’d probably like to know what happened so you can avoid this issue in the future!

Keep reading, and you’ll learn about three different causes of dental bridge failure – as well as what you can do to avoid further complications.

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, yet it remains surrounded by misconceptions. Many people overlook the seriousness of gum disease until it has progressed, often due to misinformation. Let’s debunk some of the most persistent myths and shed light on the truth about this preventable condition.

Did you know that 92 percent of adults aged 20-64 have had at least one cavity? With a number that high, chances are many of them have needed a filling. But what many people may not realize is that fillings don’t last forever. Here’s a closer look at the different types of fillings available, and how long you can expect each of them to last.