Hanford Family Dental Center Blog

Plenty of people who want straighter smiles choose Invisalign over traditional braces because it utilizes transparent plastic trays that are considered more comfortable and discreet. Plus, although the timeline can vary significantly depending on your unique circumstances, it typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete this treatment, which is less than the time it takes for standard orthodontics to do the same job.

However, you may be required to wear a retainer once you’ve finished Invisalign. Continue reading to learn more about why this is necessary and how long you can expect to wear your oral appliance!

Clear aligners are a popular and discreet way to straighten your teeth, but removing them—especially at the beginning—can feel tricky or uncomfortable. Many patients worry about damaging their aligners or hurting their teeth. With the right technique, removing clear aligners can be quick, easy, and pain-free.

Are you feeling self-conscious about flaws in your teeth, such as stubborn stains that you can’t seem to brush away, chips or cracks, or mild misalignments? If so, you might benefit from undergoing one or more cosmetic services with your dentist.

Many providers offer a variety of options intended to enhance your appearance, and demand for these treatments continues to grow as more patients learn about their many benefits. Continue reading to learn 3 advantages of cosmetic dentistry to better understand why it has become so popular!

You probably expect to get gray hair at some point; it is a natural part of the aging process, and many people already see hints of silver in their 30s or 40s. But gray teeth?! That is a completely different story. If you find that your teeth are leaning toward a grayish hue, you may wonder why they look that way and what your cosmetic dentist can do to help brighten up your smile. This blog post provides some helpful information.

Dental bridges are a reliable and long-lasting way of replacing missing teeth, restoring their function, and bringing confidence back to your smile! Better yet, with proper care, a bridge can last for well over a decade or even longer—but like any type of dental restoration, they aren’t indestructible. Understanding why bridges sometimes fail, as well as how to prevent bridge failure, can help you protect your investment and keep your smile looking and feeling its best. Here’s what you need to know.   

To ensure your veneers last a long time, you’ll need to brush them (and the rest of your smile) twice a day. Only then will your shells stay clean and strong for as long as possible. Still, it isn’t just the brushing itself that matters; you’ll also require the best toothpaste for veneers. Using the right brand will help your treatment results thrive. For more details, here’s a primer on which toothpaste suits veneers best.

Yellow teeth can be frustrating, especially if you brush and floss daily. The truth is, tooth discoloration doesn’t always reflect poor hygiene. There are several possible causes of staining and yellowing, and many of them are beyond your control.

Understanding why your teeth are yellow is the first step toward restoring a brighter, whiter smile.

If you need dental fillings, you may think any type would be “good enough.” Don’t they all have the power to treat cavities and tooth decay? However, you’d do well to opt for tooth-colored ones instead of the others on offer. These restorations offer more perks than those made of silver, mercury, and similar materials, promising better results. As for the proof, here are four major reasons why tooth-colored fillings are better than metal ones.

If you’ve noticed a dark or black line forming at the base of your dental crown—especially near the gumline—then you’re far from alone. This is an issue that many patients who’ve undergone restorative dentistry in the past seem to report, and it commonly occurs with dental crowns that have a metal base. Needless to say, this can detract from your smile’s appearance, not to mention call into question the remaining durability of your existing crown. Fortunately, while it’s not a serious, health-threatening issue, it’s still something that your dentist can easily assist you with. Here’s what you need to know.

Seeking care during a dental emergency can be difficult due to the discomfort, anxiety, or shock you may feel in that given moment. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have the phone number of your local emergency dentist programmed into your phone so you have someone to call. They’ll help you assess your issue and schedule an appointment for you with an emergency dentist in Hanford as soon as possible. Below, you can read about what to expect during your emergency dental visit.