Is it snoring or sleep apnea? Snoring occurs when soft tissues in the throat area relax during sleep, partially blocking airways and vibrating with the passage of air. It’s this vibration that causes that distinctive snoring sound. If you’re one of the millions of people who snore, you know how those

Bruxism is the medical term for excessive tooth grinding and/or jaw clenching. Because our jaw muscles are capable of producing hundreds of pounds of force, continuous grinding and clenching can cause significant damage to teeth and jaws without dental intervention. Unconscious grinding or clenching

When you’re happy with your smile, you’re able to greet the world confidently, both personally and professionally. Concerns about your smile can undermine that confidence. If you’d like to correct imperfections in your smile, cosmetic dentistry can transform your look and your outlook with innovative

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the temporal bones on each side of the skull to the mandible, or lower jawbone. These complex, hinge-like joints allow the mouth to open and close, move back and forth, and slide from side to side. Muscle, bone, and cartilage work together for easy and comfortable

While you’re living your active life, be sure to protect your smile. A mouthguard is essential safety gear whenever you participate in any sport or activity that could lead to dental trauma. Oral and dental injuries are very common for athletes, and often these injuries can be prevented or reduced

Your dentist is an expert in protecting your oral health. In addition to providing preventive care, they diagnose and treat the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentists improve self-confidence with functional and cosmetic restorations. Common procedures that can restore the health and appearance of your

Dental bonding is a conservative cosmetic treatment that improves the appearance of chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth using composite resin to repair and restore the tooth surface. Bonding can transform the appearance of a smile. The procedure is commonly used for: Repairing chips and minor cracks Covering

The bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode tooth enamel, eventually creating a hole, or cavity, in the tooth surface. Left untreated, this decay can spread to the interior of the tooth, and might lead to the need for a crown, a root canal, or even extraction. When caught early, your dentist can

Missing teeth impact not only appearance, but oral health as well. If you’ve lost some or all of your teeth because of trauma, periodontal infection, or decay, dentures are one of the options that can offer you a healthier, more attractive smile. Full or partial dentures: Make eating and chewing easier Facilitate

Fillings can be used to restore teeth with small to mid-sized cavities as well as minor chips, fractures, and wear. Tooth-colored fillings are a popular choice for restorations because they complement the natural beauty of a smile. Unlike traditional gold or silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend

If you are concerned about excess gum tissue or an uneven gum line, crown lengthening and gum contouring are minimally invasive periodontal procedures that can improve the balance of your gums and teeth, creating a well-proportioned and symmetrical smile. Crown lengthening, also known as a gum lift,

Decayed, broken, and missing teeth affect your oral health and your self-confidence. When a tooth has suffered structural or cosmetic damage, a dental crown can restore a tooth’s function and appearance. A crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers the entire visible surface of a tooth. Your dentist

What is tooth decay? Tooth decay begins with the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. These bacteria join with food particles and fluids in the mouth to create plaque, a constantly forming biofilm that sticks to the surface of tooth enamel. The bacteria in plaque convert the sugars in our foods into lactic

When you lose a tooth, it affects not just the appearance but also the function of your smile. It can be difficult to eat or speak naturally. Extra stress is put on your remaining teeth, you’re at greater risk for developing gum disease, your remaining teeth can shift out of position, causing bite

A dental veneer is a thin, durable porcelain shell that is custom-fabricated to cover the front of a tooth. Veneers can restore the appearance of teeth with chips, cracks, and stains, can close small gaps between the teeth, and can reshape misshapen or slightly misaligned teeth. Veneers are a popular

Over time, stain-causing foods and beverages, smoking, and thinning enamel can dim the brightest smile. If you are feeling self-conscious about your teeth, your dentist can help you discover the whitening treatment that is best for you. At-home Whitening Home treatments can help reduce surface stains.