Christopher J. Cowell, DMD Blog

Dental crowns are an effective way to protect and preserve a decayed or damaged tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. Furthermore, these tooth-shaped prosthetics can be customized to match the shape, color, and size of your natural teeth so no one can tell the difference.

These caps are made from durable materials like porcelain or metal, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely invincible. Although they can last 15+ years if cared for correctly, your restoration will probably need to be replaced at some point. If you’re unsure whether it’s time, read on to learn three indicators that let you know you need a new dental crown!

Do you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth or have you recently undergone a root canal procedure? If so, there’s a good chance your dentist will fit you with a dental crown. These tooth-shaped caps are bonded over your injured tooth to preserve its structure and functionality in situations that might otherwise require extraction.

Today, these restorations can be fully customized to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth so no one can tell the difference, but that hasn’t always been the case. Continue reading to learn more about the fascinating history of dental crowns and how they’ve evolved over the years!

One of the most common complaints people have about their teeth is that they’re too yellow. So it makes sense that dentists and toothpaste businesses alike would want to address this issue with teeth whitening solutions. One of the newest trends to hit the commercial market is charcoal. You might have seen charcoal toothpaste at your local grocery store, or maybe even toothbrushes that are already infused with this dark substance.

If you look at the product descriptions, it seems companies are pretty confident in the whitening power of charcoal. The facts, however, have other things to say. Here’s why charcoal doesn’t whiten teeth!

Today, the pursuit of whiter teeth is a $2 billion dollar industry here in the United States, but the desire for whiter teeth has been documented around the world for centuries. In fact, you might be surprised at how long ago attempts to lift stains and discoloration from the teeth truly began. If you’re fascinated by history, enjoy this look back at how the search for a brighter smile has changed over time!\

Teeth whitening is capable of doing incredible things for the look and feel of your smile, capable of brightening your smile by up to eight shades within a single appointment. Moreover, the results last much longer than you might think given the convenience of the procedure; your smile can stay white for somewhere between 6 months and three years afterward.

However, that depends heavily on how well you take care of your teeth. As it turns out, there are some changes you might want to make to your diet in order to keep your smile white. Here are a few examples of foods you may want to eat.

Did you know that nearly 2 trillion sticks of gum are produced every year? The average American chews about 300 pieces of gum yearly. Whether you chew to reduce hunger cravings, freshen your breath, or reduce stress, you wouldn’t expect it to make your jaw hurt. However, gum chewing can trigger TMJ symptoms. Here’s why you might want to think twice before popping another piece of gum into your mouth.

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Veneers are a popular cosmetic solution because they can hide multiple flaws simultaneously to improve your smile and enhance your appearance. These thin, ceramic shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to mask imperfections like cracks, breaks, discoloration, and slight gaps. They’re less porous than your natural pearly whites and are therefore more resistant to staining and chipping. That means they also shield the underlying tooth and protect it from future damaged.

On top of that, veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, making them an excellent long-term solution. If you want to keep yours longer, keep reading for 3 helpful tips to increase their longevity!

Veneers are a versatile solution to enhance your smile because they can cover multiple flaws at one time, all while protecting your grin from potential future harm. These thin shells are made from durable porcelain or resin which resist stains, chipping, and cracks better than natural teeth. Plus, they can last 20+ years with the right care, making them an excellent long-term solution.

Although veneers are incredibly resilient, they’re not entirely invincible. They can be broken or worn down and may eventually need to be replaced. If you’ve had yours for a while and aren’t sure if you need a new set, keep reading to learn about 3 indicators that let you know it’s time!

Have you ever held back a smile because you felt too self-conscious about flaws in your teeth to let anyone see them? If so, your dentist can improve your self-confidence with porcelain veneers. These thin, ceramic shells are color-matched to your natural hue and bonded to the front of your teeth to mask problems. They’re a versatile solution that can improve your appearance by concealing one or more issues simultaneously, making them an incredibly popular treatment.

If you’re on the fence about getting veneers, keep reading to learn 4 facts about them that might sway your mind!

Having aesthetic flaws in your teeth like chips, cracks, stains, or gaps can leave you feeling self-conscious about the state of your grin. Fortunately, your dentist can provide different cosmetic solutions to address imperfections, like porcelain veneers and dental bonding. Both options are versatile enough to mend or mask one or several issues that impact your looks, so how do you choose which is best for you? Keep reading to learn more about each treatment so you can make an informed decision when the time comes!