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Plaque vs. Tartar: What’s the Difference?

A dentist works on a child’s teeth.

Dental health is often overlooked, but it is one of the appointments you should avoid skipping. That’s because there is a large connection between dental health and overall health. If dental issues like plaque, tartar, tooth decay, gum disease, overbites, and underbites are left unattended, they can lead to other …

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A Guide to Permanent Retainers

A man and a woman leaning against each other smiling.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists and Stanford Children’s Health, about 5 million people in the U.S. have worn braces. If you’ve had braces, or if you’re getting braces, then you might be aware that getting a retainer is the next step after getting your braces off.  Retainers prevent …

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Do You Have an Open Bite? Symptoms, Risks, and How to Fix It

A young girl with long curly hair and a wide, toothy grin

Dental issues can be worrying, but dealing with an open bite can be especially challenging for both children and parents alike. An open bite can impact more than just your smile — it can have effects on self-esteem, oral hygiene, and overall health that last well beyond childhood.  Depending on …

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How to Identify and Fix an Overbite

A young boy in red glasses having his teeth and jaw alignment examined by an orthodontist.

An overbite may pose problems to both your dental and overall health. Difficulty speaking and chewing, gum damage, sleep apnea, and jaw pain are a few of the non-aesthetic results of an overbite.  Identifying an overbite is the first step to fixing one. With a few at-home steps you can …

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Crowded Teeth: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Black and white photo of a woman smiling with braces on.

Malocclusion is a dental condition that causes the teeth to become misaligned over time. This dental condition often affects children as their baby teeth attempt to make room for their permanent adult teeth; when they don’t have room in their mouths for them to grow, their teeth begin to overlap. …

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Crossbite Teeth: Causes and Treatment

A photo of a dental model showing the placement of teeth with the use of braces.

Misaligned teeth may not always cause health issues, but having straight teeth may have benefits. Straight teeth may reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease as they are easier to clean, can aid in better digestion and clearer speech, and reduce the chance of headaches from jaw stress. Studies …

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Buck Teeth: Causes and How to Fix Them

A child with prominent protruding teeth stands next to a brick wall.

Do your upper front teeth hang low over your lower front teeth? These are known as “buck teeth,” and beyond being a cosmetic concern, they can cause a number of pain points. Speech impediments, difficulties chewing, airway problems — there are many impacts that buck teeth can have on your …

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An Overview of Tooth Decalcification

A dentist and her assistant examining the teeth of their patient.

Decalcification, in general, refers to the reduction and eventual elimination of critical minerals from calcified structures in your body. The most common parts of the body that suffer decalcification are your bones, cartilage, and teeth. This process is often subtle, gradual, and can affect anyone.  Decalcification is sometimes an intentional …

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What Is an Orthodontist?

A woman in a white coat, blue latex gloves, and a medical mask is holding up a dental scraper and a dental mouth mirror.

Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial issues. Generally, orthodontists must obtain a six or seven year degree — four years in dentistry with an additional two or three years in an orthodontic residency program accredited by the American Association of Orthodontists …

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