The alveolar ridges are thickened ridges of bone on the upper and lower jaws. Teeth fit into sockets in these ridges, where they are held securely in place by periodontal ligaments. If the alveolar bone loses volume and density, that secure attachment is compromised. Bone grafting is a common surgical

When you lose a tooth, it affects not just the appearance, but 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 problems The

Even though enamel is the hardest substance in the body, teeth aren’t indestructible, and chipped, cracked, and broken teeth are among the most common dental injuries. Tooth fractures might result from accidents, trauma, tooth grinding, chewing hard objects and foods, or extensive decay. Tooth injuries

You know how important it is to brush and floss properly when you're wearing braces — but what's the best way to do that? Let's start with the basic brushing tools: Either a soft-bristle brush or a bi-level brush (one that has shorter bristles in the middle and longer bristles at the edges) can be

It’s always important to maintain great oral hygiene, but it’s especially important with braces, as food and plaque have more places to hide. You should brush and floss at least two times per day for at least two minutes each time. Make sure to cover all surfaces, including the front, back, side,

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

Clear aligners are a popular alternative to metal braces, and are a great, discrete way to correct minor misalignment of the teeth. Just like traditional braces, clear aligners put a small amount of pressure on the teeth to move them into place. Unlike traditional braces, they are made of a clear and

Clear aligners are a popular and effective way to straighten teeth – without the look or hassle of traditional braces. Just like traditional braces, clear aligners put a small amount of pressure on the teeth to move them into place. Unlike traditional braces, they are made of a clear and completely