Mockler Dental Blog

If you’ve been missing teeth for several years, you may have been told (or maybe you’ve assumed) that your jawbone has changed too much for a tooth replacement like dentures to be a viable option. The jawbone indeed begins to shrink after teeth fall out, but that doesn’t automatically close the door on rebuilding your smile. Here’s a closer look at what happens to the jaw following tooth loss, and why dentures, as well as dental implants, can often still help.  

If you have heart disease, you may wonder about how it’ll impact your options for replacing your missing teeth. It’s a fair concern to have, especially when you consider just how connected your oral health is with the rest of your body, including your cardiovascular system. That said, is restoring your smile with dental implants an option, or for the sake of your heart, is it better to hold off and opt for another solution? Here’s what you need to know, and why dental implants can actually support better heart health down the road.

You use them every day to eat, speak, and smile, but how much do you actually know about your teeth? Though they may seem small, they carry very large responsibilities, and they also happen to be quite interesting in their own right! Here’s a closer look at some of the most unique and surprising facts about teeth that you probably never realized, along with why keeping them healthy matters much more than you think.

If it’s been years since your last dental visit, you’re not alone. One of the most common reasons people put off dental care isn’t cost or a busy schedule; believe it or not, it’s actually fear of embarrassment! That said, this is never a reason to forgo the care your smile needs to look and feel its best. Plus, you will never have to worry about your dentist and their team making you feel embarrassed or like you’ve failed. Here’s what you need to know.

Most people know they’re supposed to visit the dentist regularly, but life gets busy, and it’s easy to put off a checkup when your teeth feel fine. But the truth is, many oral health problems develop quietly and without warning signs, until they’ve already progressed into something much harder to treat! Understanding what those problems are and why preventive dentistry is your best defense against them can make a real difference in the long-term health of your smile.

Flossing is one of those dental hygiene habits that almost everyone knows they should do, but far fewer actually do consistently. If you’ve ever struggled with traditional string floss, whether it’s awkward to maneuver, uncomfortable on your gums, or just plain difficult to work into your daily routine, you’re not alone. Water flossers have surged in popularity as a more comfortable and convenient alternative, but are they just as effective? Here’s a closer look at these two options.

Invisalign is one of the most patient-friendly orthodontic options available today. Unlike traditional braces, the clear aligners fit around your life rather than dictating it, since you can remove them to eat, drink, and clean your teeth. But that flexibility comes with a catch: the responsibility for staying on track falls heavily on you! Invisalign only works when patients work with it, and certain habits can slow your progress, extend your treatment timeline, or negatively affect the final results. Here are some Invisalign dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Most people think of themselves as diligent about their oral hygiene, and many do brush their teeth every day. But believe it or not, even the most well-intentioned oral hygiene routines can be full of small mistakes and missteps—and if these habits are well-ingrained, they might not even be given a second thought! With that in mind, here are some of the most common teeth-cleaning mistakes people make and, more importantly, how to fix them.  

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign treatment is discretion. Clear aligners are designed to be nearly invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without drawing any extra attention to yourself. That said, it can be quite frustrating to notice that your Invisalign aligners are starting to look yellow or cloudy. However, this is no reason to be upset; it’s a common issue, and one that can be easily corrected with a few simple adjustments to your routine.

For many of us, a cup of coffee is a daily ritual, and it’s hard to imagine making it through some days without that morning pick-me-up! However, if you wear Invisalign, you might want to rethink how you’re enjoying your favorite beverage. While it’s still fine to drink coffee during your Invisalign treatment, you’ll want to take a few precautions—mainly, remembering to remove your aligners before each cup. Here’s what you need to know and some tips to keep in mind.