Jane C. Puskas' Dental Blog

Everyone is well aware of the impact that braces can have on how your smile looks, feels, and in how effective it is at chewing. They can do incredible work, but many people are turned off of the treatment by the idea of a mouth full of metal.

No one is more self-conscious about their appearance than celebrities, which is why they (and millions of others) often opt for Invisalign treatment to straighten their smiles. If you want to understand what this style of orthodontic treatment can do for people, you need only look at the massive names who have benefitted from what they have to offer. Here are just a few examples.

When it comes to keeping your teeth strong and maintaining good oral health, something as small as drinking through a straw can make a big change. Drinking water is always the best option, but sometimes the summer sun and social outings call for another kind of refreshing beverage. You can still enjoy your favorite drinks and be conscious about your dental health by using a straw.

What issues come to mind when thinking of a dental emergency? Oftentimes, people naturally think of a very dramatic event such as a knocked-out tooth or a sudden loose dental crown. However, some emergencies with your pearly whites are not quite so obvious. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be any signs of something wrong with a tooth. For example, facial pain can be a major symptom of a dental problem. Read on to learn about three common dental issues that cause facial pain.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are used to cover up imperfections. From chips to discoloration, they are an easy and quick way to improve the look of your beam. Veneers have come a long way to become the popular treatment that we are familiar with today. Continue reading to learn about the history of porcelain veneers as well as how they’ve changed over the years.

Dentures are an excellent way to regain a full, confident, and functional smile if you are missing several or all of your teeth. However, dentures are also notorious for slipping. This occurs when the natural suction created between your restorations and gums isn’t enough to keep them in place. Luckily, denture adhesive can be used to temporarily help your restorations stick to your gums so they’re more stable. Even so, some people find it a little tricky to use at first. Continue reading to learn some useful tips for using denture adhesive.

When you have a TMJ disorder, navigating the culinary world can become a challenge. You want things that taste good but won’t cause a flare-up. If you’ve just been diagnosed with the condition, you might still be figuring out which foods can cause problems. Fortunately, there are plenty of appetizing dishes that will work for people with jaw problems. This guide will be able to tell you which foods are the best (and which are the worst) for your TMJ.

Does your jaw click or pop when you open or close your mouth? Maybe you have recurring facial or neck pain? You might have a disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). With no treatment, inflammation and stress can lead to significant jaw dysfunction. TMD causes a wide range of symptoms that can affect your quality of life, like facial pain and headaches. Here’s what might be behind your TMJ pain. 

(more…)

Do you tend to not get a good night’s sleep? Are you regularly drinking coffee to wake you up in the morning before going to work? Have you sometimes driven on the freeway with your eyelids feeling heavy? One reason for your drowsiness can be due to sleep apnea, which can affect your pattern of rest. If left untreated, it can impact your daily activities and lead to unsafe habits, such as falling asleep at the wheel! Read on to learn the dangers of drowsy driving, the common signs of sleep apnea, and how your dentist can treat it.  

A long time ago, BOTOX was a cosmetic treatment that was incredibly common among aging people with noticeable wrinkles. While older adults can certainly benefit from this service, the advantages are not limited solely to their age group. Nowadays, more and more younger people are starting to get BOTOX injections as a way to improve their appearance – but is there such a thing as being too young for treatment? Read on to learn at what age you should consider starting BOTOX treatment.

Diving into a refreshing pool is a great way to cool off on a hot day. However, is swimming bad for your teeth? The answer might surprise you. Believe it or not, swimming pools are linked to a variety of oral health problems, including dental emergencies. Whether you’re an avid swimmer or you enjoy taking a dip occasionally, here’s what you need to know to protect your smile. 

(more…)