Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Blog

Making the decision to invest in Invisalign is one of the best things anyone can do for their oral health and confidence, but along with it, comes the responsibility of proper maintenance. Invisalign has been successful for more than 8 million patients in the last 22 years, but those victories didn’t come without effort. It’s important to follow all of the instructions your dentist provides. Below, we’ve provided a few simple tips to help you take the best care of your teeth during and after the process, so that you can achieve the smile of your dreams!

Whether you are spending the holidays alongside your entire family or with a more intimate crowd, the celebration just wouldn’t be the same without delicious sides, decadent desserts, and other festive treats. So, it’s not too surprising that the already astronomical cases of tooth decay skyrocket this time of year. Fortunately, you can keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape heading into the new year with these oral health best practices from a holiday dentist!

Holidays like Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve have their fair share of delectable treats. But there is no doubt that Halloween is the most candy-filled celebration. In fact, the average American consumes nearly 3.5 pounds of candy this time of year! Naturally, the impact of that much sugar on your teeth and gums can be disastrous. With this in mind, read on for five tips from a dentist on how to keep your oral health in “spooktacular” condition!

As the end of the year rapidly approaches, there is no time like the present to maximize your dental insurance benefits. After all, neglecting to do so leads to wasted coverage and unused dollars that could’ve helped your smile and oral health. If you are unsure where to start, here are four tips to assist!

Ever since you were a small child, you’ve been told that you need to brush your teeth twice a day for optimal oral health. Brushing right before bed is pretty straightforward, but mornings can be a little bit more complex. You know you are supposed to clean your smile in the morning, but should you be brushing teeth before breakfast or afterwards? Does it really matter that much? Continue reading to learn more about how to maintain excellent dental health by brushing in the morning.

Growing up, you likely saw images of cavities that appeared on the chewing surface of the tooth. If you are under the impression this is the only area that can develop decay, you’ll be surprised to learn you can also have cavities between teeth. Known as an interproximal cavity, these small holes grow the same way and require the same method of treatment – a filling or dental crown depending on the severity. But how can you know if you have dental caries between your pearly whites? A local dentist explains what to look for as well as what you can do to prevent them in the first place.

When it comes to taking care of your teeth, in addition to visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, it is important that you have all of the necessary tools. This includes choosing the best toothbrush for your smile. With so many options at your local drug and grocery store, it can be difficult to know which one to buy. Are the pricier options actually better? Are electric toothbrushes necessary? Continue reading to learn more about what toothbrushes are out there and how to know which one you should be using for optimal oral health.

Did you know that Americans spend an estimated $500 million on gum annually? Whether you are feeling stressed or are on the hunt for minty-fresh breath, it is believed that 35 million sticks of gum will find their way into the mouths of U.S. adults this year alone. Initially, you may think that chewing gum has the same damaging effects as candy, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, opting for the right gum can actually benefit your oral health by helping you fight off cavities! Wondering how? Then keep reading!

The 2020 school year is looking far different than previous years. While COVID-19 is forcing teachers and administrators to rethink the way they deliver lessons, parents are trying their best to determine whether to physically send their children back to school or keep them at home to pursue virtual learning. No matter which method you choose, you’re likely in the process of planning for what they will need when the first day arrives. Before you let the remaining summer days slip by, a dentist suggests making sure you schedule a dental appointment for your little one. Read on to learn why this visit will prove beneficial, especially for the 2020-2021 school year.

Whether you recently moved or a previous experience left a bad taste in your mouth, the journey to finding a new dentist can be overwhelming. While your initial instinct may be to turn to Google, pages of search results and ads can make the process more stressful. After all, what should you be looking for? How can you distinguish which one is right for you? If you have found yourself wondering the same questions, then keep reading!