Turning Leaf Dental Blog

If you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, you may hear your dentist mention “refinements” near the end of your plan. While many patients achieve their desired results within their initial series of aligners, refinements are a normal and sometimes necessary part of the process. They help fine-tune your smile and ensure the best possible outcome.

Clear aligner treatment has become a popular orthodontic option for teens and adults who want a straighter smile without traditional braces. One of the most common questions patients ask is, “How long does clear aligner treatment take?” The answer varies from person to person, but understanding the factors involved can help set realistic expectations.

The holiday season is full of delicious treats, festive gatherings, and busy schedules—wonderful for the soul, but not always ideal for your Invisalign routine. Between travel, indulgent meals, and irregular days, it’s easy to slip out of your usual habits. But with a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy every celebration while keeping your treatment moving smoothly. Here’s your guide to a successful, smile-friendly holiday season.

Invisalign is considered one of the greatest alternatives to traditional metal braces. Clear, flexible, and capable of helping patients achieve faster results (on average), these aligners can address all types of teeth and bite misalignment, but are they a risk-free option? Should you be concerned about complications while undergoing treatment? Discover the truth about Invisalign and why the benefits far outweigh any possible risks.

If you’re a coffee lover, skipping your morning cup after a dental procedure can feel like a big sacrifice. But after a tooth extraction—whether it’s a wisdom tooth or another tooth—it’s important to take care of your healing mouth. Many patients ask their dentist the same question: “When can I drink coffee again?” The answer depends on your healing process, and drinking coffee too soon can lead to painful complications. Here’s what you need to know about safely enjoying coffee after a tooth extraction.

One of the fastest ways to reveal your age is by the condition of your smile. In fact, sometimes your teeth can age you beyond your years. If you’re tired of your grin revealing more than you’d like it to, cosmetic dentistry can help. Here are five incredible treatments that can reverse the hands of time!

Cosmetic dentistry is often thought of as a way to improve your smile’s appearance, but its impact goes much deeper than that. From boosting confidence to enhancing your oral health, cosmetic treatments can make a real difference in your daily life.

Whether you’re considering teeth whitening, veneers, or a complete smile makeover, here are some of the ways cosmetic dentistry can change your life.

Cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile and boost your confidence, but many people hesitate to explore it because of common myths and misconceptions. These myths can make cosmetic treatments seem unnecessary, ineffective, or out of reach. The truth is that cosmetic dentistry is more accessible, safe, and beneficial than most people realize.

Let’s bust some of the most common myths about cosmetic dentistry.

The concept of improving your smile may seem like a relatively new one, but the truth is that cosmetic dentistry has been around for centuries. In fact, the earliest known procedures date back to 700 BC, when the Etruscans first started using ivory, human teeth, and bone to create the first set of dentures. Here’s a closer look at the fascinating history of this elective branch of oral health!

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. It ranges from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to severe damage (periodontitis), which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. For people with advanced gum disease, tooth extraction may sometimes be necessary. But this raises an important question: Will gum disease go away once the teeth are removed? While extracting teeth affected by gum disease can help manage certain symptoms, it doesn’t automatically eliminate the underlying infection or the potential for ongoing oral health issues.