What are Teeth Made of? Teeth are made up of four different types of tissue, both hard and soft. These layers of tissue perform specific functions and are essential to keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Enamel, dentin, and cementum are hard tissues, whereas pulp is the softer portion of the tooth. Enamel The hard, white outer layer of a tooth is called enamel. It surrounds the crown and varies

Key Takeaways Having braces placed usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. Fortunately, none of your follow-up orthodontic appointments should take as long. No two people have the same teeth, and there are different types of braces. This means that exact placement times vary. Dental Second Opinion Worried About Your Dental Diagnosis? Unsure about your dental diagnosis? Get a secure second opinion from experienced dentists within 48 hours. Get a

If you’ve had a root canal and the same tooth starts bothering you again, you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining it. While root canal therapy is generally successful, it’s still possible for a treated tooth to become re-infected months or even years later. Recognizing the signs early and knowing what to do next can help you get relief and avoid further complications. What Causes a Root Canal Infection? A

Invisalign treatment can cause mild pain or discomfort, especially during the first week. Like braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign apply pressure to gradually realign your teeth, which can be uncomfortable as your teeth and gums grow accustomed to it. The discomfort can be general, or it can be concentrated around a specific tooth. It generally subsides within the first few days of treatment. You may be more likely to

Dental fillings don’t last forever, but they can last for several decades. Their lifespan depends on your oral hygiene, the filling size, the cavity’s severity, and the filling material used. The four most common types of fillings are composite, porcelain, amalgam, and gold. When using porcelain or gold as a filling material, they are referred to as inlays or onlays. These custom restorations are made in a laboratory before being

Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect your oral health and self-image. They often make teeth harder to clean and can greatly impact your appearance. In severe cases, they make day-to-day life more difficult. Fortunately, crooked teeth can be treated. Which type of treatment works best for you will depend on the severity of the misalignment, as well as your budget and other factors. Here are four treatment options that can

What’s the Difference Between a DMD and DDS? To become a licensed dentist, aspiring dentists must obtain one of two degrees: a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). DMD and DDS degrees are awarded to dentists who have completed an accredited dental school program, typically lasting 3 to 4 years. Although the degrees have different names, they cover the same topics, including anatomy, physiology,

Pregnancy comes with a whirlwind of changes, and it might surprise you that these changes can impact your teeth and gums. Gingivitis is a very common dental issue pregnant women encounter. Here’s what you should know about pregnancy gingivitis and other dental issues during pregnancy. What Is Pregnancy Gingivitis? Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common oral health issue during pregnancy. It affects 60 to 75% of pregnant women and usually

Wisdom teeth can bring a mix of curiosity and concern, especially when you’re not sure whether the pressure or soreness you’re feeling is normal. These back molars usually show up in your late teens or early twenties, and some people barely notice them. Others, though, feel tenderness, gum swelling, or jaw stiffness as the teeth move or get stuck under the gum. A few early clues can help you figure

What are Veneers? Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that creates a beautiful, natural-looking smile. They can fix imperfections like tooth discoloration, gaps and spacing, chips, and worn-down teeth. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain, ceramic, or composite that cover the anterior face of teeth. They can adjust the shape and shade of a natural tooth to improve its appearance. What is the Veneers Process Like? The procedure for installing

You’ve probably seen the ads: whitening strips promise to quickly brighten your smile just in time for that upcoming event or photo opportunity. But do these at-home teeth whitening treatments really work—and are they safe for your tooth enamel? Here’s what research says about their effectiveness, safety, and how to use them wisely compared to professional teeth whitening. How Do Whitening Strips Work? Whitening strips are thin polyethylene strips coated

Some babies are born with one tooth visible, while the rest are still developing under the gums. The lower front tooth is usually the first to erupt at around 5 to 10 months. When this starts happening, a process called teething begins. Teething is a natural process but it can cause babies discomfort. This usually lasts 2 to 3 days. But don’t worry, there are plenty of safe and effective