Blog

Kinder, gentler braces may be on the horizon

A clinical trial is underway to evaluate a new method of affixing orthodontic brackets to teeth that is more enamel-friendly and could revolutionize orthodontic treatment, according to a University of Maryland, Baltimore news article. In the trial that began in August, Dr. Flavio Copello, PhD, MS, a clinical assistant professor, and Dr. Sydney Gladfelter, an orthodontic resident, are testing a new adhesive — Ormco EtchFree Bonding — that was recently

Clinical tip: Correcting a posterior open bite and the value of mentorship

In this episode of The HuangshanDental.com Podcast, I speak with Dr. Avi Patel, a general dentist who transformed his career by investing in himself and embracing orthodontics. Dr. Patel shares his journey from burnout to fulfillment through mentorship and the implementation of aligners. Dr. Avi Patel.Dr. Avi Patel. Patel also emphasizes the importance of social media in building a presence and connecting with other dentists, as well as the challenges

VR may help dentists work with pediatric patients

Virtual reality (VR) simulation may be a useful tool for teaching dental students how to manage pediatric patient behavior, according to a study recently published in the European Journal of Dental Education. Additionally, the intervention may be well received by dental students, boosting their confidence when treating children, the authors wrote. “VR simulation was effective as an adjunct for the teaching of behaviour guidance of paediatric dental patients to dental

Acid Erosion: Is Your Smile a Victim?

Sugar often takes the blame when it comes to tooth damage, but acid is another cause that deserves just as much attention. Many everyday foods and drinks, including ones that seem healthy, carry high levels of acid that can gradually weaken the outer layer of your teeth. This process is called acid erosion. It tends to happen slowly, without pain at first, and by the time noticeable signs appear, the

The Science of Smiling: How a Confident Smile Improves Health and Relationships

Walk through any busy street in Bangkok, London, or New York. Notice something? People smile. Sometimes it’s a big grin between friends. Other times, just a polite curve of the lips when strangers make eye contact. Simple gesture. Still, it softens the air around us. Here’s the thing: it’s not just social politeness. Science keeps digging into what most of us feel in our gut. Smiling does more than signal

Understanding the Cost of Dental Tourism in Thailand: What You Should Know

Let me paint a picture for you. Last month, I was chatting with Sarah from Melbourne at this tiny Bangkok café near Thonglor. She’d just finished her dental implant procedure and couldn’t stop smiling, not just because of her new teeth, but because she’d saved AUD 15,000 compared to quotes back home. “I even treated myself to a week at a beach resort with the money I saved,” she laughed,

Urban Living and Your Smile: How City Life Affects Oral Health

City life moves fast. Really fast. Between the morning coffee rush, the crowded commute, and those back-to-back meetings, taking care of your teeth probably isn’t top of mind. But here’s what dentists are seeing more and more: urban lifestyles are creating specific dental problems that weren’t as common twenty years ago. Walk into any dental clinic in Bangkok, New York, or Singapore these days and you’ll hear similar stories. Young

Novel drilling plate shows promise in preclinical dental training

Front and rear views of Nissin drilling plate. Credit: University of Eastern Finland A novel drilling plate simulating the tactile and structural properties of natural human dental tissues may provide dental students with increasingly realistic training opportunities in the preclinical phase. The new drilling plate was assessed by dental educators as part of an international study led by the University of Eastern Finland. Conducted by the global Digital, VR and

Dr. Tom Giacobbi ranks popular dental treatments … do you agree?

Dr. Tom Giacobbi is back with another one-minute video, this time ranking popular dental treatments from oil pulling to no-prep veneers (10 = great, while 1 = not recommended). What do you think of his rankings? Let us know in the Comments section below. Video transcript “Stephanie, yes. Remember, I like my bonding agent shaken, not stirred. I’ll be back in a minute. “Let’s have some fun ranking popular dental

Gum disease may be linked to prostate changes like cancer

Patients with gum disease may have an increased risk of developing prostate conditions, including enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, and chronic prostatitis, according to a review recently published in The Prostate. However, further research may be needed to confirm this connection and clarify underlying mechanisms, the authors wrote. “The findings suggest a potential association between periodontitis and prostatic alterations, especially prostate cancer,” wrote the authors, led by Beatriz Rodrigues Risuenho Peinado

Dental diseases may affect kids’ sleeping patterns

Dental problems — including caries, gingivitis, and gum disease — may affect how children fall and stay asleep and how long they snooze. The study was recently published in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research. Dental professionals can play a role in identifying and managing sleep problems, helping to prevent further psychological decline in pediatric patients, the authors wrote. “Certain dental diseases in pediatric patients may disturb their sleep, affect their

Do You Get Mouth Ulcers Often? When To Worry

Have you ever woken up with a burning pain inside your mouth, only to find a tiny sore that makes eating or speaking difficult? These painful spots, called mouth ulcers, are more common than many realize. While most heal independently, sometimes they linger or reappear too often, raising concerns. Knowing how to recognize mouth ulcer symptoms and when to take them seriously can make a big difference in your comfort

WhatsApp