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Why Your Clear Aligners Are Turning Yellow and What to Do About It

April 1, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 11:50 pm
Hand shown holding clear aligners.

Clear aligners like CandidPro are a popular alternative to traditional braces because they’re nearly invisible, removable, and more comfortable. However, many users notice over time that their once-clear trays start to turn yellow or become discolored. This not only affects the appearance of your smile during treatment but may also indicate improper care. If your aligners are looking less than fresh, here’s why it’s happening and how to fix it.

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5 Helpful Tips to Remove Your Orthodontic Aligners

March 12, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 2:48 pm
a person removing clear aligners from their mouth

Clear aligners are one of the most popular modern orthodontic treatments available to both teens and adults. While they offer convenient removability that makes eating what you want possible and brushing and flossing easier, sometimes, these aligners can become incredibly difficult to remove. In these situations, you’ll want to have some helpful tips up your sleeve to get them off of your teeth safely. Read on to learn about why this can happen and five tips to remove them.

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Replacing Retainers: 3 Signs You Need a New Oral Appliance

February 3, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 7:21 pm
Woman removing red retainer from her upper arch

There’s nothing quite as exciting as the feeling you get when your braces are removed or you’ve finished wearing your last Invisalign tray and finally have a perfectly straight smile to show off. However, your teeth are prone to reverting to their previous places, especially in the time immediately following orthodontic treatment.

As a result, you may be required to wear a retainer to maintain your pearly whites in their ideal positions long enough for your mouth to acclimate, which might take several years. Although your oral appliance is made from durable materials, it’s not intended to last forever and might eventually need to be replaced. Continue reading to learn 3 indicators that you need a new retainer!

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A Dental Bond That Lasts: 4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your New Smile

January 14, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 2:10 am
digital image of dental bonding process

Repairing minor chips, stains, or gaps might seem like a cumbersome task; however, with dental bonding, the process is simple, easy, and quick. Less invasive and more affordable than custom veneers or metal-free restorations, this cosmetic solution requires only one dental visit and can last several years. But how can you be sure your results will stick around? Here are 4 tips to consider if you want to enjoy your new smile longer.

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Full Mouth Reconstruction Recovery Tips that Are Dentist-Approved

December 2, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 7:21 pm
Woman relaxing on a hammock after full mouth reconstruction

Depending on what’s included in your plan, a full mouth reconstruction can be fairly intensive. You’ll likely want to have some time to yourself to rest, relax, and take care of your smile. So it’d probably be nice to have some aftercare tips!

Look no further than this post – below you’ll find a list of dentist-approved full mouth reconstruction recovery tips. Feel free to read them at your leisure!

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Wait, My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt – Do I Really Need an Extraction?

November 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 12:32 am
Woman shrugging her shoulders in confusion

Normally, when your body hurts, you know to rest or maybe even apply a cold compress. And when it doesn’t hurt, nothing’s wrong – it’s as simple as that! So why do you need a tooth extraction if you don’t have any dental pain? Doesn’t that mean your tooth is fine?

Actually, the existence or absence of pain isn’t really a good way to tell whether you need oral care or not. Keep reading to learn why your tooth could still be in trouble!

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Can I Drink Coffee After a Tooth Extraction?

October 17, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 4:39 pm
A cup of coffee.

If you’re a coffee fan but scheduled to have a tooth removed, you may be wondering how soon you can get back to your daily cup (or cups!) of joe. The truth is, when you have an extraction, you do need to temporarily hold off on the java for a few important reasons. Here’s why you should take a break from your daily “grind” and when it’s okay to indulge again.

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What Could Cause a Dental Bridge to Fail?

September 6, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 7:21 pm

Model of traditional fixed dental bridgeA dental bridge is an effective solution to replace one or more lost teeth in a row. Dental bridges have been used for generations because they offer long-lasting results. However, your new teeth won’t last forever. Eventually, your bridge will need to be replaced. Here’s how to avoid the most common causes of dental bridge failure to ensure your restoration lasts for 10 years or more.

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Root Canal Ready: What Happens After?

August 2, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 3:31 pm
Illustration of a couple of teeth in a white base with one cross-sectioned to show colorful roots

Many people experience anxiety around dental visits, especially if they have a major procedure coming up, like a root canal. If you’re worried that the treatment will be long and agonizing, you might procrastinate scheduling your appointment, allowing the infection in your tooth to worsen.

It might ease your mind to know that this surgery typically alleviates more pain than it causes. However, following your dentist’s post-op instructions in detail is essential to ensure that you recover as quickly as possible without developing unwanted complications. With that in mind, continue reading to learn 3 tips to help you heal from your root canal!

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Snacks to Avoid if You’re Concerned About Chipping Teeth

July 8, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 2:30 pm
Bowl of popcorn overflowing onto a wooden floor

Crunchy, chewy snacks can be satisfying. Sometimes you just have a craving for a specific texture! But if you’re worried about chipping or cracking your teeth, that’s typically the type of foods you’ll want to avoid. This list of particularly damaging delights will give you a better idea of what to watch out for so you can dodge a dental emergency!

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