Joshua Hong, DDS Blog

Orthodontic Inquiry: Does Bruxism Hurt Invisalign?

January 19, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 6:48 pm
Closeup of woman with nose ring wearing Invisalign

Do you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw that you can’t explain? If so, you might be subconsciously grinding your teeth at night in a condition known as bruxism. Unfortunately, the added pressure from constant clenching can push your teeth out of alignment, which can cause dental problems in addition to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.

Your dentist can straighten your smile with Invisalign, but many patients want to know whether their nightly habit will interfere with this orthodontic treatment. Continue reading to learn why you have nothing to worry about!

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Invisible Information: 3 Things to Know About Invisalign

January 12, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 4:11 pm
Dentist in dark blue scrubs holding Invisalign tray

Many people feel self-conscious about how their crooked grin affects their appearance, but did you know it’s also a dental health risk? If your teeth overlap, it’s harder to reach all surfaces to brush and floss them. Unfortunately, this increases your vulnerability to oral issues like cavities and gum disease.

Your dentist can straighten your smile with Invisalign, but it’s important to be well-informed before deciding on the best way to address your concerns. Continue reading to learn 3 things to know before starting this alternative orthodontic treatment!

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5 Surprising Facts About Dental Implants

December 26, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 10:34 pm
Smiling dentist showing patient model of dental implant

The field of dentistry and technology are advancing at a rapid rate. While that means that tooth-replacement solutions look and feel more lifelike than ever before, it also can leave patients feeling overwhelmed. For example, if you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering how long they last, if they are easy to care for, and if they are worth the investment of your valuable time and money. To help, here are five surprising facts about dental implants.

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Are Dental Implants Vulnerable to Tooth Decay?

December 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 11:25 pm
Lady thinks something over

Dental implants have restored the smiles of countless patients with lifelike prosthetic devices that look, feel, and work just like the real thing. These prosthetic devices seem so perfectly natural that many patients may wonder if they are vulnerable to the same infections as real teeth. Read on to learn about why dental implants can’t get cavities and what you can do to protect them from destructive infections.

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Is Flossing My Dental Implants Important?

November 28, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 11:55 pm
Women flossing her dental implants in the mirror

Congratulations on your dental implant treatment! With your new teeth firmly set in your smile, you’ll be able to enjoy a lifetime of improved oral function – and compliments. That is, you will as long as you take good care of your oral health.

Your dental replacements might be inorganic, but they still require maintenance and an optimal environment for peak performance. Flossing is an important piece of the puzzle, and if you’d like to learn more, just keep reading.

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4 Signs it Could be Time for New Dentures

November 21, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 3:29 pm
A woman looking in the mirror at her teeth at the dentist.

Your dentures are a durable, natural-looking way to replace lost teeth, but unfortunately, they don’t last forever. Though most pairs will last up to ten years with proper care and maintenance, sometimes they need to be repaired or replaced a little sooner. Here’s how to tell if it’s time for new prosthetics, and what you can do to ensure that they last as long as possible.

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Enhancing Aesthetics: Cosmetic Dentistry for Everyone

October 16, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 7:08 pm
Closeup of a woman's perfect smile

Did you know the first set of veneers was designed in 1928 by a California dentist who created removable prosthetics to temporarily improve an actor’s smile for the big screen? Perhaps because of this, many people assume that cosmetic dental services today are still exclusive to the rich and famous.

Fortunately, thanks to the many advances in technology and techniques since then, there are now many ways that your dentist can upgrade your grin to boost your confidence in your appearance. Continue reading to learn about 3 popular procedures available to people from all walks of life!

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Preserving Your Sense of Taste with Dentures

September 2, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 6:34 pm
Older man making “chef’s kiss” gesture on a bright yellow background

Did you know that dentures can affect your sense of taste? If your favorite meals have felt a little off lately, it might not be the chef’s fault. The problem could be that your dentures are blocking important taste-receptors or harboring lingering flavors from breakfast!

If you’d rather preserve your natural sense of taste than live with denture-altered flavors, keep reading. You’ll learn more about how this happens and what you can do about it.

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Why You Need to Take Out Your Dentures

August 22, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 3:49 pm
A pair of dentures soaking in a cup of water.

Congratulations on your new dentures! Restoring your smile and chewing capabilities is exciting, and hopefully very comfortable, too. In fact, they may look and feel so good that you might never want to take them out. But wearers beware: just because they fit well doesn’t mean you can keep them in your mouth 24/7.

Here’s why it’s so important to take your dentures out every day as prescribed!

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Fiction or Fact: Over-the-Counter Whitening Products Work

July 3, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — joshuahong @ 9:05 pm
person using over-the-counter teeth whitening products

Are you considering whitening your discolored teeth but unsure which method to choose? With countless over-the-counter products and DIY methods available, it can be challenging to determine what works best. Many people question the effectiveness of these products, while homemade whitening techniques may pose risks. Read on to learn whether these over-the-counter solutions truly deliver on their promises, the potential dangers of DIY whitening methods, and why professional dental treatments might be the safest and most effective way to achieve a brighter smile.

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