Smiles by Design

08/26/2026

Come join our team! 🦷

08/13/2026

Many impacted wisdom teeth cause no pain, swelling, or obvious symptoms. However, that does not always mean they are harmless.

Hidden decay can develop between teeth long before pain appears, and by the time symptoms occur, significant damage may already have occurred.

Regular dental exams and panoramic x-rays can help detect these problems early and protect the healthy tooth next to an impacted wisdom tooth.

07/14/2026

Braces don’t cause dark spots, chalky spots, or decay while a patient is in braces. Poor hygiene does due to lack of proper brushing & flossing. Excellent brushing and flossing habits result in a beautiful smile after your braces are removed!

This is why maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during braces treatment.

Braces can straighten your teeth—but poor oral hygiene during treatment can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Braces make it easier for plaque and food particles to collect around brackets, wires, and along the gumline. If these areas are not cleaned thoroughly every day, harmful bacteria can multiply, increasing the risk of white spot lesions (early enamel demineralization), tooth decay, and gum inflammation.

Those chalky white marks that sometimes appear after braces are not just stains—they are areas where the enamel has permanently lost minerals. Without timely care, these weakened areas can progress into cavities, while plaque buildup around the gums may lead to gingivitis and, if left untreated, periodontal disease.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is just as important as wearing the braces themselves. Careful brushing around every bracket, daily interdental cleaning, fluoride use when recommended, and regular dental check-ups help protect the teeth while they are being moved into their ideal position.

A successful orthodontic treatment is not measured only by straight teeth—it is measured by straight, healthy, cavity-free teeth with healthy gums.

07/13/2026

Give our office a call for any TMJ needs!
☎️ 334-687-0088

🦷 This is why jaw clicking should never be ignored.

A clicking or popping sound in the jaw is one of the most common signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. In many cases, the sound occurs because the small cartilage disc inside the joint moves out of its normal position and briefly slips back into place as the mouth opens or closes.

Not every clicking jaw requires treatment, especially if it is painless and jaw movement remains normal. However, persistent clicking accompanied by pain, limited mouth opening, jaw locking, headaches, or difficulty chewing may indicate a more significant TMJ disorder that should be evaluated by a dentist or oral and maxillofacial specialist.

Ignoring progressive TMJ problems can lead to worsening joint dysfunction, increased muscle strain, chronic pain, difficulty eating, and reduced quality of life. Early diagnosis can help identify contributing factors such as teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw injury, arthritis, stress-related muscle tension, or bite abnormalities, allowing appropriate treatment before symptoms become more severe.

A jaw that clicks occasionally may not be an emergency—but a jaw that clicks and hurts, locks, or limits normal function should not be ignored.

• Educational content only. Individual diagnosis and treatment require clinical evaluation by a dental professional.

07/08/2026

06/08/2026

Children who continue thumb sucking or pacifier use for longer periods are significantly more likely to develop anterior open bite.
When these habits continue for extended periods, they may gradually influence the way the teeth and jaws develop.

05/27/2026

A tooth can survive the initial injury — then suddenly darken years later.
Dental trauma from childhood falls, sports injuries, accidents, or unnoticed hits to the mouth can silently damage the blood supply and nerve inside a tooth. Over time, the internal tissues may break down, causing the tooth to gradually turn gray, dark brown, or even black.
Give us a call to talk to us about restoration options.
334-687-0088

05/18/2026

Another great Bioclear before and after that prevented the patient from having to get a crown and maintaining more natural tooth structure.