Blog

How old is too old for braces? It’s an interesting question—and the answer may surprise you! Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry in Bolivia & Oak Island would like to share some information with readers today regarding patient age as it relates to orthodontic treatment. Spoiler Alert! Patient age alone is not a deal-breaker when it comes… (Read More)

Millions of people of all ages use orthodontics to straighten their teeth each year. Clear aligner therapies like Invisalign® are popular not only because they are invisible and removable, but because they are difficult to break or damage. However, not all teeth can be straightened with clear aligner orthodontics, and even clear or tooth-colored systems… (Read More)

The pulp is found in the center of each tooth and consists of tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, which work together to provide oxygen and nutrients that keep them healthy and strong. If one or more teeth suffer a traumatic injury or decay, the pulp can become inflamed or infected. When this happens in a… (Read More)

You had braces when you were younger and never experienced any jaw pain or other TMJ symptoms prior. Then, after you completed your orthodontic treatment, you developed a pain in your jaw, maybe accompanied by popping, locking, clenching, and grinding. Maybe you developed these symptoms shortly after having your braces removed, maybe it was a… (Read More)

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antibiotic topical liquid solution brushed onto teeth to halt the progression of tooth decay. Research has shown the effectiveness of SDF in cavity prevention and arrest, and it has been used safely and successfully worldwide with patients of all age groups. Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry uses silver diamine fluoride… (Read More)

Parents face many decisions, even before their baby makes an appearance—but once that bundle of joy arrives, one important choice is whether to use a pacifier. Babies have a natural reflex to suck their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or other objects to help them feel more secure, to soothe them, or to lull them to sleep…. (Read More)

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, over four million people in the United States are undergoing orthodontic treatment at any given time, and about 25% of those people are adults. These statistics include different types of orthodontic treatments, such as clear aligner systems that have become increasingly popular in recent years.  Clear aligners can… (Read More)

Malocclusion is the dental term for misaligned teeth, a common condition affecting about 200,000 people in the United States every year. Many seek cosmetic solutions to feel better about their smiles, but there are also negative health consequences including pain and discomfort that result from improperly aligned teeth.  The most severe cases may require surgical… (Read More)

If braces are in your child or teen’s future, or they have just had them placed, you may be wondering just how the heck they’re going work around them when flossing and brushing. We’d love to calm your mind by reminding you those wires and brackets are temporary visitors, hanging out to help correct the… (Read More)

If braces are in your future, or you have just had them placed, you may be wondering just how the heck to work around them when flossing and brushing. We’d love to calm your mind by reminding you those wires and brackets are temporary visitors, hanging out to help correct the bite and achieve a… (Read More)