Dental Facts & Wellness

Sharon L. Albright • April 20, 2024

Comedian Soupy Sales once said, “Be true to your teeth and they won’t be false to you.” In other words, take care of your teeth if you want to keep them.

The basics of oral hygiene are familiar to everyone, such as brushing regularly, flossing and getting routine dental exams. But you may have heard other things about dental health that sound familiar, but simply aren’t true.

Take a look at some common myths about dental health…

A Cavity is Obvious and Noticeable

This isn’t necessarily true. While some cavities, particularly those that are severe, do cause noticeable pain, small cavities can go unnoticed. Cavities that are just starting to develop typically don’t cause any pain. With routine dental checkups, even the smallest cavities can be identified and properly treated before they grow into bigger problems.

Cavities are Only Caused by Sugar

Eating too much sugar can result in cavities, but it isn’t the only thing that can cause decay. In fact, a majority of cavities are caused by acid, which is created by bacteria that resides in your mouth. So, cavities are the result of not taking proper care of your teeth and not getting rid of the acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria can be caused by sugar, as well as bread, fruit, vegetables and other food.

Pulling a Tooth is Better Than a Painful Root Canal

A root canal actually relieves pain, rather than causing it and the best reason to have one is to save your natural tooth. Wouldn’t you rather keep as many natural teeth as possible as you age? With artificial teeth or dentures, you might have to avoid eating certain foods. With natural teeth, you won’t feel the discomfort of wearing dentures and can enjoy a varied diet.

Baby Teeth Don’t Need to be Fixed

Baby teeth are temporary, but their health is still very important. Primary teeth help children eat and speak. They also hold proper spacing in a child’s mouth and help guide the eruption of permanent teeth. Just as with adults, healthy teeth and a healthy smile play a big role in a child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Oral hygiene is extremely important, but some of the things you may have heard over the years aren’t necessarily true. If you’re unsure, ask Dr. Albright. Call us at (510) 658-1996; or contactus@albrightdental.com.

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A pair of dental braces sitting on top of each other on a table.

Invisalign in Oakland: What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment

By Sharon L. Albright • February 20, 2025

Have you ever thought about how a perfect smile can transform your confidence and overall appearance? According to a survey by OnePoll and Forbes Health, 72% of Gen Z'ers use social media to compare their smiles. However, with the rise of popular orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, there's no more FOMO when it comes to having a great social-media-worthy smile. Getting started with Invisalign in Oakland can be a significant decision. Learn more about what to expect with Invisalign treatment in Oakland below. Understanding Invisalign Treatment Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional metal braces. It provides a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. Rather than utilizing brackets and wires, Invisalign in Oakland employs a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gradually shift your dental structure into the desired position. It's crucial to engage with a professional who specializes in Invisalign. They will craft a tailored plan specifically for your needs. Key Benefits of Invisalign Beyond its invisible appearance, there are several advantages to choosing Invisalign for your teeth alignment. These benefits have made Invisalign treatment in Oakland popular among those wishing to elevate their smile. Comfort The aligners are made of smooth plastic for greater aesthetic appeal. This means less irritation and discomfort compared to traditional braces. Convenience You can easily remove the aligners when eating, brushing, or flossing, which allows you to maintain optimal oral hygiene . Predictable results Using advanced 3D imaging technology, your dentist can show you how your teeth will move and what your smile will look like after treatment. It helps make teeth straightening in Oakland straightforward and understandable. Fewer office visits With Invisalign clear aligners in Oakland, you typically need fewer appointments for adjustments. You'll be provided with multiple sets of aligners at once to change out at pre-determined intervals. The Treatment Process So, how does the treatment process work? The entire process usually spans about 12 to 18 months. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of your case and how long you wear your aligners. Initial Consultation One of the first steps in your Invisalign journey is scheduling a consultation with an Oakland orthodontics office. During this appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss your goals. This will determine if Invisalign is the right fit for you. Customized Plan 3D images of your teeth will be taken. From there, a personalized treatment plan will be created to guide your aligners' progression. Receiving Aligners You'll receive several sets of aligners. Typically, you'll wear each set for about two weeks before progressing to the next set. For maximum effectiveness, it's important to wear them for the required 20-22 hours per day Regular Check-ups Periodic visits will be scheduled to ensure your treatment is on track and your smile is beautifully on track. Transform Your Smile with Invisalign in Oakland at Sharon L. Albright, D.D.S., Inc. Today Invisalign isn't just about aligning your teeth. It's about enhancing your overall confidence and self-esteem. If you're interested in pursuing Invisalign in Oakland, Sharon L. Albright D.D.S., Inc. can help. The experienced dental team at Sharon Albright D.D.S. specializes in providing high-quality orthodontic treatments tailored to our clients' needs. Are you ready to embark on your journey towards a stunning smile? Contact our office today to make your dream of a perfect smile a reality!