Shannon Stokes DDS Blog

Learning to play a musical instrument has so many benefits, such as increasing memory skills, teaching perseverance, improving coordination, and building self-esteem, just to name a few.

It can, however, have a negative impact on a child’s oral health. Keep reading to find out how certain musical instruments can be detrimental and what measures can be taken to prevent any issues for your child.

In a study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of interviewees believed that a smile is an important social asset. With the ever-growing popularity of social media, today’s kids and teens are more focused on their image than ever before. Because of this, your child may soon approach you about improving their smile with cosmetic dentistry treatments. To help you decide which procedures are safe for your child, here are some of the treatments dentists recommend for kids and teens as well as which ones to avoid.

Summertime is synonymous with delicious frozen treats like popsicles and ice cream. While they’re certainly a tasty way to cool down in hot weather, they can negatively affect your smile. Before you hop in line at your local ice cream shop, take a second to consider how the cold treat can damage your oral health. Read along to learn how ice cream is bad for your teeth and tips for minimizing harm this summer.

Decades prior, metal brackets and dark-colored wires were the go-to orthodontic solution. However, the teeth-straightening process became exponentially more convenient, discreet, and quicker when the Six-Month Smiles program introduced they could use clear braces to deliver your dream smile in – you guessed it – six months. However, it does take some work to keep the incognito brackets and tooth-colored wires stain-free. Keep reading for a few must-know tips to help!

Are you happy with the appearance of your smile? Many people out there are self-conscious about the alignment of their teeth, but most adults and teens don’t necessarily want to go through the hassle of getting traditional metal braces. Fortunately, there is an alternative: Six Month Smiles. However, there are many misconceptions out there about clear aligners. Read on to learn about a few Six Month Smile myths so you can make an informed decision about the future of your smile.

Through decades of research into advanced techniques, state-of-the-art equipment and treatment methods, dentistry has evolved tremendously. What does this mean? For starters, you now have more options for restoring your functionality and upgrading your smile. Two procedures that are available are porcelain veneers in Plano and dental crowns. While both are highly effective, which one is best suited to meet your needs? Continue reading to get some details that will help you decide.

Are you looking to correct cosmetic flaws in your smile? One of the great things about today’s world is that you don’t need to settle for teeth that you aren’t proud to show off. There are all sorts of different cosmetic dental treatments out there to help patients to feel more confident. One of the most common is porcelain veneers. They correct all sorts of aesthetic issues, including teeth that are misshapen, gapped, chipped, discolored, and undersized. A small amount of protective enamel needs to be removed for the best results, but how much? Read on to learn more about how the procedure to get porcelain veneers in Plano works.

Are there different aesthetic aspects of your smile that you aren’t completely comfortable with? The good news is that you don’t need to settle for teeth that don’t make you feel confident. While your oral health is the priority for your dentist, they also want to help you feel great about the appearance of your smile. Porcelain veneers in Plano is a popular option. They are thin shells of porcelain made to cover the front surface of the teeth to mask imperfections. Continue reading so you can learn more about their benefits and decide whether or not they are right for you.

When you look at your smile in the mirror, do you see stains, yellowing, or discoloration? These issues really hurt your appearance AND confidence, but they can thankfully be corrected by your dentist! Porcelain veneers and teeth whitening are popular options for fixing smiles that have lost their dazzle. But how do you know which service is right for you? Read on to get your answer.