Cristina Herrera Blog

You Get What You Pay For: The Risks of Cheap Dental Implants

January 13, 2026

Lady thinks something over

Modern dental implants allow dentists to replace lost teeth with beautifully lifelike restorations that work and feel just like the real thing. High-quality dental implants are not cheap, but receiving these devices at discount prices can set you up for a host of unpleasant oral health problems that can be costly to treat. Here’s a quick look at a few factors to consider when choosing a provider to place your dental implants.

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Oral Instability: Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose with Braces?

December 6, 2025

Nose-to-chin closeup of patient's braces being examined by dentist

If you’re feeling self-conscious about gapped or crooked teeth, you might try not to smile to avoid being judged. Thankfully, many dentists offer traditional orthodontics to straighten even the most severe dental and bite misalignments.

But if your teeth start to feel loose with braces on, you might worry that your treatment has gone off the rails. It’s normal to feel concerned, but rest assured, the metal brackets and wires are unlikely to dislodge your teeth! Continue reading to learn more about why they might feel unstable and what you can do to ease associated discomfort.

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Your Easy Guide to What Getting Braces Feels Like

November 7, 2025

Man smiling with his new braces

You may be excited to finally get braces, but nervous at the same time. Your appointment is quickly coming up, and you may be wondering what you should expect life to be like with this treatment. Will it be painful or feel weird? How will they fit into your lifestyle? These are just a couple of questions you may be asking yourself, so here’s what you can expect when you start this type of orthodontics.

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5 Health Benefits of Having Straight Teeth

October 4, 2025

Woman with straight teeth.

When most people think about straight teeth, they picture a confident, radiant smile. But did you know that properly aligned teeth do much more than enhance your appearance? Beyond the cosmetic perks, straight teeth can actually improve your oral health, digestion, and even overall well-being. Whether achieved through braces or Invisalign, a well-aligned smile offers lasting health advantages that go far beyond aesthetics. Here are 5 important health benefits of having straight teeth.

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Straighter Smiles and Beyond: Invisalign Perks You Didn’t Know About

September 12, 2025

Patient smiling with their Invisalign aligner

Ever since Invisalign hit the scene in 1998, it’s been a widely popular way to straighten teeth discreetly. And while it’s best known for its orthodontic benefits, there are still many more perks patients are generally unaware of. If you think clear aligners may be in your future, continue reading. You’ll learn about the many ways Invisalign treatment can improve your daily life.

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Why Your Clear Aligners Are Turning Yellow & What to Do About It

August 4, 2025

Woman holding clear aligner.

Clear aligners like Invisalign have become a popular choice for straightening teeth because they are discreet, comfortable, and removable. One of their biggest benefits is that they are nearly invisible, allowing you to smile confidently during treatment. But if your aligners start to look yellow, that transparency can quickly fade. If you’ve noticed discoloration, you’re not alone. Here’s why clear aligners turn yellow and what you can do to keep them looking fresh.

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How to Easily Remove Your Clear Aligners

July 4, 2025

Woman removing clear aligner.

Clear aligners like Invisalign and ClearCorrect have revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering a nearly invisible and removable alternative to traditional braces. While putting your aligners in is usually a breeze, removing them—especially when they’re new or fit tightly—can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re struggling to take your aligners out without discomfort or frustration, don’t worry. Here’s a simple guide on how to remove your clear aligners easily and safely.

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3 Cosmetic Dental Treatments to Get Your Smile Shining Like the Summer Sun

June 4, 2025

Woman with perfect smile at the beach

As the summer season comes into full swing, you may be getting ready to have some fun at your favorite beach. But before you head out to soak up some sun, you might want to get an aesthetic smile before flashing it in all the photos you’ll take! Don’t let dental flaws stop you from having a wide grin, so here are three cosmetic dental treatments that will help get the pearly whites you want.

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Cosmetic Cures: 3 Aesthetic Concerns Your Dentist Can Address

May 1, 2025

Nose-to-neck 3/4 profile of woman smiling with dental mirror reflecting teeth

Do you have aesthetic imperfections in your grin that make you too self-conscious to smile confidently? Dental flaws can detract from your daily quality of life because you might develop anxiety or avoid social interactions if you’re overly worried about being judged for your looks.

Thankfully, your dentist can provide one or more cosmetic services to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. However, many patients are unsure how to get started upgrading their grin. Continue reading to learn about three common concerns and how your provider addresses them.

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Easy Aesthetics: 3 Issues Cosmetic Dentistry Can Fix

April 7, 2025

Woman in green sweater pointing to her beautiful smile

Did you know that people with dental flaws are more likely to report feeling anxious or depressed? Aesthetic imperfections that detract from your appearance can make you feel so worried about being judged that you avoid spending time with others.

Your dentist can provide one or more cosmetic services to improve your looks and boost your confidence, but you might not know whether these treatments can address your specific concerns. If you’re unsure if you’re a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry, continue reading to learn about 3 problems it can fix!

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