If you often wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or teeth that feel unusually sensitive, you may be clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep. Known as bruxism, this habit affects millions of people; often without them realizing it. As a Winter Park dentist committed to your long-term comfort and oral health, we see the effects of nighttime grinding every single day. The good news is that a well-made custom nightguard can protect your teeth, relax your jaw muscles, and make mornings feel more comfortable.

Dental bridges are one of the most reliable and quickest ways to replace missing teeth; but like all dental work, they require diligent care to stay healthy and functional. At The Ivory Dental in Winter Park, we often see patients who have invested in beautiful bridges, only to face preventable problems such as decay under the crowns or gum inflammation. The truth is, keeping a dental bridge clean takes a little extra effort, but with the right tools and habits, you can extend its lifespan and protect the teeth supporting it for many years to come.

Many sugar-free candies replace sugar with acidic flavoring agents or sugar alcohols (like sorbitol, maltitol, or xylitol). Even though these candies don’t provide the same sugar “fuel” that cavity-causing bacteria love, their acidity and stickiness can still create problems.

Winter Park Dentist Tip: Always check the ingredient list. If the candy lists citric acid, malic acid, or ascorbic acid, it’s likely more acidic than you think; and that can wear away enamel, especially in children or people with sensitive teeth.

If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror and wanted your smile looked just a little brighter, you’re not alone. Teeth whitening continues to be one of the most requested cosmetic dental treatments we offer at The Ivory Dental in Winter Park. With so many whitening options available (over-the-counter products, take-home kits, in-office treatments, and even specialized internal whitening), it can be difficult to know where to begin.

If you’ve completed orthodontic treatment, whether braces or clear aligners, your retainers are your lifelong allies in preserving that beautiful smile. But over time, retainers wear out, and many patients don’t realize when it’s time to replace them. As your Winter Park dentist, our team has seen many patients come in needing new retainers, often without even recognizing it themselves.

In this post, we will help you understand why retainers wear out, what to look for, and how to check yours so you don’t lose the alignment you’ve worked so hard for.

At Ivory Dental, your Winter Park dentist, we know how tempting it is to dig into sweets throughout October. But we also know how challenging it can be on your enamel, gums, and oral health overall.

In this post, we’ll walk you through smart strategies to enjoy Halloween treats without haunting your smile later. From the best timing for brushing to which candies are least harmful, here’s your guide to navigating the season sugar surge with your teeth in mind.

The idea of same-day implants makes sense—fewer appointments, faster results, and less time in the chair. Some practices even highlight “teeth in a day” in their advertising. But when patients start looking for this option locally, they’re often surprised to find it’s not offered as commonly as they expected.

This isn’t due to a lack of capable oral surgeons in our area. In fact, Winter Park and the Orlando area are home to many highly skilled specialists. The difference lies in the biology of healing and in setting patients up for the best long-term success.

At Ivory Dental, one of the most common yet overlooked aspects of oral hygiene we discuss with patients is how often to replace their toothbrush or electric brush head. While brushing twice a day is an important habit, using a worn-out toothbrush can significantly reduce its effectiveness and potentially compromise your oral health.

When it comes to staying active and enjoying the sports and activities you love, protecting your teeth may not always be the first thing on your mind. Yet, dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries—and many can be prevented with the simple use of a mouthguard. As your trusted Winter Park dentist, we see firsthand the difference that a well-made, custom-fit mouthguard can make for both comfort and protection.

If you’ve ever felt that sharp zing of tooth sensitivity when drinking something cold, you know how uncomfortable it can be. One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage sensitivity is not found in a new product — but in how you use your toothpaste.

Instead of rinsing right after brushing, dentists recommend you spit out the excess foam and leave a thin layer of toothpaste on your teeth. This small adjustment allows fluoride to stay in contact with your enamel longer, helping it strengthen weak spots and reduce sensitivity.

Many patients are relieved to learn that in many cases, a root canal can be performed through an existing crown or bridge—without replacing it. By creating a small opening in the restoration, your dentist can access the tooth’s inner chamber, remove infection, and seal it with a strong filling called a core buildup. This approach can save time, reduce costs, and preserve a healthy restoration, provided it’s in good condition. While not always possible, it’s a valuable option for patients whose crowns or bridges are stable and well-fitting, offering comfort and efficiency in one visit.

The comfort we can provide with digital 3D scanning has transformed the way dentists capture detailed images of teeth and gums. Instead of using traditional trays filled with impression material, a small handheld scanner quickly records thousands of images to create an exact 3D model. This technology reduces discomfort, avoids gag reflex triggers, and improves accuracy for crowns, bridges, orthodontics, and other treatments. The precise data also streamlines communication with dental labs and allows for better-fitting restorations. Understanding how digital scans work helps patients see why many modern dental offices now prefer this method over physical molds for a more precise, efficient, and comfortable experience.

When it comes to morning routines, most people fall into two camps—those who brush their teeth as soon as they wake up, and those who prefer to wait until after breakfast. At Ivory Dental, your trusted Winter Park dentist, we frequently hear this question from patients: “Is there a right or wrong time to brush in the morning?”

Are you still using that same toothbrush you picked up months ago? Many patients ask their Winter Park dentist about the optimal timing for toothbrush replacement, and it's a question that directly impacts your oral health. Understanding when and why to replace your toothbrush can make a significant difference in your daily dental care routine.

Getting your teeth professionally whitened is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments here in Winter Park, and for good reason! A brighter, whiter smile can boost your confidence and make you feel amazing. But if you've ever had teeth whitening treatment, you might have gotten some of that whitening gel on your gums or lips. Don’t panic!

Thinking about straightening your teeth but not sure which route to take? Trust us, you're definitely not alone! As your Winter Park dentists, we get this question all the time from patients trying to decide between Invisalign and traditional braces. Both can give you that amazing smile transformation you're looking for, but knowing the ins and outs of each option will help you figure out what works best for your life and your teeth.

If you've been searching for a new dentist in Winter Park, you've likely found yourself wondering what to expect during your first visit. At Ivory Dental, we understand that choosing a new dental provider can feel overwhelming, which is why we've designed our new patient experience to be comprehensive, comfortable, and efficient. Our most popular scheduling option – the new patient checkup and cleaning – allows you to get everything you need in a single, convenient one-hour appointment.

If you've been considering adding a water flosser to your oral care routine, you're not alone. Many of our patients at Ivory Dental ask Dr. Yu and our hygienists about water flossers like Waterpik and whether they should replace traditional floss entirely. As your trusted Winter Park dentist, we're here to help you understand which water flosser might be right for your specific needs and how to use it most effectively.

Digital X-rays are an essential tool in modern dentistry that help your Winter Park dentist detect and monitor dental issues that aren't visible during a regular visual examination. At The Ivory Dental, we follow the latest evidence-based approaches to dental X-rays, ensuring we catch potential problems early while minimizing radiation exposure. Let's explore why we recommend periodic bitewing X-rays and how this minimal approach benefits your long-term dental health.