Blog Archive

While the idea of brushing your teeth dates back to ancient times (the ancient Egyptians made the first toothbrushes around 3000 BC), flossing is relatively newer. The modern concept of flossing was invented by a dentist in 1815 when he advised his patients to use silk thread to floss between...

If you want to transform your smile, you don’t have to wait years for a straighter smile. FASTBRACES® — an orthodontic treatment that uses one single high-tech wire and uniquely shaped brackets — can straighten your smile in just about 120 days (on average). And the best part? FASTBRACES is...

Whitening your teeth has never been easier. With Sinsational Smile® —  an in-office teeth whitening treatment that uses an LED light to brighten your smile — you can get your dream smile in just about 20 minutes. But how can you keep your pearly whites sparkling white after your in-office...

If you're considering straightening your teeth but want to avoid traditional metal braces, you’re not alone. As of June 2024, more than 18 million Americans have transformed their smiles with Invisalign® clear aligners. It’s not surprising why it’s so popular. Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable...

Unlike traditional fully removable dentures, fixed dentures are permanently affixed in your mouth. Your prosthetic dentures are supported on a few dental implants, which gives you the coverage of dentures and the stability of implants.  This is why fixed dentures are a popular prosthetic option here at The Dental Center...

Did you know actors used dental veneers as early as 1928? Hollywood dentist Charles Pincus made removable veneers for A-listers like Judy Garland, James Dean, and Bob Hope. The trend has continued and Hollywood celebrities continue to rely on veneers for picture-perfect smiles. Here’s the best part: You don’t have...

Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease, and it’s also the only reversible stage of gum disease. If you spot the signs of gingivitis — red or tender gums that bleed easily  —  take action before your gingivitis spirals into a more advanced form of gum disease....

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

When it comes to enhancing your smile, dental bonding and veneers are two popular cosmetic dentistry services here at The Dental Center of Hercules. Both treatments can address imperfections and improve the appearance of your teeth, but they differ in terms of procedure, timeline, durability, and cost. Below, Dr. Lovely...

Waking up with jaw pain is more common than you might think, and if it’s becoming a daily occurrence for you, you might wonder why. There isn’t just one answer, though. There are many reasons why you might wake up with jaw pain.  Because pinpointing the source of your jaw...

Tooth pain is often dismissed as a temporary inconvenience, but the discomfort may be a symptom of an underlying issue that shouldn’t be ignored. If you have a toothache, don’t wait for your next dental exam to talk to us about it. The Dental Center of Hercules team are no...

While you’re likely familiar with the usual suspects that pose a threat to dental health — cavity-causing sugary treats, poor oral hygiene, and smoking — there are lesser-known culprits that can quietly weaken your teeth.  Read on as  Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro and the team here at The Dental Center...

If your teeth have lost their sparkle, you’re not alone. Teeth whitening treatments aren’t meant to last indefinitely. Professional whitening treatments may last anywhere from 6-12 months depending on your oral care routine, and there are a few reasons why they may fade even quicker.  Continue reading as Dr. Lovely...

A smile is often considered one of the most powerful tools you possess, but if your smile is marred by missing teeth, it can quickly deflate your self-esteem. Beyond the cosmetic concerns, the absence of teeth can pose significant dangers to your physical and mental health. Continue reading as  Dr....

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is an important decision that can enhance the appearance of your smile, boost your confidence, and support your overall oral health. Three popular options for straightening teeth are FASTBRACES®, Invisalign ®, and traditional metal braces. Each of these orthodontic treatments has its own set of...

A professional flossing is always part of your comprehensive dental cleaning here in our Hercules, California, office, but that isn’t the only time to floss. The American Dental Association recommends that you floss daily, but unfortunately, not everyone flosses every day. Only about 30% of Americans floss daily. If you've...

Clear aligners offer numerous advantages 一 such as aesthetic appeal, improved treatment times, and exceptional comfort 一  which is why Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro proudly offers Invisalign® clear aligners here in our Hercules, California, office. But all of those perks come with a caveat: They also require diligent maintenance. If...

Oral surgery is necessary at times, and like all surgeries, it can also be daunting, especially if you’ve never had oral surgery before. Whether you're getting your wisdom teeth extracted, undergoing dental implant surgery, or having a damaged or severely decayed tooth removed, proper postoperative care is crucial for a...

Does the thought of a dental visit make you instantly nervous? If so, you’re not alone. For 50-80% of people, the mere thought of visiting the dentist can evoke feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Whether it's the anticipation of potential discomfort or the fear of dental procedures themselves, dental anxiety...

Invisalign® has become an increasingly popular choice for adults and teens seeking orthodontic treatment, and there’s little surprise why. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without the hassle of metal wires or brackets. If you're considering Invisalign, you may be wondering...

When it comes to oral surgery, few procedures are as common as wisdom tooth extraction.  For many people, having their wisdom teeth removed is a rite of passage that marks the transition to adulthood. Removing problematic wisdom teeth can help eliminate the pain of an impacted tooth and prevent complications,...

Adults have 32 teeth, including eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and 12 molars. Without your wisdom teeth, this number jumps down to 28 teeth. However, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that the average adult between the age of 20 and 64 only has 25.5 teeth...

Root canals 一 also known as endodontic therapy or even root canal therapy 一 is a very common dental procedure. The American Association of Endodontics estimates that nearly 25 million root canals are performed each year. There’s a reason why so many root canals are performed each year: They can...

Ready to transform your smile with orthodontic treatment but not sure which method is right for you? Here at The Dental Center of Hercules, we offer several options, including  Invisalign® and FASTBRACES®  As a certified FASTBRACES provider, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro knows firsthand the many benefits of this system. It...

Whether you just had a root canal or you need a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth, you will need a crown. Dental crowns, sometimes called caps, are a type of restoration that support the form and function of your mouth. They’re also versatile and aesthetically pleasing. However, if you opt for...

Interested in transforming your smile with veneers but curious how you can maintain their pearly glow? The good news is that taking care of veneers is simple and straightforward. Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro, an expert when it comes to custom designing veneers, wants to help you take care of your...

Ready to straighten your teeth but not sure where to start? There are many orthodontic treatments available ranging from traditional metal braces to self-ligating braces to lingual braces to clear aligners. Sorting through the options can be overwhelming, but this is never a decision you have to make alone. Here...

Although there are dozens of over-the-counter whitening products available 一 including toothpaste, mouthwash, whitening strips, and even at-home whitening trays 一 they don’t always deliver the results that you might have expected.  So when should you reach for over-the-counter products and when should you consider professional teeth whitening? That’s just...

Are you considering replacing a missing tooth (or teeth) with dental implants? Dental implants are a prosthetic restoration that can replace a single tooth or a whole row of teeth. Each implant contains three parts: a titanium post, an abutment, and a dental crown.  Below, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro and the team here...

Dental crowns are one of the most popular types of indirect dental restorations. Crowns protect a severely weakened or damaged tooth, but as an indirect restoration, crowns are fabricated entirely outside of your mouth (unlike a filling). Traditionally, this process requires many steps, including sending out impressions to a lab...

Even though straight teeth are generally regarded as a cosmetic concern, the reality is that straight teeth can support your oral health as well as your overall health. And these perks apply whether you use FASTBRACES® or Invisalign® clear aligners to straighten out your teeth.  Let’s dive in and explore the top five benefits...

Orthodontic treatments can completely transform your smile. Not only can orthodontic treatments help you achieve cosmetic goals, but they can also help prevent future dental health issues, such as interproximal cavities from crowding. But how exactly do orthodontic treatments work? While orthodontic treatments all have the same goal 一 to improve your bite...

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surfaces of your teeth. While they are most notably known for their ability to transform the shade of your teeth, the truth is that veneers can fix multiple trouble areas at once 一 saving you both time and multiple trips to...

Bite problems, sometimes called malocclusion, refer to seven different types of issues that affect how your upper and lower jaw come together. While bite problems can pose cosmetic concerns, they also affect the functionality of your jaw.  You might wonder if any of these bite problems are avoidable? That’s just the question...

Dental anxiety is common, affecting about 36% of the population. On top of that group, another 12% experience extreme dental fear that contributes to delayed (sometimes indefinitely) dental care. Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro recognizes that there are many factors at play when it comes to dental anxiety. In this blog,...

Your wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, and it’s become almost a rite of passage to have them removed during your late teen years. But why do people even have wisdom teeth just for them to be pulled?  Those are the two questions Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro explores...

Did you know that having a good-looking smile is more than just meeting your aesthetic needs? Having a dazzling smile surely enhances your physical appearance, but a better-looking smile can also benefit your mental wellness too.  Below, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro, who offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry services, explores...

When you’re ready to transform your smile with orthodontic treatment, you have plenty of options here at The Dental Center of Hercules. Not only does Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro offer Invisalign® clear removable aligners, but she is also a certified provider for FASTBRACES®.  If you’re considering FASTBRACES in Hercules, California,...

Gum disease affects 47.2% of adults over the age of 30. Unfortunately, that number skyrockets up to 70.1% in adults over the age of 70. In other words, gum disease is extremely common, but thankfully, it’s something we treat here at The Dental Center of Hercules in Hercules, California. In...

Whitening treatments brighten your teeth, implants replace a missing tooth, and crowns protect your tooth, but what do veneers do? Veneers, which are available here at The Dental Center of Hercules, can do wonders for your smile.  Below,  Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro shares the many ways veneers can enhance your...

Oral cancer goes by many names: mouth cancer, oral cavity cancer, lip cancer, or gum cancer. Regardless of what name you hear, know that oral cancer refers to any cancer that affects the mouth, lips, gums, roof of your mouth, your tongue, and the area under your tongue.  Oral cancer...

Does the thought of an upcoming dental appointment leave you feeling jittery? Researchers estimate that nearly 36% of Americans experience some level of dental anxiety, and for some, dental anxiety can prevent them from getting the dental care they need. Thankfully, sedation dentistry can help you relax so that you...

Traditional braces may have been the go-to orthodontic option for decades, but if you want straighter teeth,  you don’t need to settle for metal brackets and wires. Invisalign® is an innovative orthodontic solution that straightens teeth, closes gaps, and corrects minor bite problems — all without any metal wires. Dr....

Do you wish your teeth were brighter, but you just don’t know where to start? There’s no shortage of whitening products on the market, but not all of them deliver the results you want. Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro offers several different teeth whitening options in our Hercules, California, office —...

Dentures — either partial or full — are a great option if you’re missing teeth. They restore the function of your mouth and boost your confidence. Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro creates custom-made dentures right here in our Hercules, California, office — no third-party lab needed! There’s no denying that dentures...

Toothaches range from mild and annoying to throbbing and debilitating. Regardless of what’s causing your pain, tooth pain signals the need for dental care. At-home remedies can temporarily ease pain, but Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro encourages you to seek dental care to get to the root cause of your pain....

Dental crowns — sometimes called caps — cover your natural tooth and protect it. Some people need crowns if their tooth has a large cavity or it’s cracked or weakened. The good news is that you don’t need to wait weeks for a crown. CEREC® technology allows you to receive...

Your third molars — more often referred to as wisdom teeth —  typically emerge during the late teen years. Unlike your other molars, wisdom teeth don’t always emerge easily. In fact, 80% of individuals have at least one wisdom tooth that doesn’t even emerge at all. Because wisdom teeth can...

Is your teen dreaming of a perfect smile — without the hassle of metal braces? The Invisalign® system corrects crooked teeth, crowding, or gaps all without metal brackets, wires, and painful adjustments. Invisalign is ideal for teens with both cosmetic and dental concerns (like minor bite issues), and your teen...

Approximately 40 million Americans are missing all of their natural teeth, and over 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. If you’re one of the 178 million, replacing your missing tooth can restore your self-esteem and boost your confidence.  Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro of The Dental Center of...

Oral cancer affects an average of 50,000 Americans each year. While tobacco use is often associated with increased oral cancer risks, it’s not the only risk factor. We know that there are several contributing factors when it comes to oral cancer — some are within your control while others aren’t....

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your smile, both crowns and veneers can turn a dull smile into a dazzling one. Crowns and veneers are both popular, but which one is right for you? Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro of The Dental Center of Hercules is an expert when it...

Some of the most common symptoms of gum disease are obvious: bleeding gums, tender gums, or even a receding gumline. Gum disease can, however, affect other parts of the mouth besides your gums. These symptoms include loose or wiggly adult teeth, pain when chewing, and even bad breath. Regardless of...

The American Cancer Foundation estimates that 53,000 individuals are diagnosed each year with oral cancer. Oral cancer can affect individuals of any sex or race, but the foundation notes that men are twice as likely to develop this cancer than women. In an effort to provide comprehensive care for your...

In March 2020, dental clinics across America — including our clinic — responded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to prioritize emergency dental care, while postponing elective care, routine cleanings, and other nonessential procedures.  But now, as states are re-opening, we know that you have many questions...

A good oral care routine isn’t just about keeping your pearly whites sparkly. Good oral care is about keeping your entire mouth healthy, including your gums. Yet, according to the American Dental Association, about half of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. We know...

Fun fact: The first dental textbook was published in 1728, according to the experts at Dentistry New York University. But it didn’t stop there! The field continues to evolve even to this day. From digital X-rays to advanced 3D imaging to speedy whitening treatments, high-tech dentistry is here to promote...

Tooth whitening is a billion dollar industry, and there's a good reason for that. It’s one of the most requested cosmetic procedures in the US, and there are plenty of over-the-counter strips, trays and gels. But, at home, over-the-counter treatments may not produce the results that you want, and some...

Because of all the hype and what we’re used to seeing in movies, we tend to think that root canals are painful procedures that everyone dreads! The reality, however, couldn’t be further from the truth.    If you’ve had one you know that a root canal isn’t very different from...

Did you know that about 120 million Americans are missing at least one of their teeth? Because of the high cost of dental care, especially for those who don’t have insurance, people are usually hesitant to replace their missing teeth, especially if they’re molars that are hidden.  Unfortunately, neglecting to...

We all want to improve ourselves for the new year, and this includes adjusting our appearance to boost our self-confidence and how we present ourselves to others. This might mean fixing an issue with your teeth that prevents you from smiling the way you want to.  All areas of Contra...

Your smile is an important part of the way you look. Having a healthy smile can give you more confidence, which can have a positive impact on many aspects of your life. But if you weren’t blessed with naturally straight teeth, you might think that it’s not a big deal....

There are many ways to lose a tooth. Maybe you took a blow to the jaw, bit down on a cherry pit, or suffered from a cavity that went too long untreated. In any case, you’ve lost a tooth (or had one extracted), and now you’re thinking it isn’t such...

Cosmetic dentistry can do a lot to improve your smile, and dental veneers are a popular choice when it comes to hiding flaws. But most people don’t realize that veneers also play a role in better dental health. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro, DDS, at The Dental Center of Hercules helps her...

Not everyone has wisdom teeth — or third molars — but most people have at least one. These teeth grow in the very back of your mouth and are usually the last ones to come in, typically in the late teens or early 20s.  When your wisdom teeth emerge healthy...

Malocclusion, or tooth misalignment, is on the rise in the United States. In 1998, about 20% of the population had significant malocclusion, enough to need braces. Today, 50-70% of American children need orthodontic intervention before adulthood. Traditional metal braces have been used for decades, but they aren't the ideal solution....

Concern over your missing teeth is not about being vain, it’s about your oral and overall health. What many people don’t realize is that when you lose teeth, there are consequences to your anatomy. You may experience bone loss in your jaw, and your facial features may change.  Dr. Lovely...

Decayed or misshapen teeth can cause emotional distress, make it difficult to eat the foods you love, and prevent you from smiling or talking in front of others from fear of showing the imperfections in your mouth. If your smile could use some enhancing, both to preserve oral health and...