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...
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...
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...
