Blog Archive
As modern dentistry advances, you have an increasing number of options to improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile. That includes ways to change your teeth directly. Whether one is structurally compromised or a full row of them aren’t aligning with your cosmetic goals, you’re not stuck. ...
The days of requiring metal in your mouth to get a straight smile are long gone. Today, Invisalign uses clear, nearly invisible plastic aligners to fix many of the most common orthodontic problems. But is it right for you? Because Thomas D. Sokoly, DDS, and our team have been offering...
The rest we get each night plays a big role in how we feel during the day. Poor sleep is connected to daytime fatigue, of course, but it also has more serious health implications. Chronic bad sleep has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and even cancer. If you...
The vast majority of people who make New Year’s resolutions focus on their health. Per the Pew Research Center, 79% of adults surveyed last January who made at least one resolution said their goals focused on health, exercise, or diet. The trouble with New Year’s resolutions, though, is that they’re...
A confident smile sets you up for social success. If you’re bothered by a specific cosmetic issue, it might be getting in the way of your ability to put your best foot forward. You might think you’re stuck with your teeth — and that’s true to an extent. But you’re...
Because the success of a dental bridge depends on its foundation — that is, the teeth to which it’s attached — the American Dental Association (ADA) says it’s essential to keep your other teeth healthy and strong. That’s tricky, though, because the bridge introduces some new requirements. You won’t be able...
If you’ve lost a tooth — or even a full arch of teeth — you have a few choices for filling in your smile. You can choose dentures or dental bridges, but another option stands out in a few ways. Dental implants are replacement teeth designed to look, feel, and function just...
You probably already know that good oral hygiene plays a big role in keeping your smile pearly. By regularly brushing and flossing, you clear away the substances that contribute to stains and discoloration. Unfortunately, though, your at-home tools can only do so much. Certain things can stick to your teeth...
Most people who want to straighten their teeth think of it as cosmetic treatment. And that’s definitely true. Orthodontic care will definitely improve your smile. But improving the alignment of your teeth doesn’t just make your mouth look better. It also delivers a number of notable benefits to your overall...
A brighter smile can help you look your best and feel more confident. And with the latest advancements in teeth whitening, you have options to break up stains and get that pearly smile you deserve. That said, whitening can cause one unwelcome side effect: heightened tooth sensitivity. If you already...
Fillings give you a way to stop decay in its tracks while maintaining the strength of your tooth. However, they aren’t always permanent. While some fillings last a person’s lifetime — especially when helped by good oral hygiene habits — it’s not uncommon to need yours replaced at some point....
In and of itself, sleep apnea is problematic. Because it interferes with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, this condition can lead to daytime grogginess, headaches when you wake up, and more. But the biggest issues with sleep apnea actually don’t lie in how this condition makes you...
If you want a whiter smile, you’re not alone. It’s a desire of about 80% of American adults. Professional teeth whitening is one of our most popular procedures because it’s affordable and effective. Having a whiter smile gives you more self-confidence, which can translate into better personal and business relationships....
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to braces. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, you can benefit from wearing Invisalign if you have certain issues that braces can fix. In some cases, major improvements can be seen in as little as six months. Here, Dr. Thomas D. Sokoly of Sokoly...
Maybe you take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, maybe even getting the recommended two dental exams every year. But you need to do a bit more than that. Taking care of your teeth involves avoiding certain bad habits. You can chip or crack your teeth,...
If you have a gap between your teeth, you’re certainly not alone. Whether you like or don’t like your gap, there’s more to consider than looks. The truth is that having a gap between your front teeth isn’t just a cosmetic issue or a matter of aesthetic preference; it can...
Did you know that dental veneers can create a perfect “Hollywood” smile? They can cover up many minor tooth imperfections, which can give you new self-confidence. You can get veneers over only one of your teeth, although most people choose to get them on the front teeth that are most...
If you or your partner has a snoring problem, it likely means that you wake up feeling as though you’ve barely slept at all. Consistently poor sleep takes a major toll on both your physical and mental health, so you need a solution. A sleep study can provide a medical...
Maybe you’ve decided the time is right for you to get a straight, even smile. Whether you’re a teenager or a working adult, Invisalign® can help you gain the benefits that straighter teeth can give you, including increased confidence. The cosmetic procedure review site RealSelf says that 90% of people...
Getting professional dental cleanings isn’t exactly fun, and you can probably think of things you would rather be doing instead. But despite the number of must-do activities on your list, getting dental cleanings should definitely be on that list. Dental cleanings aren’t just about getting your teeth clean (though there’s...
If you have a missing or badly damaged tooth, we may recommend that you get a crown or a bridge, which are common procedures made from different types of materials. Dr. Thomas D. Sokoly of Sokoly Dental makes custom crowns and bridges and fastens them securely in place in your mouth. Let’s look at...
If you’ve decided to get professional teeth whitening done, you probably want the results to last as long as possible. Part of that includes avoiding staining foods, which can make you need teeth whitening again sooner. To maximize the results of your teeth whitening, you should eat foods that have a beneficial...
Maybe you’ve heard about dental veneers. You may know that veneers can give you a dazzling smile worthy of any newscaster or Hollywood celebrity. It’s certainly true that veneers can give you a perfectly white smile. But there are more things veneers can do for your smile, too. They can actually...
Dental X-rays are an essential part of routine dental checkups. They provide your dentist with critical information about your oral health that can't be detected through a regular examination. At Sokoly Dental in Washington, DC, Dr. Thomas D. Sokoly wants you to understand the importance of getting dental X-rays regularly....
If your spouse snores, it’s safe to assume that you’re probably not sleeping very well, either. Maybe you’ve even taken the desperate step of sleeping in a separate room just so you can get some rest. But this is not a good solution, and it could spell doom for your marriage....
Many people want straighter teeth, but they don’t want to commit to the appearance of a mouthful of metal associated with braces. Fortunately, there’s now an alternative that’s much more appropriate for older teens and adults: clear aligners. Invisalign® is a system of customized clear aligners, which gradually move your...
Unfortunately, missing a tooth can be a common occurrence in life. Many of us lose at least one tooth before our senior years, while those who don’t practice good hygiene and health tips may lose many more. In the past, if you were missing one tooth, you received a dental...
Your smile says a lot about you. Some might even say that it’s your calling card to the world because of how much it makes a first impression. It’s a new year, and that means it’s time to re-evaluate how you present yourself. Now’s the time to take this opportunity...
Choosing a new toothbrush is a bigger decision than you may realize. You want to get the best toothbrush possible, but you aren’t sure about how to go about selecting the right one. Surprisingly, it requires a little more effort than just going to the drugstore and choosing whatever you...
Having a straight, even smile is often a matter of genetics. For others, it might be achieved by wearing braces. But if you never had to wear braces because your teeth weren’t very crooked, you can still benefit from aiming to have straighter teeth. Straight teeth improve your life in...
You probably do the best job you can when it comes to taking care of your teeth by regularly brushing and flossing them and keeping up with regular dental exams and cleanings. But there may be some things that you can do better. Flossing, in particular, is something that many...
You probably already know that sugar can have a negative impact on your physical health. But you may not know the many adverse ways it can affect your teeth. If you regularly consume sugar, you need to be vigilant about your dental health to protect your teeth from damage. Here, Dr....
If you break a tooth or have a root canal, you may need a dental crown on one of your teeth. A dental crown is placed over your tooth, giving you a natural-looking and stable tooth. When you get a dental crown, you may wonder what it’s made of. At Sokoly Dental, Dr. Thomas...
When you have bad breath, it’s normal and expected that you might feel a bit self-conscious. Often, it’s not the kind of problem that you can get rid of by chewing gum or brushing your teeth. The issue may be more complex than that. Bad breath can be caused by...
If you have a tooth pulled or are missing a tooth, you need to make arrangements for a replacement. Not replacing a missing tooth can result in all sorts of problems — from changing the shape of your face to altering the way that you chew. When you have one...
When it comes to your oral health, nothing is more important than proper brushing and flossing. But you may be a bit confused about whether or not you’re doing it correctly. And for good reason: many people tend to skip some of the most important parts of taking care of...
If you have sleep apnea, you’re not alone: 50-70 million adults in the US have some form of the condition. Snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea, although you may also experience other symptoms like daytime drowsiness. The typical treatment for sleep apnea is called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP.) This device...
If you want to get a dazzling “Hollywood” smile, you might think it’s strictly a matter of luck: either you’re born with it or you’re not. But the truth is that a lot of the people whose smiles you most admire may have a little bit of help in the...
If you’ve always wanted braces but didn’t want to commit to a mouth full of metal, an alternative called Invisalign® can provide the solution you’re seeking. The Invisalign system is a series of custom-molded, clear aligner trays that can straighten your teeth, often in as little as 6-12 months. Invisalign...
If you are what you eat, it’s especially true when it comes to your teeth and gums. You may think you just need to avoid obvious choices like sticky candy or popcorn, but there’s more to it. It’s also about choosing the right things to eat. Making the right snack...
Millions of Americans live with sleep apnea. It’s estimated that one in 15 Americans lives with a diagnosed case of sleep apnea, and some 4% have undiagnosed sleep apnea. Sleep apnea — whether diagnosed or not — can have very serious consequences for your overall health. Dr. Thomas D. Sokoly...
You know you should take care of your teeth, because you want to have a white, bright smile. But did you also know that your dental health is about more than just your smile? Your attention to your dental health has more than just cosmetic benefits. The health of your...
Your smile is like your calling card to the world. If you feel self-conscious about your smile, you might hide it from people. Yellow or stained teeth are among the most common reasons to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your smile. The good news is that yellow or stained teeth...
Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit snugly against the front surface of your teeth. As a result, they can correct many imperfections in your smile, often more effectively than other alternatives like teeth whitening or crowns. There’s nothing like veneers to give you a true “Hollywood smile.” You...
If you or someone you live with has a snoring problem, you already know how it can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep. You may think you have to resign yourself to snoring — or go to a sleep specialist for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device —...
When you’re missing a tooth and need to replace it, there’s no better option than a dental implant. While it’s more costly than bridges or dentures, it’s by far the superior option. Most people who have gotten dental implants are very happy with them. According to the cosmetic procedure review...
Breaking or losing a dental crown may or may not be a dental emergency, but it’s always a sign that you need to seek dental attention soon. Dental crowns perform a very useful function in protecting your teeth. A dental crown may be put in place if you have extensive...
Porcelain veneers are one of the best ways to dramatically transform your smile. These thin, porcelain shells go over your natural teeth, covering all sorts of imperfections. In addition, they often make your teeth whiter in the process. Veneers can give you the brighter, more even teeth you desire. Most...
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the doctor probably prescribed a treatment called a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and the machine blows forced air into your lungs through a mask that you wear. Many people find themselves unable to get adjusted to wearing a...
If you have gaps between your teeth, it may make you feel self-conscious about your smile. You’re not alone, though. According to the American Dental Association, as many as 25.4% of adults have a gap between their front teeth. Some gaps may be small and virtually unnoticeable, but other gaps,...
Professional tooth whitening is a great investment in the appearance of your smile. You’re likely thrilled with the results, and may even be experiencing a boost in your self-confidence now that you’ve had it done. Some studies show that whiter teeth impact how you’re perceived by the world, which can...
Washington, DC is the kind of city where your image counts for a lot. Whether you always wanted braces or have a teenager who needs them, you may be feeling understandably hesitant about getting the traditional cumbersome and painful metal braces. Today, wearing braces is a much more pleasant —...
Getting a dental crown is an important investment in the health and appearance of your teeth. Crowns are restorative dental fixtures that repair your teeth in certain situations, such as after a root canal or in cases of tooth damage. A crown can restore your smile and help your teeth...
Want healthier teeth? It all starts with what you put into your mouth, quite literally. The foods that you eat can have a big impact on your oral health, as well as on your overall physical health. What you eat and drink makes a huge difference in your oral health...
Everyone knows that regularly visiting the dentist is important, but in our busy lives, it’s easy to put it off. Before you know it, months have passed and you haven’t yet made time for attending to your dental health. But there are several reasons why your dental care needs more...
Dental implants are revolutionary in what they can do to restore your smile. They look and feel like natural teeth in your mouth, and are a stable, permanent investment in your appearance. There’s no question that implants make a huge difference. While many people are aware of the cosmetic reasons...
Everybody wants a whiter smile. Numerous studies show that whiter smiles are associated with friendliness and attractiveness and even more success in your career. Like many people, you may not have been blessed with naturally white teeth, and certain habits like drinking coffee or using tobacco can increase their dullness....
Everyone wants to have a healthy, attractive smile. Maybe in pursuit of a better smile, you’ve tried things like whitening toothpaste or even opted for a dentist to do teeth whitening on you. But still, you feel like your teeth don’t look their best and wonder if there’s something more...
If your partner snores, you probably feel like you haven’t had a good night’s rest in months, if not longer. Most of the time, your partner is oblivious to their snoring, while you lie awake wishing for some peace and quiet. Snoring is an extremely common health problem: according to...
Maybe you’ve noticed that you’re overdue for a dental cleaning and haven’t gotten a reminder card in the mail yet. Or perhaps you’ve tried to call the office to schedule tooth whitening, only to be told that those appointments are on hold. The developing COVID-19 situation has changed many things,...
Life is busy for most of us. Between work and family obligations, finding time to get a dental cleaning can slip down on your priority list. But keeping up with regular dental cleanings is essential for maintaining your oral health. Dental cleanings do more than just keep your smile looking...
You want to have the most beautiful possible smile but sometimes nature doesn’t always give you what you want. You may have one or more damaged teeth, which can leave your smile looking less-than-perfect and leave you open to oral health problems. Dental crowns, which are caps placed over your...
Having a cavity filled probably isn’t your favorite procedure to undergo. But the end result of getting a filling now creates little disruption to your smile’s appearance. Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite or porcelain fillings, are a natural-looking way to treat areas of tooth decay. You may remember when...
Your teeth’s health impacts your everyday life in ways you don’t always realize. Your smile makes the first impression and says a lot about your confidence. Chewing makes meals enjoyable and nutritious. Plus, you're able to get a wide array of nutrients from crunchy foods like fresh vegetables and nuts....
If you think your dream smile is unattainable without years of bulky metal braces, think again: Thomas D. Sokoly, DDS, at Sokoly Dental in Washington, D.C., offers Invisalign® clear aligners for quick, easy teeth straightening. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of straight teeth and a beautiful smile with...
On its own, snoring isn’t necessarily a medical issue. Not all snorers have sleep disorders; however, many of those who have a potentially dangerous sleep disorder called sleep apnea exhibit snoring as one of their primary symptoms. You also experience brief periods where you hold your breath, depriving your body...
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment for sleep apnea, but it’s not the only solution. If you suffer from sleep apnea (or live with someone who does), you know that the chronic snoring that often results can be extremely disruptive to everyone’s sleep and overall quality of...
Did you know that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? While your teeth are designed to serve you for a lifetime, life can get in the way, forcing you to seek out effective replacement options. If you want to replace your tooth with one that serves both...
How often has someone taken a picture of you and said, “Say cheese,” only to have you hide your teeth? Stained and yellow teeth can be embarrassing and prevent you from feeling comfortable with your smile. Instead of hiding your teeth get them professionally whitened so you can enjoy taking...
Dental veneers are like “tooth shells” that cover your problem dental areas to change your look -- and your outlook. Like dental implants, veneers are a permanent solution to many cosmetic issues, but they’re much less invasive. Here at Sokoly Dental in Washington, DC, Dr. Thomas Sokoly specializes in both...