They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that certainly applies to your teeth. If you protect your teeth, they can last a lifetime, but once you lose adult teeth, your only option is to replace them with dentures, bridges, or dental implants. While those...
If your smile is less than perfect in a photo, a simple swipe with an editing tool magically fixes the flaws. If you want to perfect your smile in real life, you need the help of a dental professional. If you live in or around Portland, Oregon, you can join...
Years ago, dentures earned the reputation for being cumbersome, awkward, and unnatural looking. But today’s dentures break those stereotypes and give your existing teeth a run for their money. That said, they do require a brief transition period as you get used to how they feel and function. Benjamin C....
You know how to take care of your teeth — brush twice a day, floss once, and have them professionally cleaned and checked every six months. But what if you were born with a disadvantage that made your teeth more susceptible to cavities, no matter how diligent you are with...
More than 47% of American adults have some degree of gum disease, and more than 70% of senior citizens have it. Although those stats make it seem very common, that doesn’t mean you’re destined to get gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Benjamin C. Wang, DMD, and our team...
Ever since Invisalign® hit the dental scene in 1997, teens have begged their parents for them. During a time in their lives full of social pressure and intense scrutiny over every physical feature, teens with metal braces endure a special kind of misery. So, naturally, they lobby hard for an...
Sleep apnea is far more serious than snoring like a grizzly bear and keeping your partner up at night. It’s a threat to your health and can evolve into other issues later on. But, since sleep apnea occurs when you’re snoozing, you’re likely unaware that you even have a problem....
Crooked teeth need to be straightened; chipped teeth need to be repaired; and there are very specific treatments to correct these problems. But some treatments address the same problem in a different way, and you have a choice to make. Gaps between your teeth fall into this category. Benjamin C....
The difference between a traditional X-ray and a 3-D image is like the difference between a square and a cube: one is flat, and the other gives a full, 360-degree view. The computerized tomography (CT) scan catapulted the medical field into the future when it gave surgeons the ability to...
When COVID-19 hit, we all took extreme measures to keep ourselves and our communities safe. Last March, Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order that put all elective medical and dental procedures on the back burner. But now that we know more about how the virus spreads and how to...
Bright, white teeth are a symbol of health and wellness. And the flip side is also true: dingy, discolored teeth indicate something’s wrong. If you’ve put off your twice-yearly dental cleaning because you think it’s just an exercise in vanity, you might be surprised to learn exactly what happens during...
No matter where you are, the last thing you want to deal with when you’re away from home is a dental emergency. Following these tips can help you manage emergencies and salvage your vacation or business trip. Dr. Benjamin Wang at Centerport Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry serves the Portland, Oregon,...
Throbbing, aching, intense sensitivity — your infected tooth can cause a great deal of pain. Ironically, you’re choosing to live with the pain you know for fear of the pain you imagine from a root canal. We’re here to set the record straight — a root canal does not...
If you have a tooth that’s damaged, decayed, or worn down, or if you’re about to have a root canal, you’re going to need a crown. Not long ago, that meant you’d have to schedule at least two separate dental appointments. The first visit involves a mouthful of gooey impression...
TMJ disorders are the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain, second only to back problems. About a third of the population has a TMJ issue to some degree, and up to 7% have a severe case that requires treatment. Dr. Benjamin Wang at Centerport Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry helps people...
Are you looking to make 2020 the year you finally get the straight smile you’ve been dreaming of? You’re in good company! Crooked teeth can cause dental complications, like infection or gingivitis, which threaten your overall health. In decades past, the only option for straightening your smile was a mouth...
If you’ve got obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you’re at risk of complications from a wide range of conditions, many of which can be life threatening. One of the best treatments to combat OSA is continuous positive air pressure therapy, commonly called CPAP. CPAP treatment, though, has a significant barrier to...
It’s easy to assume that you’re stuck with the teeth that you’re born with, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Thanks to the versatility of dental veneers, Dr. Benjamin C. Wang can help you transform numerous dental issues so you can get the smile you’ve been dreaming of. ...
If you’re missing one tooth or many, you’re in good company. Approximately 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and millions more have lost some or all of theirs. Dental implants are a natural-looking solution, making it easy to show off your smile. Patients who choose dental implants...
Had you planned on a new smile in 2018, but the year got away from you? Schedule an appointment with my Downtown Portland Dental Practice and you can walk out of my office with a beautiful new grin in a single dental appointment. Sound too good to be true? Read on,...
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that affects billions of people all over the world, and shockingly, some are not even aware. What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Also referred to as OSA, obstructive sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing while asleep. This can occur up to 30...
I tell my patients I understand how busy life can get at this time of the year, but that regular dental checkups are imperative for growing kids. The new clothes and school supplies may have been taken care of a couple of months ago, but if you missed a dental appointment,...
If you are free from gum disease and tooth decay, you are the perfect candidate for cosmetic dentistry. From professional tooth whitening to dental implants, cosmetic dentistry starts with healthy teeth and gums. Why Healthy Teeth and Gums are Important When I see a patient who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers or...
Knowing what is in your medicine cabinet helps me determine any medications that could cause oral health complications. As a dentist in Downtown Portland, I ask my patients to tell me everything they ingest, including vitamins and natural remedies. If you are on any type of medication, alternative or not, I need...
Your dentist in Portland may be able to determine if you suffer from acid reflux with a dental checkup. Quite a few of my patients complain about stomach disorders. What I’ve told them is that a dental checkup with my Downtown Portland Dental Practice is one of the best ways to determine if...
If you follow the Centerport Downtown Dental blog, you will know that eating disorders can be bad for teeth and gums, however, following so-called healthy diets can cause problems for your teeth and gums as well. In my Downtown Portland Dental practice, I see dozens of patients whose teeth have been affected by yo...
Yes, they do. Eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia weaken the enamel on your teeth and cause tooth loss. Women are especially prone to anorexia and bulimia, but so are men and children Why Eating Disorders Affect Teeth and Gums Your eating habits play a massive roll in...
A dental checkup means you’ll have less chance of tooth decay and gum disease. When you brush twice and floss once each day, use an antibacterial mouthwash and enjoy a healthy diet full of calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals your smile will thank you for it. I also advise my...
What is Invisalign®? Invisalign® is a series of clear plastic trays or aligners that are custom made to fit your teeth. The aligners resemble tooth-whitening trays and are comfortable and nearly transparent. How Do Clear Braces Work? Because the clear braces system from Invisalign® works by gradually shifting the teeth...
I have many patients who come in asking for cosmetic dental bonding; unfortunately, some of those patients are more suited to porcelain veneers. What is Cosmetic Dental Bonding and the Process? Cosmetic dental bonding takes place in a single dental visit, unlike porcelain veneers that need two or three dental...
If you follow my dental blog, you will know how dangerous tobacco is for your teeth and gums and your overall health, however, according to new studies, vaping could be harmful to your oral health as well. How Vaping Affects Teeth and Gums Conventional cigarettes, cigars, and pipes produce smoke while e-cigarettes...
A pretty smile exudes confidence. When you smile, you are making an instant connection with the people around you. Smiling makes you appear confident, even if you aren’t feeling so hot. I, like studies have shown, believe that smiling, even if it is a fake pretty smile, can make you...
As a dentist, I try to encourage my patients to explore cosmetic dentistry and do research. If you are not one of my patients, but are considering cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile, there are some things to remember before you start shopping around for a cosmetic dentist. Finding a cosmetic...
If left untreated gingivitis can lead to the more serious and preventable periodontal disease. WHAT IS GUM DISEASE? Bad bacteria cause gum disease. Your mouth produces thousands of bacteria every minute. A healthy mouth will be able to combat the bad bacteria. However, without proper brushing and flossing the food particles will...
THE DANGERS OF ORAL PIERCINGS An oral piercing is a tiny hole in your uvula, cheek, lip, or tongue. While piercings are all the rage, having your tongue, cheek, or lip pierced doesn’t come without complications. LOSS OF BLOOD When you have your tongue pierced, you may also deal with...
SAD SMILES Some studies report as many as one quarter of the population does not like to smile because they have chipped, aged, cracked, missing, or stained teeth. Another study showed that 28 percent would not smile in photos for social media. They believe their grin is unattractive. In fact, more than...
My downtown Portland Dental Clinic specializes in cosmetic dentistry and can give you the Hollywood Smile of your dreams. Professional Teeth Whitening Unlike those over the counter polishes, pastes and strips, professional teeth whitening can lighten your teeth up to 10 shades. However, if your teeth are stained internally or...
As a Downtown Portland Dentist, I understand that dental anxiety and dental phobia are real afflictions that affect millions of people all over the world. However, thanks to modern dentistry and my dental practice in Downtown Portland, you can put your fears aside and relax while your chipped, crooked, or...
A custom-made oral appliance could be just what you need if you grind and clench your teeth. My Centerport Dental Center in Downtown Portland can fit you with a custom-made oral appliance that will help prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth, which is technically referred to as bruxism. Bruxism can occur...
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMD, is a problem that affects millions of people all over the world. TMD causes your jaw to pop and click and can sometimes be quite painful. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can last for a few weeks, or a few years, and can be quite...
Cosmetic dentistry should be added to your spring makeover regime. You may be spending hours at the gym and eating right, but if you don’t have a smile, that you are proud or, what’s the point? My Downtown Portland dental practice can give you a beautiful smile with cosmetic dentistry procedures that...
My dental practice in Downtown Portland offers Direct or Indirect Veneers for patients with broken or chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, teeth that are badly discolored or teeth that have gaps between them. What are Veneers? Direct or Indirect Veneers are made from thin sheets of composite or ceramic tooth colored resin. The...
If people are running for the hills when you open your mouth, it could have something to do with your breath. Bad breath is a serious problem that is not only offensive, but could also be a clue that something else is going on with your overall health. Chronic bad...
Custom Made Mouthguards are the best defense against mouth injuries and if you and your family play sports during the spring and summer like my family does, a custom made mouth protector will keep you on the playing field, and out of the emergency room. According to the American Dental Association, thousands of...
Dental implants could be the solution for missing teeth whether you have teeth that are loose and ready to come out, or teeth that have been missing for months, or even years. Dentistry has come a long way, especially when it comes to dental implants. If you follow our Centerport Dental...
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world with people all over the globe striving for the perfect Hollywood Smile. However, and I can say firsthand, some people take whitening too far making their pearly whites see through instead of white. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of tooth...
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but can also cause other health problems. Good oral hygiene is imperative for a healthy mouth and a healthy body, however, most people have no idea how dangerous gingivitis, and the more serious periodontal disease can actually be. What...
Sleep apnea affects millions of people around the globe, and with a large percentage of those people not even aware that they are suffering from the disorder, could go unnoticed and become quite serious. What is Sleep Apnea? According to Web MD, the disorder affects the breathing passages and causes a...
Although conventional braces will get the job done, not everyone requires old school wires and brackets. Clear braces could be the alternative if the thought of wearing braces that are permanently attached to your teeth for up to two years turns your stomach. At our Centerport Dental Center in Downtown Portland, we...
Cosmetic dental bonding could be the solution you are looking for if you are not sure about porcelain veneers. Although cosmetic dental bonding is not as strong as veneers, there are some advantages when it comes to this non-permanent form of cosmetic dentistry. Porcelain Veneers No longer reserved for the rich...
Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry have been around for thousands of years with ancient civilizations trying some odd and often bizarre techniques to brush, floss, whiten, repair, and embellish teeth. Toothbrush Before the humble toothbrush hit the scene, people would clean their teeth with water and a rough cloth. Some would rub...
If a new smile is on your list for a new you in 2018, it’s time to call my office for a no obligation new smile consultation in Downtown Portland. Regardless of your situation, Centerport Dental can come up with a solution that will give you the new smile that you deserve....
Invisible braces are the comfortable way to a straighter smile, and if the thought of old school wires and brackets have been keeping you from smiling with your teeth showing, it’s time to call our Downtown Portland Dental Practice. At Centerport Dental we pride ourselves on offering the most affordable and...
Root canal therapy is one of the biggest fears that most patients have, but in reality, root canal therapy is about as uncomfortable as a simple filling. Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy? As a Portland dentist, I recommend root canal therapy to save the tooth. If you have an infection,...
It’s the most wonderful of the year, and that means lots of holiday parties for you and your family to attend. However, it is important that you watch what you put in your mouth as it could have ramifications for your teeth and gums. Probably the last thing that you...
It’s Thanksgiving 2017, and I have to say I have a lot to be thankful for. I have to say that nothing is more important to be than the health and well-being of my family. I am grateful for having an amazing wife, who is my rock, who shares my...
When you need a Downtown Portland Cosmetic Dentist, you can depend on Dr. Ben to give you a smile worth applauding, and best of all, it won’t take two or three dental appointments. CEREC® uses CAD/CAM Dentistry that allows Dr. Ben Wang and his team from Centerport Family and Implant Dentistry to complete...
Diabetes can lead to a host of health problems, but did you know that it can also put you at risk for dental problems? The implications of high blood sugar extend to every part of the body — including teeth and gums. When it comes to diabetes, teeth and gum...
Unfortunately, conventional braces make it impossible to brush underneath increasing your risk of cavities. Invisalign® eliminates the risk as you remove them when you brush, floss and eat. As a certified and licensed provider, I have the tools to determine if you are a good fit for clear braces. If you are, I...
Even chewing tobacco can cause serious problems for your oral health. Smoking and Oral Health is a real concern. Your foul breath from smoking and chewing is just the tip of the iceberg. Smoking and Oral Health Issues Stained teeth Slow healing from oral surgeries, including tooth extractions Stained tongue Dulled sense...
When I see a patient with gum disease who has scheduled an appointment for professional tooth whitening or porcelain veneers consultation, I recommend, I actually insist on, taking care of those issues before proceeding with any type of cosmetic dentistry. Even minor treatments need to have a healthy base to begin...
A few things Baby Boomers Need to Know about Oral Health include: Dry Mouth and Baby Boomers Dry mouth is a condition that can be exasperated by over the counter and prescription medications and prevents your salivary glands from doing what they are supposed to do. This minor but annoying...
From dental crowns to cosmetic dental bonding, cosmetic dentistry can be completed in just one dental appointment using 3D technology. What is the CEREC® chairside dental system? The CEREC® chairside dental system allows me to measure, make, and fit your new CEREC® dental crown in one dental appointment. All of the equipment is...
Nowadays, patients are becoming increasingly conscious of the harmful effects of radiation on their health. Many of my patients ask me about the safety of the x-ray system that I am using at my downtown Portland dental practice. At Centerport Dental, our aim is to provide excellent dental treatment to our...
With a healthy lifestyle, good oral hygiene and oral health habits you can keep your teeth for the rest of your life. Special Teeth and Gum Concerns for Aging and Dental Health Because decay can happen anywhere in the tooth, as you get older, the dental caries are more likely...
Are you going out and are afraid that your smile might not be looking its best? There isn’t time to whiten it, so what should you do? Fortunately, there are a few simple makeup tips that can help to make your teeth look whiter and brighter. Keep Your Lips Soft...
When you schedule a comprehensive dental examination you can find out what is going on with your mouth. You can also find out if it is affecting your overall health and wellbeing. Why a Comprehensive Dental Exam is So Important A regular dental checkup doesn’t always include a cancer screening....
As we welcome 2017, the biggest task we encourage our patients at CenterPort Dental to add to their new year’s resolution is daily flossing.One easy way to accomplish this is creating a place in your shower for your floss. Actually the shower is the best place to floss quickly without...
Like every dentist, I have patients who smoke. What I try to tell them is that smoking is one of the main reasons people lose their teeth and chewing and smoking tobacco is bad for teeth and gums. Smoking causes gum recession and leads to tooth loss. Not only that, tobacco...
Endodontic or root canal therapy is a set of sessions of treatment for the infection in the pulp region of a tooth or teeth. This treatment leads to the elimination of infection and the subsequent protection of the treated tooth or teeth from further microbial invasion. WHAT EXACTLY IS ROOT...
That nagging toothache could be the sign of something more serious. Even if you don’t notice anything out of the ordinary on that back molar, something could be lurking under your seemingly healthy silver amalgam filling that could be causing you pain. A nagging toothache doesn’t usually go away on...
As recently as 50 years ago, dentists examining new U.S. military recruits noted that most Americans’ teeth were in an awful condition. Very few people knew how to take care of their dental health, and it showed. This was partially due to a knowledge gap. Many individuals didn’t know how...
Our bodies grow old, become tired and worn out. It is how it works and what we can do is to take good care of it and find ways to make our lives more comfortable. When we lose a teeth or two, we may need some dental procedures to replace...
Smiles is one of those things that can imprint in our minds easily and for the longest time. A person can definitely be more attractive with a smile. This is why people with damaged, chipped or gapped teeth opt to have dental works, particularly veneers, crowns and bridges. But what...
You may have heard of dental sealants and how some other mothers have allowed their children to have some for their teeth. You might be thinking that it is odd to have sealants on teeth, but this practice has been going on for years. In fact, this dental procedure has...
Children and adults alike are susceptible to getting various dental and oral problems and diseases. That is why it is essentially important to have the awareness on having good oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is the habit of keeping the mouth healthy and clean, and starts with effective brushing and flossing...
A FEW PROBLEMS THAT START OUT PAINLESS Gum disease is said to affect anywhere from 50-95% of adults in the U.S. depending on which statistic you find. In its infancy, gum disease is totally painless. The process of the gums becoming infected, inflamed, or even just slightly swollen can be...
If you have oral allergies they can manifest themselves in various ways. If any of these symptoms seem familiar to you, you really should talk with us about it, as many people who have allergies are not even aware of the matter. RED OR WHITE DISCOLORATION IN THE MUCOUS MEMBRANES...
Chocolate is not known for its healing ability, because when most people think of chocolate, they think of semi-sweet or milk chocolate. Neither of those are very good for you overall. In this particular case, the chocolate that you want to consider adding into your diet should be dark chocolate....
By now, you probably know how important it is to wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports, and as a parent, you likely make sure your child always has his mouth guard before practice or a big game. Wearing a mouth guard has long been known to protect the...
If you are using an electric toothbrush, you may be under the impression that you don’t have to do much work anymore, as the brush will do it for you. However, you have to make sure that you are using the proper technique with these brushes in the same way...