Beacon Dentistry Blog

Why Your Clear Aligners Are Turning Yellow and What to Do About It

November 3, 2025

Young woman holding clear aligner.

Clear aligners like Invisalign are designed to be discreet, giving you the ability to straighten your teeth without the look of traditional braces. But if you’ve noticed your aligners starting to turn yellow, you’re not alone. While they’re made from durable, medical-grade plastic, clear aligners can discolor over time due to certain habits and foods. The good news? With proper care, you can keep them looking clean, clear, and nearly invisible throughout your treatment. Here’s what causes yellowing and what you can do to fix — and prevent — it.

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How Many Whitening Sessions Will I Need?

October 29, 2025

A woman’s smile before and after professional whitening

If you’ve got stubborn stains or discoloration in your smile that won’t go away with brushing or over-the-counter whitening products, you’re probably eager to remove them. If you’ve been considering professional whitening options from your dentist, you may be wondering how long it will take to get noticeable results. Here’s why if you’re looking to save time and money and get a gorgeous, glowing grin, professional whitening is the way to go!

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Foods to Avoid (and a few to Enjoy) After Professional Teeth Whitening

September 18, 2025

A man getting professional teeth whitening from his dentist

Whether you choose a convenient take-home kit or a treatment at your dentist’s office, professional teeth whitening can yield amazing results. Unfortunately, however, while both methods can remove up to eight shades of discoloration faster and safer than those storebought kits, these changes won’t last unless you protect your smile. In fact, your teeth are especially vulnerable to re-staining within the first few days after treatment, which is why your dentist recommends you maintain a “white” diet during that time.

Here are some foods you should avoid immediately following teeth whitening, and a few favorites that are completely safe to enjoy!

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Getting a Tooth Extraction for Gum Disease: Is It a Good Idea?

August 6, 2025

Woman lifting her gums to see they are red

If you have been dealing with gum disease for a while, then it’s understandable to be a bit frustrated with treating it. You may have reached the point where you are now considering extracting one or two teeth. But will getting this procedure help put a stop to the problem? Keep reading to learn what you should know about getting a tooth removed for your gum disease treatment.

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Mind & Mouth: The Connection Between Your Oral and Mental Health

July 9, 2025

Man with poor mental health due to gum disease

Did you know it’s estimated that half of adults aged 30 years or older have some form of gum disease? More so, research has shown a connection between this condition and your mental health. It might seem strange at first that your mind and mouth seem to be affected by each other, but it’s important to learn just how they are. Continue reading to learn about their relationship and how you can prevent periodontal disease.

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4 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Gum Disease Treatment

June 11, 2025

A patient consulting his dentist about gum disease treatment

If you have infected gums, you likely want them treated as soon as possible. That’s only natural – no one enjoys living with bleeding, receding, and swelling gum tissues! Even so, don’t be hasty; you’ll need to address some points with your dental practice before your procedure. Doing so will make your final care much smoother and easier. As for what the relevant points are, here are four questions to ask your dentist about gum disease treatment.

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At-Home Gingivitis Testing: A New Innovation in Oral Care

May 23, 2025

Document that says, “diagnosis gingivitis”

Gum disease is an extremely common oral health problem; it affects roughly half of adults in the U.S. It is particularly prevalent among older individuals and those with certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking and inconsistent oral hygiene. Left untreated, it can lead to devastating consequences. But how can you know whether you have gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease)? This blog post explains a new innovation that may help.

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Dealing With a Stiff/Locked Jaw? Here’s What It Might Mean

April 25, 2025

a woman holding her jaw due to stiffness

Some people tend to wake up with a stiff jaw, or they find it difficult to close or open their mouth. If this is the case for you, then you might be dealing with a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which can lead to more discomfort later on if left unchecked. Keep reading to learn what causes a locked or stiff jaw and how you can address it to significantly reduce any further pain.

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Why Visit a Dentist for TMJ Treatment?

March 23, 2025

Patient explaining her TMD symptoms to dental team member

Do you frequently experience symptoms like jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and headaches? If so, you might have TMJ disorder (TMD). Without professional care, the problem could continue to worsen over time and might even become debilitating! But whom should you turn to for “TMJ treatment near me”? In this blog post, you will learn why a dentist may be the most qualified person to help you find long-term relief.

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What to Expect From Your Child’s First Dental Visit

February 13, 2025

Little boy in dental chair giving thumbs up

Bringing your child to the dentist early in life can go a long way toward ensuring that they’re able to enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile well into adulthood. If your little one has never had a dental appointment before, you may find yourself wondering just what you can expect to happen. Below is a brief look at this all-important visit, as well as what you can do to get ready for it.

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