Dental Blog - Tips on Oral and Aesthetic Care

Understanding Bite Alignment: Why Occlusion Matters in Reconstruction

Bite alignment plays an essential role in the strength, comfort, and longevity of your smile. When your upper and lower teeth do not align properly, it can lead to uneven wear, discomfort, and even the premature failure of dental restorations. Understanding how your bite influences your reconstruction can help you maintain a healthy, confident smile […]

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Accredited Fellowship Restoration: A Closer Look at One of Dr. Shimizu’s Signature Cases

Transforming a smile requires more than technical skill. It requires a deep understanding of aesthetics, materials, and facial harmony. This case study highlights one of Dr. Naoki Shimizu’s fellowship-level cosmetic dentistry cases—an example of the precision and artistry recognized by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). As an Accredited Fellow of the AACD, Dr.

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How Porcelain Veneers Conceal Tetracycline-Stained Teeth Naturally

Stubborn tetracycline discoloration can make even the healthiest smile appear dark or uneven. These deep stains often resist whitening treatments, leaving patients searching for a more permanent solution. Fortunately, modern porcelain veneers can mask tetracycline stains while maintaining a bright, natural-looking smile. At Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Ned Shimizu in Houston, TX, patients benefit from the expertise

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Signs Your Amalgam Fillings Should Be Replaced

Amalgam, also known as silver fillings, was once the standard for repairing cavities. While durable, these fillings often bring long-term problems that affect both appearance and oral health. Knowing when to replace amalgam fillings can help you avoid complications and restore confidence in your smile. At Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Ned Shimizu in Houston, TX,

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The Hidden Risks of Ignoring Cracked or Broken Veneers

A cracked veneer may seem like a minor issue, but ignoring it can quickly lead to more significant dental problems. Even minor chips or fractures expose the underlying tooth structure to bacteria, making it vulnerable to decay and weakening the protective benefits of your veneers. Treating damaged veneers promptly protects both your oral health and your smile. At

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Can You Tell It’s a Veneer? How Natural Aesthetics Set Us Apart

A smile can say more than words. But when veneers look too white, bulky, or artificial, they can tell the wrong thing. If you’re worried that getting cosmetic veneers means sacrificing authenticity, you’re not alone. Many patients want to improve their smile without looking like they’ve had work done. At Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Ned Shimizu in

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What Causes Bonding to Fail and How We Prevent It

Tooth bonding is one of the fastest ways to fix chips, discoloration, or minor gaps. But not all bonding lasts. In some cases, the material chips, stains, or detaches over time. If you’ve had a bonding fail in the past, you’re not alone. The good news is, most of these issues can be avoided with the

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What Causes Uneven Gum Lines (And What You Can Do About It)

Your smile is one of the first things people notice. But if your gums look too high or low around certain teeth, they can throw off your entire appearance. An uneven gum line can make your teeth appear misshapen, uneven in size, or unbalanced. It can also leave you feeling self-conscious in photos or conversations. At Cosmetic

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Stress Cracks, Not Just Surface Flaws: What Hairline Fractures Say About Your Smile

Hairline cracks in your teeth may seem minor, but they can hint at deeper structural issues. These microfractures often result from chronic clenching, nighttime grinding, amalgam fillings or the natural wear that comes with aging. Left untreated, they may lead to sensitivity, discoloration, or eventual tooth damage. At Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Ned Shimizu in Houston, TX,

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Smile Symmetry Secrets: What Makes a Smile Look Straight Without Braces?

Do your teeth look uneven in photos, even if they aren’t terribly crooked? You’re not alone. Many people feel self-conscious about a smile that doesn’t look as balanced or straight as they’d like. Fortunately, you don’t always need braces or aligners to create that beautifully straight smile. There’s another secret: dental proportion and cosmetic restorations. At Cosmetic Dentistry

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