It's time we told you why you should smile more.

Having metal taste in the mouth first thing in the morning can be an unexpected experience. You wake up, take a swallow, and suddenly have a metallic taste in your mouth, as if you'd been chewing on a handful of change. It's annoying, a little scary, and sometimes for no apparent reason. For some people, it will be nothing but a minor nuisance; others may fall into the late-night goose chaser. Sometimes it's a sign that there is something wrong with your braces; other times, it could mean that there is something wrong with one of your teeth. But here's the good news: Most metallic tastes are temporary, harmless, and can be treated or resolved. So let's take a closer look at the possibilities.

If you’ve ever started orthodontic treatment, you already know there are a lot of tiny pieces involved. Wires, brackets, elastics, retainers, attachments… and then there are molar bands. They’re not as famous as braces themselves, but they play a surprisingly big role in keeping your smile moving in the right direction. Some people don’t really notice them. While others desperately want to know why that metal ring is even there. So let’s break it all down: what molar bands are, why orthodontists use them, and how they work in both braces and retainers. Plus, what you should expect throughout the process.

If you’re thinking about fixing a chipped tooth, closing a gap, or smoothing out uneven edges, dental bonding is often the easiest (and quickest) way to do it. And honestly? It’s one of the most budget-friendly cosmetic treatments out there, if you know what to expect. But here’s the part everyone worries about first: “How much does tooth bonding cost?” The short answer: it depends. The long answer: let’s break it all down so you actually understand where the price comes from, what you’re paying for, and whether bonding is the right fix for your smile.