Just a few years ago, adults who wanted to straighten crooked teeth had two choices: live with the problem or wear metal braces. Since metal braces are conspicuous and require a lot of maintenance, most adults just chose to go without treatment.
But the great thing about modern dentistry is that it is ever-evolving. Today, if you’re an adult who is ...
Your kids are back in school, and you can finally breathe a sigh of relief. They’ve got all the supplies they need, and your cupboards are stocked with healthy lunch options. You’ve got this!
But there’s one important thing left to do, and that is schedule a thorough dental exam for your son or daughter with your pediatric dentist in ...
P R O J E C T S M I L E
Temple Dental Trails is committed to improving the lives of our community through world class dentistry. The goal of Project Smile is to have a positive impact with one individual in our community by giving them the smile of their dreams. Three candidates will be chosen from the submitted entries to receive a ...
At Temple Dental Trails, we’re committed to making high-quality dental care available to anyone who wants to improve their oral health. But many who want a healthier smile worry that the cost of treatment will be out of their reach.
We do our best to eliminate any barriers that prevent you from seeking dental care. That includes dental financing in ...
Plenty of adults don’t like their smile because they’re embarrassed by crooked or crowded teeth. But many never address the problem because they feel the time has passed when getting braces are an option.
The fact is that you’re never too old to straighten your teeth. Invisalign clear braces in Temple, TX can help you easily achieve your smile goals.
What would you guess is the most common chronic childhood illness? Many parents are shocked to learn that the answer is dental caries (cavities), which is far more prevalent than either asthma or diabetes.
But with proper preventive care and a healthy diet, many children can enjoy a happy childhood without ever getting a cavity. Your kids dentist in Temple, ...
When you think of enhancing the appearance of your smile, do you envision involved cosmetic dentistry and a high price tag?
The reality is that you don’t have to compromise your budget to achieve your best smile. As a cosmetic dentist in Temple, TX, Dr. Richard Leung enjoys helping his patients achieve their dream of a better smile. In many cases, ...
Everyone has different reasons for wanting to improve the appearance of the smile. You may have a big event coming up like a wedding or class reunion. Maybe you have a big presentation at work and want to boost your confidence.
Or, maybe you just want to look your best all the time.
If you’d like to present your best smile to ...
Do you have crooked front teeth? Do gaps and uneven spaces ruin the balance and symmetry of your smile? Do you wish there was a solution to correct these flaws without committing to years in metal braces?
Invisalign clear braces in Temple, TX are a convenient option for straightening crooked or crowded teeth without metal braces. Instead of brackets and ...
Dental implants may seem new, but they’ve actually been in use for over 50 years. Today, dentists consider dental implants to be the most advanced solution for missing teeth. When cared for properly, the success rate of dental implants is as high as 98 percent.
A good way to ensure the success of your procedure is to find ...
We are offering a $500 scholarship to TWO graduating seniors from high schools around Temple and Bell County. The purpose of the scholarship is to help students achieve their dreams by continuing their education. It's ...
Did you know that much of the bacteria in your mouth live on your tongue?
So, even though you may brush and floss like a pro, if you’re not cleaning your tongue, your mouth may not be as fresh as you think. One solution our Temple, TX dentist often recommends for our patients is to use a tongue scraper.
Color a Little Pizza My Heart
Bring out the colored crayons, markers and pencils and let your self-expression show through creativity for a chance to win dinner for 4 to Italiano’s Pizza, Pasta and Subs.
“You’re Tooth Cute” is a fun coloring activity that you can do together as a family or solo. Dr. Rich would like to see your unique ...
You may be familiar with the term “life hack,” which refers to any shortcut or trick that helps you manage your time more efficiently. Dental hygiene hacks are meant to maximize the effectiveness of your oral health regimen and promote a healthier smile.
As your dentist in Temple, TX, Dr. Richard Leung wants to make it as easy as possible for ...
When a toddler loses a tooth, we celebrate the big event with a visit from the tooth fairy. Adult tooth loss, of course, is not a reason for celebration and can affect your oral health and quality of life in ways you can’t imagine.
If you lose a front tooth, though, your big concern is probably aesthetics, which can motivate you ...
Dental insurance is a valuable benefit and provides access to quality oral health care for people who might not otherwise be able to afford it. It’s important to know what your plan covers, but understanding benefits, co-pays, deductibles, annual maximums, and how they apply to your treatment can be daunting, to say the least!
If you want to make knowledgeable decisions about ...
Thanksgiving is about a month away, and the winter holidays aren’t far behind! It is a time to renew relationships with old friends and family and indulge in some favorite forbidden treats.
And there will be photos – lots of photos. Smartphones and cameras will be clicking away and capturing the good times to share on social media, but will your ...
Temple Dental Trails is committed to improving the lives of our community through world class dentistry. The goal of Project Smile is to have a positive impact with one individual in our community by giving them the smile of their dreams. Three candidates will be chosen from the submitted entries to receive a complimentary exam, digital x-rays and cleaning and ...
How many times have you looked at your smile in the mirror and been disappointed by small esthetic dental flaws? You’ve worked hard to maintain your oral health yet you feel these smile blemishes are holding you back.
It’s hard to feel confident and happy with your life when you feel like you need to hide your smile. You might be ...
If you have a fall or winter wedding planned, now is the perfect time to think about improving the appearance of your smile. If there was ever a time in your life when you needed your smile to be “picture perfect,” this is it!
It’s a good idea to give yourself some lead time when ...
Are you considering orthodontic treatment because you would like a more harmonious, attractive smile? After all, we live in a competitive world, and a beautiful, healthy-looking appearance can add to your self-esteem and confidence. Whether you’re looking for career advancement or improved social interactions, there’s no doubt that a confident smile can give you an edge.
But there are also other ...
Did you know that smiling releases the “pleasure” hormones, serotonin and endorphins, that make you feel good? Or that scientific studies show that smiling really is contagious?
So, it’s safe to say that if you withhold your smile because you feel self-conscious about your appearance, you’re probably missing out on a lot of life’s little pleasures. If you aren’t pleased with ...
If you have been considering dental implants and have done some research on your own, you may have heard them referred to as "the gold standard." It sounds like this must be a good thing, but what does it really mean?
In general, "the gold standard" refers to a thing that is the best and most reliable of its type. Since ...
Join us on July 19, 2018 for a blood drive to help those in need. Snacks provided by Hecho in Queso (Mexican Street Corn Nachos!) and Kona Ice (Shaved Ice!)* for every donation.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Is your career is at a standstill? Do opportunities for advancement seem to pass you by even though you know you have all the right qualifications?
You may possess the skills and the experience you need, but positive first impressions in business are crucial. If you hide your smile or tend not to smile at all, business associates may see you ...
How much does your personal social network – family, friends, acquaintances – impact the information you receive about your oral health?
A researcher from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine who specializes in social epidemiology (the study of how social structures impact states of health) asked the same question. In 2008, she turned her focus to understanding oral ...
Adults are typically interested in orthodontic treatment because they're unhappy with the appearance of crooked or crowded teeth. It's understandable – lots of studies indicate that feeling confident about your smile boosts self-esteem and helps you create positive first impressions.
It's true that straightening your teeth will result in a smile that you can feel good about showing ...
Dr. Rich and Temple Dental Trails are Proud to Announce the 3rd Annual Scholarship Challenge!
We are offering a $500 scholarship to THREE graduating seniors from high schools around Temple and Bell County. The purpose of the scholarship is to help students achieve their dreams by continuing their education. It's simple and easy to apply, but you have to invest passion ...
There are many reasons to want your smile to look its best. The image you project with your smile is a significant part of your identity and creates first and lasting impressions on those with whom you work and socialize.
Even if your smile is otherwise healthy, problems like crowded or crooked teeth can detract from your appearance. And while many ...
There are very few real emergencies in dentistry, but an avulsed (knocked out) tooth is one of them. In many cases, the tooth can be saved, but prompt attention is crucial. When a tooth gets knocked out for any reason, whether it’s a sports injury or the result of an accident, time is of the essence.
If you find yourself in ...
Have you experienced the devastating impact of tooth loss? You should know that today you have several options for restoring the function and esthetics of your beautiful smile.
Tooth loss can alter everything about your life from the way you feel about yourself to your ability to smile confidently and eat and chew comfortably.
Dental implants are a replacement ...
Dental enamel is durable, but it's not indestructible. Time and wear take their toll on our smiles, creating esthetic problems like dull, chipped, or damaged teeth. Unfortunately, many older adults don't seek treatment because they feel the time for a bright, youthful smile has passed them by.
But there's no expiration date on a beautiful smile!
Regardless of age, we all want ...
Even if you are fairly proactive with your oral hygiene, you may still be a little apprehensive when you visit your hygienist for a cleaning. What will they find that you missed? Better yet, what are they even looking for during your appointment?
The job of a hygienist is to act as your first line of defense against oral disease. So ...
When you are sick with the flu or a cold, taking care of your oral health is probably the last thing on your mind. Nobody expects you to practice perfect dental care when you have trouble dragging yourself out of bed, but there are a few things you should definitely try to keep in mind.
Dental caries (cavities) is the number one chronic disease that affects children. Early childhood dental care is crucial if you want your little one to enjoy the benefits of problem-free smiles.
The good news is that, according to a study conducted by the ADA Health Policy Institute, more children than ever are receiving essential dental care. Children also set a ...
How savvy do you think you are you about your dental health? You brush and floss like a superstar and watch what you eat, so what else do you need to know?
The truth is that there are still lots of myths surrounding dentistry, and what you don’t know (or think you do know) can hurt your oral health in the ...
Researchers in the dental field are continuously working to gain a better understanding of oral disease to provide methods for integrating those findings in clinical settings.
There are several strains of bacteria that can be found in the mouth. In a recent study, researchers collected biofilms between the teeth of 25 adults with no dental caries (decay). It was found ...
Have you ever wondered what wisdom teeth are and why they exist? Maybe all you know about them is that they seem to cause a lot of problems and often need to be removed.
At Temple Dental Trails, we don’t expect you to be a dental expert, but we do want you to be informed about issues like wisdom teeth ...
When searching for a new dentist, you want to be sure to choose a professional with whom you can build a long-term trusting relationship. You and your family will have continuing oral health needs, so it’s best to find a dental home you feel comfortable enough to turn to if you have a problem.
But where do ...
You have a damaged tooth and know you need to have it taken care of or it will just end up getting worse. It looks like you need to talk to your dentist about the option of having a dental crown placed, but you would feel better knowing a little bit more about the process.
We want you to feel ...
Since you were a little kid, you have been told that sugar is bad for your teeth. But did anybody ever actually explain why?
Is it the sugar itself that causes the damage, or is something else going on?
Throughout the day, food debris and saliva adhere to your teeth and create a bacteria-laden biofilm called plaque. Bacteria ...
The cause of mouth ulcers is still currently unknown and may vary widely from person to person. But one thing we’re sure of – they are annoying and painful and can make it difficult for you to eat, speak, drink, and brush your teeth.
Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores, appear in the mouth and gums, and there ...
If you have had teeth filled in the past, you probably didn’t give a lot of thought to the procedure itself. You went in to see your dentist with a cavity, and you left with a cavity-free, healthy tooth. What more do you need to know?
While we don’t think it’s necessary to bore you with too much detailed information, we ...
Fixed bridges are an essential restorative service we offer at our Temple, TX dental office. If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge will restore appearance and function so you can smile confidently again.
Most dental bridges consist of three pieces – two crowns that are attached to adjacent teeth with an artificial tooth (pontic) suspended between them. ...
You probably have an idea of what your perfect smile would look like, even if you don’t think cosmetic dental treatments are in your reach. The fact is that today, with advances in materials and techniques, we have many affordable options at our disposable to help you achieve your dream smile.
There are so many different esthetic dental treatments to ...
There’s nothing that can ruin your day quite like a sudden toothache or other dental emergencies.
The first thing to do when you suspect you have a dental emergency is to contact our Temple, TX dental office. There are some instances where we need to see you right away. In other cases, we may be able to explain how you can ...
If you think oral health is about just your teeth, you are missing a big part of the picture. Temple, TX dentist, Dr. Richard Leung spends many hours learning everything there is to learn about your oral health. Much of the research he has done revolves around the scientific proof that connects oral health to overall health.
Dr. Rich and Temple Dental Trails are proud to announce our 2nd Annual Scholarship Challenge! We are offering a $500 scholarship to TWO graduating seniors from high schools around Temple and Bell County. The scholarship is intended to help students achieve their dreams by continuing their education. It’s simple and easy to apply, but you have to ...
There may come a time when you need dental treatment with no warning. What do you do? You don’t have insurance, and you haven’t figured the cost into your budget.
If you are facing treatment and don’t know how you are going to finance it, interest-free CareCredit is the perfect solution. At our Temple, TX dental office we offer you the ...
Whether you are a graduate, a bride-to-be who wants a picture-perfect smile, or you just want to look your best for summer fun, we can help!
Customized cosmetic dentistry treatments at our Temple, TX dental office help us create your dream smile. You don’t have to be discouraged by a big price tag, either. Treatments like teeth whitening and dental bonding ...
When it's time to start looking into orthodontic treatment, finding the right dental office should be one of the first steps you take. Your orthodontist will take you through the treatment process from start to finish, beginning with the very first consultation appointment to review your needs and choose the best procedure for you. Here are some of the things ...
Have you been considering orthodontics and wonder if the treatment is worth the time and effort for your smile? We offer several options at our Temple, TX dental office that make your treatment more comfortable, faster, and easier than you might think. But you may still wonder if the investment involved with orthodontic treatment is necessary ...
As a parent, it can be a challenge to trust your child’s well-being to a team of dental professionals for the first time. Of course, you want your little one to have a healthy smile. But how is the dentist going to approach your child? Does he understand how special your child is?
Of course we do! Temple, ...
It’s easy to take good oral health for granted. Unfortunately, dental health isn’t a priority for most people until something goes wrong.
Temple, TX dentist Dr. Richard Leung emphasizes the importance of preventive exams and cleanings to stop problems like periodontal disease before they start and to keep your teeth healthy.
Gum disease in America ...
By now, dental implants have been around long enough that most people have heard of them and know that they replace a missing tooth. But there are many benefits to dental implants that may not occur to you.
Temple, TX dentist Dr. Richard Leung would like to share some information that you should consider when deciding on the best ...
Snacking and Cavities – What’s Happening in Your Child’s Mouth
It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month! Our team always loves practicing children’s dentistry at our Temple, TX dental office. But this month is specially dedicated to your child and the steps you can take to make sure their smile stays healthy.
You probably already know that conscientious brushing ...
Dental anxiety or fears when it comes to visiting the dentist are common, and they usually start during childhood. Going to the dentist can be a new and uncomfortable environment for children, and preparing for your child's dental visit ahead of time, along with visiting an experienced dentist, can help make the process much more smooth. At Temple Dental ...
Root canals are needed when a tooth has severe decay or damage. It's very common to need a root canal if cavities are left untreated, allowing the decay to progress into the inner area of your tooth.
This procedure is more in-depth than a normal filling. First, your dentist will administer some anesthetic to ensure that you don't feel any ...
When you think about your braces, you probably think about the treatment process, and actually having braces on your teeth. But post-care is extremely important after an orthodontic treatment as well! Of course, your specific care needs after your treatment will depend on your unique situation, but there's some normal items that you can expect once your braces have ...
Dentures are a very common option for tooth replacement, and this treatment works well for many people. However, some of the downsides of dentures may mean that an upgrade is in order. Dental implants are a permanent option that are more comfortable, natural looking, and natural feeling. Implants involve the placement of a titanium post into the jawbone ...
If you're searching for a new dentist, you probably already know there are tons of options out there to choose from. Finding the right dentist, however, can make a huge difference in your oral health experience goes, and it's a great opportunity to find an office that you love!
If you're just getting started on your hunt for ...
The world of dental insurance coverage can be difficult to navigate if you aren't familiar with it. By working with a great team, though, you can rest easy. When it's time visit the dentist for a specific treatment, or for your regular cleaning, you want to make sure that you're covered for what you need!
Finding the right dental ...
Dr. Rich and Temple Dental Trails is delighted to announce the winners of our 1st Annual Scholarship Challenge!
The two winners of our $500 scholarships are:
Mr. Luis Santiago-Cruz is a 2016 graduate of Belton High School. He will be attending Texas A&M University in the Fall and will be majoring in Engineering.
Ms. Dechanel Michelle Santos is a 2016 graduate of Killeen ...
When thinking about braces, teens are often the first thing that comes to mind. But alignment issues are extremely common with adults as well, and orthodontic procedures are a great way to improve the look of your smile as an adult. These types of treatments are becoming more and more popular because of newer technology like clear braces.
The habits your child develops early on can help determine a great deal about their future.
You are probably already aware of this, and this is why you’ve taught your child to use good manners and watch for cars before crossing the street.
The oral health habits your child learns now are also important. They can mean the difference ...
Calling All High School Seniors!
Dr. Rich and Temple Dental Trails is proud to announce our 1st Annual Scholarship Challenge! We are offering a $500 scholarship to TWO graduating seniors from high schools around Temple and Bell County. The scholarship is intended to help students achieve their dreams by continuing their education. It’s simple and easy to apply, but ...
Many adult patients come to Temple Dental Trails seeking to correct their misaligned teeth. One problem, though – they really don’t like the idea of spending a year or more wearing metal brackets and wires!
This is completely understandable. As an adult, you have a particular image you want to present to the world. You might be a professional who ...
You just found out that your teeth are damaged and you need some crowns.
You’re missing teeth and you want to replace them with dental implants because you know it’s the best option for your long-term dental health.
You’re getting married in a few months, and you’d really like to transform your smile with porcelain veneers before the big day.
Whether you have ...
You’ve thought about straightening your own or your child’s smile for a while now, and you’ve called to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leung. So what can you expect when you meet to discuss orthodontics at our Temple, TX dental office?
First, Dr. Leung will sit down with you to discuss your goals. What are you hoping to ...
Finding a great cosmetic dentist can be a big undertaking, and with so many practices available in the Temple area, it’s important to take the time to find a team you can trust. When you’re investing in a cosmetic procedure, you not only want to find a practice that you feel comfortable in, but one that has ...
Most people will get cavities at some point in their life, which are often treated using fillings. People who received fillings a decade ago, only had the option of a metal alloy material that was noticeable when they laughed or smiled. With today’s technology, Temple Dental Trails offers those that need fillings the option of a tooth-colored composite and ...
Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth can cause problems with functionality, speech, and your appearance. Braces can not only fix these problems but also help align your jaw as well. Yet, choosing which orthodontic procedure will meet your needs can be difficult. While each treatment option will result in a straighter smile, there are also a lot of pro’s and con’s ...
At Temple Dental Trails we pride ourselves on our staff. Our team consists of extraordinary individuals who are passionate about dentistry and improving the smiles and lives of our patients. Today we would like to focus on one employee in particular. We are pleased to introduce you to Practice Manager, Antonia Leung!
Antonia was born and raised in ...
We may only see your smile once every six months, but with our new dental blog we’ll be able to keep in touch all year long!
Be sure to bookmark us and check back regularly for updates on new services and promotions we’re offering, special events we’re participating in around Temple, and insider tips and tricks for keeping your smile healthy.
And ...