News and Media

What is the Difference Between Braces and Invisalign?

Both Braces and Invisalign (clear aligners) are effective ways to straighten teeth, but one option may be more suited for your unique situation. Traditional braces: Braces are brackets and wires that move the teeth. It is great for more complex bite issues. There is no need to remember to wear them as they are glued to your teeth and always working. However, it is important to be careful not to eat foods that are too hard or sticky so that brackets don’t break and slow tre

Mar 311 min read

Am I Too Old for Braces?

No! Orthodontic treatment works for people of all ages as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. More and more adults are getting braces, and many of our patients today are adults. Adults may choose to have orthodontic treatment to improve their smile for the first time, fix crowding or spacing that has come back after not wearing their retainers, prepare for implants after tooth loss, or fix functional concerns.

Mar 301 min read

Tooth Talk with Lumi the Tooth Fairy: Flossing for Kids (Which Type Is Right for Your Child?)

Many parents are under the impression that flossing isn't necessary for kids (or at least not necessary until they get their adult teeth). This is false. Even baby teeth need to flossed to promote healthy gums and maintain the condition of the teeth they have. If helping your child floss feels intimidating, read this guide for recommendations on how to best support your kid's oral health. String floss is the gold standard when it comes to flossing--but it can be hard for litt

Mar 251 min read

Tooth Talk with Lumi the Tooth Fairy: How to Structure Your Little One's Nighttime Routine

Winding down for bed is hard enough for adults, let alone kids. A good bedtime routine can help streamline the process, indicating to your child when and how to wrap up their activities and begin preparing to rest. Proposed Nighttime Routine for Newborns and Babies: Bathtime. Brush hair and teeth. Put on pajamas. Read books and/or snuggle. Warm water promotes sleep. Be sure to dim the lights during this process; playing soft music or white noise in the background can be sooth

Mar 241 min read

Tooth Talk with Lumi the Tooth Fairy: Thumb Sucking (What Parents Need to Know)

Is thumb sucking normal? Yes! This act is very common in babies and young children, typically around the ages of one to three. It can help kids: feel calm and secure self-soothe at bedtime adjust to new situations Can thumb sucking affect my child's smile? Also yes. Thumb sucking long term can lead to: teeth tipping forward an open bite where teeth don't touch changes in jaw growth and alignment detrimental changes that affect how your child breathes Thumb or finger sucking a

Mar 231 min read

10 Things to Know About Your Dental Insurance

1. Light Dental Studios is in-network with PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans. Our office accepts PPO insurance plans. If you have a PPO plan, you’ll receive the best pricing and maximize your benefits with us. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) /DMO (Dental Maintenance Organization) plans typically require you to see a dentist within their specific network. PPO plans offer flexibility in choosing your dentist. 2. Understand what services are covered. Most plans s

Mar 162 min read

Understanding Common Dental Issues in the Puget Sound Region

Common Dental Problems to Watch For As a parent or individual, it's important to keep an eye on your dental health. Many common issues can arise, especially in children and teens. Here are some key problems to be aware of: Crowded or Overlapping Teeth When there isn't enough space for your teeth, they can become crowded or overlap. This makes it difficult to keep them clean. As a result, you may be more prone to cavities. Regular dental check-ups can help identify this issue

Feb 182 min read

Interview with Lumi! Your Burning Questions About the Tooth Fairy: Answered

Greetings, all, it's Lumi the Tooth Fairy! 🧚✨ I recently connected with Dawn Kahl from Burkhart Dental Supply , who had some very interesting questions about what being the actor who plays the tooth fairy entails. Read our interview below to learn what a day in my life looks like, the origins of Light Dental's tooth fairy, and more! Burkhart Dental Supply: How did you first get involved with the dental field, and what led you to take on the Tooth Fairy role? Lumi: I started

Feb 103 min read

“Do We Need to Think About Braces?” -- Answers for Kids, Teens, and Adults

Orthodontics is about more than just straight teeth. It’s about creating a healthy bite, improving function, and boosting confidence for people of all ages. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents bring their child for their first evaluation by an orthodontist at age seven. This doesn’t always mean that your child is ready for orthodontic treatment right away, but it allows your doctor to check for problems that could be developing. Although we often

Feb 91 min read

Comprehensive Dental Care for Military Families in the Puget Sound Region

Whether you're an active or former service member, Light Dental Studios is here for you and your oral health. We accept military insurances at all our locations along the beautiful Puget Sound coast—from Olympia to Lynnwood, and of course, the Joint Base Lewis-McChord area in between! Whether you are looking for routine dental care or more advanced dental treatment, our team is ready to provide you with the care you deserve. Your Dental Care Journey Starts Here From coordinat

Jan 233 min read

Gum Grafting: How Light Dental Studios Restores Your Smile and Protect Your Oral Health

Have you been experiencing increased tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or teeth that appear longer than usual? These could be signs of gum recession—a condition that affects 30–70% of the population , according to periodontal research by Light Dental Studios' very own Dr. Amit Gharpure . While it may seem like just a cosmetic concern, recession of the gums can lead to tooth sensitivity, root decay, bone loss, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Thanks to advances in m

Jan 206 min read

Free Dental Day Helps Combat Rising Cost of Dental Care

For Dr. Steven Broughton and his staff at Light Dental Studio on South Hill, giving back to the local community where the practice began is second nature. As the years have passed since Broughton graduated dental school in 1997, the price of dentistry has skyrocketed, he said. “People simply don’t have the money to fix their teeth,” Broughton said. Gordon McCoy came to a free dental care event Saturday expecting to get at least one of his painful decaying teeth treated. Inste

Oct 9, 20251 min read

Light Dental Is Recognized by the Health Department and EnviroStars Program

Light Dental Studios humbly accepts recognition from the Health Department and the EnviroStars Program. This acknowledgment highlights our commitment to reducing hazardous materials and waste. Our goal is to protect public health, municipal systems, and the environment. This latest designation from EnviroStars starts in 2025 and is valid through 2027. For over 12 years, we have proudly maintained a FIVE STAR rating in the EnviroStars Program. This achievement reflects our ded

Oct 9, 20252 min read