Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

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Some Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

If you have lost one or more teeth due to aging, an accident, tooth decay, or for any other reason, your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, may suggest dental implants as a replacement option. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of dental implants. Use this information to make an informed decision about the appropriateness of dental implants for your dental health needs.

The Pros of Dental Implants:

They Are Natural-Looking.

Dental implant-supported crowns look and function like your natural teeth. You can be confident with your smile because the dental implants are stable and strong, so you will have no worries about clicking sounds or the other anomalies associated with dentures or bridges.

They Protect Your Jawbone.

Dr. Fadi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights MI, explains that when you lose a natural tooth, the jawbone deteriorates because it is no longer being stimulated to grow new tissue. Consequently, people who have lost their teeth tend to look older than they really are due to bone resorption in the jaw. Dental implants prevent this deterioration since the implant fuses with the jawbone.

No Strain on Nearby Teeth.

Unlike a dental bridge, dental implants don’t need additional support since they are anchored within the jawbone. For this reason, getting dental implants at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights will protect the integrity of the nearby teeth. This is due to the added load of taking the strain intended for the missing tooth. Additionally, those nearby teeth will not need to be drilled, shaved, or otherwise prepared in order to accommodate the replacement tooth.

No Special Maintenance Requirements.

People who get dental implants at Dental One Care often report that they are overjoyed to learn that they don’t need to do anything special to maintain their restorations. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are all they need to maintain peak oral health. This is in contrast to people with dentures and other restorations that need to be adjusted or replaced periodically. Dr. Brian Leeson, a cosmetic dentist St. Petersburg, FL adds that implants can last an entire lifetime, and this makes them an attractive option.

They Increase Your Replacement Options.

As you may know, a dental implant is a screw made from a biocompatible metal, such as titanium. This screw is surgically placed in the jaw, and a dental implant is placed. This flexibility means that depending on your circumstances, you can pick and choose what is placed in the implant. For example, you may opt for dentures and then upgrade to a crown when finances allow later on.

The Cons of Dental Implants:

They are Pricey.

Dental implants are definitely an investment. They are one of the more expensive treatment options. This higher cost may be a real drawback to people whose dental insurance may not cover the cost or people with limited income. However, Dr. Fardi Farhat points out that the durability, alongside the other benefits of implants, makes them a cost-effective option in the long run.

The Process Takes Time.

Replacing a missing tooth or teeth with dental implants isn’t necessarily a quick solution. It takes time for the implants to fuse with the jawbone, so you should expect to make several dental visits spread out over several months before the process can be completed.

Other Procedures May Be Needed.

Depending on your oral health at the time you visit Dental One Care for implants, Dr. Fardi Farhat may find other conditions that require more dental work to be done. For example, you may have lost so much bone tissue that a bone graft is needed before the dental implants are placed. This additional procedure could increase the cost and time needed to place the implants.

While dental implants may have some drawbacks, as mentioned in the discussion above, they are often the best alternative for some patients who have lost their natural teeth. If you have lost a tooth, contact Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care and schedule an appointment. Sterling Heights dentist assesses you before you start treatment. During your consultation, you will find out if you are a suitable candidate for implants. If you are a good candidate, we will start your journey to a beautiful smile!

Cosmetic Dental Treatments to Help Your Smile

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Do you feel self-conscious about your smile? Routine dental care is an important part of ensuring that you have healthy teeth and gums. At Dental One Care, we offer a number of cosmetic dental treatments that can help to restore and perfect your smile. When you come in and meet with Dr. Farhat, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how we can apply these dental care techniques to help you get the beautiful smile that you deserve.

Orthodontic Solutions

If your teeth are misaligned, find out if you’re a good candidate for orthodontics. There are a number of orthodontic solutions to consider, and the one that is right for you will be based upon the severity of the misalignment that you have. If you are in need of braces Sterling Heights, MI patients will appreciate that there are so many options, including invisible aligner systems that allow for discreet orthodontic correction.

Veneers as a Solution

Teeth that are otherwise healthy but have significant aesthetic concerns may be good candidates for veneers. Cracks, chips, and discoloration may leave you feeling less than confident about your smile. Veneers, typically made from thin porcelain shells, can completely transform the way that your smile looks. Veneers can conceal small gaps and alter the appearance of each of your teeth.

Dental Bridges and Denture Solutions

Gaps in your smile can make it hard for you to feel like smiling. Bridges, offered in both removable and fixed options, are dental prosthetics that are bridges between two healthy or crowned teeth. Dentures, also offered in both removable and fixed options, can be partial or complete based upon the number of teeth that you are missing. These solutions can look very much like natural teeth, and are sure to restore your smile.

Dental Implants and Crowns

When visiting with your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, patients with one or two missing teeth may find that implants are a good solution. Implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the healthy bone tissue in your jaw. Think of implants as replacement roots for your new prosthetic tooth, which will be placed on the implant post once it has healed.

Crowns, used on implants and on teeth that need to be reinforced after root canal therapy, can also be used to cover teeth that are misshapen or discolored. We asked our friend, Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Pete, FL, about dental implants and crowns. Dr. Leeson says, “Dental implants and crowns are one of the most common restorative dentistry options.” 

Teeth Whitening Solutions

When visiting with your dentist Sterling Heights, MI patients may find that the quickest and best way to transform a smile is with teeth whitening. There are several techniques for tooth whitening, with some being available for in-office treatment. During these procedures, a bleaching agent will be applied to each of your teeth, and ultraviolet light will be used to activate the bleaching agent. Over-the-counter bleaching kits and laser whitening treatments are also great options to consider.

Remember that good oral health care is the best thing that you can do for your teeth and your gums. Are you ready to get the smile that you deserve? Contact us at Dental One Care to schedule your appointment. We offer the latest in dental techniques and technology to help you get the beautiful smile that you’ve been looking for.

The Complex Role of Braces

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When you hear the word “braces”, the first thing that pops up in your mind is teeth straightening. While there is nothing wrong with that, there is a lot more to it that is often overlooked.

Properly aligned teeth can help boost your confidence and misaligned teeth that are not corrected can cause major issues over time. Maintaining oral hygiene is also easier when your teeth are aligned properly.

The Non-Cosmetic Benefits of Braces

Braces improve daily hygiene habits

When your teeth are straight, it is a lot easier to clean them using your toothbrush and dental floss. This is because they can easily reach the surfaces better and there are no hard to reach places in between your teeth caused by overcrowding and overlapping of teeth. Hence, the formation of plaque will be reduced by a significant amount.

Braces improve long term oral health

Since straight teeth are easier to clean, they are also most likely to have less buildup of calculus deposits and tartar. If this is not the case then this excessive buildup can cause gum disease known as Periodontitis. This can also lead to bone loss around the teeth or even teeth loss. Teeth that are properly aligned and spaced will help in keeping your mouth healthier.

Braces correct misaligned bites

One of the most impactful functions of braces is to correct an improperly balanced bite. By correcting under-bite, cross-bite, over-bite, etc., excessive wear on the surface of the teeth in the future can be avoided. It can even prevent teeth loss for, extreme cases.

Even though it not very common, straightening teeth and improving a patient’s bite by the means of orthodontic treatments and assist other procedures like prosthodontic work which involves crowns, veneers, bridges or implants.

It would be best to contact a dentist about how orthodontic treatments can help improve the overall health of your mouth. And if you are in search of an orthodontist who you can blindly trust in maintaining the healthiness of your mouth then visit us in Sterling Heights, MI.

Client satisfaction is our main objective and to ensure that the patient is fully satisfied with the treatment, our team of highly qualified orthodontists combines their skills with their experience to guarantee the patient visits us the next time they have a dental issue. Our team of orthodontists consists of Dr. Fardi Farhat who has years of dental experience and a lot of satisfied patients.           

  

The Veneers Process

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Dental veneers are custom-made shells placed on the front surface of your teeth. They improve the appearance of your teeth. Veneers can be made from composite materials or from porcelain. Veneers are mostly used for cosmetic purposes to mask minor chips, cracks, and stains on teeth. However, they also serve a functional role when treating periodontal disease. Read on and learn more about these restorations.

Dental Veneer Cost

Our team at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI explain that the cost of your dental veneers will depend on the specific type of veneer that you select as discussed below;

Direct/Composite Veneers. Direct veneers are applied by painting a composite coating onto the prepared tooth surface. This type of veneer typically costs about $250 per tooth and the procedure can be completed in one visit. Composite veneers last for about five to seven years before needing to be replaced.

Indirect/Porcelain Veneers. Indirect veneers are usually made at an external lab, so the procedure normally requires you to make two visits to the dentist. The process of getting these veneers is more demanding, so they tend to be significantly more costly than direct veneers. For example, porcelain veneers may cost about $1,000 for each tooth. Porcelain veneers have a superior service life since they can last between ten and fifteen years, or even more depending on how well you take care of them.

Steps When Getting Dental Veneers

As already mentioned, direct veneers can be placed in one appointment while indirect or porcelain veneers require two visits. These are the general steps to getting porcelain or ceramic veneers.

  • Dental Health Assessment

This usually happens during the first visit when you go to the dentist in Sterling Heights MI. During this step, the dentist will examine you and even take dental x-rays to ascertain that you don’t have any underlying dental health problem that needs to be addressed before the veneers are placed.

  • Shade Selection

Once the Sterling Heights dentist finds you a suitable candidate for veneers, he or she will select the most appropriate shade under natural light. This is done to ensure that once the veneers are placed, they will be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

  • Tooth Preparation

Tooth preparation entails shaving off a tiny amount of tooth enamel from the front surface of the tooth. This is in order to create space for the veneer. The purpose of this step is to ensure that the restored tooth will not appear to be larger or thicker than the surrounding untreated ones. This preparation may be done after a local anesthetic is applied to keep the process as pain-free as possible.

  • Taking Dental Impressions

The dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will then get a mold or impression of your tooth. This mold, together with the shade selected, will be sent to the lab that will make the veneer. In a week or two, the external lab will send back the custom veneer and your dentist will notify you to come for the final placement.

  • Temporary Veneer Placement

Your dentist in Sterling Heights will place temporary veneers on the teeth that have been prepped. These temporaries protect the teeth from damage and preserve the prepared surfaces until the permanent veneer is placed. 

  • Permanent Veneer Placement

This happens during your second visit to Dental One Care approximately one or two weeks after the first visit when the previous steps were completed. During this step, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers, clean your teeth thoroughly and etch the tooth so that the adhesive substance attaching the veneer to the tooth works. If the dentist is satisfied that the shade and dimensions of the permanent veneer, he or she will attach that veneer to your tooth. The dentist will then use a special light to expedite the curing process of the adhesive.

  • Preservation

This step involves coming to Dental One Care for a follow-up visit during which the dentist checks the veneers to confirm that everything is as it should be. Several weeks after the veneers were placed, you will have a follow-up appointment.  

All that you need to do after your dentist gives you the all-clear when you go for the follow-up visit is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing as recommended. You should also seek teeth cleaning services by our professionals every six months. The benefits of veneers include masking the discolorations and closing minor gaps between the teeth. Remember, getting dental veneers is an irreversible process. Make sure to discuss all non-invasive options with an expert at Dental One Care and act on their recommendation.

Crowns Versus Bridges

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Dental Crowns and bridges are restorative options for chipped, cracked, broken or even missing teeth. But, what do these restorations refer to and when is each best suited for you? Read on and discover the answers to these and more questions as shared by the professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Crowns are also referred to as tooth caps or dental caps. These restorations cover every part of the tooth above the gum line. This restoration is best suited for situations when your tooth needs to have its strength or esthetic appearance improved.

At Dental One Care, we make crowns that resemble your natural teeth. It is therefore hard to distinguish a tooth with a crown from another without one. We can use different materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, resin, metal or a combination of these materials. All that you have to do is tell your dentist in Sterling Heights MI your needs and our team will recommend the best option to address your needs.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

You may need a dental crown if an injury has caused a tooth to chip, crack or fracture. A crown is also useful if one or more teeth have a cosmetic defect, such as stains. People whose teeth have been weakened by a root canal procedure, tooth decay, bruxism or other mechanical stress can also benefit from the functional and cosmetic roles of dental crowns. You can talk to an orthodontist in Sterling Heights if you have any of the conditions for which a crown can help.

What Are Dental Bridges?

When you join several dental crowns together, that multi-crown restoration is called a dental bridge. It is useful when a patient has more than one missing tooth. A bridge gets its stability from the dental structures, such as implants or nearby natural teeth, on which it is anchored.

As is the case with crowns, dental bridges can also be made from a variety of materials. The dentist will assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate material.

If you are missing all the natural teeth in your lower or upper arch, Dental One Care recommends that you get a fixed dental bridge. This is because this permanent restoration will restore full functionality to your oral structures. Your smile will also be more pleasing since the bridge will have crowns that are tooth-like.

Why Missing Teeth Should Be Replaced Promptly

When you don’t replace a missing tooth promptly, the remaining teeth are likely to shift towards the gap. This can cause your teeth to become misaligned or crooked. You also risk looking older than you are because your facial appearance will alter as bone resorption occurs in the space left by the missing tooth. Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport LA, also warns that you are likely to develop bite problems as your remaining teeth shift and bite forces are no longer distributed evenly as you eat.

Needless to say, missing teeth can make it hard for you to speak or eat. It is therefore in your best interest to see an orthodontist in Sterling Heights MI so that an appropriate restoration can be provided. This is to restore the function and appearance of your smile.

Taking Care of Your Bridge or Crown

The first step to maintaining your dental bridge or crown is by being particular about your oral hygiene. Additionally, you need to visit Dental One Care regularly for a check-up and cleaning. Our professionals will use these bi-annual visits as an opportunity to check the condition of your crown or bridge to notice any issue. 

If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges and crowns, contact us today and we will help you make an informed decision regarding the restoration most appropriate.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

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Tooth discoloration can affect you in many ways, like making you self-conscious about your smile. As a result, your social interactions and other aspects of your life can take a hit. But what causes teeth to become discolored? Read on and discover some of the common causes of tooth discoloration and the common remedies that dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Pigmented Foods and Drinks. Some vegetables, fruits, and drinks like coffee, red wine and soda can stain your teeth if you consume them frequently.

Tobacco Products. People who consume various tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, face a high risk of developing tooth discoloration. This is due to the chemical compounds found in tobacco, according to orthodontists in Sterling Heights, MI.

Poor Dental Hygiene. When you aren’t as vigilant about maintaining oral hygiene by flossing and brushing, you are likely to develop dental stains. This is because plaque will readily harden on your teeth and form calculus. Poor oral hygiene also allows pigmented foods and drinks to stay in contact with your teeth for long, resulting in stains.

Some Medications. Medications, such as some antibiotics, high blood pressure medication and antihistamines can also stain your teeth. This effect is particularly pronounced when kids whose teeth are still developing take those drugs.

Age. As one grows older, the enamel on the teeth gets eroded leaving dentin closer to the surface of the teeth. Dentin is closer to brown or yellow in color, so when it is exposed, your teeth will look discolored.

Genetics. Some people are naturally endowed with tooth enamel that is thicker or whiter than that of others. Your discolored teeth may have nothing to do with your oral care habits, the foods and drinks you consume or any medication you are currently taking.

Environmental Factors. You may also develop stains on your teeth if you live in an area with high concentrations of fluoride in the water supply or when you take large amounts of fluoride as a supplement. Fluoride rinses and treatments can also eventually cause tooth discoloration.

Trauma. Dr. Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills CA, has encountered numerous cases of people with discolored teeth resulting from trauma, such as accidents during contact sports. Kids whose teeth are still developing can also get stains due to a fall that affects the enamel.

How to Prevent Tooth Discoloration

As the discussion above shows, many of the causes of teeth discoloration are within your control. Therefore, you can prevent this cosmetic dental problem by making simple lifestyle changes. For example, make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. You should also control or drop habits like cigarette smoking that increase your risk for tooth discoloration. Having teeth cleaning services every six months by a professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI will also avert tooth discoloration.

Treatment Options for Tooth Discoloration

If you already have stains on your teeth, talk to a dentist in Sterling Heights MI about the applicable treatment options. He or she will recommend the most appropriate from the following remedies;

  • Improving your flossing and brushing techniques.
  • Limiting your consumption of drinks and foods that stain your teeth.
  • Getting dental veneers.
  • Undergoing dental bonding.
  • Undergoing teeth whitening (using OTC whitening products, in-office teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening trays made by your dentist in Sterling Heights MI).

Don’t let discolored teeth affect the quality of your life. Contact us at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights MI and we will give you our considered opinion about how you can treat the discoloration and avoid the recurrence of dental stains.

Why You Might Need Another Round of Braces

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Approximately two in ten people who have braces are adults. So, don’t think that you’re alone if you’re having to undergo treatment as an adult. While the prospect of wearing braces may not be the most exciting one, the orthodontics experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, reassure you that orthodontics has made serious advancements over the years. Therefore, you will have more options, such as clear aligners, to choose from. Here are some reasons why you may need another round of braces as an adult.

You Overlooked Wearing Your Retainer as a Teen

Dr. Fardi Farhat, a Sterling Heights dentist, explains that orthodontic treatment requires several steps. So, having your braces removed doesn’t mean that the treatment has ended. Dr. Fardi adds that many teenagers neglect to wear their retainers. This is a big mistake because the retainer helps to keep your teeth in place. Without the retainer, the teeth can move again and become crooked or misaligned. When this happens, you will need to visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can assess the state of your smile and dental health. Braces may, therefore, be one of the treatment options to fix the problems.

You May Have Needed to Wear the Retainer for Longer 

A lot has been changing for the better in the field of dentistry, and orthodontics in particular. With a better understanding of orthodontics has come the knowledge that people may have needed to wear retainers for much longer than had been originally thought. For example, some patients may have needed to wear retainers throughout their lives rather than for just a few years as they had been instructed based on the information available at the time. If you are one of those people who didn’t wear your retainer for as long as the current understanding suggests you should have, then a trip to Dental One Care would be helpful for you to learn how Dr. Fardi Farhat and the team can design an appropriate orthodontic treatment plan for you.

Changes to Your Oral Structures

Younger people, such as teens, normally wear braces so that their teeth and jaws can be directed to grow well. Over time, changes keep happening and these changes may take your teeth out of alignment as you grow older. Consequently, you may need another round of braces.

Injuries and Other Dental Problems

Many adults also end up needing a second round of braces as a result of injuries or other dental problems that afflict them. For example, if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), the abnormal levels of stress exerted on your teeth may cause them to shift out of their positions. Such shifts may be so severe that only orthodontic treatment by the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI can correct the resulting defect. For other people, accidents can have such a serious effect on their teeth that they may need to wear braces or undergo other forms of orthodontic treatment in order to deal with the effects of that trauma.

As you can see, there are a variety of reasons that could make it necessary for you to wear braces again later in life. The only way to be certain that you can benefit from the second round of braces is by coming to Dental One Care for a consultation with Dr. Fardi Farhat who will assess you and explain the available options for resolving the issues observed. You will, therefore, be empowered to make informed decisions about the way forward to better dental health, so schedule an appointment today.

11 Tips for Invisalign Patients

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Because Invisalign aligners are worn for up to 22 hours each day, it isn’t uncommon for patients to be concerned about the way their day-to-day lives will be affected by this treatment. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI has compiled the following tips and tricks to help each patient get the very best from Invisalign while minimizing the inconveniences associated with wearing the aligners.

Switch Aligners While Going to Bed

The highest degree of soreness, tenderness or even pain tends to be felt by Invisalign patients when they have just switched from one aligner to another.

While this soreness or tenderness is unavoidable, Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that patients switch aligners just before going to bed rather than in the morning. This timing is advisable because the adjustment to the new aligner will happen while you sleep and the soreness will be no more (or will be considerably lessened) by the time you wake up.

Make Cold Compresses Your Friend

The tip above will address the worst of the discomfort that you feel each time you start using a new Invisalign aligner, but some residual soreness or tenderness may carry over into the next day or two. For such situations, a cold compress placed outside the mouth will go a long way towards alleviating the discomfort.

Mind What You Eat

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, to share her tips for Invisalign patients. Dr. Neda explains that just like any cosmetic dentistry treatment, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat. When you feel sore as a result of wearing Invisalign aligners for the first time, one of the worst things that you can do is to eat foods that are chewy, crunchy or crispy. This is because such foods will place an added strain on your teeth and gums, and this is not what you want.

Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that you refrain from consuming crunchy, crispy or chewy foods while wearing Invisalign aligners so that you don’t strain your teeth unnecessarily.

Adopt the Right Sleeping Position

In the beginning, patients may notice that they produce a larger volume of saliva when they wear Invisalign aligners for the first time. This excessive production of saliva will gradually reduce as your oral structures become accustomed to the aligners.

Before that normalization happens, it is wise to prop up your head and lie on your back while you sleep. This will reduce how much saliva you produce while you sleep and it will prevent drooling.

Breathe Through the Nose

The excess production of saliva that happens in the first few days when you start wearing Invisalign aligners can cause this saliva to flow out of your mouth if your mouth stays open while you sleep.

One way to prevent this flow of saliva is by keeping your mouth closed and only breathe through your nose. If you breathe through the mouth by default, talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI and you will get advice on which specialist to see so that you don’t suffer avoidable inconveniences while wearing Invisalign aligners.

Always Have an Aligners Case

As Dr. Fardi Farhat will tell you before you get your set of Invisalign aligners, you should remove these aligners each time you are going to eat or chew anything and put the aligner back in your mouth after brushing or cleaning the teeth and gums after eating.

The ability to remove your Invisalign aligners periodically carries a risk that the aligners will be lost or damaged during the time that they are out of your mouth. To prevent such an eventuality, it is advisable to have a case in which you can place your aligners at all times. Talk to a Sterling Heights dentist for advice on which case to acquire if you currently don’t have one.

Avoid Hot or Pigmented Beverages

You can take drinks while wearing an Invisalign aligner. However, caution should be taken when taking pigmented beverages, such as coffee, because these may stain the clear aligners.

In the same vein, avoid taking hot drinks while an aligner is in your mouth. The hot drink will warp the aligner and your treatment may be compromised. This is not to say that you shouldn’t drink anything hot. Instead, be aware of the risk and remove the aligner before consuming the hot or pigmented drink.

Don’t Worry When Kissing

You can kiss your partner while having an Invisalign aligner in your mouth. However, you are also free to first remove the aligners before you kiss if this will make you more comfortable. Note that colored lipstick and lip-gloss will stain your clear aligners, so keep the aligner out of your mouth if this risk of staining is present when you kiss.

And the Photo Shoot!

The shiny aligners will make your smile bright in photos, and this is a good thing because any imperfections in your teeth will be masked. However, when the camera is focused on your face or mouth, the clear aligners may be visible, so you may need to get creative and avoid these kinds of photos as much as you can if you are concerned that people will know that you wear aligners.

In the long run, you will develop healthy dental habits as a result of the little adjustments that you make to your lifestyle while you wear Invisalign aligners. These good habits will serve your dental health in good stead, so embrace those changes as lifelong habits. If you still have questions about Invisalign aligners, or indeed about any aspect of your dental health, give us a call at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights. Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire team will gladly address your concerns and give you the care you need to get your dental health back.

How to Close a Gap in Your Teeth

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Despite all your efforts to maintain the highest level of dental hygiene, you may be horrified to see a gap developing between two teeth. Such gaps can feel larger than they actually are, especially if they are between your front teeth. Fortunately, a gap in your teeth can be fixed. In this article, we discuss why these gaps develop, as well as highlighting the available treatment options at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

Common Causes of Gaps Between Teeth

Diastemas, or gaps in teeth, commonly occur between the front teeth but can also appear between any other two teeth in your mouth due to one or more of the following factors;

Mismatched jawbone and teeth sizes

Extra space can develop between teeth if the size of the jaw bone is too large or too small relative to the size of the teeth. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains that this mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jaw bone can also cause one’s teeth to crowd.

Undersized or missing teeth

See a Sterling Heights dentist as soon as you lose a tooth or several teeth because this condition may cause gaps to develop between your remaining teeth. Experts at Dental One Care explain that when you lose a tooth, the adjacent teeth may move towards the gap left. As these teeth move, they create gaps between themselves and the teeth nearest to them. Gaps may also result from one or more teeth that are smaller than those nearest to them.

An overgrown labial frenum

The labial frenum is a piece of flesh that grows from the upper lip to the gums. If this tissue grows excessively, it can extend to the middle of your front teeth and prevent the natural progression of the process through which this gap is closed.

Bad habits

When you suck your thumb, constantly hold a pencil between your teeth, or engage in any other bad oral habit, you may develop a gap between your front teeth. Dr. Fardi Farhat cautions parents to wing-off their child from pacifiers once necessary.

An abnormal swallowing reflex

Dentists in Sterling Heights explain that under normal circumstances, the tongue automatically presses against the roof of the mouth while you swallow. However, some people’s swallowing reflex can cause gaps to form between the front teeth affected each time an individual swallows.

Periodontal disease

Gum or periodontal disease can progress to a point at which gum recession starts taking place. Bone loss can also occur when gum disease is left untreated. When that happens, teeth can become loose and move, causing gaps.

Treatment Options for Gapped Teeth

Dental Bonding

One of the easiest, most economical, and fastest ways to treat gapped teeth is by dental bonding. In this simple procedure, tooth-colored material is placed on the tooth before using a special light to harden or cure the material. The process of curing the resin makes it form a strong bond with the tooth, thereby closing the gap.

Bonding has several other benefits, such as being reversible and requiring just one visit. Dr. Fardi Farhat cautions that the bonding resin used can develop chips and cracks easily, so great care must be taken to preserve these restorations.

Use of Dental Veneers

Your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, can also recommend dental veneers to close the gaps between your teeth. This process is relatively invasive since it requires some enamel to be removed from the front surface of your teeth in order to make room for the thin porcelain (or other material) veneer that will be cemented onto the teeth.

Veneers also mask other imperfections that you may have on your teeth, such as minor chips and cracks. Dr. Farhat, Sterling Heights’ dentist, also adds that veneers are more durable than bonding since they are made from stronger materials.

However, the use of dental veneers is an irreversible process because the teeth are weakened by the removal of a thin layer of enamel. The veneers protect the teeth after the removal of enamel and sustain the functionality of the teeth.

Orthodontics

Another way to fix gaps, especially severe gaps, involves undergoing orthodontic treatment. For example, you may wear traditional braces or newer orthodontic devices like Invisalign to move all your teeth so that all the gaps are closed at once.

The only downside that Dr. Farhat points out regarding this form of treatment is that the treatment process takes longer than the time required to fix the problem compared to using another method, such as veneers or bonding.

Don’t let the gaps in your teeth affect the beauty and functionality of your smile. Schedule an appointment at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, and the experienced professionals at the office will recommend the most cost-effective treatment option based on your unique circum

Improve Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

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Cosmetic dentistry has advanced so much that the options available to those who want to improve their smiles are so abundant that they may need help in selecting the procedure which is best suited for their needs. Here is a brief discussion of some of the cosmetic dental procedures offered at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights. Use this information to narrow down your options as you consider ways to fix any cosmetic defect you or a loved one has.

Teeth Whitening

As you grow older, the foods and drinks you consume, the medicines you take, and other factors take a toll on your teeth, thereby causing them to lose their natural bright color. When that happens, several options are available to you to restore your bright smile. For example, you can ask Dr. Fardi Farhat, a leading dentist in Sterling Heights, to prepare a customized teeth whitening tray which you can use at home to get rid of the stains in a gradual process. Alternatively, the experts at Dental One Care can perform in-office teeth whitening using a stronger bleaching agent than what is contained in at-home teeth whitening kits.

In-office teeth whitening may be more costly when compared to at-home teeth whitening, but you get quicker results, and the process is overseen by a professional. For instance, while at-home teeth whitening may take several weeks to show results, in-office whitening brings results immediately, and you walk out with brighter teeth.

Dental Veneers

You may have heard of veneers on furniture, haven’t you? Well, dental veneers also refer to thin materials that are placed on the front of your teeth for one or several reasons. For example, the veneer may be used to cover a permanently stained tooth, or it can be intended to improve the appearance of a poorly shaped tooth.

Veneers are mainly used to provide a temporary fix to cosmetic defects on the teeth which are visible when you smile or speak. You shouldn’t, therefore, consider them as a remedy for a defect affecting the teeth at the back of your mouth.

At least two visits are needed to get veneers. The first visit to Dental One Care caters for the initial consultation as well as taking an impression of the teeth upon which veneers will be placed. Color matching is also done during this visit. The second visit is for placing the veneers on the teeth once the external dental lab sends the completed restorations back to Dr. Fardi Farhat. Veneers are more complex and therefore, more expensive than dental bonding.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding entails placing tooth-colored resins on a tooth with a minor defect, such as a chip, discoloration, or poor shape. The resin bonds with the tooth under the influence of a special light. This simple procedure can be completed in one visit to Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, unlike veneers, which require several visits. However, the material used during bonding stains and cracks easily, so you want to take better care of the bonded tooth if you want to retain the bond for years.

Dental Crowns

As the name suggests, a dental crown covers your entire tooth in the same way that a cap does on one’s head. Crowns are the cosmetic restoration of choice when serious structural or cosmetic damage occurs. For example, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may be so weak that only a crown will keep it together for years. Similarly, badly fractured teeth need crowns to retain their structural and aesthetic integrity.

The superior strength of crowns comes from the materials, such as porcelain, gold, and other metals, from which they are made. Crowns can be temporary or permanent. Temporary crowns are made from less durable materials since they aren’t intended to be used for long. Permanent crowns are usually fabricated by an external lab, so you use the temporary crown while you wait for the permanent one to be made. Crowns are more expensive than the cosmetic dentistry procedures described earlier, but they make up for that higher price tag by their durability.

Enamel Contouring and Shaping Procedures

If you want to make minor changes to the size, shape, and position of your teeth, then talk to the experts at Dental One Care. The Sterling Heights dentists will remove some enamel from the surface of your teeth in order to fix the defect which has you bothered. Many times, enamel shaping and contouring is done in combination with dental bonding since the removal of some enamel from your teeth can leave them weaker.

Dental Braces

Braces are primarily used to correct dental crowding, misalignment, bite problems, and jaw muscle issues. Traditionally, braces were composed of metal wires while today there are plastic nearly-invisible aligners used to move your teeth in a more discreet way. Some conditions, such as when you want to move back teeth with deep roots, are better handled by traditional metal braces while other cases, such as minor misalignment, can be fixed using clear braces. Talk to Dr. Fardi Farhat to find out if you qualify for the clear braces (Invisalign, for example). The correction of your dental defect usually takes several months as the braces are adjusted periodically while they slowly move the teeth to their new positions.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most complex and expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. It involves the surgical placement of a metal screw (usually titanium) in your jaw and letting that metal fuse with your jawbone before a component called an abutment is placed in the implant. The top part of a tooth replacement called a crown is attached to this abutment anchored in the implant. The entire process can take anywhere from three months to more than half a year, depending on how quickly your body can heal after each of the different steps of the procedure. Nearly everyone can get dental implants since some of the limiting factors, such as bone loss, can be corrected through other procedures (bone grafts, for example). We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Livonia, MI, about dental implants. Dr. Laurich says dental implants are one of the best cosmetic treatments you can choose from at the dentist because they basically pay for themselves since they last forever!

Many more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental bridges and procedures to fix indentations in your gums, also exist. Talk to Dr. Fardi Farhat and an appropriate cosmetic dentistry procedure will be recommended to fix your specific condition. Why stay with an imperfect smile when solutions exist?

 

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