Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

by Leave a Comment

6 Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Cosmetic dentistry refers to the professional dental care that specializes in improving the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile. These procedures are usually elective (optional), but some cosmetic dental procedures can improve the function of your dental structures. The range of cosmetic dental procedures varies from the simple to the complex procedures as the examples below.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is commonly referred to as just “bonding.” This cosmetic dentistry procedure is recommended for individuals who have suffered decay, damage or discoloration to their teeth. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will apply the composite material after drilling out the damaged or decayed sections of your teeth. He will sculpt that composite material so that it looks like a natural tooth. The tooth will then be cured using intense light so that it hardens and performs like your other teeth. Bonding is an inexpensive procedure suitable for people with decayed, cracked, chipped or worn down tooth edges.

Dental Veneers

These are fabricated from medical-grade ceramic materials, such as porcelain. They are customized for each patient and look realistic after the placement process. Dental veneers resolve a variety of cosmetic issues, such as gaps between teeth, chipped teeth, and crooked or damaged teeth. Dr. Farhat uses a strong dental adhesive to attach the veneer to the front surface of the affected tooth. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is relatively expensive.

Teeth Whitening

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the most common cosmetic dentistry treatment. Dr. Dhoon says that teeth whitening is by far the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure out there. Your smile can vastly improve just by a simple teeth whitening session. This procedure can be done at home or at the dentist’s office. The cosmetic dentistry procedure should be done once all the plaque and tartar has been removed from your teeth. The bleaching agent used can then act upon the teeth surfaces to get rid of the stains affecting the color of your teeth. The experts at Dental One Care always select the most appropriate teeth whitening products and methods so that you get the results you want. For example, a bride who has a wedding in a few days may require a different approach to another person who doesn’t have an urgent event for which they want whiter teeth.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are the “caps” placed on damaged or worn teeth to preserve their appearance and function. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI likes to call them a blend of cosmetic and restorative dental work because the crowns will make you look better while easing functionality in the affected teeth. However, these durable cosmetic or restorative devices may not be recommended for teeth in certain parts of the mouth. Such as areas where the bite force exerted is significant since the crowns will be damaged quickly under that pressure.

Dental Implants

This is one of the most expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is an invasive procedure through which a dental implant is placed in the jaw to serve as the root of a missing tooth. After a healing process of up to six months, a crown is placed on this implant so that you can use that restoration in the same way as you would use your natural tooth. The implant fuses with the bone to make the crown very firm. While the implant may last a lifetime, the crown placed on the implant will need to be replaced after ten or more years.

Dental Shaping

This is an exacting cosmetic procedure in which a Sterling Heights dentist files the misshapen tooth using an electric tool. This is so that what is left has a shape that is aesthetically pleasing and matches the rest of your teeth. The main downside of tooth reshaping is that the procedure removes enamel from your teeth. So, this can eventually trigger problems, such as sensitivity, later on.

Visit Dental One Care if you need cosmetic dentistry in Sterling Heights. Dr. Farhat and his team will discuss all the options available and recommend what’s best for you. Did you undergo a cosmetic dentistry procedure elsewhere and issues have developed? No problem, Dental One Care can help!

What Are Dental Veneers?

by Leave a Comment

You may be considering dental veneers if you have some cosmetic or functional defects, such as discoloration or chips, on a tooth or several teeth. Use the following information to get an accurate idea regarding the suitability of veneers for your situation.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin materials placed over the front surface of a tooth or teeth. Porcelain is the most common material used for this purpose because of its close resemblance to natural teeth. Additionally, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI explains that porcelain is an ideal material because it doesn’t stain as easily as other materials. Stains can also be polished off the porcelain veneers.

Composite resin is also used to make dental veneers. This material stains more easily because it is slightly porous.

When Would You Need Veneers?

You can get veneers if you would like to change the shape, position, and color of your teeth. For example, a dental veneer can be placed on a chipped tooth so that it looks whole again. Your Sterling Heights dentist will help select the right color for your veneers so that your smile is enhanced without giving your teeth an artificial appearance.

The thickness of the dental veneer will vary in accordance with the defect or unique characteristics of the tooth where it is being placed. For instance, the veneer will be thicker where your tooth was chipped.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers have numerous benefits. First, they protect damaged teeth and help them to last longer. They also give you a brighter smile, especially if you have stained or discolored teeth. The veneers installed by Dr. Farhat fix defects in your teeth and leave your teeth looking as natural as possible. Someone looking at you will get a sense that you did something, but they will be unable to tell what exactly you did! Additionally, getting dental veneers is a minimally invasive procedure. The dentists at Dental One Care have frequently worked on clients who hardly require any preparation before veneers are placed.

What Issues Should One Know Before Getting Veneers?

First, dental veneers are an irreversible procedure. It is therefore advisable for you to have a detailed discussion with your Sterling Heights dentist so that you can proceed when you know that there is no turning back.

Secondly, dental veneers can be an expensive treatment. This fact is even more of concern given that many dental insurance plans exclude this procedure from what is covered. Talk to Dr. Farhat or any dentist in Sterling Heights, MI about a payment plan in case you cannot pay in upfront.

What Preparation Is Required Before Veneers Are Placed?

The dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will talk to you about your smile makeover goals. Dr. Farhat will ask you to decide how many teeth you would like to place veneers on. Remember, you can get just one veneer or several.

Next, Dr. Farhat will remove some of the enamel on the teeth so that your teeth will not look too large once the veneers are placed. The amount of enamel removed is minimal, equivalent to the thickness of the veneer. Think of the veneer as being less than half the thickness of your fingernail.

Thereafter, the experts at Dental One Care will take impressions of your teeth and prepare molds that will be used by a lab to fabricate your custom veneers. You can then return to have your veneers placed.

How Long Does the Dental Veneer Process Take?

You may need at least two dental visits to have your dental veneers placed. The first visit is for the initial assessment and preparation. The second visit will be for installing the veneers. A third visit may be recommended in order to assess how well you are coping with the veneers. Some adjustment can be done in case you experience pain or discomfort several days or a week after the veneer was placed. Some patients may need temporary veneers as they wait for the permanent ones while others may not need these temporary restorations. Dr. Farhat will advise you on this matter during your initial assessment.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

We asked our friend Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the longevity of dental veneers. Dr. Dhoon says that one of the benefits of veneers is that with proper care, they can last a long time. Dental veneers are very strong and can last anywhere from 5-20 years depending on the material used to make them and how well you take care of them. This care includes brushing and flossing daily as well as avoiding using your teeth to bite or crush hard substances, such as hard nuts. Ultimately, you should expect to replace your veneers at some point in the future, so think about this possibility before you decide to receive the first set.

Need More Advice?

Get in touch with Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. He will answer any queries that you may have about dental veneers and then advise you about any other alternatives that may be suitable for your needs.

Why You Should Consider Getting Dentures

by Leave a Comment

You may have thought about dentures if you are experiencing any of the precursors or early warning signs such as loose teeth. This article discusses what you need to know about dentures. Use this information to make an informed decision or seek further clarification from Dental One Care before you get a set of dentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are usually given to individuals who have only lost a few natural teeth. Your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will anchor the partial dentures to the nearby teeth using metal clasps. The partial dentures will look and work like natural teeth, and they will prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting towards the gaps left when you lost the natural teeth.

Conventional/Full Dentures

Conventional or full dentures are the most common type of dentures. These dentures replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw (or both in some cases). Your Sterling Heights dentist will give you these full dentures after a month or two has elapsed, and your gums have healed after your teeth were extracted.

Dr. Farhat says that many patients have numerous misconceptions about full dentures. For example, some people think that it is inevitable that these dentures will at one time fall out of their mouth as they are talking or eating. However, such incidents only happen when a defect develops. People who have dentures that fit well can never experience such often embarrassing incidents. Besides, modern dentures no longer require the use of adhesives to hold them in place. Instead, Dental One Care fabricates dentures that have inbuilt supports.

Removable Dentures

Partial and full dentures may be removable. This means that you don’t have to keep them in your mouth 24/7. In fact, Dr. Farhat recommends that people with removable dentures should remove them twice each day in order to clean them. Partial dentures can also be soaked in a special cleaning solution overnight while you sleep. This respite allows your gums to rest in case the dentures had a minor defect that caused the gums to become sore. In such a case, see a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI so that the necessary adjustment can be done to your dentures in order to make them fit properly.

Fixed Dentures

Fixed dentures cannot be removed in the same way that removable dentures can be removed. A minor surgical procedure allows your dentist to place implants in your jawbone. Over time, the titanium implants become fused to the bone and keep stimulating it as you eat. This stimulation averts the bone loss that characterizes people who don’t get replacements after losing their natural teeth. Dr. Farhat also explains that fixed dentures are the strongest form of dentures due to this firm anchorage in the jawbone.

However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for this type of dentures. For example, individuals whose bone density is low may require a bone graft before the implants are installed. Other health conditions may even preclude you from having fixed dentures installed, so first talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI before you zero in on this option.

Other Options for Missing Teeth

We asked our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about treatment options for missing teeth. Dr. Kacos says, “Dentures are one most sought out treatment options out there. People who have dentures are able to restore their smile and go back to normal eating habits. However, they are not meant for everyone. Consult with your Sterling Heights dentist to find out if they work for you.” Don’t in any way limit yourself to dentures if you have lost some or all of your natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Other options, such as dental implants, dental crowns, and dental bridges may be a better option depending on your specific circumstances. Contact us at Dental One Care and set up an appointment so that our experts examine you and advise you on the best course of action to take to restore your smile.

In Office vs. At Home Teeth Whitening

by Leave a Comment

You’ve probably thought about whitening your teeth if they have become yellow or discolored over time. However, it is hard to decide between all the different treat whitening options on the market. This article compares in-office whitening and at-home teeth whitening so that you can decide which teeth whitening treatment is suitable for you.

Teeth Whitening Options

In-office teeth whitening is done at your dentist’s office. Your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI starts by discussing your teeth whitening goals. Dr. Farhat will then design a custom teeth whitening tray for you. This tray will contain a whitening agent and the dentist will use a special light or heat to accelerate the action of the whitening solution. Depending on your teeth whitening goals, you may get your desired shade in one to two visits.

In contrast, at-home teeth whitening kits are in the form of toothpaste or trays/strips. These use a bleaching agent whose concentration is lower than what may be used when you choose to whiten your teeth at Dental One Care. The at-home teeth whitening product comes with easy-to-follow instructions, such as explaining how long you should wear the tray each day. In a few weeks or months, your teeth will whiten to the desired level.

Comparison of Cost

It usually costs more to have your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office. This is partly because of the costlier materials used (higher concentrations of bleaching solutions, for example) and the labor required to conduct the procedure. However, this cost is justified when you consider how quickly you will get the desired results. Not to mention the longevity of your pearly white smile.

At-home teeth whitening is usually more affordable because the products are mass-produced and use a lower concentration of bleaching solutions. That notwithstanding, the tradeoff is that you will take longer to get the desired outcomes. 

Comparison of Results

As already mentioned, professional or in-office teeth whitening yields results faster than at-home teeth whitening methods. We asked our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, to compare at-home teeth whitening treatments and in-office teeth whitening treatments. Dr. Kacos says both methods will give the same outcomes, it’s about how quickly you want results. Your teeth are likely to remain white for the same number of years regardless of the method you used to whiten them. The durability of the results will depend on other factors, such as whether you continue to consume foods and drinks, such as coffee, that can stain your teeth again.

Comparison of Side Effects

The fact that at-home teeth whitening kits or products are mass produced means that those products will not be suitable for everyone. For example, Dr. Farhat, a Sterling Heights dentist, reveals that he has encountered patients who complained that their gums felt sore as they wore a teeth whitening tray bought at a drugstore. Such complaints are common because the generic whitening trays often don’t fit the users well. Teeth and gum sensitivity can also result when people use at-home teeth whitening kits.

In-office teeth whitening has a lower chance of triggering side effects because the professional at Dental One Care will first assess you to establish whether you will react to a certain bleaching agent or not. Additionally, you will be under professional observation throughout the teeth whitening procedure. So the possibility of side effects is greatly reduced when you opt to have your teeth whitened by a Sterling Heights dentist.

All in all, both in-office and at-home teeth whitening methods come with their own unique pros and cons. The ultimate decision regarding which option is best for you will depend on your unique circumstances, and the advice given to you by your local Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat.

How Dental Bridges Benefit Patients

by Leave a Comment

How Dental Bridges Benefit Patients

Not smiling because of a gap or missing tooth in your mouth can really bring your confidence down. The loss of a tooth isn’t just a cosmetic problem. It can also lead to discomfort and other problems.

The most common solution to the loss of a tooth is a dental bridge. Dr. Farhat will help explain exactly what a dental bridge and the how dental bridges benefit patients.

What is a dental bridge?

When you’ve lost a tooth or have a gap between your two teeth a dental bridge is placed to fill that gap. The reason it is called a dental bridge is that it forms a bridge between the gap with a replacement tooth. The bridge looks like a real tooth, so your smile will look good as new.

Overall, there are four types of bridges that can be fitted to your mouth. The dentist determines the best fit based on the situation. The most commonly used dental bridge is fitted with crowns on both sides of the gap.

The second type of dental bridge is the cantilever bridge, which is used when there is only one tooth next to missing tooth. The crown is placed to one side of the tooth to secure the bridge.

The third type of dental bridge is Maryland bridges, which require a metal framework or porcelain to hold the bridge in place. While this works great, the false tooth position isn’t as strong as it is when it’s cemented in. That is why this particular bridge is not recommended for teeth that exert force while chewing.

The last type of dental bridge is known as the implant-supported bridge. These dental bridges are used when multiple teeth are missing. The teeth are held with dental implants that attach securely to your jawbone for stability. A dental implant is placed for each missing tooth.

How does the procedure occur?

The procedure for fitting a dental bridge is not considered a surgery, which means you will not be sedated when you get your dental bridge. But if you are feeling nervous about the getting dental bridges, you can request to have your dentist sedates you. Your dentist will numb the area where the dental bridge will be.

Before the procedure starts, your dentist will take measurements of the gap so there’s a perfect fit. At times, your dentist may put a crown in the patient’s mouth so they don’t feel discomfort while they wait for the bridge to be made. Once it is made, cement is applied and the bridge is placed.

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

Thanks to the local anesthetic, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. But the procedure does take a few hours which means that your mouth will have to remain open. Some patients do experience pain or soreness in their jaw but it isn’t anything too painful and can easily be resolved with the help of painkillers.

Recovering from the procedure

Since dental bridges are artificial, there’s not necessarily a set healing time. So as soon as you leave the dentist’s office you can usually eat whatever you want. It may feel a bit weird having the bridge at first but you’ll get used to it over time.

What are the benefits of a dental bridge?

Dr. Ben Kacos agrees that there are numerous benefits to dental bridges.

  • A Beautiful smile: The dental bridge removes any gaps in your smile, making it as if you never lost a tooth.
  • Eating habit back to normal: Bridges allows you to eat without any pain, which means you no longer have to worry about feeling pain in your gums or jaw.
  • Improves speech impediment: After losing a tooth, many people have trouble speaking. A dental bridge will most likely eliminate the speech impediment that occurs after a loss of a tooth.

Losing a tooth isn’t the end of the world. Luckily there are different types of dental bridge options that can help fill the gap. Just make sure you approach reliable dentists in Sterling Heights, MI to have this cosmetic dentistry procedure done. Going to someone you trust will give you ease of mind and more confidence that you will have your perfect smile back.

Benefits of Dental Implants

by Leave a Comment

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the substitutes installed to replace the roots of your missing teeth. The replacement crown or replacement teeth are anchored onto these implants. According to a leading dentist in Sterling Heights, dental implants have numerous benefits. This article discusses some of those benefits.

They Improve Your Appearance

Sterling Heights dentists say that people tend to look older once they don’t replace any natural teeth that they lose. This aged appearance is due to the loss of bone mass in the areas where there are no teeth. The facial structure becomes distorted as more bone is lost. For example, your lower face will shrivel and the chin will look longer.

The use of dental implants can reverse such deteriorations in your physical appearance. This is because the implant will act like the natural tooth root and keep stimulating more bone material to be deposited around the implant in order to withstand the forces exerted when you chew food. You will, therefore, look younger once your facial structure is restored by the installation of dental implants.

The Remaining Teeth Will Stay Healthy

Some dental restorations, such as dental bridges or partial dentures, require the surface of the surrounding teeth to be modified in order to create space for the restorations. For example, your Sterling Heights dentist will grind down the teeth on both sides of the gap left by the missing tooth in order to anchor a dental bridge onto the nearby teeth. This grinding removes some enamel on those nearby teeth. As you may already know, enamel loss is almost irreversible so the neighboring teeth will be at risk of being damaged too in future.

In contrast, the installation of dental implants leaves the remaining natural teeth intact because the implant is installed in the jawbone. Any restoration will then be supported by the implant without affecting the surrounding teeth. This is a sustainable option since it preserves the existing natural teeth in your mouth.

Caring For Your Teeth Is Easy

Dental implants make it easy for you to care for your teeth because you can brush and floss normally. The implant-supported restoration acts and feels like your natural tooth. This is unlike other restorations, such as wire-supported bridges, which create crevices where food particles can be trapped. Dental experts in Arizona agree that brushing and flossing are harder with such restorations since barriers are created between teeth. Such an environment makes it easier for bacteria to thrive and cause dental diseases or infections. Dentists in Sterling Heights frequently treat infections in people with such problematic restorations.

Greater Comfort

Dental implants give you the chance to be normal again in numerous situations. For example, you will no longer have to chew gingerly in order to prevent your removable dentures from falling out. Similarly, you will not have to be self-conscious when you smile since there will be no gaps in your dentition.

Instant Results

It is possible for some people to get their implant-supported restorations during one visit to the office of their dentist in Sterling Heights. However, each case is different so you will need to ask your dentist to explain your chances of getting the restorations in place during one dental visit. The instant results you obtain can last a lifetime since properly cared for dental implants can last for a lifetime.

As you can see, dental implants give you a long-term solution to missing teeth. Talk to a Sterling Heights dentist about your suitability for dental implants so that you can schedule a visit and start enjoying the benefits in the discussion above.

Are Oral Health Issues Genetic?

by Leave a Comment

Are oral health issues genetic?

Should you thank (or blame) your parents for the state of your dental health? In other words, are oral health issues genetic?

Patterns and behaviors in the family, while you were growing up, can influence your dental health for life.

For one, studies have shown that children who were taught good dental hygiene early will most likely be diligent in their adulthood. As such, they get to enjoy stronger, better-looking teeth and gums than their peers who were not as meticulous about dental care.     

Aside from family habits, genetics also play a key role in determining oral health.  

Dental experts at Laurich Dentistry agree that you can be prone to certain teeth and gum conditions if these are in your genes. Add environmental risk factors in the mix, and you can most likely catch the dental problem that most of the people in your family also have.

The following are some of the dental conditions that have been associated with genetics:

Tooth decay  

What to do: Go to your dentist for professional cleaning on a regular basis. Your dentist may also recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatment (especially for teens) and may prescribe the use of toothpaste and mouthwash with strong anti-cavity formulation.

Periodontal disease

What to do: If there is gum disease in your family, make sure to share the information with your dentist when talking about your medical history. This way, your dentist can focus on preventive measures and early detection. As such, regular dental checkups are a must.

Bad bite

What to do: Misaligned, crooked, crowded or missing teeth can cause a bad bite. If this is common in your family, tell your dentist about it for orthodontic checkup and treatment as early as possible.

Oral cancer

What to do: Know that oral cancer is largely associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. But genetics also play a role, especially if combined with those lifestyle risk factors.

Going to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist that offers oral cancer screening services is an important self-care procedure. Regular oral cancer screening is recommended even if you don’t have a family history of the condition.

Talk to your dentist

The best dentist in Sterling Heights, MI dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will not only treat your dental problems as they come. Instead, they will be proactive about knowing more about you, your dental health background and your goals about your dental health.

Go to a dentist who can provide the care and help that suits your unique needs. This way, you prevent serious dental problems – whether they’re genetic or not.

Dental 101: The 4 Best Ways to Clean Retainers

by Leave a Comment

Retainers are among the more commonly prescribed dental devices for teeth straightening. And one dilemma users face is cleaning properly their retainers.

Ensuring your retainers are correctly cleaned and hygienic is paramount as they can become breeding grounds for bad breath-causing bacteria and provide surface adhesion for tartar.

With the expert advice of Dr. Farhat, an experienced orthodontist in Sterling Heights, we talk about the four best ways to clean retainers:

1. The good old toothbrush and toothpaste combo

Some people assume that using a toothbrush to clean retainers is a no-no as it is believed to be abrasive. However, using your toothbrush is actually the most effective way of getting rid of the tartar which attaches itself to your teeth, gumline and, of course, your retainers.

Just be sure to use toothpaste that only has natural ingredients and is free from glycerin, polyethylene microbeads, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and triclosan. Gently brush your retainers with toothpaste and rinse with water before putting them back on for the night.

2. Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash soak

If you plan on using mouthwash to sanitize your retainers, be sure that it is alcohol and SLS-free. Also, use one that is clear to avoid any discoloration on your retainers. You can soak your retainers in mouthwash for an hour, and then gently brush them after removing them from the liquid.

3. Denture cleaner

You can use regular denture cleaner to clean your retainers. Polident, Iondent, Efferdent, and Dentasoak are denture cleaning products you can use on your retainers. Just follow the package instructions and gently brush your retainers afterward during rinsing.

4. Baking soda and white vinegar

Considered natural cleaning agents, baking soda mixed with distilled water and white vinegar can also be used for safely and effectively cleaning your retainers.

Just mix together two tablespoons of white vinegar with 3/4 cups of distilled water, and then add a teaspoon of baking soda. You can soak your retainers in the mixture for about 10 minutes. Afterward, brush your retainers with a soft brush and rinse them with cool water.

Our friends at Horizon Dental Group suggest another option. Alternatively, you can also mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 3 parts water in a plastic cup or a glass. Soak your retainers in the mixture for 15 minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush.

What to Avoid

No matter how tough your retainers may seem, treat them with a little TLC so they serve their purpose. Try not to use the following in cleaning them:

  • Cleaning agents with alcohol, SLS, bleach and the like
  • Boiling or very hot water
  • Dishwashers

If you need more information on maintaining your retainers, be sure to get in touch with your dentist for the most reliable advice out there.

Adult Braces: Are They Worth It?

by Leave a Comment

Adult Braces, Are They Worth It?

Today, the number of adult orthodontic patients is increasing. Indeed, it is not hard to figure out why. Dental appliances that are hardly noticeable were developed to offer adults more discreet choices in terms of orthodontic treatment.

Moreover, more and more adults now realize that a smile makeover offers significant benefits, both professionally and socially. For instance, teeth straightening has become a crucial part of that confident-boosting process.

When it comes to adult braces, are they worth it? Well, if you have healthy teeth, they can be moved at any age. Thus, there is no such thing as being too old for orthodontic treatments like braces. But orthodontic treatment for adults is somewhat different. First, gum disease is more common in adults.  Secondly, jaw growth and development are already complete in adults, so not all changes in your jaw structure can be attained.

Orthodontic appliances apply gentle force to your teeth so they can be successfully moved through their surrounding bone. The health of your gums plays a crucial role in all of this. A Sterling Heights dentist shares that when your gum tissues aren’t healthy, bone loss can take place. Also, this will weaken your teeth’s long-term prognosis.

We spoke to our friend Dr. Ben Kacos at Shreveport’s dentist to elaborate on this topic. So if you are suffering from gum disease, it should be treated first before any orthodontic treatment can begin. You may undergo regular professional cleanings while you are on an orthodontic treatment to maintain good periodontal health. Most importantly, you must maintain proper dental hygiene at home.

4 Types of Orthodontic Appliances

All orthodontic appliances will work the same way – they employ light yet constant force in order to move your teeth into proper alignment. How these forces are applied varies. Here are the common types of orthodontic appliances:

Traditional Metal Braces – These are small metal braces bonded to the front of your teeth. There is a thin wire that runs through the brackets. The wire is attached on either end to the metal bands that often go around your back molars.

Clear Aligners – These are removable. They are a series of clear plastic trays that can easily fit over your teeth. Every tray is part of a series of trays that will help move your teeth until they are in their proper position. The trays are designed using specialized computer software that creates a virtual model of your bite.

Clear Braces – Instead of the traditional metal braces, you can opt for clear ones. These are made of plastic, ceramic or a combination of both. These appliances are hardly visible, except for the wire that runs through. Remember though that this option is more vulnerable to breakage than the traditional metal braces.

Lingual Braces – These are metal braces that are bonded to the back of your teeth so they can’t be seen. However, these braces are more difficult to get used to wearing. Also, they are more costly than traditional metal braces.

What to Expect After the Treatment

Regardless of which type of appliance you choose, it is crucial for you to wear a retainer. Without a retainer, your teeth can gradually drift back to their original positions. A reputable Sterling Heights dentist can provide you with additional instructions on how to retain your beautiful smile so it continues to make you feel and look gorgeous for many years to come.

Why Choose Invisalign

by Leave a Comment

Why Choose Invisalign

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Get Invisalign

Invisalign braces are notoriously expensive – which is one of the main reasons why patients tend to shy away from them altogether, especially when their dental insurance may not cover Invisalign treatment.

However, before you discount them altogether as a viable dental treatment for your misaligned teeth, here are the top five reasons why you should get Invisalign:

Reason #1: They are aesthetically pleasing

This is inevitably one of the oft-quoted reasons for opting to go for Invisalign. Invisalign braces are barely discernible since they are clear and fitted onto the teeth like a glove. Unlike metal braces, food particles will not get caught in between them as well.

Reason #2: They are removable and easy to clean

Unlike metal braces which can only be removed on your next dental appointment, Invisalign teeth aligners can be removed before a meal (as needed) and then replaced afterwards, making it easier to maintain, clean and reinstall them by yourself.

Reason #3: They are relatively more comfortable

With Invisalign braces, those painful mouth sores which usually accompany metal braces will be a thing of the past as well as the discomfort and irritation that come with their abrasive metal components. The smooth, transparent plastic surface of Invisalign teeth aligners is definitely more comfortable than protruding metal braces.

Reason #4: They can be used as a protective lifetime dental appliance

Beyond simply helping straighten misaligned or crooked teeth, Invisalign braces may be used for teeth whitening and, more importantly, as a protective device against the wear and tear resulting from teeth grinding as well as during contact sports or physically challenging activities that may pose a danger to your teeth.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) sufferers can also benefit from long-term (several months) Invisalign use as long as it has been established that there is no joint pathology involved in their symptoms.

Reason #5: The outcome is calculated and certain

The assessment of and treatment plans for patients who opt for Invisalign aligners are fully computerized. So, the duration of the treatment and expected outcome are all calculated with great accuracy. There are no unexpected surprises at the end of Invisalign therapy. Only the promise of a great bite and smile, as well as better-looking, well-aligned teeth.

So, have you decided yet?

Talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights about possible payment options if the only thing that’s keeping you from deciding to have Invisalign is the price.

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

Take a moment and browse our website and you will find valuable and informative material about the dental services we offer.

Our website also provides you with information about our dental professional team, office hours, insurance plans, appointment procedures, directions to our office and other valuable information.