Why Choose Invisalign

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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.

Drinking Tap Water May Help Your Teeth

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Drinking Tap Water May Help You At The Dentist

When tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause infections and pain that will hinder speaking, eating, learning, and playing.

With the controlled addition of fluoride compound to the public water supplies, a study published in the January/February 2010 issue of General Dentistry says that this is a cost-effective way to fight tooth decay and prevent cavities. Indeed, drinking tap water may help at the dentist.

Fluoride and Your Teeth

Fluoride will make your entire tooth surface more resistant to decay. Also, it promotes remineralization, which is crucial for repairing early decay. Water fluoridation is considered to be the best source of fluoride.

Tap water has been treated with fluoride in order to prevent cavities. Water fluoridation can prevent at least 25% of tooth decay both in children and adults. While teeth are erupting under the gums, the fluoride will strengthen tooth enamel. This way, it becomes stronger and more resistant to cavities. And when the teeth erupt, fluoride will rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

Also, it can reverse early signs of tooth decay. Whenever you use fluoride dental products, you are giving your mouth a topical benefit since the fluoride is directly applied to your teeth’s surface.

In the US, more than 144 million residents in over 10,000 communities are drinking fluoridated tap water. And this can provide an automatic defense against the unsafe ingredients causing preventable oral health disease.

Rather than drilling holes in order to fix cavities, dentists prefer educating the public about tips for preventing tooth decay. A Sterling Heights dentist further emphasized that drinking tap water is safe; it is the most effective way of receiving fluoride. Also, this is more affordable than going to your dentist for a filling.

Varnish is also an effective source of fluoride. Applied by your dentist, varnish is among the most concentrated products today. This product has sodium fluoride that will adhere to your tooth surfaces when there is saliva, thus giving an excellent fluoride treatment.

By keeping fluoride in your mouth, its ability to prevent demineralization will be enhanced. Varnishes are better choices for this purpose as opposed to fluoridated toothpaste or drinking water. Typically, fluoridated varnishes are for those who do not receive sufficient fluoride from tap water, toothpaste, and other sources.

Fluoride can be found in salt products, specialty milk, gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste. However, the fluoride that the fluoridated water and varnish methods have can help reduce cavities by over 30%. If you suspect that you have a cavity, you need to visit your dentist now to prevent further damage to your teeth and mouth.

I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

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I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

Most people think that all dental cavities cause pain. Dr Fadi Farhat, a leading Sterling Heights dentist, says that there is no truth to this notion. You can have a dental cavity but not feel any pain or discomfort at all.

The Tooth Decay Process

A small cavity in the tooth indicates the early stages of tooth decay. At this point, your tooth will not hurt. This is because the cavity is only found on the enamel, the hardest portion of the tooth. Since this part is hard and it does not contain any nerve endings, decay in this area does not cause pain.

If nothing is done to treat the tooth, the cavity will affect the next layer, the dentin. The dentin is not as tough as the enamel but it does not contain any nerve endings as well. As such, dental caries found on the dentin will not cause any pain or discomfort either.

Dealing with Cavities

Your dentist is the best person who can ascertain if you have any cavities or not. Regardless of the size of the cavity and even if it still located on the enamel or dentin, you need to get the right dental treatment immediately.

Your dentist will be able to detect cavities through two ways:

  • X-ray. Small cavities and some medium-sized ones, which are often painless, may only be visible through an X-ray or under high magnification.
  • Physical or clinical check-up. Your dentist will place a pointed dental instrument (an explorer) into the suspected area. If the explorer sticks in or penetrates the area, there is a cavity already present.

Keep in mind that if a cavity is left untreated, it will grow bigger and make its way to the nerve inside the tooth. At this point, you will start suffering from a severe, recurring toothache. If you don’t get the appropriate treatment, it can cause other dental issues and even tooth loss.

The bottom line is, if your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, don’t wait until it becomes painful before you have it treated. The best time to have a cavity removed or treated is when it is still in its early stages.

If you wait until you start feeling pain, you will end up getting a surgical procedure such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction as treatment. To avoid suffering from severe toothaches and the hassles of undergoing an invasive and expensive dental procedure, have your cavities treated immediately as soon as they appear.

What’s the longevity of veneers?

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  • 3 Tips To Ensure The Longevity Of Veneers

    Veneers are made of a thin material that covers each tooth. This is a great option if you want to restore your smile’s natural beauty. Whether it is staining, uneven bite or decay, these porcelain coverings will make quick work of helping you achieve the natural appearance you want.

    However, damage can set in fast when you aren’t careful. Veneers are not indestructible. They can crack and chip like natural teeth. Thus, biting down on hard foods like ice and inedible items will result in a damaged surface. Moreover, veneers are capable of staining, so a Sterling Heights dentist warns against their repeated exposure to wine, tea or coffee.

    Porcelain veneers are sturdy. How long your veneers last will depend on how you care for them. With proper care, they should last for 10-15 years. Veneers might need a full replacement or cosmetic repair, depending on the type of damage incurred.

    How to Make Your Veneers Last

    There are only few things you can do to expand the lifespan of your veneers since they are not meant to be a maintenance-free and permanent fix. Still, you can get the most out of them if you treat them well. Veneers are an excellent investment in your dental health, so make sure to take measures to help them last longer.

    1. Follow Good Oral Care Regimen

    To avoid stains and to maintain your natural dental health, clean your mouth regularly. Brush at least twice a day using the right toothpaste. Also, floss daily and see your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and dental check-ups.

    2. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

    Most people are guilty of using their teeth instead of scissors to cut or tear things, for example, or to loosen a knot. When it comes to ensuring the integrity of your teeth and the longevity of veneers, these are some of the most dangerous habits. These will invite germs. Also, these will chip your veneers, prematurely ending their lifespan.

    3. Address Bruxism

    Bruxism is a condition wherein one clenches or grinds their teeth while sleeping. If you have bruxism and you are getting veneers, tell your dentist about it. Unchecked teeth grinding might result in cracked veneers. Your dentist might recommend the use of a nighttime mouth guard.

    Veneers are among the best methods for achieving the perfect smile you want. Although porcelain veneers are durable, they aren’t indestructible. You still need to practice good oral care habits. Skipping out on basic oral hygiene habits can lead to costly repairs or surfaces showing early wear. By treating your veneers with care, they can last for more than a decade.

concerns you should talk to your dentist about

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5 Things You Should Mention When You Talk To Your Dentist

Most people just go to a dentist when they begin feeling pain or discomfort on their teeth and gums. In fact, some say they do not always enjoy going to their dentist, and many have some level of fear of going. However, dental professionals always highly emphasize that it is vital that you get a cleaning at least twice a year. This will prevent any dental issues from emerging or getting worse.
Each time you visit your dentist for a cleaning and a checkup, it is crucial that you mention any health-related information that you think might be good for them to know. A Sterling Heights dentist shares some of the important things you may not realize is valuable for your dentist to be informed of.

1. Oral Care Regimen

This might seem like an obvious one, but most patients aren’t getting their dentist’s opinion on which dental products are the best to use for taking care of their teeth and mouth. Today, there are plenty of products being sold in the market. Phrases like “silica blend” or “fluoride-free” can be confusing. Moreover, every individual has specific needs, depending on their health and dental history.
Ask your dentist about the right toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for your teeth and gums. Inquire also if there are other issues you must be addressing when practicing your oral hygiene.

2. Headaches

Most people suffer from headaches at least once a week. But many don’t realize that these pains might be a symptom of a cavity, an infected tooth, or a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. If you are having headaches constantly and don’t know its cause, you must discuss this with your dentist.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue is also a common symptom felt by many people on a daily basis. Although excessive fatigue can be caused by different things, the major one is sleep apnea. Your dentist can actually recommend the right treatment. Furthermore, fatigue can also be a symptom of mercury poisoning due to your metal fillings.

4. Pregnancy

Aside from going on regular appointments with an obstetrician/gynecologist to ensure a healthy pregnancy, pregnant women must also visit their dentist. When you are pregnant, you must work with your dentist to make sure that you have good oral health. A healthy mouth will also mean a healthier baby. Women suffering from gum disease while pregnant might experience more complications.

5. Tingling sensations in extremities

Finally, just like headaches, tingling and a weak sensation in your limbs are symptoms of TMJ. This may also indicate diabetic neuropathy. Since this is related to gum disease, you must mention this each time you talk to your dentist. An overuse of denture adhesive can also result in nerve damage. So if you are using such and you suddenly experience this symptom, you need to discuss it with your dentist so she’ll recommend another option.

Toddler Tooth Care – Practical Tips for Parents

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Your child’s future growth and development depends heavily on the foundations that you build during his early years.

That also applies to his oral health.

Your child’s initial years are marked by rapid growth and development. And with the flurry of milestones and activities, parents sometimes overlook taking proper care of their little ones’ oral health.

This should not be the case.

Most of the habits that your child picks up as he grows start during his formative years. And as a parent, you would want to give your child a good head start, including in aspects related to his dental and overall health and well-being.

That means teaching your child, as early as possible, the importance of practicing good oral hygiene habits which he should take with him to adulthood. These include regular brushing and flossing, eating healthy and balanced meals, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year.

Ideally, your child should be able to schedule his first appointment with a Sterling Heights dentist at around the age of two.

This will provide you and your child the opportunity to take better care of your child’s teeth through solid advice from a trusted professional, as well as to monitor potential problems before these spiral out of control.

Furthermore, when a child is exposed to the environment of a dental clinic, he develops a sense of confidence and positivity, warding off the fear of the dentist which can undermine his oral health.

Taking care of a child’s teeth requires a solid partnership between parents and dentists.

But what exactly can you, as a parent, do to take better care of your little darling’s teeth? Here are a few practical toddler tooth care tips.

Helping your kid deal with the eruption of his first teeth

Your child’s first tooth will emerge at the age of six months. His first set of teeth will continue to come out until the age of three.

The eruption of teeth can bring discomfort in young children, making them irritable. In order to minimize the effects of teeth eruption, there are a few things that you can do. These include placing a cold spoon or a teething ring in your child’s mouth and using pain relief gels.

Brushing your young one’s teeth

Parents should closely monitor and supervise their child’s tooth brushing until their children reach the age of six.

For toddlers, parents should use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Remember that your child does not need too much toothpaste. A small amount, roughly the size of a pea, will do.

Invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush for your child. In brushing your child’s teeth, make sure that you clean all surfaces using a soft, back and forth motion.

Dealing with thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a reflex action among babies and toddlers. Simply put, this is normal among children of this age. Ideally, your child should outgrow this habit before the emergence of his permanent teeth.

However, parents should take the necessary steps to wean their children off this habit when it persists upon the eruption of the permanent teeth. Otherwise, this can lead to a few dental health problems, including tooth decay and bite problems.

The Science Of Smiling

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Smiling can give you the opportunity to flash your bright pearly whites. You will certainly find joy in being able to show off your perfect teeth – something that you (and your dentist) worked hard to maintain and enhance.

Smiling, however, isn’t just a simple activity that will allow you to be proud of your teeth. A smile is also an expression of emotion that captures and conveys a variety of feelings: happiness, joy, excitement and satisfaction. Smiling has also been scientifically proven to change your mood and boost your feelings of happiness.

Smiling and Your Body

Although smiling is such a natural act, there is still a science behind this.

When you think of a memory that gives you joy or remember an experience that makes you feel happy, that information gets processed by the brain. This, in turn, triggers certain facial muscles. These include the zygomaticus major around the mouth, which will be drawn upwards into a smile, and the orbicularis oculi muscle, which will contract and raise the cheek, giving the appearance of a genuine smile. This is an involuntary response that happens when you think of something happy. This is a simple explanation of the science of smiling.

To make a conscious or voluntary smile, the only muscle at work would be the zygomaticus major. Although it isn’t a full, genuine smile, this grin can still make you feel better.

But what can a smile do for your body? According to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, whenever you smile, the facial muscles and bones become lightly distorted, and as a result, there is a healthy increase in the brains’ frontal lobe’s blood flow. This, in turn, leads to the release of more dopamine which mingles with the brain chemicals known as opioids. This interaction causes you to feel happy and elated.

So whether you smile consciously or unconsciously, your brain can’t tell the difference, and the smile can have the same stimulating effect on your levels of happiness as exercise.

In addition, according to various studies, the feeling of happiness that a smile can bring can automatically cause you to think more positive thoughts. This can also enable you to think more creatively and bring about fresh, unique ideas.

Finally, smiling at others and seeing others smiling back builds connections and increases positive feelings. Your happy moods can uplift others. When you share in the joy of others, you can’t help but feel happy as well.

As such, whether you have the perfect teeth or not, smile! It’s a great way to feel better about yourself and to simply be happier. You get to spread some good cheer to others as well.

Protecting Your Kids’ Teeth With Dental Sealants

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Preventing cavities is a must for young children because tooth decay can result in the worst pain they can experience in their early life.

However, reminding the little ones constantly to brush their teeth doesn’t always work. You have to deal with their laziness and their dislike for the oral care activity, which are pretty much the reasons why four million preschoolers these days suffer from tooth decay.

If you wish to preserve your children’s teeth better, there are dental solutions that can do the trick. Among them are dental sealants, which are made of a thin, plastic material that is painted on the chewing surface of the back teeth – the premolars and molars – in order to prevent cavities from developing.

Dental sealants adhere quickly to the depressions and grooves of teeth. They serve as a shield for the teeth’s enamel from the germs, bacteria, and acids that cause tooth decay. They are a fantastic way to give your children an advantage in maintaining a healthy mouth.

Are Your Kids Good Candidates for Dental Sealants?

If your children eat a lot of sugary food and their oral hygiene practices are not as fine-honed as you want them to be, dental sealants are a must, according to a Sterling Heights dentist. This solution is even more important after permanent teeth have emerged because when children lose their permanent teeth, they’re lost for good.

It’s important to point out, however, that dental sealants can also be used on really young children and adults.

How Effective are Dental Sealants?

Very.

A report published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that children between the ages 6 to 11 who have sealants are three times less prone to getting cavities on their first molars that those who don’t.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last up to a decade with proper maintenance. During regular dental checkups, the dentist will inspect how the sealants are holding up to make sure that they are protecting the teeth as they should. If the quality of the sealants has been compromised, the dentist will recommend a reapplication, which is a quick and painless process.

It is rather important to teach kids how to make their dental sealants last, though. Some highly recommended tips are to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and to avoid using teeth as tools (such as for tearing open a bag of chips) — while dental sealants are durable, they are not completely impervious to the scratches caused by such friction.

How To Floss Correctly

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FOCUS KEYWORD: How To Floss Correctly

Brushing and flossing are the two main pillars of good oral care. When you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily, you get rid of leftover food particles and plaque in your mouth that can cause cavities, bad breath and other dental problems.

But no matter how consistent you are with your brushing and flossing schedule, you won’t be able to remove all the food debris and plaque if you don’t go through the motions properly. Flossing, in particular, has to be done correctly since this practice ensures that the hard-to-brush areas in your mouth (in-between the teeth and gum line) remain clean and debris-free.

If you want to know how to floss correctly, below is a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Get a piece of floss about 18 to 20 inches long or about the length between the tips of your fingers and your elbow. Wrap the floss around your index and middle fingers on both hands, leaving about one or two inches between your hands to work with.
  2. Gently slide the floss in between two teeth. Wrap it around one of the teeth into a ‘C’ shape around the base and carefully slide it under the gum line. Using the floss, wipe the tooth two to three times from base to tip.
  3. While flossing, do not snap or force the floss since this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue.
  4. Make sure you floss all the sides of each tooth. Always use a clean section of the floss for each tooth to avoid spreading debris and bacteria around your mouth.
  5. Remove the floss by using the same back-and-forth motion to bring the floss up and away from your teeth.

A dentist in Sterling Heights, MI adds some additional tips below for better, more effective flossing:

  • As much as possible, floss in the evening, before going to sleep, so that the plaque between your teeth does not have all night to fester and spread.
  • It is best to brush your teeth after flossing. This is because brushing after flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Do not focus on removing any food stuck between your teeth only. To reap all the benefits of flossing, you have to remove plaque from your teeth as well. This means scraping the tooth’s surface up and down two or three times, moving gently below the gum line and on both sides of each tooth.
  • Although you need to floss gently, you still need to put sufficient pressure to remove plaque. You can do this by pressing firmly against the tooth while moving gently and slowly when guiding the floss under the gum line.

When you floss properly, you’ll always have cleaner, healthier teeth. As such, take the time to learn the correct steps. Also, ask your dentist for additional advice and tips to be sure you will gain the health benefits this oral hygiene practice has to offer.

5 Strategies for Stress-free Dental Visits

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Regular visits to the dental clinic are an integral factor in the goal of achieving excellent oral health

However, some patients deprive themselves of the treatments that they need due to the stress and anxiety they feel inside the environment of a dental clinic.

Apart from that, there are some patients who may visit their dentists regularly for routine treatments like checkups and professional cleanings, but have some misgivings about other types of treatments, like teeth extractions or root canal procedures.

Whatever your reason may be for needing to see a Sterling Heights dentist, here a few strategies that you can use to experience stress-free dental visits.

  1. Acknowledge your feelings

If you are feeling stress because of the procedure you are about to undergo or if you have some fear of being inside the dental clinic, acknowledge your feelings and let your dentist know about these.

As trained professionals, dentists work hard to ensure that their patients not only get the best possible outcomes. Equally important for dental professionals is the idea of providing their patients with the best possible experience before, during, and after a treatment.

  1. Come prepared

Pain is a major concern that hinders many patients from seeing dentists. To a certain degree, this concern is unfounded, with many procedures hardly causing pain and/or discomfort.

However, there are some instances wherein an otherwise healthy patient may feel more pain or discomfort than usual. One is if the patient experiences sensitivity of the teeth and/or gums.

There are a few things you can do to minimize, if not eliminate, the sensitivity of your teeth and gums. These include practicing good oral hygiene habits and using a toothpaste especially formulated for people with sensitive teeth.

  1. It’s all in your mind

The mind is quite powerful. If you feed it with positivity through music and/or visualization, you can stay on top of your stress and receive the treatment that you need.

  1. Seek answers

Sometimes, stress can arise due to uncertainty and misinformation. The quickest way to counter these is to seek correct answers from a trained and trusted professional — your dentist.

  1. Explore your available options

If you are afraid of discomfort or pain, you can ask your dentist about the possibility of numbing the area that he or she is going to work on.

Your dentist can inject an anesthetic or apply a paste on such areas to reduce the pain and discomfort.

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.