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 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.

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.

How is In-Office Teeth Whitening Done?

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 As you grow older, your teeth naturally lose their brightness due to the effects of the foods and drinks that you consume, medication, genetics, and many other factors. However, you don’t have to live with stained or discolored teeth because there are several options that you can select from to whiten your teeth. One option, whose popularity is growing rapidly, is the in-office teeth whitening. Results from in-office teeth whitening show sooner than the results of whitening your teeth using a DIY kit bought over-the-counter. Here are the steps that the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI will follow as they whiten your teeth professionally.

Step #1: Taking Records

The first step that Dr. Fardi Farhat, a Sterling Heights dentist, will take is to record the baseline shade of your teeth. This baseline is the current shade of your teeth when you come to the office.

Your dentist will then show you a shade guide as you discuss how bright you would like your smile to be. Note that experienced dentists like Dr. Fardi Farhat will recommend the most appropriate level of brightening that would bring out the best from your smile without making your teeth look too unnatural. Once the goal of how bright your teeth should be is agreed upon, the next steps follow in rapid succession.

Step #2: Thorough Cleaning

The teeth whitening compound will not be effective if the surfaces of your teeth are coated by plaque and tartar. Dr. Fardi Farhat or any other dental care professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI will, therefore, polish your teeth using pumice so that all the plaque is removed.

Step #3: Mouth Isolation

A piece of gauze will then be placed in your mouth to keep the teeth that have just been polished dry. Additionally, retractors may also be used to keep your lips, cheeks, and tongue out of the way for the teeth whitening solution. A barrier is also placed along the gum line to protect your gums from being damaged by the teeth whitening solution.

Step #4: Application of the Whitening Solution

The next step is to apply the teeth whitening solution on the front surfaces of your teeth. The most commonly used solution is hydrogen peroxide, but the professionals at Dental One Care can also use carbamide peroxide as a bleaching agent.

Step #5: Curing

Laser light is often needed to cure or activate the whitening compound applied on your teeth. However, some bleaching agents don’t require this special light. Instead, the bleaching agent is reapplied several times. Once the curing light has been applied, the bleaching solution is left on the teeth for about 30 minutes before it is rinsed off.

Step #6: Fluoride Treatment

This step isn’t necessary for everyone. However, for some patients, such as those who have a history of teeth sensitivity, a fluoride treatment is provided to deal with any sensitivity that could result after the teeth whitening procedure. For most people, this is the final step and they leave with a brighter smile.

However, some professional teeth whitening techniques require you to make an additional visit or visits to the Dental One Care office for additional treatments before your teeth can reach the desired shade of white. In such a case, Dr. Fardi Farhat will schedule out all those visits so that when you leave, you will know when each visit is scheduled.

Before you leave the dental office, our dentists in Sterling Heights will advise you about what you should or shouldn’t eat or drink within the first 24 hours after your teeth whitening procedure. The things to avoid are especially pigmented foods and drinks, such as coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, beets, yellow mustard and tobacco products. These substances can stain your recently-whitened teeth, so avoiding them in that timeframe allows the whitening products to cure on the teeth.

Professional DIY Teeth Whitening Kits

If you find the in-office teeth whitening procedure to be very expensive since your insurance doesn’t cover it, the next best option is to get a professional teeth whitening kit that you use at home. We asked our friend, Dr. Christopher Green, a cosmetic dentist in Parker, Colorado, about his opinion about DIY teeth whitening kits. Dr. Green says that teeth whitening kits will get the job done but in-office teeth whitening gives you instant results and it last longer. 

This kit can be custom-made for you at Dental One Care. Dr. Fardi Farhat starts by taking an impression of your teeth and then sending this mold to a dental lab. In about two weeks, the teeth whitening trays will be ready.

Once you receive the tray from the Sterling Heights dentist, all you have to do is to put drops of the specially formulated whitening agent in the tray before placing the tray on your teeth for about an hour each day. This is repeated daily for two weeks as your teeth gradually whiten to the desired shade.

Professional at-home teeth whitening kits offer better results when compared to over-the-counter teeth whitening products available on the market. So, take your pick between having your teeth whitened at Dental One Care by an experienced professional or having a custom tray made so that you can whiten your teeth at home. Regardless of the option that you choose, Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire Dental One Care team in Sterling Heights will be available to help you in any way possible so that you retain your bright smile for years to come.

 

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 Choose a Dental Crown

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If you have just undergone a root canal, or your tooth was extensively damaged due to physical trauma, or you lost a tooth and want to replace it with an implant-supported restoration, your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend that you have a crown placed. One of the major decisions that you will have to make subsequent to deciding to get a crown is choosing the material from which that crown can be fabricated. The experts at Dental One Care recommend that you read this blog to the end so that you can have the information you need to make the best choice when faced with that question.

Gold Crowns

In the past, gold was the most common material from which dental crowns were made. Today, this material is no longer as popular because of the prohibitive cost of gold. For example, an ounce of gold can cost upwards of $1,300! Another reason why gold crowns aren’t as common is that these crowns aren’t esthetically pleasing since they don’t resemble natural teeth.

However, gold is an excellent choice if the crown will be placed in a part of the mouth that isn’t visible when you smile, such as at the back of your mouth. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI explains that gold is a very good choice for a crown because it has a long track record of not causing any reactions or sensitivities when it is placed in the mouth.

Additionally, the Sterling Heights dentist says gold crowns are very strong and will easily take in stride all the bite forces exerted upon them while you chew. This is the primary reason why these crowns have been known to last for 40 or more years.

Another reason why you should consider gold crowns is that preparing your tooth for this type of crown doesn’t involve removing a lot of enamel from the tooth. This minimal preparation is important because you will be less likely to develop sensitivity to temperature extremes or pressure. If you can afford the cost, a gold crown would, therefore, be the best option for you.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns

If a pure gold crown is out of reach for you, porcelain fused to metal crown can be a good way to enjoy the strength of gold without incurring the high cost of pure gold crowns. For PFM crowns, the substructure or core is made from gold or any other precious or semi-precious metal. These include platinum and palladium. The exterior or visible part of this crown is made from porcelain.

Dr. Fardi Farhat reveals that PFM crowns usually have a metal rim that is visible at the bottom of the crown. This rim can eventually show through when your gums recede, and this can detract from the visual appeal of the crown.

In terms of durability, PFM crowns can last between 7 and 12 years, so you can see how superior gold crowns are on durability alone.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Sterling Heights dentists may recommend a stainless steel crown, but these tend to be temporary. This explains why children whose milk teeth have decayed extensively or those that are too weak to support a filling are treated with stainless steel crowns.

This crown covers the entire tooth, just as crowns typically do. As the milk or baby tooth grows, the stainless steel crown grows with it and will come off once that baby tooth makes way for the permanent tooth.

Note that stainless steel crowns aren’t aesthetically appealing, but you can contact Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI and talk to Dr. Fardi Farhat about other options that are more esthetic for your kid.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are also referred to as all-ceramic dental crowns. These crowns are the most common these days because they look like natural teeth and a casual observer cannot know that you have a crown in your mouth.

Porcelain crowns are also suitable for teeth in any part of your mouth, so there are no limitations on where they can be placed. They are popular because they don’t cause users to develop tooth sensitivity as is the case when you have crowns made from metal. Porcelain also doesn’t trigger any sensitivities, so they are good for people who have a history of reacting to metal crowns.

Types of Porcelain Crowns

When you visit Dental One Care for porcelain crowns, Dr. Fardi Farhat will assess you and select from one of two types of these crowns. The first is the e.Max porcelain crown. This crown can be made and placed on the same day when you visit, and it forms a very strong bond with your tooth.

The second type of porcelain crown is one made from Zirconia. This is the strongest type of porcelain used to make dental crowns and advancements in dental technology have made it possible to make this crown virtually identical to natural teeth. However, Zirconia crowns don’t bond as strongly with the tooth as is the case with e.Max porcelain crowns.

What You Need to Know About Porcelain Crowns

There are a few downsides that you need to know about all types of porcelain dental crowns. First, these crowns will crack or break more easily when compared to other types of crowns. Secondly, these crowns can accelerate the rate at which the opposing teeth wear out due to the contact between the porcelain and the natural teeth. Furthermore, preparing a tooth for a porcelain crown requires the removal of a significant amount of enamel, unlike what happens for gold crowns, for example.

In terms of durability, porcelain crowns last anywhere between 5 and 10 years. As already mentioned, the care you provide for these crowns will protect them from fracturing or cracking, and this will be beneficial to their durability.

Note that because people are different, a dental crown material that is appropriate for one person may not be advisable for another person. For this reason, it is better for you to visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can examine you, take your medical history and then recommend the most appropriate dental crown material for your needs.

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?

 

The Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

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What are the pros and cons of dental veneers? Well, dental veneers are an excellent way to enhance your smile, especially if you have chipped, cracked, misaligned, malformed or discolored teeth. For any of these problems, porcelain veneers offer a perfect solution.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are made from porcelain, which is the same color as your tooth. These veneers resemble thin shell that work as a covering for the surface of your teeth. It is one of the most demanded cosmetic dentistry treatment which gives you a bright smile with renewed confidence.

At Dental One Care, our dentist is experienced in providing highly-effective porcelain veneer treatment to help you restore your confidence and smile.

Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

Just like any other treatment, it is essential that you know the pros and cons of porcelain dental veneers before you undergo the treatment. For your convenience, Sterling Heights dentist has put together some common pros and cons. These will help you determine whether porcelain veneers are right for you or not.

Benefits of Porcelain Dental Veneers

Give You an Enhanced Smile

As already mentioned, dental veneers offer an easy and quick way to improve your smile. Due to years of smoking, drinking caffeinated drinks or taking pigmented foods, eventually, turns your teeth yellowish.

Dental veneers are generally resistant to stains, so you won’t have to worry about whitening your teeth or whitening your veneers for a long time. These give you a naturally enhanced and picture-perfect smile, improving your overall appearance.

Minimally Invasive Dental Treatment than Crowns

In the case of dental crowns, your natural tooth needs to undergo extensive grinding to prepare it for the treatment. Porcelain dental veneers, on the other hand, are minimally invasive options as they don’t require removal of your tooth enamel and have stronger bonds than conventional crowns.

Helps Fix Minor Cosmetic Dental Issues

Minor tooth problems, such as mildly gapped or crooked teeth, are usually treated with braces, but in some cases, dental veneers can also help. These veneers can cover minor dental issues once they are attached to your teeth.

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental veneers. Dr. Kacos says veneers are one of the most common cosmetic treatments in dentistry because of the results. Your actual teeth may remain crooked or gapped, but others won’t know about it. However, it would be best if you remember that dental veneers cannot always treat all orthodontic issues and Dental One Care may recommend some other orthodontic treatment for your dental problems.

Drawbacks of Porcelain Dental Veneers

Irreversible/Permanent Treatment

Dental veneer treatment is considered permanent because your tooth surface enamel is removed to place the veneers on your natural teeth. Once porcelain dental veneers are placed on your teeth, they can’t be removed. If you take proper care, dental veneers can last for about 15-20 years.

Increased Sensitivity

After you get dental veneers, you may feel uncomfortable and more sensitive to hot or cold food. However, this condition may last for just a few days following the treatment because your tooth enamel is slightly exposed before placing the veneer, which causes mild sensitivity.

Veneers Are Not Unbreakable

It’s true that dental veneers are highly durable, but they are not unbreakable. If you eat hard-to-chew foods or have a habit of teeth grinding, then your veneers can chip, damage or fall off. You should follow a regular and proper dental and oral care routine to protect your veneers and smile.

At Dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, Dr. Farhat provides you an in-depth consultation regarding the available cosmetic dental treatment options. As a professional and experienced dentist, Dr. Farhat spends ample time to understand your concerns and suggest the right treatment for you!

Myths About Dental Implants

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6 Myths That Shouldn’t Stop You from Getting Dental Implants

You may be hesitant to ask your dentist to recommend dental implants because of some of the rumors you could have heard about these implants. In this article, Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care, shares some myths and the truth about dental implants.

Myth #1: Implants Don’t Look Natural

Many people refrain from getting dental implants because they believe that the implants will look fake once they are placed in their mouth. Nothing could be further from the truth. Before implants are placed, a lot of time is devoted to matching the top visible part of those implants (the crowns) to your natural teeth so that it will be hard for a casual observer to realize that you have implants. In fact, many patients at Dental One Care admit that it takes longer for other people to accept that they have implants even when they reveal this information to them.

Myth #2: Dental Implants Require Special Care

Another common misconception about dental implants is that you will be required to care for them in a special way once they are installed. This isn’t true. People with dental implants engage in the same oral care practices like brushing twice a day and flossing once each day just like those without implants. You don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary to maintain oral hygiene when you have dental implants.

Myth #3: Dental Implants Aren’t Safe

This myth may be propagated by those who think that any foreign material in the body or mouth is dangerous. However, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, explains that dental implants are made from titanium. This material was selected because it is stable, long lasting and is rarely rejected by the body. Consequently, anyone who complains about jaw pain or any other issue may be suffering from another problem rather than having those symptoms attributed to the dental implants. The best approach to take in that case is to visit Dental One Care or any other Sterling Heights dentist so that the cause of the problem you are facing can be identified and resolved before it compromises your dental implants.

Myth #4: The Healing Time Lasts Forever

It is not true that you will take “forever” to recover after undergoing dental implant surgery. In fact, most people are back to work within three days after undergoing this surgery. Nevertheless, care must be taken in the first six months after the surgery as the implants are fusing with your jawbone. During this time, your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may advise you to refrain from biting or chewing hard substances, such as hard nuts, so that the implants can have a chance to form a strong bond with the jawbone. Thereafter, you can use your new teeth as you would use the natural ones.

Myth #5: Dental Implants Are Very Expensive

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental implants. Dr. Kacos says that while it is true that the initial cost of dental implants is higher than the cost of other options, such as dental bridges and dentures, the long-term cost of the implants is relatively low. This is because the dental implants often last a lifetime (at least 30 years), so when you spread out their cost across all those years then the cost pales dramatically. This is unlike options like dentures that may break and be replaced in a few years in addition to requiring to be relined each year. Those routine maintenance costs add up over time and these other alternatives start becoming less attractive when you factor in the cost and inconveniences of the repeat treatments.

Myth #6: The Surgery is Painful

This myth has spread and taken on an air of truth simply because most laypeople cannot comprehend how a surgical procedure to place “metals” in your jaw can be painless. Contrary to this misconception, dental implant surgery is painless. Dr. Farhat explains that dental surgery has advanced so much that the pain that people used to feel during simple procedures like deep cleanings can now be eliminated through sedation dentistry. You should, therefore, avoid worrying that you will experience excruciating pain during or after the dental implant surgery. The Sterling Heights dentist can also prescribe some painkillers to alleviate the mild discomfort that you may feel after the surgery.

As you can see, it may at times be hard for you to separate truth from myth. The best way to be certain that the information you have is accurate is by talking to an expert, such as Dr. Farhat so that you can make an informed decision. Visit us at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI for all your concerns about dental implants or anything else connected to your dental health. Our experts are waiting to serve you and ensure that you enjoy excellent oral health all the days of your life.

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

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