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.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

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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?

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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.

How Dental Bridges Benefit Patients

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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

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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.

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.

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