Take-Home VS. In-Office Teeth-Whitening

bright smile timeChoices are what make modern dentistry so customizable to each patient’s situation. Regardless of your schedule and particular dental needs, Dr. Stewart can help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve with a conservative treatment plan tailored specifically for you. Teeth-whitening, for instance, is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment around, designed to erase teeth stains that, in many cases, are unavoidable. Professional teeth-whitening is the most effective method to brighten your smile, but some patients prefer the convenience of an over-the-counter product they can take home. With the choices we offer at our Livonia cosmetic dentist’s office, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—professional results delivered with optimal convenience.

What Makes Teeth-Whitening Work?

Though they aren’t always easy to differentiate to the untrained eye, there are several different kinds of teeth stains and discoloration. The purpose of teeth-whitening is to provide a quick and easy solution to the most common stains, which occur on or within the outer layers of enamel surrounding your teeth (extrinsic teeth stains). The active ingredient in teeth whitening, usually hydrogen peroxide, can eradicate most extrinsic stains, and the main difference between take-home and in-office procedures is the method and frequency of application.

Brighter Smiles at Home

When your time is limited, quick and easy is about more than convenience; it’s a necessary pace. Since extrinsic teeth stains don’t typically indicate an emergency situation (other than where confidence is concerned), treating them shouldn’t take up too much of your time. During an in-office whitening appointment, Dr. Stewart will carefully apply a prescription-strength whitening gel to your teeth, then activate it with a curing light to stimulate the whitening agents. Your visit will last just over an hour, and you can leave our office with a smile that’s up to 10 shades brighter than when you walked in.

The Convenience of In-Office Treatment

Even if you prefer the freedom of brightening your smile on your own time, you don’t have to settle for a mediocre over-the-counter product. Our take-home whitening kit consists of a professional-strength bleaching agent and a set of custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth. The trays allow you to apply the gel evenly over your teeth’s surfaces, and when applied as directed, you may see noticeable results within the first few days. On average, take-home whitening requires 10-14 days to reach optimal results.

ABOUT YOUR LIVONIA COSMETIC DENTIST:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

How to Reinvent Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

excited about new smileDental veneers have contributed to the “Hollywood Smile” concept since the 1930s, when they were first created to improve the smiles of actors with poorly cared-for teeth. Since then, the construction and application of dental veneers have improved vastly, and they’ve helped countless people outside of Hollywood achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted. Even if you have more than one issue to contend with, today’s porcelain veneers can completely reinvent your smile in a single procedure, and without disturbing much of your healthy tooth structure. (more…)

Top 3 Myths About RCT, and the Truths Behind Them

fact arrow through mythsIf asked to describe root canal therapy to someone who had never heard of it, how would you portray it? Would you describe a safe, effective, and often-necessary procedure designed to save infected teeth? Or would your narrative sound more like a frightened retelling of a traumatic dental experience? How you describe something reflects your understanding of it, and for many people, the understanding of root canal therapy can be clouded by secondhand-myths and long-debunked research.

#1—“I’ve heard that it hurts.”

Before the advent of anesthesia, nearly everything hurt, and the myth about root canal treatment causing discomfort likely originated before local anesthesia was a routine part of dental treatment. Before the procedure begins, Dr. Stewart will numb the tooth and surrounding tissues with a local anesthetic. After the infected tissues inside your tooth are removed, and the rest of your tooth is restored, the pain you felt before treatment will finally dissipate.

#2—“I’ve heard you can get sick from root canal treatment.”

In the 1920s, when most mechanisms behind dental health were not yet understood, Dr. Weston A. Price postulated that endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, led to diseases in the body. Despite Dr. Price’s theories being thoroughly debunked by more modern research in the 1950s, this belief is still widely spread. The truth, though, is that removing a tooth’s infected pulp, which is connected to roots that extend into the jawbone, helps stop the spread of bacterial infection. If you grow sick or feverish, it may be because an abscess has formed on the tooth, or on the jawbone surrounding it.

#3—“I’ve heard that it’s better just to extract the tooth.”

Because he believed that endodontics caused illness, Dr. Price heavily advocated tooth extraction as an alternative. Today, many patients still think extraction would be better, since it typically costs less up front. When you extract a tooth, the bacteria in your mouth have a greater chance of entering your bloodstream while the tissues heal. To preserve the integrity of the rest of your teeth and your jawbone, you’ll eventually have to replace the extracted tooth, preferably sooner rather than later. However, if you hesitate too long, then a tooth extraction may be the only option left by the time you seek treatment.

About Your Livonia Restorative Dentist:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

You Have Dental Implant Questions—We Have Answers

little man q&aThere’s strength in numbers, especially when it comes to your teeth. You need a full set for your mouth to operate properly, and if you lose one, then replacing it is more important than just restoring your smile’s appearance. With the unique ability to replace your lost teeth’s roots, and a success rate of over 95%, dental implants have quickly become the preferred solution to replacing lost teeth.

What are dental implants made of?

As the name suggests, a dental implant is a small device that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone. The secret to their success lies in their biocompatible titanium construction, which allows your jawbone to fuse to the implants’ surfaces as it heals. After about 4-6 months, your dental implant(s) will become a part of your jawbone’s anatomy to provide unmatched support for your dental prosthesis.

What if I already wear dentures or a dental bridge?

Although they’ve revolutionized our approach to rebuilding smiles that have suffered tooth loss, dental implants don’t make conventional replacement teeth obsolete. On the contrary, implants serve to improve traditional replacement teeth by adding the support of a prosthetic root. In addition, your dentures will no longer slip and lose their grip, since they’re stabilized by implants instead of dental adhesives.

Do I have to undergo surgery?

By definition, placing dental implants requires surgery to situate the root devices within the jawbone. If you’ve suffered significant jawbone deterioration, which typically occurs following tooth loss, then you may have to undergo prerequisite surgery, such as a jawbone graft, to restore its density and structural integrity.

Will I have to replace my dental implants after a few years?

The benefits of receiving dental implants extend far beyond more stable replacement teeth; replacing lost teeth roots also helps stem the jawbone deterioration that results from lost teeth roots. Dentures most often slip because of a shrinking jawbone and dental ridge, and frequently require replacement. Dental implants, however, can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Your dental crown, bridge, or denture may require replacement after a decade or two of continuous use, but your new prosthesis can be situated on top of your existing implants.

About Your Livonia Implant Dentist:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

How Cavities and Gingivitis Affect Dental Implants

mature man brushing his teethLosing a tooth isn’t something you’re likely to forget, but with the right dental prosthesis, your smile can look and function as though it never happened. The most comprehensive tooth replacements are supported by dental implants, which are surgically inserted into the jawbone where your teeth once were. Implants replace your teeth’s roots the way bridges and dentures replace their crowns (top portions), providing a more stable and long-lasting solution to tooth loss. Their longevity, however, depends largely on how well you take care of them, and how effectively you can keep them safe from developing dental diseases. (more…)

The Beauty, and Function, of Tooth-Colored Fillings

beautiful smart smileWouldn’t it be nice if you could treat your cavities or other dental health issues without leaving noticeable evidence? With tooth-colored fillings, you can. For over a century, metal amalgam has been the dental filling material of choice. While the metal fillings are strong, durable, and highly effective, the metallic flash that the fillings add to your smile can diminish its aesthetic value. Instead of amalgam, Dr. Stewart typically recommends tooth-colored dental fillings comprised of innovative, white composite resin, which holds more than just a cosmetic advantage over their metal amalgam predecessors.

What Your Tooth Filling Should Accomplish

The need for a dental filling after treating a cavity stems from the tooth’s inability to repair its own structure when damaged (like bones and other body tissues normally can). Tooth decay is a progressive disease that destroys a tooth’s structure as it advances towards the center. To stop this advancement, Dr. Stewart will remove the decayed tissue, clean out any lingering bacteria and infection, and replace the removed tooth structure with a dental filling to restore its structural integrity. Ideally, the filling should seal and protect the tooth’s vulnerable inside from further bacterial infection while simultaneously reinforcing the tooth to restore its proper function.

Improving an Old Concept

Made from a mixture of silver, mercury, zinc, and other trace metals, amalgam fillings are strong and can last a long time with proper care and maintenance. Like most metals, however, amalgam is subject to hot and cold temperatures, expanding and contracting (respectively) when exposed to either. If an amalgam filling contracts, it can create spaces between the filling and tooth, allowing oral bacteria to reenter the tooth’s interior and finish the destruction it started. If the metal filling expands, the inflexible tooth will be unable to accommodate it and may crack, fracture, or completely break. This flaw, coupled with the unsightly metal flashes when a patient smiles and speaks, can make the traditional restorations less-than-ideal. By contrast, composite resin is tinted to match a tooth’s natural color, and the material is bonded to the tooth’s surface for a more effective seal and improved structural support.

About Your Livonia Dentist:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

A Dental Prosthetic for Everyone

older smileA lost tooth isn’t something you should ignore. Even if it isn’t obvious when you smile, the loss can seriously affect the teeth that remain, as well as the jawbone that once supported it. With every tooth lost, your oral health can continue to deteriorate, and replacing lost teeth with an appropriate dental prosthetic is the only way to preserve your smile. With a variety of comfortable, durable, and long-lasting replacement teeth, Dr. Stewart can help you find the right dental prosthetic to restore your smile’s beauty and function. (more…)

How Tooth Loss Affects Your Facial Appearance

elderly confident smileWith one or more teeth missing, your smile won’t look the same. With your mouth closed, however, the loss might not affect your facial appearance. At least, not at first. When ignored, missing teeth affect more than your immediate smile; the loss can also cause your jawbone to lose density, or deteriorate, from a lack of stimulation. Over time, jawbone deterioration will become more apparent as the structures surrounding your smile begin to sag—a condition known as facial collapse. While replacing lost teeth with a dental bridge, partial, or full denture can restore your smile’s appearance, the traditional dental prostheses only replace the tops of your teeth, and can’t stem the destruction that occurs within your jawbone.

What Happens When You Lose Teeth?

The crowns of your teeth are the visible parts that rest above the gum line, and are what make up the ranks of your smile. Still, a crown is only half of a tooth; the root, which extends underneath the gum line, is embedded in your underlying jawbone. When you bite and chew your food, the roots of your teeth are stimulated by the pressure, telling your body to send your jawbone minerals and nutrients to support them. Losing a tooth means losing a root, as well as the stimulation it provides, and your body responds by sending its nutrients elsewhere.

You Can Stop Facial Collapse

The more teeth you’ve lost, the faster facial collapse can develop. Patients who’ve lost all of their teeth on one or both of their dental ridges often rely on dentures to restore their mouth’s beauty and function. Many of them are also familiar with the need to replace dentures that no longer fit due to a shrinking dental ridge. To prevent facial collapse and better stabilize your replacement teeth, Dr. Stewart may recommend one or more dental implants, which are surgically inserted into your jawbone. Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium, allowing your jawbone to fuse to their surfaces and restore the stimulation that was lost with your missing teeth’s roots.

About Your Livonia Dentist:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

Interesting, and Important, Facts About Your Teeth

realistic image of teethWhen it comes to your dental health, knowledge is power. If you didn’t know that brushing your teeth everyday was important, then you probably wouldn’t, and your teeth can’t last long in the midst of consistently poor hygiene. Still, there are some things about your teeth that aren’t common knowledge, but knowing them could help you save your smile. For instance, teeth don’t act like other tissues in your body, and when a dental issue develops, it might be more dire of a situation than you realize.

Did You Know?

  • The strongest human bite was once measured at just over 250 lbs. of pressure. The average is less, around 170-200 lbs. of pressure, mostly on the back molars. Keeping your teeth healthy with good hygiene and professional care equates to keeping your teeth and their enamel strong enough to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing.
  • Even though your teeth wouldn’t last long without your attention, they aren’t completely helpless. In fact, good hygiene focuses on supporting your teeth’s formidable defenses. The enamel that surrounds your teeth is so resilient that it has inspired scientists to study its composition for the future of aerospace engineering.
  • Tooth enamel isn’t just the strongest substance your body produces; it’s the second-most resilient substance on earth, besides diamonds. Nevertheless, if enamel or the tooth structure underneath it is damaged, it can’t repair itself. Likewise, after your adult teeth have grown in, you won’t grow any replacements if one or more of them are lost. The importance of restorative dentistry lies in saving teeth that are damaged or diseased from being completely destroyed.
  • Although humans don’t grow an extra set of replacement teeth once the permanent ones have erupted, many people grow more teeth than they need, or can comfortably accommodate. “Wisdom teeth” is the informal name given to the last, or third set, of molars, which erupt between the ages of 17-25 (the age of wisdom). If your dental ridge can accommodate them, then the four extra molars can help increase your bite’s effectiveness. If they become impacted, or impeded by existing teeth, then they’ll likely need an extraction to restore peace to your remaining 28 teeth.

About Your Livonia Dentist:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

What Fluoride Does for Your Teeth

tooth and fluoride modelFluoride is one of the most popular ingredients in a number of different dental hygiene products. The mineral is well-known for its ability to help ward off cavity development, and can be found in municipal water supplies across the US. Though most people can easily recognize the name, fluoride, not as many people understand how it works to protect teeth from the most common chronic disease in the world. The secret of fluoride’s effectiveness lies in how it interacts with your teeth’s natural defenses, strengthening them against the bacteria that dwell in your mouth. (more…)