Has the idea of brightening up your smile crossed your mind but you are not quite sure where to begin? Before you run to the local drugstore for over-the-counter whitening solutions, do yourself a favor and take a look at a list of FAQs we have gathered. By learning the answers to common questions about professional teeth whitening services, you may feel more excited and confident about this cosmetic treatment. In addition, you will know just what to ask the next time you visit us, so we can clear up any confusion, while working with you to determine the best whitening system for your smile goals. In the meantime, we hope you will take a look through the following:
The Benefits of Pediatric Visits
You do everything you can to protect your son or daughter. You also do everything you can to protect his or her smile. We understand that you may have a hard time scheduling your little one’s first appointment – especially if you had dental experiences in the past that were less than thrilling. However, we feel passionate about providing comfortable, enjoyable dental care to our youngest patients. With this in mind, we hope you will consider the benefits of pediatric visits and encourage you to call us with any questions.
Could Your Teeth Be Stronger?
Most of us learn to keep our teeth clean as children, and throughout the rest of our lives, with proper dental hygiene at home. However, besides staying clean, your teeth also need to remain strong enough to perform their duties, such as biting and chewing your food, without suffering damage. In addition to good dental hygiene, you can maintain stronger teeth with a well-balanced diet and a regular schedule of professional dental care. (more…)
Happy Holidays from Your Dental Team
We are always so thrilled to see your smiling faces when you visit our practice, and hope you feel just as vibrant and joyous during this holiday season. While we hope the first thing on your mind is scheduling your next dental checkup and cleaning, we recognize you may be a bit preoccupied with the exciting holiday festivities. To make your special time a bit more enjoyable, we encourage you to try out the following seasonal treat (with hopes you will remember to brush your teeth afterwards, of course). Enjoy, and from our entire team, happy holidays! (more…)
Quiz: How Do I Relieve A Chronic Headache?
A painful headache can bring your day to a halt. What causes sudden and lasting head discomfort? In many cases, common dental health issues, including TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding) can lead to this problem. Fortunately, treatment options exist for easing discomfort and addressing these issues.
The Basics of Porcelain Veneers
Once upon a time, porcelain veneers were adhered to teeth through the use of the same substance that we temporarily secures dentures in place. This meant that veneers would be more akin to false eyelashes – something you could put on for a few hours when you had a special occasion, but not something you could expect to adorn your smile for years on end. Luckily, the technology has come a long way, and veneers are now one of the most popular long term ways to makeover a flawed smile.
Shining Up Your Smile
Smiles do more than just help you snag a date, or make a nice picture. Every day, we smile, and it bridges gaps and gives off impressions. People that are uncomfortable or self-conscious due to a large amount of necessary dental work are likely to avoid smiling. Have you ever seen someone cover their mouth to avoid you seeing their teeth, or attempt to smile with their lips closed? Simply making that first phone call to consult with your Dr. Stewart and find out which dental work can makeover your smile can set you down the path of being able to beam brightly rather than hiding you’re your grin. (more…)
Time For Tree Lighting
The colder weather has made its arrival and the holiday season’s fun festivities are afoot. What more exciting way to enjoy this magical time than with our Livonia tree lighting? It’s a cozy event the whole family can enjoy. So put on your coat, mittens, and hat, and get ready for a fun evening under the spectacle of lights that makes this time of year feel so special.
Tooth-Colored Fillings: True-or-False Quiz
Nobody gets too excited about a cavity, but a tooth-colored filling? Understanding the benefits can certainly make the experience something to smile about. While you may think you’re in for a run-of-the-mill filling, this restorative dental solution actually provides a wide variety of advantages that you may be overlooking by focusing on tooth decay. Test your knowledge and scheduling your trip for your white filling may start to sound better than you thought it could.
Your Quiz
You know that ignoring your cavity will only give it time to grow, but metal fillings of the past have left much to be desired. With today’s advances in technology, we offer you tooth-colored fillings, so you can say goodbye to tooth decay and hello to improved oral health. Need a little more convincing? Learn more with the following quiz questions:
- A white filling will cause just as much sensitivity as a metal one
- Choosing this filling will provide you with long-term wear
- Everyone will be able to see that you received a filling
- This treatment is more accessible than amalgam fillings
- A composite filling may allow the dentist to preserve more of your natural tooth when compared with alternative solutions
Your Answers
- False. Unlike metal, composite will does not conduct heat or cold. This means your filling will not result in temperature-based sensitivity.
- True. Today’s tooth-colored fillings provide you with long-term wear. Unlike metal, they bond directly to your tooth. Because they do not grow and shrink like metal, your chances of fractures or filling loss is greatly decreased.
- False. Aside from your dentist, nobody will be able to tell that you have a filling. This includes you!
- True. Because it is metal free, composite is safe for use by people with metal allergies as well as pregnant women.
- True. Your dentist will typically not need to remove as much of your tooth tissue for a white filling, which often extends the structural integrity and life of your tooth.
About Your Livonia Dentist:
James R. Stewart, Jr, DDS, PC 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.
Is Smokeless Tobacco any Less Harmful?
Are you one of the many people who think chewing tobacco is safer than smoking it? Some people think that because they are not inhaling cigarette or pipe smoke, they won’t get cancer associated with smoking. However, just because chewing tobacco is smokeless, doesn’t mean it’s any less harmful to your oral health. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains why smokeless tobacco isn’t any less harmful.
Town Peddler Craft & Antique Mall
With the holidays right around the corner you may already be thinking about that special gift for that special person. If you’re looking for something unique, an addition to a collection, or a conversation piece for your living room wall, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, suggests visiting the Town Peddler Craft & Antique Mall in Detroit, only twenty-three minutes from Livonia.