Enamel Microabrasion Can Remove Surface Stains, Says Livonia Dentist

Posted July 16, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Would you like a beautiful, lustrous smile? Then consider a couple of teeth whitening treatments. Although having an in-office whitening procedure does prove quite effective, bleaching may not rid your smile of every stain. Therefore, a doctor may recommend enamel microabrasion to ensure you receive top-notch results. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist explains enamel microabrasion and the benefits of the procedure.

Combating Extrinsic Dental Stains

People who have dental stains tend to one or both types of stains: intrinsic or extrinsic. An intrinsic dental stain is one that lives behind the enamel. These stains can occur from certain medications or an excess of fluoride. Intrinsic stains prove quite difficult to remove, yet some whitening treatments, like the KöR bleaching system, can reduce their appearance. Patients should keep in mind, however, that intrinsic stains may not take to a teeth whitening treatment.

An extrinsic stain is one that lives on the surface of the tooth. These stem from certain foods, beverages, and habits like smoking. Typically, when a patient receives a whitening treatment, these stains come off with ease. However, by using both a bleaching treatment and enamel microabrasion—a stain removal method—patients can see a noticeable difference in their smiles.

Combine Teeth Whitening with Enamel Microabrasion for the Brightest Smile

Enamel microabrasion is a method, like teeth whitening, used to remove darker surface stains from teeth. With enamel microabrasion, a compound is applied to the enamel and removed with a dental buffer. This eliminates any yellow, brown, or white spots from the enamel, leaving the surface free of stains.

Many patients also opt for a bleaching treatment after the enamel microabrasion is complete to ensure their smiles become brilliantly white. Once your Livonia dentist has completed both procedures, your teeth should appear much whiter and brighter than before.

Livonia Dentist Offers Exceptional Teeth Whitening Treatments

If you’re planning on having a teeth whitening treatment, using two approaches may produce more noticeable results. For more information on enamel microabrasion, consult with Dr. Stewart. He can highlight all the details of the procedures in his Livonia practice. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Offers Patients Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers

Posted July 11, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Porcelain veneers continue to increase in popularity—especially amongst celebrities. These thin, all-porcelain shells can turn any ordinary smile into a million-dollar one. In fact, beloved actors, such as Tom Cruise, Ben Affleck, and even Hilary Duff have opted for the cosmetic dental procedure.

Even with the praise that these tooth enhancements receive, some people would prefer alternatives to the procedure. To aid those patients, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, suggests procedures that may yield similar results to porcelain veneers.

You Could Use the Following Procedures Instead

Composite veneers. This option falls under the dental bonding category. Composite veneers serve as an exact alternative to porcelain veneers since they’re both classified as a veneer option. However, the key difference is the material. A composite veneer is made from the same material as a white filling. These veneers cost much less and require fewer appointments for placement. Yet, composite veneers don’t have the longevity or aesthetic appeal as the porcelain variety.
Braces. Oftentimes, patients opt for porcelain veneers to correct uneven or crooked teeth. While both procedures may end-up costing about the same in the long run, braces can take up to two years before the desired results have been attained. With veneers, a patient can have brand-new smile in three appointments.
In these instances, your Livonia dentist recommends considering the age of the patient. For example, a teenager who wants straighter teeth is better off having a braces for a couple of years. On the other hand, an adult who wishes to have a better looking smile may benefit more from veneers. It’s quicker, effective, and you wouldn’t have to worry about wearing braces during adulthood.

Teeth whitening. Another common reason why patients choose porcelain veneers is to brighten their smiles. People with stained or discolored teeth can choose to have a teeth whitening treatment instead. Those procedures usually take about 30 minutes to complete and the results produce beautiful, pearl-white teeth.
The only downside to only opting for whitening is that some stains don’t take well to bleaching. In other words, the results you anticipate may not appear, which is a point to consider.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about Cosmetic Dentistry

Your Livonia dentist offers a number of cosmetic dental procedures to transform his patient’s smiles. If you’re considering a cosmetic dental procedure, like porcelain veneers or a similar substitute, talk to Dr. Stewart. Together, you and he can decide which options will provide you with the most successful results. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Learn How to Properly Apply Denture Adhesive from Your Livonia Dentist

Posted July 9, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Many mature adults sport dentures as a popular dental replacement. Typically, if the denture isn’t implant supported, an adhesive is used to secure the teeth in place. However, many people don’t know the proper method for applying denture adhesive. For this reason, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia senior dentist, has formulated a step-by-step guide for a successful denture adhesive application.

The Step-by-Step Guide

Use a small amount. A single dab of adhesive about the size of an eraser—the ones on the back of a wooden pencil—should do trick. Then, apply this amount on the center groove of your dentures. Most importantly, don’t spread the adhesive around.
Apply the same amount to the left side. Apply the same aforementioned amount of adhesive on the left side of the denture groove; repeat this step for the right side. Should you have larger dentures, you may need two dabs on either side of the center groove.
Ensure the fit. After the adhesive has been applied, your Livonia senior dentist recommends testing the dentures. Position the dentures on your gums and check the fit. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort or looseness. If your dentures don’t feel quite right, simply remove them and apply more adhesive; continue this process until the denture is secured in place.
Secure the denture plate. Once your dentures feel comfortable, move on to adjusting the plate. Add a number of dabs of adhesive onto your denture plate and place it in the mouth. Check the fit and make sure the plate is snug, secure, and doesn’t cause any discomfort. If your denture plate doesn’t seem to fit properly, apply more denture adhesive.
Store the adhesive. Immediately after use, replace the cap to the denture adhesive. This prevents the product from drying out. Take care to store the adhesive in a cool, dry place until the next application.

Your Livonia Dentist offers Senior Dentistry

For more helpful tips and hints on denture care, talk to Dr. Stewart. He can offer you suggestions for the most effective cleaning methods and general denture maintenance. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia senior dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Suggests Tips for Proper Porcelain Veneer Care

Posted July 2, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

For patients who want to completely alter the appearance of their smiles, porcelain veneers offer drastic results. The porcelain-made shells cover your existing teeth after some preparatory work. While the difference in your smile is hard to beat with any other procedure, veneers have a certain fragility to them. Veneers require diligent and gentle care and changing a few habits will produce long-lasting results. For this reason, your Livonia general dentist, Dr. James Stewart, offers a few hints to maintaining your smile and veneers beautiful.

Proper Care Determines Veneer Longevity

Watch what you eat. The average lifespan of veneers is up to 15 years; however, the longevity is dependent upon at-home care. If your natural teeth can stain, veneers can too. For coffee, red wine, and sodas drinkers, take care to watch how many of these beverages you’re consuming to avoid heavy stains. Additionally, hard foods can crack and chip porcelain veneers. Therefore, try chewing harder foods with your back teeth to keep the pressure off the veneers.
Continue a teeth cleaning regimen. Veneers require as much care as natural teeth. Daily cleaning that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing can’t falter. Furthermore, visiting the dentist twice-a-year is still necessary. During visits the dentist can detect any issues with your veneers and provide treatment before the problem worsens.
Change toothpastes. Though patients can use any toothpaste they desire, some people have concerns about surface scratches. To avoid any surface damage, use a toothpaste that isn’t very abrasive. Also, if you’re using a toothpaste that’s free of fluoride, use a separate fluoride product at least once a day.
Protect your smile from damage. As with natural teeth, protecting your veneers is crucial, especially during contact sports. If you play particularly rough sports, use a mouthguard. With knocking elbows, knees, and collisions your veneers become more susceptible to chipping.
Have maintenance polishes. Should your veneers become stained, ask your Livonia general dentist for a polish. This may not remove all surface stains, however, it will improve the appearance of your veneers.

Consult Your Livonia Dentist for Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Your Livonia general dentist can make your smile look beautiful and natural with the help of veneers. If you’re considering getting veneers, talk to Dr. Stewart about the procedure. Together, you can decide whether veneers will provide the most successful results. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Some Habits Can Worsen TMD Symptoms, Says Livonia Dentist

Posted June 27, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Millions of Americans suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The most common signs of the disorder include: headaches, ear aches, and a popping jaw. TMD causes great discomfort, yet some patients worsen their syndrome with a few unhealthy habits. In fact, many TMD sufferers developed the disorder because of their persistent teeth grinding. To fully take control of the symptoms, you should complete daily jaw exercises and end any detrimental jaw habits. In this informative blog, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, explains which tendencies worsen TMD.

Recognize the Habits and Put an End to Them

Clenching and grinding teeth. People usually clench their teeth mindlessly. The habit can occur if certain emotions arise, such as: joy, anger, and even during strenuous exercise. This results in a tired, overworked, and sore jaw. If you’re prone to clenching your teeth, set a timer to massage your joints and relax the jaw to prevent additional damage to the socket.Moreover, some patients grind their teeth, which is typically a nighttime habit. Oftentimes, a person becomes aware of their tendency when their jaws pop periodically and the associated pain also settles in.
Biting your lip. Alongside nail biting, biting your lip can ruin your jaw. The TMJ wasn’t meant to experience that kind of downward pressure. Lip biting puts great strain upon the joint, muscles, tendons, and surrounding tissues. If you frequently bite your lip, take to notice when the habit occurs. This will help you recognize the triggers to prevent you from biting your lip.
Gum chewing. As a culprit to popping jaws amongst patients, chewing gum can reek havoc on your jaw. The constant chewing and gnashing causes your jaw to tire easily. For those who chew gum regularly, your Livonia dentist recommends reducing the amount of gum chewed daily.

Get TMD Treatment from Your Livonia Dentist

You can improve your popping jaw by following these daily strengthening techniques. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia dentist call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Mouthguards Can Help Protect Your Child’s Teeth, Says Livonia Dentist

Posted June 25, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Do you have children involved in sports? Then you should seriously consider the health of their teeth. Rigorous sports can reek havoc on teeth, if they’re not properly protected against brunt forces. In this helpful blog, Dr. James Stewart, your 48154 dentist explains available mouthguard varieties and how each function.

The Three Mouthguard Types

Stock mouthguards. This type of mouthguard is ready-to-wear. You can find stock mouthguards at virtually any sporting goods store. Additionally, stock mouthguards don’t cost very much—between $5- $15 per mouth piece. The downside to stock mouth pieces is the sizing. Typically, stock mouthguards comes in small, medium, or large. However, everyone’s mouth differs and using a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t as effective.Furthermore, these mouthguards tend to feel bulky and can make breathing a difficult task. Though some protection is better than none, stock mouthguards may not necessarily work best.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards. Also available in sporting goods stores, these mouthguards have more flexibility in terms of fit. It’s made from a thermoplastic material that softens in hot water. Once the mouthguard is malleable, it’s placed on the teeth and contoured to fit your mouth’s structure. Moreover, this option is still quite affordable in the $20 to $50 range.As with anything, the downfall of this protective mouth piece is that adjusting the shape requires some finesse. If you’re considering this option have your 48154 dentist help you create the first set.
Custom-fitted mouthguards. A custom-made mouthguard is the best way to protect your child’s teeth; yet, it’s the most expensive. These can price in the hundreds of dollars, depending on the dentist. To have one made, the doctor takes impressions of your child’s teeth and sends the model to a lab. Once there, a technician manufactures the mouthguard mold from a specialized material and returns it to the dentist for patient use.

Sports that Require the Use of a Mouthguard

If your child partakes in any of the following activities, they should have some kind of protective covering over their teeth.

Basketball
Football
Rugby
Volleyball
Wrestling
Soccer

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Children’s Dentistry

Your kids can have healthier smiles with the help of your Livonia 48154 dentist. With a mouthguard, your child can play sports without having to worry about the integrity of their oral health. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Suggests Exercises to Improve Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Posted June 20, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

For patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA), sleep is more of a luxury than a daily occurrence. To combat symptoms, one could alter dietary choices, lose weight, and even become a side sleeper. However, few people know that specific exercises can improve sleep apnea symptoms. In fact, those exercises can widen and strengthen the throat and the surrounding tissues, which helps the airways stay open during sleep. In order to provide simple, at-home sleep apnea relief, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart offers OSA treatment.

These Exercises May Help You Sleep Better

For your throat.
- Pretend you’re chewing gum, while making sure your mouth remains closed. Furthermore, add a mmm sound to widen the opening in your throat. After beginning with a few minutes a day, increase the amount of time to build endurance.
- Mimic a yawn, while making sure your mouth is opened as wide as possible. To increase the effectiveness of the exercise, thrust your tongue outward.
- Swallow quickly five times or more while biting your tongue; repeat this several times throughout the day.
For your tongue.
- Lick your lips in a circular, clockwise motion then switch to a counterclockwise movement.
- Stick your tongue out as far as you’re able to and hold the position for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise several times during the day.
- Place your tongue on the back of your upper teeth and make tsk tsk sounds. After completing a minute’s worth, stop to relax and repeat.
For your jaw.
- Before going to sleep, your OSA Livonia dentist suggests clenching a pencil between your teeth for 10 minutes or more to strengthen the muscles in your jaw.
- Move your jaw all the way to the right and hold the position for 30 seconds; repeat the same motion for the left side.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you need some relief from your sleep apnea symptoms, visit your Livonia OSA dentist for treatment options. Dr. Stewart can discuss which method will suit you best. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Learn How to Floss Under a Dental Bridge with Your Livonia Dentist

Posted June 18, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

When patient has one or a few missing teeth, a dentist may recommend a dental implant. While an implanted tooth does prove quite beneficial, the process is a lengthy one. Though the implantation procedure isn’t time consuming, the recovery could take up to six months. Moreover, a patient may have to wait up to year before their dental restoration is fully-functioning.

As a quicker, more affordable alternative, patients could opt for a dental bridge. Though a bridge and an implant have similar benefits, a drawback to a bridge is the differing cleaning method. An implant doesn’t require a special cleaning regimen since it mimics natural teeth; yet, a bridge traps food particles beneath the spaces that lack teeth. To help his patients maintain optimal oral health, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, offers a few tips for flossing with a dental bridge.

Just a Few Steps to a Cleaner Smile

In order to floss beneath your bridge properly, use the following steps as part of your daily oral care regimen.

Use a sufficient piece of floss—about 14 to 16 inches. Then, thread roughly one-third of the floss through the hole of the floss threader.
With the opposite end of the threader, find the portion of the dental bridge sans a tooth and insert the threader until the floss reaches the other side. Then, gently grab the floss and remove the threader.
Wrap the floss ends around two fingers and move the floss across the bridge. Make sure to clean between the grooves of the false teeth on the bridge since bacteria easily lingers in these places.
When you’re finished, remove the floss. Your Livonia dentist instructs his patients to repeat these steps for any remaining dental bridges in your oral cavity.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Dental Bridge Care

For more helpful tips and hints on dental bridge care, talk to Dr. Stewart. He can offer you suggestions for the most effective cleaning method for your bridges. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Routine Dental Checkups Can Prevent Dental Issues, Says Livonia Dentist

Posted June 13, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Every dentist urges his or her patients to receive dental checkups at least twice-a-year. Without regularly inspecting your oral health, minor dental problems can worsen and become increasingly difficult to treat. By offering exceptional dental services, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, can help you preserve your beautiful smile.

The Importance of Dental Checkups

Going to the dentist regularly is simply a precautionary measure. Similar to visiting a physician for a physical, a dental checkup helps the dentist detect any oral issues. For example, discomfort during chewing could indicate an infection within the root canal. In which case, root canal therapy would relieve the symptoms by removing the infected pulp. Moreover, headaches and jaw pain could mean issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). For which Dr. Stewart would prescribe a mouthguard to eliminate further damage to the joint and surrounding tissues. Regardless of the necessary treatment, your Livonia dentist has solution to help you sustain a healthy smile.

Maintaining Top-Notch Oral Health

To offer the finest dental care, your Livonia dentist uses the following dental technology during your dental checkups:

DIAGNOdent. To precisely detect cavities, Dr. Stewart uses the DIAGNOdent unit. This unit comes complete with a wand that’s passed over teeth to measure the amount of demineralization. With a final beep, the reading is displayed on the unit; the dentist then determines whether a filling is necessary.
Intraoral cameras. This digital camera takes detailed pictures of your teeth to accurately diagnose dental issues. With a zoom-in feature, the dentist can spot any troublesome areas he might have missed on sight alone.
Magnification. These surgical telescopes allow Dr. Stewart to make nearly microscopic changes during certain procedures. With magnification, the doctor can provide more thorough dental checkups and treatments.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Preventative Care

Your Livonia dentist has the expertise and knowledge to provide you and your family with excellent preventative care. If you’re looking for a friendly dental office to fulfill your dental needs, then Dr. Stewart is the dentist for you. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Use an Electric Toothbrush for a Cleaner Smile, Says Livonia Dentist

Posted June 11, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Do you ever wonder if you’re brushing correctly? This concern may arise often amongst manual toothbrush users. As a matter of fact, those still using manual brushes probably have issues reaching their molars. Without proper brushing in that area, bacteria lingers and cavities can begin to develop. Instead, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart suggests switching to one of these electric brushes to achieve the healthiest smile.

Try Out These Electric Toothbrushes

Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean. This powerful, yet gentle, five-mode toothbrush is one of the best electric toothbrushes currently available. With an extra toothbrush head and a charging station included, this brush can maintain your smile cleaner by brushing more effectively than manual toothbrush. Though the initial cost is a little high ($220 per set), the replacement toothbrush heads only cost $25 per two pack. Additionally, with the purchase of two replacement heads, you receive roughly six months worth of daily brushing.
Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 5000. This brush comes with a timer to ensure the user is brushing for at least two minutes. As the cheaper option to the Sonicare brush ($160 per set), the Oral-B brush is popular amongst users; however, the handle is slightly heavier than the Sonicare one. Concerning replacement head cost, a set of two costs less than $20. This round, soft-bristled toothbrush is affordable and effective.
BrushPoint Oscillating Clean Power. If you’re considering switching from a manual to an electric toothbrush, you Livonia dentist recommends using this brush as tester. With a small price tag ($4 per brush), there isn’t a huge commitment to an expensive, electric toothbrush. Essentially, BrushPoint created a simple toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. Moreover, there isn’t a need to buy replacement heads and toothbrush is battery operated.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Great Dental Care

For more helpful tips and hints on everyday dental care and oral hygiene, talk to Dr. Stewart. He can offer suggestions the oral care products that suit you best. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.