While dental treatments are often essential for maintaining oral health or achieving a dazzling smile, it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects associated with them. From teeth whitening to dental fillings and root canals, each procedure can come along with its own side effects. So before undergoing any dental treatment, ease your mind by talking with your dentist in Canton about potential side effects, what to expect after a procedure, and the best course of action for you.

Cosmetic Dentistry & Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic dentistry has gained popularity over the years, with people seeking various procedures to enhance their smiles. One of the most sought-after treatments is teeth whitening. A bright, pearly white smile can boost confidence, but what are the potential side effects of this procedure?

Teeth whitening often involves the use of bleaching agents that can penetrate the enamel to remove stains. This process can lead to temporary tooth sensitivity, where individuals experience discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.

In some cases, the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening can irritate the gums, causing redness and mild discomfort. However, choosing a professional whitening treatment in the comfort of your dentist’s office instead of an at-home product can help minimize the risk of gum irritation during the procedure. 

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a common treatment for cavities, restoring the structure and function of damaged teeth. Whether you choose traditional silver amalgam fillings or modern tooth-colored fillings, both treatments can have side effects. 

Patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after getting a filling. This sensitivity usually subsides quickly, but it’s essential to be aware of this possibility.

After your dentist places a filling, they will file it down to match the size, shape, and height of the original area. However, if the filling sits too high, you may experience jaw or tooth discomfort. The solution is easy – just call your dentist in Canton for a quick and painless adjustment. 

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is often feared but it’s a necessary procedure to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. While it’s a highly successful treatment, some side effects may occur.

After a root canal, patients might experience some discomfort or mild pain, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. This discomfort is temporary and should subside as the tooth heals.

Different dental procedures may be necessary for a variety of different concerns, and we understand that you may feel uneasy about getting treatment. However, taking care of problems early is a crucial part of maintaining oral health. We encourage you to talk with your dentist in Canton about the pros and cons, as well as any side effects, of any recommended treatments to ease your mind and make an informed decision. 

We’re always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. 

Nearly everyone strives to have a white smile. In fact, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine, 80% of Americans between the ages 18 and 49 wish that they had whiter teeth. While there are plenty of different ways to whiten teeth, not all of them show results in the same amount of time. So what do you do when you want to get a whiter smile fast? You turn to your dentist in Canton

Smile Whitening in Canton

If you’re looking to whiten your teeth quickly, turn to your dentist. Professional smile whitening treatments can brighten teeth by several shades in as little as an hour. This procedure is done in the comfort of a dental office and is monitored by a member of the dental team to make sure each tooth is treated and the results are working as expected. Additionally, professional whitening can help keep whitening solution off the gums and eliminate the chance of a reaction and steps can be taken to reduce unwanted side effects such as tooth sensitivity. 

Whitening Strips

While whitening strips are cheaper than professional in-office whitening treatments, they do take time to work, and some products are better than others. Whitening strips, and even most over-the-counter whitening trays, can start to show changes in 3-4 days but can take up to 12 days for them to show their final result. 

Gel & UV Lights

A fairly new product to hit the smile whitening market is a combination product consisting of a whitening gel solution which is activated by a UV light. This tooth whitening treatment is pretty comparable to whitening strips or trays in terms of cost and effectiveness. Teeth should start to brighten in about 10-14 days if used as directed. 

Remember, it’s important to follow all directions when using any type of smile whitening product to reduce the risk of side effects such as tooth sensitivity. 

Cosmetic Dentistry

Not all types of tooth staining can be removed through smile whitening. It’s important to talk with your dentist in Canton prior to starting any whitening treatments to make sure your teeth are healthy enough and that the product you choose will work. If you find out that your tooth discoloration can’t be transformed by whitening products, cosmetic dentistry can help. One of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry used to whiten teeth are dental veneers which can essentially cover up any imperfections you don’t like, including color. 

Everyone deserves to have a smile they’re proud of. So if you’re considering whitening your teeth, schedule a visit with your dentist today to begin your journey to a brighter, whiter smile.  

We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

Cosmetic dentistry is a form of dental care that’s focused on not only improving the look of someone’s smile but also functionality. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can help teeth look whiter, straighter, or more balanced. Depending on your wants and needs, your dentist in Ann Arbor can find the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for you. Here’s a guide to help you decide if cosmetic dentistry is right for you and narrow down which treatment may help you achieve the results you want. 

Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular, if not the most popular, forms of cosmetic dentistry, is smile whitening. Over the past couple of years, whitening your teeth has become easier than ever before as you can purchase over-the-counter whitening products whenever you want. However, your dentist in Ann Arbor wants you to know that not all whitening products will give you the results you’re looking for. In fact, some types of tooth stains can’t be removed by using whitening products alone. That’s why it’s always important to consult your dentist before you decide to try and whiten your smile on your own. This is the best way to make sure you’re finding the best way to whiten your teeth before you invest. 

Dental Veneers

If you find out that your teeth can’t be brightened through teeth whitening treatments, another option that can be used to cover up the staining are dental veneers. Not only can veneers change the color of your teeth, they can also change the size, shape, or length of individual teeth and fill in small gaps. Veneers are applied after your dentist removes a small portion of the front tooth enamel, and they are customized in size, shape, and color to match the rest of your natural teeth. 

Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick and easy form of cosmetic dentistry that can usually be finished in 30-60 minutes. Bonding can help restore the appearance of teeth that have decay, chips, cracks, or need a little reshaping. A tooth-colored resin is applied and molded into the ideal size and shape to give your smile a balanced look. It’s then hardened with a UV light, making it a sturdy restoration. 

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns may often be considered a form of restorative dentistry, but they can also hold a cosmetic purpose. A crown, also known as a cap, covers a tooth in its entirety and can change the size, shape, or strength of a tooth. Crowns may also be used after a root canal in order to make the tooth stronger. Crowns are custom-created to blend seamlessly into a smile. 

There’s no better time than the new year to create a new you, and with your dentist in Ann Arbor, you can do just that. If you’re looking for a way to be more confident in your smile, schedule an appointment or consultation today! 

We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. Call the dentist closest to you to schedule an appointment today!

Hyperdontia, a rare yet completely possible condition, causes people to have more teeth than usual. Typically, kids will have 20 baby teeth, and 32 more will erupt as they get older. But those with hyperdontia grow what are called supernumerary teeth, which are extra teeth that usually grow behind the already erupted teeth. The good news is that hyperdontia isn’t often a serious problem that requires treatment from your dentist in Farmington

What Causes Hyperdontia?

Hyperdontia has no known causes, but there are correlations between it and other inherited conditions such as: 

Hyperdontia Signs

The most obvious sign of hyperdontia is developing more teeth after your full set of either baby or permanent teeth has already arrived. However, if the additional teeth haven’t erupted yet, your dentist in Farmington will be able to see them developing under the gum line through dental x-rays. Hyperdontia doesn’t typically cause pain, but there can be some discomfort in the jaw or gums. 

Shape & Location

The shape and location of supernumerary teeth can vary from person to person, although they’re most likely to appear behind the four front teeth. Different locations include: 

And different shapes can vary from: 

How to Treat Hyperdontia

In situations when treatment for hyperdontia is recommended by your dentist in Farmington, the typical treatment is extracting the extra teeth. However, this only usually happens when necessary. The symptoms that usually require treatment can vary from discomfort in the jaw or gums to problems with proper brushing and flossing. Other times, if a patient is simply unhappy with the way the extra teeth look, treatment and some forms of cosmetic dentistry can help. Treatment for hyperdontia should be completed sooner rather than later, so it’s important to see your dentist in Farmington regularly for exams, x-rays, and cleanings. 

Risks of Hyperdontia

Even though hyperdontia is usually not a big deal, there are some risks associated with the condition. 

If you or a family member notice that you have more teeth than you’re supposed to or feel additional teeth behind or around existing teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist. A quick and gentle exam is the first step to determining if treatment is needed and what would be the best recommendation for you. 

We’re always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, then cosmetic dentistry might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Cosmetic dentistry from your dentist in Farmington Hills can give you a new smile that doesn’t just look more attractive, but can also help boost your confidence and make you feel better about yourself. So whatever you’re looking to fix about your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can help.

Brighten & Whiten

The easiest way to transform your smile is to enhance the color of your teeth. Everyday things, such as the food we eat and the drinks we enjoy, can stain our teeth. But the good news is that you don’t have to live with a smile that’s not as bright or white as you’d like. Your dentist in Farmington Hills can recommend the best smile whitening treatment for you, but here are two of the most popular ways to whiten teeth. 

Whitening Products

Smile whitening products such as a professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist or over-the-counter whitening strips are some of the easiest ways to brighten teeth. However, not all whitening treatments are right for everyone. Always talk with your dentist before starting a smile whitening treatment. 

Veneers

Some teeth staining can’t be removed through smile whitening alone. For these patients, an alternative cosmetic dentistry treatment called veneers can help. These thin pieces of porcelain can cover the natural front surface of teeth and are custom-colored to your ideal shade of white. 

Cover Imperfections

If your teeth need more in-depth treatment, such as covering large areas of discoloration, changing the shape of a tooth or teeth, or filling gaps, there are some additional forms of cosmetic dentistry that your dentist may recommend such as: 

Veneers

We already know that veneers can help cover up minor stains, but they can also help cover chipped teeth, fill in minor gaps between teeth, and fix some unevenness in a smile by reshaping a tooth or covering up crooked teeth for a straighter smile.

Crowns

Dental crowns are often used following a root canal, but then can also be a form of cosmetic dentistry. A crown, or a cap, can also help fill in unwanted gaps and change the size, color, and shape of teeth. 

Straighten a Smile

One of the most common complaints patients have about their smile is that their teeth are crooked. Luckily, there are a variety of forms of cosmetic dentistry that can help straighten teeth. Two of these solutions are mentioned above – veneers and crowns – but if your smile needs more advanced treatment, there are other options. 

Clear Aligners

One of the most popular ways to straighten teeth is to use clear aligners. These plastic aligners will slowly move teeth into their ideal position and should be worn all day, except to eat and brush your teeth. However, clear aligners may not work for everyone, so it’s important to talk with your dentist first. 

Traditional Orthodontics

Besides clear aligners, there is always the option of traditional orthodontics or braces. Your dentist will have more control over your tooth movement with braces and may be more appropriate for people with more uneven teeth. 

Whether you’re looking to correct an existing dental problem or simply want to improve your smile and confidence, cosmetic dentistry can work wonders on even the most challenging cases. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Farmington Hills today. 

Accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

When you think about the best smile you’ve ever seen, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably think of celebrities with perfectly straight, bright white, and gorgeously symmetrical smiles. Chances are, these smiles may have had some type of cosmetic dentistry to look more beautiful. One of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry is dental veneers. But could these thin slices of porcelain actually harm your teeth rather than perfect them? Your Farmington Hills dentist has the answer.  

What Are Dental Veneers? 

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that can be bonded to the front of your teeth to improve your smile and bite appearance. They can cover up tooth discoloration, minor chips and cracks, unevenness, and slight gaps. Dental veneers are super durable and last for years with proper care. Veneers are custom-created for each patient, and the size, shape, and color are all individualized per person.  

How Are Veneers Placed? 

The treatment for dental veneers is usually quick, and can often be completed in two appointments. Your dentist in Farmington Hills will start by conducting a thorough exam to make sure your teeth are healthy and that veneers will give you the smile you’re looking for. Then, the preparation will begin. 

In order to prepare for your veneer placement, your dentist will remove a small layer of enamel on the teeth that will be getting the veneers. Even though this may sound scary and painful, it’s a fairly quick and easy process. Once the area is prepped, you’re ready for placement. 

To fix the veneers to the front surface of your teeth, your dentist will use a cement bonding agent. The bonding material is safe for teeth and will ensure that your new teeth will last a long time. 

Potential Downsides

Veneers are a great cosmetic dentistry option for those looking to elevate their appearance. However, there may be some downsides to the treatment. 

Be Cautious of Online Veneers

It is possible to find snap-on temporary veneers online, but we warn you to be cautious of their low price. These veneers are not a permanent solution and may even cause problems such as shifting of teeth, gum irritation, and recession, as well as make you more susceptible to decay if worn while eating. Veneers ordered online should be used cautiously, if at all. It’s always best to talk with your dentist about any type of dental treatment before taking the DIY approach. 

If you’re ready to explore all of your cosmetic dentistry options, call your dentist to schedule an appointment today! 

We have four dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia to best serve our communities. 

Whether you have an important event coming up or you’re just tired of seeing your tired smile every day on work video calls, there’s a cosmetic dentistry solution for you. Thanks to advancements in technology, cosmetic dentistry is more affordable than ever before and is no longer only for celebrities. In fact, these treatments are some of the most commonly completed by your dentist in Canton. Don’t wait to get the smile of your dreams, check out a few easy ways you can transform your smile. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry? 

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is “dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and your smile.” But that can mean different things to different people, which is why there are several different types of cosmetic dentistry solutions available in Canton depending on your specific needs and wants. 

We don’t want anyone to feel self-conscious about their smile, and we’re always happy to help. If you’ve been hiding your smile, have an area that bothers you, or simply wish that something looked different, call to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with us today! 

We’re always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia

zoom meeting with glass of red wine Do you find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh? Or maybe you hide your smile in photos because you’re embarrassed by the color of your teeth. Tooth discoloration and tooth staining are some of the main reasons people go out of their way to avoid showing their teeth. While there are plenty of reasons why your teeth can be stained, from health issues to medications and even things like coffee and wine, your dentist in Canton wants you to know that there are also ways you can stop staining in its tracks. 

Quit Smoking

Perhaps the top cause of tooth discoloration and unsightly staining is smoking. The tobacco and other ingredients in cigarettes are known to coat teeth and cause yellowing. Additionally, since smoking is usually a habit that’s done several times throughout the day, teeth are constantly exposed to the staining ingredients, making the stains more severe and harder to remove. Your dentist in Canton supports quitting smoking – as it’s a leading cause of additional oral health problems such as oral cancer.   

Eat Foods that Help

We all know that certain foods and drinks can cause tooth staining such as red wine, tea, coffee, soda, and even pasta sauce. But there are also some foods that can actually help reduce staining. Snacking on crunchy vegetables and fruits, and even some types of cheese gently scrub the surface of teeth and can effectively remove some staining in the process. 

Brush After Meals

One of the best things you can do for both the appearance of your smile and the health of it is to brush your teeth twice a day. However, brushing your teeth after meals, in addition to brushing in the morning and at night, can go even further in preventing staining and decay. After all, the sooner you’re able to remove anything that can cause staining, the less of a chance it has to discolor your teeth.  

Swish, Rinse, & Chew

For those times when you can’t brush your teeth after eating, the next best thing you can do is swish and rinse your mouth out with water. Water will help wash away any lingering staining agents before they have a chance to settle in and cause discoloration. If you want to take it one step further, chew sugarless gum to remove even more food particles.

Choose a Straw

A simple way to reduce the risk of tooth discoloration when drinking tooth-staining beverages is to sip them through a straw. Straws essentially allow the liquid to bypass teeth and lowers the likelihood of staining. There are several reusable straws you can buy and carry with you in case you run into a situation where straws aren’t available. 

Even though there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of staining, tooth discoloration can, and does, still happen. In this case, there are several cosmetic dentistry options available to reverse discoloration and whiten teeth. From tooth whitening treatments to dental veneers, your dentist in Canton can help find the best cosmetic dentistry for you. 

Stop covering your smile for pictures or when you laugh. Call us today to figure out how you can get the white smile you deserve. 

Accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. 

woman hides her smile with her hat We all want to have a bright, white smile. But thanks to both internal and external factors, our teeth can transform from their once brilliant appearance to a dull, discolored look. In this week’s blog, your dentist in Farmington Hills explores some of the things, both within our control and out of our control, that can cause tooth discoloration. 

A Quick Note About Tooth Discoloration

Before we dive into some of the top causes of discoloration, we want to let you know that if you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, you’re not alone. Smile whitening is one of the most popular dental treatments in the United States, and according to one study, over 56% of people wished their teeth were whiter. That’s probably why Americans spend over a billion dollars on tooth whitening treatments every year! 

Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Perhaps the most common reason behind tooth discoloration is smoking or using smokeless tobacco. The tar, nicotine, and tobacco itself are all staining ingredients, and since using tobacco is addictive, these ingredients are being introduced into the mouth on a regular basis and often over the period of many years. The result is yellowed teeth or even brown teeth. Your dentist in Farmington Hills will usually need to use a combination of smile whitening treatments and cosmetic dentistry treatments to whiten teeth discolored by tobacco. 

One of the causes of tooth discoloration that’s outside of our control (mostly) is tooth trauma. Trauma can occur from an automobile accident, a fall, or even a sporting accident. These types of accidents can cause a tooth or even several teeth to appear dark and gray. This is due to damage inside of the tooth. Tooth trauma should be checked by your dentist as soon as possible and monitored over time. While we can’t avoid all accidents, we can take steps to prevent tooth trauma when playing sports by wearing a fitted mouthguard. 

What we eat and drink plays a large role in our oral health and in the color of our teeth. For example, things like coffee, tea, wine, berries, and tomato sauce can all cause tooth discoloration. But that’s not all. A diet that’s highly acidic will attack and wear down tooth enamel, causing teeth to appear more transparent, dull, gray, or yellow. A diet high in sugar can result in tooth decay and cause teeth to have brown spots or dark splotches.  

Your dentist in Farmington Hills will tell you just how important it is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. After all, these oral hygiene habits help protect your teeth from cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. But did you know that brushing and flossing can also help keep your teeth white? It’s true. Those who don’t follow a good oral hygiene routine at home are more prone to yellowish or gray teeth and may even experience orange or green spots throughout their grins.

When it comes to keeping your teeth bright and white, make sure to brush and floss regularly, avoid using tobacco, and enjoy staining foods and drinks in moderation. Don’t forget, it’s also crucial that you see your dentist every six months for regular checkups and professional cleanings. These appointments go a long way in keeping your smile both healthy and white. 

Accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. 

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