One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to be healthier. For 2019, our Grand Rapids dentists challenge you to protect your oral health by scheduling your teeth cleaning and oral examination at least every 6 months. Our dentists are dedicated to helping you maintain your dental health. Likewise, if you’ve been putting off getting the dental treatments you need, now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation with our office in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Continue reading to learn how to take advantage of your dental benefits in the new year. Using Your Dental Benefits When does my dental insurance renew? Most dental insurance plans reset at the start of the calendar year, which is January 1. However, before you schedule an appointment with our Grand Rapids dentists, be sure to check the specific details of your policy. Some dental benefits renew at the start of your contract year, which is when your policy took effect. What is an annual maximum for dental insurance? An annual maximum is the most your dental plan will pay for treatment during a calendar year or other specified time period. If you need a lot of dental work to restore your smile,...
Did you know February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? Our team of Grand Rapids dentists is dedicated to helping you and your children maintain dental health. Our Grand Rapids pediatric dentists want to help you and your child understand the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth through brushing, flossing, and scheduling teeth cleaning appointments at least every 6 months. Our office in Grand Rapids, Michigan is ready to help you set up an appointment for your child with one of our pediatric dentists. Why is it important to raise awareness for children’s dental health? Tooth decay is the #1 chronic childhood disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, our pediatric dentists are able to help prevent cavities with dental sealants and other treatments. National Children’s Dental Health Month is a good reminder for us all that children are building the foundations for their oral health. Our Grand Rapids pediatric dentists are proud to help young patients learn healthy oral hygiene habits that’ll last a lifetime. How to Recognize National Children’s Dental Health Month Talk to your child about oral hygiene Reinforce good oral hygiene habits (e.g. brushing teeth twice a day)...
We may feel the dropping temperature in our toes, but we shouldn’t be feeling it in our teeth! Some of us experience a shock of tooth pain as we breathe in the crisp air or sip hot chocolate. Sensitive teeth are common in temperature extremes, so we notice it more during the winter season. Fortunately, our dentists can help you find a solution to relieve sensitive teeth and dental pain. Continue reading to learn more from our Grand Rapids dentist! Why Do My Teeth Feel So Sensitive? Is your tooth sensitive to cold or heat? Sensitive teeth are fairly common, yet shouldn’t be ignored. Sudden tooth sensitivity could be your body trying to tell you something is wrong. As with most oral health issues, it’s best to treat sensitive teeth as soon as possible. The main reasons for sensitive teeth include: Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles Teeth grinding at night Receding gums, typically from gum disease Tooth decay Cracked tooth Abscess tooth When teeth are healthy, they’re protected from temperature extremes by gums and a layer of enamel. However, plaque and tartar buildup can erode away your enamel and leave you defenseless against heat and...
Don’t ignore a toothache! Tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Once a cavity is deep enough to penetrate dental pulp, you may need to schedule an emergency visit with one of our root canal dentists. Dental pulp is the innermost chamber of your tooth made of living tissue. If you suspect you need an emergency root canal, call our office as soon as possible. A root canal is often one of the last things we can do to save an abscess tooth. Continue reading to learn about the root canal procedure. You may need root canal therapy if you have: Severe toothache Prolonged tooth sensitivity to cold or heat Tooth darkening Swollen tender gums Dental abscess (looks like a pimple on the gums) Expectations During Root Canal Therapy Dental X-Rays Will Be Taken Dental pulp is the living tissue inside your tooth, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. While you may feel apprehensive about root canal therapy, keep in mind that you will feel much better once our dentists are able to treat your tooth infection. Our root canal dentists will first want to take x-rays of your teeth to determine how...
The best way to save money on dental care is preventive dentistry. Instead of waiting until you’re in unbearable pain to see one of our dentists, you’ll save much more money in the long run if we’re able to treat minor issues immediately. For example, a filling is much less expensive than a dental crown when you need to treat a cavity. Continue reading to learn why preventive dentistry is important for not only saving money, but for protecting your oral health. Preventive dentistry can help you avoid: Cavities Gum disease Enamel loss Tooth loss Other oral health issues Save Money with Preventive Dentistry Check out Monthly Payment Plans through CareCredit®️ We understand that you’re on a budget, which is why we offer flexible payment options through CareCredit. Our monthly payment plans with CareCredit give you access to affordable dental care. We believe that your health comes first, which is why we don’t want you to avoid scheduling an appointment out of fear of how you’re going to pay. CareCredit can help give you peace of mind during your next dental cleaning. Schedule a Teeth Cleaning Every 6 Months In general, our dentists recommend you see us every 6 months...
Did you know that about half of Americans age 30 and older have periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? Periodontal diseaseis caused by untreated plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and gums. The bacteria in dental plaque is enough to irritate your gums and cause them to bleed more easily. Fortunately, our dentists can help protect your smile from periodontal disease with scaling and root planing. While gum disease can be cured in its early stages by good oral hygiene and professional teeth cleanings, the same can’t be said of periodontitis (the advanced form of gum disease). Periodontal disease deteriorates the bone structure supporting your teeth and causes your gums to recede, putting you at higher risk for tooth loss. Protect Your Smile from Periodontal Disease In this blog post, we’ll will go over how our dentists can slow the progression of periodontal disease so you can regain good oral health. For more information on periodontal treatment, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our dentists. Know the Signs of Gum Disease The best way to treat gum disease is to catch it in its early stages. Unfortunately, many people are unaware they...
Gum disease can strike the best of us. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.2% of Americans age 30 and older have periodontal disease. While gum disease can be reversed in its early stages, the same can’t be said once it progresses into periodontal disease. If you suspect you have gum disease, don’t waste any time scheduling an appointment with one of our dentists. We can help protect your smile, even if you’ve already been diagnosed with periodontal disease. Prevent Gum Disease from Getting Worse Symptoms of gum disease include: Sore gums Bleeding gums Receding gums Pain when chewing Tooth loss What are the Main Causes of Gum Disease? Gum disease is caused by untreated plaque buildup on the surface of your teeth and gums. When the bacteria in plaque consumes sugar and starch left inside your mouth, it produces acid that erodes tooth enamel. You have a higher risk of gum disease if you neglect your oral health by not brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. You may also have a higher risk of gum disease if you don’t see one of our dentists every 6 months for a routine teeth cleaning...
Dental crowns and fillings are both capable of repairing damage done to teeth. However, there are differences between the two that could determine which one our dentists recommend during your next appointment. In this blog post, our dentists will go over the pros and cons of tooth crowns and fillings so you can feel more informed and confident when seeking dental treatments. Dental Crowns vs. Fillings When You Need a Crown When your teeth are severely damaged or decayed, you’re better off spending the extra money for a dental crown. Dental crowns are different from fillings because they cover the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. In fact, some of our patients call them “tooth caps.”For intensive tooth repair, a filling wouldn’t be capable of properly restoring the tooth to its natural function and appearance. Dental crowns help protect the underlying tooth enamel from experiencing further damage and sensitivity. Since crowns cap your underlying teeth, they are more durable and usually last for longer periods of time than dental fillings. One of our dentists will be able to advise you on whether a crown is necessary for the amount of tooth damage present. Teeth that have...
Your smile says a lot about your personality, which is why it’s important to take excellent care of your teeth and gums. Fortunately, our cosmetic dentists can help you maintain a healthy beautiful smile when you schedule a teeth cleaning appointment every 6 months. Smiling can improve your relationships, happiness, and overall quality of life. Continue reading to learn the other advantages of smiling and how cosmetic dentistry can help. Improve Your Quality of Life w/ Cosmetic Dentistry Why is it Good to Smile? As the song goes, “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.” Our dentists know that this verse still rings true today. When you smile — that is, when you’re not afraid to open your mouth and show your teeth — you convey a sense of well-being and confidence. And, indeed, everyone wants to smile with you. In fact, smiling can be contagious. People respond positively to a healthy white smile, whether they’re a prospective dating partner or future boss. How healthy is smiling? Good question! Research shows that smiling improves health by relieving stress, lowering your blood pressure, and improving your mood. Smiling can also lift your face and help you look younger. All...
Do you ever hide your smile? Do you ever feel self-conscious about your front teeth? If so, it’s time to schedule an appointment with one of our veneers dentists. Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells we’re able to bond to the fronts of your teeth. Porcelain veneers match the color and shape of your natural teeth so you can smile with confidence. Continue reading to learn why our dentists may recommend porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry procedures to restore your smile. Benefits of Porcelain Veneers 1.) Cover Chips, Cracks, and Discoloration Dental veneersare able to fix small cosmetic issues that are visible when you smile or talk. During your consultation, our dentists will be able to determine if you’re a likely candidate for veneers. For example, we may recommend veneers to close slight gaps between front teeth. If the tooth is fragile, we may instead recommend a crown to restore the tooth to its natural strength and appearance. Either way, our dentists will be able to find the right solution for your smile. 2.) Keep More Natural Tooth Structure Once you remove enamel, it’s gone for good. Fortunately, we only need to remove a small amount of enamel from the...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 47.2% of adults age 30 and older have periodontal disease. The CDC also reports that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting American children. What both of these statistics have in common is plaque. Fortunately, your dentist can help you avoid oral health issues when you schedule a teeth cleaning and oral examination every 6 months. Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums. Over time, this plaque eats sugar and starch to produce acid. This acid erodes tooth enamel and attacks your gums, putting you at risk for oral health issues. Fortunately, our dentists are able to remove plaque and tartar, as well as advise you on how to maintain a healthy smile. Tips for an Oral Hygiene Routine Brush Twice a Day The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride occurs naturally and has long been recognized for its oral health benefits. In fact, many municipalities have fluoridated drinking water to help reduce cavities. Make sure you brush for 2 minutes so you have enough time to clean all teeth. If you…
Did you know 47.2% of Americans age 30 and older have periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? While early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with a teeth cleaning from your dentist every 6 months and by adopting a healthy oral hygiene routine, the same can’t be said once it progresses into periodontal disease. Fortunately, our dentists do everything in their power to protect your oral health. Continue reading to learn how you can change your oral health for the better. Preventing Gum Disease 1.) Practice Good Oral Hygiene Gum disease is caused by untreated dental plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. While you’ll still need a dentist teeth cleaning to get rid of tartar (hardened plaque), brushing your teeth at home will remove most plaque. Make sure you also floss once daily to remove plaque hiding between teeth and along the gum line.Gum disease is caused by untreated plaque buildup, so make sure you practice good oral hygiene every day. 2.) Get More Vitamin C Vitamin C deficiency has been found to be one of the leading causes of gum disease. Eating more oranges, strawberries, kiwis, or even Vitamin C supplements can help…
Do your holiday plans include a trip to the dentist? They should. Most insurance companies give you a certain amount to spend on dental care each year. However, you could be missing out on these benefits if you don’t see your dentist at least twice a year for preventive care. Scheduling your appointment near the end of the year is the perfect way to make sure you take full advantage of your dental benefits. You have until the end of the year to use up your dental benefits. You might as well get full use of your dental insurance before it resets on January 1. Continue reading to discover the other “dirty little secrets” dental insurance companies don’t want you to know. Reasons to Use Dental Benefits Use it or Lose it! Most insurance companies give you an annual amount to spend on dental care. If you don’t use your benefits, they’re gone forever. Year-end visits are the best way to use dental benefits all you can. If you’ve been putting off your next appointment because you were afraid of what we might find, schedule your appointment before the end of the year. Our dentists and the American Dental Association…
The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of teeth that show when you smile and talk. Our cosmetic dentists want to help you with any of your dental needs. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious of your smile, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. We have years of experience to help you gain the smile you have always wanted. We offer a range of services for cosmetic dentistry so you can start smiling with confidence. Contact us today for more information or to make an appointment to see one of our cosmetic dentists. Cosmetic dentistry is able to treat: Crooked teeth Slight gaps between teeth Chipped tooth Cracked tooth Tooth discoloration Other minor damage to front teeth Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth Bonding Dental bonding is one of the more affordable smile makeovers that’s used to fix small stains, chips, cracks, and even cavities. Your dentist may also recommend teeth bonding to close small gaps in your smile. We use a composite resin (tooth-colored putty) to restore the strength and appearance of your tooth. Teeth Reshaping Do you have a slightly misshapen tooth? If so, your dentist may recommend teeth…
Do missing teeth make you feel self-conscious about your smile? If so, it’s time to schedule an appointment with one of our dental implant dentists. You may be a candidate for dental implant surgery if you have sufficient jawbone density and a strong immune system. Our experienced dentists are waiting to help you with your implant needs. Contact us today for more information or to make an appointment. Continue reading to learn how dental implants can help you look younger than your chronological age. Avoid Dentures With Dental Implants A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) that supports a crown. Unlike dentures, a tooth implant won’t slip because it’s fused to your jawbone for permanent stability. This means that you’ll be able to eat, talk, and smile with confidence after the dental implant procedure. When you wear dentures for decades, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. The ridge your dentures sit on also disappears, which can make wearing dentures difficult or painful. Avoid Facial Collapse Don’t ignore poor oral health. People who wear dentures are at risk for facial collapse as they age. If you’ve recently lost a tooth, we can help you replace it with…
Wish you could straighten teeth without braces? Ask your Invisalign dentist if you’re a candidate for clear aligner treatment. We are waiting to hear from you! Like the name suggests, Invisalign are nearly invisible aligners that fit over your smile and move teeth little by little into optimal alignment. Our experienced dentists are waiting to help you with your smile. If you would like to improve your smile with Invisalign, don’t wait, contact us today! Continue reading to learn whether you’re a likely candidate for Invisalign braces. Motivated to Wear Invisalign Aligners Have you ever covered your smile while someone was taking your picture? Your smile says a lot about your personality, which is why we recommend Invisalign braces for crooked teeth. During clear aligner treatment, you’ll need to wear Invisalign 20 to 22 hours a day. Since aligners exert pressure on teeth to move, you’ll feel slight pain for the first day or so of wearing new aligners. However, many of our patients feel that the temporary discomfort is worth having a beautifully straight smile. Jaw is Done Growing We recommend Invisalign braces for patients who are no longer growing or losing baby teeth. It’s also been our experience…
Wish you could straighten teeth without braces? Schedule a consultation with one of our Invisalign dentists to learn if clear aligners are right for your smile. We get a lot of questions about Invisalign treatment, which is why we created this list of frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for below, schedule an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists. What is Invisalign? Like the name suggests, Invisalign are nearly invisible alignersthat move your teeth little by little into a straighter smile. The aligners fit over your teeth and exert enough pressure to move them into place. How does Invisalign work? You’ll need to wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move according to schedule. Every few weeks, you’ll need to see our Invisalign dentist so he can evaluate your progress and hand you the next set of aligners in your series. Many of our patients are able to achieve noticeably straighter teeth within 18 months. Will Invisalign hurt? While your new clear aligners will hurt during the first day or so, many of our patients believe that having straighter teeth is worth the temporary discomfort. We…
Do you ever wake up with jaw pain? If so, you may have a condition called bruxism that causes you to grind your teeth at night. Many patients are unaware they’re grinding or clenching teeth at night until our dentists notice worn enamel or have to repair cracks and chips to their smiles. If you suspect you have bruxism, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists as soon as possible. The sooner we can get you fitted for a custom night guard, the sooner you can protect your smile from teeth grinding. Continue reading to learn how night guards prevent teeth grinding. For more information, don’t hesitate to call our office to schedule an appointment. What are the signs of teeth grinding? If left untreated, the force exerted from teeth grinding will overwork your jaw muscles and cause you to wake up feeling sore. While bruxism destroys your teeth, it’s often done unconsciously. In fact, many people are unaware they have bruxism until they’re told by their dentists. The sound of teeth grinding can also be enough to wake your partner. Teeth grinding symptoms include: Headaches Toothaches Sore jaw TMJ disorder Worn tooth enamel Tooth sensitivity Chipped or cracked…
About 85% of Americans will need wisdom tooth extraction sometime during their lives. However, while the majority of people need wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to understand that each patient is different. Whether you’ll be able to keep your wisdom teeth will depend on their trajectory and if there’s enough space in your jaw. Continue reading to learn if you’ll need wisdom teeth removal. Why We Have Wisdom Teeth Many dentists believe our ancestors needed wisdom teeth and huge jaws to chew tough plants, roots, and raw meat. While we eat much softer foods today, we still carry the gene that allows wisdom teeth to form. Since humans have much smaller jaws today, there often isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt. If your dentist discovers an impacted wisdom tooth, they’ll recommend extraction. Wisdom Tooth Pain If you have wisdom tooth pain, call our office as soon as possible to schedule emergency dental care. Wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. If your teeth are stuck under your gums (impacted) or coming in at an angle, your dentist will recommend wisdom tooth extraction. Not everyone needs wisdom teeth removal. If our dentists see that your wisdom…
Many of our patients prefer dental implants to replace missing teeth Dental implants are embedded in your jawbone to give you more stability than other tooth replacement options. Continue reading to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our dentists get about the dental implant procedure. What are dental implants? A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) used to anchor a porcelain crown. If you have missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implants to restore the appearance and function of your smile. What are the benefits of dental implants? Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are anchored to your jawbone for long-lasting stability. This means that you’ll never have to worry about your dental implants moving like you would with dentures. With dental implants, you’ll be able to eat all your favorite foods again. Your jawbone needs pressure from tooth roots in order to stay healthy. Otherwise, missing teeth and tooth roots will cause your jawbone to deteriorate over time. Dental implants fix this problem by giving your jawbone tissue the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Dental implants prevent jawbone deterioration, as well as further tooth loss. What…