Staining of teeth can happen for numerous reasons: trauma, childhood illness, taking antibiotics during pregnancy, excess fluoride consumption, or genetics. Whatever the reasons may be, often the solution is not easy. Whitening (bleaching) is usually the most conservative and cost-effective way to eliminate stains and whiten the teeth. There are many whitening options: Britesmile, Zoom, custom-take-home-kits.
In the case below, a simple in-office whitening procedure was performed utilizing a microetching technique along with Britesmile. This patient visited several other offices in the area. The only option he was given were to have veneers placed on his teeth at a cost of several thousand dollars. We gave him the most cost effective and conservative treatment possible…in one visit and under $500.
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Stroke
Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.
Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Osteoporosis
Researchers have suggested that a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation. However, hormone replacement therapy may offer some protection.
One study published in the June 2007 Journal of Periodontology (JOP) examined 1,256 postmenopausal women and looked for a potential association between periodontal bacteria and bone loss in the oral cavity. The study results showed that women with periodontal bacteria in their mouths were also more likely to have bone loss in the oral cavity, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated.
A follow-up study of 106 postmenopausal women over more than 10 years concluded they could significantly reduce tooth loss by controlling their periodontal disease.
Another JOP study published in August 1999 concludes that estrogen supplementation in women within five years of menopause slows the progression of periodontal disease. Researchers have suspected that estrogen deficiency and osteopenia/osteoporosis speed the progression of oral bone loss following menopause, which could lead to tooth loss. The study concluded that estrogen supplementation may lower gingival inflammation and the rate of attachment loss (destruction of the fibers and bone that support the teeth) in women with signs of osteoporosis, thus helping to protect the teeth.
Tags: cosmetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry Southfield MI, facial pain, Jaw pain, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Posted in General Dentisty |
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Bridge Dentistry
Our 35 year old patient had lost a front right tooth many years ago due to trauma. He had it replaced with a bridge. Unfortunately, after a few years, he started to see discoloration and recession of the gums around one of the abutments (tooth holding the bridge.)
A new bridge was the best option for him. Utilizing a metal framework with porcelain coverage, a new bridge was fabricated. Notice to optimal esthetics of the margins and the lack of any metal showing. The new bridge was designed with more optimal “rounded” esthetics to provide a more even smile to all of his front teeth. He is currently saving money for veneers on the rest of his front teeth. In the meantime, he has a new smile that he is proud to smile with.
Tags: Bridges, Case, Cosmetic Dentistry Southfield MI, Dental, Orthodontic Treatment Southfield MI
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Overall, the prevalence of periodontal (gum) disease in adults has decreased from the early 1970s until the latest (1999-2004) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups.
The research definitions of periodontal disease are not necessarily the same as the common definition of gum disease, which may include both gingivitis (inflammation of the gums without any loss of bone and tissue) and periodontitis (as defined below):
For the purposes of epidemiological research, periodontal disease is defined very specifically. For a person to have periodontal disease, he or she must have at least one periodontal site with 3 millimeters or more of attachment loss and 4 millimeters or more of pocket depth. Moderate periodontal disease is defined as having at least two teeth with interproximal attachment loss of 4 millimeters or more OR at least two teeth with 5 millimeters or more of pocket depth at interproximal sites. Severe periodontal disease is defined as having at least two teeth with interproximal attachment loss of 6 millimeters or more AND at least one tooth with 5 millimeters or more of pocket depth at interproximal sites.
Prevalence of Periodontal Disease
- 8.52% of adults age 20 to 64 have periodontal disease.
- Older adults, Black and Hispanic adults, current smokers, and those with lower incomes and less education are more likely to have periodontal disease.
Prevalence of Severe Periodontal disease
- 5.08% of adults 20 to 64 have moderate or severe periodontal disease.
- Older adults, Black and Hispanic adults, current smokers, and those with lower incomes and less education are more likely to have moderate/severe periodontal disease.
Source: NIDCR
Tags: gingivitis, gum disease, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Periodontal disease
Posted in Dental Statistics, General Dentisty |
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Comfort Dental – Dentist in Southfield, MI – Adolescent Orthodontic Case Study #13
This young lady did not want to spend many years in braces to correct her smile and overbite.
Using functional orthodontics, we finished creating a new smile and overbite correction in less than 22 months!
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Halmaghi at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan serving metro Detroit call 248-646-2273.
Posted in Case Studies, Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics |
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Comfort Dental – Dentist in Southfield, MI – Adolescent Orthodontic Case Study #14
This 12 year old patient presented to our office with complaints of “crooked teeth.” The patient also exhibited narrow arches (jaw bones that are too small).
An extensive orthodontic treatment program was completed in 2+ years. This treatment program included functional appliances to widen the jaw bones in order to provide proper facial beauty and strong function.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Halmaghi at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan serving metro Detroit call 248-646-2273.
Tags: braces, braces for teens, crooked teeth, invisalign, Orthodontics Education, teeth overcrowding
Posted in Case Studies, Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics |
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Comfort Dental – Dentist in Southfield, MI – Adult Orthodontic Case Study #15
Many adults do not realize that orthodontics does not require many years of wearing braces. Take into account this gentleman’s needs: a better brighter smile and a more functional bite.
The patient presented to our office with a desire to improve his smile. Over four teeth required root canals and crowns. A severe crowding teeth problem existed which was causing deficits in the way he chewed. The misalignment was also causing jaw pain issues.
The cost for fixing the broken down teeth was estimated at over $5,000.
An alternate plan was devised. This option included removing the broken teeth that required extensive work and using braces to align the other teeth in their location. Basically, the patient substituted the cost of fixing his teeth for braces and achieved an overall simpler and better result.
He was thrilled to be able to have the smile he always wanted in less than 2 years. His pocketbook also thanked us.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Halmaghi at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan serving metro Detroit call 248-646-2273.
Tags: adult orthodontics, Orthodontics Education, TMJ Headaches
Posted in Case Studies, Orthodontics |
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Comfort Dental – Dentist in Southfield, MI – Cosmetic Dentist Case Study #12
This young man came to our office with complaints of gaps and a smile that needed improvement. Four Lumineer veneers were placed on his front teeth. This procedure required no tooth reduction, no anesthesia, and was accomplished in two short visits. As you can see, reshaping the teeth provided a whole new look, including improving his lip function and facial expressions, not to mention the huge difference we made for his self-esteem and confidence.
As you can see, reshaping the teeth provided a whole new look, including improving his lip function and facial expressions, not to mention the huge difference we made for his self-esteem and confidence.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Halmaghi at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan serving metro Detroit call 248-646-2273.
Tags: bonding, cosmetic dentistry, dental makeover, lumineers, teeth bonding, veneers
Posted in Case Studies, Cosmetic Dentistry, Veneers |
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This patient came into our office with a type of diastema which in this case was due to an oversized labial frenum. This is the piece of tissue that typically extends from the inside of your upper lip to the gum just above your two upper front teeth known as central incisors. In some instances if the labial frenum grows large enough it passes between the two front teeth and it can block the natural closing of the space between teeth.
The procedure below was completed in one visit with our advanced teeth bonding techniques. This young lady was so excited about her new smile, she cried when she looked in the mirror and started dancing in the hallway going out the door. The procedure involved no shots, no drill, and absolutely no discomfort. Furthermore, no tooth structure was removed and no gum reduction was necessary. Notice how the bonding material blends in with the surrounding tooth structure.
This artistic crafting is done by incorporating various shades of bonding material in order to provide the chameleon effect. At our office, we have performed thousands of such procedures since 1989. This simple bonding procedure can really change a person’s life!
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Halmaghi at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan serving metro Detroit call 248-646-2273.
Tags: bonding, close gaps between teeth, dental bonding, teeth bonding
Posted in Case Studies, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Bonding |
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Smile Restored with Confidence
This patient’s (see images below) previous dentist had constructed several dentures and the patient was just not happy with the results. Our analysis indicated that his concerns were valid. The patient had a severe discrepancy between his muscle function and the fit of his existing dentures. This deficiency was causing him to overuse his facial muscles during chewing, swallowing, and smiling. Such problems normally also lead to headaches and facial pain. Improperly constructed dental work is one of the leading causes of jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, and aesthetic deficiencies.
Our 50+ patient was also concerned about the “lack of smile.” Simply put: he showed no teeth when smiling! Incorporating muscle testing and jaw function analysis we provided a solution to his complaints: properly fitted neuromuscular dentures with IPN teeth to give him the smile he had been missing for over 10 years.
The patient stated “I can finally smile like my old self. Everybody has been saying how great I look. My wife thinks I am 15 years younger!”
Notice the improvement in facial appearance and the reduction in his creases and wrinkled. Also notice how the face appears longer and more relaxed when smiling.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Halmaghi at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan serving metro Detroit call 248-646-2273.
Tags: Comfort Dental Southfield MI Denture and Partials, Cosmetic Dentistry Southfield MI, facial pain, Jaw pain, TMJ Headaches, Tooth replacement
Posted in Case Studies, Dentures and Partials |
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