For most people, a smile is their key ticket to confidence. A smile can easily change the way you feel about yourself. That being said, confidence in your smile is imperative. Luckily you can easily get the bright white smile you are looking for with professional teeth whitening. Let’s go over some of the great benefits.
Instant Results
While you do have the option to purchase over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments, a professional teeth whitening treatment can give you the results you are looking for within an hour. This is much favorable over waiting weeks to get the results you are looking for. You wouldn’t want to wait longer for mediocre results. Getting your treatment completed at a professional dental office will leave you satisfied with the result.
Reliable Treatment
Store bought whitening kits do not ensure how good or bad they are for your teeth. You can rest assured that a professional teeth whiting treatment is the most trustworthy and reliable. You wouldn’t want to risk any unnecessary damage to your teeth using store bought products. So, it’s best to leave your teeth in the hands of an expert.
Safer
Store bought whitening treatments can cause damage to your gums and even the tissue in your mouth. The effects can be extremely detrimental to the health of your mouth. Tooth sensitivity can begin to become a problem for you. Luckily, a professional teeth whitening treatment is safe and leaves you much more comfortable than an at home treatment. This is because an expert is able to monitor your treatment the whole way through. They can easily adjust the concentration of the whitening agent as needed. Don’t forget the expert tips you will receive on how to take care of your newly whitened teeth and how to limit sensitivity in your teeth.
Thorough Whitening
With simple white strips, not all your teeth get treated. The strip only reaches so far around your teeth. With a professional treatment, all teeth get equal treatment ensuring thorough whitening. Also, over-the-counter products are typically only effective in treating light stains. Getting treating at a professional office will ensure the deepest stains get treated
Conclusion
Don’t settle for anything less than a professional teeth whitening treatment. You deserve the results you are looking for. Regain confidence in your smile and contact us today to set up an appointment.
There are a variety of dental insurance plans, and each offers slightly different coverages and benefits. We’ve broken down each type of dental plan and other coverage details you should know.
Types of Dental Plans
There are three common types of dental plans: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO), and Discount or Referral Dental Plans. Let’s take a look at each.
PPO: A Preferred Provider Organization plan is one that has a network of dentists who agree to give dental services at a set price.
DHMO: This plan uses a network of dentists that are paid a fee every month to provide covered dental services to you whether you go to the dentist or not. Some services may be completely covered, while others may require a copay.
Discount/Referral Plans: Both discount and referral plans are contracts with dentists who agree to discount their fees. While neither of these plans cover any services, you will receive a reduced rate determined by the plan.
Insurance vs. Benefits
Yes, there is a difference between the two. Insurance is designed to reimburse you, and the insurer carries the risk. A benefits plan is set up to only cover specific costs. You’ll find that some procedures will be covered fully, and others you’ll have to pay a portion of.
What’s Covered
Regardless of which plan you choose, you will share some of the cost for your dental services. Here are a few different ways that this happens.
Deductibles: A deductible is the amount you have to pay before your insurance pays. Many insurance plans don’t require deductibles for preventative services.
Coinsurance: If you have coinsurance, you will pay for a percentage of the service fee and your insurance will pick up the rest.
Annual Maximums: The maximum amount your insurance plan will cover during a year. You’re responsible for anything over the maximum amount.
It’s important to do your research and understand your plan and what it offers you. If you have any questions about what your dental insurance covers, please contact your plan administrator or give us a call – we’d be happy to help!
It’s not easy to become a dentist or work in the dental field. You may see “DDS” or “DDM” next to your dentist’s name. These acronyms both mean that they have graduated from an accredited dental school. “DDS” (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and “DDM” (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are actually the same degrees, they just have different names depending on what the university decided to call it. Each degree is awarded after the following requirements are achieved:
3 or more years of undergraduate education
4 years of dental school
Must pass national exam
Must pass state exam
And that’s just to become a general dentist! If the doctor decides to specialize, become an orthodontist, periodontist or oral surgeon, additional training is required.
Doctors aren’t the only ones who need years of schooling to work in the office. Most dental hygiene programstake at least 2 years to complete and completion allows the hygienist to take the licensure exams. Dental assistant programs are a bit shorter and take anywhere from 9-11 months to complete.
Michigan Requirements
Every dentist, hygienist and dental assistant is required to meet certain criteria and requirements in order to be licensed in the state of Michigan. Here are some of those requirements for each:
Dentists
Official transcripts must be sent to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
National Board scores must be sent directly to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
Pass the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) simulated clinical written examination
Pass all parts of a clinical examination offered by Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB), a regional testing agency approved by the Board, or a state-offered clinical examination that is equivalent to the NERB
Hygienists
Official transcripts must be sent to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
National Board scores must be sent directly to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
Pass the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) simulated clinical written examination
Pass all parts of a clinical examination offered by Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB), a regional testing agency approved by the Board, or a state-offered clinical examination that is equivalent to the NERB
Assistants
Official transcripts must be sent to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
Pass the Michigan RDA clinical and written examination
Conclusion
With few exceptions, almost everyone you meet in your dental office has had years of schooling and has had to pass multiple exams, both state and national. These highly trained professionals are qualified to prevent or alleviate any dental problems you may have. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Balog and staff.
One of the most common aspects of dental health that we talk about with our patients is teeth whitening. While mostly a cosmetic aspect of your dental health, a brighter, healthier smile supports overall confidence and mental health for our patients.
Still, there are many options when it comes to teeth whitening. Last year we outlined the various teeth whitening options you have, but here’s a quick recap:
Pastes & Rinses: There are many products that can help improve the brightness of your smile. We can provide specific product recommendations at your next appointment.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits: Coming in the form of liquids, strips, gels and trays, there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. Results vary and the length of treatment does as well.
Professional-Grade Kits: There are some teeth whitening products that can only be purchased directly from your dentist. Ask your dentist if they offer anything like that.
In-Office Treatments: Under the supervision of a professional, your dentist can do a concentrated, safe and fast-acting treatment.
Before you decided how you will approach whitening your teeth, it helps to understand the main causes of tooth discoloration. There are two primary types of discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration is a result of foods, drinks and tobacco use that can result in stained teeth. Coffees, teas and other foods with dyes can result in this kind of discoloration.
Intrinsic discoloration can occur from within the tooth itself. We often see this kind of discoloration as a side effect of medication use, illness, infection, trauma and aging. While teeth whitening can help, it is important to consult a dentist to make sure your discoloration is not a sign of a bigger issue.
We often are asked around the side effects and overall safety of teeth whitening options. While everyone’s mouth is different, teeth whitening treatments, when used as prescribed, are mostly safe. However, there are some side effects to be on the lookout for.
The most common side effect to teeth whitening treatments is tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity may lessen over time but there may be additional types of toothpastes and fluoride gels that can help to counteract the sensitivity.
The other common side effect is irritated gums. While you might feel this initially, the irritation should dissipate over time and is usually a short-term side effect.
Overall, teeth whitening is safe, but it is important to speak with your dentist to find the best teeth whitening option for you. Everyone is different and your dentist can help you find a healthy and safe way to brighten your smile and boost your confidence.
As of Monday, March 23, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer instituted Executive Order to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan through a “stay home, stay safe” order. The intention of the order is to:
To prevent the state’s health care system from being overwhelmed
To allow time for the production of critical test kits, ventilators, and personal protective equipment
To avoid needless deaths
For this reason, it is all of our responsibility to remain at home to the maximum extent feasible. This order takes effect on March 24, 2020, and at this time will continue through April 13, 2020. This could be subject to change based on new developments.
To comply, the Michigan Dental Association has recommended our dental practice suspend all elective, non-essential dental care. In other words, we will be offering our services for emergencies only. For more information on what constitutes essential vs. non-essential, click here.
If you require emergency assistance, please contact us at (734) 242-4334. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Many have traditionally thought that children are more susceptible to dental carries (cavities) because they tend to be less consistent with the standard brushing and flossing recommendations. As a result, many think that fluoride treatments are better suited for kids. This is not the case.
While it may be true that kids can be less consistent with their dental hygiene, the truth is cavities impact people of all ages making fluoride treatments beneficial for anyone, especially adults. First, it is important to understand what might increase your risk of developing caries.
Factors that Increase Risk of Cavities
There are many factors that increase the likelihood of developing cavities. They range from the usual factors like poor oral hygiene or regularly eating highly acidic foods or drinks, to decreased saliva production in your mouth. Here are some of the common factors leading to cavities in adults and children alike:
Acid reflux can increase the risk of caries
Irregular or poor dental hygiene
Diet full of high-acidic foods/drinks
Drug and alcohol abuse
Limited professional dental care
Braces combined with poor hygiene
Higher levels of bacteria in mouth
Teeth roots that are exposed
Fillings, bridges and crowns can collect cavity causing plaque
Adults That Could Benefit Most from Fluoride
There are many situations when fluoride treatments for adults can be extremely beneficial. Those who would most benefit from adult fluoride treatments include:
Adults with a high risk of cavities.
Adults with receding gum lines can soften the enamel, but fluoride treatments can mitigate this process.
If you’ve had restorative work done, fluoride treatments can help protect from plaque that can damage crowns and bridges.
Adults with braces that struggle to keep up with flossing can benefit from fluoride treatments to minimize plaque buildups.
Irritated gums as the result of acidic foods or the use of teeth whitening applications can be treated with fluoride treatments.
Adults who have undergone radiation treatments can benefit from fluoride treatments to minimize the impact of dry mouth and limited saliva production.
To find out if a fluoride treatment is right for you, come in for an appointment or ask about it during your next cleaning and we can come up with fluoride treatment plan personalized for you. Contact us today.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause serious damage to your teeth that might require restorative or cosmetic procedures in order to repair the teeth. However, teeth grinding varies from person to person when it comes to how intense the grinding is. Those who clench and grind often will likely experience some symptoms while others may not get any symptoms at all.
It can be difficult to know if you grind your teeth without
having a professional exam your teeth, especially when the majority of teeth
grinding happens during sleep. Even then, your grinding might be a such a dull
intensity that the impact might take years until any changes in your teeth
become noticeable. This is where preventative measures can go a long way.
Whatever the case, here is some guidance on how you can spot
and treat teeth grinding.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
As to the reasons we grind our teeth, the most common
explanation has been associated with stress and anxiety. High pressure careers
or life circumstances often can lead to teeth grinding. Additionally, an
abnormal bite, missing teeth or crooked teeth can also cause grinding due to
the misalignment of teeth. Finally, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders have
been linked to teeth grinding.
Signs You Might Be
Grinding Your Teeth
In most cases you’re going to need to see a dentist in order to determine if you show signs of teeth grinding. However, in some cases there are two common symptoms that you might experience if you grind or clench your teeth: you experience headaches upon waking or your jaw is sore in the morning. Other, more advanced symptoms could be fractured or loosened teeth or actual loss of teeth.
Treating Teeth Grinding
The plan of treatment for teeth grinding will depend on how
much the grinding has impacted the teeth. In some advanced cases where teeth
have fractured, loosened or have been worn down to stumps, a variety of dental
treatments are available including bridges, crowns, root canals, implants and
dentures.
However, for those experiencing teeth grinding but have very few symptoms or issues, your dentist can help you develop a program to protect your teeth and treat the grinding habit. One of the most common preventative measures of teeth grinding is to get a bite guard or mouth guard. (Below is our digital imaging tool we use to fit you for bite guards.)
Your dentist might also recommend the following:
Start an exercise program to alleviate stress
Research additional methods for minimizing or reducing stress
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Avoid chewing gum and chewing on non-food items (pens, pencils, straws, etc.)
Pay attention and stop your clenching during the day
Relax jaw muscles at night by holding a warm cloth against the cheek before bed
If you think you might be grinding your teeth, make an appointment
today and we’ll help you address the issue.
Given that roughly 20% of Americans never floss and only about 4 in 10 floss every day, bleeding gums during flossing is a common occurrence for many Americans. While this might happen to you, it doesn’t mean it should. In fact, bleed gums of any kind can be a sign of a gum disease and other dental issues.
In order to diagnose why your gums might be bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist who can assess your overall dental health. If you have bleeding gums it is most likely the result of plaque build up around the teeth. This is why dental cleanings and great dental hygiene is so important.
Here’s a look at what can cause bleeding gums as well as some tips on what you can do about it.
Gingivitis – Early Signs of Gum Disease
If plaque build-up occurs, gums can inflame and become irritated which might result in bleeding during brushing or flossing. In many cases this is diagnosed as gingivitis and is an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is usually painless and bleeding gums may be the only symptom. However, gingivitis can cause tender and red gums, bad breath, loose teeth and misalignment. The sooner you are able to spot gingivitis the better chance you have to reverse it.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis or early stages of gum disease go unaddressed, the gums often separate and reced from the teeth. When gums recede like this, they leave behind pockets or gaps between the teeth and gums opening them up to bacteria and germs that become trapped in these pockets. Bleeding from brushing or flossing is common in these situations.
Periodontitis is the next phases of gum disease and can cause tooth and bone loss if the issue remains untreated. In addition to tooth and bone loss, abscesses, misalignment of teeth and aesthetic changes can also occur as a result of periodontitis. Finally, gum disease has also been linked to diabetes and heart disease as well as pregnancy complications.
Other Causes of Bleeding Gums
Some additional, less common causes of bleeding gums can be related to nutritional deficiencies like a lack of Vitamin C and K. Also, pregnancy can cause inflamed gums as well which may result in bleeding during brushing or flossing.
How to Stop & Prevent Bleeding Gums
The first step to treating bleeding gums is to see your dentist in order to understand what exactly is causing the bleeding gums and if gum disease is present. From there, your dentist will guide you in an approach to restore the health of your gums, most likely including the following tactics:
Increase in the daily brushing recommendation – after each meal and before bedtime
Use of a toothpaste that is gentle on the teeth/gums, has fluoride and doesn’t have Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Floss twice a day
Rinse with a suggested mouth wash after you brush
Schedule a follow up after a set period of time to see how your gums are progressing
The reality is that the best way to treat bleeding gums is to prevent them in the first place. That means following dental standards as they relate to dental hygiene and seeing your dentist at least every 6-months. With strong hygiene and a good diet, you minimize your chance of dealing with bleeding gums and can prevent gum disease.
At Dr. Balog’s office we are constantly trying to find new insights and tips to share with our patients in order to help them enjoy a healthy mouth with strong teeth. While your dentist and regular professional check-ups are critical, the food you eat, and your dental hygiene practices are equally as important to having and keeping a healthy smile.
From preventative maintenance to dental products, we’ve offered many tips and tricks on our blog in 2019 to help you get more informed about your dental health. Based on blog post traffic and shares, we have compiled the five most popular dental tips from 2019. Here they are and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
5 Foods to Eat for a Healthier Mouth & Stronger Teeth
When it comes to tooth decay, your tooth enamel is your greatest defense. The enamel is the hard, outer surface of the tooth and is the hardest mineral substance in your body. While the enamel is the mouth’s natural defense against decay, your diet is what determines how strong your enamel is.
While there are a variety of treatments to address eroded enamel, the best treatment is preventative in nature. In addition to regular dental cleanings and checkups, avoiding acidic foods, alcohol, caffeine and foods high in starches and sugars is a step in the right direction. In addition to avoiding these foods, there are foods you should incorporate more of into your diet.
Common Causes of Bad Breath & What You Can Do About It
Nobody likes having it or smelling it on someone else, but pinpointing the cause of your bad breath (halitosis), can sometimes be a challenge because there are some many factors that can contribute to it. In some cases, brushing and mouthwash simply isn’t enough.
Before you start cutting foods out of your diet or carrying a toothbrush with you everywhere you go, you must first get a sense of what could possibly be causing your bad breath. Especially if you seem to have bad breath on a consistent basis, you’ll need to consider the common causes.
The bottom line when choosing a toothbrush comes down to a few key things: selecting a brush that works for your lifestyle, choosing a brush that doesn’t make your teeth hurt or your gums bleed, and looking for the American Dental Associations (ADA) seal of approval, which means that it meets the standards for both cleaning your teeth properly and doing so safely.
Here’s What You Should Do If Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out
It might make you cringe thinking about having a tooth knocked out, but your response to something like this could be the difference between salvaging the tooth and requiring significant dental work. The good news is that a tooth that has been knocked out of the socket can often be successfully replaced if you take the right action as soon as possible.
A tooth can be knocked out of the socket in many ways, typically from some sort of trauma or blow to the mouth. We see this most often with people who play contact sports. Preventing these kinds of incidents is key, which is why we recommend athletes wear mouthguards.
If you find yourself or a loved one in this situation where a tooth has been knocked out, it is important to remain calm in order to address the issue effectively. In addition to immediately scheduling an emergency appoint with your dentist, there are some questions you need to ask yourself.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Isn’t Just Uncomfortable – It Causes Tooth Decay
One of the biggest contributors to tooth decay is dry mouth. Combine dry mouth with sugary drinks like juices, sodas, teas or sweetened coffees and the likelihood for tooth decay or cavities increases dramatically. While you may just see dry mouth as an annoyance, it’s much more than that, and if left untreated, it can cause further oral health concerns.
The technical term for those experiencing chronic dry mouth is xerostomia (zero-stow-me-uh) and is a condition impacting the production of saliva in the salivary glands. There are a number of symptoms for dry mouth.
While many seek cosmetic dentistry techniques to improve the look of their smile, the reality is that cosmetic dentistry helps to improve the overall health of your mouth and your comfort. It’s a win-win, where not only do you enjoy the benefits of a more balanced and confident smile, but it helps to prevent future complications and restore the health of your teeth.
There are a number of procedures and techniques for improving your smile ranging from teeth whitening to bonding to bridges. Here’s a look at seven of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures with some insight into what you can expect from each.
Teeth Whitening
Over time it is common for our teeth to discolor, darken and become stained, especially for those who often drink fluids that stain the teeth like coffee or tea. Teeth whitening helps to restore your smile and brighten your teeth. However, the impact of these treatments is not permanent and must be coupled with regular dental cleanings, daily brushing, flossing and moderating foods and drinks that led to the discoloration in the first place.
Typically, you’ll have various teeth whitening options including a professional, in-office treatment, or your dentist can recommend and provide an at-home teeth whitening option. Whatever you decide, first meet with your dentist to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy enough for a whitening treatment.
Bonding
One of the most common ways dentists treat chipped, stained
or cracked teeth is via dental bonding. Dental bonding is typically a painless
procedure that doesn’t usually require anesthesia. Reason being, dental bonding
is often used on areas of the teeth that have very little sensitivity.
The procedure is fairly straightforward and, depending on
the case, can be performed quickly by your dentist. The process of bonding is
simply the act of adding a resin that is intended to match the color of your
teeth and then this resin is shaped to match the contours of the teeth. Minor
chips are almost always treated with bonding to restore the shape of the
affected tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a more permanent solution aimed at improving the color, appearance and function of your teeth. Veneers recreate the natural appearance of your teeth while also providing the best strength and flexibility possible, comparable to your natural tooth enamel.
At our dental office in Monroe, MI, we utilize veneers to
reshape teeth, improve the aesthetics, close gaps, and fix chipped crooked or
broken teeth as well. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit over your
natural teeth. However, the foundation of your natural teeth must be strong and
healthy in order to be a candidate. The benefit of veneers is that the results
are instant and they are also more resistive to stains from coffees, teas and
smoking.
If teeth whitening hasn’t worked for you in the past, dental veneers might be your best option.
Crowns
Dental crowns are used to renew the appearance and function of teeth when they begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks or discoloration. A crown isn’t limited to just replacing the original tooth, but can be designed to create an even better aesthetic appearance than you had before.
The most common reason your dentist will recommend a crown
is:
To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left.
To cover severely discolored teeth.
To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
Also, crowns are often used in conjunction with root canal
therapy, dental implants or as an anchor for a bridge. Crowns are typically
made from porcelain in order to maintain strength and a natural appearance.
Your dentist will be able to guide you in determining if a crown is right for
you.
Bridges
Bridges, or “fixed parital dentures” are simply used to
replace missing teeth with artificial ones. This is commonly how to treat
permanent teeth that have been knocked out or removed. The success of a bridge is
largely a function of the foundation and keeping a healthy mouth and gums is
critical for bridges to have a long-lasting impact on your teeth.
Most common procedures require your dentist to anchor the
bridge onto surrounding teeth after preparing them for crowns. From there an
artificial tooth is joined to the crown and the bridge gets cemented on the
neighboring teeth. After getting a bridge it is critical to maintain your mouth
health with good dental hygiene.
Implant
Implants are a more permanent solution for missing teeth,
but a far more involved and expensive procedure. There a single tooth implants
as well as multiple tooth implants all of which require a titanium metal anchor
that must be fused into the jawbone.
Often implants are a last resort given the extensiveness and
expense of the procedure, but your dentist will be able to guide you and
provide direction on if it is the best solution for your particular case.
Conclusion
All in all, it is critical to discuss these various options with your dentist and allow them to guide you in the best treatment plan for your particular situation. Whatever the case, the utilization of cosmetic dentistry is critical for improving your smile/confidence, but also your comfort and overall mouth health. For a consultation, schedule an appointment with us today.
Our team is very responsive. If we do not return your email immediately, please know that we may have not received it. For important matters, please call our office. E-mail is never a fully secure form of communication. If you prefer to share protected personal information, you may choose to contact us by phone.
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