Cosmetic Dentistry Archives | Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

Does Your Dentist Conjure Up Cavities?

Posted on April 12, 2024April 8, 2024

Cavities can be filled, but it is better to prevent cavities in the first place. If your dentist seems to conjure up cavities at every visit, then it’s up to you to break the cycle. But we are here to help you. Let’s work together.

How can you lift the cavity curse? Schedule a preventative dental consultation and examination at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry by calling 248-541-8770. You will be served by several members of our friendly team. One of our experienced dental hygienists will give your teeth and gums the best cleaning they have ever received. He or she will review proper oral hygiene and discuss ways to incorporate these critical habits into your lifestyle.

Steven Gustafson DDS will perform a thorough examination and discuss your dental conditions and goals. We welcome questions about brushing, flossing, diet, medical issues, and lifestyle choices. These are all factors that affect your dental health.

Here at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, as much as we love to see our patients, we would prefer they all enjoy healthy smiles and only have to visit a couple of times a year for cleanings and checkups. Use preventative dental visits to improve your oral care techniques and break the cavity curse.

Steven Gustafson DDS is an experienced dental professional who promotes preventative dentistry. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak was launched in 1984 to provide the residents of Royal Oak, Birmingham, Madison Heights, and Berkley with the highest standard of personalized dental care.
Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry offers a comprehensive menu of dental services including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dentures, and orthodontics.

We look forward to working with you to break the cavity curse.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 6412

What Can Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Do For You?

Posted on March 29, 2024March 25, 2024

Hello, and welcome to the Detroit dental health blog. My name is Dr. Steven Gustafson and I want to tell you about our Royal Oak practice, Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry.

Meet Our Compassionate Team of Dental Professionals

The first thing to know is that we work hard to keep our patients comfortable. Our team is compassionate and empathetic. For some men and women, the condition of their teeth is a sensitive subject.

We get it. If you have dental issues–whether it’s decay, gum disease, or discolored teeth–we want to treat these problems and get you back on track when it comes to a healthy smile.

We Respect Your Time

Our team is here to serve you. We know you have many choices in Royal Oak-area dental practices. If you place your trust in us, we will do all we can to make your wait as short as possible. We will work with you to schedule appointments at your convenience.

We Are a Full-Service General and Cosmetic Dental Practice

We provide general and cosmetic dentistry to patients in our Royal Oak office. We serve the entire Detroit area including Birmingham, Berkley, and Madison Heights. Even if you live a bit further away, we promise you that it’s worth the trip.

Our most popular services are:

cosmetic dentistry
dental implants
dentures
orthodontics
general dentistry

Interested in Upgrading Your Smile?

Along with healthy teeth, many of our Birmingham and Berkley patients want to know more about popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. These include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, gum contouring, and more!

A combination of cosmetic dental treatments can remedy every problem to achieve your remarkable smile!

If you live in the Detroit area and would like to see what Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry has to offer, give us a call at 248-541-8770. We are currently accepting new dental patients!

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 6201

Happy Teeth Don’t Just Happen

Posted on March 22, 2024March 22, 2024

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we know keeping your teeth clean is a critical factor in maintaining a beautiful smile. One of the advantages of visiting your dentist typically is receiving thorough teeth cleanings and a review of your brushing practices.

Your Partner in Oral Health

Our dental hygienist can professionally clean and polish your teeth at your twice-yearly dental check-up. The hygienist also helps you keep your teeth clean by assessing the condition of your teeth and recommending improvements to your daily teeth-cleaning habits.

Having a professional dental cleaning is the only way to eliminate plaque (a sticky substance in which bacteria thrive) and tartar (a calcium deposit that forms on teeth and contributes to cavities).

Don’t Forget Basic Dental Hygiene

Brushing and flossing at least twice each day can keep plaque and tartar from accumulating on your teeth and results in cleaner, healthier teeth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least once every 6 months for a dental checkup and dental cleaning.

To keep that beautiful smile in top condition, come in for a dental check-up and teeth cleaning. Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry to make an appointment.- Dr. Steven Gustafson

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 343

Want to Fill Those Gaps in Your Smile?

Posted on March 8, 2024March 4, 2024

Do you have gaps in your smile? At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we know many Royal Oak adults are missing one or more teeth. You probably already know that missing teeth detract from an attractive smile. You may be self-conscious about your smile. Do you cover your mouth when you laugh? Perhaps you keep your mouth closed when someone takes a picture of you.

You Don’t Have to Live With Missing Teeth

That’s no way to live. We provide multiple ways to maintain (or regain) your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile in selfies.

We help hundreds of patients restore missing teeth. If you are interested in tooth restoration (actually, total smile restoration), we invite you to schedule a consultation.

Your consultation will include a treatment plan to restore missing teeth, an outline of the cost of required procedures, and a schedule for completing the services.

Dr. Steven Gustafson creates stunning smiles

If you have missing teeth, Dr. Steven Gustafson has solutions.

Since 1984, Dr. Gustafson has built a dental practice based on expertise, experience, and a patient-focused philosophy of care.

There have never been as many options for tooth restoration.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is used where a tooth is missing. Aptly named, it “bridges” a gap between teeth. It is a restoration with a false tooth (or teeth) attached to the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges have been used with success for generations of people who have lost teeth.

A Tooth Implant Replaces the Root Also

An implant consists of an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). A dental implant is a more extensive replacement for a missing tooth.

With local anesthesia, your dentist anchors the artificial root into the jawbone. In the following months, it integrates and meshes with the jaw bone tissue.

There are three components of a dental implant: the artificial root or post, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture. An implant is often the optimal restoration as it offers beauty, strength, and natural function. In addition, it offers something many patients don’t realize is important: protection from bone recession that often takes place at the site of a missing tooth.

Traditional and Implant Supported Dentures

Most people have heard of dentures: plates holding artificial teeth that can be removed by the wearer. These are custom and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be extracted and a custome denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

Dental Veneers

If you still have your teeth but are not comfortable with them, a dental veneer might be a great solution that preserves the healthy tooth structure. Beautiful porcelain veneers can remedy uneven color, oddly sized, or slightly misshapen teeth.

A veneer is a thin shell that your dentist bonds to the front of the teeth. In other words, a dental veneer can enhance unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 8679

Retaining Brightness After Teeth Whitening Treatment

Posted on March 1, 2024March 5, 2024

If you decide to brighten your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment, you want the results to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same things that stained your teeth prior to the treatment can stain them after the treatment. Over time, common staining will take place. To help slow down that process, Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry offers useful recommendations to make your beautiful smile last.

Do’s

First, rinse daily with an anti-cavity rinse. This boosts oral hygiene, curtails bacteria, slows the growth of plaque and also helps whiten your teeth. Additionally, there are many over-the-counter rinses with an additional whitening agent which will help prolong the results of the teeth whitening procedure.

Don’ts

There are some daily practices to abstain from because they will stain your teeth over time. These include drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, smoking, and even some medications. If you cannot entirely cut these out of your life, rinse your mouth out after you use them.

Avoid acidic foods and beverages. These can weaken or wear away the enamel on your teeth, and eroded enamel allows the yellow dentin to show through.

Artificial coloring in any foods and condiments can stain your newly whitened teeth. Candy, popsicles, and fruit punch are examples.

Remember the Basics

We probably don’t need to remind you, but brushing your teeth effectively a couple times a day will help you keep your white smile. You may choose a toothpaste with extra whitening or baking soda to help the process. Proper brushing should take you at least two minutes using short brush strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper, then lower teeth, as well as the inner surfaces. Finally, don’t forget the chewing surfaces and your tongue. Using good brushing techniques for 120 seconds will support oral hygiene, and permanent stains will not build up as fast.

It doesn’t take too much effort or money to make your whitened smile last. If you have any questions or would like additional tips on how to retain your fresh, white smile, call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 7507

How Your Lifestyle Affects Your Tooth Color

Posted on February 16, 2024February 12, 2024

It’s a common desire for people to want white teeth. However, the majority of men and women have discolored or just plain yellow teeth. Especially in a world of tea and coffee drinkers. But did you know that there are other factors that can affect your tooth color? Read on as Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry of Royal Oak dives into the discoloration details.

Your Genes Make a Difference

As with other physical aspects, there is a genetic component to your oral health. You can thank your parents if your enamel is thick and durable. If it is resistant to decay, you can thank them again. Even more importantly, you can thank them if they taught you to take care of your teeth.

Like complexions, natural tooth shade varies from person to person. Some of us have whiter teeth naturally. However many men and women have tarnished teeth due to their lifestyle. Dietary practices and dental hygiene influence tooth color as well as overall oral health.

Lifestyle Habits That Affect Tooth Color

Did you know that your enamel is like your skin? It contains pores that can get clogged and discolored. The most common habits that work against you are:

Tobacco and other smokable substances
Sodas and other dark-colored drinks, i.e. coffee, red wines, and teas
Not practicing daily oral hygiene
Not having proper dental care

If you want to beautify your teeth, the aforementioned practices will continuously work against you.

We prescribe kicking these habits to the curb if you want the whitest teeth possible. (There are compelling health implications as well.)

Acids Weaken Enamel

Another way these practices cause teeth yellowing is due to acids. A continual onslaught of acidic beverages erodes tooth enamel. This is true whether or not the liquids are dark-colored.

Dentin Isn’t The Best Look For Your Smile

The tooth layer under the enamel is called dentin. Unfortunately, dentin is dark yellow. If you are damaging your enamel, you are making it easier to see the yellow dentin. Dentin is also softer and more prone to decay—which is more harmful than a yellow smile.

Jaw-Clenching and Teeth Grinding

Jaw clenching can also weaken enamel and contribute to tooth discoloration. If you clench your jaw repeatedly, you are weakening your enamel. Ditto for teeth grinding. Talk to Dr. Gustafson about treatment for these conditions.

Professional Teeth Whitening at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

Professional in-office teeth whitening is the only way to remove the stains caused by the habits listed. This is due to the intrinsic stains that have permeated the enamel.

The Formula For Whiter Teeth

What’s the formula for whiter teeth?

A healthy lifestyle + twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings + professional teeth whitening

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 8137

Whitening vs Bleaching At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

Posted on January 19, 2024January 15, 2024

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental service that Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry provides in-office or through a take home kit. Results vary, but most patients notice significant lightening that lasts up to a year.

Want to feel more confident?

Our teeth whitening patients affirm that a whiter smile boosts self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.

Whitening vs bleaching

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, describe two different things. Surface cracks and stains develop on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark-colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark-colored and acidic— like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce—have even greater staining power.

What is a teeth whitening product?

Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, DIY strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and economical and can beautify teeth with continued, regular use. The extent of whitening varies, and it takes dedicated, regular use to see results.

Whitening products that do not contain bleach can usually make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for men and women with sensitive teeth and gums that can react to products containing harsher whitening chemicals. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry guides pregnant or nursing mothers to choose non-bleach whitening products.

Bleaching is more powerful

The term “bleaching” is used to mean a tooth-whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations. For best results, teeth bleaching should be carried out in-office by your dentist. Bleaching can often achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains, can be efficiently lightened under an experienced dentist’s supervision.

Call the friendly team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry to schedule a consultation!

Feels Like Coming Home

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 3937

Gap-Tooth Smiles Aren’t Quite As Adorable Anymore

Posted on January 12, 2024January 8, 2024

Have you lost teeth? It’s a lot different than when you lost your baby teeth way back in the day. Unfortunately, these don’t grow back. (And a gap-toothed smile doesn’t look as cute as it did when you were in kindergarten.)

If you have had teeth extracted or if your teeth are compromised by staining, decay, chipping, or brittle aging, then it’s time to visit with Dr. Steven Gustafson at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry.

Since 1984, Dr. Gustafson has built a practice teeming with experience, filled with kindness, flowing with a gentle touch, and carrying all the wisdom of experienced professionals.

When it comes to the prospect of losing your adult teeth, the preference is always to save your natural teeth. If this is not feasible, we offer several ways to maintain your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile in selfies.

Dental Veneers

If you still have your teeth but are not satisfied with them, these might be your solution. Stunning porcelain veneers offer a reasonably-priced approach to cosmetic adjustments—uneven color, size, or shape. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They improve unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is used where a tooth is missing. It “bridges” a gap between teeth. It is a restoration with a false tooth (or teeth) attached to the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges have been used successfully for decades.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a more extensive replacement for a missing tooth. An implant consists of an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). With local anesthesia, the artificial root is actually inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone tissue. There are three parts to a dental implant: the artificial root, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture. An implant is often the proper restoration as it offers beauty, strength, natural function, and protection from bone recession that often transpires at the site of a missing tooth.

Dentures

Most individuals have heard of dentures: a plate holding artificial teeth that can be removed by the wearer. These are tailor-made and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be pulled and a denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

Don’t worry about losing your grip on the adult teeth you’ve been enjoying all these years. We have experience and training in many critical services to meet your dental needs including dentures, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and dental implants.

Schedule your initial consultation at 248-541-8770 to visit us at 940 E 11 Mile Rd in Royal Oak, Michigan. We are perfectly situated for our neighbors throughout the Detroit area.

Your consultation will include a customized treatment plan for restoring teeth, an outline of the cost of desired care and a schedule for completing the work. Come with questions and leave with answers.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 6945

Which Tooth Whitener Works Best?

Posted on January 5, 2024January 2, 2024

What is the best professional tooth whitening system to use in Royal Oak?

There are two types of dentist-supervised tooth whitening systems available in Detroit. In order to determine the best choice for your teeth, schedule, and budget; you need to understand the differences in the systems.

Both systems use a bleaching agent containing peroxide. Royal Oak dentists who offer professional in-office tooth bleaching use a whitening gel with a high concentration of peroxide. Some Berkley in-office tooth whitening systems use a light that causes the tooth-bleaching agent to work faster.

There are different types of lights including halogen, plasma arc, metal halide, and laser; but they all work the same way. When the light is shined on teeth on which the whitening gel is applied, it causes the peroxide to break down into free radicals, which are active oxygen molecules. This process naturally occurs without light, but the light makes it happen faster. That is why you can get whiter teeth in just one hour.

Most Royal Oak cosmetic dentists also offer take-home tooth whitening systems. Although these procedures take a bit longer to work, they achieve the same dramatic results. For many Madison Heights and Birmingham patients, this is the most affordable teeth whitening system.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we offer safe and effective teeth bleaching. Our Royal Oak cosmetic dentistry patients can’t believe how great their teeth look when they remove the stains and restore the brightness. If you would like to learn why our system is superior, schedule a consultation by calling our office at 248-541-8770.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 1372

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Provides Quality, Compassionate Dental Care

Posted on December 22, 2023December 18, 2023

Hello, and welcome to our dental blog. My name is Dr. Steven Gustafson and I want to tell you about Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry.

Meet Our Compassionate Team of Dental Professionals

The first thing to know is that we work hard to keep our patients comfortable. Our team is compassionate and empathetic. For some individuals, the condition of their teeth is a sensitive subject.

We get it. If you have dental dilemmas–whether it’s cavities, gum disease or discolored teeth–we want to treat these ailments and get you back on track when it comes to a healthy smile.

Relieving Dental Anxiety is Our Specialty

As mentioned, we understand that some men and women are sensitive about the condition of their teeth so they are reluctant to seek care. Other individuals are hesitant to seek care because dental treatment is downright scary for them.

If you fear dental treatment, give us a try. We have helped hundreds of uneasy men and women get through their service successfully. Let’s talk about sleep dentistry options.

We Honor Your Trust

We know you have many choices in Royal Oak-area dental practices. If you place your trust in us, we will do all we can to honor that trust. This includes making your wait time as short as possible and your visit as comfortable as possible. In addition, we will work with you to schedule appointments at your convenience. Furthermore, we are sure our skills and experience will ensure successful outcomes.

We Are a Full-Service General and Cosmetic Dental Practice

We serve you with general and cosmetic dentistry to patients in our Royal Oak office. We serve the greater Detroit area including Birmingham, Berkley, and Madison Heights. Even if you live a bit further away, we promise you that it’s worth the trip.

Our most popular services are:

cosmetic dentistry
dental implants
dentures
orthodontics
general dentistry

Interested in Upgrading Your Smile?

A combination of cosmetic dental treatments can remedy every problem to achieve your remarkable smile!

If you live in the Detroit area and would like to see what Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry has to offer, give us a call at 248-541-8770. We are currently accepting new dental patients!

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 8684

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