Look Younger By Straightening Your Teeth

invisible braces for adults Royal Oak

Today’s message is for people in their golden years who want to improve their smile by straightening their teeth.

There are many benefits to retirement. Waking up whenever you dang well please. Time to devote to your favorite hobbies or humanitarian causes. Traveling. Grandchildren.

Braces Aren’t Just For Teens

It’s not all a picnic, however. Many older men and women have health problems, limited mobility, and financial concerns. Though some problems can’t be avoided, others can. Crooked teeth, for instance.

Could Your Smile Benefit From Adult Braces?

Orthodontics can repair all types of tooth alignment problems. Overbite? Gap between your two front teeth? Crowded teeth?

With modern orthodontics at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, older individuals can have an exceptional smile that looks as young as they feel.

Let’s consider some orthodontic options.

Self-ligating Braces

Traditional braces have brackets and an archwire. The brackets are mounted to the teeth and the archwire is attached to the brackets. With self-ligating braces, the archwire is connected to the brackets with a spring clip. This replaces the plastic color band necessary with traditional metal braces.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear aligners instead of metal or ceramic brackets. With Invisalign aligners, you switch aligners every couple of weeks as your teeth gently shift into place.

How can straightening crooked teeth benefit you in your golden years?

We all know that a pleasing smile improves one’s appearance. Everyone wants to look more attractive. However, the benefits aren’t purely aesthetic.

  • You are less likely to snore if your teeth are aligned effectively
  • They feel good when you rub your tongue over them!
  • You are less likely to experience gum disease
  • Straight teeth can prevent tooth decay
  • You are less likely to feel tooth pain due to displacement or misalignment

Braces + Tooth Implants for a Complete Smile Makeover

Regardless of your age, it is not too late to improve your smile–even if you have some missing teeth. Braces combined with dental implant procedures can transform a smile.

If you would like to consider teeth straightening, I invite you to schedule an adult braces consultation by calling 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

 

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Dental Questions? We Have Answers.

Ferndale cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Hello! My name is Dr. Steven Gustafson and my dental practice, Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, has been serving the Royal Oak area since 1984.

If you have questions about oral health, cosmetic dentistry, preventative dentistry, bite issues, tooth implants, oral sedation, professional teeth bleaching, or invisible braces, come to Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry for answers.

My friendly staff has helped me establish an atmosphere of active listening. We enjoy getting to know our patients and determining each patient’s unique dental needs. We want to understand your dental goals and challenges and help you understand the hows and whys of recommended treatment.

Many of our new dental patients ask us about cosmetic dentistry treatment such as teeth whitening, smile makeovers, and dental implants. We would love to communicate with you about these services.

Dental Care For Every Member of the Family

If you have youngsters, it is important for you to make decisions about protective sealants and fluoride supplements. If you have older children, it is helpful to discuss braces, sports mouthguards, and cavities prevention. If you are not satisfied with your smile, we would like to introduce you to the latest in cosmetic dentistry. If you are missing teeth, dental implants may be the optimal solution. If you have a family member with a chronic illness, we can counsel you about the impact their condition has on oral health. Oral cancer screenings are important for patients of all ages.

Thank you for visiting our dental blog and taking the time to learn more about Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry. Call today 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

 

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What’s the Best Way to Fix Teeth that Overlap?

how to fix overlapping teeth Royal Oak

Plenty of people have teeth that overlap. What causes overlapping teeth?

Overlapping teeth are usually caused by genetics or habits as a child such as thumbsucking. They can also be caused by the mouth being too small to fit all the teeth properly, or having different-sized upper and lower jaws. Injury to the face or jaw can knock the upper and lower jaw out of alignment. In some cases, missing teeth or extra teeth (such as wisdom teeth) can result in an overlap.

When does it become important to repair overlapping teeth?

  • If the overlapping teeth cause a lisp
  • If chewing or speaking is difficult
  • If the alignment problem results in jaw pain
  • If tooth grinding or clenching becomes a habit
  • If biting the inner cheeks becomes a habit

How can you fix overlapping teeth?

Each method for correcting this condition has advantages and disadvantages. Discuss them with your dentist or orthodontist.

Options for fixing overlapping teeth:

  • Clear aligners
  • Invisalign
  • Traditional braces

How long does it take to fix overlapping teeth?

Each person with this condition has a different severity of misalignment. Therefore, the time it takes to correct an overlap in teeth varies depending on the individual. However, in most cases, it can take at least one year to repair overlapping teeth, depending on the method.

While overlapping teeth do not always need to be fixed, one of the main benefits of fixing overlapping teeth is that it can improve self-esteem.

If overlapping teeth cause complications such as tooth or jaw pain, difficulty speaking clearly, or bad habits associated with the teeth, it is a good idea to consider correcting them.

Another thing to keep in mind is that teeth continue to shift with age, so even if you correct an overlap as a child or teen, the correction will need to be maintained, likely with a retainer, over time. Correcting overlapping teeth can help put an end to bad habits like tooth grinding, clenching the teeth, and biting the cheeks.

 

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Debunking Dental Myths

Ferndale cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Today’s Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry blog post focuses on three dental-related myths prevalent in the Detroit area.

All Sugar Is Equally Bad For Teeth

We all know that sugar increases our risk of tooth decay, but some types are worse than others. Sugar-based foods that sit on the teeth are more dangerous than those that are swallowed immediately. For example, sipping a soda or sucking on a mint can be worse than eating a candy bar all at once.

You Don’t Need To Worry About Baby Teeth Because They Will Fall Out Anyway

Healthy primary teeth serve several important purposes. They allow the child to eat and speak properly. They retain proper spacing of teeth. A healthy smile instills confidence and self-esteem. Healthy baby teeth eliminate the pain of decay which disrupts normal daily activity.

Pulling A Tooth Is Just As Good As A Root Canal

We will let the American Associate of Endodontists explain this one:
Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is the very best option. Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An artificial tooth can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods. Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet. Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than the extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant. Endodontic treatment also has a very high success rate. Many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime.1

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we provide accurate answers to all of your dental questions.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics or general dentistry, call us today to schedule an appointment.

http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/myths-about-root-canals-and-root-canal-pain.aspx

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Relax. Your Teeth Will Thank You.

Ferndale cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Most people have been warned about the physical effects of stress. Our doctors remind us to protect ourselves from the dangers of unmanaged stress by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep.

We know that we shouldn’t try to relieve stress with overeating, extreme alcohol consumption, smoking, or uncontrolled spending. (Even though many of us are guilty!)

Stress that is not effectively managed can influence the heart, nervous system, immune system, and digestive system. It can also affect—you guessed it—your teeth.

The obvious oral health risks are teeth grinding, jaw clenching, smoking, and the overconsumption of sugary foods. But did you know that stress can also exacerbate plaque generation, trigger canker sores, and increase the risk of periodontitis? Another problem is that when people are under excessive stress, they often neglect basic oral hygiene.

If you’re concerned about the consequences stress can have on your teeth, schedule an appointment with Steven Gustafson at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry today. We offer a broad scope of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dentures, and Invisalign.

It’s ironic, but for some Royal Oak residents, dental visits cause major anxiety. What if the thought of visiting a dentist sends your blood pressure through the roof? Talk to us about sedation dentistry.

Relax. We can help you get the dental treatment you need.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Live Better With Dental Implants

Royal Oak Implant Dentistry Ill-fitting dentures can bring about more troubles for denture wearers than they solve. If you live with loose dentures, you probably regard them as a necessary evil. Though they certainly look better than a toothless mouth, in practical terms they leave much to be desired because they impact two vital activities: eating and talking.

Missing Out on Life?

Unfortunately, many frustrated denture wearers have discontinued dining in restaurants or participating in social activities because they are afraid their dentures will slide around.

Implant dental procedures are permitting former denture wearers to re-engage in life. Consider the advantages of implant anchored dentures:

  • They are stable because the implant is anchored in the bone.
  • Your denture is fixed, it will not move around in your mouth.
  • They prevent the bone loss that can develop when teeth are removed.
  • They eliminate the necessity of regular denture relines.
  • They do not irritate gums.
  • No denture adhesive is required.

Patients who have replaced their conventional dentures with implant overdentures enthusiastically say that the dental implant cost was more than worth it.

Get Your Life Back

Do you want to eat normally again? What is the value of preserving your facial shape? Can you put a price on confidence?

For more information about dental implants, call 248-541-8770 to schedule a consultation with Steven Gustafson. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is located at 940 E 11 Mile Rd in Royal Oak. We have been providing unmatched dental care since 1984.

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

 

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Get The Royal Treatment At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

cosmetic dentistry Royal Oak

In need of a crown? At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we can provide the singular experience you deserve with the dental care required. Get discolored teeth brightened and chipped teeth corrected. Receive one critical procedure or full smile makeovers. Your wish is our command.

Dr. Steven Gustafson has been serving noble lords and ladies with royal treatment since 1984. We crown patients with beautiful restorations and empower them with the confidence of a regal smile fit for a king.

Call us at 248-541-8770. We are located in Royal Oak and also serve Ferndale, Berkley, and Birmingham.

Many individuals believe that cosmetic dentistry refers to care designed solely to improve the looks of your smile as opposed to procedures such as fillings that repair a structure. However, there is much overlap. For example, the use of white fillings takes care of tooth decay and makes your smile more beautiful. Other procedures used in cosmetic and general dentistry are veneers, inlays/onlays, braces, teeth whitening, soft-tissue grafts, crown lengthening, tooth implants, and dental bonding.

We want you to experience the renewal that comes from cosmetic dental services completed by a true artist. Whether you need veneers, crowns, or whitening, we have an imperial seat ready for you to dictate from.

Let us fulfill your every whim:

We look forward to making your acquaintance, your highness.

Feels Like Coming Home–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

 

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Keep Your Teeth Safe

Keep Your Teeth Safe, Royal Oak

There are more ways to exercise than ever before. In Royal Oak, we have personal trainers, all-purpose gyms, specialty facilities, and recreational sports.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we want to remind our patients that many activities pose a risk to teeth.

Mouthguards are not just for rugby and football players. Actually, mouthguards can and should be used during any activity where impact to the face is possible.

This includes things like mountain biking, gymnastics, and pick-up basketball. When you have a properly fitted mouth protector, you can prevent broken or lost teeth as well as lip, tongue, and jaw injuries.

Mouth protectors come in three main types: stock, boil and bite, and custom-fitted. Stock mouthguards are one-size-fits-all but rarely fit well.

You can find boil and bite mouth protectors at sporting goods stores. They are to be softened in water and then formed in your mouth (make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions).

Custom-fitted mouth protectors can be made by your dentist to make sure you have a perfect fit.

The soft tissues that line your cheeks and lips are especially susceptible to injury when you have braces or fixed bridge work. In addition, these appliances can also be damaged. For these reasons, a mouth protector is extremely important for patients undergoing these treatments. Your orthodontist may even recommend a mouth protector for your lower teeth as well.

If you have questions about sports dentistry any other dental issues, please contact our office and schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting you.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Not Too Late To Get Them Straight

Ferndale cosmetic dental and adult braces

Are you an adult in Royal Oak with crooked teeth?

Do you regret not having orthodontic treatment when you were a teen? It’s not too late to straighten your teeth—and there are more types of braces available than ever before.

Perhaps you are not familiar with the latest types of braces. Here is a quick rundown.

If you don’t want the whole world to know you are wearing braces, ‘behind the teeth’ or lingual braces may be a good option.

Invisible braces work great for people of all ages. Some types of braces are offered in ceramic, which are also less visible than metal braces. These are often called ‘clear braces.’

Invisalign, Damon, and iBraces, are some of the trade names of proprietary orthodontic systems used in the Michigan dental community.

Once the orthodontia patient has completed treatment, he or she needs to wear a retainer to keep those pretty teeth in line. The traditional Hawley retainer consists of a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place. The metal wire is attached to a molded acrylic form that fits snugly in either the upper or lower part of the mouth.

Clear retainers are also popular with orthodontists and their patients. They fit the teeth like a transparent glove without the need for hardware. Some patients believe clear retainers are more comfortable than other types.

If you want more beautiful teeth, come into Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak and discuss your goals with Steven Gustafson, DDS. Dr. Gustafson will examine your teeth and recommend the most effective system for you.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Looking For The Top Orthodontist In Royal Oak?

top orthodontist Royal Oak

Hello friends! Welcome to our blog. This site is for our remarkable patients and anyone looking for exceptional orthodontic care in Royal Oak.

When a new patient comes in for an orthodontic consultation, we do a thorough exam and evaluation.

At the same time, we encourage prospective patients to thoroughly evaluate Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry.

We Evaluate Your Orthodontic Needs, You Evaluate Our Practice

If you aren’t yet a patient, we invite you to come to meet our team.

Let’s discuss:

  • Dr. Gustafson’s skills and experience
  • The variety of orthodontic services we provide at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry
  • Before and after photos of our orthodontic patients
  • All the extras that make your visits pleasant and comfortable
  • Our ability to explain the important technical details of procedures

Fair enough? Dr. Gustafson will evaluate your orthodontic goals. You can consider everything about our Royal Oak dental practice.

We have been providing orthodontic care since 1984. We offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and dentures. We serve patients in Royal Oak and the Detroit area.

We believe you will like what you find.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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