Retaining Brightness After Teeth Whitening Treatment

Learn about professional tooth whitening treatments at Royal Oak.

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

 

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How Your Lifestyle Affects Your Tooth Color

Learn about teeth whitening treatments in Royal Oak.

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:

  1. Tobacco and other smokable substances
  2. Sodas and other dark-colored drinks, i.e. coffee, red wines, and teas
  3. Not practicing daily oral hygiene
  4. 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

 

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The Key to Successful Social Engagement in Michigan is Good Dental Hygiene

The Key to Successful Social Engagement in Michigan is Good Dental Hygiene

Social interaction plays a vital role in personal and professional relationships. In Royal Oak, it’s crucial to put your best foot forward when it comes to social engagement. While many factors contribute to making a positive impression, one aspect that often gets overlooked is dental hygiene.

You can dress for success, make yourself up with the best of Maybelline, and start every conversation with a joke everyone will love. However, at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry we know that it all comes down to your smile.

Your smile speaks volumes, and maintaining good oral health can significantly impact your confidence, attractiveness, and overall social success in Michigan.

It all starts with the importance of good dental hygiene and 5 quick tips from Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry for achieving a healthy and radiant smile.

1. Boosting Confidence

Confidence is a key component of successful Michigan social engagement. When you have a healthy smile, you naturally exude confidence, which can make you more approachable and likable. Good dental hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry all go a long way to helping you prevent issues such as bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. By taking care of your oral health, you can eliminate self-consciousness and enjoy the freedom to engage fully in social situations.

2. Enhancing Attractiveness

A smile is often considered one of the most attractive features a person can possess. Maintaining good dental hygiene helps keep your teeth clean, bright, and free from unsightly stains. Regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque and tartar, preventing discoloration and preserving the natural whiteness of your teeth. Additionally, taking care of your gums ensures that your smile appears healthy and vibrant. A beautiful smile can be a powerful tool for social engagement. A healthy smile will make you more approachable, memorable, and appealing.

3. Promoting Fresh Breath

Nothing can be more off-putting than bad breath when engaging with others. Poor dental hygiene can lead to the buildup of bacteria, resulting in halitosis (aka: bad breath). By practicing good oral care habits, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash, you can effectively eliminate bacteria and maintain fresh breath. Having pleasant breath will boost your confidence during social interactions and prevent potential embarrassment.

4. Fostering Positive First Impressions

First impressions are crucial, and your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. A well-maintained smile demonstrates that you value personal care and hygiene, which can leave a lasting positive impression. Clean, healthy teeth contribute to an overall attractive appearance and indicate that you take pride in your self-presentation. When you engage in social interactions with a confident smile, you’re more likely to make a strong and favorable impression on others.

5. Maintaining Overall Health

Maintaining good dental hygiene not only benefits your social life but also contributes to your overall health and well-being. Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and even certain cancers. By practicing regular oral care and attending regular dental check-ups at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak Michigan, you can prevent oral infections, tooth loss, and other dental issues that can negatively impact your overall health and social impressions.

In the pursuit of successful social engagement, good dental hygiene should not be underestimated.

Taking care of your teeth and gums through regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits not only ensures a healthy smile but also boosts confidence, enhances attractiveness, and promotes fresh breath.

A radiant smile can create a positive first impression and open doors to meaningful personal and professional relationships. Remember, your dental hygiene is an investment in yourself, leading to improved social interactions, increased self-assurance, and overall well-being.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 8698

Whitening vs Bleaching At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

Whitening vs Bleaching At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry In Royal Oak

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

 

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Which Tooth Whitener Works Best?

Dazzling White Teeth in Royal Oak 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

 

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Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Provides Quality, Compassionate Dental Care

take out silver fillings Berkley

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?

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 8684

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Your Dentist

Visit Your Royal Oak DentistYou smile deserves regular attention. If you haven’t had a dental exam in a while, consider these important reasons:

  1. Check Up: It’s time, and this is the best way to prohibit dental problems.
  2. Clean Up: Our dental hygienist is ready to give you a super clean smile.
  3. Brush Up: If it has been a while since your last dental visit, it’s probably time to come in for a refresher course on proper dental hygiene.
  4. Avoid Pain: If you have dental pain and have been putting off a trip to the dentist, come in now, because we specialize in relieving dental pain.
  5. Fillings: We can find and fill all your dental cavities in almost no time at all. This will help you skip more painful dilemmas down the road and help some of those sensitivities to hot and cold.
  6. Prevent Gum Disease: Let Dr. Gustafson assess the health of your gums and suggest treatments or practices that are available to help you improve the health of your gums.
  7. A Whiter Smile: We can help. We have tooth-whitening options available that will enhance your smile and make your teeth whiter.
  8. Tooth Replacement: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with the latest in tooth replacement technology.
  9. Cosmetic Dentistry: Considering making improvements to your smile? We can help you analyze the options.
  10. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy,  smile.

I’m Dr. Steven Gustafson of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, Michigan. Give us a call at 248-541-8770, or visit us on our website at https://gmdentistry.com/

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 176

Regular Cleanings And Heart Health

Royal Oak Dental News Regular Cleanings And Heart Health

Visiting Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak for twice-yearly dental checkups and cleanings can seem inconvenient and unnecessary at times. But you may benefit in ways you never imagined.

A recent study showed that men and women who had their teeth professionally cleaned at least once every two years were 24 percent less likely to have a heart attack, compared to those who skipped appointments.

While the study could simply confirm that people who faithfully schedule regular dental cleanings also practice healthy habits like exercising and eating right, there is additional evidence of a relationship between oral health and heart health.

Common oral conditions like inflammation resulting from gum disease are linked to hardening of the arteries and other tissue inflammations which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Former American Heart Association President Ralph Sacco, MD, (who did not participate in the study cited previously) said:

“Something as simple as having good dental hygiene – brushing, flossing, and having regular cleanings – may be good for your heart and brain health.1

While the study found that patients who schedule cleanings yearly glean the most health benefits, Dr. Gustafson of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry recommends coming in for checkups and cleanings every six months to catch potential dilemmas early, saving patients time and money. Regular dental cleanings also brighten and whiten teeth, making your smile look its best.

To schedule a deep cleaning with our friendly dental hygienist at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, call
248-541-8770 today!

1 ‘Getting Your Teeth Cleaned May Help Your Heart,’ WebMD Health News, November 16, 2011, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20111116/getting-your-teeth-cleaned-may-help-your-heart, accessed on November 29, 2011

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 3698

A Fast Way To Brighten Your Smile

white fillings Royal Oak

Teeth bleaching is a fast smile brightener

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve your smile. It is quick, affordable, and non-invasive. Though some cosmetic dentistry patients experience short-term sensitivity, most experience no tooth whitening pain at all.

If you have looked into teeth whitening systems, you probably already know the essentials. The one thing they have in common is that they use a solution containing peroxide to remove the stains that have settled in the natural microscopic cracks in your tooth enamel.

There are many DIY teeth bleaching products available and it seems like new varieties appear every time you visit the toothpaste section at your grocery store.

Do tooth whitening strips and pens work?

These tooth whitening strips and tooth whitening pens can sometimes whiten your teeth a few shades, but the peroxide concentration is much lower than the whitening solutions used in cosmetic dental offices. It may not be dynamic enough for your tooth stains.

Tooth whitening offered at Detroit mall kiosks is risky, also. Most of these teeth whitening businesses have no professional oversight and the employees have little dental training. (Except instruction on how to take advantage of customer naivety.)

Dr. Gustafson recommends that you use extreme caution when considering a take-home tooth whitener. If you have tooth decay, gum recession, crowns, or veneers, you definitely need professional guidance.

The area of your teeth below the gumline, if exposed, may respond differently to tooth whitener. Furthermore, the peroxide solution does not noticeably whiten crowns and veneers. If you use a DIY tooth whitener on teeth with extensive porcelain restorations, you should probably hope it doesn’t whiten too much – you may end up with a two- or three-tone smile!

Consider the consequences of teeth whitening gone wrong…

Even though teeth whitening seems manageable, your teeth deserve a professional opinion. After all, we are talking about teeth here. You can’t fix an uneven teeth whitening result like you can a bad hair-coloring job.

Schedule a tooth bleaching evaluation before you waste your cash on more white strips.

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 2992

Cosmetic Dental Artistry

Royal Oak Cosmetic Dental Artistry Royal Oak cosmetic dentistry is part science and part art.

I’m Steven Gustafson of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry and enjoy using my extensive dental training and artistic skills to design treatment plans unique to each of my Royal Oak cosmetic dental patients.

In order to achieve an attractive, yet natural-looking result, I do much more than recommend specific procedures. I consider the shape, alignment, color, and condition of the teeth. In order to create a balanced look, the facial shape and coloring is taken into account. The Detroit dentistry patient’s age, health condition, and lifestyle all influence the plan.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan.

My artistic abilities have been perfected over several years of creating smile transformations for my Birmingham and Berkley cosmetic dentistry patients. Even fairly recent cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers have advanced considerably. Dental implants are a truly remarkable solution for our Michigan dental patients who have lost one or more teeth.

I would love to perform a personalized smile makeover for you. When the work has been completed and you are enjoying your new look, it will only be obvious to those who see you all the time. Others will assume you have always been blessed with a naturally beautiful and healthy smile.

 

 

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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