3 Tips To Make Brushing Count

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Many of Dr. Steven Gustafson’s patients walk in for cosmetic dentistry, teeth cleaning, or Invisalign clear braces. Many for routine checkups and cleanings. And most really want to know if they are brushing effectively. Having patients come for treatment and leave with questions answered—from which toothpaste to buy to proper tools and techniques—is our business. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry we are all about educating our patients. Sometimes life is as easy as 1-2-3.

1 Soft Bristle Toothbrush

Gentle brushing will achieve the same results as hard bristle brushing without abrasive damage to gums and gum lines. There is never a good reason to use hard or medium bristle toothbrushes. Better yet, wet the soft bristle toothbrush to be sure the bristles are flexible before brushing.

2 Minutes of Brushing and Flossing

Split the mouth into fourths and spend a good 30 seconds in each quarter. Hit the chewing surfaces, the inside surfaces, and the outside surfaces, and gently massage the gums. Be sure to reach the far side of the back tooth that is never visible but can collect food and allow tooth decay to begin. Take two minutes to floss after brushing in the evening to remove any remnants the toothbrush couldn’t coax out and to clean any build-up. You have approximately 32 teeth and 32 gaps to floss clean. Two minutes should do the trick, but adding an extra minute for good measure can’t hurt.

3 Times a Day

Brushing after every meal should remain the goal. This is difficult for many who are not home for the midday meal. To achieve amazing dental hygiene, brushing is a priority. There are as many toothpaste choices out there as you have teeth; without consistent brushing and flossing, those teeth are facing sure destruction. Don’t misunderstand, toothpaste is vital. Toothpaste acts as the vehicle that collects the debris, keeps the bristles pliable, fluoridates the mouth, freshens the breath, and does a myriad of other side jobs. But after every meal, gently removing food debris prevents breakdown on precious tooth surfaces. Even if you don’t use toothpaste after lunch, a quick brush can keep your teeth free of build-buildup

Here at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we understand that nature has dealt with crooked teeth, sensitive teeth, and weak teeth for many patients. When you schedule an appointment to communicate with Dr. Gustafson, you will be advised on ways to correct your smile.

We provide our patients with the following services and many more: orthodontics, general dentistry, dental implants, dentures, and cosmetic 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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The Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Guide To Teeth Whitening

teeth whitening Royal Oak

So you want to whiten your teeth? It’s a cost-effective way to upgrade your smile, look younger, and feel more confident when you interact with people in business or social settings.

Here are 5 things Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry recommends when it comes to teeth whitening:

  1. Meet with your dentist for a consultation first. There are several different teeth whitening systems and a consultation will help you identify which technique is best for you.
  2. It is critical to know that whitening does not affect existing fillings, veneers, or crowns.
  3. During your consultation, decide how many shades lighter you want your teeth to be at the end of the treatment. Depending on the whitening protocol chosen, your teeth can be brightened three to eight shades. An in-office procedure achieves a degree of lightening that cannot be achieved with an OTC product. During your treatment, your dentist may apply a coating to protect your gums and roots while the bleaching agent is applied.
  4. An alternative protocol is to have your dentist customize a take-home kit for you. Make sure you follow the instructions exactly. First, molds are made from your upper and lower arch. Then the lab creates trays to hold the bleach. While this protocol may take longer, it is more economical and more convenient for many patients. Teeth whitening results from either method can last from six months to two years.
  5. With any of the teeth whitening systems, tooth sensitivity may occur. In most cases, it won’t last for more than a day or so. Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry if it lasts longer.

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dentures, and orthodontics. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, quality care and a comfortable patient experience are our top priorities.

 

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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Super Smiles Have Strong Enamel

Royal Oak dental financing

Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s true! This substance, found on the outer surface of your teeth, truly should last a lifetime. But just because it’s super substantial doesn’t mean you don’t have to work to take care of it.

Here are some helpful tips for keeping enamel healthy.

1. Pick the right foods for enamel health. It’s no secret that soft drinks damage your teeth, and don’t think that diet sodas are harmless – the artificial sweeteners can also erode enamel over time. There are also other culinary culprits that can do a lot of harm. Sticky, chewy candies should be avoided. Chewing ice is a no-no. And don’t use your teeth as tools. Take a minute to grab some scissors before you rip open that package with your incisors.

On the flip side, foods with calcium can neutralize acid in your mouth and protect your enamel. So, enjoy your dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt!

2. Avoid vigorous brushing and use a soft brush. Also, it’s best to brush about an hour after eating, because foods, especially acidic ones, can soften the enamel, thus making it more prone to damage from brushing. If your teeth are discolored or yellowish, you may feel you need to brush harder. Instead, consider teeth whitening and communicate with your dentist.

3. Keep stomach acids in check. If you have a problem with severe heartburn, the stomach acid could be traveling up your esophagus and into your mouth. This acid can erode enamel, so it is critical to speak with your Royal Oak doctor about treatment.

4. Talk to your dentist about dry mouth and tooth grinding. Lack of saliva is a major dilemma for tooth enamel, and it’s no surprise that teeth grinding can also wear it down. Make sure your dentist is aware if you notice either of these issues.

Hi, my name is Dr. Steven Gustafson. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible, and enamel health is an essential component. I also love helping my patients achieve the remarkable smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental bonding, veneers, invisible braces, tooth-colored fillings, and dental implants.

My practice, Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, is currently accepting new patients. Give us a call at 248-541-8770 to make an appointment!

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-2/tooth-enamel-damage, accessed on September 18, 2013

 

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 A Red Carpet-Caliber Smile?

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When you see pics of your favorite stars, do you ever wonder how these men and women can project such perfection? Can ordinary Detroit folks ever achieve anything approaching celebrity-caliber attractiveness?

When it comes to brilliant smiles, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” There are many effective cosmetic dentistry procedures available that can produce considerable results. Complete cosmetic dental smile makeovers combine various procedures to transform your smile. These are the same procedures used by cosmetic dentists that serve the Hollywood A-list.

A common and affordable procedure is teeth whitening. There are a variety of ways this can be done. Many drugstores sell over-the-counter whitening strips and gels. Your cosmetic dental practice can recommend an effective one, or they may offer in-office bleaching. This is the quickest way to whiten your teeth, sometimes in less than an hour.

If you suffer from missing teeth, most Royal Oak cosmetic dentists will recommend dental implants. A dental implant is placed directly into the jaw bone. This provides strength, natural appearance and function, and comfort. It can also shield against the bone recession that is common with a missing tooth.

Veneers, which are custom-made for each patient, are designed to cover the front of the teeth. These are useful for patients who have broken or chipped teeth, stained teeth, or gaps between teeth.

Bonding, enamel shaping, gum contouring, and braces are other important procedures that can be employed by your cosmetic dentist to help your teeth look their best.

I’m Dr. Steven Gustafson of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak. If you are looking for unmatched dental care in the Royal Oak area, I hope you’ll give us a call at 248-541-8770.

 

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dentures, and orthodontics.

Call for your appointment today!

 

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 Teeth Whitening News

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Dental News For Royal Oak Michigan Tooth whitening treatments have advanced significantly. The team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is trained on the latest, safest, and most effective products and systems. If you need up-to-date details on teeth whitening, schedule a consultation by calling 248-541-8770.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, we are excited about the new light tooth whitening systems. If you are worried about tooth whitening sensitivity, light whitening systems may provide the optimal solution. It is vital to avoid at-home whitening smile products if you are concerned about sensitivity.

Dr. Gustafson recommends that you have your teeth lightened in a tightly controlled, professional environment such as our dental office.

Don’t take chances with something as vital as your teeth.

Need straightening in addition to whitening? Ask us about the innovative choices now available in braces. Speed braces bring teeth into alignment faster than any previous teeth straightening systems.

If you weren’t able to get braces for crooked teeth when you were a kid, it is not too late. Modern teeth straightening treatments can transform your smile quickly and discreetly. Come in for a consultation and we can show you before and after photos, and explore your options.

Give us a call at 248-541-8770, or visit us 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

 

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Patient Education Is A Priority At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

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At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we are to educating patients.

We know that optimal dental health depends on good habits, so we want you to have all the information you need to practice those habits.

We make sure our patients understand all the details of their treatment. We also explain how to care for your teeth post-procedure.

In addition to having healthy teeth and gums, we want our dental patients to have the beautiful smile they deserve. We work to make patients aware of the numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can improve smiles dramatically. Procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers are simple but can have amazing results.

If you are in the Royal Oak area and are looking for a highly skilled dentist with superior communication skills, give us a call at 248-541-8770. We can answer any questions you have about services such as dental implants or complete smile makeovers. Our services include:

cosmetic dentistry
dental implants
dentures
orthodontics

 

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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Is Perfect Possible?

cosmetic dentistry

Are you considering a smile makeover? Are you skeptical of promises of a “perfect smile” or a “celebrity smile?” Let’s address the most popular cosmetic dental procedures and the results that can be expected.

Composite Veneers

The application of porcelain veneers at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry can remedy several aesthetic dental issues and is commonly a better answer than dental bonding.

Veneers can repair chips, cracks, minor tooth misalignment, tooth discoloration, unattractive tooth shape, and disproportionate tooth size. Can a porcelain veneer create a perfect tooth? While a veneer cannot fix a decayed tooth, it can turn an unappealing tooth into an aesthetically perfect tooth.

Tooth Bleaching

Tooth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment that dramatically improves a smile. However, some tooth whitening dentists will guarantee fantastic results for any patient that wants a whiter smile.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, we only recommend tooth bleaching for patients that are good candidates for the process. If you have several crowns in the front of your mouth, or gums that have receded, conventional tooth-whitening may not improve your smile.

Call 248-541-8770 to schedule a tooth-whitening consultation.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Would you like to turn back the clock to your pre-filling smile? It is possible with white fillings at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry. To get an idea of how the inside of your mouth would look without unattractive metal amalgam fillings, have someone without any fillings open their mouth. Do you remember when your mouth looked like that?

These are just a few of the cosmetic dental solutions that create stunning smiles for our patients. Call us today!

 

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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5 Ways To Prevent A Cracked Tooth

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Cracked teeth can be painful, unattractive, and expensive to repair. Today’s post in the Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry dental blog contains an easy-to-follow list of tips to keep your teeth whole and strong.

1. Don’t chew on hard substances. Mind-blowing, right? People should steer clear of ice, hard candies, hard nuts, popcorn, and beef jerky. Also be wary of pitted fruits—that peach may be soft but if you bite hard into the stone, you could damage a tooth.

2. It is important to protect your teeth while engaging in any physical activity where your mouth can be hit. If you enjoy pick-up basketball games, indoor soccer leagues, rec center flag football, and many other activities, you should be using a well-fitting mouth protector.

3. Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Locate a pair of scissors to open a package or rip the price tag off a new piece of clothing with your teeth. Use a nutcracker for nuts. A quality dental crown can cost hundreds of dollars.

4. Most people know that grinding your teeth is detrimental, but did you know that it can lead to a cracked tooth? If you know or suspect that you are a tooth grinder, speak with your dentist so you can address the problem with stress reduction techniques and/or a mouth guard. Chronic head or jaw pain can be caused by teeth grinding.

5. Lastly, make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can alert you to conditions that might predispose you to cracked teeth, such as having an uneven chewing surface or brittle teeth. Your dentist may also discover tiny cracks you aren’t aware of. These cracks can then be repaired before further damage or decay occurs.

If you already have a cracked tooth, never fear! Treatment is available for cracks small and large. Veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, inlays/onlays, fillings, and dental implants are all used to repair or replace damaged teeth.

If you break a tooth, call 248-541-8770 or come to our office at 940 E 11 Mile Rd in Royal Oak.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 7771

Are Your Teeth green?

Are Your Teeth white?

…probably not. But tooth color is probably something you have been concerned about.

One of our primary concerns at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is ensuring that our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. But beyond just the health aspect, I also strive to help our patients achieve beautiful smiles that they can be proud of.

One important aspect of this is the color of your teeth.

To start, it’s important to understand that tooth color can vary from person to person. While you certainly don’t have pure orange teeth, you do have a color that is in a known range. Some people naturally have whiter teeth, while others may have teeth that are more yellow or grayish in color.

Additionally, factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle habits (such as smoking or consuming dark-colored beverages like coffee or red wine) can also affect the color of a person’s teeth.

As a dentist, I’m trained to evaluate the color of my patients’ teeth and recommend appropriate treatments to help improve their appearance. For example, one common treatment option is teeth whitening. This involves using a special bleaching agent to lighten the color of the teeth, making them appear whiter and brighter.

However, it’s important to note that not all teeth are suitable candidates for whitening. For example, teeth that are severely discolored or have undergone certain dental procedures (such as root canals) may not respond well to whitening treatments. In these cases, alternative treatment options may need to be considered, such as dental veneers or crowns.

Another important consideration when it comes to tooth color is maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing and flossing can help remove surface stains and prevent new ones from forming. Additionally, visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups can help identify and address any underlying dental issues that may be contributing to discoloration.

Overall, we believe that helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles is a crucial part of our job here at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry. While tooth color is just one aspect of this, it’s an important one that can have a significant impact on your overall confidence and self-esteem.

 

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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Multi-Procedure Dental Visits Save Time And Hassle

Multi-Procedure Dental Visits in Royal Oak

 

 

 

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is a full-service family and general dental practice. We can address any dental need including total smile makeovers. If you are considering a smile makeover, you may be wondering whether to do it all at once or one procedure at a time over an extended period. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost
In the long run, it is less expensive to do it all at once. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. We know that complete smile transformations are a significant investment for most Detroit residents. We would be happy to discuss affordable dentistry financing options. Call us at 248-541-8770 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

Time
With the latest materials and cutting-edge dental techniques, healing is speedier than in the past. However, some procedures such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants may require a healing period.

It is easier physically and psychologically to have the fewest possible visits to your Royal Oak dentist. You should also consider how your dental visits and needed healing periods will impact your employment and family life. You will have less downtime if you receive several procedures at once.

Aesthetic Results
While we routinely achieve great outcomes when doing a smile makeover in steps, multiple porcelain restorations are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.

Sedation Dentistry
When you come in for a smile analysis, we can discuss oral sedation dentistry. Many dental patients benefit from this safe and effective solution for pain and anxiety management. Conscious sedation is especially beneficial for procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant placement.

 

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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