Wayward Teeth: Clear Braces in Allen Park

Posted: April 13, 2018

Malocclusion is the technical word for crooked teeth. When you consider all the how many teeth are in the average human mouth, it is not surprising that malocclusion can present itself in many forms.

The number of configurations may surprise you:

When teeth slant forward, it is called upper protrusion, but this is commonly, if unkindly, referred to as “buck teeth.”

An overbite is when the upper front teeth come down too far over the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. An underbite is the reverse – the upper front teeth close farther back than the lower front teeth. An open bite refers to a bite in which the upper don’t overlap the lower teeth. This can occur on the whole bite or just one side.

Tooth rotation is one of the most common forms of malocclusion. Rotated teeth appear as if they are twisting out of place. Tooth rotation can create the illusion of uneven coloring because of the way light reflects off the face of teeth.

When the upper and lower palate are misaligned to the point where the upper teeth close onto the wrong side of the lower teeth, it is called a cross bite.

In some rare cases – called transposition – teeth erupt in spots where other teeth should be. For example, a canine (pointed tooth) comes in where an incisor (front biting tooth) should be.

Many people with crooked teeth are too self-conscious to smile; most want straight white teeth. But aesthetics are not the only issue at play. Crooked teeth can increase the risk of cavities, tooth damage, and TMD temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Children with crooked teeth may have difficulty learning how to speak, and if they can’t chew their food, they may risk being undernourished.

If you or your child has crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, there are options. Depending on your bite, you may be a candidate for Invisalign clear braces or Six Month Smiles clear braces.

We invite you to schedule a comprehensive examination with Allen Park Dental Care to find out about clear braces. We also practice family and restorative dentistry.

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Family Dentistry, Invisalign, Restorative Dentistry, Six Month Smiles

You Be The Judge: Cosmetic Dentistry in Allen Park

Posted: March 30, 2018

If you’re researching smile redesigns, you’ve probably heard that cosmetic dentistry can give you a ‘perfect smile’ or a ‘celebrity smile.’ Are these superlatives simply exaggerations? At Allen Park Dental Care, we invite you to judge for yourself.

Since each patient has unique needs, a smile makeover may involve one of several procedures, such as:

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a metal (usually titanium) rod implanted into the jaw bone to replace the missing root of a tooth. The crown and supporting structure are securely attached to the post.

Orthodontia

Orthodontic options include traditional metal or ceramic braces, ‘behind-the-teeth’ (lingual) braces, and clear braces, such as Invisalign or Six Month Smiles.

White Fillings

If you had tooth decay in the past, you may have old amalgam fillings. White fillings match your surrounding teeth, dramatically beautifying your smile without crowns.

Dental Crowns

There are many different kinds of dental crowns that serve different purposes. We perform an extensive examination to ensure the crown you get is perfect for you and your smile.

Inlays/Onlays

Inlays/onlays are indirect fillings, which means that they are fabricated in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional direct filling is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist. Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive alternative to a complete crown.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can correct chips, cracks, minor tooth misalignment, tooth discoloration, unattractive tooth shape, and disproportionate tooth size.

Teeth Whitening

There is nothing like professional teeth whitening for a phenomenal white smile to give you ultimate confidence.

Dental Bonding

Dentists use bonding to fix tooth problems caused by decay, chips, or cracks. Large spaces between healthy teeth can be filled with bonding material, and bonding can guard tooth roots if the gums have regressed.

Enamel Shaping

Just one slightly misshapen tooth can downgrade the aspects of a smile even if all the other teeth have a positive appearance.

Gum Contouring

If you have a gumline that is too low or too high and detracts from the presentation, gum contouring can reshape the gumline and beautify your smile.

‘Perfect smiles’ are possible—but don’t just take our word for it. Come to Allen Park Dental to see what cosmetic dentistry can do for you.

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Invisalign, Six Month Smiles, Teeth Whitening

Dental Implants And Your Allen Park Dentists

Posted: March 16, 2018

We are Drs. Greg & Joanne Szalai, your Allen Park dentists. When a tooth’s nerve and pulp becomes infected, a dentist and patient must make a choice: try to save the tooth with a root canal, or extract it.

There are several factors that impact this decision. These include whether there is an infection in the surrounding bone, the amount and condition of the remaining tooth structure, the strength of the supporting bone, and the presence of periodontitis.

In a root canal (endodontic) procedure, the dentist removes the nerve and pulp of the tooth. This tissue contains veins, arteries, and lymph vessels. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material that seals them off. Root canals have the reputation of being very painful, but dentistry has come a long way over the years, and they aren’t nearly as bad as most people think.

If the tooth is extracted, the patient may want to replace it with an artificial tooth. Tooth replacement has come a long way, too. Today, dental implants are considered mainstream dentistry. To replace a missing tooth, a screw-like implant is connected to the patient’s jawbone. This provides a base for the artificial replacement tooth. Most often, the process takes six to eight months, because of the healing that must take place once the implant is connected to the bone.

If you do not currently have a dentist, feel free to schedule a consultation at Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care. Our practice includes cosmetic and family dentistry. You can trust the Allen Park dentists for vital, unbiased information so you can make an informed decision about your dental treatment.

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-769-4921

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry

What Is Necessary For A Dental Crown?

Posted: February 23, 2018

Dental crowns have been around for millennia and are still used to restore smiles today. Ancient dentists used ivory, bone, and seashells to make crowns for teeth. Evidence of gold crowns dates from 200 A.D. Porcelain crowns appeared in the 1800s. With the advancement of metal casting techniques in the 1900s, crown technology took a big leap forward.

A dental crown procedure consists of several steps:

Tooth Preparation
Your dentist will anesthetize the tooth to be crowned and then prepare it. All decay is removed and the tooth is shaped. Usually, the dentist files off tooth structure to reduce the size and create the proper shape. Sometimes, the tooth is too small to begin with; in that case, the dentist builds up the core of the tooth with filling material to establish a heavy-duty base for the crown. All-metal crowns—as opposed to porcelain crowns—have thinner sides, requiring less removal of tooth structure.

Creating a Good Impression
The dentist will use a putty-like substance to form an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth. An impression will also be made of the teeth that oppose the crown. This ensures that the crown does not negatively affect the bite.

The Temporary Crown
A temporary crown is used to guard the tooth and make sure it doesn’t move in the mouth while the permanent crown is being constructed. Patients need to be careful with their temporary crown. It is not as strong as the permanent crown and is attached only with temporary cement. Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods. Be aware that the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold.

Choosing a Color
If the new crown will be created with porcelain, you and your dentist will use a shade guide to elect a shade for the restoration. Most men and women don’t have teeth that are exactly the same color. You will need to establish the best suited shade to blend in with the surrounding teeth.

The Lab Team Works Its Magic
The dentist or a laboratory technician then uses the model to build the crown. Some dentists have the equipment required to create crowns right in their office. Same day restorations are created with a machine that mills a crown from a small block of ceramic in the appropriate shade.

Your Crown Is Put In Place
When the new crown is ready, your dentist places it in your mouth and makes any needed adjustment to attain an optimal fit. This process shouldn’t be rushed. Sometimes less than a millimeter of drilling can make the difference between an ill-fitting crown that makes irregular contact with the opposing teeth and a crown that is correctly fitted.

We are Drs. Greg & Joanne Szalai, of Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care in Allen Park. My practice, Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care, offers CEREC one-day crowns, Six Month Smiles, teeth whitening, Invisalign, and porcelain veneers.

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Dental Crowns

Reinvent Yourself With A Smile Makeover

Posted: February 16, 2018

A smile makeover can boost your confidence for an upcoming job interview, promotion or new relationship. The process may include teeth whitening, invisible braces, veneers, dental implants, or gum tissue graft surgery.

Many of these take time. Understanding the process requires only a simple consultation. Small changes can make a big difference.

How The Rich Do It
Public figures from London to Hollywood, from New York to Vegas would advise you to:

Choose a dental professional with excellent education, a discerning eye and impeccable track record in the cosmetic dentistry field.
Consult with the professional, chart a course, and trust the course enough to see it through to completion.
Websites are great for cosmetic dentistry track records, education info, staff description and contact information. Visit Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care’s website at https://www.allenparkdentists.com/.

Do Not Cut Corners
Cheap glue and shoddy engineering never stopped a plane crash. Every smile redesign should have a unique treatment plan to achieve optimal results. There is no magic pill. Healing takes time before proceeding to the next step. Dental implants, for instance, are valuable in the comfort and beauty they offer but pushing the placement of the permanent restoration before proper healing is dangerous and risky. Learn to be patient with the goal in mind.

Better Smile, Better You
Is this the year to reinvent yourself? Consider improving your physical fitness, taking up a new hobby, pursuing continuing education or a new career to go along with your new smile.

A smile makeover is defined differently for every person. Meet Drs. Greg & Joanne Szalai, serving Allen Park, Michigan and the Dearborn, and Taylor areas since 1987. All it takes is one vital consultation with this dental professional before you are on your way to your stunning smile.

Drs. Szalai’s capable staff schedules patients for consultations and cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and sleep apnea and snoring treatment procedures. We offer services from CEREC one-day crowns to Six Month Smiles including teeth whitening, Invisalign, and porcelain veneers.

Call 313-928-2323 to schedule. We are located at 5329 Allen Rd in Allen Park, Michigan and on the web at https://www.allenparkdentists.com/.

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Are Floss Picks As Good As Regular Dental Floss?

Posted: February 9, 2018

Floss picks vs regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. Drs. Szalai recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here’s why:

A floss pick holds just a small section of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss used properly. By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more effectively clean that high-priority area around and just below the gumline. And your fingers are much more agile than a piece of plastic.

We have seen patients who are faithful floss pick users who developed decay due to a minuscule crack the floss pick missed day after day.

Here is a refresher course on correct flossing:

Cut a strip of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with.
Thread the floss between two teeth.
Hold the floss securely against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s vital to scrape up and out of the pocket.
Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface – especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to furnish a clean section for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new length.
Some people find it easier to begin on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you pick, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.

If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding generally stops within a week or two.

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Dental Health

You Can’t Afford Cheap Dental Work

Posted: February 2, 2018

Have you ever gotten an unbelievable bargain on a used car that turned out to be a lemon? After a couple years of constant repairs, you realized that it ended up costing as much as a new vehicle would have. And after spending all that money, you still have a lemon.

The same is true of substandard dental work. You have probably received glossy postcard ads that proclaim amazing prices on cosmetic dentistry: porcelain veneers, crowns, white fillings, and dental implants. The prices may be attractive, but make certain you do plenty of research before committing. We aren’t trying to imply that all dental practices that publicize low procedure prices in their ads provide inferior work – we are just cautioning patients not to decide on a cosmetic dentist based on price alone. Unlike a car, you can’t sell your smile and buy a new one.

We will use porcelain veneers as an example. What can go awry if you fall victim to substandard porcelain veneers?

The dentist may be inexperienced and make mistakes: improper placement, inadequate color matching, bite complications.
The materials may be unsatisfactory: unnatural color, prone to breaking, veneers pop off.
The lab techs that create the restorations may turn out poor quality work: unnatural color, poor fit.

If you are considering a smile makeover, communicate with Drs. Greg & Joanne Szalai at Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care first. During your consultation, you will learn about Drs. Szalais’ years of experience, techniques, specialty training, number of procedures performed, the best materials for the restorations, and specifics about the dental lab we use. We can also provide references if requested. And, of course, we will consider how much each process will cost. We are certain that you will find that our prices our competitive for the first-rate dentistry Drs. Szalai provides.

Don’t jeopardize your smile in an attempt to save some money. You really do get what you pay for.

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Bad Breath Q & A

Posted: January 26, 2018

I’m Greg & Joanne Szalai of Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care. Today’s post offers some answers to common questions about bad breath.

Q. My wife says my breath is awful, but I brush twice a day. Shouldn’t that be enough?
A. Bacteria can propagate and stink in hidden crevices that can only be reached with floss. Time to start flossing. If your breath hasn’t improved in a few months, make an appointment so we can examine other possible causes of your halitosis.

Also keep in mind that brushing just the teeth may not get rid of food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Q. My breath seems to get worse during hay fever season. What’s up with that?
A. Allergies can change mouth odor in a couple of ways. First, anything that stimulates post-nasal drip can be a trigger because bacteria at the back of the throat mixes with the mucous and exudes a smelly odor as it breaks down. Second, hay fever medications often cause dry mouth which can lead to stinky breath. Antihistamines can reduce post-nasal drip so this is a catch-22. If you take antihistamines, drink water frequently throughout the day to keep your mouth moist, suck on sugar-free mints to stimulate saliva production, and rinse with a non-alcohol mouth rinse.

Q. What health conditions can bring about bad breath?
A. As considered before, any condition that lessens saliva production frequently causes halitosis. It is also a common side effect of diabetes, kidney failure, and liver failure. Of course, if your kidneys or liver is failing, you have bigger problems.

Q. Why did my wife’s breath became offensive when she went on a strict low-carb diet?
A. Ketones were possibly the culprit. Ketones are produced when the body digests fat – which is usually the goal of a low-carb plan. On the flip side, she was probably not cheating!

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Five Fast Ways to Improve Your Smile

Posted: January 19, 2018

Do you have a special event coming up? Perhaps a wedding, graduation, milestone birthday, anniversary, or reunion? These celebrations usually involve a lot of photographs and, of course, you want to look pleasing. You may not have time to lose 20 pounds, but you can significantly beautify your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Here are five cosmetic dental procedures that can usually be performed in one office visit.

1. Veneers
Porcelain veneers have been a popular treatment for decades but we never fail to be amazed by the terrific results they provide. A veneer is a super-thin layer of porcelain bonded permanently to the tooth. A veneer can cover a chip, hide a crack, make discoloration disappear, or fix a misshapen tooth.

2. Gum Contouring
Perhaps your teeth are stunning and healthy but you have a gumline that is too low or too high and detracts from the presentation. Gum contouring can reshape the gumline and transform your smile. Book a consultation with Drs. Szalai today for an intensive examination and experienced guidance regarding your gumline.

3. Enamel Shaping
Just one slightly misshapen tooth can downgrade the characteristics of a smile even if all the other teeth have an attractive appearance. (Your mouth is no place for a sore thumb, right?) Let Drs. Szalai reshape the tooth so it blends in seamlessly.

4. Bonding
Dental bonding just gets better and better as additional revolutionary materials are developed. Bonding is used in a multitude of applications to correct teeth with cosmetic and structural issues. The newest prep methods are minimally invasive – leaving you with more of your own tooth structure.

5. Teeth Whitening
Make your smile pop with professional in-office teeth whitening. There is nothing like a terrific white smile to give you ultimate confidence.

Cosmetic dentistry is an investment that will bless you with increased morale every day. We look forward to getting your smile ready for all those hugs, laughs, and, of course, pictures.

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Peace Begins With A Smile

Posted: January 12, 2018

Mother Theresa once said “Peace begins with a smile.” Perhaps that peace should start with the person who is smiling. How do you feel about your smile? Are you at peace with it? Are you proud to flash a wide, happy grin? Let’s talk about your smile.

Regular checkups prevent runaway decay and costly corrections. Stay at peace with your smile by scheduling regular dental visits to avoid any future oral health problems.

For information about veneers, bridges, dental implants, Invisalign braces and more, visit https://www.allenparkdentists.com/.

If you are not content with the appearance or condition of your teeth, gums, or bite, call 313-928-2323 to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation.

We have years of experience providing our patients with cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers and more. We repair bite issues, seal children’s molars, remove decay, contour gums, mend cracks, bridge gaps, and reconstruct after tooth injury.

We are your local, experienced dental practice and provide quality service and products. We are dedicated to creating the best dental experience possible. With a little help, you can get through your treatment with minimal anxiety and be at peace with your smile for years to come.

Our caring and competent staff will answer any question you have about our most popular services, such as CEREC one-day crowns, teeth whitening, Invisalign, and porcelain veneers.

Gentle Hands, Caring Hearts, Beautiful Smiles- Greg & Joanne Szalai

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

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