Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

December 9, 2011

Soft, Medium, or Buzz Lightyear?

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 10:15 am

Affordable Dentistry in Ann Arbor At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki is often asked how to choose the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush in Ypsilanti can be as difficult as choosing a paint color, and there seems to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local Ypsilanti grocery store or Walmart lately, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up. (If I had to rate them purely on their fun factor, I would choose the Spiderman brush.)

Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth when used with teeth whitening toothpaste. How do you choose?

One key factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can damage your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to clean plague, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also offer more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

After having dental work (like the full mouth rehabilitation available at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS) or oral surgery in Ypsilanti, especially anything involving soft tissue grafts, make sure you use an extra-soft brush and be careful!

What about the electric types and water-shooters? Some Ypsilanti folks like the feeling of vibrating bristles or a mini-squirt gun blasting away at the plaque. Ypsilanti people with arthritis or other movement-inhibiting conditions can benefit from powered brushes which take some strain off hands and arm muscles.

Is your toothbrush doing the job? Schedule an exam with your Ypsilanti cosmetic dentist at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxed dental hygienists instruct our Ypsilanti area patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you haven’t experienced a dental deep cleaning at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, you don’t know how clean your teeth and gums can feel.

Schedule a thorough dental cleaning today by calling us at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, 734-482-7466. An outstanding feature of Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is dental spa service to make our patients as comfortable as possible. We also offer porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges and a full spectrum of restorative dental procedures.

December 2, 2011

Has Your Smile Lost Its Luster?

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , — @ 9:31 am

Has Your Smile Lost Its Luster?

Hello Ann Arbor! Has your smile lost its luster? Are your teeth discolored? If flashing a pearly white smile is important to you I can help. My name is Dr. Gary Sasaki and I have been creating whiter, brighter smiles for patients in the Ann Arbor area since 1971 at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

Whether your teeth have been stained through sipping dark-colored drinks such as red wine or coffee or if smoking has left your teeth brown and dull, my staff and I at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS can whiten your teeth and intensify your smile.

Maybe you have injured your tooth in some way causing it to turn gray. We offer several solutions to restore the color to your tooth. When you come in for a consultation we will determine which cosmetic dental procedure is best for your teeth.

Your smile the first thing people notice, I will make sure your smile is brilliant and absolutely unforgettable!

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS we not only offer tooth whitening to our Ann Arbor area patients, we also specialize in cosmetic and general dentistry.

If you or your family need porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges or dental implants we invite you to come in for a dental consultation. We are located at 1900 Packard Rd in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Invest in a white, bright smile! Call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor today at 734-482-7466 or visit http://www.midentalspa.com.

Thanks for visiting my cosmetic dental blog – Dr. Gary Sasaki

October 26, 2011

Celebrity Smiles Without The Annoying Paparazzi In Ypsilanti

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 6:12 pm

Cosmetic Dentistry Ypsilanti

Hello friends of Gary Sasaki DDS, MS!

Close your eyes. Picture the most beautiful smile you have ever seen. Perhaps it is the smile of your significant other. Perhaps it is your favorite actor, actress, or singer. What makes this smile memorable? The brilliant color? The beautiful translucency? The pleasing shape? The alignment of the teeth? All of the above?

Would you like a smile as memorable as the image in your mind? It’s possible with cosmetic dentistry at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ypsilanti.

Dr. Gary Sasaki skillfully redesigns smiles to correct alignment, dull color, damage, and stains.

Cosmetic dental procedures include the ever-popular porcelain veneers (gives teeth a brand new face), crown restorations, teeth whitening, and dental bonding (affordable and effective). We also offer tooth-colored fillings and cosmetic implants.

You can have a billboard-perfect smile right here in Ypsilanti.

The very same cosmetic dental procedures used on famous smiles is available at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. A celebrity salary and jet-setting lifestyle may be out of reach, but not a red carpet-worthy smile.

Come in for a smile design consultation to learn what cosmetic dentistry can do for your world class smile! If you are nervous about seeing the dentist, we provide many relaxing amenities in our dental spa. Call 734-482-7466 to book your appointment today.

Dr. Gary Sasaki
Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Rd
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48197
http://www.midentalspa.com

October 21, 2011

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry In Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 12:21 pm

Ann Arbor Cosmetic Dentistry Hello, I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki. Welcome to my Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry blog. Today’s article focuses on the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

General dentists in Ann Arbor are dedicated to preventing and treating oral disease such as cavities and gum disease. When a problem is diagnosed, let’s say, a cavity between two teeth, a general dentist will assess the best way to restore the tooth involved.

Ann Arbor cosmetic dentists perform elective dental procedures that make a smile more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry procedures available at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor include teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, veneers, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns.

Some Ann Arbor dentists, like myself, offer both general and cosmetic dentistry procedures. In some cases, there is a cosmetic component to restorative procedures. For example, if a Ann Arbor dental patient comes in after receiving an injury that chipped a front tooth, the tooth needs to be restored to prevent decay. The tooth is also less structurally sound, so it is vulnerable to further damage. In addition, the tooth affects the overall appearance of the smile. Depending on the specifics of the damage, there are several of restorative options. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns are all used to repair a damaged tooth.

As you can see, there is not always a definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, my comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing team provides the full spectrum of preventative, cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures.

Experienced Ann Arbor dental professionals who perform  general and cosmetic dental procedures can meet all of your dental needs.

If you are looking for a full-service dental spa in the Ann Arbor area, I invite you to come into Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. We are located at 1900 Packard Rd, Ann Arbor. To schedule an oral examination or smile makeover consultation, call 734-482-7466.

Dr. Gary Sasaki
Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Rd
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48197
http://www.midentalspa.com

September 30, 2011

Ann Arbor Dental News: Poor Oral Health And Heart Disease

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 11:17 am

Top Ann Arbor Family Dentists Attention Ann Arbor dental patients: brushing twice daily may help lower your risk of heart disease. Ann Arbor scientists, dentists, and cardiologists have known for many years that there is a link between inflammation in the mouth (gum disease) and heart problems. However, a recent study analyzed oral health habits and heart disease risk. Science Daily reported on the study which was published in the British Medical Journal.

I quote from the Science Daily article:

“The authors, led by Professor Richard Watt from University College London, analyzed data from over 11,000 adults who took part in a Scottish Health Survey. The research team analyzed data about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health routines.”

“Once the data was adjusted for established cardio risk factors, the researchers found that participants who reported less frequent toothbrushing had a 70 percent extra risk of heart disease compared to individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day.”

I am Dr. Gary Sasaki of Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. The Scottish survey is one of many that confirms the link between oral health and overall health. Simply put: you aren’t healthy unless your gums and teeth are healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you are a lean Ann Arbor distance runner with a pulse of fifteen beats a minute and a blood pressure of 100 over 60. It doesn’t matter if you are a Ann Arbor vegan who has eaten a nutritionally balanced, low-fat diet for the past five years. If you have inflamed gums and tooth decay, you are at risk for problems in other areas of the body.

The phone number for Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is 734-482-7466. If you have concerns about your oral health, I invite you to schedule an examination today.

Perhaps your teeth and gums are healthy but you wish your smile was more attractive. We can help you there also with a smile redesign. Porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, and orthodontia are all available to solve any cosmetic problems you wish to correct.

If you have not visited a cosmetic dentist in Ann Arbor yet, now is the time. My comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing team and I will help keep your smile beautiful for life.

Call us at 734-482-7466 to learn more.

September 16, 2011

A Fresh Start After Losing A Tooth In Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants — Tags: , , , — @ 11:26 am

Ann Arbor Permanent Tooth Replacement Are you one of the many Ann Arbor men and women who has had a tooth extracted? If the tooth had been bothering you, it may have been a relief. Unless, of course, the tooth was in the front of your mouth and now the gaping hole shows every time you smile. Ignoring it is impossible because your tongue can’t leave it alone.

Once the tooth has been pulled, you have many decisions to make. Can I afford a dental bridge? Do I want to damage two healthy teeth to anchor the bridge? Should I go with porcelain veneers? What about bone loss?

What if you could have a fresh start? What if you could have a permanent, natural looking tooth replacement that would restore your smile and retain the healthy bone and gum tissue around the tooth root?

With a dental implant from Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, you can. A dental implant is a permanent replacement for all parts of the tooth. A dental implant consists of three parts: the titanium post, the abutment, and the restoration.

The Titanium Post
—Inserted directly into the jaw bone
—Extremely strong
—Titanium is unique in that it bonds with living bone tissue (also used in knee and hip replacement surgery)

The Abutment
—Can be made of gold, porcelain or titanium
—Permanently attached to the post (it will not slip and slide like dentures)

The Restoration (Dental Crown)
—Usually made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM)
—Is made to match the color of surrounding teeth
—Will look as good or better than the tooth it replaced

Dental implant surgery is not an experimental treatment. The materials and techniques have been tested and refined for several decades. It has been performed by Ann Arbor dentists and prosthodontists for over twenty years. To schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation, call 734-482-7466.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
734-482-7466
1900 Packard Rd
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48197
http://www.midentalspa.com

August 19, 2011

Same Day Smile Makeovers At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS In Ann Arbor

Filed under: Porcelain Veneers — Tags: , , — @ 9:33 am

Same Day Smile Makeovers At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS In Ann Arbor Have you ever wished your Ann Arbor cosmetic dentist could glue new pearly white covers on your existing teeth as easy as you paint a wall in your house? Guess what? With porcelain veneers, it’s possible. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin tooth-shaped fronts that are permanently bonded to your natural teeth.

Unlike a dental crown procedure, your Ann Arbor dentist does not need to remove tooth structure to place the restoration. If the teeth in question have decay, come see us immediately.

Call 734-482-7466 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor, veneers are used alone and in combination with other cosmetic dental procedures to create complete smile makeovers. Because they can correct cosmetic tooth misalignment in one visit, veneers are sometimes referred to as ‘instant orthodontics’.

Do veneers look like natural teeth?
Skilled Ann Arbor cosmetic dental lab artists create porcelain veneers with the color, reflective properties, and translucency of natural teeth: perfect natural teeth, that is. In addition, porcelain veneers can be made in any size or shape.

Are veneers at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS strong?
Porcelain veneers are fabricated out of extremely durable material. If you have questions about whether a veneer or dental crown is the best choice for you, talk to Gary Sasaki. Dr. Sasaki will consider the size and condition of the tooth and its position in the mouth.

How long do veneers last?
Some Gary Sasaki DDS, MS smile makeover clients have veneers they received over 15 years ago. (And they still look terrific!) If properly cared for, veneers can last as long as dental crowns.

Are porcelain veneers affordable in Ann Arbor?
The cost of cosmetic dental veneers at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is competitive with other premium cosmetic dental practices in the Ann Arbor area. We use what we believe is the top Michigan dental lab to create our client’s veneers and a significant portion of the cost of veneers goes to the lab. Porcelain veneers are often less expensive in Ann Arbor than crowns and orthodontia. For questions about the cost of porcelain veneers, call our office at 734-482-7466

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Rd Ann Arbor, Michigan 48197

http://www.midentalspa.com

 

July 22, 2011

Our Ann Arbor Dental Team Takes Care Of You

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 6:09 pm

Ann Arbor Dental Team

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, each dental professional on our team allows our practice to operate smoothly and provide the highest caliber of dental care. Today’s Ann Arbor dentistry article will focus on the duties of a dental assistant.

You probably think of the dental assistant as: “The one who suctions my mouth while the dentist is working on me,” or “The one who attaches the bib around my neck,” and you are correct. However, his/her knowledge of patient care and dental lab procedures is probably more extensive than you realize.

Competent dental assistants work behind the scenes at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor. They assist dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki during all dental procedures including basic oral examinations, tooth prep and cavity filling, as well as lengthy cosmetic dentistry smile makeovers involving multiple procedures. Our competent assistants also work with our dental hygienists during dental cleanings and patient instruction.

When a dental client arrives for his/her appointment, the dental assistant has already been preparing for the visit. Before he/she is escorted to a comfortable chair in one of our pleasant patient rooms, the assistant has made sure the room is ready for the particular treatment being performed.

Whether the patient is receiving porcelain veneers, having their teeth whitened, undergoing a routine orthodontia adjustment, or settling in for a two-hour smile redesign, the dental assistant has set the stage for a comfortable and efficient procedure.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, infection control is always foremost in our minds. Our dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists are vigilant about the sterilization of dental instruments and follow strict infection control protocols. The health of our patients and employees is our highest priority.

Dental assistants in Ann Arbor dental offices may also prepare tray setups, make impressions for restorations, schedule appointments, take x-rays, and maintain and retrieve patient records. They must have a keen eye for detail and an excellent memory as they organize and stock the many different dental supplies in a typical office.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We provide general and cosmetic dental procedures including porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges and general dentistry. You can read more about our services at http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm.

To make an appointment for an examination, consultation, or cleaning, call 734-482-7466. Thanks for visiting our Gary Sasaki DDS, MS blog!

July 8, 2011

Veneers Create Stunning Smiles in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Porcelain Veneers — Tags: , , , — @ 8:21 pm

Veneers Create Stunning Smiles in Ann Arbor Veneers have myriad applications in Ann Arbor cosmetic smile dentistry. With dental veneers, you can transform your smile without significant restorative dental work.

Is your tooth enamel worn and thin? Tooth-colored porcelain veneers have the translucency of healthy tooth enamel. Many Ann Arbor dental clients have received veneers to cover worn enamel. Some believe they look twenty years younger!

Have your teeth developed uneven edges? Tooth grinding, natural wear and other factors can roughen tooth edges. Veneers are a minimally invasive correction for uneven tooth edges. Veneers are a popular treatment for Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry patients.

Do you have chips or cracks in your teeth? If your teeth are otherwise healthy, veneers provide a flawless tooth surface. Are your teeth yellow or gray? Veneers can fix that, too. Veneers can be fabricated in any shade to perk up your smile while still blending naturally with your skin tones.

Porcelain veneers are paper-thin, tooth-shaped covers that are affixed to the front of teeth. Traditional veneers required the removal of a thin layer of tooth structure. Prepless veneers are applied to unaltered teeth.

Veneers are strong, natural looking and one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry procedures in Saline and Plymouth. Veneers are usually far less expensive than complete dental crowns, yet they are just as strong and beautiful.

Ann Arbor aesthetic dentists love veneers because they correct a multitude of tooth problems. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we would be happy to show you what veneers can do for you. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor. We provide premium dental care for many of your friends and neighbors in the greater Ann Arbor area. Our phone number is 734-482-7466.

You can visit http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm for information about our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing team and the types of services we provide.

May 27, 2011

Do You Love Your Smile?

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , — @ 4:33 pm

Ann Arbor Cosmetic Dentistry The Ann Arbor people who are most happy with their smiles have healthy, straight teeth that sparkle when they laugh. If nature didn’t bless you with attractive teeth, you are not alone. Most perfect smiles you come across in Ann Arbor were not always that way. They are the result of cosmetic dentistry performed by an experienced Ann Arbor aesthetic dentist.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor, Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS provides the state-of-the-art procedures that deliver dazzling, flawless teeth for our cosmetic dentistry clients. We treat patients from 40 to 80. You are never too young or too old to improve your smile; but it will definitely make you feel younger!

Two common smile-killers are yellow enamel and chipped teeth.

Discolored Teeth

Few Ann Arbor people have pearly white smiles that stay that way forever. Even with consistent brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings, our teeth darken as we age. Fortunately, the most affordable Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry procedure is tooth whitening. Picture yourself with a celebrity-caliber smile. It is possible with safe and affordable teeth whitening at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

Damaged Teeth

Our teeth work hard for us day after day, year after year. Sometimes they get chipped or cracked in the process. If you would like to fix your tooth flaws, schedule a consultation by calling Gary Sasaki DDS, MS at 734-482-7466. We use porcelain veneers every day to remedy tooth trauma. Cosmetic bonding has been used with fabulous results for many years and bonding is usually a fraction of the price of a crown.

Ask dentist Sasaki which of our Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry procedures can be completed in one appointment. How about a same-day smile makeover?

If you have never been eager to show your teeth when you smile or laugh, now is the time to change that. Call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS today at 734-482-7466 to schedule a smile design consultation.

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