Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

January 27, 2012

Toothbrush Wars in Ypsilanti

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 12:12 pm

Toothbrush Wars in Ypsilanti

It may surprise you to know that some Ypsilanti people have very strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best: manual or electric. Is there really one that is clearly better? Most Ypsilanti cosmetic dentists will tell you that all toothbrushes, when used correctly, are effective in removing plaque and that choosing which kind you like is really up to you.

Today in the Ypsilanti cosmetic dental blog we want to give you some extra information about toothbrushes to help you decide which kind is right for you or your child.

Cost and convenience should be considered. Some Ypsilanti people argue that even though electric toothbrushes cost more, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no definitive studies to back up this claim.

Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores in the Ypsilanti area carry all types of electric toothbrushes. This can be difficult when buying replacement heads. People who travel may find that a smaller, manual toothbrush is easier to pack (and you don’t have to remember batteries).

The pressure you put on your gums with either type of toothbrush is important. Some Ypsilanti residents say that it’s difficult to know how much pressure they use with electric toothbrushes, while others say that because of the quick electrical movements, they tend to be more gentle on their gums than when they use manual brushes. You may want to try them both to see what your brushing style is and discuss it with your Ypsilanti dentist.

Special consideration should be taken for people with arthritis. Most Ypsilanti area dentists advise their elderly and arthritic patients to use electric toothbrushes when their manual dexterity is diminished. As for children, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern for Ypsilanti parents. Also, all dentists in Ypsilanti area will remind you to look for the ADA seal on any dental product you buy.

Whichever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months.

I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki and I want to thank you for visiting my Ypsilanti dental blog.

If you are looking for dental care, tooth whitening, or cosmetic dentistry in or around Ypsilanti, give us a call at 734-482-7466.


December 23, 2011

Is a Perfect Smile Possible In Ann Arbor?

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 10:28 am

Saline Cosmetic Dentistry Are you considering a smile makeover in the Ann Arbor area? Are you skeptical of promises of a ‘perfect smile’ a ‘celebrity smile’ or ‘a dazzling, youthful smile’? Let’s talk about the most popular Ann Arbor cosmetic dental procedures and the results that can be expected.

Composite Veneers
The application of porcelain veneers at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS can remedy a multitude of aesthetic dental problems and is often a better cosmetic dental solution for candidates in Ann Arbor than dental bonding. Veneers can correct tooth chips, tooth 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 unsightly tooth into an aesthetically perfect tooth.

Tooth Bleaching
Ann Arbor 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 desires a whiter smile. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor we only recommend tooth bleaching for clients that are good candidates for the process. If you have all-natural teeth that are dull or stained, tooth whitening will brighten your smile. If you have several dental crowns in the front of your mouth, or gums that have receded, conventional tooth-whitening may not improve your smile.

Call 734-482-7466 to schedule a tooth-whitening consultation.

Tooth-Colored Fillings
If you have a mouth full of metal fillings, you may be interested in tooth-colored fillings. To get an idea of how the inside of your mouth would look without metal, have someone without any fillings open their mouth. Do you remember when your mouth looked like that? Would you like to bring your smile back to its pre-filling appearance? It is possible with tooth-colored fillings at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

These are just a few of the cosmetic dental solutions that create perfect smiles for our Ann Arbor clients. You can see a complete list of our services at http://www.midentalspa.com.

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 7, 2011

Ouch! Are Your Teeth Sensitive In Ann Arbor?

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 12:13 pm

Are Your Teeth Sensitive In Ann Arbor?

For those of you in the Ann Arbor area who feel pain when you sip your morning coffee or who cringe each time you brush or floss, Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is here for you.

Doctor Gary Sasaki has been treating this common problem since 1971.

The first line of defense against tooth sensitivity is proper oral hygiene. Incorrect brushing and over-brushing can result in receding gums, which leads to the exposure of microscopic tubules in the dentin. When these tubules are exposed, acidic, hot, cold, and sticky foods can then reach the nerve cells in the teeth causing discomfort.

Here in our Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry practice, our knowledgeable staff can determine if your brushing style is contributing to your tooth sensitivity and get you on your way to proper oral care habits.

Dr. Gary Sasaki usually recommends an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste that will alleviate tooth pain after several applications. Most Ann Arbor Wal-Mart and Sav-On stores carry it. However, some Ann Arbor patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride gel treatments available at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

Don’t worry if you have sensitive teeth in Ann Arbor and want to have your teeth whitened. Here at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, Dr. Sasaki can determine which professional tooth whitening or at-home whitening procedures will work for you.

Call our Ann Arbor dental spa today to get relief from your sensitive teeth.

 


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

August 31, 2011

Teeth Whitening at Your Ann Arbor Dentist

Filed under: Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , — @ 12:43 pm

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

If you have looked into Ann Arbor teeth whitening, you probably already know the basics. 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 in Ann Arbor and it seems like new ones appear every time you visit the toothpaste aisle at your Ann Arbor grocery or drug store.

These Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor cosmetic dental offices. It may not be strong enough for your tooth stains.

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

Gary Sasaki recommends that you use extreme caution when considering a take-home Ypsilanti tooth whitener. If you have tooth decay, gum recession, crowns, or dental veneers, you should deal with these issues before you whiten your teeth.

The portion of your teeth below the gumline, if exposed, may respond differently to tooth whitener. Likewise, 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!

Even though Ann Arbor teeth whitening seems fairly straightforward, 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 Ann Arbor tooth bleaching evaluation before you waste your money on more Crest White Strips. We can be reached at 734-482-7466.

June 10, 2011

What is a Canted Midline?

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

Ann Arbor Cosmetic DentistsDr. Gary Sasaki considers many factors when designing a smile for a Ann Arbor smile makeover client. One of the smile design elements involved is the facial midline. The facial midline can be determined by drawing an imaginary line from the center of the eyebrows to the center of the two peaks in the top lip (Cupid’s bow).

The skilled Ann Arbor cosmetic dentist considers the length and angle of the facial midline to properly position porcelain crowns, veneers and dental implants. When front teeth restorations do not line up with the facial midline, it is called a canted midline. This is a common mistake found in the cosmetic work of inexperienced Ann Arbor cosmetic dentists.

Most Ann Arbor dentistry patients do not realize the level of 3-D engineering required in cosmetic dentistry. In addition to the orientation in relation to the facial midline, there is also the angle and size of the teeth in relation to each other and in relation to the size and shape of the lips and gums.

If you are considering an extensive smile makeover, you do not want to trust your smile to an inexperienced Ann Arbor cosmetic dentist. When you have a smile design consultation with Dr. Gary Sasaki feel free to ask probing questions about Dr. Sasaki’s experience and technical design procedures. We are confident that you will feel comfortable choosing dentist Sasaki for your smile makeover.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor. We offer a full range of general and cosmetic dental procedures. Ask us about veneers, clear braces, tooth whitening and cosmetic dentistry. We look forward to meeting you. Call us today at 734-482-7466.

Ask us about cosmetic and general dentistry.

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.

May 6, 2011

Do Whitestrips Work?

Filed under: Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , — @ 8:14 pm

Do Whitestrips Work in Ann Arbor? If you have visited the toothpaste aisle at your Ann Arbor Wal-Mart, you have probably noticed dozens of products that claim to whiten your teeth. A few years ago, the only over-the-counter tooth whitening options in Ann Arbor were whitening toothpastes and Crest Whitestrips. Now there is a wide variety of products at every drugstore counter in the Ann Arbor area.

Whitening Rinses
Saline whitening rinses are similar to mouthwashes. They kill bacteria, freshen breath and may help remove plaque. Whitening rinses, however, contain tooth-whitening ingredients not found in mouthwashes. Manufacturers advise taking a mouthful of the rinse and letting it slosh around on your teeth for one minute twice a day. Though this method is simple, many users never notice a lightening of their teeth. This is probably because the rinse does not touch your teeth long enough to truly whiten them.

Whitening Strips
The whitening strips you can buy in Ann Arbor grocery stores have a couple of drawbacks. Though they contain a bleaching agent, it is much less potent than those used in Plymouth dental offices. Another problem is that they do not whiten between teeth because the strips only touch the front surface. Though it is possible to remove stains, it can take months to see any whitening. By that point, you have probably spent more money than you would have if you’d have chosen the professional system at your Ann Arbor cosmetic dental clinic.

Teeth Whitening Gels
Whitening gels are painted onto teeth with a small brush. One problem with whitening gels is that they only stick to dry teeth. If any saliva gets on the teeth during treatment, the gel is more likely to slide off.

If you are serious about dramatically whitening your teeth, the safest, quickest, and most affordable system is at your Ann Arbor dental office.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor. Our phone number is 734-482-7466. You can find more information about teeth whitening on our Ann Arbor dental website online at http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm.

March 3, 2011

What Does A Missing Tooth Say About You?

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , — @ 7:41 pm

Ann Arbor Mini-Implants When you meet someone in Ann Arbor who is missing a front tooth, what does that say to you? Do you wonder if they were in an accident? Do you automatically start making assumptions about their income, level of education and overall physical health?

Though it is extremely unfair, we are often judged (and misjudged) by our appearance. Even if a person is impeccably dressed and groomed, a missing front tooth detracts from the overall pleasing impression.

Here is a personal story from a woman who lost a tooth:

I lost my job and along with it my dental insurance, then a month later, one of my front teeth. It has been very hard to find work…. and I know the missing tooth has cost me several jobs.”

A missing tooth can be a big deal.

Dental implants not only restore oral health, they restore self-confidence. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Studies have shown that after more than 20 years, the vast majority of dental implants placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue to function at peak performance. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental implants are one of the procedures we routinely perform at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS to help our Ann Arbor clients regain the beautiful smile they once had. Not all cosmetic dental procedures are as extreme as teeth implants. There are many minimally-invasive remedies for unattractive smiles.

Porcelain veneers instantly provide a perfect, gleaming tooth surface for Ann Arbor clients with broken or discolored teeth. Tooth whitening is a quick and affordable dentistry procedure in Ann Arbor that achieves dramatic results without requiring the removal of any tooth structure. Call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS at 734-482-7466 for more information about smile design and restorative dentistry.

-Gary Sasaki

January 6, 2011

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , — @ 5:44 pm

Affordable Ann Arbor Tooth Whitening The word ‘LASER’ is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser device emits a powerful, highly-concentrated beam of light. (Didn’t we all love the amazing laser weapons in ‘Star Wars?) Lasers are used in hundreds of applications in almost every Michigan industry including communications, researching, manufacturing, entertainment and medicine.

Lasers are now used in some technologically-advanced Ann Arbor dental practices on both hard (tooth) and soft (gum) tissue. Lasers allow Ann Arbor cosmetic dentists a degree of precision that was previously impossible.

How do lasers benefit our Ann Arbor dental patients?

  • Fewer stitches (some surgical procedures require no sutures)
  • Shorter healing time
  • Decreased chance of infection
  • Less damage to surrounding tissue/bone
  • Increased patient comfort – anesthesia is often unnecessary

Ann Arbor dentists use lasers in crown lengthening, decay detection, bacteria removal in root canals, gum recontouring, biopsy, lesion removal, and tooth whitening.

If you are interested in any of these procedures, call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS at 734-482-7466. dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki has been providing unsurpassed general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry since 1971.

The latest dental technology is useless without the skill and experience necessary to deliver the best possible outcomes. Let us show you some photos of the results we routinely achieve at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor.

-A Dental Spa to Transform Your Smile, Relax Your Body, and Rejuvenate

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