Toggle navigation
logo
441 S Livernois Rd Ste 275Rochester Hills, MI 48307-2531248-608-1300
  • Facebook
  • blog
  • Twitter

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for: May, 2020

Ultra-Thin Veneers Might Help You Avoid Enamel Removal

By Hibbeln & Kowal Dental
May 21, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: porcelain veneers  
Ultra-ThinVeneersMightHelpYouAvoidEnamelRemoval

Dental veneers—thin, life-like layers of porcelain bonded to teeth—can turn a so-so smile into a beautiful one. But most veneers have a distinct drawback: To make them look as natural as possible, the teeth they're bonded with must have some of their surface enamel removed.

Even though they're 1 millimeter or less in thickness, veneers on an unprepared tooth can look bulky. Removing some of the surface enamel remedies this, but doing so permanently alters the tooth. The tooth will need a veneer or some other protective restoration from then on.

Now, though, there's an alternative veneer available for many dental patients. Known as No-Prep or Minimal-Prep, these new veneers are often as thin as a contact lens.

These new types of veneers can often be placed directly on the teeth just above the gum line without any enamel removal and look natural. At the most, the enamel beneath them may need reshaping with an abrasive tool. And, unlike traditional veneers with tooth alteration, these low-prep veneers can often be applied without anesthesia, and in as few as two appointments.

No- or Minimal-Preps are better suited for certain kinds of patients: those with small teeth or teeth that appear small due to larger mouth features; worn teeth from aging or teeth grinding or with small gaps; narrow smiles where the side teeth aren't as visible; and teeth that are slightly misshapen or with minor staining.

On the other hand, patients with oversized teeth or front teeth that jut forward may still encounter problems with an unnatural, bulky appearance even with ultra-thin veneers. The latter situation can often be corrected with orthodontic treatment first to realign the teeth to their proper positions. Once the bite is corrected, no-prep veneers may then become a viable option.

If you'd like to consider these minimal preparation veneers, see your dentist for an examination. The exam results will help determine what type of veneer solution is right for you. And whether you go with traditional or No-Prep veneers, the change in your smile can be amazing.

If you would like more information on porcelain veneers without enamel removal, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “No-Prep Porcelain Veneers.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

Without Prompt Intervention, Gum Disease Could Damage Tooth Roots

By Hibbeln & Kowal Dental
May 11, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: gum disease  
WithoutPromptInterventionGumDiseaseCouldDamageToothRoots

Periodontal (gum) disease often involves more than gum inflammation. The real danger is what this bacterial infection may be doing to tissues beneath the gum line—including tooth roots and supporting bone.

Gum disease can do extensive damage to the forked areas where the roots separate from the main tooth body. If one of these areas, known as a furcation, becomes infected, the associated bone may begin to diminish. And you may not even know it's happening.

Fortunately, we may be able to detect a furcation involvement using x-rays and tactile (touch) probing. The findings from our examination will not only verify a furcation involvement exists, but also how extensive it is according to a formal classification system that dentists use for planning further treatment.

A Class I involvement under this system signifies the beginning of bone loss, usually a slight groove in the bone. Class II signifies two or more millimeters of bone loss. Class III, also called a “through and through,” represents bone loss that extends from one side of the root to the other.

The class of involvement will guide how we treat it. Obviously, the lower the class, the less extensive that treatment will be. That's why regular dental checkups or appointments at the first sign of gum problems are a must.

The first-line treatment for furcation involvements is much the same as for gum disease in general: We manually remove bacterial plaque, the main source of infection, from the root surfaces using hand instruments and ultrasonic equipment. This is often followed by localized antibiotics to further disinfect the area and stymie the further growth of the furcation involvement.

We also want to foster the regrowth of lost tissue, if at all possible. Classes II and III involvements may present a challenge in this regard, ultimately requiring grafting surgery to stimulate tissue regeneration.

The best approach by far is to prevent gum disease, the ultimate cause for a furcation involvement. You can reduce your chances of gum disease by brushing and flossing daily to remove disease-causing plaque. Regular dental cleanings and checkups, at least every six months, help round out this prevention strategy.

A furcation involvement could ultimately endanger a tooth's survival. We can stop that from happening—but we'll have to act promptly to achieve the best results.

If you would like more information on treating gum disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “What are Furcations?”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

A Bonded Retainer Could be a Preferred Choice over a Removable One

By Hibbeln & Kowal Dental
May 01, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontic treatment   bonded retainer  
ABondedRetainerCouldbeaPreferredChoiceoveraRemovableOne

If you've known anyone who has worn braces, you know what comes after — wearing a retainer. This can be kind of a letdown after all those months with braces, but it's absolutely necessary.

That's because teeth have a tendency to “rebound” to their pre-orthodontic positions once the force to move them stops after the braces are removed. Retainers help keep or “retain” moved teeth in their new positions and prevent them from reverting to the old.

When you think “retainer,” you probably picture a removable appliance with a wire that fits over the front of the teeth. While that may be the most common type, it isn't the only one. There's another called a bonded retainer, a thin piece of wire bonded to the back of the teeth that need to be retained. Unlike the other type, a dentist must remove a bonded retainer when it's no longer needed.

The biggest advantage of a bonded retainer is its invisibility — the wire is behind the teeth so no one can see it as with a removable retainer. The wire is bonded to the teeth with a dental composite material and then light-cured to create a strong attachment.

Another advantage is especially pertinent to younger patients. Because it's permanently attached and can't be taken out, there's no constant reminding of the patient to wear it — and no more worries about replacing a lost one.

They can, though, be difficult to floss around leading to potential plaque buildup that increases disease risk. It's very important you receive proper hygiene instruction for cleaning under the bonded retainer. Another concern is that they can break under excessive chewing pressure. And as with the more common retainer, we wouldn't want to remove it as that will result in the teeth's relapse to their old positions.

To learn which retainer is best for your situation, you should discuss the options with your orthodontist. Regardless of which type you choose, though, a retainer is a must for protecting your investment in that new smile.

If you would like more information on orthodontics and retainers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Bonded Retainers.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink


June (2) April (3)
Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (2)
        • Topical Fluoride Could Boost Your Child's Avoidance of Tooth Decay
        • Hoping to Show Your Smile Again in 2021? Be Sure You're Ready
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
        • You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England
        • Age Doesn't Have to Stop You From Straightening Your Smile
      • November (3)
        • Smoking Increases Your Risk for Gum Disease
        • How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
      • October (3)
        • Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
        • If You Thought the Last Century Was Amazing for Dental Care, Just Wait
        • Keep Your Implants Clean to Avoid a Damaging Gum Infection
      • September (3)
        • Mike Tyson: The Prizefighter Prizes His Unique Smile
        • Preventing Gum Disease Could Help More Than Your Teeth and Gums
        • Far From a Safer Alternative to Smoking, Vaping Could Ruin Your Oral Health
      • August (3)
        • DIY Orthodontics is a Recipe for Dental Disaster
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
        • Take These Steps to Alleviate Chronic Dry Mouth
      • July (3)
        • Like Our National Parks, Your Natural Teeth Are Worth Preserving
        • A Shingles Outbreak Could Interrupt Your Dental Care
        • How Veneers Restored Howie Mandel's Winning Smile
      • June (3)
        • Prevention and Early Detection of Root Cavities Could Save a Tooth
        • A Little Dairy Can Go a Long Way for Maintaining Healthy Teeth
        • How to Help Your Child Beat the Odds for Getting a Tooth Injury
      • May (4)
        • What Tara Lipinski Does to Protect One of Her Most Valuable Assets - Her Smile
        • Ultra-Thin Veneers Might Help You Avoid Enamel Removal
        • Without Prompt Intervention, Gum Disease Could Damage Tooth Roots
        • A Bonded Retainer Could be a Preferred Choice over a Removable One
      • April (3)
        • What's That on Your Teeth, Nick Jonas? How to Avoid a Similar Smile Oops
        • Facial Nerve Pain Can be Controlled
        • Ease Your Child's Teething Discomfort with these Tips
      • March (3)
        • The Case for Moving Just a Few Teeth Orthodontically
        • NHL Iron Man Keith Yandle Suffers Dental Trauma on Ice
        • 'Simple' Tooth Extractions are a Common Dental Procedure
      • February (3)
        • It's Best to Avoid This Online Trend for Your Enamel's Sake
        • Removing One or More Teeth Could Improve Orthodontic Outcomes
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
      • January (3)
        • Is There a Better Way to Manage Pain Without Narcotics?
        • Avoid Permanent Tooth Alteration With No Prep Veneers
        • Tobacco: One Baseball Tradition We Can Do Without
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • Dental Care During Pregnancy is Safe and Essential
        • Teeth Grinding Could Endanger Your Dental Health
      • November (3)
        • Fluoridated Drinking Water Helps Curb Tooth Decay Safely
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Clean Your Implants Just Like Your Other Teeth
      • October (3)
        • Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
        • These Popular Drinks Could Put Your Enamel in Danger of Erosion
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • September (3)
        • Improving Hygiene Skills Maximizes Removal of Disease-Causing Plaque
        • Periodontal Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Another Episode of Gum Disease
        • Dental Sealants Give Children an Added Boost Against Tooth Decay
      • August (3)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • That Toothache Might Not Be From Your Tooth: The Problem of Referred Pain
        • Preventing Decay in Primary Teeth Promises Better Health Now and Later
      • July (3)
        • How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy During Pregnancy
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
        • A Little Orthodontic Magic Could Help an Impacted Tooth Erupt
      • June (3)
        • 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
        • As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
      • May (3)
        • 3 Things You Can do to Help Promote Your Child's Dental Development
        • You May Not Need a Narcotic to Manage Post-Dental Work Pain
        • 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
      • April (3)
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
      • March (3)
        • Here's How to Manage School Snacks and Your Child's Dental Health
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • March Is the Time to Evaluate Sleep Problems
      • February (3)
        • Periodontal Surgery Allows us to Access Deep Surfaces for Plaque Removal
        • Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
      • January (3)
        • 3 Ways Orthodontic Techniques Could Prevent a Poor Bite
        • Want to Keep Enjoying Winter Sports? Wear a Mouthguard!
        • Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • New Year, New Smile
        • What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
      • November (3)
        • The Connection Between GERD and Oral Health
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • Why a Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
      • October (3)
        • Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
        • Guide Your Older Children or Teens through These 3 Oral Health Areas
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
      • September (3)
        • It's National Gum Care Month - Take Care of Your Gums
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
      • August (3)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • When Summertime Sports Lead to Dental Dilemmas
        • 10 Tips to Tame Bad Breath
      • July (4)
        • Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
        • Lasers Beginning to Change Some Root Canal Procedures
      • June (3)
        • Finding the Right Solution for Your Gummy Smile
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Anchorage Devices Enable Greater Precision During Orthodontic Treatment
      • May (3)
        • Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
        • Crown Lengthening Helps us Treat Hard to Reach Cavities
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
      • April (2)
        • Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory Was Not So Sweet to Cast's Teeth!
        • 3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Toothbrush
      • March (2)
        • Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
      • February (3)
        • Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
        • Not Enough Bone Support for an Implant? Here's a Way to Rebuild It
        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
      • January (2)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • Your Health Could Affect the Longevity of a Dental Implant
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Facial Nerve Pain can be Managed with Effective Treatment
        • What to Do About Your Child's Toothache Before Seeing the Dentist
      • November (2)
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Oral Health
      • October (2)
        • Bad Breath in Children
        • Reduce Future Bite Problems with These Innovative Techniques
      • September (2)
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • FAQs About Pediatric Dentistry
      • August (4)
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Signs You May Need Braces
        • Your Child's Impacted Front Teeth can be Saved - but Don't Wait too Long
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • July (2)
        • This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • June (3)
        • Overcoming Gum Recession will Restore Dental Health and your Smile
        • The Importance Of Preventive Care
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • May (2)
        • Don't let Periodontal Disease Cause Your Gums to Recede
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
      • April (3)
        • Dealing with the Reality of Increased Disease Risk with Braces
        • Protect Your Child's Smile
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • March (3)
        • Topical Fluoride Could Further Lower Tooth Decay Risk in Children
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
      • February (2)
        • The Benefits Of Seeing A Family Dentist
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • January (4)
        • Disease Detection - Saliva's New Role
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • How Dental Crowns Help Strengthen Teeth
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • 3 Questions You Should Ask Before Undergoing Adult Orthodontics
      • November (2)
        • A Royal Fix
        • Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
      • October (4)
        • Caring for Your Smile When You Have Braces
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • New Understanding of Bacteria Promises Better Approaches to Oral Care
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • September (2)
        • Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • August (3)
        • Metal Dental Amalgam: Still a Safe and Effective Tooth Filling
        • What is a Cavity?
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • July (2)
        • Keep Watch for Bite Problems with your Child's Teeth
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
      • June (3)
        • Effective Hygiene is Key to Preventing Enamel White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • How Fillings Help Restore Decayed Teeth
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • May (2)
        • Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • April (4)
        • 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
        • Give Your Child's Smile the Best Start
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
      • March (2)
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
      • February (3)
        • How Braces Can Improve Oral Health
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Kids, Cats and Canines: Dental Development Through the Ages
      • January (2)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • The Dangers of DIY Braces
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
        • With Proper Management, Dental Implants can be a Reality for Diabetics
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Jaw Pain Disorders Could be Related to Other Body Conditions
      • October (2)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (54)
  • cosmetic dentistry (8)
  • tmd (1)
  • tmj (1)
  • jaw pain (2)
  • oral hygiene (23)
  • dental implants (7)
  • dental anxiety (1)
  • orthodontic treatment (16)
  • orthodontics (6)
  • braces (12)
  • oral health (12)
  • pediatric dentistry (14)
  • gum disease (11)
  • crowns (2)
  • periodontal disease (3)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • Child's Smile (1)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • Decayed Teeth (1)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • tooth decay (5)
  • cavities (1)
  • tooth pain (3)
  • fillings (1)
  • periodontal (gum) disease (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • bad breath (3)
  • retainers (2)
  • dental crowns (1)
  • restorative dentistry (1)
  • chipped tooth (3)
  • saliva (1)
  • family dentist (1)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • fluoride (4)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • mouthguards (6)
  • preventative dentistry (1)
  • gum recession (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • impacted teeth (1)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • interceptive orthodontics (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • toothache (2)
  • facial pain (1)
  • trigeminal neuralgia (1)
  • bone graft (1)
  • dental sealants (2)
  • bone grafting (1)
  • thumb sucking (2)
  • toothbrush (1)
  • crown lengthening (2)
  • TADs (1)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • root canal treatment (2)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • teeth whitening (2)
  • wisdom teeth (3)
  • dental injury (3)
  • tmj disorders (1)
  • retainer (2)
  • smile makeover (3)
  • GERD (1)
  • periodontal surgery (1)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • porcelain veneers (3)
  • nutrition (2)
  • apicoectomy (1)
  • pain management (2)
  • pregnancy (2)
  • sealants (1)
  • dental implant (3)
  • teeth grinding (2)
  • veneers (2)
  • extractions (1)
  • dental injuries (2)
  • teething (1)
  • nerve pain (1)
  • bonded retainer (1)
  • dry mouth (1)
  • vaping (1)
  • dental care (1)
  • dry socket (1)
  • smoking (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Dental Procedures (78)
  • Oral Health (93)

Request An Appointment

Our Location

Rochester Hills, MI Dentist
Hibbeln & Kowal Dental
441 S. Livernois Suite 275
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
(248) 608-1300
Dentist Rochester Hills MI Call For Pricing

Map & Directions

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map