Dr. Eric Hull, Author at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry - Grand Rapids Dentist

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Apr27

Wayward Teeth: Invisalign Clear Braces in Comstock Park

Malocclusion is the technical term for crooked teeth. When you consider all the different ways teeth can grow, it is not surprising that malocclusion occurs in multiple forms. Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can correct malocclusion with Invisalign clear braces.

When teeth slant forward, it is called upper protrusion, but you may have heard this referred to, unkindly, 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 impairment – the upper front teeth close further 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 happen on the whole bite or just one side.

Tooth rotation is one of the most common types 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 out of alignment 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, teeth erupt in spots where other teeth should be. This is known as transposition. 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, but aesthetics are not the only issue at play. Crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean and can increase the chance of tooth decay, tooth damage, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Teeth can be aligned more easily and less obtrusively than ever before with Invisalign. Invisalign clear braces are a series of trays that gradually correct the bite and straighten the teeth. People love them because they are not very noticeable and are removable, making it easier to brush and floss.

To find out more about Invisalign clear braces from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, please call our office. Visit our Invisalign smile gallery to see our patients’ amazing results with Invisalign. We also provide general dentistry.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Apr20

What Does A Beautiful Smile Say? Aesthetic Dentistry in Comstock Park

Your smile is about more than just looks. According to a recent study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a healthy and attractive smile makes you appear more intelligent, successful, friendly and interesting.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic Dentistry in Comstock Park, our restorative and cosmetic dentistry patients have experienced this phenomenon firsthand. They not only feel great about their looks, they are more confident in professional and social situations.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we provide premium cosmetic dentistry for patients in the Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Rockford, Sparta and Walker area. We develop a custom treatment plan for each one. Some have lived with misaligned or crooked teeth for years. Others have been self-conscious about missing or stained teeth.

With cosmetic dentistry, there are treatments for every kind of aesthetic issue. If you are not familiar with the latest teeth whitening, straightening, and tooth replacement procedures, it’s a good time to find out. Visit our smile gallery!

Visit Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park for a complimentary consultation, and find out what cosmetic dentistry can do for you.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Apr13

Soda Spells Double Trouble: Dental Health in Comstock Park

Soft drinks, soda, pop. No matter what you call it, it seems to be the dietary villain of choice – and with good reason. At Stewart & Hull in Comstock Park, we remind you that the sweeteners in soft drinks spell trouble for your dental health.

Soft drinks, in fact, deliver a double punch to your teeth with two of its ingredients: sugar and phosphoric acid.

Sugar is harmful to teeth primarily because it softens enamel and makes them more prone to cavities. This is especially harmful to kids, because their enamel is not fully developed.

You might think you can avoid issues by choosing diet soda. It isn’t that easy, unfortunately. The acids found in diet soda have basically the same detrimental softening effect on enamel.

Our recommendation is simple: stop drinking soda, or cut way back on your consumption. Also, keep your kids away from it as much as possible, so their teeth have the chance to mature healthily.

Best bet? Make water your beverage of choice. If that’s too hard, try to drink some shortly after you have soda. That will rinse away some of the bad stuff. Try to brush more, too – but wait a half hour so the enamel isn’t brushed while it’s soft.

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park provides a full range of cosmetic, general and family dental services.

Call for your appointment today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Apr6

Floss Picks Or Regular Floss? Your Comstock Park Dentist Says…

Floss picks vs regular floss? Is one better than the other? While it’s better to use a floss pick than to not floss at all, ordinary dental floss or tape does a superior cleaning job.

A floss pick holds just a small section of floss stretched in a straight line. A typical tooth, however, is rounded with occasional irregularities. A straight length of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically, since it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth.

Used correctly, traditional dental floss or tape does conform to these contours. By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of the tooth, you can clean the critical area around and just below the gumline much better.

Here is a guide to proper flossing:

Cut a section 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 tightly 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 important 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 provide a clean segment 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 start at 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 choose, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.

If you have never flossed before, you should. Your gums may bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Stewart & Hull, your Comstock Park dentists, provide a full range of family and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Mar30

Is Mouthwash A Must? Dental Hygiene in Comstock Park

There’s a bewildering selection of dental hygiene products on the market, from mouthwashes to rinses to plain old toothpaste. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening breath.

It can make you wonder whether you’re doing enough to keep your mouth clean. Brushing and flossing have the greatest impact on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash necessary?

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we tell our patients that as long as they follow the instructions on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can’t hurt your teeth. Leaving a bit of diluted toothpaste on the surface of your teeth after brushing probably has the same benefit.

Individuals who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the problem. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can make it worse because they can cause dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are generally more effective for freshening breath. These products are commonly called fluoride rinses.

If you have severe bad breath, however, you should have your teeth examined for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to identify the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your doctor soon.

Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. If you use mouthwash, pick a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we like to tackle critical issues such as dental hygiene, cosmetic dentistry, oral care habits, and more!

We provide premium dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call our office and a member of our friendly and thorough staff can answer any questions you have. Our services include cosmetic, general and family dentistry.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Mar23

A Wise Investment: Cosmetic Dentistry in Comstock Park

Want to flash a celebrity-caliber smile? Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in you, and it pays off every single day.

Looking for advice about cosmetic dentistry? Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull provide premium dental services with at personal touch. During your complimentary consultation they will discuss what is involved with each procedure, from dental veneers and crowns to Zoom! Teeth Whitening. If you have questions, please call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. We’ll show you before and after pictures of some of our smile transformations, discuss any questions you may have and create a customized treatment plan.

In addition to cosmetic dentistry, Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry can help you with a host of dental services, including family dentistry, Invisalign orthodontics, composite restorations and gum disease treatment. Our friendly and thorough team is ready to serve you at our warm and inviting Comstock Park office.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Mar16

Dental Hygiene in Comstock Park: When You’re Too Tired To Brush

Too tired to lift a toothbrush? We’ve all been there. But does anyone really want to sacrifice dental hygiene?

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we are committed to helping patients maintain balanced dental hygiene and correct imperfections that can lead to inhibited confidence and self-assurance.

Here are two quick ideas for overcoming exhaustion in favor of brushing and flossing late at night.

Idea #1 Drag Tongue Along Teeth
After a long day, as you lie in bed and realize you forgot to brush, drag your tongue over your teeth a few times. As you do, think about how plaque and tartar form. Within 48 hours they can start the dirty work of eating away at the teeth. Tooth decay and gum disease can begin to develop. So jump up and give your mouth just 2 minutes of gentle, thorough cleaning.

Idea #2 Scrutinize the Food You Eat
Another convenient and manageable approach is to pay attention to what’s going into your mouth throughout the day. The higher the sugar content, the sooner your teeth need a brushing to avoid harm. Swish with water after coffee, tea or soda if brushing isn’t going to happen soon. Chewing sticky candy, or dried fruit like raisins, leaves debris in the mouth, as does bread and crackers. Keep this in mind and commit to take care of the particles as soon as possible.

Shredded meat can remain lodged between teeth for days if you don’t pull it out with floss. Plan to floss or brush after eating if possible. With each particular type of food, learn to assess the effect it could have on your teeth. Make the decision to brush before you are tired. By simply visualizing and committing, you reduce the likelihood of hemming and hawing when you’re yawning and fading, and have to choose between settling into bed and spending 2 minutes cleaning your teeth.

A long day of work or play can wear out anyone. Consistent brushing and flossing reduces buildup and helps prevent decay and gum disease.

Some smile problems can be prevented, but in spite of our best efforts, some just cannot. A complimentary consultation with one of our dentists can open your eyes to the unique possibilities for your stunning smile. A few options for cosmetic dentistry that we offer at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry are porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear braces, and Zoom! teeth whitening. If we each do our part to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, then all of us can sleep at night.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Mar9

Professional Teeth Whitening in Comstock Park!

If your smile could use some brightening, what are you waiting for? Professional teeth whitening can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile.

Sets of teeth are not equal, and not every smile is going to respond the same to bleaching. The degree of whiteness attained, and the treatment time necessary, depends on the types of stains being treated.

Surface or extrinsic stains are the most accessible and easiest to remove. They are caused by the usual suspects: coffee, tea, wine, cola, smoking, and the natural aging process.
Intrinsic stains can be lightened, but it may take a bit longer. These stains form from the inside out, but are visible through the enamel. They can be caused by trauma, tetracycline antibiotics, infection, or excessive fluoride use in childhood before the enamel is fully formed.
Combination: Some of our dental patients have both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. As we age, our teeth change, regardless of how well we take care of them. Enamel thins, while the dentin underneath fades and yellows. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer our patients the option of Zoom! Whitening or home whitening. The Zoom! process is done in our office, and you’ll see whiter teeth in a a couple of hours. The home whitening is done at your convenience and typically takes 2-3 weeks. It is best to trust teeth whitening treatment to an experienced dentist.

We also provide implant dentistry, porcelain veneers, and of course, general and family dentistry. Our friendly team is ready to serve you at our warm and inviting Comstock Park office.

Upgrade your face value by brightening your smile!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Mar6

5 Reasons To Choose Cosmetic Dentistry

When was the last time you looked into the mirror? Were you satisfied with what you saw? If not, you may want to check out these 5 great reasons to call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, to ask about cosmetic dentistry.

1. The first reason is that a little cosmetic dentistry goes a long way. Some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, are simple and easy to do, and can have meaningful results.

2. Competitively priced! Next time you are in the office, ask for a price chart. You may be pleasantly surprised.

3. Don’t worry about pain, we’ll keep you comfortable. Many cosmetic dental patients expect the procedures to be painful, but we are trained to help you stay relaxed and free from discomfort. This is true whether you are getting dental implants, veneers, or a complete cosmetic dental smile makeover.

4. You’re never too old! Many mature men and women think that cosmetic dentistry procedures are only for young people. But teeth continue to change throughout your life, and these procedures may be exactly what is needed. Plus, many satisfied patients say they look years younger after their procedures are complete.

5. Your cosmetic dentist can treat your particular cosmetic dental trouble. Some folks have been led to believe that they have to live with chipped, cracked, or missing teeth, but we have the tools and procedures to fix a wide array of dental issues.

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry would love to serve you. My name is Dr. Bruce Stewart and Dr. Eric Hull have been in Comstock Park, Michigan since 1974. Please call to make an appointment.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Feb23

Let’s Talk About It

Hello, we are Dr. Bruce Stewart and Dr. Eric Hull of Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. We are enthusiastic about enhancing smiles through cosmetic dentistry. Few physical improvements have such a meaningful effect on attractiveness and self-confidence as a smile makeover. Excellent oral health and an attractive smile contribute to overall physical health and a high quality of life.

If you have ever wondered how cosmetic dentistry could change your life, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation so we can talk about it. We are confident that the initial consultation is the most critical part of any treatment plan. During your smile redesign consultation we will talk about the following issues:

Your goals for how you want your smile to look and feel after the makeover.
The state of your oral health.
The individual characteristics of your teeth and gums that you wish to fix.
Which specific treatments are recommended.
A detailed explanation of each necessary treatment (e.g. porcelain veneers, dental crowns, inlays/onlays, gum contouring, crown lengthening, dental implants, braces, or teeth whitening).
You can see before and after pictures of smile transformation patients.
Your options for how to schedule the care (all at once or over time).
Answers to any questions or concerns.

Your beautiful smile begins with an exam and consultation; please call our office at 616-784-2377.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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