Common Dental Questions

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we strive for excellence in dentistry every day. Providing the best possible dental care goes beyond cleanings and exams. We like patients who ask a lot of questions, because that tells us they are taking a strong interest in their dental health.

One of the questions we’re frequently asked is whether it’s really necessary to have a cleaning and checkup every six months. Our short answer is, yes! But a more nuanced answer includes that time-honored truth that prevention is the best medicine.

Every appointment includes a thorough cleaning by a hygienist. The dentist examines your teeth and gums, looking for cavities and signs of gum disease. Every checkup also includes a screening for oral cancer.

Sometimes we need to see patients more frequently. Someone with gum disease, or who is undergoing orthodontic treatment, should have appointments more often than twice a year. We determine that on a case-by-case basis.

Patients often wonder how long a filling will last. Some people think they’ll last a lifetime but unfortunately that is not usually the case. Fillings can break down or become loose over time. If that happens, decay can get into the area around it and cause problems. You can extend the life of any restoration with good oral hygiene at home. If you have any questions about what that means, don’t hesitate to ask.

What kind of toothbrush is best? This is among the most-asked questions for any dentist. Manual and electric toothbrushes, used properly, both do an excellent job. We recommend soft bristles, with mixed bristle heights and angles. They do a better job getting between the teeth.

To really get between the teeth, we also recommend daily flossing. String floss is best, but whether it’s waxed or unwaxed, flavored or wide it is up to you.

These are just some of the common questions we get from our patients at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Have we missed anything you’ve wondered about? Never hesitate to bring your questions to your checkup. We offer family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next 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

What Happens If You Keep Using an Old Toothbrush?

It’s easy to become attached to familiar objects, and that includes the tools you use to clean your teeth. Like a comfortable pair of slippers, that toothbrush you use every night may have an easy, cozy feel you’re not ready to give up just yet. But at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want you to think twice, because that familiar toothbrush can be a threat to your dental health.

To put it simply, your toothbrush should be replaced from time to time. We recommend a new one every three months or so. You don’t have to circle your calendar or set up an alert on your phone. But you do need to keep track of how long you’ve used a toothbrush and get a new one when the time comes.

If you keep using an old toothbrush, it is less effective at cleaning plaque off of your teeth and at the gumline. That much is obvious, because it’s easy to see the bristles bending out of shape.

But there are other things to consider. When you finish brushing your teeth, there is always some stuff that remains on your toothbrush. Over time it can breed and multiply. The average toothbrush, in fact, has more than one million bacteria particles. Most of them aren’t bad for you but some are. If you keep using that favorite old brush, you re-introduce it into your mouth over and over. Bacteria and food debris are what you are trying to get out of your mouth in the first place.

One more thing to think about: your toothbrush can grow mold. That’s why we recommend keeping your brush in an open place where it can air dry. Even so, time takes its toll and mold can grow. If you notice any black spots on your toothbrush, replace it right away. It might be mold.

The bottom line? Replace your toothbrush every three months, if not more often. Always use a soft-bristled brush. They are easier on your gums but rigid enough to get plaque off the surfaces of your teeth. And don’t forget to floss.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office to schedule your next checkup 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

Preventive Dentistry At Stewart & Hull

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we have a prevention-oriented philosophy of dental health care.

Patients of all ages need to start with an exam to determine their current status. Your dental condition is influenced by your dietary habits, previous dental work, physical health, medications, lifestyle and family history. After a comprehensive analysis, we can establish a decay prevention plan just for you.

A prevention plan is a multi-faceted approach designed to maintain optimum dental health. Twice-yearly exams reveal early problems before they progress. Professional cleanings prevent a multitude of serious dental issues.

Oral health cannot be maintained solely in our office. Daily brushing and flossing is essential. A healthy diet is necessary and will deliver benefits to your whole body – not just your teeth.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, the dental health of each patient is our top priority. Services include family, cosmetic  and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us 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

 

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At Stewart & Hull Cosmetic Dentistry Is Our Art

Comstock Park Cosmetic Dental Artistry

Cosmetic Dentistry is part science and part art.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Comstock Park, Michigan, we enjoy using our extensive dental training and artistic skills to design treatment plans unique to each of our cosmetic dentistry clients.

In order to achieve an attractive, yet natural looking result, we do much more than recommend specific procedures. We consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth too. In order to create a balanced look, facial shape and coloring is also taken into account.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Comstock Park, Michigan area, we enjoy using our extensive dental training an, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. We have used our artistic abilities over several years to create smile transformations for cosmetic dentistry patients. There are so many options these days. Teeth whitening and porcelain veneers have advanced considerably. Dental implants are a truly remarkable solution for those who have lost one or more teeth.

One of the things that makes our practice stand out is our commitment to our craft. For example, Dr. Stewart was the first dentist in Michigan to be accredited by the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Dr. Hull is currently pursuing his Accreditation (AACD).  There may be over 6,000 members of the AACD, but fewer than 400 have passed the rigorous process of becoming accredited. The process includes presenting “before and after” pictures of actual patients before a panel of examiners. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull have also has attained fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Fewer than 10 percent of dentists nationally have become fellows in the AGD.

Both Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull believe in individualized care. Every one of our patients gets the level of service and care that they need because we take the time to understand your needs and discuss a variety of options for you to consider. We are extremely proud of the dentistry we do. Be sure to check out some “before and after” pictures of our work.

We would love to perform a personalized smile makeover for you. When the work has been completed we believe that you will love your new look and others will assume you have always been blessed with a naturally beautiful and healthy smile. Call us today at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Comstock Park, Michigan area, for your personal consultation.

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

 

3 Point Checklist Before Your Dental Consultation

family dentist Comstock Park dental consultation

Looking for a dentist because you’re losing the battle with plaque build-up, chipped teeth, tooth pain, stains, or dental caries? At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we can help you restore your smile and get back to enjoying life. Today’s post offers 3 steps to take before you arrive at our office for a dental consultation.

The state of your mouth is essential to your strength both emotionally and physically. Everyone wants to make a positive impression when they smile or speak. We understand that. The look, the odor, the feel, the functionality of your biting surfaces are so important to your everyday experience that we recognize our important role in finding answers to these problems. Of course, your very first step is making contact. Please call 616-784-2377 or visit us at our office in Comstock Park. After you schedule a dental consultation with our team, please take a moment to review the following checklist for a productive appointment experience:

1. Evaluate Your Hygiene Routine and Gaps in Technique or Consistency.
When do you brush your teeth? Do you floss? How often? If not, why? We can take a look at your habits and ascertain what is holding you back, if anything.

2. Identify Pain or Problem Areas Throughout Your Mouth.
Persistent or intermittent? Sharp or dull? Triggered by hot or cold? Living with pain is needless with the technology and expertise available these days. Usually, there are simple solutions to seemingly big pains. Let us address all your aches.

3. Define What You Want Your Smile to Look Like.
If you can describe your ideal smile, we can discuss ways to attain it. There are numerous possibilities for an outstanding smile redesign as well as dental maintenance services. Cosmetic dentistry runs the gamut from teeth whitening to veneers to dental implants.

We welcome questions about the cost of porcelain veneers, the price of filling a cavity, or placing a crown. We have answers for you. We are equipped and trained in dental services perfect for your needs. When it comes to looking for a dentist in Comstock Park or the surrounding communities, please know that you will be in gentle and experienced hands with our friendly and thorough team. We can whiten, brighten, and straighten 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

Your Comfort is Our Priority at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Kentwood cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Whether you go willingly to your dental check-up, or if you are hesitant about getting dental work done, Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry would be happy to help you improve your smile. At our office, we have opened our doors to smiling patients since 1974. We understand that comfort is the key to happy patients. To make your visit more comfortable we offer Nitrous Oxide, warm neck rolls, blankets, pillows and paraffin hand wax.

Learn About Our Valued Services

A complimentary consultation will inform you of dental services available to enhance your smile. Not only do we offer implant dentistry, but we also see patients for porcelain veneers, dental crowns, Zoom tooth whitening, Invisalign orthodontics, composite fillings, dentures, and more. We offer such as wide variety of treatment options because we want to make a difference in the lives of our patients. We understand that your smile contributes to your happiness and self-esteem, so we want you to have the smile that you deserve.

Schedule an Appointment

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’ll get you in a comfortable seat while we explain to you what we have to offer.   Interested in an outstanding experience? Our team of dental professionals encourages anxious and cautious patients alike to visit us at our 769 York Creek Dr NW office or to give us a call at our 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

Unexplained Headaches or Jaw Pain in Comstock Park?

unexplained jaw pain in Comstock Park

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we have been practicing quality general and cosmetic dentistry since 1974. Have you noticed any unexplained jaw pain recently? Or maybe you’ve noticed that you constantly have headaches. In today’s post, we will focus on malocclusion, a possible cause for these issues.

Malocclusion is the dental term for when your top and bottom teeth don’t come together as they should. The ideal bite is when the upper teeth are slightly forward of the lower teeth. You have probably heard of “overbites” and “underbites” but the two arches can be misaligned in many other ways as well. Crowded teeth can also cause a bad bite, as well as the opposite situation – teeth that are too far apart.

If the misalignment is very slight, there are often no related issues. However, if the malocclusion is moderate to severe, the patient is at risk for many other health issues such as difficulty chewing and speaking, headaches, hearing problems, increased decay, jaw pain, and gum disease. The domino effect of these problems can get pretty serious. For example, chewing difficulty can trigger ulcers and gum disease increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Consider also how these problems can impact a patient’s emotional well-being and power to perform their job.

There are several effective treatments for malocclusion, but first, you need a diagnosis. If you suspect that you have a misaligned bite, we hope this post has given you some good reasons to talk to our dental team at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Call 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation and exam. Our practice also offers services such as TMJ treatment, tooth extraction, and dental implants.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

5 Ways To Prevent A Cracked Tooth

cost of dental crowns Grand Rapids cracked tooth

A cracked tooth can be painful, unattractive, and costly to repair. Today’s post in the Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental blog contains an easy-to-follow list of tips to keep your teeth whole and strong.

1. Don’t chew on hard things. You should steer clear of ice, hard candies, hard nuts, and beef jerky. Also, be wary of pitted fruits—that peach may be soft but if you bite hard into the pit, you could damage a tooth.

2. It is vital to protect your teeth while engaging in any physical activity where your mouth can be hit. If you enjoy pick-up basketball games, indoor soccer leagues, flag football, and many other activities, you should be using a well-fitting mouth guard.

3. Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or rip the price tag off a new piece of clothing with your teeth. Use a nutcracker for nuts. A quality dental crown can cost hundreds of dollars.

4. Most people know that grinding your teeth is harmful, but did you know that it can lead to a cracked tooth? If you know or suspect that you are a tooth grinder, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull to see if you would benefit from a bite splint. Chronic head or jaw pain can be caused by teeth grinding.

5. Lastly, make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can alert you to conditions that might predispose you to cracked teeth, such as having an uneven chewing surface or brittle teeth. Your dentist may also discover tiny cracks you aren’t aware of. Repair these cracks early before more damage ensues.

If you already have a cracked tooth, never fear! Treatment is available for cracks small and large. Porcelain veneers/crowns, cosmetic dental bonding, and dental implants are all used to repair or replace damaged teeth. If you break a tooth, call 616-784-2377 or visit us in person. 

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

It’s Better to Prevent a Cavity Than to Fill One

how to prevent cavities Comstock Park preventative dentistry

In 1974, Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry was established in Comstock Park. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull are outstanding dental professionals that are passionate about preventative dentistry.

The goal of preventative dentistry is to preserve oral health so that no restorative dental work ever becomes required. In other words, preventing cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear. Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly are essential preventative dentistry. It is also imperative that you get bi-annual exams and dental cleanings.

Despite efforts to keep teeth healthy, many patients will develop several cavities during their childhood years. Since the rate of tooth decay usually declines with age, if teeth remain intact during childhood, there is a better chance that these teeth can stay healthy for decades.

Fillings and crowns do a great job at saving teeth from extraction, but it’s always in your best interest to keep your original teeth. Remember that if a 10-year-old gets a cavity, that tooth will probably need periodic attention throughout that child’s life, even if no additional decay occurs. Once the enamel has been eaten away by acids, the tooth is forever weakened. Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings help ensure that teeth will last a lifetime. Changing your toothbrush every few months and using a toothpaste with fluoride are also critical components of proper oral care.

Don’t believe the tale that dentures are inevitable for people when they reach their golden years. We have patients in their nineties with all their teeth still intact. Call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry for an appointment. We can help you develop a plan to keep your teeth in top shape. Healthy, white, strong teeth are the foundation for a lifelong, remarkable smile.

If your teeth and gums are healthy, but you don’t like your smile because of cosmetic issues, please call 616-784-2377 to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull offer cosmetic dentistry, along with implant dentistry and gum disease treatment. Learn about advanced cosmetic dentistry available at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & 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

Sore Tooth? Don’t Wait!

Those who wait to have a sore tooth checked always end up saying that they wish they came in sooner for an appointment. That is because whenever a patient has tooth decay or a chipped tooth, their brain sends them a clear message saying, “See your dentist!” The dull pain associated with a tooth ache can become absolutely unbearable if it goes untreated, so why wait to visit your dentist?

Dr. Bruce Stewart and Dr. Eric Hull will determine the cause of your dental pain so that proper treatment can begin. Possible causes of pain include tooth decay, gum disease, a cracked tooth, bite issues, and TMD. Let our experienced team take care of you so that you can quickly go back to enjoying your week.

If you wait to see a dentist, the cost to treat whatever is bothering you may grow more expensive as time goes on. We want the local residents of Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Rockford and Walker to know that constant pain in their mouth is not normal. Let the friendly team of Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry take care of your smile with advanced dental services.

Schedule an Appointment

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our team is also well-versed in the latest dental procedures and is devoted to quality emergency dental care. Don’t wait to come to us if a tooth is demanding attention. Schedule an appointment with our practice by calling 616-784-2377. We also offer services such as porcelain veneers, dental implants, Invisalign and TMJ treatment.

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten 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