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The word “apnea” comes from Greek, and it means “without breath.” Sleep apnea, then, is sleeping without breath: a condition in which someone’s breathing stops involuntarily during sleep. It is serious, but treatable at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

Sleep apnea is more common than you may realize, affecting more than eighteen million Americans. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, headaches, and heart disease, among other conditions.

TYPES AND SYMPTOMS

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep.
• Central sleep apnea is when the brain doesn’t get the body’s signals that control breathing.
• Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Anyone can get sleep apnea, even children. But it’s more common in men than women. The most common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for breath during sleep
• Headaches in the morning
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Excessive sleepiness during the day
• Shortened attention span
• Irritability

All of this may sound frightening, and it can be. But there is hope, too, because sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our office for treatment, for our comprehensive general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. If you think that you may have sleep apnea, please contact 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

What’s the difference between a dental implant and a crown? The relationship between a dental implant and a crown can be confusing. They can be combined in one procedure. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, both can be used with other dental restorations.

Let’s clear up the confusion.

1. A tooth implant can work as a foundation for a crown.

A complete dental implant restoration includes the implant itself – a strong metal post (artificial root) – a connecting piece (abutment), and a crown.

2. A crown can be used to protect a weakened tooth.

Removing tooth decay weakens the tooth. Once the decay is removed, a filling may not be enough to restore necessary strength. Likewise, after a root canal procedure, the remaining tooth may need strengthening. A crown may be used in both of these circumstances. A strong, natural looking crown protects the remaining tooth and functions like a natural tooth.

3. A crown can be attached to a dental bridge.

When a tooth has been taken out, a dental bridge may be used to restore part of it. The reason we say ‘part’ is because a dental bridge does not restore the root of the tooth. A crown can be attached to a dental bridge to restore the visible part of the missing tooth. A dental bridge used to replace one tooth requires the removal of tooth structure from adjacent teeth. With a bridge, it commands three crowns to replace one missing tooth!

Do you think there can be issues with this type of restoration? You are correct. A dental implant makes much more sense for most patients. Talk to Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry for more details about why this is true.

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 teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and with good dental hygiene at home and regular checkups at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, they should. But even with the best intentions things sometimes go wrong. Implant-supported dentures are an ideal solution for anyone who has lost their natural teeth.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone. Once they do, they become rock-solid supports for replacement teeth.

Those posts are what make all the difference. Conventional dentures rest on top of the gums, with only a little adhesive paste to keep them in place. Consequently, biting and chewing is not very easy. They can also cause sore spots on the gums.

Furthermore, bone recession is often associated with conventional dentures. That means the jaw bone shrinks, because there aren’t any teeth to stimulate it. An unfortunate by-product of this is a sagging appearance in the face.

Since they are physically attached to the jaw, dental implants prevent bone recession. The implants act as new tooth roots and provide the stimulation needed for healthy bone. They also don’t slip, giving you virtually normal biting and chewing ability.

Properly cared for, implant-supported dentures from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can last for decades. Along with custom dentures, they are among our many restorative dentistry options. Please call our office to schedule an 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

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we have been creating spectacular smiles at our cosmetic dental practice since 1974.

More Than Just a Smile

Working in dentistry is more than just a job. We make a commitment to help our patients find satisfaction with their own personal appearance because we care about their well being. Likewise, smile makeovers consist of more than just straight, white, beautiful teeth. Our patients report that their new smile affects many areas of their life. Some have noticed increased productivity in their profession. Others enjoy a richer social life because they are now able to smile, laugh, and eat without being self-conscious. Many patients enjoy the fact that their new youthful smile has given them greater confidence and ambition in life.

Our Expertise is Your Satisfaction

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we provide the most advanced cosmetic dental procedures available including professional teeth whitening, dental crowns and bridges, porcelain veneers, Invisalign Orthodontics, and dental bonding. If you need a wide variety of cosmetic dental services, don’t hesitate to schedule a complimentary consultation. Furthermore, we also fill cavities with tooth-colored fillings that blend perfectly with your natural teeth. Are you only interested in a cleaning? Our dental team performs extremely thorough deep cleanings for our patients whose beautiful smiles need nothing else.

Come in for a Visit

If you don’t currently have a dentist, we formally invite you to visit Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park to discuss your dental goals. To schedule a dental exam, cleaning, or consultation, contact us today at 616-784-2377. We look forward to hearing from 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

Proper nutrition can benefit you in a number of ways; increased energy, improved immune system, glowing skin, mental clarity, and a lower risk of heart disease. How often, however, do you look at how your diet influences your oral health?

Impact on Oral Health

Your diet can impact your risk of cavities, enamel health, and gum condition. Healthy foods provide an environment that can prevent inflammation and infection. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts are the prime choices for oral health. Calcium-fortified beverages, milk, and other dairy products provide vitamins, minerals, and calcium that aids in keeping teeth, bones, and gums healthy. Eating crispy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and celery, will help clean your teeth and gums.

Be sure to brush after each meal and before bed. Moreover, remember to floss or use a water irrigating method to dislodge food particles trapped in spaces. By eating well, brushing properly, flossing regularly, and avoiding foods that stick to your teeth, you can have a beautiful smile for life.

Schedule an Appointment

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we have a full-service dental practice in Comstock Park. Helping dental patients stay healthy is extremely important to us, and so is helping patients achieve the smile they want through cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, composite fillings, and Invisalign Orthodontics.

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park has been serving the Grand Rapids area since 1974. Please contact us at 616-784-2377 if you are looking for quality dental care from a local dentist with the experience, expertise, and personalized attention.

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 comes to mind when you hear the term “healthy living?” A dinner plate with a grilled chicken breast and steamed broccoli? The sound of your feet rhythmically hitting the ground on your favorite jogging path? A cholesterol test from your doctor indicating that your arteries are in top shape? If you also pictured a white, healthy smile or a dental x-ray showing no tooth decay, then you are on the right track

Importance of Dental Health

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we encourage everyone with a smile to include oral health in their definition of healthy living. When done properly and consistently, brushing and flossing are a vital component of maintaining everyday oral hygiene. Furthermore, brushing should be done at least twice a day. We recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush to preserve your gums. Brush your teeth in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes and make sure you reach all the surfaces. Flossing should be done at least once a day and is necessary for reaching the areas where a toothbrush cannot. A wide variety of floss can be found at stores, so experiment until you find one you like.

Scheduling an Appointment

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we are devoted to helping each of our patients benefit from positive oral health. We help all of our patients avoid tooth problems that can compromise their all-around health. We offer a large variety of dental services that improve the aesthetics of your smile. Ask us about dental crowns, porcelain veneers, dental implants, Invisalign clear braces, tooth-colored fillings, or Zoom same-day teeth whitening. For more information, call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry today at 616-784-2377.

Contact Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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