Comstock Park MI dentist Archives - Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Sep6

A Beautiful Smile is Timeless

Every stage of life has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, in our golden years, we may enjoy traveling, more free time, and grandchildren. However, most Comstock Park retirees do not welcome wrinkles, limited mobility, or dental dilemmas.

Fortunately, your smile can be healthy and attractive throughout your life. With cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can have a youthful smile at any age.

Regain Your Youthful Smile

Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear, we can help. Do you have any of the following problems?

Enamel loss
Staining
Chips
Missing teeth
Broken dental work
Gum recession
Old amalgam fillings

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we provide a full array of dental services including implant dentistry restorative dentistry, and porcelain veneers.

Could Your Smile Benefit From Adult Braces?

Would you like to straighten your teeth? Modern braces can correct all types of tooth alignment problems. Overbite? Gap between your two front teeth? Crowded teeth?

Now, individuals of any age can have an exceptional smile that looks as young as they feel. Let’s consider some orthodontic options.

Self-ligating Braces

Traditional braces have brackets and an archwire. The brackets are mounted to the teeth and the archwire is attached to the brackets. With self-ligating braces, the archwire is connected to the brackets with a spring clip. This replaces the plastic color band necessary with standard metal braces.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear aligners instead of metal or ceramic brackets. With Invisalign aligners, you switch aligners every couple of weeks as your teeth gently shift into place.

How can straightening teeth improve your life?

We all know that a pleasing smile improves one’s appearance. Everyone wants to look better. However, the benefits aren’t purely aesthetic.

Straight teeth can prohibit decay
If teeth are aligned effectively, you are less likely to snore
Decreases the risk of gum disease,
Straightening teeth can help you eat a healthier diet

Regardless of your age, it is not too late to upgrade your smile–even if you have some missing teeth. Braces combined with tooth implants can transform a smile.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you will be interested to learn about the latest cosmetic dentistry treatments. Many procedures can be completed in one visit to our Comstock Park dental office. We look forward to meeting you!

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Aug30

Can I Objectively Evaluate My Smile?

It is no secret that a beautiful, pleasing, healthy smile can be your most admired physical attribute. After all, people notice your smile first thing. How do you know if your smile is detracting from your appearance? Your dream smile starts with a consultation at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

Do you love your smile?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; if you look at your smile in the mirror and believe it is unattractive, it doesn’t really matter what anybody else thinks. But what if you are not sure?

Common Dental Problems That Influence Your Smile

There are many issues that are generally considered to detract from dazzling smiles. Missing teeth is a biggie. People who are missing teeth in the back of the mouth may mistakenly believe that the gap doesn’t show. They are usually wrong. When smiling, talking, laughing, or eating, a missing tooth definitely shows–even if the missing tooth is the very last molar.

Are your teeth yellowish or gray?

Yellow or gray teeth diminish the appeal of a smile–even one that is perfectly healthy and aligned–and crooked teeth are often considered unattractive.

You can embrace your unique smile characteristics…or not

There are a few unique smile characteristics that some people proudly show off and others wish to change. For instance, a gap between the two front teeth can become your trademark. True Blood star Anna Paquin, actor Woody Harrelson, and singer Seal have retained their spaces. Perhaps the most famous gap-toothed smile belongs to model Lauren Hutton who has proudly flashed it throughout her fifty-year career. Other celebrities such as Zac Efron, Tom Cruise, and Keith Urban weren’t happy with gaps so they transformed their smiles with advanced cosmetic dentistry.

We know how to create stunning smiles

If you want an objective aesthetic evaluation of your smile, how can you do this? You can’t see your smile from every angle when you look in the mirror. If you want an expert opinion on the attractiveness of your smile, talk to a cosmetic dentist. There are a surprising number of design principles that are used in smile redesigns. These include size, shape, alignment, proportion, color, and translucency. In addition, cosmetic dentists also consider the characteristics of the gums, lips, and facial features.

Your dream smile starts with a consultation at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

When you have a cosmetic dental consultation, you will be able to see how the vital elements work together to create a natural-looking, celebrated smile. Bottom line? If you want to change your smile, you can! Schedule a consultation today by calling 616-784-2377.

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Aug23

How Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Michigan Can Fix a Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth can be a distressing experience, impacting not only the aesthetics of your smile but also your overall oral health.

The good news is that modern dentistry offers several effective solutions for repairing a chipped tooth, restoring both the function and beauty of your smile. In this article, we’ll explore how Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Michigan can mend a chipped tooth and help you regain your confidence.

Understanding Chipped Teeth

Chipped teeth can result from various causes, including accidents, biting down on hard objects, or even tooth decay. The severity of the chip can vary, from minor enamel damage to more significant fractures that expose the inner layers of the tooth. The approach to fixing a chipped tooth depends on the extent of the damage.

Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth

Dental Bonding: For minor chips, dental bonding is a common and minimally invasive solution. If appropriate, we can apply a tooth-colored resin to the chipped area, shape it to match your natural tooth, and then harden it with a special light.

Porcelain Veneers: When the chip is more significant or if you’re looking for a more long-term and cosmetic solution, porcelain veneers are an excellent choice. These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of the tooth, covering the chip and improving your tooth’s appearance.

Dental Crowns: For larger chips or when the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised, a dental crown may be necessary. Crowns are caps that completely encase the damaged tooth, restoring its strength and appearance.

Tooth Contouring: In some cases, minor reshaping and contouring of the chipped tooth can provide a simple and quick solution, improving its appearance and function.

The Restoration Process

When you visit Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Michigan for a chipped tooth, here’s what you can expect:

Evaluation: We’ll thoroughly assess the extent of the chip and discuss the most suitable treatment options with you.
Preparation: Depending on the chosen treatment, we’ll carefully prepare the tooth. This may involve reshaping the tooth for bonding, removing a thin layer of enamel for veneers, or resizing it for a crown.
Treatment: The selected procedure will be performed, and the restoration will be carefully crafted to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Fitting and Bonding: The restoration will be fitted, bonded, and polished to ensure it blends seamlessly with your smile.

A chipped tooth need not be a permanent blemish on your smile.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Michigan, we offer a range of effective solutions to mend chipped teeth and help you regain your confidence.

Whether it’s a simple bonding procedure or a more extensive restoration with veneers or crowns, our team is dedicated to delivering the best care for your oral health and aesthetics.

Don’t let a chipped tooth affect your self-esteem or oral health; contact us today to discuss your options and embark on the journey to a beautifully restored smile.

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Aug16

Rather Have A Root Canal?

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we perform a root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our patients, and many report minimal discomfort.

Root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many root canal patients, the procedure is no more stressful than getting a filling.

If root canal therapy is necessary to preserve a tooth, we provide the most advanced endodontic treatment in Michigan.

How do you know if you need a root canal? You should meet with your dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is critical to visit your dentist regularly for a thorough dental examination and dental cleaning.

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Aug9

Smart Brushing Trumps Aggressive Brushing Everytime

Most men and women brush their teeth (at least we hope so). However, there are many who brush incorrectly but don’t realize that their dental hygiene practices may be contributing to oral problems. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we want to instill great oral healthcare habits in all our patients.

They may pride themselves on their daily dental hygiene, but frequency does not make up for an incorrect approach. One of the most common errors—especially for adolescents—is speedy, aggressive teeth cleaning with a hard bristle toothbrush.

There is a certain logic to this technique; when you want to clean smooth surfaces like bathroom tiles, you scrub with a hard brush, right? The trouble is that teeth and soft tissue have different characteristics. While enamel is strong, the soft tissues in the mouth are not designed for intense scouring.

If you use hard bristles against possible cavity makers, froth at the mouth, speed through those 30 inches of the tooth surface, and spit everything out in less than a minute, this message is for you.

Effects of Quick, Hard Brushing:

Decay from missed food particles
Damage to teeth through abrasion
Weakened enamel
Tooth Sensitivity
gum recession
Damage to existing dental work
Tartar build-up

The friendly dental hygienists at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park teach patients the proper way to brush their teeth. With a slow, deliberate two minutes twice daily, you can take control of your dental hygiene, improve your oral health, and lower the risk of future problems.

Smart Brushing Trumps Aggressive Brushing:

Plaque is soft enough to scratch off with a fingernail, so brush accordingly with soft bristles
Angling the toothbrush requires little effort with consistently cleaner results
Proper tooth brushing can prolong that wonderful professional-cleaning feel
Flossing is easier without sore, bleeding gums

If you have already damaged your teeth or gums through aggressive or haphazard brushing, it’s critical to fix those dilemmas and get back on track. Call 616-784-2377 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Hull of Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Jul26

Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry Teeth Whitening News

Tooth whitening treatments have advanced significantly. The team at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry is trained on the latest, safest, and most effective products and systems. If you need up-to-date information on teeth whitening, schedule a consultation.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we are excited about the new light tooth whitening systems. If you are worried about tooth whitening sensitivity, light whitening systems may provide the optimal solution. It is vital to avoid at-home whitening smile products if you are concerned about sensitivity.

Drs. Hull recommends that you have your teeth improved in a tightly controlled, professional environment such as our dental office.

Don’t take chances with something as important as your teeth.

Need straightening in addition to whitening? Ask us about the innovative choices now available in braces. Speed braces bring teeth into alignment speedier than any previous teeth straightening systems.

If you weren’t able to get braces for crooked teeth when you were a kid, it is not too late. Modern teeth straightening treatments can transform your smile quickly and discreetly. Come in for a consultation and we can show you before and after photos, and discuss your options.

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Jul19

No Cavities? Thank Your Parents.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we stay abreast of new discoveries in the exciting field of dentistry and occasionally share interesting facts with our patients. Today’s post focuses on new findings in an intriguing field of research: genetic dentistry.

“About 60% of the risk for tooth decay appears to be due to genetic factors.” Mary L. Marazita, director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.¹

Whoa! Did she say 60%? That’s huge. You might be thinking: “That’s why I brush and floss but still get cavities.” Or, better yet, you might be thinking, “No wonder I have never had a cavity but eat candy often and occasionally go to bed without brushing.”

Multiple studies have confirmed that many tooth decay risk factors have a genetic link. Here are some of them:

Enamel Strength

Your genes play a critical role in the composition of your tooth enamel. Soft enamel is more cavity-prone.

Sugar Cravings

Whether or not you love sugar has a genetic basis. Now you can blame your parents if you pop M&Ms all day. (But it still isn’t good for your teeth or waistline!)

Chemical Composition of Saliva

Your saliva can protect against cavities – if it properly metabolizes critical minerals and vitamins like calcium, potassium, iron, and Vitamin C. Your genes influence your saliva’s capacity to prevent decay.

Immune Response to Bacteria

We don’t like to think about the dangerous bacteria in our mouth but, hopefully, our immune system is ever-vigilant at fighting their constant attempts to cause decay and gum disease. The durability of your immune system is determined, in part, by genetics.

Genetic Researchers are Working to Develop New Treatments

In the next few decades, scientists in the emerging specialty of genetic dentistry may play a critical role in the development of new cavity-prevention techniques.

Proper Oral Hygiene is Critical–Regardless of Your Genes

The purpose of this article is not to encourage Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry patients to be lax about oral hygiene if their parents have strong teeth. Nor to cause those whose teeth decay easily to throw their hands up in despair and resign themselves to a toothless mouth.

Proper oral hygiene is important for all of us, regardless of our genetic predisposition to tooth decay. You can be energetic about your oral health, regardless of the genes you inherited. Whether you have frequent dental check-ups, consistent fluoride intake, effective brushing and flossing techniques, and proper nutrition, is up to you.

If you need a thorough dental exam, an expert dental cleaning, a refresher course on proper brushing and flossing, or want to improve your smile with cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, call Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation.

^{https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/gum-disease/teeth-and-genes}
http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/03/health/tooth-decay-causes/

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Jul12

Avoid Bone Deterioration Following a Tooth Extraction

Hello, friends of Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry! In today’s post, we will talk about jaw bone health.

Those tooth roots are important!

To remain healthy and dense, your jawbone needs to be continually stimulated by the pressure of chewing, biting, and talking. Each tooth has a root structure that extends into the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates blood flow in the bone surrounding the root.

Have you had a tooth extracted?

In some cases, tooth extraction is the only possible procedure for men and women with tooth damage beyond repair. However, we make every effort to preserve the root structure. When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that surrounds the former root structure begins to recede.

A dental implant replaces both the root and the crown of an extracted tooth

Fortunately, tooth implants provide a new, artificial root that helps to keep the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant is comprised of a durable titanium post which replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone.

After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and meshed with the implant, a post is inserted into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.

Are dental implants a good option for you?

For more information about dental implants, call Dr. Eric Hull at 616-784-2377. The friendly and thorough team at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry provides world-class dental treatment for patients in Comstock Park and the surrounding areas.

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Jul5

4 Important Reasons to Floss Every Day in Our Grand Rapids Area

Maintaining good oral hygiene in the Grand Rapids area is essential to overall health and wellness. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we believe your teeth and gums are the foundation of great personal health.

Most of us in the Grand Rapids area brush our teeth twice a day. This is good practice and makes for a good start to your oral health. However, many people overlook the importance of flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing, if not more so.

Here are four good reasons why flossing your teeth is so important:

Flossing Removes Plaque and Food Particles

Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-laden film that forms on teeth and gums. It’s a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing can remove some of the plaque from the surface of your teeth, it can’t always reach the areas between your teeth. Flossing is a convenient way to remove plaque and food particles from these hard-to-reach areas.

Flossing Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. It can eventually lead to tooth loss. Flossing can help prevent gum disease by removing the plaque and food particles that can lead to inflammation and infection. It can also help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, allowing you to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Flossing Reduces Bad Breath

Perhaps most importantly for most of us, flossing can help prevent bad breath. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and unpleasant. It is often caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce foul-smelling gases. Flossing can help reduce bad breath by removing the food particles and bacteria that can contribute to the problem.

This single benefit alone makes flossing worth the effort, but we have one more big one…

Flossing Saves Money

Flossing is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent more serious oral health problems. By taking care of your teeth and gums through regular flossing, you can avoid expensive dental treatments down the road. This can save you both time and money in the long run.

Come into Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry for a quick check-up and we can help guide you with a prevention plan that includes regular flossing. We can also recommend useful tools that will help you maintain good oral health within your lifestyle. For example, there are many new products on the market today that make flossing a lot easier and much more convenient.

Flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene. It can help prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems. By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Jun28

Dry Mouth Can Cause Dental Problems in Grand Rapids

A reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a common problem, especially among older people. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we can help with this condition.

A dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, it can cause tooth damage. Saliva is required to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acids that can cause plaque. Extensive decay can occur in the absence of saliva for dental patients with chronic dry mouth.

Symptoms of dry mouth include:

Dry, red, or grooved tongue
Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
Sticky feeling in the mouth
Saliva that seems thick and stringy
Bad breath
Problems chewing, speaking, and swallowing
Changes in taste
Difficulty wearing dentures (Mayo Clinic)

Contributing elements include medications and treatments, reduction in the body’s power to metabolize medication, chronic health issues, and poor nutrition.

For example, chemotherapy medication can reduce saliva production, and radiation treatments to the head and neck can damage salivary glands, decreasing saliva production.

Other medical problems include diabetes, stroke, or yeast infection in the mouth.

Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Comstock Park) are some of the medications that can result in dry mouth.

It is common for allergy-prone Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the hay fever season.

The following can also contribute to dry mouth:

Snoring or breathing through the mouth
Drinking alcohol
Tobacco use (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco)
Recreational drugs

If you experience dry mouth, it’s important to pay special attention to your dental health. The first step is to talk to a professional. Call Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Hull.

Regain Your Youthful Smile

Could Your Smile Benefit From Adult Braces?

Self-ligating Braces

Invisalign

How can straightening teeth improve your life?

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

Do you love your smile?

Common Dental Problems That Influence Your Smile

Are your teeth yellowish or gray?

You can embrace your unique smile characteristics…or not

We know how to create stunning smiles

Your dream smile starts with a consultation at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

Enamel Strength

Sugar Cravings

Chemical Composition of Saliva

Immune Response to Bacteria

Genetic Researchers are Working to Develop New Treatments

Proper Oral Hygiene is Critical–Regardless of Your Genes

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

Those tooth roots are important!

Have you had a tooth extracted?

A dental implant replaces both the root and the crown of an extracted tooth

Are dental implants a good option for you?

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

Symptoms of dry mouth include:

The following can also contribute to dry mouth:

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

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