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8 Halloween Treats and their Impact on your Smile

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
haloween candy

haloween candyRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

The trick-or-treating season is here, and so are the sugary, sticky sweets that children and parents love. Halloween is a festive season full of treats that can pack a punch to your smile, especially when the bag or container sits in an area where you’re constantly tempted to snag a piece. However, not all Halloween candy is created equal when it comes to the effects on your oral health. Therefore, our Royal Oak family dentist, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, shares on the blog today eight Halloween treats and their impact on your smile so that you can make good choices that protect your oral health.

  1. Gummy candy

Gummy candy is one of the worst Halloween treats for your smile. Not only is the concoction high in sugar, but the sticky substance takes a long time to chew and often gets lodged in tooth crevices, between your teeth, and around your gums. It also requires you to chew it longer before digesting it, which increases sugar exposure to your teeth.

  1. Caramel

Caramel is a seasonal favorite for many people, especially when it’s drizzled over an apple. And fortunately, the sticky substance takes a long time to dissolve and remains on your teeth. That means bacteria have a stable food source and can continue secreting tooth enamel damaging acids.

  1. Tacky Candy

Candy that’s harder to chew but is still sticky, like Starbursts or taffy, can get stuck in your teeth. But, these sneaky candies have also been known to dislodge dental work like crowns and fillings. Furthermore, allowing candy to dissolve in your mouth bathes your teeth and gums in sugar for a prolonged period of time.

  1. Lollipops and Suckers

On most occasions, lollipops and suckers are consumed over a long period. In some cases, the treats are large with added sugary decorations that can be a double whammy to your oral health. With heightened acidic and sugar levels, your smile may receive more damage than other candy options.

  1. Powder Candy

Candy that comes in the fun format of powder can be hard to resist. Unfortunately, powder candy products are extremely acidic and can eat away at tooth enamel without the presence of bacteria. Fortunately, water is an excellent counterbalance to highly acidic foods, so when you eat powder candies, drink water to help flush away the acids.

  1. Sugar-free Candy

It’s a common misconception that sugar-free candy does not affect your oral health. Even though sugar-free candy may have a reduced sugar to no sugar content, it can also contain higher citric acid levels. Therefore, although the sugar won’t attack your tooth enamel, the acids could.

  1. Chocolate

Chocolate is a smooth concoction that comes in various flavors: white, sweet, semi-sweet, and dark. Since chocolate easily melts in your mouth, it fails to stick to tooth crevices and doesn’t get stuck in your teeth. Also, with reduced sugar exposure to your teeth, chocolate reduces the harmful effects Halloween candy can cause on oral health. It’s best to opt for dark chocolate since it contains the least amount of sugar.

  1. Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are a Halloween staple treat that can be good and bad for your oral health. The caramel coating is sticky and high in sugar content, although the apple can help clean tooth surfaces from the sticky substance.

Enjoying Halloween snacks and treats on the day of the holiday won’t destroy your smile. However, parents should encourage their children to make good decisions about their candy choices to help protect their teeth and gums. After you eat your holiday treats, limit yourself and family members to one piece a day or donate the remainder of your candy.

Family Dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Contact Hartrick Dentistry to help keep your oral health in tiptop shape this fall season. Please call our office at (248) 549-0950 or contact us online to schedule preventative treatment today.

Posted in Oral Health

5 Ways to “Fall” in Love with your Smile Again

Posted on October 3, 2022 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
fall in love with your smile

fall in love with your smileRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Seeing your smile in the mirror can reduce your confidence and self-esteem, especially when there are imperfections. Although many people believe cosmetic dentistry only makes your smile pretty, it can also help restore your ability to speak, eat, and thrive in social situations. Furthermore, repairing damages caused by tooth decay or bacteria can prevent advanced conditions that require more expensive treatments. Therefore, our Royal Oak cosmetic dentist, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, shares on the blog today five ways to fall in love with your smile again so that you can feel confident during the upcoming holiday season.

  1. Whitening

Dingy or discolored teeth can cause embarrassment and reduce your desire to smile. But the good news is that teeth whitening treatments can brighten your smile significantly. Our Birmingham cosmetic dentist offers three effective teeth whitening options that include the Zoom whitening system for in-office visits, Sinsational Smile® whitening in 20 minutes, and take-home whitening kits. However, the best whitening treatment for your smile may vary depending on your oral health condition. Some individuals may benefit from a more permanent solution to whiter, perfect teeth.

  1. Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shell-like tooth covers that can repair minor smile imperfections. For example, veneers are an excellent treatment for patients with stubborn intrinsic stains (stains from within the tooth), chips, cracks, or gaps. Whether you have one tooth that needs treatment or several, veneers can blend in with your natural teeth because our Royal Oak cosmetic dentist can adjust the color, shape, and size to blend perfectly. Therefore, no one will know that you have veneers unless you tell them.

  1. Crowns

Dental crowns are an effective way to restore severely damaged teeth and fall in love with your smile again. Not only do they fill in the hole and provide a more pleasing aesthetic appearance, but they can fully restore bite functionality, strength, stability, and durability. Dental crowns are similar to veneers and can change in shape, color, and size to best suit your smile.

  1. Invisalign

Many patients with crooked and twisted teeth are apprehensive about visiting a dentist because they know the typical treatment is traditional braces, which stand out and are extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately, our Royal Oak dentist that offers Invisalign, a clear tray tooth aligning system, explains that not all patients need traditional braces to create a straight smile. Invisalign is an effective and discreet treatment that gradually moves your teeth into the proper place using gentle pressure. Patients are required to wear a set of aligners for 22 hours per day that are exchanged every two weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Invisalign should only be removed to eat, drink, or during your regular oral health care routine.

  1. Dental Implants

Missing teeth can be stressful, especially when it’s in a conspicuous place. Whether you had an accident or lost it to tooth decay, replacing it is vital. Although some patients may choose a dental bridge to fill in the gap, it often fails over time because neighboring teeth that absorb bite pressures break down. Fortunately, our implant dentist in Royal Oak explains that dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement treatment that can last a lifetime. Dental implants require surgical insertion of a titanium post into your jawbone. After healing, a dental crown that matches your surrounding teeth is placed on top of the post. The titanium post stimulates the jaw bone and can help prevent jaw bone loss and teeth from shifting.

Cosmetic Dentists in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

It can be challenging to feel confident when your smile is less than perfect. Fortunately, there are cosmetic procedures that can help you fall in love with your smile again and provide you with a renewed sense of confidence. If you’ve been debating about what needs to be done with your smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our Royal Oak dental office so that we can create a plan together that helps you fall in love with your smile again. Please call Hartrick Dentistry at (248) 549-0950 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Life

Posted on November 8, 2019 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
healthy teeth healthy life

healthy teeth healthy lifeRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Having fitness goals is quite common. Many people take strides daily to improve or maintain their health, from exercising to eating healthy. But, fewer people include keeping their mouth healthy as part of that focus. Today on the blog, we are going to discuss how having healthy teeth means having a healthier life.

Oral health has a lot to do with the health of your body, and here’s how.

Gum disease increases the risk of heart disease and stroke

More than half of the adults in America are afflicted by gum disease, an oral disease that causes foul-smelling breath, puffy and bleeding gums, and loose teeth that eventually need extracting. The ironic part about it is that gum disease is entirely preventable in most healthy individuals. So, if you’re clocking miles on the treadmill or pumping iron in the gym in efforts of keeping your arteries clear, don’t stop there. Simply brushing and flossing daily, as well as seeing the dentist twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings can prevent gum disease from starting in the first place, and do a lot for your health.

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease, which is the initial stage. It presents as gums that are red, swollen, and bleed easily. At this point in the game, it can be reversed without any permanent damage being done to your oral health. But, ignore it, and you soon will find yourself dealing with progressing stages of periodontitis or gum disease. Keep your mouth healthy, and you could lower your risk of heart disease or a stroke.

Poor oral health interferes with blood glucose levels

Diabetes has a lot to do with blood glucose levels, and consequently, so does your mouth! Poor oral health that results in inflamed gums or gum disease is intricately connected to your body’s ability to regulate glucose levels. On the flip side, fluctuating glucose levels significantly impact gum health, so people with type 2 diabetes have to work extra diligently to keep their teeth and gums healthy. While eating a healthy diet that is low in refined carbohydrates and sugar, as well as exercising regularly can help decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes, so will keeping your mouth clean! Furthermore, if you are type 2 diabetic, be sure that you don’t skip out on going to the dentist. Studies prove that gum disease treatment can lower blood glucose levels in those with type 2 diabetes.

Flossing could help you lose weight

Now, before you start thinking that you can cancel your gym membership and floss to stay in shape, hang on a minute. That’s not what we are alluding to. However, studies report that poor oral health could actually cause you to have more cravings, which, in essence, could lead to weight gain. So, if you aren’t taking care of your teeth and gums, it could be part of the reason why you are packing on the pounds or struggling to lose weight. Results of one study also reported that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) are more prone to developing gum disease, which could be due in part to their diet of unhealthy foods and consuming more sugar. Point being, take care of your teeth, and you may see an improvement in your weight.

As you can see, the health of the mouth and body are connected. You can’t expect to be in impeccable health, yet neglect your mouth and vice versa. Maintaining your health should include attention to all areas of your body, such as exercising to maintain muscle tone and healthy bones, eating healthy to maintain the recommended BMI for your body type, and taking care of your oral health by brushing and flossing daily, and seeing the dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year.

To schedule your next visit, just call Hartrick Dentistry at (248) 549-0950. We welcome patients from Birmingham and Royal Oak, Michigan.

Posted in Health

Unhappy about your Smile? Cosmetic Dentistry can help!

Posted on November 2, 2019 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
cosmetic dentistry can help

cosmetic dentistry can helpRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Turn on the TV or go to the movies, and what do you see? Celebrities with straight, gleaming white, perfect-looking teeth. Very few of those celebrities have flawless smiles naturally. They obtained them through cosmetic dentistry. A specialization of dental science, cosmetic dentistry combines advanced techniques and high-quality materials that improve your smile. Let’s take a look at how your Royal Oak cosmetic dentist Dr. Nancy Hartrick can use the procedures and principles of cosmetic dentistry to enhance the look of your smile.

Cosmetic dentistry can address several different perceived aesthetic flaws with your teeth

  • Discoloration: Even if you are scrupulous about your dental hygiene, your teeth are going to change color or develop stains—if not because of the consumption of substances like coffee, wine, and tobacco, or as part of the aging process. You can get whiter teeth in Royal Oak by using one of three teeth whitening treatments offered at Hartrick Dentistry. Or, if you have intrinsic stains or don’t want to worry with repeat whitening procedures, you can brighten your smile permanently by receiving porcelain veneers.
  • Uneven teeth: Are your teeth of different shapes or sizes? Is one tooth longer or shorter than the one next to it? Are you experiencing crowding in your mouth, or are your teeth crooked? Dr. Hartrick can straighten your teeth with Invisalign, which uses clear plastic aligners to guide your teeth into their preferred alignment. Or, if you just want the appearance of straighter teeth without waiting more than a year for orthodontic treatment to run its course, Dr. Hartrick can install veneers or cosmetic bonding. Many sizing and alignment issues related to your teeth can be addressed through veneers or dental bonding.
  • Older or failing dental work: Do you have an amalgam filling or other metallic restoration in your mouth? These restorations have been used for years, but modern cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile and offer so much more. Dr. Hartrick can remove those older fillings and replace them with tooth-colored composite fillings that are metal-free. These fillings can be designed to match the shape and shade of your other natural healthy teeth.
  • Cracked, chipped, broken, or lost teeth: Living with lost teeth can compromise your oral health while also creating a hole in your smile. To replace your missing tooth or teeth, Hartrick Dentistry offers tooth replacement options such as a dental bridge or dental implant. Perhaps you have a tooth you’re trying to save that has suffered significant damage because of tooth decay or an injury. In that case, Dr. Hartrick can install a dental crown to replace the exterior of your tooth and prevent tooth loss.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Royal Oak

Cosmetic dentistry can do so much more than just improve the appearance of your teeth. Many patients who receive cosmetic dental work also report that their teeth function better after the procedure is complete. Isn’t it time to get the great-looking smile you always wanted? If you want to get straight teeth in Royal Oak or find out how to make your smile look better in Birmingham, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hartrick today by calling our office at (248) 549-0950.

Hartrick Dentistry is proud to serve our patients in the areas of Royal Oak and Birmingham in Michigan.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

The Real Reason why you’re Struggling to Breastfeed

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
struggling to breastfeed

struggling to breastfeedRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Breastfeeding mamas, we hear you! We understand the struggles you face being a new mom, especially when trying to juggle your other responsibilities. While it’s only natural to stress and worry even more now that you’re a parent, stressing over breastfeeding shouldn’t be one of those worries.

  • Are you a recently new mom struggling to breastfeed your baby?
  • Maybe this isn’t your first rodeo, yet you can’t seem to get baby to latch properly. What gives? 

Well, before you throw in the towel and start supplementing your baby’s feedings with formula, we are here for you. Dr. Hartrick, a family dentist in the greater Detroit area, wants to explore a couple of reasons why you might be struggling with your breastfeeding efforts. And, surprisingly, there’s a simple fix for it. So, if you are looking for breastfeeding tips in Detroit, or learn ways to help your baby latch while breastfeeding in Royal Oak, you’ve come to the right place!

Why the baby isn’t latching

Simply put, baby’s born with either a tongue-tie or lip-tie may not be able to latch properly. Therefore, the nursing mother may experience sore or tender nipples, cluster feedings, a baby that seems colicky, fails to thrive, or that is losing weight. The problem is that this restrictive tissue doesn’t allow the baby to place his or her tongue or lips in the correct position for a proper latch. If the baby isn’t latching properly, this means that their weight may drop, they may wake frequently through the night and want to feed more often than what is actually needed, and they may experience reflux, be gassy, or unsatisfied from being underfed.

Often times, in these scenarios, mom is distraught, tired, hurting, and ready to give up on breastfeeding. In fact, many doctors may even encourage the mother to quit breastfeeding and move forward with supplementing with formula just to ease the mother’s concerns and stress. Which, by the way, there isn’t a wrong or right way to nutritionally satisfy your baby’s needs – either by formula or breast milk, but if you are eager to continue on with your breastfeeding journey, yet have run into some unexpected challenges, Dr. Hartrick can help.

Many doctors may not even perform this vital screening on a newborn. But, Dr. Hartrick is acutely aware of the life-long health issues that stem from untreated tongue-ties or lip-ties, which is why she encourages all of her patients that are mothers to bring their baby’s in for a quick and painless screening.

Dr. Hartrick can take one look at the underside of your baby’s upper lip and tongue to detect a restricted frenum, that’s the thin string of tissue that tethers the lip to the gums and the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If detected, Dr. Hartrick can simply release the tie by a simple procedure called a frenectomy. The procedure is done using a specially designed dental laser, and often times infants don’t even need any anesthetic (the discomfort from the injection is far worse and longer-lasting than any mild discomfort felt during the laser treatment). While further techniques and assistance may be needed to train your baby on latching properly, at least he or she will be able to actually do it right now that their restricted frenum has been released!

It’s important not to just ignore a tongue- or lip-tie, because it can affect how a child develops and even can cause a narrow airway that results in sleep apnea, a serious sleep-breathing disorder that poses many health risks. It’s far better to treat the issue while your child is young, instead of waiting until later in life when poor oral habits have already been adapted.

If you would like to learn more about this procedure, or to see if your baby has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hartrick by calling (248) 549-0950. We welcome patients of all ages from Birmingham and Royal Oak, Michigan.

Posted in Tongue Tie

Discovering the Link behind your Mysterious Headaches

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
link between mysterious headaches

link between mysterious headachesRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Headaches happen to just about everyone at some point. Headaches can happen when you get dehydrated, experience a stressful event, have vision problems, or have eyestrain from too much computer use. But, have you tried remedying these factors in your life, yet still get headaches? If you also suffer from facial pain or pain in your jaw joints, then temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may be the cause of your headaches.

TMJ disorder can affect anyone of any age, and many people are surprised to learn that if left untreated, it can be the cause of their mysterious headaches. Pain from TMJ disorder is far-reaching, but thankfully, you have treatment options other than taking medication forever. Read on to discover the link behind your mysterious headaches, and find out how neuromuscular dentist in Royal Oak Dr. Nancy Hartrick, treats TMJ disorder.

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder involves the improper function of the jaw joints. It most often presents as pain in the face, headaches, worn teeth, clicking or popping jaw, ringing in the ears, and more. Click here to explore symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. A misaligned jaw such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite means the jaws are misaligned,and can cause a strain on the jaw joints, as well the nerves and muscles associated with that joint. Other causes of TMJ disorder may be genetics, joint degeneration diseases (arthritis), an injury to the face, missing teeth or other dental problems.

What is the connection between the jaw joints and headaches?

The trigeminal nerve, along with blood vessels and muscles are intimately located near the temporomandibular joints. The trigeminal nerve is the most significant cranial nerve and is responsible for sending sensory input to and from the brain, and it connects to the spinal cord. Branches of this nerve can send signals to the entire face, near the sinuses, eyes, ears, and the head.

Now, imagine for a moment if the jaw joint was slightly off balance. What do you think would happen? This nerve wouldn’t be too happy. When TMJ disorder or a joint malfunction occurs, the trigeminal nerve becomes irritated, possibly even pinched, and it begins a chain reaction. Blood vessels may become restricted, facial muscles begin to become tense and achy. If left untreated, frequent headaches begin to occur.

If this happens to you, chances are that you probably only get temporary relief from traditional over-the-counter pain medications. In fact, even prescription relief medications probably do nothing to stop the frequency of your headaches. Sound familiar? While medication may provide relief temporarily, pain reoccurs because the source of the problem (your jaw joints) aren’t being treated.

Headache Relief in Royal Oak

Dr. Hartrick is a neuromuscular dentist that focuses on finding the underlying problem to her patient’s oral health problems. She can use specialized diagnostic equipment to determine if a patient has TMJ disorder, and to what degree. Usually, it is apparent in the way one’s teeth come together whether a patient has TMJ disorder, but with cutting-edge technology, she can determine the degree of imbalance, and then design a mouthguard that adjusts the bite to a precise degree, relieving the jaw joint tension, and headaches.

If you are tired of suffering from mysterious headaches, or your primary care physician doesn’t seem to be giving you any definitive answers for your pain, you might have TMJ disorder. You do not have to suffer in pain with your TMJ disorder. If you would like to learn more or to schedule an evaluation, please contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950. We welcome patients of Birmingham and Royal Oak, Michigan.

Posted in TMJ

Your Child should never Breathe through the Mouth. Find out why!

Posted on August 3, 2019 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
child breathing through mouth

child breathing through mouthRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Parents, have you ever paid attention to the way your child breathes? If not, allow your Royal Oak family dentist, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, to summarize: your children never should breathe through the mouth, whether awake or asleep. In this blog today, we will go through the potential consequences of this behavior.

Any of the following can be symptoms of nighttime mouth breathing in children: 

  • Snoring
  • Grinding their teeth
  • Fitful sleeping or waking up regularly in the middle of the night
  • Bed-wetting or daytime bladder control problems
  • Lack of impulse control
  • Difficult to understand when speaking
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Crooked teeth
  • Misaligned bite
  • Daytime irritability
  • Difficulty focusing in school

What happens when a child breathes through the mouth?

Unless your child has a cold or sinus congestion, he or she should breathe through the nose. This method of breathing ensures greater oxygenation of the blood and has a host of other health benefits, such as encouraging the proper development of the face and jaws, as well as wider dental arches, helping to minimize the risk of an airway problem either as a child or later in life.

Mouth breathing, however, leaves your child with a deficiency of oxygen. This lowered oxygenation impedes quality of sleep, as well as the restoration to the brain and mind that should occur during sleep. Mouth breathing also makes it difficult, if not impossible, to achieve ideal resting oral posture: with lips together, teeth together, and the tongue resting against the roof of the mouth. The consequences of poor resting oral posture can include developmental issues with the jaw, narrow dental arches, bite misalignment, and speech impediments. Your child’s developing facial structure also can change, resulting in a longer, imbalanced facial structure that is less aesthetically pleasing, with crooked or protruding teeth.

A narrow airway, in combination with having less oxygen in the system, and any recession in the jaw all add up to trouble for your child’s airway.  This means that if you have a child who breathes through the mouth also is at a higher risk of developing a sleep breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea. In children, sleep-breathing disorders often produce symptoms that mimic those of an attention disorder like ADHD. If your child has been designated with ADD or ADHD, but medication and therapy have done little to correct the behavioral issues, then a sleep breathing disorder could be the root cause of the problem.

How your dentist can help

If your child is mouth breathing only while asleep, you may never know it. Dr. Hartrick has unique training related to airway disorders and can identify if your child is exhibiting this behavior through an in-office examination. From there, Hartrick Dentistry can correct the behavior, prescribing a course of myofunctional therapy. These are simple, pain-free exercises that work the musculature of the mouth and tongue to correct negative behaviors such as mouth breathing. If you are living in the areas of Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan, find out more or schedule an airway evaluation for your child by calling Hartrick Dentistry at (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Pediatric

Porcelain Veneers can make a Whiter Smile

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
veneers whiten smile

veneers whiten smileRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

According to a recent study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 71 percent of women who responded and 58 percent of men said that when they were meeting a potential significant other for the first time, the first feature they noticed was the smile of the other person. Are you one of the millions of people in the United States who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their smile? You can make a dramatic difference in the way your teeth look just by brightening them by a few shades. Knowing this, it should be no surprise that a teeth whitening is the most popular type of procedure in cosmetic dentistry. However, a well-trained cosmetic dentist in Royal Oak like Dr. Nancy Hartrick at Hartrick Dentistry can brighten your smile by placing porcelain veneers over your teeth.

Even the most powerful whitening treatment is limited in its effectiveness

Teeth whitening methods are everywhere—from toothpaste to oral rinses to store-bought whitening kits to professional treatments administered by a cosmetic dentist. However, any whitening treatment only can brighten your teeth to match the shade of your natural tooth enamel. This may not bring your teeth to the desired whiteness. Whitening treatments also are designed only to remove extrinsic stains: those that occur from the use of tobacco or the consumption of foods and beverages like coffee, wine, and dark-colored fruits. Teeth also can become discolored due to intrinsic staining—when the interior layers of the tooth structure begin to show through due to fluorosis—or as a side effect to certain prescription drugs. The solution to achieving permanently whiter teeth, in each of these treatment situations, is veneers. Dr. Hartrick can place veneers over all the visible teeth in your mouth, and these veneers can be tailored to whatever shade you desire, even if it is brighter than your natural tooth enamel.

Veneers can whiten teeth—and do so much more

Addressing stubborn discoloration is just one of the aesthetic benefits that come from receiving veneers. Placed over the front of teeth, veneers also can resolve flaws in appearances such as crookedness, differently sized teeth, or gaps between teeth. A full set of veneers can transform your smile into one of gleaming white, perfectly straight teeth that are worthy of the red carpet in Hollywood.

Get veneers from your dentist in Royal Oak

Dr. Hartrick works with veneers made of beautiful dental porcelain. These veneers are translucent, which means they reflect light just like the enamel on real teeth. And, as mentioned, this porcelain is stain-resistant and can be chosen in any shade you would like. Usually performed over a couple of appointments spanning about two weeks, the veneers are placed on the front of your teeth after a very small portion of the existing tooth structure is removed to guarantee a flush bond. Receiving a veneer is a convenient process that involves minimal discomfort, and can give you the fabulous-looking smile of your dreams.

To find out more about veneers, teeth whitening or any of the other ways Hartrick Dentistry uses cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of smiles, contact us at (248) 549-0950 to schedule a consultation.

Hartrick Dentistry is proud to serve patients in the areas of Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Want to lower your risk of Cavities?

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
lower risk of cavities

lower risk of cavitiesRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Dental caries, the clinical term of tooth decay, affects the vast majority of Americans. Even though tooth decay is preventable, it’s the most common chronic disease among both children and adolescents, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, the CDC reports that nine of every 10 adults over the age of 20 years old have some form of tooth decay.

It’s up to each of us to take ownership of our dental health to prevent tooth decay. That means brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist in Royal Oak once each six months for a check-up that includes a professional dental cleaning. Hartrick Dentistry also wants to educate you on how the way you breathe can affect your vulnerability to cavities.

Breathing through the mouth throws off the balance of oral bacteria

There are both good and bad bacteria everywhere in the world, including inside our bodies. Our mouths contain a microbiome with millions of these bacteria. Mouth breathing can encourage the proliferation of the bad bacteria—the ones that cause cavities—and that’s where the problems begin. This can be especially true for people who may have a greater susceptibility to dental issues because of their genetics. The genetic factor can create regular dental problems even if someone is diligent about their oral hygiene.

When you breathe regularly through the mouth, it throws off the pH in your mouth, which has a negative effect on your dental health. According to a 2015 study published by the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, “Mouth breathing during sleep is related to a decrease in intraoral pH compared with normal breathing during sleep, and this has been proposed as a causal factor for dental erosion and caries.”

Mouth breathing while you sleep also makes you more likely to have dry mouth because your moist mucous membranes dry out. This also means a lack of saliva, which is a natural lubricant that helps to scrub away plaque and cavity-causing bacteria from accumulating in your mouth. Dry mouth also can be a sign that the balance in your mouth is changing.

Myofunctional therapy can change the way you breathe

Myofunctional therapy is becoming one of the most popular new methods of treatment in the dental field. This type of therapy can correct an assortment of different disorders in the orofacial system by having the patient perform a series of simple, pain-free exercises that work the muscles of the mouth and tongue. Each patient has his or her own unique experience with any type of treatment, but a course of myofunctional therapy usually lasts at least six months. When the exercises are performed as recommended, myofunctional therapy can help you achieve or regain what is known as the optimum rest oral posture. This means that, when you are not eating or speaking, your orofacial system is at rest with teeth closed, lips closed, and the tongue resting against the roof of your mouth. This posture also encourages nasal breathing, which is far more beneficial to both your oral and overall health.

Hartrick Dentistry is proud to offer myofunctional therapy as part of our comprehensive range of services to our patients in the areas of Royal Oak and Birmingham in Michigan. To learn more about this therapy, call our office at (248) 549-0950 to schedule a consultation.

Posted in Myofunctional Therapy

Tips on finding the best Dentist in Royal Oak

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Dr. Hartrick's Team
finding dentist in royal oak

finding dentist in royal oakRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

You face all kinds of decisions in life. You have to choose where to live, how to make a living, whether or not to have a family. When it comes to maintaining your health, choosing the right dentist to care for you is a major part of the equation. At Hartrick Dentistry, we believe in the mouth-body connection: specifically, that good oral health is a cornerstone to maintaining a high level of overall health. If you find yourself looking for a dentist in Royal Oak to serve you and your family, here are some questions to ask.

Does the dentist offer sedation?

The American Dental Association advises each individual visit the dentist once every six months, but millions of people avoid receiving professional oral health care because going to the dentist provokes feelings of anxiety or even outright fear. Individuals with these fears may have neglected seeing their dentist for years—ironically making them in special need of dental care, but also increasing their risk of oral health problems that can make dental visits more intensive and uncomfortable, magnifying the fears that led to them neglecting regular visits to the dentist in the first place.

At Hartrick Dentistry, we can ease those fears through sedation dentistry offered in the Royal Oak area. We use two forms of sedation—nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Both will calm you and diminish your awareness of your surroundings, although you remain awake and able to communicate with us if need be. Sedation dentistry also can be a good fit for patients with certain pre-existing conditions that may make it difficult to receive dental care.

Does the dentist’s office feature some of the latest technology and tools?

Technology has advanced at a rapid rate, affecting every industry—including the dental field. Hartrick Dentistry is proud to boast some of the cutting-edge technology in dental science. In addition to being a fully digital office, which applies to our record keeping as well as our X-rays, we also use a diagnodent laser pen that can identify areas of tooth decay that never would be visible to the naked eye. Also receiving crowns is more convenient than ever thanks to our CEREC system, which allows us to fabricate beautiful porcelain crowns while you wait during your appointment.

Does the dentist perform cosmetic treatments?

The stated goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of your teeth and mouth, but many of the finest practitioners in all of dental science actually specialize in cosmetic work. In many cases, the procedures that correct aesthetic flaws in teeth also produce teeth that function at a higher level with a comfortable bite. Plus, patients who undergo cosmetic procedures have improved self-confidence, which can boost their personal and professional relationships. Some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments offered in the Birmingham, Michigan area at Hartrick Dentistry include teeth whitening, crowns, veneers, bridges, and tooth-colored fillings.

Can the dentist screen for and nanage sleep apnea?

Does your family complain about your snoring during the night? Do you often feel fatigued during the day, no matter how early you go to bed? If so, you could suffer from a serious sleep breathing disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. A patient with sleep apnea experiences obstructed or complete pauses in their breathing. These attacks may occur hundreds of times per night, constantly disrupting the sleep cycle. At Hartrick Dentistry, we provide sleep apnea treatment in Royal Oak thanks to Dr. Nancy Hartrick, who has trained in detecting sleep apnea and treating the disorder by identifying and treating the airway issue at the root of the problem.

Does your dentist practice orthodontics?

Having straighter teeth boosts your self-esteem and also reduces your risk of oral health problems throughout your life. Orthodontic treatment has come a long way since traditional metal braces. Dentists and orthodontists working at the forefront of the field can straighten teeth through the use of clear plastic aligners, which apply consistent and gentle pressure to achieve treatment goals. Hartrick Dentistry is proud to offer Invisalign to patients in the Royal Oak area. This nearly invisible form of orthodontic treatment uses clear plastic aligners to obtain straighter teeth.

Finding a dentist in Royal Oak

Hartrick Dentistry can answer yes to any of the questions above. Dr. Hartrick prides herself on running a practice that is a “one-stop shop” for all of your needs related to oral health care. We even offer myofunctional therapy, which can correct negative oral habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrust, or that may be prescribed as a follow-up to the removal of a tethered oral tissue such as a tongue-tie or lip-tie. To learn more about any of our services or arrange a tour of our facility in Royal Oak, give us a call at (248) 549-0950 to schedule a consultation.

Hartrick Dentistry is proud to serve the oral health care needs of patients in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan.

Posted in General Dentistry