Oct 30, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 5, Teeth Whitening
By far, the best way to brighten and whiten your smile is through an in-office treatment performed by your dentist. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel used by your dentist is much higher than that which can be obtained over-the-counter by you in a drugstore. Lasers or special lights are employed by many dentists to achieve the best results.
With the rise in popularity of in-office teeth whitening, some specialty brands have emerged that offer different methods and ingredient strengths to address even the most stubborn stains.
- BriteSmile also uses whitening gel and a blue light, but their gel has a concentration of 15 percent hydrogen peroxide and a nearly neutral pH level, a mix that is easier on sensitive gum tissue.
- Lumbrite employs a custom light, known as the Sapphire Plasma Arc Curing and Whitening Light. This light has no destructive UV rays, although the gel is so strong it can work without the light. Lumbrite also has a desensitizing agent in its gel to reduce problems with sensitivity.
- GLO Science Professional has a specialized mouthpiece that employs Guided Light Optics (GLO) that works in tangent with a whitening gel, delivering light and heat to the tooth surfaces. The mouthpiece prevents oxygen from leaving the treatment area, giving optimal whitening results.
- Philips Zoom! is one of the most popular and well-known of the teeth whitening brands available at the dentist’s office. Their whitening gel uses a 25 percent concentration of peroxide which is stimulated by a proprietary blue light to achieve maximum whitening and is said to provide a more sparkling look to your enamel.
- Opalescence uses one of the most powerful gels available, utilizing a 40 percent concentration of hydrogen peroxide as well as potassium nitrate to reduce gum and tooth sensitivity after treatment. It also contains fluoride which strengthens the tooth enamel and reduces decay.
Talk to your dentist today to determine which of these or any other professional whitening methods is best for you and your teeth whitening needs.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. DR. BAQAI is accepting new patients from Bingham Farms and the surrounding area.
Oct 23, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 5, General Dentistry
The Power of a Smile: More Than Just a Facial Expression
Did you know it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown? Smiling is a simple yet powerful tool that can brighten your mood and positively impact those around you. Here are some remarkable benefits of sharing your smile:
1. Builds Connections
A smile creates an instant bond with others. It can uplift someone’s spirits, reduce stress levels, and encourage them to smile back. Smiling can also help navigate awkward social situations and inspire cooperation when you need it most.
2. Shifts Your Perspective
Feeling stressed or upset? Smiling can release endorphins—your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals—that ease tension and improve your outlook.
3. Free and Effortless
Unlike material acts of kindness, a smile costs nothing. Yet, it has the power to brighten someone’s day, even if just for a moment.
4. Boosts Your Health
Optimism and frequent smiling are linked to stronger immune systems, helping you fight illness and stay healthier overall.
5. The Best Alternative
When your choices are frowning, maintaining a blank expression, or smiling, the latter is always the most uplifting and welcoming option.
6. Enhances Confidence
Smiling not only makes you look approachable but also helps you feel more self-assured. With a smile on your face, you’re more likely to exude positivity and poise.
Ready to bring out your best smile? Visit our smile makeover dentist in Bingham Farms to learn how you can achieve a radiant, confident smile today.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Bingham Farms dental office to schedule your consultation!
Oct 16, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Family Dentistry
Dentists recommend seeing children for the first time when they have begun to cut teeth, by the time they have celebrated a first birthday. A first visit is primarily about allowing a child to get comfortable in the dentist’s chair and about educating you, the parent, on how to care for your child’s baby teeth. Most children who visit at this age will not remember the visit, but it will lay the foundation for positive experiences in the dental chair in the future.
Once children reach the approximate age of 5, they will have their first set of X-rays taken. The family dentist will review them to look for cavities between the teeth and to check proper development of dormant permanent teeth.
As children age, between 6 and 12 years, they will lose their baby teeth and permanent teeth will begin to erupt. At this time, your family dentist may recommend a tooth sealant. This plastic resin bonds to the “flat” chewing surface of a tooth, protecting it from debris and decay in the crevices.
Your family dentist may also give your child an orthodontic evaluation. Most pediatric patients begin orthodontics once all of their permanent teeth have erupted; however, some patients benefit from staged orthodontics and can begin treatment much sooner.
If your child has been seeing a dentist since infancy, introducing the child to the dentist isn’t an issue; your child already knows and trusts your family dentist. If you are bringing your child to the dentist for the first time as a toddler or kindergarten student, you should plan to spend some time talking about what to expect.
Many times, having parents sit in the dental chair and then hold their child on their laps is very comforting to the patient. Your family dentist has experience in dealing with fearful or anxious children and will know what to do in each case. Often, videos or music are employed to relax young patients.
You can trust your family dentist with each member of your family, no matter what the age. Talk to your family dentist today with any questions you may have about your child’s first dental appointment.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Bingham Farms dental office!
Oct 9, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 5, Teeth Whitening
A beautifully white smile is often perceived as a sign of youth and vitality, but over time it can gradually fade. Eating certain foods or drinking dark-colored beverages, taking particular medications, and simply aging can all take their toll on your teeth. It’s hardly surprising that tooth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in recent years. Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective and can quickly rejuvenate your smile. If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, there are several options to choose from, including:
In-Office Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is hugely popular, as you can literally book a lunchtime appointment and leave with a dazzling white smile. Surface stains can quickly be eliminated, and teeth can be brightened by up to eight shades in just an hour. This option is the most expensive, and you don’t have much control over the final results. Your dentist in [Bingham Farms] will activate the bleaching gel with a special light so the final result should be a stunning white smile.
Custom-Made Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Not everyone wants to whiten their teeth so quickly, and custom-made whitening trays enable you to safely bleach teeth in a more controlled manner. Your [Bingham Farms] cosmetic dentist will take impressions of your teeth that are used to fabricate custom-made whitening trays. You’ll be shown how to use these trays and should wear them for as long as directed. Most people will begin to notice real results within a few days, but they generally need to be used for two or three weeks to achieve optimum effects.
Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits
Over-the-counter whitening kits come in the form of trays and whitening strips and can cost between $20 and $50, so it’s tempting to think they will save you money. However, the bleaching gels contained in these kits are not as strong as those available to your dentist. In addition, there’s the possibility these kits could irritate your gums as ill-fitting whitening trays can allow the gel to leak out.
Do you live in Bingham Farms or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
Oct 2, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 5, Dentures
Dentures have been a long-standing solution for restoring smiles affected by missing teeth. They help individuals smile, talk, and eat as naturally as possible. However, removable dentures can come with challenges. They may become loose or shift, causing discomfort while eating and speaking. Some patients also find messy denture adhesives ineffective and troublesome. To address these issues, advancements in dental technology have led to the development of permanent dentures.
What are permanent dentures?
Permanent, or fixed, dentures are designed for patients who are missing one, two, or more teeth. They consist of a series of crowns or artificial teeth connected together and supported by dental implants. The implants act as natural tooth roots, and the fixed dentures restore your bite to resemble that of natural teeth.
What are the benefits?
Fixed dentures offer several advantages over removable ones. The need for messy adhesives is eliminated, and you don’t have to worry about loose dentures disrupting your day. The bite force is also enhanced, allowing you to eat a wider variety of foods without concerns. Unlike removable dentures, permanent upper dentures do not cover the roof of your mouth, preserving your ability to taste and enjoy food. They remain in place during regular oral hygiene, with no special cleaning or soaking required. When properly cared for, permanent dentures can last for many years or even a lifetime.
Are there any disadvantages?
Despite their benefits, permanent dentures can face oral issues like infection or inflammation since they are not removable. Additionally, the crowns may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Bingham Farms dental office to schedule your consultation!
Sep 25, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Teeth Whitening
Having a bright smile is a sign of good health, and it not only makes your face more radiant, but also appear younger! As you age, your teeth lose their outer layer of tooth enamel. The layer underneath is called dentin, and it is more yellow than the surface enamel. Even though this yellowing is natural and expected, everyday things can hasten that unwanted process. With some minor care, you can avoid these pitfalls and keep your smile shining bright.
Most people know that soda, coffee, tea, and red wine can stain teeth; however, it is less commonly known that some foods, such as tomato sauce, basalmic vinegar, and soy sauce can leave unsightly stains. Blackberries, blueberries, and beets all leave residual color on your teeth. You don’t have to stop enjoying these healthy foods, but you can reduce the staining effects by rinsing your mouth after eating and by brushing immediately.
Recent studies have shown that some sports and energy drinks may be worse for your teeth than sugary drinks. Researchers know that these kinds of drinks can erode tooth enamel if consumed long-term. Prevent this erosion by limiting your consumption of these kinds of beverages and by rinsing your mouth with water when you are finished drinking.
Antibacterial mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium or chlorhexidine can stain your teeth. Some blood pressure medications, antibiotics, antihistamines, and antipsychotic drugs can cause tooth discoloration. Excess iron and fluoride may also cause stains.
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health, but it’s also one of the worst culprits when it comes to discoloring teeth. Tobacco stains penetrate deep into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel. Brushing alone will not remove the stains, and the longer you smoke, the more difficult the stains are to remove.
Talk to your dentist about the elements of your diet and lifestyle that affect the whiteness of your teeth. There are many options available to address the stains and yellowing already present and to strategize to prevent future discoloration.
If you need professional teeth whitening and you live in the Bingham Farms area, contact our office today to schedule a consultation to see if teeth whitening is right for you. We look forward to seeing you.
