Warren Dentist: Cosmetic Dentistry at Smile Brightly Dentistry
January 3, 2011 | 
Author Hi I’m Dr Gregory Apsey. You can find my Dental Office on 13 mile on Hoover, East of Van Dyke in Warren, Michigan. My Dental Office phone is (586) 573 7700 and you can find me on the web at www.drapseydds.com.
Today I would like to talk about cosmetic dentistry in my Warren, Michigan Dental Office and what I can offer you. I talked previously about braces and how that is very much a cosmetic dentistry procedure that we offer here in Warren, Michigan. I’ve been doing Cosmetic Dentistry / Braces for about 15 years. Sometimes it’s wise to use that in conjunction with other dental treatments. First we straighten the teeth, and then we will whiten the teeth.
It’s wonderful to have your braces off and then the very next week have the teeth whitened. It’s a treat to have your braces off, and a super treat to have them whitened as well. We offer two types of bleaching, one is an at-home product. We will make a custom set of trays for you, and the bleach is placed in the trays nightly for an hour or all night, depending on how you like to do it. That process works very well for most people. Sometimes we need a little more intense bleaching, and in that case we use a deep bleaching procedure. That includes both home bleaching as well as bleaching in our Warren, Michigan Dental Office. You’ll sit in the dental chair for an hour and the bleach is applied to your teeth for a varied amount of time. That’s been very effective for the darker colorations. We also do bonding which is in- office, one day procedures where minor corrections can be made. We can really get some nice results.
Sometimes that’s just not enough, and more teeth need to be treated and we would use porcelain veneers. A veneer is a porcelain covering that goes over the front of the tooth and is a long lasting-strong restoration. And of course we need to see you and see your teeth to see what is best for you. Thank you for listening and we’ll talk to you the next time around!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Gregory Apsey and Smile Brightly Dentistry is located in Warren, Michigan. For more information or to schedule a dental appointment you can call the Warren, Michigan Dental Office at 586) 573-7700.
Posted in Videos | 
Tags: braces, cosmetic dentistry, healthy sweeteners, Teeth Whitening, Warren Michigan Dentist | 
No Comments »
Smile Brightly- Discount Dental Program in Warren Michigan
Hi, I’m Dr. Gregory Apsey. You can find our dental practice on 13 mile on Hoover and Van Dyke (Warren, Michigan). (586) 573 7700 and you can find me our website at drapseydds.com.
Today I would like to talk about my discount dental program in my dental office. A lot of my patients have lost their dental insurance or have lost their jobs and they’re trying to get by without dental insurance. We set up a program in our office to try and help. Basically at the beginning of a 12 month period the cost is $175.00 for adults and for children its $90.00 and what it is, is two cleanings in a year that are had within seven months time, any necessary x-rays, and two examinations by myself. It ends up being two cleanings, x-rays, and checkups for the price of one.
For 12 months my services will be discounted by 20%. This includes all of my dental procedures except for the most complicated implant restorations and very complicated precision attachment procedures. But braces, root canals, extra cleanings, fillings, crowns and bridges, most procedures you may need are discounted. It’s really helped a lot of our patients out. So if you or someone you know needs help, send them over. Thank you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Gregory Apsey and Smile Brightly Dentistry is located in Warren, Michigan. For more information or to schedule a dental appointment you can call the Warren, Michigan Dental Office at 586) 573-7700.
Posted in Videos | Tags: braces, cavities, cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, special offers, Warren Michigan Dentist | No Comments »
Mercury Free Dental in Warren Michigan
Hi, I’m Dr. Apsey in Warren Michigan. We’re located on 13 mile between Hoover and Van Dyke. You can also see me on my website at drapseydds.com. I’m here today to talk about why I’ve chosen to be a Mercury free office.
In silver fillings, that a lot of people have in their mouths there’s about 50% mercury. Now the Mercury is tied up in the metal and it is fairly stable. But over time as we chew on these fillings from the day they go in until the day they are removed they continuously release a small amount of mercury vapor. It’s a small amount but its everyday and its cumulative. If mercury vapor is a known toxin there’s no reason to have even a small amount in your body. That was one of the reasons why I chose not to use mercury containing fillings in my dental office. Instead I use ceramics, porcelain, composites- materials that both look better and I feel have no safety or health risk issues.
My patients love and are generally happy to have it in their mouth. So come into my office if you would like to do so and I would be happy to talk with you about your options. Thank you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Gregory Apsey and Smile Brightly Dentistry is located in Warren, Michigan. For more information or to schedule a dental appointment you can call the Warren, Michigan Dental Office at 586) 573-7700.
Posted in Videos | Tags: cavities, mercury free dentistry, Teeth Whitening, tooth decay, Warren Michigan Dentist | No Comments »
Warren Michigan- Smile Brightly Dentistry Tour
Hi, I’m Dr Gregory Apsey. You can find my dental office on 13 mile on Hoover and Van Dyke (Warren, Michigan) (586) 573 7700 and you can find me on the web at drapseydds.com. I’ve been in my office for about 12 years. We pride ourselves in being a small, intimate, and family practice. We offer a lot of services but were all about really spending the time with our patients. There’s not a lot of waiting time here. Very private and all about you. All of our rooms are pretty similar. There are three treatment rooms in this practice.
We have dental hygienists and myself working together. We believe in barrier protection. We like to keep things clean; everything is cleaned and then covered in between each patient, we believe it is important to prevent cross infections. You will find it very clean here every time you come. We have a sterilization room. This is where we sterilized our instruments and do lab work. We also do orthodontic procedures here and we put braces on child and adult teeth. We have the x-rays to do so. As you come into the waiting room, you can see it is a really small place. You can’t get lost in here, there will be someone waiting for you at the front desk and I will be right behind them. I also have photos of previous patients that are available for you to look at when you come in.
At the front desk we will have one or two people here to help you out with your billing. We participate with a lot of insurance companies so feel free to ask those questions when you call in. We will be happy to let you know how your benefits work and whether were a participant member on your insurance. That’s me Dr. Apsey, in Warren Michigan.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Gregory Apsey and Smile Brightly Dentistry is located in Warren, Michigan. For more information or to schedule a dental appointment you can call the Warren, Michigan Dental Office at 586) 573-7700.
Mercury Free Dentistry in Warren Michigan
Dr. Gregory Apsey of Warren, Michigan has created his dental practice with you and the environment in mind. He is proud of the fact that he offers only tooth colored fillings in his esthetic dentistry dental office. These are made of either porcelain, ceramic, or composite. He does not offer dental amalgam as it is unesthetic, contains about 50% mercury, and unfortunately releases on a continuous basis, mercury vapor in small quantities as long as it is present in the mouth. Dr. Apsey feels that as long as there are good alternatives, there is no reason to use this material.
The more esthetic dental restoratives are somewhat more challenging to place properly, and therefore are a bit more pricey. His patients agree they are well worth the extra charge. These restorations blend in and appear like natural teeth. They are strong, long lasting and gorgeous.
Environmental concerns regarding Dental Amalgam are very real. There is a whole industry in our profession set up to handle the dental amalgam waste we dentists produce. Dental Amalgam is considered hazardous waste outside of the mouth and must be handled carefully so as not to contaminate our water-ways. All amalgam waste produced in the office is collected and sent to a special facility which recycles the metals in a way that they will not do damage to the environment. Dr. Apsey has a collection device installed in his suction lines which separates out the heavy metal sediments before the waste water leaves his office. Annually, this collection unit is replaced. The entire container filled with the waste material is sent to a company called Dental Recycling North Americe (DRNA) in New York where it is processed safely. His suction traps are handled similarly. It is important that mercury containing dental amalgam does not make it into the regular trash as it could possibly end up in an incinerator causing a release of mercury into the environment. In this way, Dr. Apsey is trying to do his part in keeping our Michigan Lakes clean. Unfortunately, he has not found a way to keep the Asian Carp out!
About the Author: Dr. Gregory Apsey practices dentistry in Warren, Michigan. He is a General Dentist with a focus on excellence in family dental care, braces, root canal treatment, mercury-free dentistry, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restoration. He has been practicing in the area for 23 years, is a graduate of The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Faculte for Orthodontic research and Education, and the Academy of General Dentistry. You will feel at home in his friendly, welcoming office.
Posted in Dental Health Tips, Esthetic Dentistry, Mercury Free Dentistry | Tags: esthetic dentistry, mercury free dentistry | No Comments »
Warren Dentist Says Stress May be Affecting Your Teeth
These days, people are under greater levels of stress, and one common result is restless sleep which stimulates night time grinding and clenching of the teeth. When measured, the night time muscle contractions are about 10 times stronger than those same contractions measured during the day. Unfortunately, this can lead to fractured teeth, painful toothaches that come and go, notching of the root surfaces of the teeth, headaches, Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ) and a shortening of the teeth over time.
Fortunately, there is a solution. The wear patterns on your teeth can be assessed by your dentist to determine if you are a grinder, or a clencher. Depending on the diagnosis, a custom occlusal splint (bite guard) will be constructed and adjusted for your mouth. The result will be greatly reduced stress on your teeth, a comfortable bite while the splint is in place, and peace of mind that you are doing something positive to protect your teeth.
It is also often helpful to address your inability to sleep deeply. You might wish to consider Melatonin prior to going to sleep. This over-the-counter remedy is helpful for many. If you continue to struggle, you might see your physician and be evaluated for a stronger medication to aid your sleeping.
Prevention is critical in our goal of maintaining teeth for life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should speak with your dentist for an evaluation.
About the Author: Dr. Gregory Apsey practices dentistry in Warren, Michigan. He is a General Dentist with a focus on excellence in family dental care, braces, root canal treatment, mercury-free dentistry, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restoration. He has been practicing in the area for 23 years, is a graduate of The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Faculte for Orthodontic research and Education, and the Academy of General Dentistry. You will feel at home in his friendly, welcoming office.
Posted in Dental Health Tips | Tags: bite guard, bite splint, clenching, grinding, TMJ | No Comments »
Warren Dentist Discusses Lumineers
Many of my patients ask me if I offer Lumineers. My answer is Lumineers are a brand of minimally invasive veneers which have been heavily marketed, are made by a certain out of town laboratory, and are a fine product, however, I use a different brand of veneer. I do provide my patients with minimally invasive porcelain veneers which, like Lumineers, can correct mis-aligned teeth, cover stains, change the shape of mis-shapen teeth, and in many cases no anesthetic and minimal or no drilling is required. I prefer to use dental laboratories that I have worked with over the years, labs that do excellent work, and are local Michigan businesses. A diagnosis of your specific needs is required to determine if minimally invasive veneers are a good choice for you.
Advantages of Porcelain veneers are numerous. They are a very effective way to improve the color, shape, and size of your teeth. They can also be used as part of a full facial makeover and can take years off of your face. Dr. Apsey recommends that his patients start with their teeth prior to visiting the cosmetic surgeon. Minor plumping of the lips, a reduction of the sunken appearance of the face which occurs with wearing of the teeth and closing of the bite with age, can be corrected with treatments aimed at opening the bite. Porcelain veneers are an important part of these treatment plans.
Some myths about minimally invasive veneers:
• Minimally invasive porcelain veneers cause the teeth to be too thick, and too long. In order to prevent the teeth being too thick or too long, some minimal reduction of tooth structure is often done so that the end result will be a veneer that is right for you. This is a planning issue done prior to beginning treatment.
• Minimally invasive porcelain veneers cause gum disease. When Dr. Apsey cements veneers into place, he is certain to polish the edges of the veneers, removing any excess cement to assure a healthy end result. As always, the patient must brush and floss twice daily around the veneered teeth and visit the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups to prevent problems.
• My teeth will be sensitive after the veneers are placed. In this procedure, since the enamel is preserved, sensitivity is rarely a problem.
About the Author: Dr. Gregory Apsey practices dentistry in Warren, Michigan. He is a General Dentist with a focus on excellence in family dental care, braces, root canal treatment, mercury-free dentistry, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restoration. He has been practicing in the area for 23 years, is a graduate of The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Faculte for Orthodontic research and Education, and the Academy of General Dentistry. You will feel at home in his friendly, welcoming office.
Posted in Porcelain Veneers | Tags: cosmetic dentistry, Lumineers, porcelain veneers, Warren Michigan Dentist | Comments Closed
Warren Dentist Explores the Gum Disease Heart Disease Connection
Periodontal Disease (Gum disease) affects 75% of adults and is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal Disease is caused by specific bacteria which live in the crevices between the teeth and gums. These bacteria are passed from person to person through transfer of saliva. As with all infections, our bodies fight back via the immune system. The immune response to infection otherwise known as inflammation, involves increased blood flow to the area of infection (bleeding gums), an increase in white blood cells in the area (pus), and a release of certain chemicals in the bloodstream called c-reactive proteins. These c-reactive proteins have been directly correlated to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and the level of this protein in the blood is now one of the markers used by cardiologists to determine a person’s susceptibility to this serious condition. Research has also linked periodontal disease to strokes (a connection to atherosclerosis), pneumonia (through aspiration of bacteria from the mouth), pre-term birth, and difficulty with control of blood sugar for diabetics.
Diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease may have a direct effect on your overall health, and is highly recommended. Regular visits to your dentist should help you to determine if periodontal disease is a problem for you. Diagnosis includes measurements of the bone loss around your teeth, x-rays, and a review of your health history. Treatment will include thorough cleaning of your teeth, homecare including the use of toothbrush, floss, water-pik, antibiotics, and other medicaments prescribed for your specific needs, and a schedule of follow-up visits to monitor your progress and to help you to maintain the cleanliness of your mouth.
Other causative factors involved in periodontal disease:
- Smokers are more likely to have periodontal disease due to decreased circulation to the gums.
- Diabetics are more likely to have periodontal disease due to decreased circulation to the gums.
- People who grind their teeth and have periodontal disease will see more rapid loss of bone around their teeth.
Dr. Gregory Apsey of Warren, Michigan has been involved in the non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease since the beginning of his dental practice 23 years ago. He is proud of the overall dental health of his patients who follow his recommendations.
About the Author: Dr. Gregory Apsey practices dentistry in Warren, Michigan. He is a General Dentist with a focus on excellence in family dental care, braces, root canal treatment, mercury-free dentistry, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restoration. He has been practicing in the area for 23 years, is a graduate of The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Faculte for Orthodontic research and Education, and the Academy of General Dentistry. You will feel at home in his friendly, welcoming office.
Posted in Dental Health Tips | Tags: atherosclerosis, dental health, health, heart disease, periodontal disease | No Comments »
Warren Dentist Recommends: Clean Your Nose for Fresher Breath
Autumn is upon us all in Michigan and as we retreat back into our homes for the colder months we will contend with cold and flu viruses, more dust in the air, and dry, heated air. The particles in the air invariably come through our noses and into our bodies. The result for many of us is allergy, sinus infection, post nasal drip, a foul taste in the mouth, flu, pneumonia etc… For me, some five years ago, it meant my first sinus infection in October, requiring antibiotics, followed by 4 more sinus infections through the winter, requiring 4 more antibiotic prescriptions. The following Winter, I was sick again in October. I had to find another answer. Having heard about the Neti pot, I decided to try one. A simple solution was found. The Neti pot can be found in your local drug store. It is basically a plastic or ceramic tea-pot in which a warm salt or salt and baking soda solution is mixed (use the packets sold by the same company or mix your own, recipe to follow). Stir to dissolve the salt, and then simply place the tip into one nostril, tip your head forwards and sideways over the sink, and with mouth open, allow the solution to pour through your nasal passages. One pot through one nostril and repeat for the other nostril. The solution goes in one nostril and out the other. Gently blow your nose at the end. Once you get the hang of it, the result will be a fresh and clean nose, free of particulate matter, a reduction in sticky foul mucous, a fresher taste in the mouth, fresher breath, a better sense of taste and smell, and as it was for me an end to sinus infection in the winter. This October, on a Friday it was all starting again. I had a hacking cough, was getting a sore throat, sounded and felt terrible, and thought here we go again! Through the weekend, I used my Neti pot twice daily, gargled with salt water, and drank fluids and basically took it easy. By Monday, I was completely cured. This really works and I recommend it to all of my patients.
Salt Solution Recipe for the do-it-yourselfers (like me)
1/2-3/4 teaspoon pickling salt (no additives, only pure salt)
8 ounces warm water (either previously boiled and warmed, or warm tap water)
Place ingredients in the Neti Pot, shake to dissolve and you are ready.
Clean your Neti pot after each use with dish liquid, and warm water. Turn over and dry on a paper towel. Do not place in dishwasher.
Other tips for fresher breath:
1) Brush and floss twice daily before bed, and prior to eating in the morning.
2) Use a tongue scraper at least once per day to remove foul smelling bacteria which build up on the tongue .
3) Use the Neti pot at least once a day, especially in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.
4) Rinse with water after meals to reduce presence of food debris in the mouth.
About the Author: Dr. Gregory Apsey practices dentistry in Warren, Michigan. He is a General Dentist with a focus on excellence in family dental care, braces, root canal treatment, mercury-free dentistry, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restoration. He has been practicing in the area for 23 years, is a graduate of The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Faculte for Orthodontic research and Education, and the Academy of General Dentistry. You will feel at home in his friendly, welcoming office.
Posted in Dental Health Tips | Tags: bad breath, fresh breath, neti pot, sinus infection, Warren Michigan Dentist | No Comments »
Warren Dentist Recommends you Eat Sugar and Prevent Tooth Decay
Dr. Gregory Apsey of Warren, Michigan recommends a Healthy Natural Sweetener To Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay (dental cavities) is still a prevalent problem today. 42% of children are affected, 90% of adults have experienced cavities at some time in their lives, and our senior population is experiencing tooth decay at an alarming rate. Acids and sugars in our diet are the culprit. An additional contributing factor especially for older people includes many common types of medications which dry the mouth. Without natural saliva, their mouths cannot combat the dietary acids and sugars. Older people additionally have exposed tooth roots due to gum recession. These roots are softer than the enamel and more susceptible to decay.
Xylitol is a natural sugar found in Birch trees, corn cobs and other natural sources. This sugar does not turn to acid in the mouth like white sugar. In fact, Xylitol neutralizes acids in the mouth, slowing the decay process. It is available in gum and candies (www.sprydental.com or in health food stores), and in oral care products designed to replace saliva with the brand name Biotene. Dr. Apsey recommends the daily use of Xylitol containing mouthrinses, toothpaste, and candies to his patients who are prone to tooth decay.
Much of the foods we consume contain acid and sugar including soft drinks, sport drinks, fruit juices, raisins, potato chips, ketchup, wine, etc . . This acid is the cause of tooth decay. Using a straw placed towards the back of the mouth while drinking acidic beverages will help to keep most of the beverage away from the teeth. Brushing at night and in the morning prior to eating with fluoridated (or xylitol containing) toothpaste will help to strengthen the enamel. Saliva is a natural buffer which helps to keep the teeth from breaking down. If we brush immediately after eating, we remove the layer of saliva on the teeth and can cause more damage to the teeth. This is why Dr. Apsey recommends rinsing after meals at least with water, or best, with a xylitol containing rinse to neutralize the acid that remains in the mouth.
A note of caution if you have a dog. Xylitol is poisonous to our canine friends.
Dr. Gregory Apsey of Warren Michigan will discuss with you your medications, your diet, and help you to find the right decay prevention plan for you.
About the Author: Dr. Gregory Apsey practices dentistry in Warren, Michigan. He is a General Dentist with focus on excellence in family dental care, braces, root canal treatment, mercury-free dentistry, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restoration. He has been practicing in the area for 23 years, is a graduate of The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Faculte for Orthodontic research and Education, and the Academy of General Dentistry. You will feel at home in his friendly, welcoming office.
Posted in Dental Health Tips | Tags: cavities, healthy sweeteners, tooth decay, Warren Michigan Dentist, xylitol | Comments Closed