1) Preventive care: the foundation of everything
Think of prevention as the maintenance plan that keeps big repairs off your calendar.
What it includes
- Professional cleanings and exams
- Low-dose digital X-rays only when indicated
- Fluoride and sealants for cavity-prone teeth
- Gum measurements and periodontal maintenance when needed
- Night guards or sports mouthguards to protect enamel
Early signs to act on
- Gums that bleed when you floss or brush
- Sensitivity to cold or sweets
- Morning jaw soreness or headaches (possible clenching)
- Stain and tartar that won’t budge with brushing
Smart timing
- Most healthy adults: every 6 months
- History of gum disease, pregnancy, diabetes, or heavy tartar: every 3–4 months
Why it matters
Preventive visits catch small issues before they become cracked teeth, root canals, or tooth loss. They also make any future cosmetic work last much longer.
2) Restorative care: fixing what’s broken (comfort + function)
When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or missing, restorative treatment rebuilds structure so you can chew comfortably and smile without worry.
Common solutions
- Tooth-colored fillings for small-to-moderate decay
- Inlays/onlays and crowns for larger fractures or after root canal therapy
- Bridges or implant crowns to replace missing teeth
- Partial and full dentures (including implant-assisted options)
Early signs to act on
- Sharp pain on biting, temperature sensitivity that lingers, a chipped edge you can feel with your tongue, food getting trapped, or a loose old filling/crown
Smart timing
- Prioritize teeth that hurt, crack, or show deep decay.
- Replace failing work before it fails completely—that’s more comfortable and often more affordable than an emergency fix.
Why it matters
Strong, well-fitting restorations protect neighboring teeth, balance your bite, and prevent a domino effect of new cracks.
3) Cosmetic care: natural-looking confidence (after health is stable)
Cosmetic treatment refines shape and shade so your smile looks like you—just brighter and more balanced.
Popular options
- Professional whitening for a clean, event-ready shade
- Composite bonding to repair chips and close small gaps
- Porcelain veneers for comprehensive shape/length/color changes
- Invisalign to align teeth and improve cleanability
Smart sequencing
- Stabilize gums and any active decay first.
- Align and whiten before final veneers or crowns.
- Use a night guard after your makeover to protect your investment.
Why it matters
A thoughtfully sequenced plan looks better, functions better, and lasts longer. It also keeps future maintenance simple.
The “Now, Next, Later” roadmap (simple decision tree)
Now (book ASAP)
- Tooth pain, swelling, broken tooth, or a crown that fell off
- Bleeding gums at most brushings
- A visible crack or deep cavity on X-ray
Next (within 30–60 days)
- Replacement of failing fillings or mismatched crowns
- Night guard for clenching/grinding
- Alignment planning if crowding causes plaque traps
Later (after health is stable)
- Whitening and bonding touch-ups
- Veneers or smile line refinement
- Final photos and long-term maintenance plan
Local notes for West Bloomfield neighbors
- If you commute along Orchard Lake Rd, Maple Rd, or Northwestern Hwy, early-morning and lunchtime hygiene slots book quickly.
- Teens in Farmington Hills and Walled Lake often benefit from sports mouthguards during season—bring rosters and we’ll time visits around practices.
- For Bloomfield Hills residents considering veneers, pairing whitening + Invisalign first can reduce how many veneers you actually need.
