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Monday 7am - 12pm Tuesday 7am - 5:30pm Wednesday 7am - 1pm Thursday 7am - 5pm

Steven Z. Hechtman, DDS, 55 N Pond Drive, Suite 3, Walled Lake, MI (2026)

Why Choose Our Dental Practice In
Walled Lake, Michigan? We are grateful for every person we have the privilege of meeting and helping to improve their smile. When you visit our Lakes Area Office, you will meet a group of hygienists and professionals who are committed to your smile. We offer the latest technology in modern dentistry, including a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosme

tic dental care services to meet the needs of your entire family. We pride ourselves in offering a personalized experience which includes a full range of dental services. Only the most current and advanced dental technology and techniques are used in our practice. Our goal is to work with our patients in achieving and maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile. We accommodate each individual’s special needs and budget. We have a long history of helping individuals who are highly anxious about receiving dental care, or those who suffer from Dental fear and anxiety.

08/14/2026

Can Babies Get Cavities?
The thought of brushing a baby’s teeth causes anxiety for many parents. Even before your baby’s first tooth arrives around the age of six months to one year, you need to be paying attention to your baby’s oral health. To answer the question: Yes, babies can get cavities. In fact, they are especially vulnerable to getting cavities because tooth enamel of baby teeth is thinner than the enamel of permanent teeth.1

Healthy Teeth Begin with Early Oral Care

Good dental habits and cavity prevention start early. Here’s what parents should know:

Start Oral Care Before the First Tooth Appears

From birth it is recommended that you wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, soft, wet cloth twice a day, especially after a night feeding.2 Giving your baby a bottle or a sippy cup with breast milk, milk, juice or any other liquid containing sugar can cause tooth decay and lead to cavities. Cavities, which are basically holes in the enamel of the teeth, form when sugary and starchy substances mix with bacteria in the mouth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood with more than half of children aged 6 to 8 years old having a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth.3

When Should You Start Brushing Baby Teeth?

Once your baby’s first tooth emerges, it’s time to start brushing twice a day. To do so safely, use only a very small smear of fluoride toothpaste on a soft bristled baby toothbrush. It is recommended that the toothpaste used for babies be no more than the size of a grain of rice.4 Be thorough in brushing all sides of any teeth your child has at the time.

How Fluoride Helps Protect Young Teeth

Some parents opt to have a fluoride varnish applied to their child’s baby teeth. This treatment can be done in a pediatrician’s office or a dental office and can be applied two to four times per year. Fluoride varnish treatments are safe as only a small amount of treatment is used and it hardens quickly.5 Fluoride treatments are usually used for children that are prone to getting cavities. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and/or drinking fluoridated water can also help prevent cavities in young children. Another option is dental sealants, which can prevent 80 percent of cavities when applied to the back teeth.6

When Should Your Baby Have Their First Dental Visit?

That first dental check-up is also important. It is recommended that the first dental visit be done by one year of age or within six months after the appearance of the first tooth, whichever comes first.7 Your dentist and the dental team can serve as partners in ensuring that your child has the best oral care possible.

Healthy Smiles Start Early at Our Walled Lake Dental Office

Early dental care can help children develop healthy habits that carry into adulthood. At our Walled Lake Dental Office, we make it easier for the whole family to receive dependable care in one convenient location, with services ranging from routine exams and preventive dentistry to cosmetic treatments and smile restoration.

Dr. Hechtman and his team provide friendly, personalized care for children, teens, and adults in a comfortable setting. Give your family a strong foundation for better oral health and contact Walled Lake Dental today!

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1 Dental Cavities in Baby Teeth

Link: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/dental-cavities-in-baby-teeth

2. 4 Taking Care of Your Baby’s Oral Health

Link: https://headstart.gov/publication/taking-care-your-babys-oral-health

3, 6 Oral Health Tips for Children, 5/15/2024

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-children.html

5 Fluoride Varnish: What Parents Need to Know

Link: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Fluoride-Varnish-What-Parents-Need-to-Know.aspx

7 Your Child’s First Dentist Visit: What Age and What to Expect, 9/22/2023

Link: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-should-i-start-taking-my-child-to-the-dentist

The post Can Babies Get Cavities? appeared first on Dentist in Walled Lake | Walled Lake Dentist Family and Cosmetic Dentist.

The thought of brushing a baby’s teeth causes anxiety for many parents. Even before your baby’s first tooth arrives around the age of six months to one year, you need to be paying attention to your baby’s oral health. To answer the question: Yes, babies can get cavities. In fact, they are espe...

07/17/2026

Dental Floss vs. Interdental Picks: Which is Better?
In days past every restaurant had toothpicks by the cash register. During that period plenty of dentists were called upon to remove wood splinters from the gums of unsuspecting wood toothpick users. Gradually, those free wood toothpicks were removed from restaurants and people started gravitating toward interdental picks. They served the same purpose of removing stuck food from between teeth but didn’t leave behind wood splinters.

With a similar shape to a wood toothpick, interdental picks are made of plastics.

They are so easy to use, many people use them in place of dental floss. The question remains though: Are they as good at cleaning the spaces between teeth?

Cleaning Between Your Teeth is a Must

There are good reasons why cleaning between teeth is critical to good oral health. Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, can occur in as little as 24 hours when bacteria and food particles are present on and between your teeth.1 If that bacteria and food are not removed calcium from saliva hardens the bacteria and food and it becomes calculus plaque.

This hard calculus can’t be removed by flossing or brushing. It must be removed by a dental professional. When the dental hygienist scrapes and picks your teeth they are removing the calculus that has built up over time. When you floss or use interdental picks you disrupt the formation of dental plaque so it can’t form calculus.

Should You Floss or Pick?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both dental floss and interdental picks so there is no clear “right” answer to the question of which dental tool is better. Overall, though, given the fact that one third of Americans adults never floss and another one third floss infrequently2, it is safe to say that using an interdental pick is better than not cleaning between teeth with floss.

Interdental Pick Pros

There are other advantages to interdental picks. They are easier for people with braces, dental implants and bridges to use.3 They are also easy for everyone to use because they only require placing the interdental pick between each tooth. There isn’t any messy string to deal with afterwards and you don’t need to know any special technique to use an interdental pick successfully.

For those with dexterity issues, interdental picks are much easier to hold and maneuver between the teeth.

Dental Floss Pros

There are some major advantages to using dental floss. Dental floss can reach an important spot that interdental picks can’t reach and that is the area slightly below the gum line. Plaque generally forms at the gum line so this can be an important consideration when choosing floss over interdental picks. Floss can also work in places, like tightly spaced teeth, where it’s not possible to slide in an interdental pick.

Cost is also an issue as interdental picks generally are more expensive than dental floss.

Healthy Gums Need Consistency

Consistency is key no matter whether you use floss or an interdental pick. It is recommended that you clean between your teeth at least once per day. If you prefer to use dental floss, make sure that you are flossing correctly by having your dental hygienist review your technique. Water flossers are also an option that you may wish to discuss with your dental professional. They can advise what unit to purchase, what settings to use and can provide instructions on how to use your water flosser.

Ask Your Walled Lake Dentist About What’s Right for Your Teeth

Not sure whether dental floss, interdental picks, or a water flosser is right for you? Dr. Steven Z. Hechtman in Walled Lake and his caring dental staff can evaluate your teeth and gums, demonstrate proper cleaning techniques, and recommend an oral hygiene routine based on your individual needs.

Along with preventive dental care and professional cleanings, we provide comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages including cosmetic dentsity. Contact our Walled Lake dental office today to schedule an appointment and free smile consultation.

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1 Ask the Expert? Do I Really Need to Floss? By Dr. Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque

Link: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/ask-the-expert

2 What Percentage of Americans Floss Daily? 12/7/2025

Link: https://biologyinsights.com/what-percentage-of-americans-floss-daily/

3 Are Interdental Picks as Good as Floss? A Comprehensive Comparison by Russell Kalbfeld, 7/31/2023

Link: https://www.summit-oralcare.com/are-interdental-picks-as-good-as-floss-a-comprehensive-comparison #:~:text=

The post Dental Floss vs. Interdental Picks: Which is Better? appeared first on Dentist in Walled Lake | Walled Lake Dentist Family and Cosmetic Dentist.

In days past every restaurant had toothpicks by the cash register. During that period plenty of dentists were called upon to remove wood splinters from the gums of unsuspecting wood toothpick users. Gradually, those free wood toothpicks were removed from restaurants and people started gravitating to...

06/05/2026

How 3D Printing Is Changing Modern Dentistry
The buzz today is all about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will revolutionize every aspect of our lives. Technology is always advancing in the workplace, schools, medicine and other areas and technology advances in the dental field are no exception.

From the use of AI to diagnose dental issues to 3D printing technology, dentistry is evolving.

These innovations are making diagnoses and treatments easier, and in some cases, more economical for patients.

The vast majority of dental practices with five or more employees currently use 3D printing technology and even if they don’t have 3D printing in-house they probably contract with a 3D printing provider.1 3D printing technology was first used in manufacturing to make plastic prototypes using a digital design file to build a physical object layer by layer.

Today, 3D printing is used in almost every major industry including aerospace manufacturing, medicine, automotive repair, food production, education and dentistry. Currently a $23.41 billion market, global 3D printing is expected to reach $136.76 billion by 2034.2

How it Works in a Dental Office

In dentistry, resin, ceramics or metals are used in 3D printers to fabricate dentures, clear teeth aligners, dental crown substructures, dental models and surgical guides.3 The process begins by scanning the patient’s mouth using an intraoral scanner. This device creates precise images of a patient’s tooth and/or mouth anatomy.

The intraoral scanner may be used in place of traditional polyvinyl siloxane impression material or it may be used in combination with the impression material. The images created by the intraoral scanner are recorded in a computer-aided design or CAD file. That file is used to create a highly accurate implant or dental mold through 3D printing.

The materials used to create dentures, dental crown structures, aligners and other dental models are chosen for biocompatibility, aesthetics and safety.4 Different resins are used for different dental applications. A tooth aligner or mouth guard would generally be made with a resin that is clear, while resin resembling gingiva would be used for a dental implant.5

Benefits for the Patient as well as the Dentist

3D printing offers many benefits to patients and dentists alike. A dental crown can be created and placed in a single visit, reducing the need for a temporary crown and several weeks production time. Crowns, bridges, veneers and other 3D printed items developed using an intraoral scanner are done with precision, achieving a micron-level fit and minimizing post-placement adjustments.6

Surgical guides help position implants correctly and guides that are done with 3-D printing technology allow for precise positioning of implants as well as minimal tissue disruption which speeds healing and success of the implant. Dentures and partials made with 3D printing can often be accurately fabricated in a single visit, making the process faster, more comfortable, more affordable and more accurate. Clear aligners printed in 3D are an exact fit.

In Sum

Overall, 3D printing contributes to patient comfort, increases accuracy, reduces wait time to hours or days rather than weeks, and reduces cost associated with third-party labs. While there is always skepticism with technological advances, the use of 3D printing in dentistry has already proved to be a beneficial advancement. # # # #

Helping Walled Lake Patients Smile with Confidence

For the latest in dental technology, treatments, and cosmetic dental procedures, Dr. Hechtman and his team are a trusted choice in Walled Lake. With more than 40 years of experience, our dental office provides knowledgeable, compassionate care for patients of all ages.

Visit our Walled Lake dental office for expert dental care focused on helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile while supporting your overall oral health.

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1 Top 9 Dental Industry Trends (2025 – 2027) by Josh Howarth, 11/22/2024

Link: https://explodingtopics.com/blog/dental-industry-trends

2 What is a 3D Printer Used For? Top Real-World Uses, 3/24/2026

Link: https://scienceinsights.org/what-is-a-3d-printer-used-for-top-real-world-uses/

3, 6 3D Printing in Dentistry: From Concept to Clinical Application by Dr. Baldessari, 6/10/2025

Link: https://americandentalinstitute.com/3d-printing-in-dentistry-from-concept-to-clinical-application/

4, 5 3D Printing in Dentistry: Applications and Materials by Dean McClements, 8/8/2022

Link: https://www.xometry.com/resources/3d-printing/3d-printing-in-dentistry/

The post How 3D Printing Is Changing Modern Dentistry appeared first on Dentist in Walled Lake | Walled Lake Dentist Family and Cosmetic Dentist.

The buzz today is all about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will revolutionize every aspect of our lives. Technology is always advancing in the workplace, schools, medicine and other areas and technology advances in the dental field are no exception. From the use of AI to diagnose dental iss...

05/08/2026

Teeth Whitening: What Patients Should Know
The desire for bright white teeth can be traced back in history to a time when having white teeth was associated with wealth, as poor citizens couldn’t afford dental care and were more likely to consume sugary foods which erode tooth enamel.

Movie stars and other celebrities sport white teeth so there is a perception that white teeth symbolize beauty, success and confidence. White teeth are synonymous with attractiveness, affluence, youth and good health.

If a person has missing or discolored teeth they are often perceived as being less affluent and neglectful of their health with biases causing many to equate white teeth with clean living.1 The demand for teeth whitening continues to expand each year, jumping from $7.72 billion in 2025 to a projected $8.01 in 2026.2

White teeth can be achieved either by using over-the-counter products or through professional dental treatments.

This means in-office treatments or take-home kits. At-home, do-it-yourself teeth whitening is the most popular option, with 90 percent of individuals choosing this method and only 10 percent seeking whitening procedures from a dentist.3

While DIY teeth whitening may be popular research reveals, however, that “more than 90 percent of patients who receive professional in-office whitening report being pleased with their results.”4

Do-it-yourself teeth whitening is by far the most popular way individuals choose in hopes of achieving whiter teeth. This includes the use of strips, gels, or whitening toothpaste with 37 million Americans reported using some form of tooth-whitening product annually.

The results from these over-the-counter products aren’t always what users are seeking. Whitening toothpaste generally only lightens by one to two shades with consistent use; whitening strips also lighten teeth a few shades when used once or twice daily; and whitening mouthwashes used daily only produce subtle improvements.5

Risks with At-Home Teeth Whitening

There are several significant concerns with DIY teeth whitening. The abrasive or acidic ingredients, such as baking soda, lemon juice or activated charcoal, can cause damage to tooth enamel which does not regenerate.

Loss of tooth enamel can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.6 Another concern is gum irritation, especially with products that use hydrogen peroxide. Crest 3D Whitening Strips is the only tooth bleaching product to receive the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance for safety and efficacy, however the product does use hydrogen peroxide and like many teeth whitening strips the product can miss gaps between teeth, causing uneven whitening. It is best to check with your dentist before using any DIY over-the-counter tooth whitener and to always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.

Consider an In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment

Professional whitening treatments offered by dentists can lighten teeth by several shades in just one appointment which can be beneficial for those needing quick results prior to weddings, reunions, public appearances, etc.

While in-office whitening is the most expensive way to go having your dentist supervise your treatment can prevent any long-term oral health effects of other whitening options. Your dentist can also prescribe a take-home kit, which is less expensive than in-office treatment.

While the whitening results of take-home kits are slower to emerge, the results are comparable to in-office treatments.

If you desire whiter teeth talk with your dentist about the available options. Even if you use a do-it-yourself product your dentist may be very helpful in recommending products that are not only safe, but also effective. Your dentist can also monitor you for any adverse effects.

Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening in Walled Lake

Dr. Steven Z. Hechtman DDS has nearly five decades of experience helping patients achieve bright, healthy smiles. Our Walled Lake dental office offers safe teeth whitening treatments using the latest whitening technology, with both at-home and in-office options for convenient, long-lasting results.

Explore your dental health options at our Walled Lake dental clinic, including cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, annual check-ups, teeth cleanings, and more. Call today for a free dental consultation.

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1 Why Do Americans Want White Teeth? (Intertwining Factors)

Link: https://www.cdhp.org/why-do-americans-want-white-teeth/

2 Global Teeth Whitening Market

Link: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/teeth-whitening-market

3, 4, 5 Teeth Whitening Statistics 2026 by Mara Sugue, 3/25/2026

Link: https://www.newmouth.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-statistics/

6 The Hidden Dangers of DIY Dental Care Teeth Whitening Products, 5/8/2025

Link: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/teeth-whitening-market

The post Teeth Whitening: What Patients Should Know appeared first on Dentist in Walled Lake | Walled Lake Dentist Family and Cosmetic Dentist.

The desire for bright white teeth can be traced back in history to a time when having white teeth was associated with wealth, as poor citizens couldn’t afford dental care and were more likely to consume sugary foods which erode tooth enamel. Movie stars and other celebrities sport white teeth so t...

04/03/2026

Top Dental Care Trends this Spring
The winter frost has melted away, and the threat of tooth problems associated with cold weather has all but disappeared. As spring comes in, a few innovations in dental care will be popping up in a dental facility near you.

This season brings more than a beautiful smile, it brings technology that makes oral health easier to access.

Check out these latest trends that will be redefining dentistry in 2026.

Point-of-Care Saliva Testing

Have you ever wondered whether you are prone to gum disease or oral cancer due to your family background of such oral problems? You won’t have to wonder anymore. A hot topic in 2026 will be point-of-care saliva testing, a form of dental testing.

This test involves a dentist testing your saliva for specific bacteria or genetic markers that increase your risk for dental issues, such as periodontal disease. Within minutes, a dentist can detect hidden inflammation before it manifests as pain in your mouth or as dangerous infections in your bloodstream.

Digital Smile Design

You may have seen or even taken countless photos that don’t show your teeth. It’s not that most people aren’t happy; they just aren’t happy with their smile. If you are someone who isn’t happy with your smile, you can now have a chance to “try before you buy” using the latest digital smile design technology.

This “preview” tool allows you to see what a new smile will look like on you. Using 3D intraoral scans and AI-driven facial analysis, you can see how various tooth shapes will affect your facial proportions, long before the dental procedure begins.

AI-Assisted Diagnostics

Just about every industry is getting a dose of artificial intelligence, and so is dentistry. AI is moving from the computer screen to the diagnostic chair. In dentistry, AI serves as a second set of eyes for dental professionals.

Using superhuman precision, AI can spot cavities and early bone loss much more effectively than any current technology. Using AI is moving dentistry from detection to prediction of cavities and bone loss, months before they may cause pain.

Tooth-Friendly Spring Diets

If you are into your “New Year, New Me” routine, don’t forget to incorporate foods that support your dental hygiene. Supporting a tooth-friendly diet is more than just avoiding sugary snacks. It’s also about eating healthy foods that can help with oral care, just as much as brushing, such as radishes and carrots.

These types of fiber-rich vegetables serve a dual purpose: one, scrubbing away plaque and debris as you chew, and two, increasing saliva production to protect against acid and decay. Implementing these few changes to your diet will work wonders on your teeth between cleanings and treatments.

Tele-dentistry Consultations

The pandemic officially ushered in the digital age of tele-dentistry. From the convenience of your home, you can now get expert opinions on a variety of topics, including smile makeovers, orthodontic check-ins, and emergency triage. You don’t have to rely exclusively on setting an in-house dental appointment. Instead, while in the comfort of your home or car, you can receive a preliminary assessment or treatment plan via secure video links or AI-powered apps.

With this style of dentistry consultation, you can have less dental anxiety and rest assured that professional help is only one click away.

In Sum

As 2026 unfolds, dental care is becoming less reactive and more proactive. AI will get to the heart of problems in minutes, while saliva testing will help predict what’s to come in your future based on your family’s past. This season, expect many dentists to incorporate these non-invasive practices into their treatment plans.

Comprehensive Family Dental Care in Walled Lake

Ready to schedule your next dental appointment? Contact Walled Lake Dentistry today to learn more about our modern dental services for patients of all ages. With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Hechtman provides comprehensive dental care, including cosmetic dentistry, restorative treatments, children’s dentistry, and more.

The post Top Dental Care Trends this Spring appeared first on Dentist in Walled Lake | Walled Lake Dentist Family and Cosmetic Dentist.

The winter frost has melted away, and the threat of tooth problems associated with cold weather has all but disappeared. As spring comes in, a few innovations in dental care will be popping up in a dental facility near you. This season brings more than a beautiful smile, it brings technology that ma...

Address

55 N Pond Drive, Suite 3
Walled Lake, MI
48390

Opening Hours

Monday	7am - 12pm
Tuesday	7am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	7am - 1pm
Thursday	7am - 5pm

Telephone

(248) 669-5220

Website

http://walledlakedentist.com/

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