Blue Heron Dentistry: Heather Maze DDS

Blue Heron Dentistry: Heather Maze DDS - General dentist in Akron, OH
4645 Medina Rd, Copley, OH 44321
Closed today
Opens Monday at 8:00am
SundayClosed
Monday8:00am - 1:00pm
Tuesday7:00am - 3:00pm
WednesdayClosed
Thursday8:00am - 1:00pm
Friday7:00am - 3:00pm
SaturdayClosed

At Blue Heron Dentistry, we believe dental health is an important factor in overall good health. In addition to providing general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we take great care in educating patients on the connection between periodontal diseaseand overall cardiac health. Communication between patients, staff, and Dr. Maze is a priority, as well as the desire to teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene at home.

Blue Heron Dentistry breaks the mold of the typical dental office by offering the most advanced technology, facility and dental techniques in the industry. Home toDr. Heather L. Maze, Blue Heron Dentistry is an inspiration from the areas beloved bird, the Great Blue Heron.

Just as the Blue Heron is known for its vision, Blue Heron Dentistrys vision is to develop lifelong relationships with patients. We evaluate patients expectations of dentistry, then strive to deliver optimal care from gentle hands. Our vision is to help patients achieve the highest level of oral health available in dentistry.

She decided on dentistry as a career in middle school, after having experienced wearing braces. She took college prep classes in high school, and attended Muskingum University, receiving her BS in Biology. At Muskingum, Dr. Maze took prep courses for dental school, and attended The College of Dentistry at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Maze began her career at the Stark County Health Department as well as working with a practice in Medina, Ohio where she resides with her family. In 1999, Dr. Maze met Dr. MacKay. Upon discovering they shared the same ethical and philosophic beliefs, they became partners. Dr. Maze took over the practice upon Dr. MacKays retirement.

Upon graduation from Dental school, Dr. Maze re-united with a high school friend, Chris, who later became her partner in marriage for life. Together they have three sons, Matthew, Joshua and David.Dr. Maze loves to travel and spend time with her family. When time allows she likes to scrapbook. Health and wellness are important to her so she makes it a priority to exercise and eat right. She enjoys reading to help her in both personal and spiritual growth. Dr. Maze and her family are actively involved in their church family. In 2012, Dr. Maze and her husband went on a mission trip to Haiti, providing dental care for over 200 Haitians.

I have had the best dental care at this office since I started there 11 years ago. My gums are healthy, my smile is great and, unlike with my previous dentist, her work has lasted. Dr. Maze also has an interest in the effect of dental health on medical health especially heart disease, and as a physician, I appreciate this. She also sits and talks to me like I am a member of the family, and it is a nice personal experience to go there

Experience complete dental care in a spa-like setting, where you can relax and receive high-level treatments, screenings and guidance to maintain optimal health. Dont have dental insurance? Dont worry.Join the Club!

Everything in your body is linked, so what your saliva says about your health might surprise you. Every day, your body produces roughly 50 ounces of saliva. But you probably dont give your spit much thought, even though it plays a vital role in your health.

For one thing, saliva is a natural mouth disinfectant, says American Dental Association spokesperson Kimberly Harms, DDS. It helps maintain the health of your gums, prevent tooth decay, and wash away food particles, and it provides disease-fighting substances to prevent cavities and other infections, she says.

It may be your meds. Over 300 medications, like decongestants and antihistamines, cause dry mouth as a side effect, Harms says. Desert mouth tends to spring up as you age and health concerns force you to take more medication, she adds. If youre taking something and notice youre parched, be extra vigilant about your dental hygiene to avoid cavities, Harms says. Floss daily, brush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste twice a day, and see your dentist for regular checkups.

2. White & Clumpy You may have an oral infection. Thecandida albicans fungus can cause a yeast infection in your mouth, which is called thrush, Harms says. While thrush is rare in healthy adults, people who have diabetes may be especially vulnerable since sugars in the saliva can lead to yeast growth. Your doctor can prescribe an antifungal medication that you swish in your mouth to clear up the infection. (Dry mouth can also cause clumpiness.)

3. RNA Diagnostics Like a window to your insides, saliva tests can provide a ton of information about your genetic makeup and hormones. From diabetes to cancer, saliva holds promise as a diagnostic tool for diseases, much like a vial of your blood, suggests research published inClinical Chemistry. A spit test can also assess your levels of hormones like melatonin,shows researchfrom Northwestern University. That could provide doctors insight into your bodys circadian rhythms, and so help them make better sleeping, eating, and weight loss recommendations.

4. Too Acidic You cant really taste the difference, but your mouth likes to be at or near a neutral pH (around 7), says Israel Kleinberg, DDS, PhD, a professor and division director in the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. A dentist can quickly assess your pH with a spit strip or solution. If your pH is off, bacteria can multiply in the cozy nooks and crannies of your teeth. Acidic saliva can also erode your teeth and cause cavities, Kleinberg says. Eating foods rich in arginine, like red meat or poultry, can lower your salivas acidity. Kleinberg also recommends arginine-basedBasicBites Soft Chews, which he helped develop. (Looking to balance your bodys acidic leaning? Then tryThe Good Gut Dietto get a good bacteria balance.)

You may be prego. Pregnant women tend to produce more saliva,research shows. This may be due to changing hormones or just be a side effect of feeling nauseated. There are no real risks, apart from potentially spitting at your friends when you talk. (In severe cases, some women have to spit the excess saliva into cups.) Popping a piece of gum or hard candy may help you swallow all that extra spit.

You may have acid reflux. This condition can allow stomach acid to bubble up into your throat, producing that telltale icky flavor. Apart from a sour taste in your mouth and throat, the most common symptom of reflux is heartburn. You may also notice issues like bad breath or nausea. If your doctor diagnoses reflux, he or she may suggest lifestyle changes like losing weight or skipping greasy and spicy foods.

7. Tacky Tongue You may be a mouth breather. Inhaling and exhaling through your nose is the best way to keep your mouth happily hydrated. Since saliva is your mouths natural disinfectant, without it, bacteria and cavities thrive, Harms says. A study inGeneral Dentistry also found that, in kids and adults, mouth breathing can point to health issues like sleep apnea. If you think mouth breathing is an issue, mention it to your dentist or doctor during your next visit.

Reviews

Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 32 reviews

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Charles Rankin
a year ago
Dr. Maze is aMAZing. Kind, considerate and above that a wonderful dentist.


Shannon Long
a year ago
I literally LOVE Dr. Maze! She is the best dentist! Definitely would recommend going to Blue Heron Dentistry! The entire staff is so friendly and honest.


Sarah McCubbin
2 years ago
I am a LONG time patient of Dr. Maze and have been meaning to write a review forever. I was just in today to see her and was reminded again of why I go there. When I visited Dr. Maze for the first time about 13 years ago, I transferred as a patient from another local dentist's office. I thought my teeth were fine (as I had recently visited the other dentist and their staff said my teeth looked fine). But when I came to see Dr. Maze, she did a complete evaluation. As it turned out, my teeth were a MESS. I had a wiggly back tooth (needed a bone graft), I had several cavities, needed a root canal and I had several teeth that needed crowns. The other dentist's office said my teeth were fine. Having heard stories of over treatment by dentists, I'm very skeptical when someone says you need a lot of treatment. I don't trust them. So I love that Dr. Maze doesn't ask me to trust her. She shows me actual pictures of my teeth...not just fuzzy gray x-rays. My favorite tool is her camera that she uses to take pictures of the teeth in addition to the x-rays. In the past, a dentist might say, " Your tooth needs a filling but it doesn't show up on the x-ray because it is too small" But when I came to see Dr. Maze, she would do the X-ray AND snap a picture and show me an actual photograph of the cavity. When I saw the black hole in my tooth, it made it a lot easier for me to "trust" the fact that this tooth did need some treatment. I also like that if a tooth is "questionable" she takes a picture and will watch different areas of the mouth over time to see if treatment becomes necessary. This is especially helpful with my children. I don't want my kids to be afraid of dentists or have teeth filled if they are just going to fall out in 6 months. Dr. Maze is great at taking a minimalist approach on cavities in baby teeth...only treating when necessary. My husband and I have 9 children (ages 3 to 19) who also see Dr. Maze. It might seem like an unnecessary expense to seek a high quality dentist for kids, but it is priceless that my kids associate going to the dentist with a pleasant staff and no fear. Dr. Maze and her staff have been great at making recommendations to improve their hygiene and self-care. I feel like my kids actually listen to the recommendations and do what they suggest. Years ago, when some of our kids were in foster care prior to being adopted, they went to a local children's dental office that accepted regular insurance as well as Medicaid. I compared the care my kids received in both offices and it was night and day different. A teeth cleaning at the other office was 5 minutes long (not kidding...I timed it) and a cleaning at Dr. Maze's office was between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the age of the child. A filling at the other office involved my 9 year old daughter being held down by the assistant while the doctor numbed her up and my foster (now adopted) daughter crying. A filling at Dr. Maze's office is done by friendly staff who coach the kids through the process with lots of verbal que's and reminders that there will be "just a pinch" and that they are doing great. The other dentist office was often filled with crying children which is very stressful for kids to hear. Dr. Maze's office is peaceful and I've never heard crying in 13 years. A dentist friend once told me that you won't know if your dentist is any good until you have been going for at least 5 years because it takes that long for really big problems to show up. I can tell you that I have been going for 13 years because despite having a lot of dental problems in my 20's, the advice and care I received under Dr. Maze has resulted in such an improvement in my teeth in my 40's. She is a perfectionist and detail oriented. If you want your bite to work well, or your teeth to feel and look good, Dr. Maze is the dentist you want. If you want someone who will advise you to see excellent specialists if you need them, she is the doctor you want. Every specialist she has recommended me to has been as excellent as she is. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!


Donna Saunders
2 years ago
Love going to Blue Heron Dentistry Dr. Maze is amazing and Daylin is so kind and a wealth of knowledge. Thanks guys it was an awesome visit.


Charles Rankin
2 years ago
Dr. Maze is aMAZing. Kind, considerate and above that a wonderful dentist.


Aaron Hernandez
2 years ago
Great experience, every time! Staff is awesome, very friendly, and kind! Very professional business who care about helping people. Highly recommend!


Darryl Dubose
2 years ago
Nice and friendly thanks


Doug Snyder
2 years ago
I have been going to Dr. Maze since she was with Dr. McKay which was probably 20 years ago. I have always had the best care. Everyone is friendly and accommodating. When we moved several years ago I went to a dentist closer to home but when that dentist commented on what great dental work I had, that was it; back to Dr. Maze even though it was a bit of a drive. I don't think a dentist could get a better compliment than that.


Nathan Luck
2 years ago
Great experience here! It felt like personalized service and they didn't rush through it but took the time to explain everything. Also, Daylin was an amazing hygienist! Very gentle on my teeth and gums!


Dennis Carracher
2 years ago
My wife and I have been patients of Dr. Maze for over 15 years and we keep going back because she and her staff are extremely caring, knowledgeable and capable. They have been especially helpful ever since my wife was diagnosed with dementia. very patient and kind. They are just like family.


Rui Moreira
2 years ago
At Blue Heron they care deeply about their patients. Thanks Dr. Maze and the entire Blue Heron team members for helping me keep my teeth healthy.


Michael Wandling
2 years ago
I've avoided the dentist for the last 3 years or so and was terrified to go back. Heather and all of the other staff in there made it so easy and stress free. I walked out feeling 10x more confident and prepared. They did awesome and this will be my dentist and only dentist moving forward. They walked me through each step and their dental membership program was even better. Ecstatic I found them and would recommend for any dental situation. Thank you guys!!!


Rosalie Pierce LUCY
2 years ago
Great dentistry did an amazing job


Jacquie Oliveri
2 years ago
Daylin and Dr. Maze put their patients first 100%. Daylin gave me a lot of helpful advice regarding my jaw clenching. Dr. Maze was able to get me in and replace my filling the same day, and for someone who has a tight teaching schedule, I am very appreciative of this. Thank you both for your help this morning.


Rita
2 years ago
Very good visit, the examiner was clearly very practiced. I appreciated how they seemed to actually value my health and smile during my time there.


myra pierce
2 years ago
Everyone was very friendly and professional. I love that Dr. Maze promotes whole body health rather than only oral. All parts of exam were explained and treatments offered are based on most recent research, such as saliva tests to determine inflammation. Great experience!


Brad
2 years ago
I trust Dr Maze and staff and always feel that they've done a great job. Thanks!


Devyn Jeska
2 years ago
I am so pleased with Blue Heron Dentistry. I was sent on referral from a family friend. It is the first time I have felt that the staff actually listens to me, and cares about my long term health in a very long time. They were finally able to get all the concrete off my teeth from braces years ago, and are helping me find the right solutions for a space in my mouth which I have been hesitant with in the past because I haven't felt like I could trust the past couple of people to do the right thing. Getting my teeth cleaned was so easy and painless and felt like dropping in for a pedicure. Truly delightful.


Marybeth Sullivan
2 years ago
I always get a lot of great advice about addressing periodontal needs. and as always Dr. Heather and the hygienist were helpful and supportive. The office staff is knowledgeable and eager to help. They have helped me make huge improvements. I am so happy i came to this dentist. After going to others who were not so helpful and downright frightened me. I didn't go for a long time. Dr Heather and her staff made me feel safe and comfortable. Her practice has more of a spa atmosphere, not so much the stark, clinical office i've been accustomed to. Daylin is just wonderful as my hygenist and is so great with offering advice that works. If you've been scared to go to the dentist i suggest you give them a try. The billing staff is accurate and the prices are reasonable. It's a way better experience here. And the results will make you so smile so much :)


Marybeth Sullivan
3 years ago
I always get a lot of great advice about addressing periodontal needs. and as always Dr. Heather and the hygienist were helpful and supportive. The office staff is knowledgeable and eager to help. They have helped me make huge improvements. I am so happy i came to this dentist. After going to others who were not so helpful and downright frightened me. I didn't go for a long time. Dr Heather and her staff made me feel safe and comfortable. Her practice has more of a spa atmosphere, not so much the stark, clinical office i've been accustomed to. Daylin is just wonderful as my hygenist and is so great with offering advice that works. If you've been scared to go to the dentist i suggest you give them a try. The billing staff is accurate and the prices are reasonable. It's a way better experience here. And the results will make you so smile so much :)


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