Monday, April 27, 2015

Learn About the Type of Dental Fillings in Chicago


Dental Fillings in Chicago
At some point in your life, you will probably need dental fillings in Chicago. Before this time comes, or if you are considering replacing yours, it is important to know your options. We can share with you the different types of fillings that we can provide. Silver amalgam, composite resin, ceramic, cast gold, and glass ionomers are all great choices, but which is the right filling for you? 
  • Silver amalgam: The silver fillings as they are often called are a classic option. This silver alloy provides lasting coverage for your vulnerable tooth, and they stand up to intense chewing and teeth grating. Silver fillings are also very affordable. The only cons are their tendency to take up more space, requiring more drilling of your natural tooth, and the aesthetic value of silver fillings is fairly low, requiring placement in non-obvious areas of your mouth. In spite of the negatives, many people enjoy the price and durability of silver amalgam fillings since they can last a lifetime. 
  • Composite resin: Composite fillings are our most popular option. These fillings are incredibly attractive, and it is nearly impossible for others to realize that it isn't your natural tooth. These fillings are fairly resilient and long lasting. They are not quite as strong as silver or gold fillings, but they are still close and incredibly durable. Many people choose this option for their incisors and canines due to the eye appeal composite fillings provide.  By providing dental fillings in Chicago, we regularly replace old silver fillings with this tooth-colored option.
  • Ceramic: Ceramic fillings are also known as porcelain fillings. The ceramic dental filling is appealing due to the smooth, tooth shaded surface it creates. These fillings are resistant to damage, but they do require more space to stay in place. This leads to more drilling away of your natural tooth. Ceramic fillings are often used for crowns or inlays that will take up more space anyway. The general quality of ceramic fillings is very good.        
  • Cast gold: This gold alloy is a tried and true option that is non-corrosive and strong. They are generally the longest lasting filling option, but the cost does reflect this pro. With gold fillings being one of the most expensive options, many people opt for silver amalgams when faced with the choice. The gold filling normally takes two visits to place. Regardless of the cost, many people choose this option for long-lasting, attractive results. 
  • Glass ionomers: This option is rarely used.  The glass ionomer is a natural looking cavity fix that provides strong coverage for less trafficked areas of your tooth. Due to it's slightly weaker consistency it is generally not recommended for molars or weight bearing areas. When placed on the side of the tooth, it provides great protection. Another pro is that glass ionomers excrete fluoride into your teeth over the years, creating a stronger overall tooth.  
We can provide you with dental fillings in Chicago that will meet all of your needs. We hope our accessible options will help you decide what is best for your teeth. Our dental fillings provide long-term protection from tooth decay at an affordable price. Depending on the location of your cavity, the severity of your cavity, and the financial budget you have, we can help you decide what filling is best for you.


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Friday, April 3, 2015

How a Sleep Apnea Dentist in Chicago Can Help Your Energy Levels


Sleep Apnea Dentist in Chicago
As a sleep apnea dentist in Chicago, we can help you to have more energy and enjoy life again.  Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can literally change your life.  People that have never experienced it cannot understand how a lack of energy can make it difficult to stay up and watch a movie or even drive a car.  We get it, and we can help.
Fortunately, sleep apnea is a very treatable condition but first, we must determine if this is what you have.  In order to find out, we may recommend that you complete an at home sleep study that will tell us what your breathing is like while you sleep. Those with obstructive sleep apnea will gasp for breath throughout the night, typically, as a result of an obstruction.  In this situation, the muscles supporting the lower jaw are weak, and the jaw falls backwards at night.  When it does, the tongue falls backwards as well and blocks the airways as it does.  This can cause people to gasp for breath, snore, choke, and even stop breathing. Without enough oxygen, the body cannot function properly so this can cause you to wake up feeling tired, even if you slept for a full eight hours.
Since obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction (your tongue), we start by addressing that problem.  As a sleep apnea dentist in Chicago, we don't recommend surgery or other invasive solutions.  Instead, we offer a non-invasive approach that is comfortable and easy to use.  We will take a mold of your mouth and have a removable oral appliance created.  This looks like a full retainer that surrounds your upper and lower teeth.  The big difference is that it attaches.  This way your lower jaw is held in the proper position as you sleep, preventing your tongue from falling backwards.  While a simple concept, this can have dramatic results and completely change the lives of our patients.
If you are suffering from sleep apnea or think you may be due to constant fatigue, you should give us a call. Our patients report having improved energy and being able to do their favorite activities again after starting to wear their oral appliance.  Things like staying up for a movie night become possible when you all of a sudden have your energy back.  All you have to do is wear the appliance at bedtime and take it out again in the morning.
As a sleep apnea dentist in Chicago, we also help patients that have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are using a CPAP machine.  These machines can be bulky, noisy and uncomfortable, making it even harder to sleep.  While they are effective, many people don't use them due to how inconvenient they can be.  As long as your sleep apnea is mild to moderate, an oral appliance can be a viable alternative. If you have to use a CPAP, using them together can be more comfortable than a CPAP alone.


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