What You Need to Know About Brushing Your Teeth from our Dentist Office

When you visit our dentist office, we can show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Learning how to do this the right way will help you to prevent cavities and gum disease from forming in your mouth. We understand the importance that preventative care plays in good oral health. We can do our part by cleaning your teeth twice a year and removing any plaque, tartar, and bacteria that was left behind from at home cleanings. While this is effective, it isn't enough without at home care as well.

Here is what you need to know about brushing your teeth.

The two-minute myth.
A lot of people have been taught that as long as they brush for at least two minutes, their teeth will be clean. This is only half of the story. The two-minute rule is a good starting point, but you really need to brush for as long as it takes to get a good clean. This may be longer if you have a bad toothbrush. Feel your teeth when you are done and see if they are clean. If you can still feel grime with your tongue then adjust your timing accordingly.

Motion matters.
When you brush your teeth, it is important to brush them in a circular pattern. This will help you to remove more bacteria and plaque without irritating your gums. If you have an electric toothbrush, it will do this for you so that you have less to worry about. This is far better than brushing from front to back or back to front which can irritate your gums. We can show you how to do this when you visit our dentist office.

It is also important for you to brush away from your gums. For example, if you are brushing your top teeth start at the gum line and brush downwards. This will keep bacteria off of your gums and help to prevent gum disease.

Buy the right equipment.
You should be brushing with a soft toothbrush or an electric one. Both are better for your teeth than a hard toothbrush because they won't strip away your enamel or irritate your gums. You also need to switch out your toothbrush every three months before the bristles start to fray. If you notice that your toothbrush has an odor, you should change it out faster since this could be a sign of bacteria.

Purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride so that you can strengthen your teeth while brushing them. Look for one that has the American Dental Association seal of approval on it and use this toothpaste several times a day for the maximum benefits.

When you visit our dentist office, we can demonstrate how to brush properly and care for your teeth so that you can stay healthy at home and prevent both cavities and gum disease. You should also schedule a teeth cleaning for twice a year so that we can remove any bacteria or plaque that has been left behind.

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A Restorative Dentist Can Use Both Crowns and Veneers

A Restorative Dentist Can Use Both Crowns and Veneers

A restorative dentist can help you if your tooth has become damaged. Previously, when a person's tooth became cracked or chipped there were not many options for correcting it. Some people even had their tooth pulled, which is now unnecessary most of the time thanks to modern dental techniques. By visiting the dentist immediately after teeth have been damaged, most teeth can be restored and saved.

Dental crowns and veneers are two ways that a dentist will restore the tooth. They can be used to correct teeth that have been chipped or cracked. Additionally, a veneer is often used to cover dark stains, close gaps in teeth, and make them even. Crowns are more frequently used to restore a tooth after a large portion of it has been removed during a procedure like a root canal. Both options provide patients with a way to improve the appearance and strength of a damaged tooth and allow for a person to eat normally once their tooth has healed.

While there are many similarities between the two procedures, there are also many differences. Here is what you need to know.

How they are used. Dental veneers are used more often to restore a tooth with minor damage while the majority of the tooth is still in place. This can include teeth with small holes in them, chips, or cracks.  Meanwhile, dental crowns are needed when a larger portion of the tooth is missing, or the crack is so large that the tooth is falling apart. A restorative dentist will use a crown when the damage is more extensive.

What they look like. A dental veneer is made of all-porcelain or ceramic so that it looks completely natural. This is an excellent solution for someone who may be repairing one tooth but also wants to cover stains on other ones at the same time. They can be placed on one or all of a person's teeth. Dental crowns are made of several materials and a patient can select which one to use. All-metal crowns are more common for back molars since it is the most durable and will last the longest. All-porcelain and porcelain-on-metal are also common and more frequently used on teeth that people can see. The only challenge is that they don't last as long.

Tooth preparation. In both scenarios, a restorative dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a portion of the enamel so that the crown or veneer can fit and feel natural. More of the enamel is removed with a crown than with a veneer since the crown surrounds a tooth where the veneer simply sits on top. Temporaries are worn after the tooth is prepared while the lab is creating a permanent solution.

Placing a crown or veneer. Once the permanent ones are ready, the temporary will be removed and if the permanent crown or veneer lfits perfectly it will be bonded to the tooth.

Both solutions can look natural and feel great and allow the patient to eat like normal and speak comfortably. A restorative dentist will make recommendations on what needs to be done after examining a damaged tooth.

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Learn Why Dental Crowns Are Used Instead of Fillings

Among restorative procedures, dental crowns are by far the most commonly performed by dentists everywhere. Most people understand what a dental crown does, and usually we have discussed it at some length before a patient decides to schedule the procedure. Historically people have a lot of questions about any procedure that is going to involve their teeth, and dental crowns are no exception. Since there is a cost involved, even when the insurance companies are paying some of it, people want to know that the procedure is necessary before committing the time and money to having it done.

From our perspective, we prefer to ensure that the teeth themselves are well taken care of and to do whatever procedures are necessary to have strong, healthy patients. If this means we can do a filling, in lieu of a crown, and it would be sufficient, then that is what we will recommend. However, we do find that if the tooth requires a crown, typically there are not many alternatives that provide the same level of effectiveness.

Dental crowns are also commonly referred to as dental caps. This is based on the idea the dental crown “caps” or covers the entire tooth, providing a degree of protection while strengthening and supporting the tooth. To ensure that the crowns are a perfect fit, they are custom fabricated in a laboratory based on the measurements taken at our office. This allows the crown to fit perfectly over your tooth and give it the support it needs. Once installed, a dental crown performs two vital functions.

1.    It strengthens and supports the tooth itself. When a tooth is damaged, your mouth will often overcompensate for that tooth, leading to an uneven bite and misaligned teeth. When the crown is placed, the mouth can rely on this tooth for functionality and hence does not have to make adjustments.

2.    Damaged teeth, especially those that have been damaged due to decay have a tendency to attract more bacteria. This bacteria also spreads around and could infect other teeth as well. A cap puts a stop to the decay and limits the amount of bacteria that can spread. This is beneficial to the tooth, and to the mouth as a whole.

When do we recommend that you get a dental crown?

If you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, we may recommend that you get a dental crown. A crack in the tooth or a chip can quickly spread which will cause immense amounts of discomfort. Any damage to the tooth leaves it susceptible to infection, which is something we want to avoid and the crown is the best way to accomplish this. If you have a filling that is extremely large and has outgrown the recommended filling size, we will recommend a crown. Dental crowns are more durable than fillings, lasting longer and providing better support. There are many reasons why they may be recommended, which is why we will discuss your particular and individual situation with you first.

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Visit Our Cosmetic Dentist Office For These Procedures

Our cosmetic dentist office can transform your smile from dull to brilliant. No matter what your particular needs are, we know how to help. Some of the most common treatments we employ are listed below to provide you with insight regarding our viable methods.

Fillings: If you need a filling to remedy a cavity, we can provide you with a tooth-colored filling that will look natural against the color of your tooth. Our fillings are durable and will protect your vulnerable teeth from more damage for years to come.

Bonding: In our cosmetic dentist office, our dental bonding is made of a similar material as our composite resin fillings, but it is used to fill in chips and cracks in your teeth to improve esthetic value. If you have a minor imperfection that you would like covered, dental bonding is an attractive and long-lasting solution that requires minimal chair time. Our bonding solution is also tooth-colored, so it blends in with your natural tooth color.

Crowns: We use crowns to cover damaged teeth that are too impaired to be fixed by a filling or bonding. They cover your entire tooth for the most protection against decay and further damage. We can offer you attractive, natural-looking crowns that match your other teeth. While natural looking, they are so durable that can withstand immense pressure and are stain resistant.

Teeth Whitening: To brighten a dull smile, our cosmetic dentist office can give you a thorough teeth whitening strategy that can be implemented as needed to achieve the white shade you desire. A whitening can transform your smile in a simple, but effective way.

Dental Veneers: Our veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells that can be applied to the fronts of your teeth as attractive coverage for crooked or discolored teeth. Veneers are long-lasting and are a minimally invasive way to cover up dental flaws and to restore teeth that have been damaged in an accident.

Dental Bridges: A dental bridge is a semi-permanent replacement for missing teeth. If you have one missing tooth or several missing teeth, our dental bridge provides fabricated teeth that match your other ones. The bridge will fit into the gap created by your former teeth. The false teeth will be secured in place by two crown anchors attached to your strong existing teeth.

Dental Implant: A dental implant will be your most attractive and permanent replacement option. Our cosmetic dentist office will secure a titanium rod into the root opening that was left by your former tooth. This rod will be attached to the replacement tooth to hold it in place. With time, the titanium rod will graft with your jawbone to create the most permanent solution to a missing tooth.

For all your esthetic dentistry needs, our cosmetic dentist office can help. We can provide you with comprehensive care so that no imperfection is left unrefined. You will be pleased with the timely, durable, and attractive solutions we can provide for your dental needs.

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Why Dental Bonding Is More Convenient for Younger Patients

In our office, we provide dental bonding as a solution or a variety of problems that can occur with the teeth.  As a local family dentist office, we are committed to helping your family to remain in the best possible oral health.  In order to achieve this goal, we would prefer to clean and examine your teeth at least twice a year.  This way we can remove plaque and tartar, treat oral health problems, and help your teeth to remain healthy.  This is critical because healthy teeth are strong teeth, and if your teeth are infected, it will be that much easier for them to become chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

If, however, you do damage a tooth, we have several ways to restore it including bonding.  It is incredibly common for both children and adults to damage their teeth.  Many adults do so while playing sports or even in a car wreck.  Children can also damage their teeth while playing sports or, most commonly, when playing with their friends on the playground.  Their simple and innocent behavior often leads to damage due to how aggressively they tend to move around.

When a child's tooth becomes damaged, we must determine whether or not it should be saved.  If it is a baby tooth and likely to fall out in short order, we may not want to do a major restorative procedure.  However, if we anticipate them keeping their tooth for a while or if it is a permanent tooth (as is the case with adult damage), then it is important to save it.  We have several methods of doing so including dental veneers and dental crowns.  In young patients, however, dental bonding is often the easiest and least invasive method of doing so.

Whether your child damages a tooth or you do, it is important to know your options for restoring it.  The reason that dental bonding is so popular is that it doesn't require any preparation and the process can be completed a single sitting.  If, for example, your tooth becomes chipped, a tooth colored material can be shaped around your tooth to restore the chipped area.  It is pliable enough to be moved and shaped until your tooth looks perfect.  Once done, it is hardened with a special light in order to form a hard chewing surface. Your once damaged tooth will then be restored and look natural since the material will be matched in shade to your existing tooth.

The process of dental bonding is more convenient than dental veneers simply because the enamel on your tooth can remain intact.  Therefore, no preparation is required.  Simultaneously, a veneer is created in the dental lab after an impression is taken of your teeth. This makes it a two-step process for restoring a tooth. While the results are beautiful and natural looking, getting a veneer requires more commitment on behalf of the patient than it does to undergo a bonding procedure.  For this reason, we find that bonding is a viable solution for busy adults and younger patients.

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A Restorative Dentist Can Save Your Damaged Tooth

As  a restorative dentist, we specialize in saving teeth that may otherwise need to be pulled.  It is incredibly common to damage a tooth, sometimes doing the most basic of activities.  Driving a car and getting into a wreck, playing basketball and colliding with an elbow, running into something at work, etc.; all of these things can lead to tooth damage.  From small chips to large cracks, a damaged tooth can be incredibly uncomfortable.  Not only can it lead to toothaches but a damaged tooth can make it difficult to eat or speak clearly.  It can also cause you to hold your jaw in an unnatural position, creating tension headaches or discomfort in your face and neck.

If you find yourself in the situation where your tooth is damaged, we encourage you to call our dental office right away.  We can restore and save your tooth, preventing you from experiencing unnecessary discomfort.  Correcting the problem quickly is also important for ensuring that your tooth does not become infected from bacteria entering through the cracked portion of the tooth.  If it does, you could end up needing to have more than one procedure in order to first remove the infection and secondly restore the tooth.

As a restorative dentist, we are equally committed to restoring the function and form of your tooth. For example, it is not just the way that your tooth looks that matters.  How it functions is equally important, if not more so.  You need your teeth to be healthy and fully functioning so that you can eat and speak clearly.  Otherwise, it can be difficult to enunciate and enjoy your favorite foods.  Simultaneously, if you actually lose your tooth or have it pulled, the function of your jawbone can become compromised.  Your natural teeth, after all, are essential for preserving your bone density.  Once a tooth falls out, you can lose up to 25 percent of your bone's density within one year.  If enough of your teeth fall out, it can even change your facial appearance.  With that in mind, if your tooth becomes damaged, consider the consequences and visit us for a restoration quickly.

When you visit our dental office, we can ensure that you remain entirely comfortable and relaxed while your dental work is being completed.  This leaves no reason to skip the dentist since a restored tooth will be far more comfortable than a damaged one. Simultaneously, we have various ways to correct the tooth.  We can use procedures like bonding, dental veneers, and dental crowns to restore a tooth that has been chipped or cracked.  These can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on what is being done.  If you are getting something like a veneer that does take two appointments, we can give you a temporary one to wear immediately so that you aren't uncomfortable.  Since our recommendation will be based on the extent of the damage, we will provide our exact recommendation based on your dental exam.  As a restorative dentist, we will ensure that your tooth functions and looks perfect.

TMJ Dentist Chicago  >  Fillers Chicago

The Truth About Acid Reflux and Your Teeth From our Dental Office

In our dental office, we help patients that suffer from acid reflux disease and are dealing with tooth erosion as a result.  Reflux-induced erosion is a common problem that can impact both children and adults.  As acid travels up through the esophagus, it enters the mouth and can start to attack the teeth.  The acid will start to wear away the teeth one layer at a time until they become thin and brittle.

According to a report by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project between twenty and thirty percent of U.S. adults, experience the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD on a weekly basis.  A full sixty percent of the population has these symptoms at least yearly.  This manifests as a burning sensation in the chest and throat as acid works its way backwards and up the esophagus. This proves problematic for many people, making it difficult to eat and sleep along with interfering with their concentration at work. Acid reflux also creates health problems in the stomach, esophagus and throat in addition to impacting the teeth.

In our dental office, we want to know if our patients have acid reflux so that we can help to prevent erosion in addition to treating it.  By keeping teeth healthy and clean, they will remain stronger.  For example, people that have cavities or gum disease will naturally be more susceptible to getting cavities and suffering other dental health issues. While cleaning teeth, we can remove bacteria from the teeth and gum lines so that they can remain healthy and cavity free.  We can also provide a fluoride treatment for teeth that need strengthening and are at risk for erosion. These preventative steps aid in keeping the mouth healthy.

If the erosion does occur, it will first attack the enamel and cause it to wear away.  As it does, the dentin underneath will become exposed which leads to sensitive teeth.  When food touches the dentin it is simultaneously touching the nerve endings inside of it.  This can lead to the pain signal being transferred to the brain, leading to an increase in sensitivity that many patients complain of.  In this early stage, we can help by completing a bonding procedure to seal the dentin.  This works well in the beginning stages but as erosion becomes more advanced; the teeth will become weak, thin and brittle.  At this point, the best way to protect the teeth is to place a crown around them.  A crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth and prevents anything from touching it.  This procedure allows us to save a tooth that may have otherwise been pulled due to erosion.

In our dental office, we also recommend that patients take medication to control their acid reflux.  By seeing your doctor, you can get a prescription that will help you to feel better and to protect your teeth.  If an attack does occur, you should avoid brushing your teeth for an hour, but be sure to rinse your mouth in order to neutralize some of the acid.