Comprehensive Dentistry Blog

Bloomingdale dentist explains how to choose the right toothbrush for you

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:08:00 GMT

Building strong teeth and healthy mouth is in large part about taking care of your teeth and gums every day. Your daily oral hygiene routine can put you on the right track to dental health and wellness, while neglecting to brush and floss can lead to cavities and gum disease. Most patients already know that they need to be brushing and flossing at least twice a day to keep dental plaque at bay. Today, our Bloomingdale dentists have compiled some tips about what you should look for when choosing a toothbrush.

The first consideration when choosing a toothbrush for yourself or your family is the size of the brush. You should choose a brush with a head that fits easily in your mouth and can reach the teeth in the back of your mouth. Additionally—and this is especially important for young patients—make sure to choose a brush that the patient can grip securely. Many adult toothbrushes have handles that are too large for child-sized hands.

Most patients don’t need a brush with firm bristles, for most people soft or medium bristles will clean appropriately without causing unnecessary irritation. Your dentist can help you determine what strength of bristle suits your dental needs, specifically.

It’s also important to switch your brush out every two to three months. As you use your brush, the bristles will become frayed, less dense, and inefficient at cleaning. Additionally, if you don’t replace your brush regularly you could be re-infecting yourself with persistent illnesses.

Choosing the right dental tools can make a huge difference in the health of your mouth and your overall wellbeing. Follow these simple steps to get the most of your daily brushing. Give our Bloomingdale dental office a call for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Bloomingdale Invisalign Dentist Explains How Invisalign Aligners Straighten Teeth Without Metal

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:06:00 GMT

When Doug came in to our Bloomingdale cosmetic dental office he already knew that he wanted a straighter smile. Doug had a slight overbite, and several teeth that were crooked and misaligned. Doug often found himself hiding his smile when meeting new people, and in general his teeth made him feel less confident rather than self-assured.

Doug had avoided orthodontic treatment for years because as a busy professional he didn’t want to deal with metal braces. We explained to him that with innovative Invisalign treatment, he really could perfect his smile without unsightly metal!

Doug was excited about Invisalign treatment, but he didn’t understand how simple aligners could move his teeth without metal—how are these aligners strong enough to make a difference in his smile? Our Bloomingdale Invisalign dentists explained…

Invisalign aligners are made of strong plastic resin. This resin stands up to daily wear and tear and applies constant pressure on your teeth, so that your teeth move to conform to the aligner.

Invisalign aligners are crafted to fit your teeth exactly. Because these aligners are made for your teeth, the aligners fit snugly and move your teeth in small, precise increments.

You wear your Invisalign aligners all the time. Patients wear their aligners all the time except for when they’re eating or cleaning their teeth. Wearing your aligners throughout the day and night allows the aligners to apply constant, even pressure on your teeth.

Revolutionary Invisalign treatment utilizes clear plastic aligners to move teeth without any metal brackets or wires. Doug chose Invisalign, and now he’s thrilled with the results! If you or someone you know has been living with a less than stellar smile, give our Bloomingdale Invisalign dentists a call for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Bloomingdale Dentist Explains How to Preserve a Tooth that is Knocked Out

Wed, 02 May 2012 06:09:00 GMT

There are few dental problems more traumatic than having a tooth knocked out. Unexpected dental accidents and traumas can strike at any time—wreaking havoc on a patient’s smile and dental health. No patient wants to go through life every day with a large gap in their smile. Our Bloomingdale dentists have some simple steps you should follow if you have a tooth knocked out unexpectedly. Read through these recommendations, and keep them in mind, in case you’re ever faced with a dental trauma.

If your tooth is knocked out, you want to keep your tooth viable and healthy in the hopes that it can be reinserted and attached. As soon as the tooth is knocked out, rinse the tooth with warm water. When you rinse the tooth, take care not to scrub the tooth root material off of the tooth, as this can be vital for reattaching the tooth in the mouth.

Once you gently rinse the tooth, try to place it back in the gum tissue. If the tooth fits easily back into the gum tissue, hold it in place until you can see a dentist. If the tooth does not fit easily back into the gum tissue, place the tooth in a glass of milk until you see a dentist.

It’s crucial to see a dentist right away in the case of a dental trauma. Your tooth has the best chance of being successfully reattached within the first hour after it’s knocked out.

If you or someone you know has a tooth knocked out in an accident, follow these simple instructions to increase the likelihood that the tooth can be saved. Our Bloomingdale dental office can help you understand your dental options and prepare for any dental problem. Give us a call for more information or to schedule a consultation!

Bloomingdale Dentist Explains The Differences Between White Composite Fillings and Amalgam Fillings

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:47:00 GMT

Many adult patients come to our Bloomingdale dental office with old, amalgam fillings from years of dental treatments. It used to be that metallic fillings were the only option if you had a cavity. These fillings combine metallic alloys, generally mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Unfortunately, many patients dislike their amalgam fillings, because these fillings are dark and metallic looking, and because they can change and degrade with age.

Thanks to modern dentistry, patients now have additional options when it comes to dental fillings and restorations. White composite fillings are often vastly preferable to amalgam fillings for a number of reasons—read on for more information.

Why do patients choose white composite fillings?

Appearance

One of the number one reasons that patients choose to use composite fillings over amalgam is that composite fillings are white. These restorations blend naturally with dental enamel. Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, appear as dark spots on white dental enamel. Furthermore, amalgam fillings continue to discolor teeth over time, many patients with old amalgam restorations notice that their teeth take on a darker, blue hue over time.

Structural Soundness

As amalgam fillings age, they often shrink, and consequently lift away from the edges of the natural enamel. Over time bacteria accumulate in the crevice between the restoration and the natural tooth. This can lead to serious dental complications—many patients in this situation end up requiring root canal therapy.

White composite fillings are incredibly popular with dental patients, because they look clean and natural, and they don’t shrink with age like amalgam fillings. Whether you’re looking to have a recent cavity filled or to replace old amalgam restorations, our Bloomingdale dentists can help you understand your options! Give us a call for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Bloomingdale Veneers Dentist Brightens Old, Damaged Teeth With Porcelain Veneers

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:16:00 GMT

When Sarah came into our office she already knew that she wanted a cosmetic treatment that would brighten and rejuvenate her teeth. Sarah’s teeth were beginning to show the signs of gaining and wear and tear. Although she still brushed, flossed, and maintained regular professional dental cleanings, Sarah was just unable to keep her smile as sparkling as it had been in her youth.

Sarah was experiencing many common symptoms of dental aging, including:

· Dull, dark enamel

· Small cracks in the teeth (this can be the result of weakened dental enamel cracking or chipping under pressure)

· Teeth shifting slightly along the gum line

Our Bloomingdale cosmetic dentists explained to Sarah what cosmetic treatments can treat aging teeth. Ultimately she chose to pursue porcelain dental veneers. Porcelain veneers fit directly over existing teeth, so they can totally resurface the appearance of discolored or damaged teeth.

· Dental veneers can be used to correct a number of cosmetic problems:

· Discolored teeth

· Damaged teeth

· Large gaps between teeth

· Cracked, chipped enamel

· Disproportioned teeth

· Crooked teeth

Sarah loves her new dental veneers smile! In just two appointments she was able to take her smile from dull and damaged to fresh and young looking. If you’ve been struggling with aging teeth, you don’t have to settle for a smile you don’t love. Give our Bloomingdale veneers dental office a call to learn more about your cosmetic options or to discuss your case in greater detail.

Bloomingdale Cosmetic Dentist Discusses The Cosmetic Options for Patients with Tetracycline Stained Teeth

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:19:00 GMT

Our patient Tammy had spent years unhappy with the appearance of her smile. Although Tammy followed a diligent oral hygiene routine, she still found her teeth were dark and dull. You see Tammy’s teeth were affected with a condition called tetracycline staining. Tetracycline stained teeth are resistant to conventional teeth bleaching methods. Unfortunately this means that many patients give up on improving the appearance of their teeth. Our Bloomingdale cosmetic dentists are here to tell you that there are cosmetic options for patients with tetracycline stained teeth!

Tetracycline staining results when children use the antibiotic tetracycline while their adult teeth are still developing. Although tetracycline is effective for bacterial infections, it causes adult teeth to develop with dark stains calcified in the dental enamel. Consequently, patients with tetracycline staining have dark, dull teeth from the moment that their adult teeth emerge.

One popular cosmetic solution for patients with tetracycline staining is dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are attached to teeth. These veneers are molded, shaped, and shaded to complement the patient’s overall smile, so they work seamlessly with existing teeth.

The advantage of dental veneers is that they completely cover existing dental enamel. So rather than trying to whiten deeply calcified stains, a patient with tetracycline stained teeth can completely transform the appearance of his or her smile with one simple cosmetic treatment.

Dental veneers deliver natural results—porcelain is both multi-dimensional and brilliantly white. For many patients with tetracycline stained teeth, dental veneers are truly life changing.

If you’ve been struggling with deeply embedded, tetracycline stains, cosmetic veneers may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Give our Bloomingdale cosmetic dental office a call for more information, or to discuss your specific situation in greater detail. Tammy loves her new, luminous smile—she’s finally got a grin she’s proud to show off!

Bloomingdale Dentist Explains How Acid Erosion Weakens Dental Enamel

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:40:00 GMT

Recently, many patients have come in to our Bloomingdale dental office asking about the issue of dental erosion. Patients want to know what, exactly dental erosion is, and what can be done to prevent and treat it. Once you understand what dental erosion is, you’ll be better able to take control of your dental health and keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Dental erosion refers to a condition in which the dental enamel is weakened by consistent and prolonged exposure to acidic substances. A certain amount of demineralization of the dental enamel is normal—as we eat and drink throughout the day, acid weakens dental enamel and softens teeth. Throughout the day, however, saliva remineralizes enamel, returning it to its strong state. Dental erosion occurs when either saliva does not effectively remineralize enamel, or when the teeth are exposed to so much acidic material that the teeth remain softened.

Patients suffering from dental erosion may be more prone to cavities and dental trauma. Additionally, patients with dental erosion often experience dental sensitivity.

So how can patients minimize the risk of dental erosion? The first thing to do is take note of what materials may lead to dental sensitivity. Common acidic substances such as fruits, fruit juices, and carbonated drinks may cause acid erosion. Now, obviously you don’t want to cut fruits and fruit juices out of your diet completely, so how do you keep your teeth healthy? Here are some tips from our Bloomingdale dentists:

Rinse your mouth with water after consuming an acidic substance
Drink acidic drinks through a straw, so as to avoid saturating your front teeth with acidic liquids
Brush at least twice a day, but try not to brush directly after consuming acidic substances as your teeth may be in a weakened state

Working with your dentist you can avoid the uncomfortable and detrimental consequences of acid erosion. As always, feel free to give our Bloomingdale dentists a call for more information or to schedule an appointment!

Bloomingdale Veneers Dentist Explains How Porcelain Veneers Are Customized for Patients

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:09:00 GMT

Our Bloomingdale cosmetic dentists are committed to helping patients find cosmetic solutions that fit their lifestyles and personalities. We’ve found that many patients are concerned that their final cosmetically enhanced won’t look natural, or fit them, specifically. With porcelain veneers you don’t have to worry about ending up with a smile that doesn’t look like it belongs to you. Porcelain veneers have a variety of advantages—they’re incredibly versatile, easily shaped, and can be custom shaded.

Dental veneers are used to correct a number of common cosmetic problems. If you’re concerned about any of these issues, veneers may be the answer for you:

Dull, dark teeth

Disproportionate teeth

Short teeth

Crooked teeth

Chipped or damaged enamel

As you can see dental veneers can be used to suit one or multiple cosmetic problems at the same time. You dentist will be able to tailor your veneers to suit your needs.

Dental veneers are also made of porcelain, which means that they can easily be molded and shaped to complement your smile. If you’re looking to change the shape or length of your teeth, your cosmetic dentist can craft your veneers to blend seamlessly with your other teeth and enhance your overall smile.

Another benefit of porcelain veneers is that they can be shaded and colored to blend with your other teeth. Some patients worry that veneers will look fake or dull, however porcelain veneers are multi-dimensional—they reflect and absorb light similarly to natural enamel. Consequently, they look both natural and radiant. Because they can be custom shaded, your veneers will complete your smile, not compete with your natural teeth.

Dental veneers are an exceptional cosmetic option because they can be tailored to fit each individual patient. You can change the shape, size, shade, and straightness of your teeth with one easy solution. Give our Bloomingdale veneers dental office a call if you have questions or you’d like more information!

Bloomingdale Invisalign Dentist Explains Why Teenage Patients Choose Invisalign

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:03:00 GMT

These days every patient wants to have a beautiful smile that they feel proud to show off. Unfortunately, many teen and adult patients avoid perfecting their smile because they dread the idea of suffering through months and years with metal braces. The good news is that innovative cosmetic dentistry options, such as Invisalign, make it possible to straighten teeth without the hassle of traditional metal braces.

The Invisalign teeth-straightening system utilizes clear plastic aligners to progressively straighten teeth. Every few weeks our Bloomingdale Invisalign dentists will provide you with a new aligner, which moves your smile closer to perfection! So why are so many young patients choosing Invisalign?

1. It’s easy to keep your smile sparkling clean

Parents and teens love that Invisalign aligners are totally removable. Unlike traditional braces, you’ll be able to take your aligners out to brush and floss normally, making it easier to eliminate plaque and keep your dental appliances debris-free.

2. Comfortable solution

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic resin, so they fit comfortably in your mouth. Metal brackets and wires can cut at irritate sensitive oral tissues. Invisalign aligners, however, glide smoothly over the inside of the cheeks.

3. Enjoy your smile as it transforms

One of biggest problems that patients have with metal braces, is that conventional braces turn you into a metal mouth! Going through years with metal brackets and wires can make patients hide their smiles from the world. With Invisalign, however, you’ll enjoy your smile at continues to transform and straighten. Invisalign aligners are clear, and practically invisible when worn, so people will notice your beautiful smile, not your orthodontic work.

Modern cosmetic dentistry has made it easier than ever before to achieve the smile of your dreams. If your teen has been considering straightening his or her smile, Invisalign may be the answer! Give our Bloomingdale Invisalign dental office a call for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Bloomingdale Family Dentist Explains Ways to Treat Bad Breath

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:22:00 GMT

One of my patients, Raymond, called to schedule an appointment because he had noticed that his breath was impossible to keep fresh. Raymond’s problem is incredibly common among adults. Chronic bad breath can be disruptive for sufferers, you may find that you don’t want to interact with people, or stand in close quarters because you’re self-conscious about your breath.

When Raymond came in for his appointment our Bloomingdale family dentists quickly realized that he had been slacking on his daily dental hygiene routine. Although he was still brushing twice a day, he didn’t floss often, and he wasn’t using any mouth rinses. Why does this matter?

Periodontal disease and cavities are caused bacteria, which infect both gum tissue and dental tissue. These same bacteria are often responsible for bad breath. As bacteria feed on sugars and starches in the mouth, they emit foul smelling odors. That’s why periodontal disease is such a common cause of bad breath. One of the best ways to eliminate bad breath, therefore, is to eliminate bacteria-ridden plaque and tartar in the mouth.

Brushing and flossing at least twice a day will help you keep plaque accumulation to a minimum. If you’re battling bad breath, you may also want to add an antimicrobial rinse, as Raymond did, to kill bacteria that may otherwise be had to reach.

Along with at-home care, it’s imperative that you see your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning. Professional dental cleanings are the only way to eliminate tartar build-up that is mineralized onto teeth.

Maintaining clean, fresh breath is an ongoing process. Raymond found that he was able to defeat bad breath by incorporating an antimicrobial rinse into his cleaning routine and brushing and flossing twice a day. If you’re regularly battling bad breath, give our Bloomingdale family dentists a call. We can help you develop a dental treatment plan that meets your needs and keep you smiling confidently—(630) 994-5174.

Bloomingdale Dental Implant Dentist Explains How to Care for Dental Implants

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:11:00 GMT

Our patient Sandy came in to our office looking for an attractive, functional tooth replacement solution. Sandy lost a tooth in an accident, and she quickly discovered that she didn’t look or feel her best with a gaping hole in her smile. Sandy had heard about dental implants, so she scheduled an appointment with our Bloomingdale dental implant dentists to discuss her treatment options.

She already knew that dental implants were surgically imbedded in the jawbone—so they looked and felt like natural teeth. But she worried that they would be difficult to take care of. Would she have to follow some kind of difficult, detailed cleaning routine in order to care for her replacement tooth?

We explained to Sandy that caring for a dental implant is in many ways just like caring for your natural teeth. Patients need to brush and floss regularly, and maintain a schedule of semi-annual professional dental cleanings. Additionally, patients with dental implants should avoid these behaviors:

Dental grinding and clenching

Many patients grind or clench their teeth due to stress or a misaligned bite. You may not even realize that you’re grinding and clenching because you do it while asleep. If you notice that your jaw and teeth are sore upon waking, you may be suffering from this common condition.

Chewing hard candy and ice

Did you know that chomping on hard candies or ice can actually cause micro-cracks in your dental restorations? Over time these cracks can lead to discoloration and weakened dental restorations. Before you undergo dental implant treatment, try to minimize this harmful habit.

Dental implants closely mimic natural teeth, so they are fairly easy to care for. Along with regular dental hygiene, try to avoid grinding your teeth and chewing on hard candies/ice to extend the life of your dental implant. Give our Bloomingdale dental implant dentists a call for more information or to schedule an appointment—630-994-5174.

Bloomingdale Cosmetic Dentist Outlines The Differences Between Professional and Over the Counter Whitening Treatments

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:01:00 GMT

Our patient Jane came into our office because she wanted to rejuvenate her smile before the holidays. She knew that with a round of holiday parties and family get-togethers ahead of her, she would be in plenty of pictures. Because her teeth were looking dark and somewhat stained, she wasn’t particularly excited about displaying her smile for the world to see.

Our Bloomingdale cosmetic dentists explained to Jane that she might benefit from teeth bleaching options. Teeth bleach treatments—commonly called teeth whitening treatments—whiten teeth beyond their natural shades. These treatments are available in both home and professional formulations.

So What’s the Difference?

Home whitening treatments are generally gels that are applied to the teeth with a mouthpiece or a strip holding the solution in place. These products have a small concentration of peroxide in them. Consequently, they take weeks or months to work, and they are less effective than professional options. Home whitening treatments are generally less expensive than professional products.

Professional teeth whitening is administered in-office by a dentist. These products have a higher concentration of peroxide, so they can lighten teeth several shades in just one or two appointments. Because your dentist monitors your teeth whitening, he or she can more closely control your results and also help you prevent tooth or gum sensitivity.

Give our Bloomingdale cosmetic dentists a call at (630) 994-5174 to learn more about teeth whitening treatments or to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you get a smile you’ll love to show off!

Bloomingdale General Dentist Explains How to Choose the Correct Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 21:49:00 GMT

Our Bloomingdale dentists believe in working in cooperation with our patients to help every person achieve optimal dental health. The best way to prevent cavities is to partner at-home care with professional cleanings at least twice a year. Essentially you prevent plaque build-up on a daily basis, and every six months your dentist gives you clean smile to maintain until your next appointment. Many patients wonder how they can improve their daily oral hygiene routines—and consequently end up with better dental check-ups during the year! Here are some general tips to follow when choosing dental hygiene materials:

Start with the right tools

When choosing a toothbrush, make sure that it’s correctly sized for your mouth. The head of the toothbrush should be small enough to fit into the back corners of your mouth and effectively brush back molars. It’s also important to use bristles that are not too abrasive—hard bristles will wear your enamel down prematurely and cause gum irritation.

When choosing a toothpaste look for a fluoridated formula that will help remineralize dental enamel. Most toothpastes today are fluoridated, with the exception of toothpastes for very young children who are likely to swallow it—fluoridated toothpaste should not be swallowed by children with developing teeth because they may develop dental fluorosis.

Most patients should be brushing at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. You may additionally benefit from brushing after meals to minimize plaque build-up. Combining twice daily brushing with regular flossing decreases bacterial accumulation on dental enamel, consequently diminishing cavities.

Give our Bloomingdale general dentists a call if you have any questions about daily dental care or professional cleanings. Diligent preventative dental care is your best defense against infection, cavities, and tooth loss.

Bloomingdale Invisalign Dentist Explains Why Patients Use Invisalign Retainers After Treatment

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:47:00 GMT

Invisalign is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in our Bloomingdale cosmetic dental office. Many patients love the idea that they can straighten their teeth with clear, virtually invisible aligners. Straightening your teeth becomes a much easier and attractive undertaking once you eliminates the need for uncomfortable metal brackets and wires.

Many patients, however, have wondered whether their teeth will move after they complete treatment and achieve their ideal smiles. The truth is that once you realize your goal smile, you will continue to use cosmetic retainers, which keep your teeth from shifting around or reverting back to their old positions.

What are retainers?

Retainers are appliances that are designed to hold your teeth where they are at any given moment. They are not designed to further more your teeth, as Invisalign aligners do. Dental retainers can be divided into two categories—fixed and removable.

Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of your teeth to prevent your teeth from moving. These are often used along the bottom teeth, and they are imperceptible from the front of a patient’s smile.

Removable retainers are made of either metal and plastic or just plastic (like Invisalign aligners). These retainers fit completely over your teeth, keeping your teeth in place. As the name implies, these retainers are removable for brushing, flossing, eating, professional cleanings, or any other reason.

Once you’ve gone through the Invisalign process, you want to know that your perfected smile will last. Our Bloomingdale Invisalign dentistswill discuss your options with you and help you find a retainer that will help you maintain your smile for years to come. If you have any questions about Invisalign treatment in general, or post-treatment retainers specifically give our office a call at (630) 994-5174—we’re here to help!

Bloomingdale Dental Implant Dentist Explains How Dental Implants Can be Used With Dentures and Bridges

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:35:00 GMT

If you’re missing a tooth you know how disruptive it can be. You may find yourself struggling to speak clearly, eat your favorite foods, or smile with confidence. Patients today have more tooth replacement options than ever before, and the dental implant is increasingly popular course of treatment.

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the bone. Over a period of months the titanium bonds with natural bone, forming a strong foundation for the natural-looking dental restoration which is then attached on top of the implant. Dental implants, therefore, mimic the appearance and the structure of natural bone, because the titanium post takes the place of the tooth root.

Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or multiple teeth. The dental restoration, additionally, is designed to complement the shape and shading of a patient’s natural teeth. Dental implants are known for their realistic appearance and stability.

Dental implants are not only an exceptional tooth replacement option when used alone, they can also be used in conjunction with existing dentures or bridges to help improve the stability and comfort of these appliance.

Our Bloomingdale dental implant dentists can strategically place dental implants to stabilize bridges and dentures. Additionally, bridges are usually kept in place because they are attached to adjacent teeth. This can cause unnecessary strain and wear and tear on a patient’s natural teeth. A patient’s bridge can be anchored to a dental implant, ensuring a comfortable fit, and taking the pressure off of healthy, natural teeth.

Dental implants are a versatile tooth-replacement option. They can be used alone or with dentures and bridges to improve the appearance the functionality of a patient’s smile. If you’d like more information about dental implants, or to schedule an appointment give our Bloomingdale dental implant dentists a call at (630) 994-5174.