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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Our Bloomingdale teeth whitening dentists are always hearing the same question from patients—how can I get a whiter smile again? As patients age, their teeth naturally change, and they often end up appearing darker, yellower, and more worn down. Although regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits can keep your smile healthy and clean, some discoloration is a natural by-product of aging and to a certain extent unavoidable.

The good news is that cosmetic dentistry treatments can help restore your white, bright smile with minimal time and effort. If any of these cosmetic problems sound like your situation, don’t hesitate to contact a dental professional to refresh your smile.

Environmental discoloration—some patients find that their teeth become stained and darker due to the foods and drinks they consume. Tea, coffee, and cola are common culprits that discolor dental enamel over time. Additionally, tobacco products—both smoking and chewing tobacco—can make teeth appear dark and dirty.

Structural changes to dental enamel—many people notice that as they age their teeth become dramatically darker or yellower. Young dental enamel is white, bright, and strong, which is why young teeth appear so sparkling white. As we age, however, dental enamel becomes thinner and wears down, exposing the yellow layer of dentin below the enamel. Consequently, teeth take on more of dentin’s color and look yellow and dark.

These problems are not totally preventable, but they are treatable. Professional teeth bleaching treatments can lighten stains, and porcelain veneers resurface the appearance of dull, worn down enamel. If you’ve been considering cosmetic dentistry, give our Bloomingdale teeth whitening dentists a call to find out how you can whiten your teeth and take years off of your smile. Give us a call at (630) 994-5174.

When Stacy came into our office she was really feeling bad about her smile, and she had to admit that it was starting to negatively affect her self-esteem. Stacy had chipped multiple teeth in an accident, and she found that her teeth had taken on a dull darker appearance as well. Although Stacy is a generally and outgoing, gregarious girl, she started to hide her smile in public.

Our Bloomingdale cosmetic dentists took charge of Stacy’s case and gave her a variety of options to revamp her smile. One option that she was particularly interested in was the option of dental veneers.

Dental veneers are thing layers of porcelain that are affixed to teeth to resurface the appearance of dental enamel. Stacy was drawn to dental veneers because they could give her radiant, natural-looking teeth again. Porcelain is a unique material for dental restorations because it closely mimics the appearance of natural enamel. This is what allows dental veneers to blend seamlessly with natural teeth and enhance your smile.

Porcelain is white and resistant to staining, which allows patients to enjoy clean, fresh looking teeth for years. Additionally, porcelain refracts and bounces light in the same way that natural enamel does. Consequently, dental veneers always look multi-dimensional and bright, rather than dull or “fake looking.”

Stacy chose porcelain dental veneers, and she’s found that they enhance her smile and her self-esteem. With her rejuvenated smile she feels good about her smile, and she’s back to the social butterfly she was before her accident! Porcelain veneers worked for her because she wanted to resurface the appearance of teeth. If you’re interested in revamping your smile with porcelain veneers, you can always give our Bloomingdale veneers dentists a call for more information— (630) 994-5174.

I recently had a consultation with a new patient—Anna. Anna recently lost a tooth, and she wanted to have it replaced as quickly as possible (great decision!). We discussed a variety of tooth replacement options to determine which treatment would work for Anna and fit in with her lifestyle. Because she wanted a permanent solution for her missing tooth our Bloomingdale dental implant dentists explained how this unique treatment process may be ideal for her—but she didn’t quite understand how dental implants work. “What makes them stay in your mouth?” She asked, “how can you be sure they wont fall out?”

These are great, and very common questions, so I thought I’d take the time to explains how dental implants are anchored in the mouth. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are implanted into the natural gum and bone—replacing the root of the natural tooth. The fact that the titanium root is surgically inserted makes it stable to begin with, however the real magic happens once the titanium implant has been inserted.

After surgery, the dental implant is left alone to heal. During this healing process, thanks to a process called osseointegration, the titanium of the dental implant actually bonds to the natural bone, forming a strong connection between the implant-root and the jawbone. Then the titanium post is capped with a natural looking dental restoration, allowing the patient to eat, drink, and speak naturally and worry-free!

Anna ultimately decided that a dental implant met her needs, both aesthetically and functionally. She now loves her dental implant, because it looks like a natural tooth and equally importantly feels like a natural tooth. Anna was smart, she sought treatment for her missing tooth right away, and therefore avoided potentially painful and irreversible complications from tooth-loss. If you or someone you know has lost a tooth give our Bloomingdale dental implant dentist a call— (630) 994-5174—we can explain the treatment process and help you make a good decision to fit your life.

Last week I had an appointment with a regular patient of mine, David. David was in the office for his regular six month check-up, but he mentioned that he was feeling like his teeth were starting to look old and worn down—he didn’t love the smile he was seeing in the mirror anymore. I mentioned that he may be good a candidate for teeth whitening, and that some of his teeth may even benefit from porcelain veneers. David looked a little shocked, “wait, you mean you can do that? To my smile?”

Cosmetic dentistry treatments can transform your smile and help you feel more confident and positive about your teeth. Cosmetic procedures should fit your timeline, budget, and meet your dental goals, but some patients don’t even know what’s possible! Here are some common cosmetic procedures that our Bloomingdale cosmetic dentists offer:

Dental bonding: Using a tooth-colored composite resin we can transform the appearance of damaged, or aesthetically unpleasing teeth. Dental bonding repairs cracked and chipped teeth, and can be used to finely shape enamel. We can even close some small gaps between teeth with resin—dental bonding is a great option for many patients who want to correct minor cosmetic problems.

Porcelain veneers: These thin layers of porcelain look like natural dental enamel. They are attached to teeth to make teeth appear straighter, brighter, or whiter. Porcelain veneers can help you achieve a true smile makeover.  

Teeth whitening: This is one of the most efficient and cost-effective cosmetic dentistry options available. Using effective hydrogen or carbamide peroxide formulations we can whiten dental enamel, making it appear younger and fresher.

David loves his new veneers—he now proudly shows off his smile and shares his cosmetic dentistry experience! Our Bloomingdale cosmetic dentists offer these useful cosmetic treatments along with a number of others. No matter what your dental concern we can help you find a solution to fit your life—give us a call if you have questions at (303) 872-8047.

A long time patient of our, Sarah, had been increasingly unhappy with how crooked her teeth were. She avoided cosmetic treatment because she believed that she would have to suffer through months of metal braces, and as an adult, she was less than thrilled about wearing braces at work. However, our Bloomingdale Invisalign dentists showed Sarah that she could achieve the smile she’d been dreaming of without the nightmare of unsightly metal orthodontics.

Invisalign uses innovative clear plastic resin aligners to shift teeth into a beautiful smile. Invisalign can correct a variety of common cosmetic problems, including:

•  Crooked teeth
•  Gaps in the smile
•  Misaligned teeth
•  Narrow smile
•  Underbite
•  Overbite

One major advantage of Invisalign treatment is that it can fix a variety of dental problems at once. If a patient has gaps between their front teeth and an overbite, for example, both of our Bloomingdale Invisalign dentists can correct both of these problems simultaneously with targeted Invisalign treatment.

Adults and teens choose Invisalign because you can straighten your teeth without people noticing. Sarah was able to straighten her smile and correct an overbite using Invisalign. She’s thrilled with the results, and her smile makeover was completely discreet!

If you’ve been putting off cosmetic treatment because you didn’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional metal braces, please know that Invisalign offers an efficient and effective alternative to metal orthodontics. Give us a call if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry or Invisalign specifically—(630) 994-5174—we’re here to help!