Do you have unique dental problems? You know that seeking care for a whiter smile is common, so you would never think twice about approaching us to discuss cosmetic care options. However, when your smile concerns don’t seem to fall into a category you consider to be common, you may feel like it’s something you… Read more »
Search Results for: second opinion
Second Opinions | Confirming Dental Treatment
Do you have complex dental issues that require extensive work? If so, it may benefit you to seek a dental second opinion before beginning treatment. Dr. James Fondriest, offers second opinion consultations at our Chicago area practice. If you are unsure about your proposed treatment or simply want to hear another perspective, seeking a second… Read more »
Getting another opinion before important dental work
Are you planing important cosmetic dental work? Does your dentist listen to you? Do you need to get another opinion to confirm a dentist recommendation? Have you thought about getting another opinion first? Because modern dental treatments can do so much for a person’s smile, you can count on the right procedure to transform the… Read more »
Confirm dental treatment opinion when planning major work
It’s important to completely understand and confirm your dental treatment opinion To confirm your dental treatment opinion dental appointments can help in many circumstances. Seeking out the input of an expert in cosmetic dental work can help. They can help you develop a clearer picture of how to achieve remarkable smile improvements. You can also… Read more »
Replace Teeth – What are the best ways?
Do you need to replace teeth? Even the loss of one tooth can present a multitude of challenges, both restorative and cosmetic. Advanced age is a leading risk factor for losing teeth. Over years and decades, our jawbone density naturally lowers. The chances of gum disease or tooth decay compromising a tooth also increase with… Read more »
High Quality Dentistry | Artistic Cosmetic Care
High quality dentistry offers the opportunity to achieve a beautiful smile. Dr. James Fondriest uses restorations to address cosmetic concerns as well as dental damage, such as decay, chips, or fractures. If you are looking to hide flaws that affect the quality of your smile, and not your health, then porcelain veneers are a good… Read more »
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges, Problems
When replacing a lost tooth, patients can choose from a number of corrective options that look and feel completely natural. One of the the best options for replacing a tooth is getting a permanently attached dental bridge. This popular treatment choice is easy and fast. It is usually only a two step procedure. There are… Read more »
How to choose the best cosmetic dentist in Chicago for you
How do you find the best Chicago Cosmetic Dentist? Are you trusting your smile to just anybody? If you need cosmetic work, can you trust your neighborhood general dentist to do it? For many, trusting anybody other than a great cosmetic specialist can be a difficult decision to make. The success of porcelain veneers or of a… Read more »
Tongue Thrusting
Did you know that 20 to 80 percent of orthodontic patients throughout the U.S. present with some form of tongue thrust? Do you know what tongue thrusting is? Babies are born with this natural “extrusion reflex” for survival. When their lips are touched, they extend their tongue expecting the breast or bottle. Within the first… Read more »
General and Cosmetic Dentistry Services
GENERAL DENTAL AND COSMETIC DENTAL TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU? We wish to show you what can be accomplished currently in the world of cosmetic and prosthodontic dentistry. So much of the existing dentistry we see in our incoming patients mouths appears fake and stands out. Our goal is to make our work close to… Read more »
What is a Cosmetic Dentist?
What is a cosmetic dentist? A doctor who focuses on cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve your smile. More attention is directed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. Most of the public thinks of teeth whitening or bonding, but most cosmetic dentists in Chicago will provide many smile improvement treatments…. Read more »
Does your Dentist Listen To Patients?
Are you tired of doctors that don’t listen to patients? Does your dentist listen to you? When you want to make changes to your smile, you may have a clear vision for what you want to see after your work is completed. Our office recognizes the value of seeing cosmetic care as a collaborative experience…. Read more »
Sodas and cosmetic dentistry
Do sodas and other acidic beverages affect cosmetic dentistry? After you receive cosmetic dental work, you can feel excited to share your improved smile with everyone. People who make esthetic improvements to their teeth can feel a boost in their confidence levels, and that confidence can have personal and professional benefits. Even if you elect… Read more »
Planning Major Dentistry
When patients are ready to make real improvements to their smile and dental health, they can explore how cosmetic dentistry and prosthodontic makeover work can help. When planning major dentistry, search for a well trained and experienced dentist that can provide you with a treatment experience that leads to a healthy smile. For many patients,… Read more »
9 best cosmetic dental treatments
What are the 9 best cosmetic dental treatments available to patients today? The tooth whitening process is a fast easy way to a brighter smile. Repair chipped and discolored teeth in an instant with dental bonding and enamel shaping. Dental veneers are a minimally invasive way to straighten crooked teeth. Repair tooth decay and improve your smile… Read more »
Want a new tooth? Options for replacement
Are you missing something in your smile? Do you want a new tooth? We can replace missing teeth with removable dentures or even dental bridges, but over time your jawbone could continue to break down. Fortunately, we have an advanced treatment option that can help preserve your jawbone tissue. How do dental implants preserve your… Read more »
Raising the gum line
Much of cosmetic dentistry focuses on the size, shape, and appearance of your teeth. Yet, your smile’s appearance is also significantly affected by the shape and appearance of your gum line. Excessive or uneven gum tissues that cover a disproportionate amount of your tooth structure can make your smile seem “off” somehow. Fortunately, modern cosmetic… Read more »
Is This Tooth Extraction Necessary?
When you’re faced with substantial dental treatment, such as tooth extraction, you may wonder if it’s really the best treatment or if an alternative option may be better for your oral health. At our office, providing expert second opinions is one of the many things that sets us apart, and for patients facing tooth extraction,… Read more »
The Many Benefits of Dental Bridges
What an awful feeling it is to lose a tooth as an adult. It’s embarrassing, possibly painful, and can be a nuisance as well. Trying to speak and chew after losing a tooth can feel uncomfortable and unnatural. It can also be overwhelming, when you consider how many restorative options there are for completing your… Read more »
Cosmetic smile changes that make big improvements
Have you considered making some cosmetic smile changes? Cosmetic changes beyond upgrading your oral health. Simple things like teeth whitening and dental bonding can make a big improvement fast. If you don’t like the color of your teeth, then whitening treatment is a good way to start. If you have a bit of wear and… Read more »
Design Your Smile: Step By Step
If you have visited us before, you are likely aware of our philosophy that extends into providing patients with beautiful, natural looking smiles. We base your care on artistic dentistry, an approach to guiding you toward the most beautiful smile that best complements your features, while matching your smile goals and other preferences, such as… Read more »
Dentistry with less drilling: Something To Smile About
Doing dentistry with less drilling is good for you! It is no secret that many people dread going to the dentist. It takes courage and trust to allow someone to scrape and poke inside your mouth. And what if they find that you need a filling, or worse, a root canal? Many of today’s dentists… Read more »
Imperfect Smile | Is it time to learn what is available?
Every smile is unique, and very few of them are naturally perfect. Teeth are prone to stains and discoloration, and thanks to a wide range of varying factors, they can also chip, crack, break, leave odd spaces between each other, or otherwise detract from your smile’s cosmetic appeal. Fortunately, with the advanced techniques and materials… Read more »
Clenching risks | Affects your muscles, joints, teeth
What are the risks of constant clenching? Your teeth resist stress every day by biting and chewing your food. For some people, that pressure is multiplied by constant clenching and grinding. The habit of clenching your teeth may not produce any symptoms. Or it in combination with bruxism may wear down your teeth enough to… Read more »
Dental bridge before and after | Ovate Pontics in Bridges
Dramatic dental bridge before and after transformation Sometimes, it takes an upsetting experience to help people decide to make changes in their path. This patient had been in orthodontics for 6 years. Her general dentist was doing patchwork dentistry on her front teeth that didn’t match. The edges of her new crowns had dark lines… Read more »
Crown Lengthening | Raise the gum line
Can I raise the gum line to fix my gum display? A gummy smile is when too much gum shows above the top teeth. Surgeons can fix a gummy smile with crown lengthening, commonly called a gum lift. Crown lengthening is an elective surgical cosmetic procedure to raise the gum line. It is frequently done… Read more »
Prosthodontic Makeover | Cosmetic Mouth Reconstruction
Do you need a total prosthodontic makeover? Prosthodontics is a sub-specialty within dentistry that takes a comprehensive view of the remaking of a broken down smile. Family dentists are trained to fix one to three teeth at a time. Cosmetic and prosthodontic dentists are trained to do a more comprehensive overview of the smile. This… Read more »
Straighten teeth without braces fast
Traditionally, braces are used to straighten and align your smile. Thanks to advanced technology, there are now alternatives that can achieve similar results, but require far less time. Dr. James Fondriest can do teeth straightening and correct the bite in a fraction of the time that braces may take. How is it possible to straighten… Read more »
Smile Makeover | Full mouth reconstruction
Get a Smile Makeover Chicago A smile makeover includes the rebuilding, replacing or making over many of the teeth in the mouth. It combines a bit of engineering with cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Fondriest provides comprehensive full prosthodontic reconstruction, using the most innovative practices and methods. Our Chicago area office is actually well know as a… Read more »
Tooth veneers | Improving smiles with less drilling
What are tooth veneers? Tooth veneers can help you achieve the look you desire. They are great when you want to correct tooth shapes or cover up stains. These thin porcelain coverings that are bonded or glued to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are custom made to fit the tooth surface. The shapes… Read more »
For Dental and Medical Professionals
For Medical and Dental Professionals Dr. James Fondriest, Chicago cosmetic dentist and founder of Lake Forest Dental Arts, offers an assortment of lectures and hands-on experiences to dental society groups, dental study clubs, and national dental conferences. As an active educator, Dr. Fondriest has now provided over 5,000 hours of continuing education for dental professionals… Read more »
Contact Lake Forest Dental Arts serving Chicago and the North Shore
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. James Fondriest at Lake Forest Dental Arts in Chicago, IL, reach out to a team member via phone or email. Telephone: 847-234-0517 Email: [email protected] In addition to using the phone number and email address above, you may also submit questions or request a preferred appointment time… Read more »
Best Crowns in Chicago | How to tell quality
Did you know a recent Kelton Research study revealed that people with beautiful, bright smiles are considered more attractive and successful? A gorgeous smile can boost confidence. Often, our teeth become damaged due to tooth decay or injury. When this happens, people can become self conscious regarding the imperfections in their smiles. Thankfully, a dental… Read more »
Choosing the color of your teeth
What is the Right Shade for Your Smile? Choosing the color of your teeth is one of the most important parts of doing cosmetic dentistry. A bright, gorgeous smile can boost your confidence. Dr. James Fondriest understands what a beautiful smile means to our patients. Which is why we offer state-of-the-art cosmetic dental procedures to… Read more »
Lifelike crowns that blend perfectly with your smile
We all want strong, confident smiles, but after a lifetime of use, our teeth are sometimes left cracked, chipped, or broken. This does not preclude the possibility of getting a beautiful smile. Dr. Fondriest can repair damage and roll back the clock on your teeth with lifelike crowns.
Cosmetic Dentistry Planning – The assessment process
Are you planning to have some cosmetic dentistry done? Are you comfortable with how your treatment is being arranged? What is the best way to plan for cosmetic dentistry? Not all dentists do comprehensive assessments of your cosmetic dental issues. If you feel dissatisfied by the condition of your smile, we suggest that you get at… Read more »
Dental planning | Treatment design with patient input
The artistic side of cosmetic dental planning can easily be varied from patient to patient. There are many factors that make a smile that can be adjusted to a patient’s preferences. Just as an architect will work with a client to design a family home, dentists can design smiles to meet the needs of our… Read more »
The Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular than ever before. Your smile is an asset. An attractive smile is important in both your professional and personal life. With modern technology and extensive experience, our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Fondriest can transform your smile into something you will want to show off. We offer many of the most… Read more »
When too much gum shows | Treatment options
When too much gum shows in your smile, there are several treatment options available. Current estimates indicate that up to seven percent of men and fourteen percent of women have excessive amounts of gum tissue or smiles that appear “gummy.” Excess gum tissue creates a disproportionate appearance of a patient’s smile by covering more… Read more »
Mouth Reconstruction | Types and benefits
Have you ever heard of the terms full mouth reconstruction, mouth restoration, and full mouth rehabilitation? These terms essentially mean the same thing; a smile makeover. Reconstruction of the mouth and/or teeth includes an array of procedures that create a uniform smile. Reconstruction can also restore proper jaw alignment, and improve overall oral health. Depending… Read more »
Dental consultation | Questions to Improve Your Smile
The dental consultation Are you thinking of getting some dentistry done and need to have at least one or two consultations with dentists? Are there questions that you should be asking your dentist but you are reluctant? We have found that most patients are uncomfortable asking doctors how many times they have done this procedure…. Read more »
Make my smile look better | Six ways to do it
It may be time to see a professional if you’re tired of trying to hide your smile or fed up with costly dental gimmicks that fail to deliver. We have compiled a list of 6 ways you can make your smile look better. In the past, patients were very limited in the ways they could… Read more »
Enhance your smile | What are the treatment options?
A smile is one of the first things we notice when talking to others. A pretty smile can exude confidence while a bad smile can have others questioning your oral health. If there are things that you wish you could change about your smile Dr. James Fondriest can help. Dr. Fondriest specializes in cosmetic dentistry… Read more »
Teeth clenching | Causes, Side effects, Treatments
Do you clench your teeth for no apparent reason? Many people perform this action subconsciously. Some may do it during stressful situations, while others may only do it during their sleep. Teeth clenching can have detrimental effects on your teeth. Your overall health can also be severely impacted. Breaking the habit while awake is not nearly… Read more »
Dental fluoride treatment | Why is it important?
Have you ever wondered why your dentist recommends dental fluoride treatments with each dental cleaning? Maybe you have never considered this treatment as necessary. Today, we will discuss what fluoride is, it’s benefits, and why it is highly recommended for both children and adults. While some people seem to be immune from cavities, most dentists… Read more »
Teeth Makeover | Benefits, Options, Procedures
TV shows like Extreme Makeover play off a familiar idea. Sometimes, a drastic change can be a good thing. Undergoing a cosmetic teeth makeover can have long reaching benefits, from better oral and overall health to more self confidence. Undergoing one treatment at a time can actually leave you paying more. You’ll make more trips… Read more »
Tooth pain and how to relieve it
Do you have tooth pain? When it comes to your dental health, things are often more than they seem at first glance. For instance, what seems like a minor tooth stain might actually be a sign of an internal tooth infection. Likewise, what seems like nothing more than a minor toothache could actually be a… Read more »
PFM Crown | What can they do?
Did something happen to your tooth that is far too severe for a dental filling? Perhaps you broke your tooth or are suffering from the effects of severe tooth decay. No matter the problem, a PFM crown is a wonderful solution to protect your remaining tooth, so you can avoid an extraction. In many cases,… Read more »
Cosmetic Dentistry in Chicago -High end options
If you are not a dentist and you aren’t really familiar with any of the treatments, jargon, or clinical details associated with dentistry, then you may feel at a loss. You know that you would really love a better smile but trying to explain what it is that you dislike about your smile or the… Read more »
Do you need to take a tooth out?
Like all dental treatments, tooth extraction is typically a customized procedure that your dentist only recommends when absolutely necessary. Because the treatment involves removing a tooth, however, it can be more complex than other procedures, and in many cases, require further treatment to restore and preserve the rest of your smile. Today, we examine a… Read more »
Signs that Your Wisdom Tooth Is Impacted
Most people are aware that wisdom teeth can frequently cause trouble. However, did you know that unlike the rest of your teeth, you don’t really need them for your bite to function properly? Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are remnants of a time past, when our ancestors needed more biting and chewing power to eat… Read more »
Signs That You Need to Visit the Dentist
The trouble with most dental health issues is that, unlike a small cut or the common cold, problems with your oral health don’t typically resolve themselves. Dental diseases are usually progressive, and protecting your oral health depends on prompt action to halt the disease and repair any dental damage. When trouble does occur, many patients… Read more »
How do porcelain veneers differ from crowns?
Be honest, how do you feel about the appearance of your teeth? For many people, teeth stains and other cosmetic imperfections dull their smiles. To help patients obtain a stunning smile, two solutions are commonly employed, porcelain veneers and crowns. Both dental procedures can alter the appearance of your teeth in as little as one… Read more »
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Tooth Stains
When you look at your teeth you may think you are seeing the color of your enamel, and you are. Your tooth color, however, is a combination of your enamel, which is semi-translucent, and the color of your dentin. So if you thought your teeth were looking a bit shabby and you decided to whiten… Read more »
Implant bridges | The most stable of bridges
To say something has room for improvement doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t an effective solution. For instance, a dental bridge is a highly effective means of replacing a lost tooth. They can be used to replace more than one tooth if there is enough support from the surrounding teeth. When 3 or more teeth… Read more »
A Discussion on Baking Soda and Teeth Whitening
Improving the look of your smile is as important today as optimizing its health. That importance is due in part to the many benefits that a confident smile can bring to your health and quality of life. It is also due to the fact that many of the issues that mar your smile’s appearance also… Read more »
Upgrade your smile with porcelain veneers
Upgrade Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers Smile improvement is a combination of science and art. Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dental care that focuses on improving your confidence in your smile by erasing embarrassing blemishes and revamping your smile’s overall appearance. However, maintaining excellent dental health also relies largely on preserving as much healthy… Read more »
Do you have a damaged tooth?
If you feel a toothache when you chew or at random times throughout the day, you could be the victim of cavities that are so advanced that they are opening up your dental nerves to sensations. Untreated tooth decay can spread enough to cause a serious infection called an abscess. Your tooth could literally die and… Read more »
Gum shaping or recontouring for better symmetry
Excessive and uneven gum tissue might not be a concern to you unless you actually have the cosmetic problem. Often referred to as a “gummy” smile, the cosmetic problem causes your smile to appear off due to excessive gum tissue overlap that obscures your teeth and gums. One result of a gummy smile: You may… Read more »
Dental implant mistakes commonly made
If you’ve lost permanent teeth or have done any research on options for tooth replacement, you’ve probably heard of dental implants. The dental industry’s not-so-secret hidden treasure, dental implants are far and away the best method for replacing missing dentition. Dental implants offer patients several advantages over other traditional dental prosthetics. Although there are many… Read more »
Testimonials of patients who had a Cosmetic Dental Procedures
ALL PORCELAIN CROWNS AND BRIDGES I cannot even count the number of years that I spent being self conscious about the condition of my teeth. My teeth were obviously crowned and the crowns were all different colors. The crowns didn’t fit well and they caused gum problems. I felt that my smile was noticeably unhealthy. … Read more »
Ceramic veneers to restore your smile
Our tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. But unfortunately, our teeth are still vulnerable to damage and discoloration. While teeth are meant to withstand a lifetime of wear and tear, your smile can still lose its youthful luster. Many people assume restoring their smiles will require multiple office visits and innumerable… Read more »
Home bleaching | Brighten Your Smile
Is home bleaching better than in office bleaching? Home bleaching with professionally dispensed whitening products is the most effective way to brighten your smile for the long term. While in-office power bleaching will brighten your teeth in 45 minutes, this brightening will not last very long. In office bleaching works mainly by dehydrating the teeth…. Read more »
How GERD affects teeth
When you eat something that disagrees with your stomach, you might experience heartburn. Episodes of heartburn can become uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Chronic heartburn can eventually hurt the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD affects teeth. In this article, Dr. James Fondriest, explains GERD and how to protect teeth from stomach acid. What is GERD… Read more »
TMJ therapy
Many people think TMJ is a condition. In fact, TMJ is simply your temporomandibular joints. If you press your fingers gently to either side of your jaw, just in front of each ear, and then open your mouth, you’ll feel your TMJ. The tempormandibular joints is among the most frequently used in the body, helping… Read more »
Are teeth implants worth the cost?
When was the last time you sat down to enjoy a meal, without fear that your denture would shift about uncomfortably as you tried to chew? What about smiling? Does it feel like ages since you actually smiled confidently, without feeling concerned that your friends or family would fixate on your incomplete smile? If so,… Read more »
Dental bridge vs Implant
Which is better, a dental bridge vs implant? The importance of replacing missing teeth cannot be overstated. Each of your teeth has a specific function. When one tooth is lost, the other teeth begin to sustain this loss by shifting. This shifting can lead to a misaligned bite, also called malocclusion. Malocclusion can cause a… Read more »
Implants Prevent Tooth Loss: Replacement is important
Missing teeth should not be viewed as an inevitable fact of aging. Instead, seniors should fight back against tooth loss with proper oral hygiene, frequent dental checkups and cleanings, as well as restorative dentistry. Dental implants can play a significant role in maintaining your surrounding teeth after suffering from tooth loss. Implants prevent tooth loss… Read more »