Posts By: James Fondriest, DDS, FACD, FICD

Whoopi Goldberg’s Struggle with Gum Disease

Whoopi Goldberg gum disease

Celebrity gum disease Whoopi Goldberg has struggled with gum disease for many years. Sharing her problems has put light on a topic that many suffer from. Learning to brush your teeth is a right of passage for all children. We’re told about the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day and going to the… Read more »

Migraines or TMJ | Muscle pain often diagnosed as migraines

Migraines or TMJ

Have you wondered if your headaches are caused by migraines or TMJ? If you suffer frequent headaches, you are not alone. The World Health Organization estimates that about 50% of adults (18-65) worldwide suffer from headache disorders. Of those who reported having headaches, about 30% had migraines.1 If you frequently experience the debilitating pain and… Read more »

Broken tooth | Treatment for a fractured tooth

broken tooth

The symptoms of a broken tooth are sometimes difficult to distinguish from symptoms of other dental health issues. For instance, like bruxism or TMJ disorder, cracked tooth syndrome causes sensitivity to extreme temperatures. For example, eating ice cream, or drinking hot coffee may produce an aching sensation in your teeth. In severe cases, breathing hot… Read more »

TMJ and tooth sensitivity | TMJ Disorder Can Make Your Teeth Sensitive

TMJ and tooth sensitivity

Is there a connection between TMJ and tooth sensitivity? Though TMJ or TM dysfunction centers on your jaw’s joints, one of the many symptoms it can generate is the unconscious habit of grinding your teeth. When left untreated, TMJ disorder and resulting teeth-grinding can cause your teeth to hurt as well as the components of… Read more »

Sore cheeks, temples, or teeth | Awake to cheekbone pain

sore cheeks and temples

Do you have frequent sore cheeks and temples? Some people experience cheekbone pain and tension in their facial regions after waking up. Sleep is supposed to rejuvenate your mind and body after a long day of work or school. Unfortunately, some people wake up with even more tension and pain. Headaches, dizziness, earaches, and jaw… Read more »

Dentistry in the Elizabethan Age | Dentistry in Shakespeare’s Time

Dentistry in the Elizabethan Age

Today we’d like to pay homage to the world’s greatest poet and playwright – William Shakespeare. Sadly, Shakespeare died at the age of 52. Today, this is considered tragically young, but in the 17th century, the average male lived to age 47. Poor hygiene and inadequate medical knowledge meant that disease ran rampant, and this… Read more »

Cosmetic Dental Changes | Your options are growing every day

Cosmetic Dental Changes

Have you considered having some cosmetic dental changes done to your smile? We are not asking about cosmetic facial surgery but rather about porcelain veneers, whitening, or other cosmetic dental care.  One thing is certain: There are an awful lot of new advancements to get excited about! If you have tried to learn about cosmetic… Read more »

PFM vs porcelain crown – Which is better?

PFM vs porcelain crown

Unless you’ve dealt with receiving a dental crown before, you may not yet be familiar with PFM crowns. Good news: It might sound mysterious but we can explain very quickly. PFM simply stands for porcelain-fused-to-metal. This is a dental crown built on a metal base with a layer of porcelain baked over it. It’s like… Read more »

Implants can improve a bridge or denture

implants can improve a bridge or denture

The good thing about modern fixed bridges and dentures is that they can be crafted to mimic healthy, natural teeth so well that they often remain unnoticeable when in place. However, despite their highly lifelike appearance and ability to fully restore your bite function, custom designed dental bridges and dentures still lack a few important… Read more »

Smile Discolorations | Address Discolorations in your Smile

Smile discolorations

Have you decided to address smile discolorations by picking up an over the counter whitening product from your local pharmacy? You may be underwhelmed by your results. Store bought products offer minor improvement. They can help you remove some tooth discolorations on the surface of your enamel. You may feel bothered if the stains that discolor teeth… Read more »

Why Work With A World-Class Ceramist?

world class ceramist

When you think about the restoration or cosmetic treatment you’re going to receive, you probably don’t spend a whole lot of time thinking about who’s crafting it or where it is coming from. However, you may certainly dedicate some brain power to hoping it’s a good fit, that it looks beautiful, and that it’s everything… Read more »

Cosmetic dental treatments | Get an exceptional smile

Cosmetic dental treatments

Enjoy durable and natural looking cosmetic dental treatments While there are a number of cosmetic dental treatment options available, porcelain veneers remain one of the most popular, year after year, because of how many imperfections they can help to address. Veneers can be used to help hide variations in the size or shape of the teeth,… Read more »

Porcelain smile improvements that are natural

Porcelain smile improvements

When you come for the esthetic improvement to your smile (and you need more than whitening), you will likely be the recipient of porcelain cosmetic work. These smile improvements would be either some type of veneer or crown. The finished result with look amazing, beautiful, natural, and will likely check off every box on your… Read more »

Can I change the shape of my teeth?

Change the shape of teeth

There are many ways to modify or change the shapes of teeth in your smile. Many individuals worry that their teeth are too short, too long, too wide, too narrow, or just oddly shaped. Fortunately, treatments in cosmetic dentistry can address this issue and help you achieve the smile you desire. In this article, we’ll explore:… Read more »

What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

Why See 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 »

Enamel erosion causes teeth to be yellow

Lost tooth enamel from enamel erosion

When your front teeth are yellow no matter how much you brush, it may be that you have lost your tooth enamel. Enamel erosion or abrasion is the thinning out of the outer coating over your teeth. The average tooth has about 2 millimeters of enamel on the chewing surfaces and 1.5 mm on the… Read more »

Do you have a jagged smile?

jagged smile

You may have many ways of describing your jagged smile, none of which include the terms “uniform” or “symmetrical.” Instead, you think of it as uneven, up-and-down, and more, as a result of teeth of varying lengths that don’t lend themselves to beautiful consistency. While you may assume you’re stuck with the jagged smile nature… Read more »

Sodas and cosmetic dentistry

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 »

Losing Teeth: Addressing Tooth Loss

losing teeth

Losing teeth certainly affects the appearance of a smile. But most importantly, tooth loss can be detrimental to oral health and function. Prompt treatment is necessary to avoid the issues that can arise from losing teeth. A dental implant is a modern approach to prosthetic care. This treatment helps those with tooth loss regain their… Read more »

How does a smile change with age?

Smile changes with age

While you can certainly limit the effects of aging by keeping up with a healthy diet and lifestyle, smile changes with age are inevitable over time. With that said, should you assume that your teeth will become less bright, and look less healthy, over time? Your smile can certainly be affected over the years if… Read more »

The Connection Between TMJ And Tooth Loss

Chewing difficulties

If you have obvious gaps in your smile because of tooth loss, you may feel embarrassed, and worry that people make negative associations based on your condition. The cosmetic component of tooth loss is certainly important, but it is only one aspect that can merit concern. If you have lost teeth, there are oral health… Read more »

Planning Major Dentistry

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 »

Fully Recovering From TMJ Troubles

Woman suffering from bruxism

Do you frequently find yourself struggling with discomfort along your jaw, or even pain when chewing? If so, have you considered that it could be related to temporamandibular joint dysfunction, or as it is more commonly called, TMJ? Jaw problems can lead to recurring pains that impact your daily life, as well as limitations to your dental… Read more »

Do missing teeth leave you with an incomplete smile?

restore your smile incomplete smile

Are you missing one or more teeth and looking for the best way to restore your smile? If so, you may wonder which restorative dentistry treatment is best to restore the function and beauty of your smile. While each treatment can provide you with a beautiful smile, they each have pros and cons. Today we… Read more »

Getting another opinion before important dental work

Getting another opinion

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 »

Life Like Crowns

life-like crowns

 Do you need a teeth makeover? Cavities create urgent problems for teeth, and should be dealt with as soon as possible. With prompt care, it is possible to minimize the damage caused by decay. Unfortunately, many people will not realize they have a problem until they need more substantial care. While dental crowns are effective… 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 »

At home teeth whitening

At home teeth whitening

When you visit a store, you’ll likely see a number of products offering at home teeth whitening. However, in order to receive dramatic results that last, you should see the dentist for a professional solution. We can provide at-home teeth whitening that can brighten your smile by multiple shades. Have you considered completing a teeth… Read more »

Want a new tooth? Options for replacement

Do you want a new tooth?

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 »

Best ways of preventing gingivitis

Gum disease affects the body

Preventing gingivitis is similar to preventing most other dental issues. Keep your teeth and gums clean with regularly good hygiene and preventive dental care, and you can avoid allowing oral bacteria enough time to infect your gums. However, while gum disease is highly preventable, it only takes one small mistake for oral bacteria to infect… Read more »

Bonding offers simple cosmetic improvements

girl with tooth bonding

You may have more options for improving your smile’s appearance than you realize, and in many cases, those options are as minimally invasive as they are effective. For instance, with bonding, your dentist can successfully improve a number of different smile issues without having to permanently change your tooth structure. Today, we take a look… Read more »

Why do I need a root canal?

Why do I need a root canal?

Restorative dental treatments are typically designed with three main goals in mind – to stop the damage or decay from progressing, restore your bite’s function, and preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. In most cases, all three can be achieved with a minimally invasive, custom-designed treatment such as tooth filling. However, in more… Read more »

Professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening

If you’ve ever tried an over the-counter teeth whitening product, then you might already recognize that the biggest benefit of professional treatment is that it works. Unlike OTC options, professional teeth whitening is comprised of highly potent but safe whitening gel that effectively breaks up stains while brightening your teeth. In addition to better results,… Read more »

Replacement teeth choices

Choosing Replacement teeth

There are many types of replacement teeth, which one is perfect for you? Like all dental restorations, a dental bridge is tailored to your unique needs and preferences. The highly lifelike dental prosthesis is made to replace a lost tooth in a way that restores your smile’s appearance and your bite’s function without being obvious…. Read more »

Cosmetic Dentistry in Chicago -High end options

Quality cosmetic dentistry in Chicago

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 »

Address Tooth Loss

Address tooth loss

What happens to your mouth if you don’t address tooth loss? The most obvious effects of tooth loss are the way the missing teeth affect your smile’s appearance. Though less obvious, your bite’s function also suffers due to the imbalance. In most cases, a custom-designed bridge, partial, or complete denture can easily address those concerns…. Read more »

Bruxism Treatment | Your management options

Woman suffering from bruxism

Do you wake up with jaw or facial pain or suffer from frequent headaches? Does your jaw pop or click when you open your mouth? Has nighttime grinding worn your enamel down or caused damage? If you said yes to any of these, you and your oral health might benefit from bruxism treatment. While not… Read more »

Do you need to take a tooth out?

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 »

Most Common Causes of TMJ Disorder?

common causes of TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ disorder, is more common than you may realize. However, many patients who experience it don’t realize that their chronic jaw pain (and other related symptoms) is caused by the disorder. Therefore, they don’t realize that an examination from their dentist could be their best option for finding relief… Read more »

Pretty Crowns will give you the smile you want

pretty crowns

The fastest way to repair a broken smile is to get pretty crowns. Whether you have broken, crooked, or missing teeth, pretty crowns can address each of these issues. They work great on top of implants. There are any equally important benefits to restoring a damaged, decayed, or severely blemished tooth with a custom-designed porcelain… Read more »

A root canal is needed

a root canal is needed

If your dentist tells you that you need root canal treatment, then you may not immediately think that it’s something to celebrate. After all, the goal of continuous hygiene and dental care is supposed to be to help you avoid serious dental issues and the need for extensive treatment to address them. However, if your… Read more »

Can I Get Dental Implants with Gum Disease?

Can I Get Dental Implants with Gum Disease?

Can I get dental implants with gum disease? The good thing about dental implants is that most patients who’ve lost one or more teeth qualify for them. Therefore, more patients can enjoy the many benefits they offer, such as more lifelike replacement teeth and a healthier, stronger jawbone. However, there are a few circumstances that… Read more »

Tooth Fillings

Tooth fillings

The principles behind many of today’s most advanced dental treatments haven’t changed much over the years. The materials, technology, and techniques have just become significantly more advanced. For instance, when it comes to treating cavities, tooth fillings have long been the best way to save teeth. Today, however, the materials used to fill cavities and… Read more »

Can Veneers Really Straighten Crooked Teeth?

Straighten Crooked Teeth

There are many different issues that custom designed porcelain veneers can address, but not many patients realize that they can straighten crooked teeth. The beauty of porcelain veneers is that they can completely reinvent the appearance of your teeth by replacing the blemished tooth structure on their front surfaces. This means the highly lifelike shells… Read more »

Teeth wearing down | Losing enamel from grinding

patient with bruxism

Teeth wearing done due to night time grinding, chronic bruxism Are your teeth are wearing down? Bruxism, clenching or gnashing of teeth is common to everyone.  Although everyone has some wear, the amount of structural loss varies dramatically. Tooth on tooth contact and the subsequent loss of tooth structure or volume is called attrition.  Tooth… Read more »

Bleeding Gums – It Is More Serious than You Might Think

bleeding gums

Some dental health issues are only obvious once you know you have them. Until then, the symptoms may not seem serious, especially if they don’t include pain in and around a tooth. For instance, if you notice a small amount of blood mixed in with your saliva when you brush and floss your teeth, you… Read more »

How Tooth Bonding Works

How bonding works

Part of the beauty of modern cosmetic tooth bonding is its simplicity. The procedure involves simply bonding tooth-colored composite resin to a specific area of your tooth, then shaping, hardening, and polishing it to match your tooth’s natural appearance. Cosmetic tooth bonding works by concealing or rebuilding blemished tooth structure, but its simplicity is only… Read more »

Dental Crown Problems

modern dental crowns

Today’s dentistry is an art form. In addition to ensuring your good oral health and bite function, modern restorations also help preserve your natural tooth structure prevent further issues from developing. For instance, dental crowns, which are often crafted from highly lifelike dental porcelain, can be fashioned according to precise measurements of your tooth. A… Read more »

Tooth colored fillings that match perfectly

Tooth colored fillings are popular because, as they’re name suggests, they blend in with teeth to remain completely discreet. Cavities are the most common dental health issue. Most patients appreciate being able to deal with them without having to deal with the metal appearance of traditional fillings. However, the benefits of bonding teeth go beyond… Read more »

Improve my smile

Improve my smile

Wanting to improve your smile’s appearance is one thing, but knowing how to do it is another. For instance, you might think that addressing your multiple cosmetic concerns would be a complicated process. However, with porcelain veneers, patients can often enjoy complete smile makeovers with only a single procedure. If you’re considering veneers to improve… Read more »

Are you a teeth grinder?

teeth grinding habit

You may have heard of bruxism, but if you don’t realize how often you grind your teeth, then you might not think it’s something you should worry about. However, for many patients, there’s more to their teeth grinding habit than they realize, and if they ignore it, they could be exposed to a host of… Read more »

Dental Emergency Recommendations

Dealing with a dental emergency

The good news about modern preventive dental care is that you can largely avoid the most common and destructive dental health issues, like cavities and gum disease. However, even the most advanced dental care can’t always help you prevent an emergency situation. If your tooth is significantly damaged, compromised, or knocked out of its socket,… Read more »

Better Dental Hygiene

How to Be Better at Dental Hygiene

It’s no secret that good hygiene is the key to a lifetime of good dental health. However, despite a lifetime’s worth of experience, many of us don’t do as good of a job at keeping our smile’s healthy as we should. Today, we examine a few of the commonly overlooked tenants of a good hygiene… Read more »

Preventing Gum Disease

Preventing Gum Disease

One of the more widespread dental health issues among adults today is gum disease. As a progressive issue that goes through several stages of severity, gum disease can be a bigger threat to some people’s smiles than it is to others. Typically, the difference lies in how successful you are at preventing gum disease, or… Read more »

Types of veneers | Guidelines for choosing the right one

Types of veneers

So you have decided to get veneers to upgrade your smile. Do you know the different types of veneers available? With one or more custom designed porcelain veneers, you can completely transform your smile without needing extensive dental treatment. In fact, in addition to their highly lifelike appearance, their ability to preserve your healthy teeth… Read more »

What Can Tooth Bonding Actually Do?

What Can Tooth Bonding Do

When your tooth exhibits the type of cosmetic blemish that can’t be erased with teeth-whitening, improving your smile might seem challenging. However, in many cases, cosmetic tooth bonding can successfully fix tooth blemishes almost as quickly and conveniently as teeth-whitening. Bonding is the process of using tooth-colored composite resin to correct issues with your tooth’s… Read more »

Why do I need a crown?

Why do I need a crown?

Dental crowns are so common that you likely know at least one person who has one, if you don’t have one yourself. Today’s crowns are often so lifelike that you may never notice just how many people you know with one, unless they want you to know. A dental crown is called such because it’s… Read more »

Smile makeover process | Getting pretty dentistry

Smile Makeover process

Smile improvement is an important part of cosmetic dentistry. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is a significant motivating factor for visiting your dentist. For many patients, so is being proud of their smile’s appearance. Depending on the nature of your cosmetic concerns, upgrading how you look with the smile makeover process may seem complicated…. Read more »

Makeover Your Smile for a fresher, healthier look

Makeover Your Smile

How many imperfections does your smile exhibit? Noticeably stained, oddly spaced, slightly crooked, or otherwise unsightly teeth are common concerns, and sometimes, your teeth may suffer from more than one of these imperfections at once. Do you want to makeover your smile? When your smile’s confidence is under siege by severe or multiple cosmetic flaws,… Read more »

Raising the gum line

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 »

An implant for a lost tooth

Are Dental Implants Better

Even if you have never lost a tooth, much less several of them, you might understand the importance of replacing teeth with a dental bridge or implants. By filling in the gaps in your smile, modern replacement teeth do more than just restore your smile’s appearance; they also help reestablish its function and preserve the… Read more »

Are You Missing Something in Your Dental Hygiene Routine?

Dental hygiene routine

The good thing about dental hygiene these days is that keeping your smile healthy is simpler than it’s ever been. For instance, brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride-enhanced toothpaste, along with flossing every day with tooth-friendly floss, can be enough to keep plaque from clinging to your teeth. However,… Read more »

Is This Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Is 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 »

A Sure Way to Prevent Cavities

Prevent Cavities

There are very few sure things in life. For instance, even when you take excellent care of your teeth, you could still be at risk of cavity development, especially if you let up in your routine once in a while. Still, with consistently good hygiene and a strict schedule of preventive dental care with your… Read more »

Address your grinding habit

Teeth grinding habit

Experiencing frequent headaches can be frustrating, inconvenient, and – of course – uncomfortable. One reason some patients will experience regular discomfort is because of TMJ disorder. When you have issues with your jaw joints, the discomfort can reach your neck, your face, and your head. If you grind your teeth as a result of TMJ… Read more »

Difficulty Chewing Food: Causes and Solutions

Difficulty chewing food

If you have difficulty chewing, it could be due to several different factors including weak, broken down, or missing teeth. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to address this issue right away. Proper chewing function is necessary for nutrition and overall health and wellness. In this informative article, we’ll explore: Statistics regarding chewing problems in… Read more »