Since 1996, the number of professional teeth whitening procedures performed by dentists across the United States has increased an amazing 300%, says the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Given the ubiquity of the procedure and the wealth of information out there about it, you probably think you know everything there is to know about teeth… Read more »
Posts By: James Fondriest, DDS, FACD, FICD
Popping or Clicking Jaw | Causes and Remedies
How often has this happened to you? You’re sitting down, about to take a bite of your favorite hamburger or piece of sushi, and, as you open your mouth, you hear a familiar popping or clicking sound in your jaw. Even if it doesn’t cause any pain, that loud popping noise can be disconcerting and,… Read more »
Advances in Dental Implants Technology
The latest advances in dental implants and Bioteeth technology If you’ve done any research at all about replacing your missing teeth, then you’ve more than likely read about dental implants. These cutting-edge devices are comprised of three parts: the implant, which an oral surgeon or periodontist inserts into the jawbone; the abutment, which connects the… Read more »
Stained Teeth | Categories of stains, Treatments
Do you have stained teeth? You’re getting ready for the job interview you’ve been thinking about for weeks. But when you flash yourself a grin in the mirror, you see that yellowish or brownish discolorations make your smile look less than brilliant. Unfortunately, those discolored teeth can cause people to perceive you as unhealthy, unkempt,… 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 »
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?
Is cosmetic dentistry the best way to go for me? The cosmetic dentistry journey is one that begins and ends in the mirror. For most patients, the journey starts when they look at their reflection and feel unhappy or dissatisfied with the general appearance of their smile. That same journey often ends when their dentist… Read more »
Fixing a fractured tooth with a dental crown
A fractured tooth can occur out of nowhere. Whether it’s the result of an unexpected blow to the mouth or gradual wear to the tooth, a fractured tooth can be a very serious shock. Thus, it is good to have a plan of action should such a situation occur. Read below as Dr. James Fondriest,… Read more »
Retain Your Dentures with Implants
Dentures are one of the oldest forms of dentistry. Today, dentures are designed and crafted with such realism that an observer can’t tell they are fake. However, even the most advanced dentures lack something that your healthy natural teeth rely on. There is no support of a root or anchor to hold them within your… Read more »
Advantages of Porcelain Crowns
When looking to improve the appearance of decayed, gapped, or damaged teeth, you will see the best results with durable and natural looking cosmetic dentistry. The big advantage of porcelain crowns is that they look and feel “real,” and they are strong too. They are stain resistant and can last up to fifteen years. Your… Read more »
Implants Positively Affect Your Life
You may not realize just how serious tooth loss is until you’ve actually lost some or all of your teeth. Even if you haven’t lost your teeth, damaged teeth can seriously impair the function and appearance of your mouth, as well as your overall oral health. In the past, dentists relied on dentures and bridges… Read more »
Teeth Caps, benefits and uses
A tooth cap or dental crown is often recommended to restore damaged teeth. Teeth caps can repair your teeth and improve your smile. These modern dental restorations are designed specifically to mimic the size, shape, appearance, and function of healthy, natural teeth. When the visible portion of a tooth is damaged, then a dental cap… Read more »
Natural Looking Porcelain Veneers – Really!
Often, people feel self conscious about their smiles due to stains or misalignment. But what if there was a type of dental procedure that could address a myriad of dental imperfections in as little as two visits? In today’s blog, we explain how natural looking porcelain veneers can transform your smile. Cosmetic Dentistry can give… Read more »
Cosmetic dentistry to look younger
Cosmetic dentistry can help us look younger When we age, we may look older but we never seem to feel older. So, why not have a smile that reflects how young you really feel? Over time, our smiles become stained and damaged, losing their youthful luster. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have the… Read more »
Smile Improvement | Design Options, Procedures
Do you ever feel self conscious about your smile? Do you want a beautiful smile free of dental damage or embarrassing teeth stains? Dr. James Fondriest understands that a beautiful smile boosts confidence and helps make a great first impression. In fact, according to a recent Kelton Research study, a bright smile can make a… 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 »
Plastic Fillings | Pretty but strong like concrete
Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks? Are you currently suffering from a chronic toothache? You may have a cavity. Tooth decay is a common, but serious, dental issue. Over time, cavities can even threaten the stability of your teeth and the appearance of your smile. Thankfully, Dr. James Fondriest, offers a… Read more »
Permanent Teeth Whitening
A bright smile instills confidence. According to a recent Kelton Research study, the majority polled said a beautiful smile makes a person appear more successful and attractive. In addition, a large portion of the people polled said a smile was one of the first things they notice when meeting someone for the first time. Many… Read more »
Cosmetic Dental Face lifts
Our bodies change as we age, but not always for the better. Over time, our cheeks can appear sunken, jowls can form, and some people may even develop a ptotic, or witch’s, chin. Did you know that a beautiful smile can address many of these issues? As we grow older, wear and tear causes our… 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 »
Replace a Single Tooth | Do you have a gap in your smile?
Single tooth replacement can be achieved in three ways A removable partial denture Dental implants Fixed dental bridgework Dental bridges and implants have replaced partial dentures as the most recommended single tooth replacement options. The quality of life is much better and the aesthetics are much preferred. Why is single tooth replacement important? Teeth are… Read more »
Importance of Roots and Cementum
While a bright smile can boost our confidence, we shouldn’t forget to pay attention to what’s happening to our teeth below the gum line. The roots and cementum of our teeth help keep our smile healthy and beautiful. Dr. James Fondriest, explains the importance of our less visible tooth structure.
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 »
The Benefits of Saliva | More the better
Did you know that saliva helps your teeth stay healthy and bright? Did you know that saliva heals? Many people don’t realize the benefits of a lot of saliva. A dry mouth isn’t just an uncomfortable dental issue; a lack of saliva actually endangers your beautiful smile. Saliva prevents tooth decay and gum disease and it… Read more »
Dental Pulp
Keeping your teeth bright and free of stains doesn’t just make your smile sparkle. Regular dental hygiene also protects an important part of your teeth that you can’t even see. In today’s blog, your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains he importance of protecting your dental pulp.
Tannins and Tooth Stains
A variety of factors can lead to discoloration in our teeth. Tannins, which are found in several popular beverages, play a unique role in causing teeth stains. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how tannins aid in discoloring your smile and discusses our professional teeth whitening procedures.
Caring for your tongue – How it affects your dental health
When discussing dental care, most people focus on their teeth. While bright, healthy teeth are vital for good dental health, don’t overlook the tongue. Caring for the tongue is important. In addition to being one of the strongest and fastest healing muscles in the human body, the tongue helps maintain good oral hygiene. In today’s… Read more »
Lake Forest Dentist: Two Types of Smiles
Often, in the name of politeness, we find ourselves faking a smile. People may force a smile during a bad joke or to mask a bad mood. For years, researchers believed one could easily distinguish a genuine smile from a fake one. In fact, many considered it impossible to fake a genuine smile, also… Read more »
Tooth dentin
Have you ever heard of dentin in teeth? Few people realize the importance of this layer of inner tooth structure. Learn the importance of protecting your dentin and preventing tooth decay.
Why we have no immunity against gum bacteria
Do you have reduced immunity against gum bacteria? In the United States, over 75% of adults exhibit symptoms of gum disease. Literally millions of Americans suffer from the affects of periodontal disease. Recently, researchers discovered a new clue as to why this disorder is so widespread. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how the… Read more »
Preventing Bone Loss
When caring for their smiles, few people consider the importance of a healthy jawbone. In fact, your jawbone helps keep your teeth strong, healthy, and holds them in place. But when a patient fails at replacing missing teeth, they leave their jawbone vulnerable to bone loss. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how to… Read more »
Protect Your Heart with better Dental Health
Did you know that dental health and heart health are related? This February medical professionals across the country are observing American Heart Month. The goal is the raise awareness about heart disease prevention. In America, one out of every three deaths is a result of heart disease and stroke. Many people don’t realize that a few… Read more »
Tooth Enamel | Provides protection for your teeth
Tooth enamel protects our teeth from cavities and injury. In fact, the enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body. But what is tooth enamel? What happens when our enamel is damaged? In today’s blog, your Lake Forest general dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains the importance of tooth enamel.
Gingivitis progresses to gum disease
Over 75% of American adults exhibit symptoms of gingivitis. If left untreated, this common disorder often develops into periodontal disease, or gum disease. In today’s blog, we explain the link between gingivitis and gum disease.
Protect Your Gums
When people consider cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile, they rarely consider their gums. While Americans spend over 1.4 billion dollars a year on teeth whitening systems, over 75% of the country has some sort of gum problem and 47% of adults have gum disease. In today’s blog, Lake Forest cosmetic dentist, Dr. James Fondriest,… 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 »
Single tooth implants – A great restorative option
Let’s face it: once you move past a certain age, losing a tooth is bad news. Unfortunately, adult tooth loss is a serious problem in the U.S. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 178 million American adults have one or more missing teeth. For centuries, dental bridges have served as the tooth replacement option… Read more »
Implant Secured Bridgework: A Teeth Replacement Option
Implant secured bridgework is the longest lasting type of dental bridge. Most bridges are supported by natural teeth but this version bridges the gap between implants. The adjacent teeth are not damaged in any way. This tooth replacement option has become far more popular than the partial denture option. Tooth loss is devastating to both… Read more »
Bone Retention with Dental Implants
Did you know that losing a tooth can promote bone loss in your jaw? In addition, traditional dentures can actually make the problem worse, further degrading the bone around the missing teeth. Your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how dental implants influence jaw bone retention and provide seamless tooth replacement.
Understand TMD
Dysfunctional temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can cause pain in so many different areas that you and your doctor could easily misdiagnose the problem. Radiant pain from a TMJ disorder (TMD) usually remains localized around the jaw, ear, neck, and shoulders. Sometimes, you can feel symptoms of TMD in your back or legs. BecauseTMD sends unpleasant sensations to… Read more »
A TMD Facial Pain Quiz
When your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) suffers an injury or undergoes stress from clenching jaws or grinding teeth (bruxism), you could experience various aches and pains. Nerves connected to the hinges of your jaw could cause discomfort from the jaw to your back that your dentist may be able to treat. Do you know what TMJ disorder… Read more »
TMJ Earaches: The Solution for Your Ear Pain
Do you experience frequent TMJ earaches or a constant ringing in your ears that affects your hearing? Does the pain spread to your face, jaw, or neck or cause frequent headaches? Have over-the-counter pain remedies failed to relieve your pain? While ear infections can cause ear pain, chronic ear pain might be a sign of… Read more »
Neck pain and tooth grinding – Easing Neck Pain
Many people in America suffer from neck pain and tooth grinding. Over-the-counter pain relievers seem to do little, and the cause of their aches remains a mystery. Constant pains in the neck, head, or face, could be a sign of more serious disorder called TMD or TMJ. Dr. James Fondriest, explains TMJ disorder and… Read more »
Smile bleaching
Everyone wants their smile to be beautiful and bright. Over time, our teeth become stained and start to lose their luster. Many people turn to teeth whitening as a method for rejuvenating their smile. Cosmetic dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, discusses the different methods offered to give patients the beautiful, youthful smiles they deserve.
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.
Custom fitted crowns for long term beauty
Our teeth handle a great deal of abuse from masticating hard foods to erosion by acid producing bacteria. If you damage teeth through eating habits and poor dental care, and a filling, onlay, or inlay can’t correct the damaged tooth structure, you may need a crown. Do you know the procedure for placing a crown?… Read more »
What are inlays and onlays?
When you sustain damage to a tooth, you face several restorative treatment choices. Deciding between procedural options may prove daunting. Understanding the subtle but important differences that distinguish dental restorations can help you work with your dentist to choose the right treatment plan. What current dental restorations can you choose from to correct a damaged… Read more »
Best options for missing teeth
Damaged or missing teeth can cause pain, irritate gums, and make your smile unsightly. Maybe a popcorn kernel cracked your tooth, or your mouth took the brunt of a fall. Whatever the case, a broken tooth may expose nerves and heightens the risk for infection. Gaps between teeth cause remaining teeth to drift and leads… Read more »
What is better for me, a Crown or a Filling?
You’re at your dentist office and faced with treatment options for a damaged or broken tooth. What do you do? Filling a cavity could provide all you need to restore your tooth. Perhaps the tooth underwent extensive damage and needs a crown. Who knows? Your dentist certainly knows, but you can too. In this article, Lake… Read more »
Regular dental checkups
A visit to your dentist can go one of two ways. If you follow the American Dental Association’s suggestion of checkups every six months, your time in the dentist’s chair can pass quickly and comfortably. If you find yourself among the 74% of Americans who only see a dentist when a problem develops, you might… Read more »
How to Floss | Step by step instructions
Has your dentist or hygienist ever really shown you how to floss? Daily brushing and flossing keeps your teeth and gums clear of the food and bacteria that breeds gum disease and tooth decay. Following the American Dental Association’s recommendation of brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day is crucial for good… 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 »
Infected gums | Fight Gum Inflammation
Have you lived with swollen or infected gums? The experience isn’t fun. Infected gums can swell, bleed, and cause pain. During advanced stages of gum disease, gums can also excrete pus while fighting bacterial infection. When these problems develop, your oral health obviously needs attention. You might wonder what is happening in your mouth and how to… Read more »
Crazy Toothpaste Flavors
We have all heard about the importance of brushing teeth regularly since we were children. But a lifetime of minty toothpaste may get a little boring. While there are different varieties of mint, and even bubblegum, flavors to choose from, our options aren’t vast. Since we should never stop our brushing routine, maybe some investigation… Read more »
TMJ Dysfunction Diagnosis | Symptoms
TMJ refers to the tempromandibular joints that lay in either side of your face, where the jaw connects to the skull. Nestled within the joint is a cartilage disc that allows for full articulation of the jaw. Healthy TMJ function lets you to open and close your jaw with a smooth gliding motion. Any disruption… Read more »
Prepless Veneers | Very Thin Veneers
Research on the psychology of smiling shows the influence that your smile has on your professional, social, and romantic relationships. Do you hide your smile due to insecurities over the shape, size, color, or general appearance of your teeth? You could be perceived as insecure, reserved, or even unfriendly. Dr. James Fondriest offers a revolutionary… Read more »
Whitening Teeth with Baking Soda
There are lots of ways to keep your teeth white: professional take home whitening treatments from your Lake Forest dentist, whitening strips from the store, refraining from food entirely, baking soda. But the latest addition to that list is by far the cheapest option, and you probably have everything you already need at home. Whitening… Read more »
Spices That Improve Oral Health
With the fall chill in the air come the fall spices in your latte. As many of you retreat to your kitchens for warmth this season, try experimenting with some of these spices. They’ll tickle your taste buds and boost your immune system too. 1. Cinnamon This bittersweet holiday spice goes in everything from eggnog… Read more »
Tongue Scrapers
In bathrooms all across the world, toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, and packets of floss are being joined by another item: the tongue scraper. If your parents were being thorough when they taught you to brush your teeth twice a day. They should have told you to brush your tongue too. Even if you have followed… Read more »
Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Link
There is a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. Taking care of oral health can delay or reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairments. In honor of Alzheimer’s awareness month, Dr James Fondriest would like to discuss how taking care of your oral health can help delay or reduce the risk entirely of developing cognitive impairments… Read more »
Crown Vs Veneer as a Cosmetic Dentistry Option
If you aren’t completely happy with your smile when you look in the mirror every morning, it may be time to visit your dentist for a smile makeover. When deciding on cosmetic options, you should know the pros and cons for treatment options when it comes to crowns vs veneers. Both types of restorations can… Read more »
TMJ joint health
In October, the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) celebrates Bone and Joint Health National Awareness Week. The USBJI explains that in the U.S. population over 18 years of age, nearly half experience musculoskeletal, or bone and joint, conditions. Examples include back pain, arthritis, traumatic injuries, osteoporosis, and childhood bone and joint disorders. People are… Read more »
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 »
Tooth pain while flying | Barodontalgia
Have you ever heard of a condition called barodontalgia? No, it’s not some exotic location in Europe, but you do have to fly in an airplane to experience it. Unfortunately, unlike a vacation, you probably don’t want barodontalgia. In laymen’s terms, this condition is simply a high-altitude toothache. Similar to a scuba diver experiencing decompression… 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 »
Female hormones and gum disease | Hormones Heighten Risk
Research from the Journal of Periodontology suggests women are more likely to floss, and visit the dentist regularly. They are less likely to smoke and drink excessive alcohol than men. Women have more cosmetic dental procedures while having less tooth decay. Although women have historically been better caretakers of their teeth, females are more susceptible to… Read more »
Link between flossing and healthy knees
It seems strange, doesn’t it? You’re reading correctly. Recent research has discovered a correlation between gum disease and arthritic knees. Gum problems have been linked to many systemic health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Periodontal Bacteria Migrating to the Knees Scientists found traces of periodontal bacteria, or gum bacteria, in the knees… Read more »
The Psychology of Smiling
An emerging field of study known as “positive psychology” or “happiness research” offers new insight into human emotions – more specifically, the act of smiling. Many people hide their smiles because they don’t like their appearance. As a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Fondriest builds beautiful smiles that convey a positive image. Do you know what’s in… Read more »
Dental Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
If you’re vigilant about your dental hygiene and see your Chicago dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups, you’re handling your oral care well. You should experience relatively few dental problems. However, dental issues occasionally arise, despite the best habits. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed below, make an appointment with Dr…. Read more »
Breast Cancer and Your Oral Health
Roll out the pink, October is breast cancer awareness month. In honor of the fight against this disease, which accounts for nearly a third of all cancer diagnoses in women, your Lake Forest dentist will dedicate today’s post to discussing breast cancer and how it relates to your oral health. Breast Cancer in the United… Read more »
Close the gaps between your teeth
Do you want to close gaps between teeth in your smile? Have your lost a tooth due to gum disease? Perhaps you have a small space between your teeth because of a labial frenum, tongue thrust, or you were thumb sucking as a child. Whatever the cause, there are many cosmetic dental procedures that only… Read more »
Lost teeth linked to dementia
A recent article from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a significant association between tooth loss and dementia. Those who can no longer chew food have a higher likelihood of developing dementia. Gum disease creates a bacterial shower in your circulatory system. This bacterial shower is linked to many systemic diseases such as… Read more »
Craze lines on your teeth | Enamel cracks
If you’ve noticed small lines on your teeth, you may have what dentists call craze lines. These web looking imperfections should not be confused with a truly fractured tooth, which is painful. Craze lines are merely hairline cracks in tooth enamel. Though these lines on teeth are cosmetically displeasing, they are not particularly harmful to… Read more »
Sugar free gum
Do you chew sugar free gum? October might seem like the official candy month, with Halloween front and center, but did you know that it is also National Dental Hygiene Month? This year the American Dental Hygienists Association has partnered with the manufacturer of Wrigley gum to compile a month long agenda, the goal of… Read more »
America’s Silent Epidemic—Gum Disease
If asked what the worst thing that could happen to your oral health is, many people may respond that the loss of teeth must be the worst case scenario. The truth, however, is that even the loss of all of your teeth does not compare to the destructive damage of one of the worst threats… Read more »
Can coconut oil reduce tooth decay?
A scientific team from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland has suggested that tooth decay prevention could be added to the list of coconut oil’s benefits. In the ongoing effort to understand, treat, and hopefully defeat some of our most ominous oral health issues, the team from Ireland hopes to be able to incorporate… Read more »
Dental Bonding | Is It Right For You?
Are you looking to improve your smile? Do you have a severely stained, chipped, cracked, or misshapen tooth? One of the most affordable and effective cosmetic treatment options involves dental bonding. The composite resin can be artfully color-matched and molded over a tooth to conceal a wide range of issues. This treatment can make smile… Read more »
The History of dentistry
A prehistoric tooth containing traces of beeswax used as cavity filler has sent a ripple of excitement throughout the history of dentistry. The tooth was discovered as part of a human mandible—or jawbone—in Slovenia near Trieste. There is very little evidence of prehistoric dentistry, thus any finding of this nature is of extreme significance. In… 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 »
Broken teeth
Do you have broken teeth? Has your smile’s brightness gradually dimmed over the years? Are your chipped or discolored teeth embarrassing you? Do you have deep smile lines that make you frown? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you could benefit from a smile makeover. What do you do when you… Read more »
Gum disease and arthritis | What Do My Knees Have to Do with My Teeth?
Your dental health can have wide-ranging consequences for your overall health. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, researchers from the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland have connected rheumatoid arthritis to periodontitis. The link between gum disease and arthritis comes from the bacteria released into the blood stream. Every time… Read more »
Problems with Teeth Whitening and How To Prevent Them
Throughout history, people have tried nearly everything to whiten their teeth. The first recorded use of toothpaste dates back 7,000 years to ancient Egypt. Toothpaste used goat’s milk, urine, pepper, and rock salt. Mouthwash was also an early oral hygiene tool used to whiten teeth. Then as now, white teeth were tied to youth and… Read more »
Veneers for men | Do men want cosmetic improvements?
Do men want veneers as much as women do? As a society, Americans have historically tended to associate a concern for one’s personal appearance with women. For men, caring too much about the way you looked threw your masculinity into question. In recent years, however, that way of thinking is changing. Men are becoming more… Read more »
Name some healthy treats for teeth
Finding healthy treats for teeth can be difficult in a busy world. The holidays are approaching, and this means an increase in sugar consumption for many people. When you place special treats around the house for family and guests to graze on, chances are you’ll be munching on the morsels as well. In the spirit… Read more »
Esthetic dental restorations
Esthetic dental restorations is the term that Dr. James Fondriest uses to describe the type of dentistry he offers in his Chicago-area dental office. Esthetic refers to beauty, while dental restorations refers to dental work that improves health, oral function, and appearance. The media has popularized the phrase cosmetic dentistry, but most consumers don’t know… Read more »
Three Problems Associated with TMJ Disorder
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a painful condition with symptoms that include severe headaches, sensitive teeth, ear pain, muscle soreness, and difficulty opening and closing the jaw comfortably. The TMJs hold your bottom jaw to your top jaw. When problems develop in these joints, they can cause TMJ disorder. Various causes of the disorder… Read more »
Amalgam Fillings | Safety and controversy
While the American Dental Association (ADA) continues to endorse the use of amalgam fillings, there has been widespread debate on their use since the 1800s. Because amalgam fillings contain inorganic mercury, some non scientific studies link them with mercury poisoning, which can cause serious problems with the brain and nervous system. Symptoms include memory loss,… Read more »
Foods That Cause Bad Breath
While our Lake Forest cosmetic dentist can give you a complete smile makeover, restoring your teeth and improving your self-confidence, you cannot fully benefit from your artistic cosmetic dental work if you struggle with halitosis. After all, how can you show off those brand new pearly whites when you are afraid to offend people with… Read more »
Collaborative cosmetic dentistry – Best way to great outcome
Achieving your dream of a beautiful smile can be a daunting challenge to some. The challenge comes in picking the right cosmetic expert, making the right treatment choices, and most importantly, overcoming the emotional stress. Finding a dentist that will work with you makes things easier. Going through a collaborative cosmetic dentistry process is the… 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 »
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 »
Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety
If you are avoiding going to the dentist due to dental anxiety, you are putting your health at risk because regular dentist visits are essential to good overall physical health.
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 »
Obesity linked to gum disease | Shedding Pounds Can Improve Gum Health
More than 70 percent of Americans struggle with gum problems. From gingivitis, or simple gum inflammation, to periodontitis, an acute form of the disease, unhealthy gums lead to various health issues. Not only does gum disease lead to cavities and tooth loss, studies now link it to heart disease, stroke, preterm birth, and diabetes. Unhealthy… Read more »
Link between gum disease and cancer
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is an inflammatory illness that can lead to more than tooth loss. Researchers have established a connection between gum disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, as well as uncontrolled blood sugar. In a more disturbing development, a recent study has revealed a connection between advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and… Read more »
Americans Score Low for Dental Health Knowledge
According to the American Dental Association, the United States needs some education on the facts about oral health. The association’s new Web site, mouthHealthy.org, features the results of a national survey that recently gave the average American a “D” on the fundamentals of oral health. The survey offered a range of true or false questions… Read more »
Tips for Preventing Mouth Injuries
It’s estimated that 80 percent of all dental injuries involve at least one of the front teeth. With warm weather and lots of spare time, summer is a prime time for playing sports. Then, when summer is over, school sports will be in full swing. Dr. James Fondriest, would like to offer some tips about… Read more »
Alcohol and Your Oral Health
What does alcohol do to your mouth? It’s Friday, and maybe you and some coworkers are planning on celebrating the end of the work week with cocktails at happy hour. Perhaps you plan to spend the weekend watching baseball and drinking beer. While a couple of drinks probably won’t hurt, heavier drinking can have negative… Read more »
Oral Cancer Rates are Rising
In 2012, an estimated 40,000 Americans were diagnosed with oral cancer. Approximately 8,000 people will die this year from cancer of the tongue, mouth, and throat, according to a report published by the American Cancer Society. While doctors aren’t certain why one person will get mouth cancer and another won’t, there are several risk factors… Read more »
Fuel Your Oral Health
Olympic champion Michael Phelps eats between six and ten pounds of food each day to fuel his body for grueling training sessions. His 10,000 to 12,000 calorie diet includes pancakes, eggs, French toast, cheese, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. While it’s almost certain you don’t need to eat like a 2012 Olympian, there are several foods… Read more »
Energy drinks damage teeth
Some of the most popular products available today are energy drinks. These energy drinks damage teeth. It comes as no surprise that Americans love the stuff. Between 30 and 50% of teens alone consume them. The contents of these drinks promise long-lasting energy boosts through caffeine, sugar, and herbal ingredients. The effectiveness and safety of… Read more »