Posts Categorized: Cosmetic Dentistry

Conservative Porcelain Veneers | Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Conservative Dentistry

Conservative porcelain veneers are playing a major role in high end cosmetic dentistry. There was a time when only movie stars and politicians could afford this type of cosmetic dentistry. Pictures of their before and after smiles were amazing, and often sent waves of envy through the average Joe. Nowadays, cosmetic dentistry is available and… Read more »

Personalized Smile Design | Details of facial analysis

Personalized smile design

Be sure to go through a personalized smile design process before having a makeover. When you think about cosmetic dentistry in general, you may have a vague idea that you can come in, talk with us about treatments, and make your smile look significantly more impressive than it does at this very moment. What may… Read more »

Do You Need A Dental Crown?

Dental crown

“I don’t have any tooth pain.  Why do I need a crown?”  This question is frequently posed to dentists.  Basically, the reasons for needing a dental crown are to protect teeth that have been weakened by decay, fracture, or a large, old filling that has failed.  In some situations, decay has done so much damage… Read more »

Things that stain teeth

There are many things that stain teeth. In many cases, teeth whitening won’t work. Depending on the nature and severity of the stains. Your teeth are comprised of a dense, porous, bone-like substance called dentin, which is surrounded by a semi-translucent material known as enamel. Though dentin dictates the color of your tooth, enamel is… 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 »

Transform My Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

Transform my smile

A perfect smile can instill confidence and make a great first impression. In fact, according to a recent Kelton Research study, people with beautiful smiles are considered both more attractive and successful. The study went on to reveal that for many Americans, a smile is one of the first things they notice when meeting someone… Read more »

Do You Suffer from TMJ Disorder?

TMJ Earaches

Did you know that TMD disorder, or TMJ, affects over ten million people in the United States alone? Jaw strain that results in TMJ disorder can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Without treatment, TMJ disorder may make eating and even yawning difficult. Fortunately,  Dr. James Fondriest, offers the experience and knowledge necessary to… Read more »

Dental Makeover – For a sophisticated smile

Have you been considering a dental makeover? A person’s smile dominates their facial appearance. Even with a lifetime of diligent dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, visual blemishes can still appear and diminish a patient’s confidence. While many cosmetic issues don’t threaten a patient’s health, their appearance may indicate more trouble than the… Read more »

Upgrade your smile with porcelain veneers

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 »

Repair a chipped tooth

A number of factors can cause a tooth to chip. For example, eating something too hard or suffering with dental trauma can lead to a damaged tooth. Regardless of the cause, though, a dentist can typically repair the tooth. To help his patients understand how a chipped tooth is treated, Dr. James Fondriest shares this… Read more »

Chicago Dentist: Learn More About Dental Bridges with Today’s Quiz

Losing a tooth can affect more than just your appearance. In fact, even a single missing tooth can start a chain of events that leads to diminished oral health and an increased risk of further tooth loss. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, we can replace one or more missing teeth using a dental bridge. In… Read more »

Chicago Dentist Answers FAQs About Veneers

Are you satisfied with the appearance of your smile? Recently, the American Association of Orthodontists commissioned a study conducted by Wakefield Research. The results were surprising: Over a third of American adults are unhappy with the appearance of their smiles. Teeth stains, dental damage, and misalignment are all common dental issues that can hinder the… Read more »

Stained Teeth | Categories of stains, Treatments

stained teeth

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 »

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?

Cosmetic Dentistry

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 »

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 »

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 »

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

Ceramic veneers

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 »

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 Porcelain Crowns Chicago | How to tell quality

Best Porcelain Crowns Chicago

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 smile. Thankfully, a dental… Read more »

Single Tooth Replacement | Do you have a gap in your smile?

Single Tooth Replacement

There are three commonly done single tooth replacement options 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 esthetics are much preferred. Why is single tooth replacement important? Teeth are… 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 »

Caring for your tongue – How it affects your dental health

Caring for your tongue

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 »

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 »

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.

Prepless Veneers | Very Thin Veneers

Prepless 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 »

Cosmetic Dentistry Planning – The assessment process

Cosmetic dentistry planning

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 Bonding | Is It Right For You?

Dental bonding

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 »

Problems with Teeth Whitening and How To Prevent Them

translucent teeth in smile

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?

porcelain veneers for men

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 »

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 »

Collaborative cosmetic dentistry – Best way to great outcome

dentist patient partnership

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 planning | Treatment design with patient input

Cosmetic dental treatment planning

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 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 patients…. Read more »

Advantages of No-prep Veneers

Eighty percent of people aren’t happy with their smiles. If you fall into this category, you might benefit from no-prep veneers. This elective cosmetic treatment basically allows you to resurface your smile with tooth-colored restorative materials. Today, our Lake Forest cosmetic dentist Dr. James Fondriest discusses the advantages of no-prep veneers. What are No-prep Veneers? For years,… Read more »

The Wear and Tear of Bruxism

Do you have the wear and tear of bruxism? Teeth grinding, known clinically as bruxism, is the repeated clenching of the jaw, sometimes causing tooth damage that can ultimately require restorative work. If you already have restorations, you might wonder if your bruxism will damage your new beautiful smile. Today, cosmetic dentist Dr. James Fondriest… 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 »

Brief History of Cosmetic Dentistry

Our earliest ancestors must have realized the importance of oral hygiene. As early as 3,000 BC, people were cleaning their teeth with nothing more than sticks. Since then, cosmetic dentistry has taken great leaps forward. Today, Dr. James Fondriest provides state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry procedures to perfect the smiles of his Chicago patients. To the Lake… Read more »

Should you replace metal fillings?

Replace metal fillings

Do dark, unsightly fillings in your mouth cause you embarrassment and hold you back when you want to show off your biggest smile or laugh with abandon? Tooth colored fillings are an excellent option to replace metal fillings and enhance your smile. Have you heard that the mercury in metal fillings can cause health issues,… Read more »

Celebrities with Cosmetic Dental Work

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reports that cosmetic dentists rank Natalie Portman’s smile as the best in Hollywood, followed by James Franco’s and Nicole Kidman’s. Annette Bening, Colin Firth, and Christian Bale came next. The dentists also reported on the most kissable mouths on the silver screen. For the females, Angelina Jolie came in… Read more »

Are thin veneers more durable?

What are thin veneers? Low preparation veneers, or ultra thin veneers are durable cosmetic restorations which enhance your smile with as little tooth reduction as possible. No-preparation veneers are made with porcelain restorations with a minimal thickness of 0.2 mm. To put this size into perspective, 0.2mm is about as thin as a piece of… Read more »

Tooth Discolorations | Extrinsic and Intrinsic Types

Do you have tooth discoloration? Does your smile appear dull or discolored? Did you know that stains and discoloration can involve both the external parts of your teeth and internal tooth structures? Understanding the cause of tooth discoloration is an important part of assessing your oral health and improving the appearance of your smile. Some… Read more »

Enhance My Smile With Veneers

Have you ever asked yourself the question,  “would it be worth it to enhance my smile”? We offer artistic restorations and cosmetic enhancements to patients in the Chicago area. One of our most popular cosmetic services involves bonding porcelain veneers. This cosmetic procedure addresses many smile imperfections by carefully placing cosmetic enhancements over the front… 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

full mouth reconstruction

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 »

Confirm dental treatment opinion when planning major work

Confirm dental treatment opinion

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 »

Meet Matt Roberts

Dr. James Fondriest is a well-known and accomplished cosmetic dentist in the Lake Forest area of Chicago. With an expert eye for smile design, aesthetics, and high-quality dentistry, Dr. Fondriest and the Lake Forest Dental Arts team have created healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles for patients from across Illinois. A Complete Team for Your Smile… 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 »

North Shore Prosthodontics

North Shore Prosthodontics

Dr. James Fondriest began practicing as a general dentist, for which he is licensed in the state of Illinois, and over the span of his decades long career he’s undergone extensive training in the fields of cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and prosthodontics. Today, we will explain what the field of prosthodontics is so that you… Read more »

Artistic Dentist | The Cosmetic Dentist as an Artist

Is Your Dentist an Artist? Cosmetic dentistry is a scientific discipline, but it also involves artistry. Dr. James Fondriest, a Chicago cosmetic dentist, possesses the attention to detail and aesthetic eye of a true artist. His work is highly sought after by people in Chicago and across the country. As an artist, are you proud… Read more »

Foods That Stain Teeth: How to Avoid Discoloration

foods that stain teeth

There are many foods that stain teeth. Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and bright teeth are a big part of the package. That’s why products like at-home teeth whitening systems and whitening toothpaste are so popular. But many of the foods and drinks we consume can make our teeth dark and take away from their… Read more »