Dental implants have long been considered the most reliable and durable way to replace teeth available. These titanium posts are placed into the jawbone during an oral surgery procedure. Once a dental implant fixture has healed, it can be restored with a crown, which can be used just like a natural tooth. In this article,… Read more »
Many patients ask for fake ceramic teeth to hide their smile problems. Dentists call these fake restorations, prosthetics, bridges, crowns, and veneers. We understand that all of these options use ceramic to replace or cover teeth. Fake isn’t always bad, especially after you have suffered trauma or a lost tooth. What are ceramics? Dental ceramics… Read more »
Has your dentist told you it’s time to repair a broken or damaged tooth? Or maybe you are interested in getting crowns as a cosmetic option to hide your smile imperfections? There are many types of dental crown materials. How do you know which option is the best crown selection for your situation? With several… Read more »
If you are about to have a dental crown placed, you may be asking, “Why are crowns so expensive?” The cost of dental crowns can range in price from $1000 to $3000 based on quality. Quality is measured by longevity and how well it replicates the former tooth it replaced. Let’s review the cost factors and… Read more »
A common question that dentists receive is, “How long does a crown last?”. Many factors can affect how long a crown lasts. Service longevity of dentistry depends mostly on the quality of the dentistry, oral hygiene, and abuse to the restoration. Crowns will last five years on the short end and 20 years or more… Read more »
We are often asked by patients, “why can’t I have a bigger filling?” When old fillings break, your dentist will evaluate how much of the original tooth remains. Usually if 50% or less remains, a crown (also called a cap) is recommended. This article explores in more detail the many reasons for crowns. Despite our… Read more »
Do you have an old front tooth crown that stands out in your smile? You see the darkness in your photos. Several dentists have attempted to make it better but they still stand out. What 8 factors make a front tooth crown stand out? The tooth underneath is dark from an old root canal or… Read more »
The metal under the crown is showing Problem: The metal under a crown is showing. It appears like a black line where the gum meets the tooth. “That tooth looks completely fake now, and I’m embarrassed when people see it. I’ve started to intentionally not open my mouth wide in public. Help!” Solution: It sounds… Read more »
Modern dentistry has come a long way. Now, restorations can completely cover a tooth in a ceramic material that matches natural teeth. Emerging technological advances in porcelain and advanced techniques from master ceramists are allowing crowns that look real to be created. We welcome you to view our Before & After Gallery. You will see… Read more »
Tip #1: Maintaining Your Best Smile Is Easier Than Treating It For better or worse, we are judged on the appearance of our teeth. When it comes to retaining your best smile, Mother Nature often works against us. The protective layer of enamel that coats our teeth thins with age. This natural process allows the… Read more »
Have you seen people with really bad dental work? Veneers that make teeth look huge or thick crowns with dark lines at the gum line. Do you want your dental work to disappear, to be truly not perceptible to the eye? To have seamless dental restorations done, you must work with a proven, respected, and… Read more »
There’s a reason that dental crowns have a name fit for a king. The custom crown serves many needs. Even more, today’s dental restorations are natural looking. You may need a crown to fix deep tooth decay. Perhaps you want straighten a crooked tooth. Our doctor will deliver a natural looking crown that fits, functions,… Read more »
Do your porcelain crowns look like real teeth? Are they indistinguishable from nature? Not all crowns look alike, and not all dentists create a natural look. Our office proudly offers advanced E Max dental crowns. A dental crown is named after the top part of your tooth, which it’s built to restore. Your tooth’s crown… Read more »
Modern patients and dentists prefer realistic esthetics and frequently opt for beautiful zirconia crowns. Zirconia is considered a metal. Although it is listed as a ceramic it has more of the characteristics of metals. There are two main types of crowns that are used for different situations. One type is for cosmetic situations and the… Read more »
Dental crowns are used every day in dentistry. Many don’t realize that crowns vary in how they are designed, how they fit, and how long they last. Each restoration is custom made to meet the needs of the individual. There are several different types of dental crowns. You may have heard your dentist suggest POM… Read more »
It almost looks like you might have black gums above your crown. But the hygienist says that you have healthy gums and certainly no gum disease. So if your oral health is good, then what could that darkness at the gumline be? Are your crowns older than 9 years? If so, you may have noticed… Read more »
If you have some dental work, will your PFM crown look real? When we see patients with damaged and misshapen teeth or serious oral health issues, we can often correct the problem with treatments in restorative dentistry. There are many types of crowns but not all of them look natural. Because we know how important… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
When dental decay or damage occurs, a restoration is often necessary to restore optimal oral health and function. Many individuals worry that their new restoration will be noticeable to others. Fortunately, however, advanced materials and techniques now make invisible dentistry a possibility. In this article, we will explore some of the most common restorations available…. Read more »
Did you recently chip a tooth chewing on a piece of ice or hard candy? Perhaps you suffered a mouth injury during an athletic event. Are you struggling with a painful infection due to an untreated cavity, concerned about a visible crack in your tooth, or have recently lost a tooth or scheduled an extraction?… Read more »
Will a crown be obvious if I get one in my smile? Have you recently discovered you have a big cavity and are wondering how you can fix your smile cosmetically? Are you worried whether or not it’s even possible? Do you need an extraction and a restorative treatment that will keep the rest of… Read more »
Teeth crowns can be used to restore teeth and to improve your smile. They are used when a tooth has sustained severe tooth damage, such as a broken tooth or severe cavity. When made well, they can be beautiful solutions that will blend seamlessly with your smile. You may qualify for a cosmetically pleasing type… Read more »
“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 »
Dental crowns are among the oldest and most popular dental restorations today. A dental crown can improve a smile’s appearance, reinforce its structure, protect it from damage, and in some cases, replace a tooth that’s lost or has to be extracted. Considering the prevalence of dental diseases and damage, there’s a good chance that you… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Dental crowns can be made of many different dental materials. They serve a surprisingly wide range of purposes within the scope of restorative dentistry. They can cap a dental implant, provide structural support after a root canal, and restore the function of a cracked or broken tooth. While many of us still imagine a bright… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
You might find yourself at a crossroads when you are in need of a crown. You may really want a beautiful all porcelain restoration to maintain a beautiful and natural-looking smile after restorative care. However, depending on the location of your affected tooth, the restoration could benefit greatly from the strength of metal. The metal… Read more »