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 that a cosmetic dentist requires no training, experience, or education past a doctorate in general dentistry, DDS or DMD. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized dental specialty by the American Dental Association. In short, any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist.
Esthetic restorative dentistry, according to Dr. Fondriest, requires more.
“I cannot thank all of you enough for my fabulous smile and the wonderful care that you provided. It feels great to express my joy, I can beam with joy and not worry about what people may be staring at”. – Tammy Davis, Waukegan, IL
Exquisite, Nature Mimicking Dental Materials
Just as home builders have a range of materials and craftsmen to employ in constructing houses, dentists have access to a diverse range of dental materials and laboratory technicians when planning esthetic dental restorations. Dr. Fondriest has searched high and low to find the ceramics, bonding agents, and technology that he believes provides patients with the very best dentistry has to offer. He has close relationships with respected dental ceramists and laboratory technicians who understand and can fulfill his demand for excellent esthetic dental restorations and prosthetics. From fillings to crowns, bridges to implants, Dr. Fondriest’s esthetic dental restorations are designed to look completely natural and endure the rigors of everyday function.
Better materials make better esthetic dental restorations
The porcelain that Dr. Fondriest uses is not only durable and stain resistant, but its color matches the natural coloring of your teeth, right down to their opalescence.
But Dr. Fondriest understands that not all porcelain is created equal, which is why he’s enlisted the services of a master ceramist, who understands the unique challenges that come with improving teeth with outside sources. Our ceramist is a craftsman who’s able to sculpt the porcelain in a way that preserves the integrity of your natural teeth, while also achieving your cosmetic goals.
To prep or not to prep
With traditional veneers, Dr. Fondriest typically removes a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneers, which are approximately 0.5 millimeters thick. The problem is that your enamel doesn’t grow back, which is why Dr. Fondriest and our ceramist are proud to offer no-prep veneers, which only measure 0.2 millimeters in thickness.
No-prep veneers
This means that we’re able to cover up imperfections, smooth out uneven surfaces, and bring more uniformity to your front teeth. And we can accomplish all of this without drilling and often without the need for a local anesthetic. These no-prep veneers are thin enough that they allow your natural enamel to show through. This does mean this option isn’t ideal if your goal is to whiten and brighten your teeth. So, before we place no-prep veneers, we recommend that clients whiten their teeth first.
Traditional veneers, the versatile esthetic dental restorations
Because no-prep veneers have their limitations, Dr. Fondriest offers traditional veneers if you want to make more significant changes. Borrowing from the list above, traditional veneers are best for:
- Changing the shape or position of a tooth (or teeth)
- Making your teeth whiter
- Hiding margins or edges of restorations
- Creating more symmetry in the shapes of your teeth, including your lateral incisors
The bottom line is that the thicker porcelain Dr. Fondriest uses for traditional veneers offers better cover up.
Experience for Perfection in Restorative Dentistry
Years of training, working with world class dental labs, employing new technology, and performing esthetic restorative dentistry on a highly demanding patient base have given Dr. Fondriest extensive experience in esthetic dental restorations. He is considered an industry expert and Key Opinion Leader by his peers. He has held many elected positions in the Chicago and greater Illinois dental communities and holds memberships with the most respected dental associations. Dr. Fondriest is also a lecturer and author on the subjects of prosthetic and esthetic dentistry.
Education in Cosmetic and Prosthodontic Restorative Dentistry
After earning his general dentistry degree, Dr. Fondriest dedicated his career to expanding his knowledge in cosmetic, restorative, and prosthetic dentistry. He has completed, and continues to accrue, many continuing education credits each year. In addition, his passion for knowledge has led him to teaching or mentoring positions with Pankey Institute, Spear Institute, and the post-graduate prosthodontics programs of the University of Florida and the University of Georgia Regents Dental Schools. He enjoys the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with up and coming dentists and takes comfort in knowing that he passes on the vital importance of high ethics and professional excellence, in addition to clinical education. Dentists from all over the world have come learn how to improve their skills at esthetic dental restorations.
Learn more about esthetic dental restorations
To determine which option is best for your unique circumstances and goals, Dr. Fondriest sits down with you to thoroughly review your issues. He then can recommend the best solution. Dr. Fondriest’s goal is to offer natural looking dentistry, which means he improves your smile in a way that best serves your dental health, making it the ultimate win win proposition.
While it may appear that Dr. Fondriest’s schedule of lecturing, writing, and teaching keep him busy full time, he has a passion for performing dentistry and improving lives in his Chicago area dental office. Dr. Fondriest regularly cares for patients, many of whom he has known for years.
If you’d like to explore your options in veneers, please contact us at 847-234-0517.
Dr Fondriest is a Nationally recognized and highly sought after cosmetic dentist serving clients from throughout the United States