Upper front teeth normally are 20% longer than they are wide. If this length to width ratio is closer to 1:1, the teeth will appear short or boxy and can make the smile appear unbalanced and not symmetrical. The appearance of short teeth is caused mainly by heavy wear, how the gum lays over the… Read more »
It may be time to see a professional if you’re tired of trying to hide your smile or fed up with costly dental gimmicks that fail to deliver. We have compiled a list of 6 ways you can make your smile look better. In the past, patients were very limited in the ways they could… Read more »
Do you dream of a dazzling “Hollywood” smile? A smile makeover with cosmetic veneers can give you a stunning smile, but there are several types to choose from. They can be made with composite resin or porcelain. The first question to answer is deciding which material is best for you, porcelain or composite resin. Choose… Read more »
Problem: “I’ve been told that bonding is just as good as getting veneers, but it costs less. I’m not sure which one is right for me.” Treatment planning for smile makeovers usually includes a discussion of using bonding vs veneers. The answers vary from patient to patient. Solution: “You need to learn what bonding and veneers can… Read more »
A smile is one of the first things we notice when talking to others. A pretty smile can exude confidence while a bad smile can have others questioning your oral health. If there are things that you wish you could change about your smile Dr. James Fondriest can help. Dr. Fondriest specializes in cosmetic dentistry… Read more »
Are you wearing the enamel off of your front teeth? As teeth get thin from enamel loss, they become translucent. Translucent teeth appear thin around the edges and are white grey in color. Once the outer enamel layers begin to thin, the teeth are more susceptible to injury. There are various explanations for why the teeth… Read more »
Have your talked to your dentist about closing diastemas between your teeth? What do Madonna, Samuel L. Jackson, and 50 Cent have in common? Not much, but they do all share a dental feature called a diastema. A diastema is any noticeable space between teeth. Most people won’t see a gap between molars or other hidden… Read more »
What are veneers? Veneers are very thin shells that are bonded to the tooth. The thin shells cover the fronts of teeth and literally transform your smile. They can mask cosmetic problems or enhance the size and shape of your teeth. The treatment is very customizable. Advances in dentistry allow the shells to be made so… Read more »
The Veneer Before and After Experience Our website is full of porcelain veneers before and after photos. We would love to add your photo to our treatment example gallery. Many patients are stunned to see their transformation. Your cosmetic dentist takes all of the photos for our website. Nothing is altered or borrowed from another dentist. You… Read more »
TV shows like Extreme Makeover play off a familiar idea. Sometimes, a drastic change can be a good thing. Undergoing a cosmetic teeth makeover can have long reaching benefits, from better oral and overall health to more self confidence. Undergoing one treatment at a time can actually leave you paying more. You’ll make more trips… Read more »
Do you have gaps in your smile or anywhere in your mouth? Some individuals embrace this trait. Others, however, may wish to fill spaces between the teeth for a more uniform appearance. Let’s discuss why extra space can occur between the teeth, and explains how to address the issue with cosmetic dentistry. Why Do I… Read more »
How long do veneers last? They are an excellent option for those looking to improve their smile dramatically. They cover a multitude of issues, such as gaps, cracks, discoloration, chips, decay, and even misaligned or worn down teeth. These covers create a durable, dazzling, natural looking smile. Depending on your situation and needs, veneers can… Read more »
Achieve a completely new looking smile without years and years of cosmetic dental work. Porcelain veneers are often called “instant orthodontics” because the cosmetic results are similar to those offered through orthodontic treatments. Unlike metal braces or Invisalign, veneers can reshape your smile in two short visits. The goal of this article is to show… Read more »
For patients who need a convenient but effective method for improving their smile, teeth veneers are an ideal option. They address a wide variety of cosmetic concerns, but they do so with minimal changes to your natural teeth. Today, we veneer teeth and what makes them one of the most popular and effective cosmetic dentistry… Read more »
One of the best things about dental veneers is that they can fix your smile’s appearance in several different ways. They can save you from needing multiple procedures to address different issues. Besides appearance, veneers are also beneficial due to the fact that they don’t require extensive tooth preparation. They also can help your front… Read more »
Have you lost gum from between your teeth? If you look at any magazine photo or advertisement you will see cosmetically beautiful smiles with uniform, straight teeth. The smiles you see in these magazines do not have gaps or spaces. If you have tiny triangles between two or more of your teeth, you may feel… Read more »
Porcelain veneers are wonderful cosmetic makeover restorations that can bring beauty and strength to imperfect front teeth. Cosmetic dentist Dr. James Fondriest can create gorgeous, high quality tooth covers in various styles with different veneering porcelains to fit the needs and desires of patients. Ceramics hold up to abuse much better than composite resin materials…. Read more »
On television and in the movies, an ultra bright “Hollywood smile” is essential. Have you ever watched a film on Netflix only to wonder if editing created the perfect smiles? Digital movie magic can work plenty of wonders, but it cannot change smiles. Dental professionals play that role! Back in the early 1930’s, a now… Read more »
Those perfect smiles shown off by celebrities on the red carpet during award season are not always natural. Many have had various cosmetic and restorative treatments to fix smile issues such as misshapen teeth, stains, and gaps between teeth. Here is another secret, celebrities are not the only ones who can achieve a perfect smile…. 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Do you have smile problems that you have considered fixing? Your smile is a valuable asset, and as one of the most dominant features of your face, you’re probably more willing to show your smile when you’re proud of how it looks. Unfortunately, good dental hygiene isn’t always enough to preserve your smile’s appearance, and… Read more »
One question cosmetic dentists often field is, “Can porcelain veneers deliver a perfect smile?” The answer depends on your definition, as everyone has their own idea of what makes a smile perfect. Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover smile imperfections, and when done right, they can produce a perfect smile. But not all… Read more »
There are several cosmetic dental options that can cover and improve a less than perfect smile. Some options come with higher costs. Have you been wondering if getting porcelain veneers is worth it? While it is true that veneers are one of the more costly investments, where cosmetic dentistry is concerned, they do have a… Read more »
Are you in need of a smile correction? Have you dreamed of correcting and enhancing your smile? But a smile correction is not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. It involves cosmetic procedures based on each patient’s individual dental needs and desires. There are many reasons someone may want to improve their smile, and there are several… Read more »
Do you often find yourself dreaming of a brighter or more beautiful smile? Do you frequently wish your teeth looked better, or that you had a different smile altogether? If so, you may have considered cosmetic dentistry but hesitated because you were unsure what the best way to go. Serving as a cosmetic dentist for… Read more »
If you have done any research at all, you likely already know that there are a number of cosmetic dental treatments that can help hide dental imperfections and highlight the natural beauty of your smile. Still, it can be difficult to determine which treatment is right for you, particularly if you have never spoken to… Read more »
Have you considered making some cosmetic smile changes? Cosmetic changes beyond upgrading your oral health. Simple things like teeth whitening and dental bonding can make a big improvement fast. If you don’t like the color of your teeth, then whitening treatment is a good way to start. If you have a bit of wear and… Read more »
Are veneers right for me? Porcelain veneers can make a big difference in your smile. These thin films of porcelain, shaped to fit snugly in your mouth on a tooth-by-tooth basis, can give you a dazzling smile. With porcelain veneers, your teeth can beautifully match each other in size, shape, and color. Who wouldn’t want… Read more »
Do you have porcelain in your mouth? Did you know that there are guidelines to care for your dental porcelain? If we placed a porcelain crown or porcelain veneers, then the answer is “yes.” While you may feel concerned about keeping these prosthetics looking beautiful and immaculate, you may not really know what to do… Read more »
Be honest, how do you feel about the appearance of your teeth? For many people, teeth stains and other cosmetic imperfections dull their smiles. To help patients obtain a stunning smile, two solutions are commonly employed, porcelain veneers and crowns. Both dental procedures can alter the appearance of your teeth in as little as one… Read more »
When you look at your teeth you may think you are seeing the color of your enamel, and you are. Your tooth color, however, is a combination of your enamel, which is semi-translucent, and the color of your dentin. So if you thought your teeth were looking a bit shabby and you decided to whiten… Read more »
Have you been lazy about your dental care and after years you’re seeing the effects? Maybe you have suffered an illness, or been on medications that have played havoc on your teeth. You may be familiar with cosmetic dentistry treatments such as veneers, dental implants, tooth whitening, etc., and you may think that they are… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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… Read more »
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 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 »
What are thin veneers? Low preparation veneers, or ultra thin veneers are durable cosmetic restorations that 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 »
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 »