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 »
When considering followup treatment for an extraction, your dentist will often suggest a tooth bridge as the best option. This restoration replaces missing teeth. All dentistry has a cost and required treatment time. When comparing all treatment options, it is appropriate to ask, “how long does a tooth bridge last?” One question our patients ask is, “How… Read more »
Problem: “I’ve lost some teeth and need to have them replaced. I am missing two upper lateral incisors. Will a tooth bridge be the best choice for me, or is another option better?” Solution: “A tooth bridge, also called a dental bridge, fixed bridge, or bridgework, replaces lost teeth following tooth decay or gum disease…. 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 »
Generally speaking, when people think about poor smile quality, they think about issues with teeth. With that said, some patients will actually have issues because of their gums of the upper jaw. When the amount of gum tissue exposure is too great when you smile, it is called a gummy smile. If you have too… 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 »
There are different ways of replacing missing teeth. Tooth replacement can be accomplished with implants or a permanent bridge. Tooth loss is one of the most destructive issues that can affect your smile. It can be caused by aggressive dental diseases, or simply the teeth is lost due to trauma. Unfortunately, tooth loss is common… Read more »
We may never be able to completely prevent the loss of a tooth for everyone. The good news is that today’s dentistry offers a wealth of preventive measures and tooth replacement options. It also offers highly lifelike materials and techniques for tooth replacement so that patients can regain their confidence in their smiles. If you… Read more »
Tooth loss can be a frightening thing as an adult. It can cause feelings from embarrassment to frustration, and leave you with a general sense of uneasiness. After all, do you know what caused the tooth loss, or if you will soon lose more? How will you be able to chew, and will it ever… 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 »
Unless you’ve dealt with receiving a dental crown before, you may not yet be familiar with PFM crowns. Good news: It might sound mysterious but we can explain very quickly. PFM simply stands for porcelain-fused-to-metal. This is a dental crown built on a metal base with a layer of porcelain baked over it. It’s like… 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 »
What is a cosmetic dentist? A doctor who focuses on cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve your smile. More attention is directed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. Most of the public thinks of teeth whitening or bonding, but most cosmetic dentists in Chicago will provide many smile improvement treatments…. Read more »
Losing teeth certainly affects the appearance of a smile. But most importantly, tooth loss can be detrimental to oral health and function. Prompt treatment is necessary to avoid the issues that can arise from losing teeth. A dental implant is a modern approach to prosthetic care. This treatment helps those with tooth loss regain their… Read more »
If you have obvious gaps in your smile because of tooth loss, you may feel embarrassed, and worry that people make negative associations based on your condition. The cosmetic component of tooth loss is certainly important, but it is only one aspect that can merit concern. If you have lost teeth, there are oral health… Read more »
When patients are ready to make real improvements to their smile and dental health, they can explore how cosmetic dentistry and prosthodontic makeover work can help. When planning major dentistry, search for a well trained and experienced dentist that can provide you with a treatment experience that leads to a healthy smile. For many patients,… Read more »
Are you missing one or more teeth and looking for the best way to restore your smile? If so, you may wonder which restorative dentistry treatment is best to restore the function and beauty of your smile. While each treatment can provide you with a beautiful smile, they each have pros and cons. Today we… Read more »
Are you planing important cosmetic dental work? Does your dentist listen to you? Do you need to get another opinion to confirm a dentist recommendation? Have you thought about getting another opinion first? Because modern dental treatments can do so much for a person’s smile, you can count on the right procedure to transform the… Read more »
Are you missing something in your smile? Do you want a new tooth? We can replace missing teeth with removable dentures or even dental bridges, but over time your jawbone could continue to break down. Fortunately, we have an advanced treatment option that can help preserve your jawbone tissue. How do dental implants preserve your… Read more »
There are many types of replacement teeth, which one is perfect for you? Like all dental restorations, a dental bridge is tailored to your unique needs and preferences. The highly lifelike dental prosthesis is made to replace a lost tooth in a way that restores your smile’s appearance and your bite’s function without being obvious…. 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 »
Do you wake up with jaw or facial pain or suffer from frequent headaches? Does your jaw pop or click when you open your mouth? Has nighttime grinding worn your enamel down or caused damage? If you said yes to any of these, you and your oral health might benefit from bruxism treatment. While not… Read more »
Smile improvement is an important part of cosmetic dentistry. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is a significant motivating factor for visiting your dentist. For many patients, so is being proud of their smile’s appearance. Depending on the nature of your cosmetic concerns, upgrading how you look with the smile makeover process may seem complicated…. Read more »
Are dental implants safe? Yes, they are super successful also. While there is no procedure in medicine and dentistry that is 100%, implant fixtures are very unlikely to have problems. The success rate in the lower jaw is 98% and 96% in the upper jaw. Implant dentists are constantly balancing the great benefits of implant… 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 »
Teeth crowns can be used to restore teeth and 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 of… Read more »
If you have visited us before, you are likely aware of our philosophy that extends into providing patients with beautiful, natural looking smiles. We base your care on artistic dentistry, an approach to guiding you toward the most beautiful smile that best complements your features, while matching your smile goals and other preferences, such as… Read more »
To say something has room for improvement doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t an effective solution. For instance, a dental bridge is a highly effective means of replacing a lost tooth. They can be used to replace more than one tooth if there is enough support from the surrounding teeth. When 3 or more teeth… Read more »
Do you have heavy tooth wear? You can’t exactly control yourself when you’re asleep. Though this doesn’t usually pose a problem, there are some things you might unconsciously do that could cause harm to your teeth and other oral structures. Bruxism, or the habit of grinding and clenching your teeth, typically affects patients in their… Read more »
Even when patients diligently brush and floss their teeth, certain habits like tooth gnashing can cause significant dental problems. For example, habitually gnashing teeth can wear down a tooth’s natural defenses, leading to a host of dental problems that can destroy your smile. Clinically known as bruxism, habitual teeth grinding is more common than many… Read more »
Do you suffer from tooth loss? According to a recent study conducted by the American Association or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69% of adults over the age of 35 are missing at least one permanent tooth. As we age, the rate of tooth loss often increases. The study went on to reveal that by… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
There are many reasons for tooth loss. Gum disease is the most common cause for missing teeth in adulthood. Whether you have lost your teeth to injury, infection, extraction, or any other number of reasons, you understand the discomfort that comes with eating and speaking. Some patients are embarrassed to show their smile because of… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
There are many benefits of a beautiful smile. Have you ever wondered why people feel happy around children? Yes, they are cute and energetic, but research indicates it’s for another reason entirely. It’s because they smile an average of 400 times a day. It’s true. The average adult only does it about 20 times a… Read more »
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 »