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 »
Cosmetic dental work comes at a cost, but the benefits are well worth it. The goals of a cosmetic dentist are to enhance a tooth or multiple teeth and improve your quality of life. There are many types of tooth enhancement that a skilled dentist can render. Common cosmetic dental goals are to improve a tooth’s:… 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 »
Dark teeth can have a negative impact on your life. You may avoid speaking to others or always smile with your mouth closed for photos. If you find yourself going out of your way to hide your teeth then it’s time to make some changes. What effects can dark teeth have on your life? An… Read more »
Problem: “I have gum receding around a crown. The tooth root feels sensitive when heat or cold comes in contact with it, and the crown itself looks unhealthy. Solution: “Your problem is more common than you might think, and treatment is possible. You need to find a dentist who can perform a gum graft to… 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 »
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 »
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 »
As time passes, some dental wear and tear can inevitably happen. As strong as our teeth can be, they still have a difficult job, and regularly experience biting and chewing pressure. What you should be wary of is the effect that poor dental care and habits like teeth grinding can do to your smile. If… Read more »
If you are someone dealing with hypodontia, then this is likely a term with which you’re already very familiar. In short, it means that due to heredity, you have not developed one or several permanent teeth. When teeth fail to grow, you are left with an adult smile with open spaces in it. Of course,… Read more »
Cavities are common problems even today. The vast majority of Americans have had tooth decay. Fortunately, cavities aren’t typically difficult to deal with, especially if they’re detected and treated early. In many cases, treating cavities is easier with the help of tooth colored white fillings. White fillings not only blend in with your natural teeth,… Read more »
Many people do not know how to clean a dental bridge. Tooth loss is never an ideal circumstance, but when life happens, restorative dentistry can restore a full, functional smile. Thankfully, with the number of tooth replacement methods available, restoring your smile is relatively simple. One of the more common dental restorations is a dental… 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 »
What is a cosmetic dentist? A doctor that 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 »
You may find yourself quickly agreeing with others in conversation that of course, dental implants are the best for replacing missing teeth! However, you then realize that while you feel fully on board with this idea because you’ve heard about them so frequently (and always in the best light), you don’t really know what they… Read more »
Worried that you could be in need of esthetic restorative care? If so, what is causing you the most concern? Is it what your dental restoration will look like once completed, or what it will feel like? Many people, especially those who haven’t had restorative work completed in a long time, worry about how they… 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 »
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 »
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 »
Like any dental issue, the best way to protect your smile from a dental cavity is to prevent it from forming. With great hygiene, regular dental care, and close attention, you can do so easily. The reason why prevention is best is because once a cavity forms, it doesn’t stop progressing until you address it…. Read more »
Restorative dental treatments are typically designed with three main goals in mind – to stop the damage or decay from progressing, restore your bite’s function, and preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. In most cases, all three can be achieved with a minimally invasive, custom-designed treatment such as tooth filling. However, in more… 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 your dentist tells you that you need root canal treatment, then you may not immediately think that it’s something to celebrate. After all, the goal of continuous hygiene and dental care is supposed to be to help you avoid serious dental issues and the need for extensive treatment to address them. However, if your… Read more »
The principles behind many of today’s most advanced dental treatments haven’t changed much over the years. The materials, technology, and techniques have just become significantly more advanced. For instance, when it comes to treating cavities, tooth fillings have long been the best way to save teeth. Today, however, the materials used to fill cavities and… Read more »
Today’s dentistry is an art form. In addition to ensuring your good oral health and bite function, modern restorations also help preserve your natural tooth structure prevent further issues from developing. For instance, dental crowns, which are often crafted from highly lifelike dental porcelain, can be fashioned according to precise measurements of your tooth. A… Read more »
Do you want to avoid a root canal for your entire life? Sounds like a dumb question but so many people get them. Cavities are common, but because they cause teeth to ache, most patients seek treatment for them in their mild to moderate stages. With a tooth-colored filling, patients can restore their teeth and… Read more »
If you have difficulty chewing, it could be due to several different factors including weak, broken down, or missing teeth. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to address this issue right away. Proper chewing function is necessary for nutrition and overall health and wellness. In this informative article, we’ll explore: Statistics regarding chewing problems in… 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 »
Tooth decay impacts patients of all ages and will require restorative treatment. Otherwise, serious complications can arise, such as dental infections or abscesses. Fortunately, we can provide an artistic and cosmetic approach to restorative treatment. We can fix a cavity using lifelike fillings and crowns. Cavities are one of the most common dental problems on… Read more »
Are you concerned that the minimal discomfort you have been feeling, could be due to an undiagnosed dental issue like a cavity? If so, you may already be having difficulty chewing comfortably. Over time, that minor toothache can worsen to the point of extensive pain, if unaddressed, that is. The good news is that modern… 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 »
Have you been suffering from dental problems, recently, with pain that is making it difficult to enjoy your meals or even snacks, lately? If so, you may have already considered the fact that you could be suffering from a dental problem, like a cavity or even a tooth infection. But have you considered the many… Read more »
Are dental implants safe? Yes they are and 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… Read more »
Did you know that there is an aging process of teeth? Ever wondered how old you would seem based solely on your smile? More specifically, do you ever wonder if your dentist would be able to accurately determine your age based on the health, or problems, of your smile? Dental issues, from staining to decay,… 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 »
Is tooth loss inevitable? If you lose a natural tooth, is a dental implant the right choice for replacing it? There are a lot of questions surrounding tooth loss, many of them surrounding the best methods of rebuilding your smile afterwards. Are there alternatives to dental implants that will work as well? Tooth loss as… Read more »
The saying goes that admitting you have a problem is half the battle. But when it comes to improving your smile, knowing you have a problem is of little consequence, if you’re still struggling to determine the best course of cosmetic treatment. Understanding what options are available to you, and how each can address different… Read more »
What an awful feeling it is to lose a tooth as an adult. It’s embarrassing, possibly painful, and can be a nuisance as well. Trying to speak and chew after losing a tooth can feel uncomfortable and unnatural. It can also be overwhelming, when you consider how many restorative options there are for completing your… 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 »
If you have a damaged tooth via accident or decay, there are many treatment options available to save it. There are minimally invasive and more invasive options depending on the case. Extreme decay and accident would probably require a more invasive treatment. In today’s blog, Dr. Fondriest discusses one option: Porcelain on Metal Crowns. What are… 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 »
To many people, a toothache is a toothache. If it hurts, put ice on it until you get around to visiting your dentist. To the trained professional, or to someone who’s ignored his toothache long enough, the situation is more than just a nuisance; it’s a serious threat to good dental health. For instance, one… 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 »
Not all broken teeth were created equal. In other words, broken teeth have varying degrees of severity. A broken tooth could have just a chip missing, while other fractures reach as far as the tooth’s pulp. Regardless of the size of the break, leaving a broken tooth untreated could lead to infections. Since the enamel… Read more »
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 »
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 »
Have you wanted to use bleaching treatment to improve the appearance of your smile? Then you should know that not everyone can have the procedure. In fact, dentists often suggest a different whitening alternative, should they fall into one these categories. If you’re unsure if you can receive teeth bleaching treatments, Dr. James Fondriest offers of… 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 »
Dentures are one of the oldest forms of dentistry. Today, dentures are designed and crafted with such realism that an observer can’t tell they are fake. However, even the most advanced dentures lack something that your healthy natural teeth rely on. There is no support of a root or anchor to hold them within your… 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 »
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 »
Cosmetic dentistry can help us look younger When we age, we may look older but we never seem to feel older. So, why not have a smile that reflects how young you really feel? Over time, our smiles become stained and damaged, losing their youthful luster. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have the… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
When caring for their smiles, few people consider the importance of a healthy jawbone. In fact, your jawbone helps keep your teeth strong, healthy, and holds them in place. But when a patient fails at replacing missing teeth, they leave their jawbone vulnerable to bone loss. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how to… 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 »
Many people in America suffer from neck pain and tooth grinding. Over-the-counter pain relievers seem to do little, and the cause of their aches remains a mystery. Constant pains in the neck, head, or face, could be a sign of more serious disorder called TMD or TMJ. Dr. James Fondriest, explains TMJ disorder and… 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 »
A visit to your dentist can go one of two ways. If you follow the American Dental Association’s suggestion of checkups every six months, your time in the dentist’s chair can pass quickly and comfortably. If you find yourself among the 74% of Americans who only see a dentist when a problem develops, you might… Read more »
A recent article from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a significant association between tooth loss and dementia. Those who can no longer chew food have a higher likelihood of developing dementia. Gum disease creates a bacterial shower in your circulatory system. This bacterial shower is linked to many systemic diseases such as… Read more »
Which is better, a dental bridge vs implant? The importance of replacing missing teeth cannot be overstated. Each of your teeth has a specific function. When one tooth is lost, the other teeth begin to sustain this loss by shifting. This shifting can lead to a misaligned bite, also called malocclusion. Malocclusion can cause a… Read more »
Missing teeth should not be viewed as an inevitable fact of aging. Instead, seniors should fight back against tooth loss with proper oral hygiene, frequent dental checkups and cleanings, as well as restorative dentistry. Dental implants can play a significant role in maintaining your surrounding teeth after suffering from tooth loss. Implants prevent tooth loss… 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 »
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 »
We all remember how the terror of a loose tooth was offset by the subsequent visit from the Tooth Fairy. However, we only get one set of adult permanent teeth, and losing one is hardly a cause for celebration. Proper oral hygiene is the most important part of caring for your teeth, but minimizing and… Read more »
Do you look older than you feel? If you’ve tried anti-aging products but something is still missing, you might need to look at your teeth. Changes in your body when you age can affect your teeth, as can the accumulation of daily wear. Have you thought about addressing your age related dental health changes? Dr…. 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 »
Are your teeth worn down as a result of bruxism? If you have issues with bruxism (also called nighttime grinding) your dentist may have given you a bite guard to wear at night. But your dentist may not have the ability required to repair the effects of bruxism. Dr. James Fondriest, a cosmetic dentist, can… Read more »
Crowns are a useful tool in restorative dentistry for a variety of reasons: Covering a decayed tooth when a filling alone can’t strengthen it Covering a misshapen or discolored tooth Holding together a cracked tooth Covering a dental implant Securing a bridge Three basic options for crowns exist:
You know how to properly brush your teeth. You go in for regular dental checkups and cleanings. So you’re doing all you can to protect your teeth, right? Wrong. If you are practicing bad habits or eating the wrong foods, you may unknowingly hurt your teeth. These habits can cause damage to your teeth: Grinding… Read more »