Is cosmetic dentistry the best way to go for me? The cosmetic dentistry journey is one that begins and ends in the mirror. For most patients, the journey starts when they look at their reflection and feel unhappy or dissatisfied with the general appearance of their smile. That same journey often ends when their dentist… Read more »
Within the last 20 years, dental implants have become the tooth replacement option of choice among dentists and patients. Comprised of small, screw-like devices that an oral surgeon literally implants into your jaw, dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium and enjoy a very high success rate. While you may have read about the extra… Read more »
TMJ refers to the tempromandibular joints that lay in either side of your face, where the jaw connects to the skull. Nestled within the joint is a cartilage disc that allows for full articulation of the jaw. Healthy TMJ function lets you to open and close your jaw with a smooth gliding motion. Any disruption… Read more »
Have you ever heard of a condition called barodontalgia? No, it’s not some exotic location in Europe, but you do have to fly in an airplane to experience it. Unfortunately, unlike a vacation, you probably don’t want barodontalgia. In laymen’s terms, this condition is simply a high-altitude toothache. Similar to a scuba diver experiencing decompression… Read more »
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, nearly 70% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one tooth. The primary causes of tooth loss in adult Americans include gum disease, tooth decay, and accidental injury. People tend to seek immediate treatment for teeth missing from the… Read more »
Did you know that June is National Osteoporosis Awareness month? In fact, about 25% of women in the United States will experience bone loss (osteoporosis) at some point in the lifetime—typically during or after menopause. Osteoporosis can lead to an increased risk for bone fracture. Many of our patients are surprised to learn that osteoporosis… Read more »
Most people associate a straightened smile with a cosmetic enhancement. While nicely aligned teeth improve your image, correct bite alignment is better for your smile in more ways than one. Lake Forest cosmetic dentist, Dr. Fondriest is here to explain how evenly spaced teeth allow for better oral hygiene than crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth…. Read more »
Teeth Cleaning with Herbs Have you considered anti-inflammatory herbs for your gums? Natural remedies come from several cultures around the world as a preliminary toothbrush: chewing sticks. In India, the neem tree, or “Nature’s Pharmacy”, offered antibacterial properties that prevent plaque and clean teeth with the bristles of a frayed twig. In the early Americas,… Read more »
It seems that for years people have not considered their mouth a part of their body. That sounds strange doesn’t it? Yet, even the medical field has ignored the implications of a diseased mouth on a patient’s bodily health. Today that is changing. There has been all sorts of research indicating a connection between the… Read more »
Why are we getting cavities? Spring is a minefield of sweets and candy. With Valentine’s Day, Easter, cotton candy at the carnivals, and that long awaited day when snow cone stands reopen for business, you may find yourself overindulging in springtime treats. Sugar is often cited as the worst offender for your dental health and… Read more »
Dental Implant Questions Q1: Tooth loss can occur as a result of which of the following? A. Injury B. Gum disease C. Tooth decay D. All of the above Q2: Which of the following tooth replacement feels and looks the most natural? A. Dental bridge B. Dental implant C. Dentures D. Partial denture Q3: Is… 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 »
Do you have tooth discoloration? Does your smile appear dull or discolored? Did you know that stains and discoloration can involve both the external parts of your teeth and internal tooth structures? Understanding the cause of tooth discoloration is an important part of assessing your oral health and improving the appearance of your smile. Some… 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 »
Gum disease is common. Recent findings show up to 80% of the population in the United States has gum disease. Despite the fact that gum disease is very common, many patients lack awareness and information on the disease. Early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) are reversible with regular dental cleanings and thorough oral hygiene. If… Read more »
In past blogs, we discussed TMJ dysfunction and TMJ disorder symptoms. TMJ disorder is a common condition that varies in severity from patient to patient. The most noticeable TMJ symptoms produce discomfort and pain in the face, neck, jawbones, and the ears. However, teeth grinding (bruxism) is often interrelated with TMJ dysfunction. Bruxism is best… Read more »
Dental cavities are a common dental ailment. Despite the prevalence of cavities, tooth decay is a serious condition. Tooth decay must be addressed by dental treatment. Over time, cavities will become larger and may infect the sensitive interior structures of teeth. Dr. James Fondriest addresses cavities with white restorations that help prevent further dental damage… Read more »
The tongue is one of the most overlooked parts of the mouth. You have probably been told many times not to neglect brushing your tongue when you clean your teeth. Despite being frequently forgotten, your tongue is very important. The tongue has three major functions. It assists with chewing food and pronouncing words properly along… Read more »
The American Dental Association recognizes an association between periodontal disease and other illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Since February is designated as heart health awareness month, our staff at Lake Forest Dental Arts would like to inform our readers about the link between heart disease and oral health. How Oral Health Can… Read more »
Do you have jaw pain while yawning? About 15% of Americans suffer from severe facial pain? Our team has found that over half of our patients exhibit symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ dysfunction disrupts the natural and harmonious movement of the facial bones, muscles, and ligaments. Dr. James Fondriest holds extensive experience with… Read more »
Did you know that sports drinks are dangerous? Dr. James Fondriest encourages his patients to live an active lifestyle with plenty of cardiovascular exercise. Many of us are concerned about staying hydrated throughout the day and sports drinks are a common choice for maintaining a healthy level of hydration. Although beneficial ingredients in sports drinks like… Read more »
If you start your morning with coffee or finish an evening off with red wine, you might be staining your teeth. These beverages, along with cola and many others, are notorious for causing extrinsic tooth stains. Many of our patients can ease the incidence of these stains with regular dental cleanings and comprehensive daily oral… Read more »
As scientists and researchers discover more about the connection between oral health and overall vitality, we would like to provide our patients insight into how diabetes affects your oral hygiene and overall health. Dr. James Fondriest strives to continually educate his patients, especially patients with certain conditions and special needs. Below are some commonly asked… Read more »
At Lake Forest Dental Arts, we value your feedback. Let us know how you felt and what you experienced at your appointment. This will help Dr. Fondriest continue to improve his services. For Our Patients Feedback and testimonials help give new and current patients an unbiased perspective. If the advice is coming from people in… Read more »
You’ve just consumed a garlicky calzone on your lunch hour when you realize you have a meeting with your supervisor that afternoon. You know your breath is going to blow her away and you start to panic. We all know the basics of maintaining fresh breath with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, but what about those… Read more »
What do people say about your smile? Smiling is an important aspect to improve many parts of your life. Dr. Fondriest hopes these quotes will put a smile on your face and help you understand the importance of grinning. Your Appearance “People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile.” –Lee Mildon “A… Read more »
It’s important that you understand exactly what dental treatment you’re receiving and why it’s necessary. If the condition of your mouth confuses you, or your dentist confuses you, then Dr. Fondriest recommends seeking a second opinion to clear things up. Why Should I Get a Second Opinion? All dentists have different backgrounds, training, and perspectives on… Read more »
Is your smile missing something? Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. When you lose a tooth, surrounding teeth can drift into the open space, creating alignment issues and difficulties chewing and functioning. Fortunately, Dr. Fondriest offers many different types of tooth replacement options to help fill in your smile. Dental Implants… Read more »
Your smile needs to receive the best dental care available to stay healthy and beautiful. Education, experience, and technique are some of the main qualities people look for when searching for a new dentist. Dr. James Fondriest has numerous awards, honors, and recognitions that make him favorable to so many patients. Honorary Organizations Dr. Fondriest… Read more »
Did you know that using a straw can protect your teeth.? Americans drink an average of one and a half cans of soda each day. Tomorrow, January 3, is the anniversary of the drinking straw. This simple invention can help protect your smile from beverages that can stain or erode your teeth. Visit Dr. Fondriest… Read more »
“Best” is in the eye of the beholder. The best toothbrush is the one that meets your specific needs. Toothbrush choices can be a sensitive subject as we all have our preferences but which ones really are the best for you? Ask yourself these questions next time you buy a new toothbrush. In the past,… Read more »
Research suggests that over half of the American population is affected by cold sores, but not all show symptoms or know they have contracted the virus that causes these unsightly, painful blisters. With the cold and flu season quickly approaching, cold sores will be showing up on faces even more frequently. Few know the facts… Read more »
Do you brush before bed? Get home, check the mail, exercise, eat dinner, watch some TV or read, then shower, brush your teeth, and hit the sack. This is the routine for most Americans between 5 and 11pm, Monday through Friday. It seems like a good routine. There’s a balance of exercise, fueling the body,… Read more »
“After 3 years of chronic TMJ pain, various treatments (such as biofeedback, physical therapy, and massage therapy), and countless doctors, I started to just accept that my headache and neck ache pain was always going to be a part of me. However, like all good stories, just when I had accepted my fate, my story… Read more »
Most celebrities have a reputation of having perfectly white, straight teeth. But not all! Here are a few of the rich and famous stars that could benefit from cosmetic dental work. let us introduce some celebrities who could really need a smile makeover. Morgan Freeman: He didn’t start his career until later life, so he… Read more »
Oral health is definitely affected by smoking. You’ve probably heard about the link between tobacco and heart disease, stroke, and cancer, but do you know what smoking does to your teeth? Let’s examine the most common oral health problems associated with smoking. Social Factors Bad breath: The bacteria in your mouth mix with the tobacco… Read more »
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, so Dr. Fondriest and our team want you to know the warning signs, as provide by the American Diabetes Association. Gum disease is a contributor to diabetes. If you experience these symptoms, visit your personal physician for a blood glucose test. Frequent urination Unusual thirst Extreme hunger Unusual weight loss… Read more »
Dental X-rays give insight into some of the most elusive dental health issues to the naked eye. Using digital radiography can not only diagnose problems, but also develop treatment plans. Dental radiography is an irreplaceable diagnostic tool. Dental x-rays show issues like tooth decay, misalignment, soft tissue damage, and periodontal disease that escape visual detection. Children generally… Read more »
You’re probably aware that dental plaque is the sticky, yellow substance that forms naturally on teeth. We brush our teeth to remove plaque so that it doesn’t cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Un-removed plaque calcifies into a hard substance called calculus or tartar. At dental cleanings, a hygienist removes plaque that we miss… Read more »
Do you skip flossing, or is it difficult because of dexterity issues, spacing between your teeth, or dental work? If you hate flossing, or find that it isn’t effective, you’re not alone. Dr. James Fondriest, a Chicago dentist, recommends interdental brushing (also called using a proxy brush) as a fantastic, and often better, alternative to flossing…. Read more »
Leafy Green Vegetables Could Prevent Oral Cancer You could be aware of the dangers of oral cancer, especially if you regularly read this blog. Maybe you’ve read the statistics: oral cancer is diagnosed in 37,000 people each year, and it kills about one person every hour. You could also be aware that use of tobacco… Read more »
Is Your Dentist an Artist? Cosmetic dentistry is a scientific discipline, but it also involves artistry. Dr. James Fondriest, a Chicago cosmetic dentist, possesses the attention to detail and aesthetic eye of a true artist. His work is highly sought-after by people in Chicago and across the country. As an artist, are you proud of… Read more »
If you want whiter teeth, you might be overwhelmed by the number of professional and over-the-counter products available. How do you choose the right one? You can start by eliminating over-the-counter products from your list, because they do not yield results that are as permanent or striking as professional whitening. As for the right professional… Read more »
Does flossing daily seem like a tedious, unnecessary task? Do you rarely or never floss? Perhaps you should understand how important flossing is. Brushing alone cannot remove all of the food debris and plaque that hides between your teeth. When you don’t floss, you put yourself at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth… Read more »