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 »
Dr. Fondriest and our team understand that about half of Americans avoid dental visits, but we’re here to relieve your fears and misconceptions. A common reason for avoiding dental visits is fear of being exposed to too much radiation during dental x-rays. Although this used to be a legitimate fear, technology has improved so much… Read more »
You may think about how wonderful you would feel with a whiter smile. However, when you think about this term, you wonder: Is there some universal “white” that we aim for? What if you don’t really need to whiten everything, so you worry about trying to explain your needs? We remind you that we will… 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 are… Read more »
There are many types of toothaches with many causes. If you pinch your tooth, it wouldn’t hurt like pinching your arm does. Good thing, too, considering how much pressure your teeth experience every day. The reason for their insensitivity lies in the composition of your teeth, which includes a thin, but super-resilient layer of mineral… Read more »
Aside from hygiene product commercials and visits to the dentist, you may not hear much about oral health. The lack of conversation about it, however, doesn’t accurately reflect the fact that most people have one or more serious dental issues to deal with. In fact, in the United States alone, over 90% of adults have… Read more »
There are many things that stain teeth. In many cases, teeth whitening won’t work. Depending on the nature and severity of the stains. Your teeth are comprised of a dense, porous, bone-like substance called dentin, which is surrounded by a semi-translucent material known as enamel. Though dentin dictates the color of your tooth, enamel is… 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 »
Diagnosing some dental conditions takes a little more detective work than others. For instance, a cavity’s presence can be betrayed by the visual signs of decay (i.e., internal tooth discoloration, a visible hole in your tooth, and/or a severe toothache). Gum disease is usually detected by inflamed, bleeding, and receding gums (to varying degrees, depending… Read more »
Technically, your permanent teeth should last a lifetime. Realistically, however, that isn’t always the case. Tooth loss can affect anyone, given the right circumstances. With its astounding prevalence (statistics show that 69% of adults aged 35-44 have lost at least one permanent tooth), you might wonder if tooth loss is preventable at all. By understanding… Read more »
Although protected by the most resilient substance found within the human body, your teeth aren’t indestructible. In fact, teeth crack and break all the time, which begs the question, just how strong are they, really? The answer is “very strong” if you take proper care of them, meaning more than just brushing and flossing your… 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 »
What are the risks of constant clenching. Your teeth resist stress every day with biting and chewing your food. For some people, that pressure is multiplied by constant clenching and grinding. The habit of clenching your teeth may not produce any symptoms. Or it in combination with bruxism may wear down your teeth enough to… Read more »
You might recognize a headache, tense back muscles, and an upset stomach as telltale symptoms of stress and anxiety, but can you recognize how the condition affects your dental health? Stress is considered one common cause of tooth grinding. One of the most common indications of prolonged tension is bruxism, or habitual teeth-grinding, which can… Read more »
Have you been thinking about getting dental implants and wondered about the technological improvements happening? The beauty of dental implants is that they are safe and improve conventional replacement teeth’s feel and function. There have been many improvements in design and performance. Scientists in Japan and China believe so, and their research suggests a special… Read more »
For a lot of people, the thought of candy automatically invokes thoughts of cavities, and with good reason. Loaded with sugar and sometimes acidic substances, candy is a common contributor to cavities—the holes that form in your teeth when they’re infected with harmful bacteria. Your mouth is an ecological wonderland, with over 600 different identifiable… Read more »
Talking about curing halitosis is not a taboo subject, but if you suffer from it chronically, you may be less apt to talk about it. Not only does the topic hit close to home, but conversing with people at all might be embarrassing if they catch a waft of your malodorous breath. Nevertheless, speaking about… 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 »
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 »
Gum disease is one of the most widespread dental health issues in adults today. It is also the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. Gum Disease Overview The danger of gum disease isn’t due to the fact that gum disease is difficult to detect or hard to treat. On the contrary,… Read more »
Since 1996, the number of professional teeth whitening procedures performed by dentists across the United States has increased an amazing 300%, says the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Given the ubiquity of the procedure and the wealth of information out there about it, you probably think you know everything there is to know about teeth… Read more »
How often has this happened to you? You’re sitting down, about to take a bite of your favorite hamburger or piece of sushi and, as you open your mouth, you hear a familiar popping or clicking sound in your jaw. Even if it doesn’t cause any pain, that loud popping noise can be disconcerting and,… Read more »
The latest advances in dental implants and Bioteeth technology If you’ve done any research at all about replacing your missing teeth, then you’ve more than likely read about dental implants. These cutting-edge devices are comprised of three parts: the implant, which an oral surgeon or periodontist inserts into the jawbone; the abutment, which connects the… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
While a bright smile can boost our confidence, we shouldn’t forget to pay attention to what’s happening to our teeth below the gum line. The roots and cementum of our teeth help keep our smile healthy and beautiful. Dr. James Fondriest, explains the importance of our less visible tooth structure.
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 »
Keeping your teeth bright and free of stains doesn’t just make your smile sparkle. Regular dental hygiene also protects an important part of your teeth that you can’t even see. In today’s blog, your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains he importance of protecting your dental pulp.
A variety of factors can lead to discoloration in our teeth. Tannins, which are found in several popular beverages, play a unique role in causing teeth stains. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how tannins aid in discoloring your smile and discusses our professional teeth whitening procedures.
When discussing dental care, most people focus on their teeth. While bright, healthy teeth are vital for good dental health, don’t overlook the tongue. Caring for the tongue is important. In addition to being one of the strongest and fastest healing muscles in the human body, the tongue helps maintain good oral hygiene. In today’s… Read more »
Often, in the name of politeness, we find ourselves faking a smile. People may force a smile during a bad joke or to mask a bad mood. For years, researchers believed one could easily distinguish a genuine smile from a fake one. In fact, many considered it impossible to fake a genuine smile, also… Read more »
Have you ever heard of dentin in teeth? Few people realize the importance of this layer of inner tooth structure. Learn the importance of protecting your dentin and preventing tooth decay.
Do you have reduced immunity against gum bacteria? In the United States, over 75% of adults exhibit symptoms of gum disease. Literally millions of Americans suffer from the affects of periodontal disease. Recently, researchers discovered a new clue as to why this disorder is so widespread. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how the… 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 »
Your dental health can have wide-ranging consequences for your overall health. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, researchers from the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland have connected rheumatoid arthritis to periodontitis. The link between gum disease and arthritis comes from the bacteria released into the blood stream. Every time… Read more »
Finding healthy treats for teeth can be difficult in a busy world. The holidays are approaching, and this means an increase in sugar consumption for many people. When you place special treats around the house for family and guests to graze on, chances are you’ll be munching on the morsels as well. In the spirit… Read more »
Our earliest ancestors must have realized the importance of oral hygiene. As early as 3,000 BC, people were cleaning their teeth with nothing more than sticks. Since then, cosmetic dentistry has taken great leaps forward. Today, Dr. James Fondriest provides state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry procedures to perfect the smiles of his Chicago patients. To the Lake… Read more »
Anti-inflammatory Herbal Remedies for Your Gums Have you considered anti-inflammatory herbal remedies for your gums? Most commonly associated with sunburn relief, aloe vera can also be beneficial for your gums by alleviating ulcers. Applied directly, the antibacterial properties of aloe vera can help your ulcers heal faster. If you have a toothache, contact us right… Read more »
As a cosmetic and general dentist who strives to educate his patients on oral systemic health, Dr. James Fondriest and our team at Lake Forest Dental Arts would like to raise awareness for birth defect prevention. January is designated by the National Birth Defect Prevention Network as a month to educate the public on birth… 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 and gum disease are connected. Dr. James Fondriest strives to continually educate his patients, especially patients with certain conditions and special needs. Below are some commonly asked questions about… Read more »
It has been theorized since the 1920’s that heart disease and gum disease are linked. Recent research has indicated links not only between heart disease and oral health, but between oral health and diabetes, hypertension, lung infections, and dementia. Although the links are not perfectly clear, research continues to try to narrow down specifics as… Read more »
Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift for a family member? Usually, giving high-tech gifts is a safe route that is sure to make the recipient smile. Have you considered buying an electric toothbrush? In the 1980s, a popular high-tech gift was a Walkman or a pager. In the 1990s, it was a… 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 »
In celebration of Whole Grains Month… what’s that? You didn’t know that it’s Whole Grains Month?! Well it is! In celebration of Whole Grains Month, Dr. Fondriest wants you to know, eating whole grains can reduce your risk for inflammatory diseases, including gum disease, as well as tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes,… Read more »