Restore Your Beautiful Smile with Dental Veneers

Even if you brush and floss your teeth daily and see your dentist every 6 months, your teeth may begin to show wear and tear.  These issues — often minor cracks, gaps, chips, discoloration, and misalignment — may not be too harmful but can make you feel self-conscious about our smiles.  You may find yourself holding back from smiling when you really want to. Porcelain dental veneers can address all these various issues, refreshing your smile with just one simple procedure instead of multiple.

Refresh your smile with dental veneers

A veneers dentist in Berwyn, IL can use porcelain dental veneers to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Veneers can correct the color, shape, and spacing of your teeth. A porcelain veneer is a very thin shell that covers the front and sides of a tooth that is permanently bonded into place to cover cosmetic issues.

Porcelain is very similar in appearance to natural tooth enamel so veneers will blend in seamlessly. When shaped and placed correctly, it should feel completely natural in your mouth and you won’t even notice them when you are talking or eating. Dental veneers are highly stain resistant and can eliminate the worry of your teeth turning yellow over time. They are very strong and durable but, just like your strongest natural tooth, can be broken or cracked if too much force is applied.

Dental veneers can also be used to make misaligned teeth appear straighter, allowing for a quicker, simpler and less expensive option for teeth straightening compared to orthodontic treatment. Porcelain veneers are customized for each patient’s mouth and placed over your existing teeth, so your cosmetic dentist near you can design your veneers to cover any cosmetic issues your smile may have.

Porcelain veneers procedure

  • Comprehensive Evaluation:A comprehensive dental exam and evaluation is the first step in the process of creating porcelain veneers. He will also conduct a physical examination of your jaws, teeth gums and other structures in the mouth.
  • Treatment Planning:Your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan just for you. They will discuss your desired results and your choice in materials to reach your dental goal.
  • Design & Fabrication:Next your dentist will prepare your teeth and take impressions to create your veneers. Dental veneers in Berwyn, IL are toot-colored to give you a natural looking smile. The veneer is created closely to your natural shade so no one will notice that you had a cosmetic treatment.
  • Final Restoration:At the final visit, your dentist will place the porcelain veneers on your teeth, checking the fit and color. Any minor adjustments will be made before they are permanently cemented to the teeth.

If you also want to restore your smile with dental veneers in Berwyn, IL; contact us today. The team at Berwyn Dental Connection is here to give you a healthy and beautiful smile.

How To Get A Dazzling Smile With Teeth Whitening

In today’s busy world, we do judge books based on their covers and people by their looks. A big part of making a good first impression on others depends on how bright your smile is. But sadly, not everyone is blessed with pearly white and aligned teeth. When you smile, individuals tend to notice your teeth, and having gaps or yellow teeth can make you feel self-conscious.

Teeth can become yellow or stained for different reasons over time, from constant consumption of tobacco to aging and everything in between. But don’t worry, with various technological advancements in the cosmetic dentistry sector, you can have a dazzling smile with teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening, in simple words, is bleaching your teeth to whiten them. In short, getting your teeth whitened, by a dentist or at home, may seem like a magical solution for your discolored or yellowed teeth.

Choosing the right teeth whitening procedure

Once you decide to opt for teeth whitening, the step is choosing the approach—going for a professional teeth whitening procedure or using an at-home whitening kit. Nowadays, people generally prefer an in-office whitening process by a dentist over at-home whitening kits. This is because the former offers better safety and longevity of the results with no or fewer sensitivity issues.

  • Safety: Over-the-counter whitening kits come with a written set of instructions that needs to be carefully followed by the individual using them. In case of any negligence, he or she could end up damaging the enamel or gums. Some people tend to use an at-home whitening kit for a prolonged time to get better results. But this can end up doing more harm than good by adversely affecting the teeth. Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, is performed by a dentist who is qualified to do so. A dentist for teeth whitening in Berwyn IL starts with conducting an initial inspection and determining your teeth’s sensitivity level before moving on to the whitening process.
  • Longevity of the results: In an in-office teeth whitening process, the dentist uses the right amount of bleaching agent or hydrogen peroxide. This results in white teeth that can last up to three years with proper care. For at-home whitening kits, the results do not last long even after frequent use.
  • Sensitivity Issues: When at-home whitening kits are not used properly, they can lead to sensitivity issues. Additionally, these kits should not be used on gums, as it can make the gums red and cause irritation. Alternatively, when a dentist performs a teeth whitening process, he or she will take proper precautions and ensure that the gums are safe from chemicals to avoid issues of sensitivity.

The professional teeth whitening process

A dentist for teeth whitening in Berwyn IL uses hydrogen peroxide for making your teeth dazzling white. It is an active chemical that leads to oxidation after it reacts, which, in turn, helps in breaking down the compounds that stain the teeth. The professional whitening process consists of examining your oral health to ensure that you are healthy to undergo the whitening process. Dentists generally do not advise using over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as toothpastes, as their prolonged use may make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages and cause a tingling sensation while sipping tea or fizzy drinks.

Do you want to have a dazzling, white smile? Consulting a teeth whitening in Berwyn IL, can help you in getting that perfect smile of your dreams. Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist near you to get options about various professional teeth whitening procedures.

When Should You Get Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth?

Most dental procedures have two objectives – to improve oral health and to enhance the appearance of the teeth. Treatments that are aimed at protecting decayed teeth or replacing missing teeth generally cover both these aspects. Common treatments for this include dental crowns, dental veneers, implants and dental bridges. Dental bridges in Berwyn, IL are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. They are one of the most common methods for improving the appearance of a smile. If you are wondering whether a dental bridge is the right choice for you, here are some instances where a dental bridge is suitable:

1. If you need to get rid of decayed teeth– If your teeth are decayed beyond the point that filings, crowns or veneers cannot fix it, you will need to get an extraction. If the teeth you need extracted are adjacent to each other, replacing them with a dental bridge will be a suitable option. As bridges are not prone to decay, they last for a long time. This is why they eliminate health risk and prevent decay.

2. If you want to fill the gaps created by missing teeth –No matter what the reason for missing teeth, no one wants to live with a gap in their smile. If you are looking to fill a gap, dental bridges in Berwyn, IL are definitely worth considering. A dental bridge is a quick solution that gives practical yet attractive results. There are various designs available for dental bridges. Talking to a restorative dentist near you about the different options will help you select the best one for yourself.

3. If you have lost confidence in your smile –A gap in your smile can immediately make you feel conscious and lose your confidence in your smile. But do you really want to go through your life hesitating to smile? A simple dental bridge procedure can fix the gaps in your smile. In fact, a dental bridge will enhance the appearance of your smile. It will fix the discolorations and unusual shape of your teeth and make them appear healthy. The best part is that the appearance of the dental bridges matches your teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile.

4. If you want to chew without pain –Missing teeth can make it really difficult to chew food. If you do not fill the gaps, you may have to spend the rest of your life chewing from one side of your mouth. Dental bridges fill in the gaps and provide the stability required to chew food easily and effectively. However, you should remember that the precautions that apply to normal teeth for chewing apply to dental bridges too.

5. If you wish to speak clearly –If two or three teeth are removed in a row, it can leave a significant gap. This gap can impact one’s ability to speak. Teeth create a barrier around the tongue that helps you enunciate certain words. However, if the teeth are not there, it will take more effort to pronounce these words. When your bridge is placed, you can experience the ease of speaking yourself.

6. If you are looking for a quick and affordable option – Apart from dental bridges, dental implants are also a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. However, the time and effort involved with individual dental implants is much more than dental bridges. They are also more affordable as compared to dental implants.

7. If you want to prevent shifting of teeth –Your teeth begin to shift if you do not fill the gaps in your teeth. When teeth shift, you are not only left with large gaps but also with crooked teeth. This will make it difficult to chew and also affect your smile. Dental bridges help in preventing this and even close the gaps between teeth.

If you want to achieve any of the above things, dental bridges in Berwyn, IL will be a good choice for you. Don’t let a gap in your smile make life harder for you. Talk to a dentist near you about your options and fix the gap today.

Invisalign Treatment: 4 Reasons Why It’s The Best Teeth Straightening Method

For many patients out there who are trying to get their teeth straightened easily and conveniently, Invisalign ® is the perfect orthodontic treatment option. Invisalign ® has many advantages over traditional metal braces, which make its demand so high in the marketplace. Although there are some occlusions that Invisalign ® can’t fix, it can still fix most of them and therefore there are high chances that Invisalign ® care may just be the best alternative for your orthodontic treatment.

But let’s give you an idea of what you’ll be in for during your treatment before you decide to get them:

Quick Treatment

Although most conventional orthodontic braces can take more than one year to repair a dental misalignment, Invisalign ® can fix the same within six months! In most cases, it dramatically reduces the recovery time and in most cases also yields better results than conventional braces.

Transparent aligners

Invisalign ® is made transparent. This means you don’t have to think about how your smile would look all through your care. In fact, people may not even know you are receiving orthodontic therapy.

Invisalign ®’s invisible existence has attracted high school students and practitioners alike, to whom appearance matters a lot in their everyday lives.

Comfortable treatment

Invisalign ® is inexplicably easier to wear than metal braces. Invisalign ® is made of smooth and delicate plastic and is lightweight without metal wires and braces. So inside the mouth, it feels very comfortable. Though you may struggle with your speech during the initial days, it would feel completely comfortable and normal once you get used to the material in your mouth.

Convenience

If it wasn’t nice enough to think of no metal braces and heaviness inside your mouth, you must know that Invisalign ® mostly doesn’t come with any diet restrictions. This is because these aligners are removable and therefore if you have to eat or drink, you can take them off anyway. So your diet does not affect your aligners. Talking about removable, you can remove your aligners whenever you want and your condition will not be affected as long as you wear them for 20-22 hours a day.

Isn’t that all you desired in your orthodontic treatment? But let’s not forget that there are certain occlusions that Invisalign ® can not fix. There’s only one way to know if it’s right for you-get a thorough appointment with a dentist for your Invisalign ® treatment in Berwyn IL.

Everything About Dental Sealants That You Were Looking For

dental sealants
Image Source: Freepik

What are dental sealants? 

Dental sealants are thin plastic materials that are coated on to the teeth, usually to prevent tooth decay. They are applied in their liquid form, which hardens overtime to seal the grooves and pits in the teeth, especially the molars and premolars.

How do dental sealants work?

Molars and premolars are uneven, which is why food particles tend to stick there and cause tooth decay over time. Sealants simply make these surfaces even, preventing food particles from being stuck in those grooves and pits!

Why should children get sealants?

Kids are the most prone to tooth decay. Therefore, as per the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, kids should get sealants as soon as the first permanent molars and premolars come up.

“Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in — before decay attacks the teeth. The first permanent molars — called “6 year molars” — come in between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars — “12 year molars” — come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old.”

Sealants act as a protective layer on the surfaces of the teeth and prevent them from decay at a young age. This helps children to sustain their oral health and aesthetics for a long time!

Are dental sealants safe?

Yes, dental sealants are safe and reliable. Dentists have been using them for nearly 6 decades now, and there has been no account of harm caused by dental sealants.

How long do dental sealants last? 

Dental sealants usually last a decade with proper care. However, they are susceptible to teeth grinding and hard brushing and flossing. Thus, their lifespan is generally as long as 6-8 years, approximately.

What to expect while getting dental sealants?

Dental sealants usually require a single appointment.

  • First, the dentist cleans the tooth, often with an electric toothbrush.
  • Second, gauze is placed to keep the tooth dry.
  • Third, an acidic solution is applied to roughen up the surface of the tooth. This is done because sealants stick well to rough surfaces.
  • Fourth, the tooth is rinsed and dried again.
  • Fifth, the sealant is placed on the tooth, usually at the posterior side.

Were you expecting any sort of pain in the process?!

Isn’t proper brushing and flossing better than getting sealants?

Of course! However, the bristles of your toothbrush can not perfectly get rid of the germs at the back of your teeth and have a hard time reaching the pits and grooves effectively. The question is, why would you leave it up to your toothbrush when you can seal the decay-prone areas in the first place?

However, there is one alternative that you may consider. Fluoride is the best and strongest defense against tooth decay. Hence, dentists recommend you to use fluoride toothpaste. Apart from that, you may also drink fluoridated water to keep bacteria away from anywhere in your mouth!

Dentist Near Me | Coffee and Your Teeth

Coffee is well-known as hazardous to teeth, but there are things you can do besides cut it out completely. Here are some things to know about coffee’s effects on your oral health and diet, as well as how to mitigate them.

Contrary to popular belief, the pigments that give coffee its color can stain your teeth regardless of whether you take your coffee black or with cream. These pigments embed themselves in microscopic crevices and pits in your tooth enamel and are difficult to remove. To counteract this, don’t give the pigments time to set. When drinking coffee, drink quickly instead of sipping over a long period. Enjoy, then rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid. In addition, following your recommended schedule of dental cleanings can help prevent stains. Whitening can improve the color of your teeth if mild staining has started. Ask our doctor how best to keep your smile bright.

Coffee can have minor benefits for your nutrition, but there are also things to beware. Drinks that are high in dairy fat or sugar can add substantial calories, as well as contributing to the chance of tooth decay. Try making your own coffee at home, where you can control the ingredients used. Minimize your use of creamer and sugar, or try using non-fat or sugar-free substitutes.

Coffee can still be a healthy party of your life if you take some care to protect your teeth. For more tips or to schedule a professional cleaning, contact our office.

Dentist in Berwyn | Can You Inherit Oral Health Issues?

Dentist in Berwyn IL

Most serious oral health issues can be prevented by maintaining an effective routine of dental hygiene and in-office care. However, you could be at higher risk for some oral illnesses due to hereditary factors. Awareness and proper treatment can help minimize these risks. Here are a few of the most common oral health concerns that are affected by genetics.

Tooth decay – One of the most common oral issues, some tooth decay has been linked to a genetic deficiency of a protein called DEFB1. If your parents experienced an unusually high rate of tooth decay, then you may want to be more vigilant regarding your own dental care.

Oral cancer – Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Our doctor recommends annual oral cancer screening for early identification and treatment. In addition, certain lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Periodontal disease – Recent research has found that some forms of gum disease may be linked to mutations in genes that affect immunity and inflammatory response.

Misaligned or supernumerary (extra) teeth – Genetics can play a role in having misaligned or even extra teeth. The size of your jaw is determined mostly through heredity, and is the most common reason for an overbite, underbite, or dental crowding.

Canker sores – In most cases, canker sores are an isolated reaction to fatigue, stress, or menstrual cycles. However, there are certain inherited diseases that count canker sores among their symptoms. Crohn’s disease and Celiac sprue are two such conditions.

While you may not be able to avoid hereditary oral health issues entirely, we can help minimize or even reverse their effects with proper treatment and care. If you suffer from any of these inherited conditions, contact our office for an oral health evaluation. We can help.

Berwyn IL Dentyist | 3 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Berwyn IL Dentyist | 3 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Chipping a tooth could be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to fix a chipped tooth. We will recommend a solution based on your particular needs. Here are three options we may provide you:

1.      Dental Bonding

Bonding is a quick and easy solution for most small, cosmetic chips. In the bonding process, the remaining enamel on the tooth is first roughened in order for composite to better adhere to the tooth’s surface. Composite is then shaped to replace the chip and hardened with a dental curing light, instantly solidifying the material. Typically, bonding can last up to ten years with proper care.

2.     Porcelain Veneers

If the tooth was fully cracked or there was significant damage to the tooth, veneers may be recommended. Also, if you have chipped a tooth several times or wish to repair the tooth’s color, getting veneers may be the best option.

A veneer uses porcelain material that covers the front surface of your teeth, giving them a natural look while also providing strength comparable to natural tooth enamel. In order to apply a veneer, a small amount of existing tooth structure is removed to make room around the affected area. Then, we will take an impression of the tooth to use in making the permanent veneer and place a temporary veneer.

Once the permanent, porcelain veneer arrives, the temporary veneer is removed and the area around the tooth is cleaned. We will then place the adhesive and set in the new veneer for exact fit. Finally, the veneer is light cured and you will have a natural, beautiful smile.

3.     Dental Crowns.

Dental crowns are a “cap” that covers your tooth. A crown restores a tooth back to its normal shape, size, and function. Crowns are best-suited when a large portion of the original tooth is missing, or when the tooth is significantly damaged, causing pain when chewing or drinking. They are an effective solution to repair the shape and look of your tooth quickly, preventing further damage from tooth decay or exposed nerves.

If you have a chipped tooth, contact us as soon as possible. We have a number of solutions to fix any oral health issues that arise from chipping or cracking a tooth. We will provide a customized plan for you based on your needs.

Berwyn IL Dentist | Don’t Miss Your Screening

Oral cancer does not discriminate. It affects those of all ages, genders and races. Smokers do develop oral cancers at higher rates than non-smokers. However, this does not absolve the rest of the population from being at risk, as well.

Berwyn IL Dentist | Don't Miss Your Screening

It’s incredibly important to keep to your recommended schedule of oral health examinations. By visiting your general dentist at least twice per year, it is much more likely that our dental team will be able to identify potentially cancerous lesions in the early stages. As you may know, the key to the survival of most forms of cancer is early detection. Oral cancers are treatable, especially if caught before displaying obvious signs. The best results occur when oral cancer is identified and treated during early stages.

If your general dentist identifies a lesion that appears to be irregular, he or she may refer you to our team. We’ll recommend the next steps. Once pathology has been identified, we can proceed with treatment if necessary.

We will complete a biopsy to confirm whether a lesion is cancerous. It is not possible to confirm an oral cancer diagnosis without a biopsy. For this reason, try to refrain from making assumptions until we have confirmed your diagnosis. If it’s been more than 6 months since your last appointment or if you have noticed a lesion, bump or irregular patch of skin that doesn’t heal within a few days, consider an oral cancer screening by your general dentist. Know that your dentist will provide you with advice and may refer you to our team for a closer look.

If you have considered skipping the recommended dental visits that provide your first line of defense against oral cancers, please reconsider. It could save your life. Contact us today to schedule your next visit.

Berwyn IL Dentist | Preventing Enamel Erosion

Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you may be experiencing enamel erosion. 

Berwyn IL Dentist | Preventing Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the clear coating that protects your teeth. However, being the strongest substance in the body does not mean it should be neglected. Enamel can erode. Without the protection of enamel, you not only risk developing decay, but also abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss. 

What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion? 

There are several factors that cause tooth enamel to erode, some of which are the result of everyday actions. Sugars and acids can wear down enamel. If you regularly drink soft drinks or sugary fruit drinks, you may be damaging your teeth. To protect your teeth, limit your consumption of such drinks. Alcohol can also erode enamel, as well as a diet that is high in sugary or starchy foods. The bacteria in the mouth can transforms starches and sugars in foods such as bread into damaging acid.  

Other factors include acid reflux, recurrent vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, genetically  inherited conditions, grinding your teeth, even brushing too hard or not flossing properly. All of these impact the health of your enamel, and, ultimately, your teeth. Once the enamel is worn or chipped away, it cannot be replaced. 

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats, replace white breads with whole grains, and try eating more cheese and yogurt to bolster the calcium in your saliva to keep the acids in check. 

How Can Enamel Erosion Be Prevented? 

In addition to exercising moderation with soft drinks, alcohol, sugars and starches, and, of course, taking extra care with regard to medical conditions and your tooth care regimen, there are a few extra things you can do to protect your smile. Saliva can neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum, you can boost saliva production.  

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats and replace white bread with whole grains. Add more cheese and yogurt to your diet. Not only are both foods high in calcium, but they also help neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. 

Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Enamel erosion may also be the consequence of other complications such as excessive teeth  grinding or acid reflux. Regular visits to our office allow our team to provide a full examination. If we detect that your enamel is eroding, we will discuss potential causes and solutions.  

To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team today.