Colonial Dental Group Cosmetic Dentistry Blog - Dooley, Lewis, and Quezada
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Dental Bonding
A quick and easy alternative to porcelain veneers uses a composite resin in a process called dental bonding. The plastic resin is applied to the tooth in successive layers. After each thin layer, it is hardened using a high-intensity light. Once the layers are built up to the desired volume of material, the cosmetic dentist sculpts it to the desired shape. With dental bonding, the cosmetic dentist can correct anything from minor gaps in the teeth to lengthening short teeth in order to create a superior smile.
The term dental bonding refers both to the procedure and to the substance. The substance is also used for fillings in lieu of metal amalgam. It can be color matched to the surrounding tooth, providing for an almost invisible dental restoration. Bonding material is not as strong as amalgam or porcelain, but is quicker and easier.
For a good professional job of dental bonding, it is important to find a dentist with extensive training and experience. If you live in the Chicago area, and would like to find out more about cosmetic dentistry options, please contact the Colonial Dental Group to set up an initial consultation.
The term dental bonding refers both to the procedure and to the substance. The substance is also used for fillings in lieu of metal amalgam. It can be color matched to the surrounding tooth, providing for an almost invisible dental restoration. Bonding material is not as strong as amalgam or porcelain, but is quicker and easier.
For a good professional job of dental bonding, it is important to find a dentist with extensive training and experience. If you live in the Chicago area, and would like to find out more about cosmetic dentistry options, please contact the Colonial Dental Group to set up an initial consultation.
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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
How Is TMD Diagnosed?
Did you know that something as seemingly harmless as a headache could be an indication of a potentially serious medical condition? The condition is called TMJ or TMD, short for temporomandibular joint disorder. Headaches are just one symptoms of TMD, which is estimated to affects as many as 60 million of Americans. Jaw pain, neck tension, loss of feeling in the hands and arms, and earaches are just a few of the related symptoms.
Thankfully, once the condition is discovered, there are modern treatments designed to offer sufferers relief. Neuromuscular dentistry refers to the ability to diagnose and treat TMD. Experienced neuromuscular dentists have undergone specialized training to be able to identify when a jaw joint problem is affecting a patient's health.
The most important step in alleviating the ill effects of TMD is ensuring an accurate diagnosis. An experienced neuromuscular dentist will use sophisticated jaw tracking equipment to determine the origin of the discomfort. By combining a thorough health history and physical exam with specific neuromuscular diagnostic testing, your doctor should be able to find out what's causing the imbalance and begin a treatment plan. Here are just a few of the diagnostic tools:
Sometimes it may be that your tooth height needs to be adjusted. In other cases, physical therapy may be needed. As a last result, surgery can help restore the optimal bite position.
Please contact Colonial Dental Group in Chicago today to schedule your initial appointment.
Thankfully, once the condition is discovered, there are modern treatments designed to offer sufferers relief. Neuromuscular dentistry refers to the ability to diagnose and treat TMD. Experienced neuromuscular dentists have undergone specialized training to be able to identify when a jaw joint problem is affecting a patient's health.
The most important step in alleviating the ill effects of TMD is ensuring an accurate diagnosis. An experienced neuromuscular dentist will use sophisticated jaw tracking equipment to determine the origin of the discomfort. By combining a thorough health history and physical exam with specific neuromuscular diagnostic testing, your doctor should be able to find out what's causing the imbalance and begin a treatment plan. Here are just a few of the diagnostic tools:
- X-rays
- Computerized Mandibular Scanning (CMS)
- Sonography
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Electromyography (studies of muscle function)
- Motion Performance Studies
- Joint Vibration Analysis
- Diagnostic Study Casts of the Mandible
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electro Neural Stimulation)
Sometimes it may be that your tooth height needs to be adjusted. In other cases, physical therapy may be needed. As a last result, surgery can help restore the optimal bite position.
Please contact Colonial Dental Group in Chicago today to schedule your initial appointment.
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Thursday, April 17, 2008
Pregnancy and Dental Care
Women who are pregnant should be extra careful when it comes to their physical health, and dental health is no exception.
Teeth and Gums Need Special Attention, Too
During pregnancy, the body is undergoing many changes. The forming of a new life can take a lot out of the body, and expectant mothers often experience a diet change. Physicians recommend pre-natal vitamins to support the growth of the baby and also the health of the mother. In general, it is important to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, as well, and that you keep up with regular dental visits and home care during pregnancy.
For some reason, pregnant women are often more prone to develop gingivitis during pregnancy. This condition has been linked to pregnancy complications, so it is important that you talk to your dentist is you notice anything unusual going on in your mouth (such as bleeding, red or sore gums, tooth pain, etc.)
Expectant mothers may be wondering whether or not having dental work performed during pregnancy is safe. You should talk to your dentist first and also your OB/GYN. In general, any procedure or treatment that does not pose any risk to your overall health is usually acceptable.
If you're looking for more information about dental care during pregnancy, please read
Caring for Your Teeth: Guidelines for Pregnant Women
If you have specific questions, please contact Colonial Dental Group today.
Teeth and Gums Need Special Attention, Too
During pregnancy, the body is undergoing many changes. The forming of a new life can take a lot out of the body, and expectant mothers often experience a diet change. Physicians recommend pre-natal vitamins to support the growth of the baby and also the health of the mother. In general, it is important to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, as well, and that you keep up with regular dental visits and home care during pregnancy.
For some reason, pregnant women are often more prone to develop gingivitis during pregnancy. This condition has been linked to pregnancy complications, so it is important that you talk to your dentist is you notice anything unusual going on in your mouth (such as bleeding, red or sore gums, tooth pain, etc.)
Expectant mothers may be wondering whether or not having dental work performed during pregnancy is safe. You should talk to your dentist first and also your OB/GYN. In general, any procedure or treatment that does not pose any risk to your overall health is usually acceptable.
If you're looking for more information about dental care during pregnancy, please read
Caring for Your Teeth: Guidelines for Pregnant Women
If you have specific questions, please contact Colonial Dental Group today.
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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Old Age and Teeth
Great dental care is a must at any age. But as you get older, it is especially important to keep your teeth and gums clean and problem free.
As the years go by, various factors can take their toll on your teeth and gums. Enamel wears down from the repeated biting motions. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and sugary snacks and sodas can also cause damage over time. Plaque build-up can cause cavities and lead to gum disease. Tooth discoloration is also very common, but can be prevented or minimized by altering your diet, quitting smoking and other changes.
It may be impossible to stop the effects of aging. But you can prevent the deterioration of your dental health by maintaining a strong-at home brushing and flossing routine, visiting the dentist regularly, and talking to your dentist if you have any concerns. Your dentist can identify and treat any potential problems (like gum disease) before they negatively affect your smile. And if your teeth and gums start to show signs of aging, there are so many cosmetic smile enhancement options to choose from. The important thing to remember is that while aging will have an effect on your teeth and gums, you have the power to keep your mouth healthy.
Ways you can keep your smile healthy:
To learn more about keeping your teeth in great shape, visit the American Dental Association. Or, please contact Colonial Dental Group to find out more about great dental health at any age.
As the years go by, various factors can take their toll on your teeth and gums. Enamel wears down from the repeated biting motions. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and sugary snacks and sodas can also cause damage over time. Plaque build-up can cause cavities and lead to gum disease. Tooth discoloration is also very common, but can be prevented or minimized by altering your diet, quitting smoking and other changes.
It may be impossible to stop the effects of aging. But you can prevent the deterioration of your dental health by maintaining a strong-at home brushing and flossing routine, visiting the dentist regularly, and talking to your dentist if you have any concerns. Your dentist can identify and treat any potential problems (like gum disease) before they negatively affect your smile. And if your teeth and gums start to show signs of aging, there are so many cosmetic smile enhancement options to choose from. The important thing to remember is that while aging will have an effect on your teeth and gums, you have the power to keep your mouth healthy.
Ways you can keep your smile healthy:
- Dental work updates (replacing old or outdated fillings, crowns, etc.)
- Oral cancer screening
- Early gum disease treatment
- Tooth replacement with Dentures and partials or dental implants
To learn more about keeping your teeth in great shape, visit the American Dental Association. Or, please contact Colonial Dental Group to find out more about great dental health at any age.
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Thursday, April 10, 2008
Porcelain Inlays/Onlays
If you have a damaged tooth, your cosmetic dentist may recommend and inlay or onlay, natural-looking dental restorations designed to restore a weakened tooth to normal function and form. Whether it was decay or physical injury that compromised a tooth’s strength, porcelain onlays and inlays offer patients a beautiful and affordable solution.
At my dental practice, I use porcelain to create all of my onlays and inlays. I feel it is the ideal material because it bonds with teeth for optimal strength, lasts a long time, and looks incredibly lifelike.
How It's Done
Compared to a porcelain crown, onlays and inlays require less reduction of natural enamel. After an impression is taken of the tooth, a temporary filling is placed. The porcelain restoration will be created in our state-of-the-art lab using CEREC technology, and matched to fit your tooth shade. During the second visit, the onlay or inlay is firmly bonded to the tooth for an instantly enhanced smile.
Here's the difference between the two:
Inlays - sits inside the tooth cusps, used when a porcelain filling is inadequate
Onlays - covers one or more tooth cusps, used when more extensive restoration is needed (but is still less invasive than a porcelain crown)
Want to learn more about onlays and inlays? Please contact Colonial Dental Group in Chicago today to schedule your initial appointment.
At my dental practice, I use porcelain to create all of my onlays and inlays. I feel it is the ideal material because it bonds with teeth for optimal strength, lasts a long time, and looks incredibly lifelike.
How It's Done
Compared to a porcelain crown, onlays and inlays require less reduction of natural enamel. After an impression is taken of the tooth, a temporary filling is placed. The porcelain restoration will be created in our state-of-the-art lab using CEREC technology, and matched to fit your tooth shade. During the second visit, the onlay or inlay is firmly bonded to the tooth for an instantly enhanced smile.
Here's the difference between the two:
Inlays - sits inside the tooth cusps, used when a porcelain filling is inadequate
Onlays - covers one or more tooth cusps, used when more extensive restoration is needed (but is still less invasive than a porcelain crown)
Want to learn more about onlays and inlays? Please contact Colonial Dental Group in Chicago today to schedule your initial appointment.
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1775 Glenview Rd.
Suite 107
Glenview, Illinois 60025-2969
