PRACTICE AREAS


Comments / Questions:
First Name: *
Last Name: *
Email Address: *
Enter Code: *

*required
privacy policy

 

Colonial Dental Group Cosmetic Dentistry Blog - Dooley, Lewis, and Quezada

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Why Do Teeth Darken?

There are many reasons why teeth can darken or discolor over time. As we age, teeth naturally darken and most people just assume that they have to deal with the natural aging process. Teeth can become discolored from:
  • Beverages like coffee, tea, wine or soda.
  • Certain foods, including certain types of vegetables and fruits, such as berries.
  • Tobacco use.
  • Certain medications, such as the antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline.
  • Certain types of mouthwashes and antihistamines have been shown to cause tooth discoloration.
  • Genetics. Some people simply have thicker or brighter enamel than other people.
  • Environmental conditions. Too much fluoride consumption, both from water and fluoride fortified products can cause teeth to discolor.
  • Poor dental hygiene. It really is important to brush and floss regularly, not only for your dental health, but also to whiten your teeth.
  • Trauma to the tooth. If you’ve suffered from a fall or been hit by an object in the mouth, the trauma can cause tooth discoloration due to the blood that pools in the core of the tooth.

No matter the reasons for your tooth discoloration, tooth whitening can alleviate much of this. If you have a smile that you are less than proud of, then please contact our Chicago-based office for a consultation regarding our tooth bleaching procedures. We can help you choose a teeth whitening treatment option that will best fit your needs and expectations and give you a smile you can be proud of.

posted by Patti at 11:32 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Why See a Neuromuscular Dentist?

Many people do not realize the benefit of seeing a neuromuscular dentist. You may want to visit one if you suffer from:
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Cracked or worn teeth
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Neck, shoulder or back pain
  • Jaw soreness or a jaw that “locks”
  • Problems chewing
  • Ringing in the ears

These are just a few symptoms of TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder. Many people suffer from a jaw that is out of alignment and doesn’t fit correctly when the mouth moves or is in its closed, resting position. A neuromuscular dentist can help you if you suffer from any of these problems.

A neuromuscular dentist can help the immediate concern of the pain TMD causes by using modern techniques to help relax the jaw and the muscles surrounding the jaw. Look at it as a massage for your jaw. Once the pain has subsided, we can further assess your condition and use methods to stabilize your bite, re-align the jaw, and help you maintain the results. Once the condition has been corrected, it is important to follow the certain instructions to maintain the results.

If you have any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to call or email our office. We serve people suffering from migraines and other TMD related symptoms in the Chicago area. By assessing your symptoms, we can treat your condition with a plan that is properly developed for your needs.

posted by Patti at 11:30 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 13, 2008

How Jaw Alignment Affects Different Parts of the Body

The human jaw is one of the most complex parts in the body. Having a jaw that is misaligned can lead to numerous problems, such as:
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Shoulder, neck, or back pain
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability or depression
  • Worn, cracked, or sensitive teeth

Many times these symptoms are overlooked because you or your doctor cannot pinpoint a physiological cause. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, then seeing a neuromuscular dentist may change your life.

Misaligned teeth can cause tension to build up in the jaw joint. The jawbone is attached directly to our skulls, and if there are any problems with the jawbone, tendons, or muscles, the problems can radiate through other parts of the body. If you think about the number of times that we open and close our mouths each day, it is easy to see how tension can build up in the joint.

If you suffer from any one of the symptoms above, having your jaw realigned to its proper fit will alleviate those symptoms. Many people suffer from daily headaches and migraines caused by a misaligned jaw and it can severely inhibit their ability to lead a healthy and productive life.

Please contact our Chicago office to set up a consultation with one of our experienced neuromuscular dentists. We can help you feel better again.

posted by Patti at 11:27 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Why Should You Consider Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a great way to fix missing teeth. Missing teeth cannot only affect your self-esteem, they can affect your overall health as well. Missing teeth can affect your long-term mental, oral and medical health because:
  • A smile with missing teeth can make you look older than you really are
  • Gaps in your teeth affect the alignment of your jaw and it can lead to TMD related problems
  • Food can get stuck in these spaces and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease
  • Your teeth can drift out of place
  • Your jawbone can begin to deteriorate
  • You cannot eat certain foods which could lead to nutritional deficiencies

The success rate of dental implants is very high and is a great option for people who suffer from missing teeth. The process does take some time, but the end result is worth it, especially when you consider the negative effects that missing teeth have on your health.

If you are considering dental implants, please contact our office, which serves the Evanston area, for a complimentary consultation. We can assess your condition and help develop an implant dentistry treatment plan that is design for your needs and expectations. With our help, you will have a smile you can truly be proud of.

posted by Patti at 11:25 AM 0 comments


1775 Glenview Rd.
Suite 107
Glenview, Illinois 60025-2969

847.729.2233