Category: Sports Dentistry

Sports Dentistry 101

Dental Implants in Chicago

If you’ve played sports or you have children who play sports, you’ve probably heard of sports dentistry. Do you know what it is? Why not ask the experts, the team dentist for the Chicago Blackhawks, UAD! Why is sports dentistry a type of dentistry, and how does it differ from regular dentistry? Here we offer a few facts about sports dentistry that may interest you.

  • Sports dentistry is a relatively new field. It’s a quickly growing one, though, and with good reason. Sports dentistry deals with the prevention and treatment of both dental injuries and oral diseases that are associated with sports and exercises. Athletes are at risk of injuries, including facial bone fractures and injuries to both the hard and soft tissue of the mouth, that require the attention of an expert in sports dentistry.
  • Young athletes, in particular, benefit from sports dentistry services. An estimated 30 million children in the United States play organized sports, and injuries to the face and mouth can cause scarring or damage to the child’s permanent teeth. Pediatric sports dentists can educate coaches, parents, and young players on the prevention of injuries, as well as assisting with treatment.
  • Contact sports can cause injuries, but other sports can as well. Most people know that dental injuries are common in sports such as hockey and boxing. Would it surprise you to know, for instance, that swimmers also benefit from sports dentistry? People who swim more than six hours a week, exposing their teeth to chemically treated water, can develop hard, brown deposits on their teeth known as swimmers’ calculus, which requires the attention of a dentist.
  • Sports dentists can create custom mouthguards to protect against injury. While stock mouthguards and self-adapting (boil and bite) mouthguards do offer protection against injury, custom-made mouthguards are the most effective way to protect athletes’ mouths. Made by a sports dentist, they’re created from an impression of the athlete’s mouth, so that they’re comfortable and more likely to stay in place than other models.
  • Sports dentistry prevents long-term damage and saves you money. By helping people find the right protective gear and advising them on how to avoid injuries, sports dentists help protect both children and adults from lasting damage. What’s more, seeking the advice and care of a sports dentist before starting a sport is far less expensive than dealing with the consequences of oral or facial injuries down the line. Even a custom mouthguard, which is more expensive than other models, will save you money by protecting the mouth from damage.

If you’re in need of sports dentistry services in Chicago, you can have confidence in the team at University Associates in Dentistry. Well aware of the fact that prevention and adequate preparation are the key elements in minimizing sports injuries, UAD treats patients in the office and onsite, and serves as the team dentist for the Chicago Blackhawks. You can make a dentist appointment in Chicago by calling (312) 704-5511, or visit our website for more information or to set up a complimentary consultation.

 

 

Comparing University Associates in Dentistry to ClearChoice and EON

Dental Implants in Chicago

cosmetic dentistry Chicago

Families in the Chicagoland area have plenty of choices when it comes to dental care. Some of them, including ClearChoice and EON Clinics, market themselves as being able to provide new teeth in one day. So why have so many area residents chosen University Associates in Dentistry for dental implants instead of ClearChoice and EON Clinics? Visit us for a complimentary consult, and experience the difference for yourself.

One-Stop Shop for Dental Care
Few people enjoy wasting time. At University Associates in Dentistry, your time is important to us, which is why we offer a complete range of dental services under one roof. Whether you are looking for new teeth in a day or hygiene, it’s all here at UAD. We’re widely known as leading dental implant specialists, but here’s a look at some of our other services:

  • Dental Implants – placing Dental Implants for over 30 years
  • Over 5 separate Implant Studies spanning over 15 years
  • CT scans
  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • CEREC
  • Laser dentistry
  • General Dentistry
  • Hygiene (regular and Implant Maintenance)
  • Invisalign
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Root canals
  • Extractions
  • Scaling and root planing (periodontics)
  • Sports injury prevention
  • Oral/facial injury treatment
  • Sleep apnea treatment
  • Teeth whitening
  • Dentures
  • Multiple options all under one roof with a team of dentists to meet ALL your dental needs from routine to complex

So what do EON Clinics and ClearChoice offer? Here’s a short list:

  • Dental Implants
  • 3D CT scans

In fact, the only main treatment these other clinics offer is dental implant placement. It’s possible that some people prefer this, but here at University Associates in Dentistry, we’ve found that our patients prefer to put their trust in dentists they’ve been seeing for all aspects of their dental care.

Proven Track Record
Speaking of developing long-term relationships with our patients, University Associates in Dentistry has been a trusted provider in the community for more than three decades. In Chicago, EON Clinics and ClearChoice have a couple years of service each. But length of time serving the community isn’t the only thing that matters. University Associates in Dentistry has been privileged to serve as the team dentist for the Chicago Blackhawks since 2004. We’re also a top destination for other dentists who are interested in continuing education initiatives. Our implant seminars are sought-after opportunities. Neither ClearChoice nor EON Clinics offer these opportunities to their colleagues.

If quality care and friendly service matter to you, then call (312) 704-5511 to request your complimentary dental consultation at University Associates in Dentistry. We’ve set the standard for exceptional dentistry in Chicago. Let us help you love your smile.

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Tips for Avoiding Dental Sports Injuries

Dental Implants in Chicago

sports dentistry Chicago

Injuries sustained during sport are some of the most common dental injuries. Damage to the front teeth, cheek, or gums is especially common among athletes. If you play sports regularly, it’s especially important to take steps to prevent damage to your teeth. Regular dental check-up and the use of protective mouth guards can help safeguard the beauty of your smile .

Dental Check-Ups
Both professional and amateur athletes should visit their dentist regularly. The dentist will be able to identify any teeth which are particularly vulnerable to injury. It is important to keep teeth strong and healthy as decaying or loose teeth are more liable to damage. Orthodontic work, replacement teeth, crowns, and bridges also need to be examined regularly to check that they are securely attached and not liable to break.

Mouth Guards
Well designed, custom-made mouth guards can protect your teeth from injury in the event of a fall, collision, or other physical trauma. Your dentist will tailor the mouth guard to fit your individual teeth and jaw. Ask your dentist to check your mouth guard regularly to make sure it is in good condition, as a crushed or damaged mouth guard will not offer full protection. In addition, some sports require use of a helmet, partly to prevent jaw injuries, which could damage teeth.

Aftercare
In the event of an injury, you should visit your dentist as quickly as possible. Even if a tooth has been knocked out completely, the dentist may be able to reattach it. The dentist may also be able to repair more minor damage, such as chips and scratches. To keep teeth in the best possible condition, athletes should always exercise good dental hygiene. For best results, brush and floss at least twice daily and use a fluoride mouthwash.

Chicago Blackhawks


We are the official dentist for the Chicago Blackhawks, so sports injuries are something UAD specializes in! We take care of the team, and provide many of them with mouth guards, including the ones we specially made when they went to the Olympics!

At University Associates in Dentistry we have valuable experience providing dental care to athletes. We know a thing or two about sports dentistry in Chicago! If you are a keen sportsperson, visit our website, or call us at (312) 704-5511 to find out more about how we can help you care for your teeth.

University Associates in Dentistry