(Before: left, After: right)

Cosmetic dentistry continues to become more and more popular as people experience life-changing results, and advances in technology make treatments safer and more predictable. If you want to make a change but you’re not sure what’s best for you, feel free to meet with your dentist for a consultation. Read on for some insight.

Consider What You Want

Before you even consider the options that cosmetic dentistry has to offer, think about what you hope to change. Do you want a brighter smile? Do you have a gap in your teeth that you would like to close? Once you have identified the cosmetic factor that you would like to change, you can talk to your dentist to discuss your options and choose the best plan to achieve your goals.

Understand Your Options

Dental implants, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening treatments are just a few examples of the many treatments that exist within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, and it helps to get to know them. Dental implants replace missing teeth, so they stand to benefit you in countless different ways. Porcelain veneers and teeth whitening treatments can both lead to a brighter, healthier looking smile, but porcelain veneers can also close gaps between your teeth and cover blemishes or imperfections. Every cosmetic dentistry treatment has certain pros and cons that you can learn about before you and your dentist decide what’s best for you.

Ask for Advice

Although your dentist will always be your best resource when you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dentistry procedures, he or she is not the only one with answers. You can also talk to friends who have undergone these treatments or learn about them online so you know what to expect. Keep in mind, however, that your dentist’s opinion should hold the most weight.

Cosmetic dentistry in Chicago and anywhere else can help you with aesthetic issues as well as oral health complications, but only your dentist will understand exactly which treatment is right for your needs. Check our website or call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511 to set up a dental consultation.

Dentists are always willing to part with a few tips and suggestions to keep their patients’ oral health in good shape. Several of these tips can also address many patients’ cosmetic concerns about the look and color of their teeth and mouth.

Tip #1: Avoid staining foods and liquids.

One of the leading causes of discolored teeth is the various foods and liquids that can cause staining. Tea, wine, soda, and coffee regularly are the primary cause teeth staining. Berries, such as blueberries and blackberries, are also foods that commonly stain teeth. If consuming these foods and liquids regularly, drink plenty of water and/or brush your teeth after you have eaten.

Tip #2: Refrain from smoking.

Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco should be avoided at all costs to reduce cosmetic dental problems, as well as oral and dental health issues. Over an extended period of use, patients will notice their teeth begin to yellow and may even turn brown. This can easily be avoided by refraining from smoking.

Tip #3: Prepare during contact sports.

To avoid potentially cracked or dislodged teeth, patients should be mindful of their dental health during contact sports. In sports dentistry, patients are recommended to wear a custom mouth guard while playing football, hockey, and other contact sports. If a patient is hit in the mouth, he or she should visit a dentist to ensure there are no dental problems.

Tip #4: Practice good oral hygiene.

In addition to the previous tips, patients should always practice a strong, daily dental routine. By brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day, patients can help negate daily staining effects brought on by foods and drinks. These daily practices also help prevent periodontal issues that might affect the teeth and gums.

Call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511 to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry in Chicago. Our dentists and staff can recommend several cosmetic procedures , such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, to address all of our patients’ concerns.

Did you know that the rise of dental technology and knowledge of the importance of oral health is a significant contributor to the increase in the life expectancy of humans over the past 200 years? Your dental health may be more important than you realize, which is why it is essential to maintain regular appointments with your dentist to keep your teeth clean and sparkling. Below you can learn about more of the interesting and lesser known facts of your oral health that may motivate you to get to the dentist’s office.

Nearly 75% of Americans suffer from gum disease.
Despite the many advances that have taken place in dentistry over the past several decades, there are still about 3 in 4 American adults with some form of gum disease. One of the biggest contributors to this statistic is poor at-home care. While the recommended guideline for brushing is 2-3 minutes twice daily, most people only spend 48 seconds brushing their teeth each day. Improper flossing may also be to blame, as many adults do not floss enough or floss correctly, so plaque and tartar are allowed to build up between the teeth.

About 300 different bacteria species can live in dental plaque.
The human body is crawling with bacteria, many of which are beneficial to your health. Still, there are some not-so-friendly species of bacteria that can do significant damage in the body. 300 such species can live in the plaque on your teeth, which is what makes dental plaque so destructive. Regular flossing and rinsing can keep these bacteria at bay, but they are quick to multiply and return with a more lax oral hygiene routine.

The dental profession is only about 200 years old.
As recently as the 1800s, there was no such thing as a dentist. It was likely that you would visit a blacksmith or barber to address a toothache, which was primarily handled by removing the tooth, and in some cases, replacing it with something else .

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
Tooth enamel is an incredibly durable material, harder than any bone in your body. However, it can still sustain damage from habits like using your teeth to open containers or brushing too hard and wearing down the enamel over time. Because tooth enamel is so strong and functional, efforts have been made to create synthetic teeth in the body, though the science is still a few years off from practical applications in humans.

If you are due for a dental checkup or you need more extensive restorative care to achieve a healthy smile, call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. Our high-tech Chicago practice can care for your smile, whether you are seeking preventive, restorative, or cosmetic services.