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CEREC: Behind the Scenes

Dental Implants in Chicago

If you need dental restorations, such as veneers, crowns, inlays, onlays and many other fillings, the CEREC system means you can get your treatment in a single appointment. This technology has changed the way dental restorations are used, allowing for faster care and better patient outcomes.

Watch this video to see how the CEREC system works. Your dentist can customize veneers and other restorations to match your smile perfectly using the CAD/CAM system, and he or she can them mill them right in the office, so you can get your restoration without multiple appointments.

CEREC is just one of the technologies we use at University Associates in Dentistry to provide the most advanced, cutting-edge care for our patients. To make an appointment with a dentist in Chicago, please call (312) 704-5511.

Meet George Washington’s Dentures

Dental Implants in Chicago

Like lots of other colonists, George Washington had dental problems. Although he did try to keep his teeth healthy with tooth powders, pastes, and brushes, he began to lose teeth early in his adult life, and by the time he was sworn in for his first term as President, he had just one natural tooth remaining. Modern dental implants weren’t available then, and so Washington tried a number of different denture configurations.

You can get to know George Washington’s dentures when you watch the accompanying video. Over the years, he had false teeth made from ivory, copper, silver, and brass. He even used a lead and tin alloy, which undoubtedly wasn’t good for his overall health.

In addition to providing dental implants, University Associates in Dentistry is pleased to offer high-quality, well-fitting dentures for patients in Chicago. You can request your dental consultation by calling a friendly staff member at (312) 704-5511.

UAD’s Exciting Alternative to Dental Drills

Dental Implants in Chicago

dentist chicago ​Along with our compassionate, personalized care, University Associates in Dentistry is known for offering our patients the very latest in dental technology. Our dentists celebrate new technological advancements because they bring greater comfort and health to our valued patients. As an example, our patients no longer have to dread the sounds and sensations of the dental drill. Our exciting alternative is laser dentistry!

Unlike dental drills, dental lasers don’t produce heat, pressure, or vibrations. This results in a far more comfortable experience for our patients, particularly those with dental phobias. Our dentists can use these gentle lasers to treat tooth decay, reshape gum tissue, remove lesions, and perform biopsies. This technology typically allows patients to use less anesthetic, and it can reduce the risk of swelling, bleeding, and post-operative pain.

University Associates in Dentistry welcomes dental consultation requests from new and current patients. Call (312) 704-5511 or check out our website for more information on laser dentistry or our other high-quality dentistry services in Chicago.

Everything You Should Know About Dental Bonding and How It’s Done

Dental Implants in Chicago

Self-confidence starts with a great smile. Many cosmetic dentistry options are available to give you the beautiful smile you deserve. Dental bonding is one of the treatments your dentist might suggest. The bonding material blends in seamlessly with your natural teeth—no one will know the difference!

What Dental Bonding Is

Dentists can shape and shade a composite resin material to apply to a tooth. This process is known as dental bonding. The composite resin is a special mixture of glass and plastic that’s safe for use in human dentistry.

What Dental Bonding Can Fix

Dental bonding is actually useful for both general and cosmetic dentistry purposes. Patients with tooth decay, for instance, can get the decayed material removed. The dentist will then apply composite resin to create an aesthetically pleasing filling. The composite resin is a great alternative to traditional amalgam fillings, which are far more visible. Dental bonding is also useful for repairing teeth that have minor chips and cracks. (Teeth with severe damage will likely need a crown instead.) Composite resin bonding can also address cosmetic concerns like these:

  • Asymmetrical shape of the teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Teeth that look too short

How Dental Bonding Is Performed

If your dentist determines that dental bonding is right for you, you’ll probably be able to have it done in the same appointment. Little preparation is needed. If the dentist is using the composite resin as a filling for a cavity, he or she will first apply a local anesthetic to eliminate discomfort. Anesthetic is rarely necessary when dental bonding is done for cosmetic reasons alone. The dentist will start by etching the tooth. This creates a roughened surface, which allows the composite resin to stick to it better. The dentist then applies a conditioning liquid, followed by the composite resin. He or she will carefully mold the resin until it’s in the right shape before hardening it with a laser. The material will be further trimmed and polished until the desired results are achieved.

Dental bonding is one of the many cosmetic dentistry services we offer here at University Associates in Dentistry . From missing teeth to discolored teeth, we can treat it all in our modern, high-tech office. Call (312) 704-5511 to schedule an appointment for cosmetic dentistry services in Chicago.

Getting to Know Neanderthals Through Their Teeth

Dental Implants in Chicago

Your dentist can discern a lot about your overall health by examining your teeth and gums. Similarly, scientists can learn about ancient Neanderthals by analyzing their teeth. Watch this video to find out what the real paleo diet was. It explains that in one study, scientists analyzed the DNA in the plaque in five sets of teeth that belonged to Neanderthals who lived between 42,000 and 50,000 years ago.

The results varied widely, depending on where the Neanderthals lived. Those in modern-day Belgium primarily ate wooly rhinoceros, wild sheep, and wild mushrooms. Neanderthals in Spain appear to have been vegetarians, primarily eating pine nuts, tree bark, moss, and mushrooms.

For modern dentistry in the Chicago area, you can turn to University Associates in Dentistry . Call us at (312) 704-5511 to request a general dentistry appointment or a consult for dental implants.

Invisalign Attachments 101

Dental Implants in Chicago

invisalign chicago

Invisalign is among the most popular methods for straightening teeth. It uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to provide the precise pressure required to gently reposition the teeth. Many patients can achieve excellent results with just the aligners, particularly if they only have mild cases of malocclusion. If you have severe malocclusion, your Invisalign aligners may need a little extra help.

Defining Attachments
Attachments, also called buttons, are very small bumps of dental bonding material. They are colored to match the shade of your teeth. The attachments are typically placed at about the mid-point of the tooth, and they may be triangular, square, circular, or rectangular. Your dentist may only need to place attachments on a few of your teeth. Since the attachments are quite small and tooth-colored, they blend in well with the rest of your smile. They may be slightly visible, but not nearly as noticeable as the metal brackets required for conventional braces.

Understanding the Purpose of Attachments
Although Invisalign aligners do a great job by themselves, the attachments can help the aligners be more effective. They work by providing an anchor point for the aligner. The result is a more precisely directed pressure that guides the tooth to the position it should be in.

Getting the Attachments
If you need attachments, the Invisalign lab will send your dentist a template. The template looks much like a regular plastic aligner, except that it depicts the specific teeth and locations on the teeth where you need attachments placed. After preparing your teeth for the dental bonding process, your dentist will apply composite resin material to the bulges in the template. This material will be shaded to mimic the precise degree of whiteness of your teeth. Then, your dentist will place the template over your teeth, and use a special light to cure the bonding material. As soon as it cures, your dentist will remove the template, and trim away any excess bonding material.

Thinking about getting Invisalign and live near Chicago? Get in touch with the friendly team at University Associates in Dentistry. Call (312) 704-5511 to schedule your comprehensive dental consultation.

Planning on Diving? Here’s Why You Should See a Dentist First

Dental Implants in Chicago

dental implants chicago

Scuba diving is a thrilling adventure that gives you a ffront-rowseat to the aquatic wonders of lakes and oceans. But did you know that nearly half of all scuba divers experience dental problems while underwater? If you’re thinking about taking a diving class, start with a visit to your dentist. Dental problems in the water stem from the drastic changes in atmospheric pressure. They are also caused by the need to constantly clench the air regulator in the jaw. These problems can be exacerbated by the supply of very dry air, and the awkward positioning of the jaws.

Scuba divers frequently report symptoms like jaw pain, gum pain and soreness, and even broken dental fillings and loosened crowns. It’s becoming increasingly apparent to those looking into this issue that divers who already have oral problems are more likely to experience severe symptoms underwater. Visiting a dentist first to take care of any problems might reduce the risk.

Recreational and professional athletes alike turn to University Associates in Dentistry for high-quality, personalized care, including sports dentistry . Call (312) 704-5511 if you would like to schedule a dental consultation in our Chicago office.

Here’s Why You Should Buy Tea Bags Before Having Dental Implant Surgery

Dental Implants in Chicago

dental implants chicago

Dental implant placement is often a multistep process, but some patients can receive their new teeth in just one appointment. Just like any other oral surgery, you can expect to spend a little time preparing for the procedure and getting ready for your recovery afterward. Your oral surgeon will give you detailed pre-operative and post-operative instructions to follow, which may include the use of a tea bag or two.

Bleeding After Dental Implant Surgery
It’s perfectly normal to experience slight bleeding after oral surgery. Up to 48 hours afterward, your saliva might look slightly pinkish. Before you leave the dental office, you’ll be asked to bite down gently on a sterile gauze pad, which your dentist will place at the surgical site. Do this for about an hour, or for as long as your dentist recommends. Know that spitting and rinsing can make bleeding worse. Never use a straw after oral surgery, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.

Using Tea Bags to Stop the Bleeding
If the surgical site is still bleeding after you’ve been biting down on the gauze for about an hour, your dentist may recommend that you use a tea bag. There’s no need to actually make a cup of tea. Just moisten the tea bag with a little cool water. Place it over the surgical site and bite down gently until the bleeding stops. Black tea seems to work best to stop the bleeding, as this type contains the most tannins. Tannins are bitter biomolecules that encourage the coagulation of the blood, which will halt bleeding. Tannins also help constrict the blood vessels, which limit blood flow to the area. Additionally, they offer some slight antibacterial benefits, although tea is not a substitute for taking prescribed antibiotics.

Here at University Associates in Dentistry , we pride ourselves on providing exceptional patient education and support. Our dental implant experts in Chicago have made it their life’s work to help our patients enjoy the beauty and functioning of a brand new smile. Get in touch today at (312) 704-5511, and find out how you can become our next success story!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Digital X-Rays

Dental Implants in Chicago

digital xrays dentist chicago

Dentists need to examine X-rays periodically, both for screening and for diagnostic purposes. This is because X-rays allow dentists to find hidden problems that a visual exam can miss, such as cavities, an abscess, etc. They also allow for the analysis of malocclusion. And if you’re having a procedure, X-rays support the treatment planning process. Look for a general dentistry office that features digital X-ray equipment.

What makes digital X-rays different?
Conventional X-rays must be developed from film, and the quality is poor compared to digital X-rays. When your dentist takes a digital X-ray, the image is immediately sent to the computer software. Since the image is digital, your dentist can manipulate it to enhance clarity. This allows for more accurate diagnoses and more precise treatment planning. With digital X-rays, the dentist is able to explain what they are seeing in a more accurate and understandable way. It also decreases the amount of time you’ll spend in the chair, since there’s no development time required.

Do digital X-rays use more radiation?
No. Actually, digital X-rays use a great deal less radiation than conventional X-rays. You’ll get about 70% to 80% less radiation with this advanced technology. It’s also possible that digital X-rays can decrease the total number of X-rays you’ll need. Since the images are stored digitally, you can have X-rays taken elsewhere sent immediately to another office.

Besides cavities, what can digital X-rays detect?
Cavities are just one of many dental issues that can be diagnosed with the help of digital dental X-rays. Your dentist can analyze the images for signs of cysts, tumors, and periodontal disease. They can reveal bone loss, tooth positioning problems, and wisdom teeth eruption. X-rays can also be used to evaluate potential defects in dental restorations.

How often do I need X-rays?
This depends on your own personal dental health history. Some patients need them every six months. Others may only need them once every year or two years. It’s also customary for dentists to take X-rays of new patients, so that changes over time can be evaluated.

University Associates in Dentistry invests in the latest dental technologies, including digital X-rays, to promote the health and safety of our patients. Our protective X-ray aprons extend over the thyroid gland for maximum safety. When you’re ready for general or cosmetic dentistry in Chicago, call our friendly office staff at (312) 704-5511.

Optimize Your Brushing Routine with This App

Dental Implants in Chicago

These days, practically everything is going high-tech. Why not your dental care routine? Dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes, twice daily. To turn these two minutes into a mini vacation for your mouth, download the Brush DJ app. Brush DJ was developed by a dentist, and it’s intended for teeth cleaners of all ages.

The app’s primary feature is a timer. Set it to play for two minutes, and pick your favorite music. Since the app takes the music directly from your own devices, streaming service, or cloud, you can play whatever your heart desires—from Mozart to Motown. The app also lets you set dental hygiene-related reminders to help you stay on top of your oral health.

You can request a dental consultation in Chicago by calling (312) 704-5511. Here at University Associates in Dentistry , our dentists can handle everything from cavities to teeth whitening to dental implants.

University Associates in Dentistry