Are you tired of the discomfort of wearing dentures? Before the advent of  dental implants , the only solution for those who had lost their teeth was removable dentures. However, with this extremely beneficial modern dental technology, it is possible to replace an entire set of missing teeth with a permanent solution.

What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replacements for missing teeth that replace not only the visible part of the tooth, but the root as well. The implant itself consists of a titanium post, which is surgically inserted into the gums and jawbone by a dentist. An abutment and crown are then placed onto the implant to form the visible part of the replacement tooth. The most important and beneficial part of the dental implant is the post, which mimics a real tooth’s root, preventing the bone loss that many people suffer as a result of having missing teeth.

What Are Permanent Dentures?
All-on-4™ permanent dentures are a combination of traditional denture technology and dental implants. Your dentist can affix a permanent bridge that consists of multiple replacement crowns to just four titanium implants to replace a full row of missing teeth. The result is a stable, permanent, and healthy solution that provides significant benefits over regular dentures. Your new permanent dentures will not slip, rub, or cause irritation to your gums, and they will look and feel more like your natural teeth, providing you with a more confident and comfortable smile.

Consider the benefits that dental implants or permanent dentures can hold for you. Enjoy a more confident, comfortable lifestyle with the help of University Associates in Dentistry today. We are a leading practice in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. You can find out more by clicking through our website or calling (312) 704-5511 today.

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to stop temporarily during sleep. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, restlessness, choking, and waking up with a sore throat. The condition can usually be treated using a dental appliance. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause poor sleep that contributes to high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, and heart disease. Here are some of the ways that  your dentist  can help relieve your sleep apnea:

Diagnosis
Before you receive treatment, your dentist will need to determine the specific kind of sleep apnea that you have. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the throat muscles relax and restrict breathing. However, other forms of the disorder, such as central sleep apnea and mixed sleep apnea, can also occur. Dentists can usually treat mild to severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea with a high degree of success. In some cases, additional medical attention from other types of specialists may be required.

Treatment Options
Depending on your specific case, your dentist may recommend that you wear a dental appliance to relieve sleep apnea. A dental appliance is a retainer-like device that is put inside the mouth at nighttime. While store-bought appliances are available, devices that can be fitted to each patient’s mouth often provide better results. The most common professional dental appliance used is a mandibular advancement device , which moves the lower jaw forward to decrease airway constriction.

Results
Wearing a dental appliance designed to alleviate sleep apnea can provide you with a number of benefits. These devices open the airways and are effective for preventing interruptions in breathing. By allowing you to breathe freely, a sleep apnea appliance can help you sleep better at night and prevent snoring. Your dental appliance will be comfortable to wear and will require little maintenance.

To find out how you can benefit from wearing a dental appliance, call Chicago’s University Associates in Dentistry. At our comprehensive dental practice, we offer sleep apnea treatments and can find the corrective option that is right for you. For more information, call (312) 704-5511.

This video outlines the stages of gum disease , starting with gingivitis, in which the gums are swollen and may bleed easily. The second stage, periodontitis, is characterized by the gums pulling away from the teeth. This is followed by advanced periodontitis, during which the fibers holding the teeth in place are destroyed, leading to tooth loss. Learn more by watching this entire video.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but it often goes largely ignored and untreated. 

Don’t let gum disease destroy your beautiful smile. Visit University Associates in Dentistry for periodontitis treatment and dental implant options. We can restore your smile for greater confidence and enjoyment of life. Check out our website or call (312) 704-5511 today to find out more.

Even individuals who brush and floss their teeth on a regular basis still need to visit the dentist for routine checkups. Most dental professionals recommend that you see your  general dentist  every six months for a cleaning and oral inspection—however, individuals with certain health conditions, risk factors, or history of disease may benefit from more frequent visits. Check out this overview for the top reasons why you should not delay seeing your dentist.

Increased Risk of Cavities
One of the main purposes of routine dental visits is to remove the plaque buildup which constantly accumulates along the surfaces of your teeth, regardless of your at-home oral hygiene habits. Without regular removal, the harmful bacteria in this clear, sticky film can eat away at the hard outer surfaces of your teeth until a cavity forms.

Greater Chances of Developing Gingivitis
Individuals who fail to undergo routine cleanings with their dentist are not only at an increased risk for cavities, but also have a higher chance of developing gingivitis, or gum disease. Plaque accumulation on your teeth and gums can allow bacteria to penetrate your gum line, where it can infect your soft tissues. As your body attempts to fight off the infection in your gums, your immune system turns on itself, destroying the tissues rather than healing them.

Health Risks Associated With Poor Oral Health
In addition to increasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, poor oral hygiene can increase your likelihood of developing several detrimental health conditions. In fact, the American Academy of Periodontology reports that having untreated gum disease increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, as it allows bacteria to enter your bloodstream where it can reach your organs and vital tissues. It is also crucial to attend regular visits with your dentist to rule out signs of oral cancer.

With several years of experience, the general and cosmetic dentists with University Associates in Dentistry are devoted to meeting all of your comprehensive dental needs. Get on the road to a healthier smile by calling our Chicago office at (312) 704-5511. 

Your dentist can provide a number of dental appliances to help with your everyday life. By wearing custom-fitted mouth guards, athletes can protect their teeth from damage. People who have sleep apnea can alleviate the symptoms and sleep better by using a specialized appliance. For detailed information on these topics, please click the links below. If you would like to speak with an experienced dentist about athletic mouth guards or dental appliances, call University Associates in Dentistry in Chicago at (312) 704-5511.

• Learn everything you need to know about sleep apnea at MedicineNet.com.
• Dental devices offer an effective way to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Find out more about dental devices from The New York Times .
• Visit the Mayo Clinic’s website for information about sleep apnea symptoms and treatments.
• Oral appliances can be used effectively to treat sleep apnea , according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Visit the organization’s website to find out more.
• Do you play sports? If so, visit WebMD.com to learn why you should wear an athletic mouth guard . 

Do you snore excessively at night, wake up feeling unrested, or experience drowsiness during the day? You could have a medical condition called sleep apnea , which can cause serious health problems if not addressed.

In this video, a sleep specialist discusses the causes, complications, and treatment options for sleep apnea. You will learn how sleep apnea increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Additionally, you will get to see how dental appliances and other treatment options can alleviate sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can affect the quality of a person’s sleep and health. If you believe that you or a loved one has sleep apnea, contact Chicago’s University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511.

Most people hear the phrase “cosmetic dentistry” and immediately think of teeth whitening and other aesthetic treatments—and while the field of cosmetic dentistry does focus on improving the appearance of your smile, many cosmetic procedures can also improve your oral health. Continue reading for more information on the health benefits associated with cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Re-Establish the Function of Teeth
One of the biggest health benefits of cosmetic dentistry procedures is that they can re-establish the original function of your teeth and ultimately reduce the chances of early wear and tear. For example, porcelain crowns are not only used to cover extremely discolored or misshapen teeth, but can also be used to restore the functionality of cracked teeth, broken teeth, and teeth affected by decay.

Increase Tooth Stability
In addition to reestablishing the original shape and function of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry procedures can help restore the stability of teeth that have become chipped, fractured, broken, or weakened by the presence of a cavity. This not only improves the look of your smile, but also helps protect against further dental trauma. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can also be used to keep important restorations, such as dental bridges, in place.

Reduce the Risk of Jawbone Loss
Dental implants are considered both a cosmetic and restorative dental procedure. Unlike partial bridges and removable dentures, dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone using a titanium replacement root, which fuses to your jaw through a process known as osseointegration. Because the replacement root is located within your jawbone, having a dental implant eliminates the risk of jawbone loss commonly associated with having a missing tooth or temporary dental appliances.

Whether you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, or permanent denture replacement, the dentists with University Associates in Dentistry are here to help. We also offer the All on 4 dental implant procedure. Learn more about your treatment options by contacting our Chicago office at (312) 704-5511.

While most athletes take extreme precautions to protect their bodies from injury, few remember that they also need to protect their teeth. Dental injuries can easily occur during athletic activities of any sort and can cause permanent damage to the teeth and surrounding structures. If you are an athlete, here are the essential steps to take to protect your teeth: 

Use a Protective Helmet
Many fast-paced sports require players to wear helmets. Along with protecting the head, certain helmets can also give the face, mouth, and teeth protection. If you play a sport in which dental injuries are common, always wear a helmet that has a mouthpiece when on the field.

Wear a Mouth Guard
Most athletic-related dental injuries occur because people do not wear mouth guards. A mouth guard is a flexible device made from thermoplastic that goes directly over the front teeth. Mouth guards are often effective for preventing tooth loss and other forms of dental damage that occur due to blunt force. If you play football or hockey, you should always wear a mouth guard, as these sports involve a lot of physical contact. A mouth guard should also be worn if you ride a bike, skateboard, or rollerblade, as these activities are also common causes of dental injury.

Choose the Right Mouth Guard
Wearing a mouth guard is important for protecting your teeth, but it is essential to choose the right kind. Many dentists recommend wearing a custom-made mouth guard that is created to fit your teeth exactly. Custom-made mouth guards give you maximum protection and are also very comfortable to wear. While store-bought mouth guards are also available, they usually do not work as effectively. Be sure to consult your dentist if you have questions about selecting the right kind of mouth guard.

If you have any questions about custom-made mouth guards, contact University Associates in Dentistry . We are located in downtown Chicago and specialize in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and denture replacement. Call us at (312) 704-5511 today to schedule an appointment.

Cosmetic dentistry offers a great way to improve the look and integrity of your smile. Learn more about the health benefits of cosmetic dentistry procedures and reasons why you should have routine dental visits with these great resources from around the web. Give Chicago’s University Associates in Dentistry a call at (312) 704-5511 for more information about our cosmetic and restorative dentistry services.

• Explore this article from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to find more information about how porcelain crowns re-establish the function of damaged teeth.
• How do dental implants reduce the risk of jawbone loss? Find out with this link from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
• Learn more about the uses of dental crowns with this WebMD.com article.
• Are you showing symptoms of periodontal disease ? Check out this New York Times article to learn more about the condition.
• Did you know that periodontal disease increases your risk for heart attack and stroke? Learn more with this article from the American Academy of Periodontology . 

Even individuals who brush and floss their teeth on a regular basis still need to visit the dentist for routine checkups. Most dental professionals recommend that you see your general dentist every six months for a cleaning and oral inspection—however, individuals with certain health conditions, risk factors, or history of disease may benefit from more frequent visits. Check out this overview for the top reasons why you should not delay seeing your dentist. 

Increased Risk of Cavities
One of the main purposes of routine dental visits is to remove the plaque buildup which constantly accumulates along the surfaces of your teeth, regardless of your at-home oral hygiene habits. Without regular removal, the harmful bacteria in this clear, sticky film can eat away at the hard outer surfaces of your teeth until a cavity forms.

Greater Chances of Developing Gingivitis
Individuals who fail to undergo routine cleanings with their dentist are not only at an increased risk for cavities, but also have a higher chance of developing gingivitis, or gum disease. Plaque accumulation on your teeth and gums can allow bacteria to penetrate your gum line, where it can infect your soft tissues. As your body attempts to fight off the infection in your gums, your immune system turns on itself, destroying the tissues rather than healing them.

Health Risks Associated With Poor Oral Health
In addition to increasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, poor oral hygiene can increase your likelihood of developing several detrimental health conditions. In fact, the  American Academy of Periodontology  reports that having untreated gum disease increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, as it allows bacteria to enter your bloodstream where it can reach your organs and vital tissues. It is also crucial to attend regular visits with your dentist to rule out signs of oral cancer.

With several years of experience, the general and cosmetic dentists with  University Associates in Dentistry  are devoted to meeting all of your comprehensive dental needs. Get on the road to a healthier smile by calling our Chicago office at (312) 704-5511.