Month: December 2018

The Economic Value of a Beautiful Smile

Dental Implants in Chicago

A beautiful smile can boost your confidence and even improve your relationships, because you’re willing to smile more when you feel good about your teeth. However, did you know that there are economic advantages to having a beautiful smile as well? You may be surprised to learn how a visit to the dentist could end up benefitting you financially. Here is a look at some of the economic advantages of having a beautiful smile.

The Smile to Cash Exchange Rate

Researchers in the UK have managed to attach an actual price value to every smile you give. According to the results of their study, every smile you give is worth one-third of a penny in value to you. That may sound small, but when you consider the number of times in which you are likely to smile in a day, then you will see that it can add up quickly. Conversely, every time you hide your grin because you don’t like your teeth, you are actually losing money. However, there is a caveat. You can’t fake smile your way to wealth. The smiles have to be genuine to have value.

Work Opportunities

A great smile can definitely increase your bottom line, as long as you show off your grin at the office. Having a warm and confident smile during job interviews makes you more likely to get the job. Greeting clients with a smile and using your smile to build friendly relationships with your co-workers are both great ways to land more deals, get more promotions, and come out ahead in wage negotiations.

Social Capital

Your smile is one tool you can use to generate social capital, and social capital can often be converted into financial opportunities. For example, if you are starting a business and are looking for investors or if you’re trying to ensure someone makes an offer on your house instead of your neighbor’s, social capital can be as good as money in the bank.

Cash in on the benefits of a good smile by making an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Chicago at University Associates in Dentistry. We offer veneers, dental implants, and many more treatments to help you look and feel your best. For more information about our cosmetic dentistry services, call (312) 704-5511.

A Look Back at the Radium Dial Girls: A Modern Dentist’s Worst Nightmare

Dental Implants in Chicago

When radium was first introduced to the market in the early 20th century, it was marketed as not only safe but as a health remedy for a range of complaints. It was also popular for the way it glows. A popular line of watches with numbers painted with radium-laced paint became popular in the US, thanks to workers in a factory, later known as the radium girls. The effects on their health of their work, including their dental health, prompted the introduction of workplace safety regulations.

To create precise numbers of the dials of the watches they made, the radium girls were trained to use their lips to make the point of the brush as sharp as possible. After each number, the women would put their brushes in their mouths, swallowing a little bit of paint each time. Within a few years, they began to fall ill in large numbers, experiencing dental health problems and bone loss. During a tooth extraction, a dentist inadvertently pulled out the entire jaw of one of the radium girls.

Fortunately, the dentists in Chicago at University Associates in Dentistry don’t see radium-related problems like these, but they do help people with missing teeth and other oral health issues. To make an appointment with a dentist, please call (312) 704-5511.

See How Titanium Implants Are Made

Dental Implants in Chicago


Titanium is the material of choice for today’s dental implants, thanks to its strength and light weight. Did you ever wonder how these implants are made? This video offers details.

Dental implants consist of a titanium post that is implanted in the jaw and allowed to fuse with the bone and a dental crown that mimics the appearance of your natural teeth. This video shows exactly how the posts are constructed before they are used in your dental treatments.

If you have missing teeth, contact University Associates in Dentistry to find out more about dental implants in Chicago. To make an appointment with one of our dentists, please call (312) 704-5511.

The Dos and Don’ts of Porcelain Veneers

Dental Implants in Chicago

Porcelain veneers can completely change the appearance of your smile. The veneers are attached to the surfaces of your teeth by your cosmetic dentist in order to correct severe discoloration, cracks, chips, and minor spacing issues. When your treatment is finished, you’ll have a bright, healthy-looking smile that will help you approach the world with confidence. In order to get the most out of this cosmetic dentistry treatment, there are a few dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind. Follow these tips to keep your veneers in top condition.

Do Have Regular Dental Checkups

When you have veneers on your teeth, it is still important to see your dentist for regular cleanings in order to remove tartar from your teeth and gums and to spot any signs of decay or gum disease. Because veneers are only attached to the front surfaces of your teeth, the backs and sides can become especially vulnerable to decay. See your dentist to make sure decay doesn’t cause serious complications.

Don’t Chew on Hard Items

Porcelain is a strong material, which is why it is a popular choice for veneers, but it is still vulnerable to damage. When you chew on ice or pens, or if you use your teeth to open packages, your veneers could become damaged. Eating hard foods like carrots and apples is fine, but be mindful of the risk of damage and chew carefully.

Do Brush Your Teeth as Normal

Getting porcelain veneers doesn’t mean that your oral hygiene routine can take a backseat. You should brush and floss your teeth as normal to reduce plaque buildup. With veneers, your teeth can look healthy when they actually aren’t, so don’t let your brushing habits fall by the wayside.

The cosmetic dentists at University Associates in Dentistry are skilled in providing patients with porcelain veneers that look and feel natural. Schedule a consultation to learn more about veneers in Chicago by calling (312) 704-5511.

University Associates in Dentistry