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Surprising Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Life

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Surprising Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Life

Everybody needs a change once in a while, and cosmetic dentistry might be just what you’re looking for. Whether you are looking to address chipped or broken teeth or to lighten up your smile , cosmetic dentistry can give you the confidence you deserve. Here is a closer look at the surprising ways cosmetic dentistry can change your life.

Improve Your Dental Health

Many people seek cosmetic dentistry because they want to enjoy the smile they knew and loved in the past once again. Your teeth are not invincible, and there are many situations that might leave you with chips, cracks, or full on breaks. If your teeth need to be fixed, talk to your dentist about the many cosmetic dentistry procedures that are available. From dental crowns to porcelain veneers, there are all kinds of treatments that can improve the appearance of your teeth—and as an added bonus, many of these restorative treatments can also help to improve your dental health.

Brighten Your Smile

Your teeth don’t have to be damaged for you to benefit from cosmetic dentistry. Even if you simply want to whiten your teeth, your dentist can help. Years of drinking coffee and wine, smoking cigarettes, or eating intensely colored foods can stain your teeth, but teeth whitening treatment can reverse the discoloration. Although teeth whitening kits are typically available in drug stores and supermarkets, the techniques that your dentist will use can be much more effective.

Enjoy Newfound Confidence

A fuller, brighter smile will immediately impact your appearance, and this will also make an immediate impact on your mood. Covering a broken front tooth with a veneer or undoing years of discoloration can truly change your life. If you were embarrassed to smile beforehand, you will have a reason to show off your healthy and beautiful teeth after treatment.

If it’s time to change your life with cosmetic dentistry in Chicago, contact the professionals at University Associates in Dentistry. From porcelain veneers to dentures and periodontics, we are happy to offer a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Give us a call at (312) 704-5511 or visit our website to learn more about us.

Understanding Tooth Discoloration

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Are you wondering why your teeth don’t appear as bright as they used to appear? Dentists find that there are a number of causes for stained and darkened teeth. Watch this video to gain a better understanding of tooth discoloration.

In some cases, teeth can become discolored as a side effect of medication use. Also, cigarette smoking and the use of tobacco products can leave stains on your teeth. Other causes of tooth discoloration can include the consumption some foods and beverages, such as tomato sauce, berries, coffee, and tea.

If you’re concerned about discoloration affecting the appearance of your smile, contact University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. Our dentists offer free dental consultations for porcelain veneers and professional teeth whitening in Chicago .

How Dental Bonding Can Improve Your Smile

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Cosmetic dentistry procedures are capable of fixing a wide range of problems that can affect the look of your smile. Dental teeth bonding is an ideal solution for minor chips and cracks in teeth, small gaps between teeth, and minor tooth discolorations. Here is a look at how dental bonding can improve the look and function of your smile:

By Repairing Chips

A couple of common issues treated in cosmetic dentistry are minor cracks and chips in teeth that affect the appearance of a patient’s smile, but not the function of the teeth. These small problems are typically caused by playing high-impact sports, teeth grinding, or accidents. Your dentist will match the color of your tooth with a shade of resin. Next, she will roughen the tooth’s surface around the site of the damage and apply an adhesive liquid. She will then place the resin over the adhesive and begin shaping it to blend with your tooth and conceal the crack or chip. Once the resin is modified to create the desired look, your dentist will cure the materials to permanently attach them to your tooth.

By Filling Gaps

If you have a small gap between your front teeth that makes you feel self-conscious or unwilling to smile, dental bonding may be able to provide a solution. Your dentist will examine your teeth and if you prove to be a good candidate for the procedure, she will prepare your two front teeth and apply a small dental bond to each side of the gap.

By Concealing Discolorations

This quick and non-invasive cosmetic procedure can also improve areas of discoloration in teeth. If an area of one of your teeth is discolored and not decayed, your dentist may be able to apply a resin dental bond that conceals the area, helping to improve the appearance of your tooth by giving it a uniform color.

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, talk to your dentist in Chicago about dental bonding. To schedule your dental consultation, contact University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511.

Paul Revere: Patriot, Dentist

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Many people know of Paul Revere for his participation in the Boston Tea Party and his creation of a lantern-lighting system which he used to alert the Minutemen of a British invasion in his famous midnight ride on April 18, 1775. What you may not know is that he was a dentist as well.

Paul Revere’s primary vocation was as a silversmith, but he supplemented his income by providing dentistry services as well. During Paul Revere’s time, dentures were handmade and constructed of a variety of materials, including silver. As a silver craftsman, it’s not too surprising that he expanded his services to include denture manufacturing. According to advertisements that he placed in a Boston newspaper, Paul Revere provided dental cleanings as well.

Are you looking for a high-quality dentist in Chicago for restorative or cosmetic dentistry services such as porcelain veneers? If so, call University Associates in Dentistry today at (312) 704-5511 to schedule your free dental consultation.

The Benefits of Professional Tooth Whitening

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teeth whitening chicago

Tooth whitening is a relatively simple cosmetic dentistry procedure that can quickly improve the appearance of your smile. Because of the ease and effectiveness of this treatment, it comes as no surprise that it is steadily rising in popularity. While you can opt for over-the-counter teeth whitening options, there are benefits to having your teeth whitened by your dentist .

Results
When you purchase a teeth whitening kit from the drug store, you’ll be buying a mass-produced product that is designed to work for the average set of teeth. This means that the strips or trays may not fit your teeth properly, and may provide uneven whitening results. Professional teeth whitening is a thorough process which ensures that all of the visible areas of your smile will be treated to provide you with consistent and comprehensive whitening. Also, professional whitening is advised for teeth with dark staining. Light and laser tooth whitening systems can provide excellent results for deep-set stains.

Efficiency
While at-home whitening kits can be convenient, in-office teeth whitening is often more efficient. Home whitening kits frequently take as long as a month to provide noticeable results. When patients choose professional whitening, however, they can typically see a significant brightening of their smile in as little as a single, one-hour professional tooth whitening treatment.

Comfort
The generic trays used in over-the-counter teeth whitening kits can irritate your tongue, gums, and cheeks due to a poor fit. Additionally, when the whitening formulas in these kits are either applied incorrectly or left on for too long, they can cause pain and tooth sensitivity. Professional tooth whitening, however, involves protecting the sensitive areas of your mouth with specialized gels, as well as proper whitening agent application. Armed with experience, knowledge, and professional equipment, your dentist can comfortably and safely brighten your smile.

University Associates in Dentistry provides professional teeth whitening in Chicago . If you think you would benefit from a brighter smile or want to learn about porcelain veneers, call us today at (312) 704-5511 to schedule your free consultation.

The Hazards of Hookah Smoking

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As your dentist and general doctor will tell you, any kind of tobacco product is harmful to your health. As you can see in the video, hookah is not excluded from the list of harmful products.

Hookah has become popular among younger people who believe it is less harmful than regular smoking products. Hookah smokers might be surprised to know that one hookah smoking session can carry the equivalent of smoking 100 cigarettes. The same can go for e-cigarettes and vapor smoking, which are all as harmful as hookah to your dental and overall health.

University Associates in Dentistry believe every patient deserves to be happy and healthy. Call us at (312) 704-5511 to schedule a dental consultation in Chicago . Our dentists can gladly help you decide on teeth bonding, teeth whitening, and veneers, if needed.

Dentistry in Ancient China

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dentistry in ancient china

Toothpaste has been around for over 2,500 years, dating all the way back to China and India. This fact, and many more, has played an important role in how modern dentists treat their patients. Modern dentistry can only be learned and improved by embracing the dentistry practices of the ancient past. Continue reading for a brief look into Ancient Chinese dentistry practices.

  • 2700 BC—Ancient Chinese dentists used acupuncture as part of their tooth decay treatment.
  • 500 BC—Chinese and Indians used toothpaste.
  • AD 200—Arsenic was used to treat tooth decay, most likely meant to kill the tooth pulp and relieve toothache pain.
  • AD 659—Li Shih-Chen formulated a silver and mercury mixture that was used for fillings.
  • AD 1490s—Coarse hog hair was attached to a bone or bamboo handle, and the common toothbrush was invented.

You won’t find hog hair and bamboo toothbrushes, but you will find some exceptional general dentists near Chicago when you call University Associates in Dentistry. We are here for our patients, whether they need veneers, teeth implants, or sports dentistry services. Call us at (312) 704-5511 or visit us online to schedule your complimentary consultation.

The Risks of Unchecked Sleep Apnea

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You may think you can handle the tiredness you feel often, but there are other risks associated with your sleep apnea . Don’t let your future be dictated by your disorders of today. Visit your dentist, and ask about sleep apnea treatments right away.

Heart Attacks
Sleep apnea sufferers also have a higher likelihood to suffer from heart disease. The cause is not completely known, but it is believed to be linked to the body’s intake of oxygen. When you wake up throughout the night, your body’s oxygen intake is interrupted, which can interrupt the brain’s ability to control the blood flow throughout your body.

High Blood Pressure
Along with the possibility of heart attacks and strokes comes the probability that you have or will develop high blood pressure. As you constantly wake up, your hormones may start to fluctuate significantly, which will raise your blood pressure throughout the day.

Car Accidents
It makes sense that if you are regularly tired, your reflexes will be uncoordinated and slowed. This can put you at a higher risk for falling asleep on the road and getting involved in a car accident. You may also be at risk for other accidents and falls you normally wouldn’t have with full and regular sleep.

Weight Gain
Overweight patients are likely to suffer from sleep apnea due to the extra weight pressing on their neck. If you are not overweight but suffer from sleep apnea, you may start gaining weight. Due to the sleep loss, your body will release a hormone that makes you crave sweets and carbs. You may find yourself so tired that you turn to unhealthy foods and drinks in hopes they will wake you up. This is unsafe and could lead to further problems.

If you’re ready for sleep apnea treatments in Chicago, call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. Our experienced dentists can help with your sleep apnea, dental implants, and teeth bonding. Whatever you need, we can provide, so call us to schedule your appointment today.

A Basic Guide to Good Dental Care

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As your dentist will advise you, good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your overall health. Watch this video to learn how to practice good dental habits at home.

A dentist advises patients of all ages to brush teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every night before bed. If you have teeth implants, you should follow your dentist’s instructions for proper cleaning. A general dentist may suggest using a special brush to remove plaque from your gum line and ensure the health and longevity of your implants.

Whether you need a professional teeth cleaning or want to learn more about cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, contact University Associates in Dentistry . You can schedule a consultation with a dentist near Chicago by calling (312) 704-5511.

Get the Facts Behind Common Myths About Porcelain Veneers

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veneers Chicago Veneers are used to correct a broad range of cosmetic flaws. A dentist regularly places veneers to fix misaligned teeth, including gapped, overlapping, or overly crowded teeth. Veneers are also an alternative to teeth whitening for patients whose teeth are too deeply stained for bleach to be effective. Finally, cosmetic dentistry recommends veneers to mask minor chips and cracks. Read on to learn even more about porcelain veneers—and find out why some veneer myths are simply untrue.

Veneers DO Appear Natural
One common myth about dental veneers is that they are so bright and shiny that they appear unnatural. However, the opposite is true. Veneers can be precisely color-matched to your surrounding natural teeth. Before placing your veneers, your dentist will guide you through before and after pictures of veneers so you can achieve the look you desire. After that, your veneers are custom made in a lab just for you.

Veneers Do NOT Require Excessive Filing
Another pervasive myth about dental veneers is that your dentist will have to significantly file down your teeth. However, with modern veneers, your cosmetic dentist will only minimally reshape your teeth. Veneers are now so thin that they require very little preparation before your dentist can place them. Any alterations to your teeth will be invisible to your naked eye.

Veneers DO Serve More Than Just Cosmetic Purposes
Some people falsely believe that veneers are merely cosmetic solutions. However, as your general dentist will explain, veneers do even more than improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers can also be used to fill out the cheeks, replace misshapen or worn teeth, and rebuild molars.

If you are interested in veneers near Chicago, contact the dentists with University Associates in Dentistry today. Our dentists are highly experienced in cosmetic dentistry techniques. We can guide you through all your options for correcting flaws with your smile. To achieve the smile of your dreams, give us a call at (312) 704-5511.

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