Read on to see why regular dental check-ups are very important.
However, one-time carelessness can catapult into long-term cost and effort. A dental checkup is a preventive measure carried out to nip any dental problems in the bud. Early detection of a dental defect can save the tooth from being destroyed and resorting to painful and expensive options such as root canal or tooth extraction.
Listed below are some important reasons why you shouldn’t skip regular dental check-ups:
Early Detection of Plaque and Tartar:
Plaque and tartar are usually not self-detected until they develop as full-grown cavities. A dentist can catch them early on, while they can still be removed from a simple cleaning procedure. Plaque and tartar don’t show any symptoms until the tooth erodes and cavities are developed.
Once erosion starts, you will develop a toothache. It is only then you will realize that the damage has been done.
A full-grown cavity can only be treated by a filling or in severe cases by root canal procedure. These procedures are not only expensive, but they cause more pain as well. Precious tooth is lost due to the unchecked growth of tartar and plaque.
They can be removed through a simple cleaning procedure which not only costs less but is a lot easier to carry out than regular dental fillings.
Diagnosis of Underlying Issues
X-rays of teeth and jaw bone are a part of regular dental check-ups. An x-ray can catch underlying problems that have not yet made an appearance on the surface. These problems include impacted teeth, the decay of jaw bone, underneath cysts, and tumors.
Early detection of these underlying problems will prevent the disease from spreading. The above-mentioned problems can become serious ailments if left unchecked. A biannual dental visit will drastically reduce their chances of spreading and causing more harm.
Early Detection of Oral Cancer
Cancer is a dangerous disease. In most cases, it becomes fatal because it starts manifesting itself at such a stage when it has taken deep roots inside the person’s body. Regular dental checkups can prevent the spread of oral cancer by detecting it at an early stage.
The dentist will perform a VELscope cancer exam on your mouth. This exam reveals signs of tumors caused by accumulation of dead tissue. This exam is pain-free and takes only a couple of minutes to perform. Hence, a biannual checkup by a professional will make it highly likely that any symptom of oral cancer will be detected early on and treated appropriately
Detection of Non-dental Ailments
The human mouth exhibits signs of certain non-dental diseases as well. The symptoms of vitamin deficiency, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer can be detected from the buccal cavity. A professional dentist will be able to catch them during regular dental check-ups.
During the examination, dentists also examine the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for any lumps and other irregularities. Swollen lymph nodes can be an underlying sign of cancer. A routine dental checkup will reveal all such non-dental issues as well.
From the above-mentioned points, it can be deduced that making an effort to visit a dentist every six months for your regular dental check-ups can save you from major health problems in the long run.
It is important to find a dentist you trust and are comfortable with. If you are residing in Westmont, IL, contact Celebrity Smiles for your regular dental check-ups.
Learn from a qualified dentist what is laser dentistry.
Laser is the product of technological advancements. Laser has revolutionized medical health. It is now being used in ophthalmology, dermatology and dentistry.
How Does Dental Laser Work?
Laser stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” This definition is quite complex for the ordinary brain to comprehend, but its working principle is simple.
Laser instrument emits concentrated beams of light. The emitted light reacts with the tissue surrounding the teeth. The light has the capacity to reshape or remove the tissue.
Laser lights can be generated at different wavelengths. Each wavelength has its own thermal output. Hence each wavelength can be used for performing a different function.
Some laser beams are used for treating ailments of the soft tissue i.e the gum. Others are used for harder structures like bone and enamel. The use of laser in dentistry is relatively new. The commercial use of laser in dental practices started in 1989.
Laser dentistry is used for treating the following dental ailments:
Laser is used for the removal of small pieces of tissue. These pieces are used for examination of cancer. Canker sores can also be removed by lasers.
Gum disease
Laser is used to remove bacteria for root canal surgeries. It is also used to remove excess tissue which gets in the way of tooth function.
Tooth decay
Laser removes the dental decay and carves the surrounding tooth for filling.
Teeth whitening
The thermal energy of laser is used to expedite the teeth whitening procedure. The whitening agent is made of hydrogen peroxide. It gets activated and works faster when heated up by laser light.
Advantages of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry has the following advantages over traditional dentistry:
Laser dentistry causes less pain compared to traditional dentistry procedures. Hence laser dentistry requires lower doses of anesthesia if any.
The uncomfortable practice of dental drilling can be avoided through laser dentistry.
The use of laser causes less bleeding as laser helps in clotting blood. The use of laser for soft tissues reduces the chance of post-surgery swelling.
Accurate use of a laser can preserve a greater mass of healthy teeth while removing a cavity.
The laser has sterilizing abilities that reduce the probability of bacterial infection after the surgery.
The laser may stimulate tissue regeneration and help in the fast healing of wounds.
Surrounding tissues may incur less damage compared to traditional methods.
Disadvantages of Laser Dentistry
Even with all its advantages, use of laser in dentistry also has the following limitations:
The need for anaesthesia cannot be completely ruled out with laser based procedures.
Drills are still sometimes needed for dental procedures which have been carried out by laser. Drills can be needed for shaping and polishing the filling.
The risk of gum injury cannot be ruled out with laser based procedures.
Laser cannot be used in areas which have already been filled with a dental filling.
BottomLine
The potential benefits of laser dentistry outweigh its advantages. If you are someone who gets jitters at the thought of dental drills and the vibration and pressure caused by them, then you ought to give laser dentistry a try.
What is important is to find dental professionals qualified in the field of laser dentistry. Lucky for you, we know just the right professionals in Westmont, IL. Celebrity Smiles specializes in dental lasers. So book your appointment today.
Dental crowns offer a protective layering to a weak tooth. The weakness may be caused due to decay, breakage, or physical trauma. The dental crown is often placed after a decayed tooth is cleaned and filled. It acts as a barrier for the newly filled tooth against pressure and heat.
The crown also protects the tooth from attack of bacteria present inside the mouth.
If your dentist has recommended a dental crown for your tooth-related ailments, we suggest you read about the different types of dental crowns and their benefits. This will help you decide which kind of crown is more suited to your requirements. Dentists in Westmont, IL offer the following types of dental crowns:
Ceramic Dental Crowns
These crowns are made of ceramic and resemble the appearance of a natural tooth. Because of this, they are often used as crowns for front teeth. They are however not fit for molars and pre-molars because ceramic can break when subjected to heavy chewing and biting.
Advantages
Due to the color and texture of ceramic, ceramic crowns blend in very well with natural teeth. Ceramic crowns are aesthetically pleasant.
Ceramic is a benign substance that does not cause allergies, unlike metal-based crowns.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns are used as a temporary quick fix. These crowns are produced on a large scale and are easily available. They are used as a short-term covering for a filling while the permanent crown is being prepared according to the patient’s requirements.
Stainless steel crowns are also used as a cover for children’s primary teeth which have decayed. Once the permanent tooth comes out, the stainless steel crown comes off easily along with the primary tooth.
Advantages
Stainless steel crowns are cheaper than tailor-made porcelain/ceramic crowns. They do not require a lot of sophistication and are manufactured on a large scale.
They are readily available.
They save the hassle of multiple dental visits in between fillings.
Metal or Gold Alloy Crowns
Metal crowns are quite popular because they have the ability to withstand high pressure and force of chewing and biting. Metal crowns are usually made from gold, platinum, or alloys of cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium.
Of all dental crowns, metal crowns show minimum wear and tear with time. They are ideal for placement at molars. The downside of metal crowns is their high cost. They are also not aesthetically pleasing because the color of metal or gold is quite prominent and different from the natural color of teeth.
Advantages
They can withstand high pressure and force and do not fracture.
They are more long-lasting compared to other crowns.
Metal crowns do not corrode the underlying tooth and gum tissue. They are very safe to use.
Porcelain-Fused to Metal Crowns
These crowns are formed by the fusion of two substances: porcelain and metal. The outer body of the crown is made of ceramic. Ceramic makes the crown look natural and helps it blend with neighboring teeth without standing out.
The inner lining of the crown is done with metal which gives it durability and ability to sustain pressure. The downside of porcelain-fused to metal crown is that its placement requires the removal of some amount of tooth structure.
Advantages
These crowns have the best of both worlds. They are natural-looking and durable.
They can be placed on any tooth.
If you are in need of a dental crown, book an appointment with Celebrity Smiles to receive expert dental care.
Here we offer some easy tips to help prevent dental problems.
Knowledge is the best weapon to prevent dental problems. The more you know about preventative measures and how what you eat affects your teeth and gum, the more you can protect them.
At Celebrity Smiles, we provide preventative dentistry services in Westmont and we believe that our patients should know exactly how their teeth and gums can be protected at home. This is why we have listed down four of the best ways to take care of your teeth at home and prevent dental problems that are commonly experienced by many.
Seal Your Teeth With Flouride
Fluoride can make the enamel of your teeth sturdier and stronger which prevents tooth decay and cavity. You can either use fluoride toothpaste every day to ensure your enamel is well protected, or go to your dentist to help seal your teeth with a protective coating.
Professional treatment is good for patients who have been not regular with their oral hygiene practices. Visit Celebrity Smiles today to learn more about the procedure and its benefits.
Don’t Ignore Flossing
Flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing them daily. This is one of the most commonly ignored step that you can take to prevent dental problems. Flossing helps remove food particles from between your teeth where the brush can never make it. The bacteria is in its highest concentration between the teeth because of the amount of food that gets stuck here.
If you don’t floss your teeth, the bacteria in these tight spots can turn into tartar which will damage your teeth and will require professional teeth cleaning at a dentist’s office.
Replace Your Toothbrush
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of dental hygiene. You have to change your toothbrush every three to four months to ensure that you are getting proper care. The reason for this is simple – the bristles on the toothbrush become harder after use and may not be able to clean the teeth properly.
Hardened brushes also wear away the enamel and hurt your gum tissue which can lead to a variety of dental problems.
Rinse Your Mouth After Eating
Rinsing your mouth immediately after having a meal ensures that excessive food particles don’t settle in your mouth or on your teeth. Some of the food gets immediately stuck to your teeth and the best way to remove them is to rinse your mouth.
You can rinse your mouth with just water but we recommend using an anti-bacterial mouth wash that does not contain alcohol for this purpose. Ensure that you do this after your last meal before going to bed. Any food particles left inside your mouth when you sleep can damage your teeth significantly.
For tougher preventative measures, make sure to visit your dentist for preventative dentistry.
Here is some information you need to understand about teeth whitening.
At Celebrity Smiles, Westmont, we believe it is important to educate people about the rewards and consequences of teeth whitening. Whether you opt for professional teeth whitening or at home, it is a double-edged sword if you are not careful.
At Celebrity Smiles, we have mixed the best technology with high-end skills of our dentists to give you the safest and most dramatic and long-lasting results with our deep whitening system. We believe every teeth requires a different treatment, so we have different treatments available.
But before you opt for this treatment, here are some things you need to know.
Teeth Whitening at Home Can Increase Tooth Sensitivity
We all crave immediate gratification. This leads to trying at-home quick teeth whitening products. Although these treatments may provide sparkle to your teeth, they are not recommended because they can cause increased teeth sensitivity.
Opt for gradual teeth whitening by either using fluoride toothpaste or by regularly visiting a dentist for gradual treatment. The quicker the process, the more chances of getting sensitivity.
Diet Changes are Necessary
There are certain foods and beverages that can stain your teeth quite quickly. For example, if you drink tea or coffee, or you smoke, your teeth may become discolored faster. If you want to obtain a pearly white smile, avoid these as much as you can.
You’ll have to do the same if you are under a professional teeth whitening treatment. For as long as the treatment undergoes, you’ll want to avoid these. Instead, opt for foods like seeds, strawberries, nuts and cauliflower which may help speed up the process.
Whitening Toothpaste Don’t Really Do Anything
As much as we are attracted by teeth whitening toothpaste, these offer only a temporary fix and never live up to the promises made on the pack. Some of these kinds of toothpaste have whitening solutions in them that may offer quick results, but in return, they increase teeth sensitivity and are temporary.
We recommend opting for professional teeth whitening treatment at a dentist’s office instead of over-the-counter whitening products for long-lasting and safe results.
You Can’t Whiten Fake Teeth
If you have veneers, fillings, or crowns, you won’t be able to whiten them at home or at a dentist. The only way to get them to sparkle and match with other teeth is to replace them. If you choose to replace your veneers, crowns, or fillings, you’ll have to wait at least 10 days after the bleaching to achieve the desired results.
Talk to your dentist to learn more about how the treatment differs.
Some Stains Can Take An Effort To Remove
If your teeth were ever exposed to fluoride when you were younger than 8 years old, you may have a condition called fluorosis. This can be recognized by the white spots or fine white lines on the surface of your teeth.
While these are usually white in color, they are still stains and are very difficult to remove. You may have to undergo multiple treatments to achieve an even look.
At Celebrity Smiles, we have three different methods for teeth whitening which are guaranteed to help you achieve a crystal clear smile. Talk to us today to learn about which treatment is best for your case.
Dental implants look, feel, and work like your actual real teeth. Here we discuss the important topic of dental implant care.
Losing your permanent tooth can be quite a traumatic experience that can have a significant impact on your quality of life and self-esteem. However, you can fix this by getting a dental implant in Westmont.
Celebrity Smiles, a top dentist in Westmont can make your life ideal once again with a dental implant. Since implants work exactly like a real tooth, they will give you back your self-esteem, confidence, and pristine smile.
However, dental implants require regular oral care just like your real teeth. Here’s what you can expect after the procedure.
Dental Implant Care Tips
1. Daily Brushing
Just as you would brush your teeth daily, you will have to brush the dental implant twice a day along with flossing. It is the only way to keep it healthy and prolong its life. You are free to use normal or electric brushing for cleaning purposes. Dentists recommend investing in an electronic brush because it provides much more thorough cleaning compared to a regular brush. It can also provide care in hard to reach places.
2. Proper Cleaning
You will have to provide proper cleaning to your implants. This includes brushing along the gum lines to make sure that the area is free from infection and bacteria. You will also have to floss regularly especially if you have a fixed implant. If you are unsure of how to clean a dental implant, don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist.
3. Make Use of Floss Threaders
Floss threaders are a great way to keep your dental implants clean. These are able to reach in and around your implant and are significantly helpful in reaching hard to reach places. There are many dental implant types available such as foam coatings, implants, and prosthetics. Talk to your dentist today to learn more about the types of implants available.
4. Experiment With Other Brushing Styles
There are many other ways you can brush your teeth. There is a small dental brush known as a proxy brush that is created to clean between your teeth. It should easily replace a typical brush and flossing. Using a proxy brush reduces the time and effort it takes to properly clean your teeth and implants. So make sure you experiment with it and find out if it is a better solution for you.
5. Toothpaste Matters
There are several different kinds of toothpaste available today. While most kinds of toothpaste are made with fluoride, some have more ingredients that are specifically added to help with dental implant care and maintenance. These kinds of toothpaste are not intended to replace your daily toothpaste option, however, they will help you clean hard to reach areas.
6. Use Mouthwash Regularly
In addition to brushing and flossing, you will have to use mouthwash at least once a day as part of your dental implant care regimen. This not only gives you fresh breath but can also keep bacteria away from your mouth. Try to find a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol in it because alcohol can dry your mouth.
7. Avoid Abrasive Products
Products that are abrasive, such as whitening toothpaste, can cause discomfort and sensitivity. It is best to avoid them in your dental implant care routine. The use of products for sensitive teeth is highly recommended.
8. Regular Visits to the Dentist
After an implant procedure, you’ll still have to visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups and cleanings. This will ensure that your implants are in perfect health. There are issues that can only be detected by your dentist. Book your appointment today to learn more about your options.
Here are a few facts about porcelain veneers discussed by our dentist.
One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options available at Celebrity Smiles, Westmont, is porcelain veneers. These are wafer-thin shells that are put over real teeth to cover any cosmetic imperfections a patient might have, and they provide a high rate of satisfaction for the individual.
However, a lot of people ask us if these are permanent. For a very short and quick answer – porcelain veneers are not permanent, but they are extremely long-lasting for those who take good care of their teeth and oral health.
If you love to flaunt a beautiful Hollywood-like smile, porcelain veneers can help you achieve that. Talk to Celebrity Smiles today and learn your options.
Porcelain Veneers Are Very Long Lasting
Although this treatment is not considered permanent and might need replacement somewhere down the road – the good news is that porcelain veneers can last a few decades as long as you take good care of them.
Believe it or not, some patients don’t even find it necessary to replace them.
But you have to be aware that this treatment is irreversible. In other words, they will cover your natural teeth and the teeth will be required to be filed down in order to make room in your mouth for the treatment. Once the enamel of the teeth is filed down, it will never grow back, so you will always have to carry veneers with you on the affected teeth.
If you do not like the idea that this treatment is irreversible, there are other very similar procedures to restore a smile. Talk to us today and learn what options are available.
How to Care for Porcelain Veneers
If you’re considering getting veneers, you will have to know how to take good care of them to prolong their life. Here are some of the things you’ll have to do after getting veneers.
Appear for regular checkups. Porcelain veneers will occasionally require a check-up by your dentist. This checkup will also include a deep-clean treatment that will help the dentist to detect any problems with them before they develop fully.
Basic oral hygiene. With these on your teeth, you will have to make sure that you never miss brushing your teeth. You’ll have to brush at least two times a day to keep them on for long. Tooth decay is the primary reason these come off.
Avoid hard or sticky food. Veneers are cemented on your teeth and they will have to withstand chewing every day. There is a good possibility that they might chip, loosen, or break down if you use your teeth to eat hard things or try to open bottles and other hard things with your teeth.
Apart from tooth decay, veneers can also fall off from the trauma of the mouth. So if you play sports or conduct a hard physical activity, you’ll probably want to protect these with a mouthguard.
Get your porcelain treatment today in Westmont by booking an appointment with Celebrity Smiles.
How dental implants can boost your confidence if you lose teeth.
Thanks to the latest technology available to Celebrity Smiles in Westmont, the dental implant procedure has never been easier. A dental implant is a small, often metallic screw that is drilled in the jaw bone of the patient that serves as a replacement for a natural tooth root.
The screw of the implant is typically made of titanium alloys or titanium and it is very durable and can withstand the test of time. Once the procedure has successfully been completed, it is fused with the bone through another procedure called osseointegration where a prosthesis such as a denture or crown is placed on the screw and it can then be used as a replacement tooth.
6 Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many benefits but these are the 8 most significant ones.
Bone Loss is Effectively Prevented
When a tooth is damaged or lost, the bone that surrounds the root and supports the tooth can begin to disintegrate. These implants help prevent this by fulfilling the same functions of a natural tooth root. It stimulates the bone so that it remains active and does not disintegrate.
Preserves Your Natural Smile
When you lose a tooth, the bone degrades very quickly. This inevitably causes the lips and the mouth to sink inward. Not only this is uncomfortable for the patient, but it also changes the natural smile.
A dental implant effectively halts this process and protects the infrastructure of your mouth which in turn preserves your smile for a long time to come.
It Feels Just Like Natural Teeth
When someone loses a tooth, day to day activities may be affected and that could lead to severe anxiety in an individual. Even getting bridges and dentures is not a good option because you’ll have to have them replaced at given intervals.
With a dental implant, you can rest easy knowing that the implant will stay there for a very long time to come and will help you maintain that beautiful smile of yours for years to come. Since it perfectly fuses with the bone, it literally becomes a part of you. The replacement tooth is also typically very strong and feels and looks exactly like a real tooth.
Adjacent Teeth Are Well Protected
When one or more teeth are lost, it can start to affect the adjacent teeth. The neighbouring teeth start to move into the empty space which can cause damage to gum health as well as make the teeth unstable.
When an implant is installed, the teeth will remain in their place and there will be no gum damage. Since implants act as a replacement for natural teeth, it acts the same as any tooth in your mouth.
It Preserves Your Bite
Missing teeth can make it difficult to bite or chew food. This means many of the things that you love to eat may not be suitable for you anymore. Some people even feel that their bite has weakened and their mouth feels collapsed. Dental implants are designed to reinforce the bone and prevent any tissue suffering from a bite collapse.
It’s a Permanent Solution
Dental implants are preferred all over the world simply because they are long-lasting. They are designed to withstand the test of time and usually last years to come. Many studies have proven that implants may survive as many as 40 years or more.
Of course, this is based on various factors such as how the patient treats their teeth and how their health is. But the statistics are there and this is exactly why people prefer them over dentures or bridges.
Need a Dental Implant?
If you suffer from a tooth loss and want a reliable solution to fill the empty space, a dental implant is a perfect procedure for you. Book an appointment with Celebrity Smiles and let us help restore the function of your mouth and preserve your beautiful smile for years to come.
Straightening teeth with Invisalign, a transparent solution with the same benefits of braces.
Straightening teeth with the help of braces is often a nightmare for many teens and adults alike. Braces not only look bad on your teeth when you smile, but they also make your day to day life difficult. You’ll have a problem eating, talking, and even cleaning your teeth when you have a pair of these on.
A good alternative to these is Invisalign, a completely transparent solution that provides the same benefits of braces with an added effect of appearing invisible on your teeth. With these on, you can confidently smile in a gathering, eat what you like, and enjoy your day to day life just as you would without a pair of these.
If you’re interested in Invisalign treatment, Celebrity Smiles in Westmont is the best place to go. The orthodontist department is dedicated to providing you long-term care with various solutions beyond Invisalign.
Regardless of what people say about this treatment, here are 5 top benefits why you should opt for them instead of typical braces or other solutions.
The Benefits of Invisalign Aligners and Why You Should Use Them
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible when you wear them on your teeth. This means that you can continue to flaunt your beautiful smile while you wear them and it will never put your life on hold. Here are some more to consider.
There Are Fewer Food Restrictions
Metal braces are very tough to deal with since there are too many food restrictions when you have them on. Since you can’t freely take them off, you are bound to follow whatever your dentist has recommended.
As with Invisalign, you can easily take them off before you eat anything and put them back on once you are done. This means you can virtually eat anything you desire while you are undergoing the treatment.
Caring for Them is Easier
Since you can take them off, you can easily clean them while you freely brush and floss your teeth. The aligners come with a special holding case where you can put the aligners in when you want to go to sleep or clean your teeth.
These aligners do require a bit of care of their own so make sure you are well aware of the cleaning procedure.
They Are Not Painful
Metal braces often bring with them a lot of pain. If this is what bothers you then you will be glad to know that Invisalign is far less painful option. They will never cut, scrape or pop free on the gums or inside the lips.
You’ll have a wonderful experience wearing them simply because there is very little risk of minor injury when wearing them.
You Can Choose To Do Any Physical Activity
One of the biggest problems of wearing metal braces is that it is very risky to play sports or do any physical activity while they are on. Since you can remove the invisible aligners, you can easily put them in the holding case and play a sport until you are done.
This offers you great flexibility and allows you to continue doing what you love.
Interested in getting Invisalign in Westmont? Schedule an appointment with Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry today and let us help learn more about your problem and recommend the right treatment.
345 W Ogden Ave Westmont, IL 60559
Using a proxy brush reduces the time and effort it takes to properly clean your teeth and implants. So make sure you experiment with it and find out if it is a better solution for you.
