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Don’t Do Dental Procedures on Yourself | Kenilworth Dentist

There is a difference between homemade and professionally done. Sure, there is something special about doing things on your own, but there are some things best left to the professionals. One example? Our health.

A popular trend that has slipped its way into our culture is DIY dentistry, but it has progressed further than the old “tying a loose tooth to a door with string” procedures. No, now patients are forgoing their dentist and trying to straighten their teeth. The patient takes their own molds or goes to a local facility to have scans taken by non-dental personnel, who then produce clear aligners for their teeth.

Although it may seem like going to the dentist is a thing of the past, take a minute to really think about what is actually going on – it may not be what you think…

Because you do not consult a dentist, you may be causing more damage because you are unaware of how teeth move. Moving teeth is a slow process and should never be rushed. If moved too quickly, your teeth’s roots may not be able to support biting pressure, in addition to loosened teeth, joint problems and headaches. And though your teeth straighten, if pushed outside of the bone, the result can be extensive gum recession and eventual tooth loss.

It seems to be too good to be true because it is. Your smile is important and should be taken seriously. Seek competent help and guidance from a well-trained dentist or orthodontics. It may seem like a shortcut but may end up being more costly than the immediate benefits.

For more information regarding DIY dental work, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.

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Why Are My Teeth Turning Yellow? | Kenilworth Dentist

We all want a white smile, but maintaining the bright luster isn’t always easy. After time, our teeth begin to turn yellow. It could be for a variety of reasons, but eventually our teeth become tinged with a yellowish hue.

When outside sources of staining are left to sit on the teeth all day until your next brushing, the dentin on your teeth becomes yellowish or darkened. Contributing factors to yellowing, stained teeth can be, smoking, wine, soda and aging. There are a variety of over-the-counter products that can help slow the process, but a professional treatment is really the only thing that will truly rejuvenate our smile back.

Studies show we place a high value on our smiles. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey, here are a couple of facts:

Virtually all adults (99.7%) believe a smile is an important social asset. 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex.

Three-quarters (74%) of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chance for career success.

And when respondents were asked, “What would you like to improve most about your smile?” The most common response was whiter & brighter teeth.

Simple rules to live by to try and stop the yellowing process:

  • Visit your dentist regularly for teeth cleanings
  • Rinse your mouth out with water several times throughout the day
  • Use toothpaste with whitening agents

If you decide that a whitening treatment will be best for your smile’s appearance, talk to your dental professional about it next time you go in for a checkup. They will be more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about improving your smile.

For more information regarding discolored teeth, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.

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CEREC Will Give You The Smile You Desire in a Day | Kenilworth Dentist

When it comes to improving our smiles, we will generally choose the best options with the least amount of hassle or pain. And guess what? There is a way for you to have a beautiful smile in a single office visit thanks to CEREC®.

CEREC® allows our doctors to quickly restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic fillings, saving patients time and inconvenience because the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations takes place in one office visit. We no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated. Imagine that – you are in and out with a permanent, all-ceramic dental crown, onlay, or veneer. Fewer injections, less drilling, and less time out of your hectic schedule for dental care!

The tooth that requires a CEREC® restoration is prepared and a 3D photograph is taken of the prepared tooth. From there, we use computer-aided design CAD software to create the restoration digitally.

Using a single block of porcelain that is color-matched to your current tooth shade, the digitally designed restoration is sent to a milling machine where your restoration is cut. The milling process usually takes about 15 minutes per restoration. Once the restoration is finished being milled, it is fitted onto the prepared tooth and adjusted until the bite is accurate.

Not only is it a time-saver, but these tooth-colored restorations mean no more silver fillings or discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive, and plaque-resistant giving you the longest-lasting, best-looking restorations.

For more information regarding CEREC same day crowns, contact Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Freund and Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.