Why You Should Turn to Your Dentist Before Whitening Teeth

Smile Head TiltWith so many products on the market with no stipulations, is it any wonder that you might think that whitening your teeth would be something you can experiment with at home? Unfortunately, the common misconception is that the worst that can happen is insubstantial results. Your Lincolnshire cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, would like to inform you there’s more to be concerned with when it comes to do-it-yourself whitening, which is why dentists prefer that you come to them for a consultation before you make any decisions.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint from teeth whitening, even when the procedure is done by a dentist. Whitening products are available in a wide variety of chemistries and concentrations. A patient with mild staining from coffee drinking would not use the same type of whitening as someone whose teeth are stained from antibiotics. Patients that have severe acid erosion from poor diet choices or acid reflux need to take specific precautions. If you have untreated tooth decay, it’s important that the cavity is treated before you expose your teeth to whitening chemicals. (more…)

Can Gum Disease Change the Appearance of Your Smile?

Gum DiseaseGum disease starts with a combination of poor oral hygiene and genetic propensities. When you don’t go for regular dental cleanings, you will begin to have a heavy plaque and tartar buildup, even if you brush twice a day. Once tartar collects at your gumline, the irritation, inflammation, and bacterial infiltration will otherwise be known as gingivitis (AKA early gum disease). Gum disease can’t be cured, but it can be treated. If not, you may start to see changes in the way your gums and your smile appear. Your Vernon Hills dentist, Dr. Brent A. Engelberg, will discuss the ways that gum contouring might help in this situation.

Gum Contouring

When your gums recede as a result of severe gum disease (periodontitis) your teeth can appear larger and change the normal look of your smile. This can be very disconcerting and even embarrassing.  There is more than just an aesthetic issue at hand, however. As gum tissue shrinks back from teeth, your roots can be exposed to infection, and you are at risk for root canal procedures, abscesses, and tooth loss. Your Vernon Hills dentist will first want to make sure that your gum disease has been treated. Once the bacterial infection is under control and periodontal pockets are reduced, a gum contouring procedure might be recommended to give your renewed smile the beautiful frame it deserves. (more…)

Dental Bonding Quiz from Glencoe Cosmetic Dentist

TrueOrFalseBlocksCosmetic dental procedures can be multi-faceted, which is great for people that have multiple cosmetic needs. Chipped, misshapen, crooked, or discolored teeth can all be virtually erased with this popular procedure. What surprises many people is that dental bonding is a fairly simple and non-invasive treatment for flawed teeth. Dental bonding can usually be completed in just one office visit with your Glencoe cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg. Try this quiz on dental bonding.

Questions

Q1. True or false – Bonding is flawless from a far, but up close, the material will be clearly whiter than the surrounding teeth structures.

Q2. True or false – Bonding consists of discs of thin material placed over the surface of your teeth.

Q3. True or false – Dental bonding does not require anesthesia. (more…)