General Dentistry		Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Cleaning	Sealants	Teeth Whitening
Fillings	Crowns	Bonded Veneers
Implants	TMJ Therapy	Porcelain Veneers
Dentures	Root Canal Therapy	Implants
Extractions	Emergencies	Full mouth recontruction

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Teeth Cleaning

Good dental hygiene is the foundation of a healthy smile. We pride ourselves on providing quality dental preventive care and cleanings. We will take the time to educate you how to properly take care of your teeth and gums to help prevent common problems like periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings placed on the surface grooves of the permanent back teeth to help prevent tooth decay. These surface areas are commonly affected by decay in children and teens. Studies have shown that sealants prevent decay on tooth surfaces by up to 50%. The sealant material we use is safe, free from BIsphenol-A which is found in some plastics. We recommend that sealants are placed as soon as the permanent first molars erupt around age six.

Fillings

We place both white (composite) bonded and silver(amalgam) fillings when needed to replace decayed or missing tooth structure. White fillings can be placed on almost any tooth and have the advantage of being mechanically bonded to the tooth while mimicing the natural tooth shade and shape. Silver fillings don't have the advantage of being bonded to the tooth but they have been shown to be very durable when used properly. Silver is less costly and is faster to place. We give our patients the choice but we find that most choose the white fillings.

Crowns and Bridges

Often referred to as "caps" they are a type of cemented dental restoration that fully covers the visible tooth structure to restore it's form and function when it's been damaged, fractured, or severly decayed. Crowns can be made from plastic resin, porcelain, various metals or a combination of porcelain and metal. Resin and porcelain crowns are very esthetic but can be more prone to fracture. Metalic crowns are very strong and long lasting but Can be objectionable to patients. Porcelain fused to metal crowns are very strong, long lasting and while not as esthetic as all porcelain crowns they satisfy most patients. The choice of crown material may be determined by what area of the mouth its in, the individuals biting forces and patient esthetic concerns or preferences.

Implants

Implants are titanium cylinders that are placed in the jaw bone to provide an anchor for a dental crown, bridge or denture. Implants are very strong, natural looking, long lasting and feel like any other tooth. Implants though are more costly, must be placed by a qualified specialist, and the crown portion will eventually need replacement. Implants are the most reliable replacement for a missing tooth.

TMJ Therapy

The abbreviation TMJ stands for the Temporo- mandibular Joint where the lower jaw joins the temporal bone of the skull in front of the ear on each side of the head. Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder may include, headaches, facial pain, neck pain, Jaw clicking, dizziness, sensitive teeth or an uneven bite. The causes include trauma, tooth clenching and grinding, bite discrepancies, and arthritis. Treatment may include splint therapy, bite corrections, orthodontics, or surgery.
Read more at the American Dental Association, then contact us to setup an appointment today.

Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. We use an excellent lab technician to fabricate the custom denture plates. Advantages of dentures are their ability to replace all missing teeth ar once while restoring the facial collapse that occurs when teeth are lost. Denture wearers have the option of using implants to anchor dentures greatly improving the retention and biting forces.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatment can save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction. Causes can include decay, fracture, trauma, cracks or deep restorations. Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful but most people have little or no discomfort during treatment. When the problem is ignored or delayed an abscess may result making it more difficult to numb the tooth. During treatment the nerve chamber is cleaned, shaped, disinfected and sealed. We use the lastest rotary systems and flexible files to make sure treatment is successful and completed quickly. In most cases a crown is indicated to restore the toothsome strength and prevent reinfection.

Extractions

Extractions are performed for a variety of reasons, including tooth, infection, decay, fracture, gum disease and spacing problems. Most extractions are simple but some may require a surgical extraction for teeth broken at the gumline or not fully erupted. Post operative discomfort is usually minimal for most patients and depending on the case antibiotics or pain medicine may be prescribed.

Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. Commonly seen emergencies may involve a broken tooth, lost filling, lost crown, tooth abscess, tooth pain, dislodged teeth, or soft tissue trauma.

Teeth Whitening

Also known as bleaching its a method of lightening teeth using peroxide bleaching compounds. We use three different bleaching methods: strips, custom trays, and Zoom in office light activation. We have found trays worn at home for 30 minutes to 1 hour produce excellent results. Crest professional strength whitening strips have shown nice results but can be more difficult to use. Zoom is a more expensive jump start that requires home trays as well. Bleaching is safe when used properly. Minor side effects can include temporary cold sensitivity and gum irritation. Tooth whitening can last several months or years depending on the individuals habits. Smoking or the consumption of dark staining liquids like coffee, red wine or tea will stain the teeth faster than normal. Tooth whitening is a great way to rejuvienate your smile.

Bonded Veneers

This technique is a very conservative, using advanced composite material to close gaps, repair chips, cover discolorations or change tooth alignment. They are very esthetic, easily repaired, and can be created freehand often in one appointment. Although not as esthetic as porcelain or long lasting, bonded veneers are a less costly conservative alternative.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are glued to the front of a tooth. They are ideal to repair crooked teeth, chipped teeth, close gaps, change the tooth shape, color. They are custom made at our lab by a highly trained dental technician. Unlike crowns veneers require much less tooth reduction.

Implants

Implants are titanium cylinders that are placed in the jaw bone to provide an anchor for a dental crown, bridge or denture. Implants are very strong, natural looking, long lasting and feel like any other tooth. Implants though are more costly, must be placed by a qualified specialist, and the crown portion will eventually need replacement. Implants are the most reliable replacement for a missing tooth.

Full Mouth Recontruction

Sometimes patients with severe dental problems, including decay, missing or broken teeth, Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ), or considerable pain and discomfort will need a full mouth reconstruction. A thorough and comprehensive exam and x-rays are needed to determine the extent of the problems and if they can be corrected with one, more or a combination of dental procedures. Fullmouth reconstruction may be multiphased, and can often includes procedures such as crowns, bridges, orthodontics, gum surgery, and implants. This process is well worth completing to restore your oral health, function, confidence and youthful appearance.

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Distinctive Smiles Dental 1400 Lincoln Highway Suite B St.Charles, IL 60174