What Causes Short and Worn Teeth?Short or worn teeth can impact the appearance of your smile and the health of your bite, making them a concern for many people. But what causes teeth to wear down or appear shorter over time? Below, our Elgin cosmetic dentist—Dr. Dean Lodding—explains common causes as well as treatment options to restore smile aesthetics. One of the main culprits of… Continue Reading
How to Get a Celebrity SmileMany celebrities are known for their winning smiles, but red carpet-worthy teeth are more attainable than you might think. With today’s advanced cosmetic dentistry options, you can enhance your smile to look brighter, straighter, and more symmetrical—just like the stars. Below, our Elgin cosmetic dentist—Dr. Dean Lodding—introduces some of the top treatments that can transform your smile: Dental Veneers: Porcelain… Continue Reading
Can Tooth Enamel Grow Back?Tooth enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth that guards against decay and damage. Unfortunately, once enamel wears away, it doesn’t grow back. This is because enamel lacks living cells, making it impossible for the body to repair or regenerate it naturally. However, while lost enamel cannot be restored, there are several ways to address the damage… Continue Reading
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, but not everyone is an immediate candidate. Several factors determine if you can get dental implants, and a consultation with an experienced implant dentist is essential for assessing your specific case. Below, Elgin dentist Dean Lodding, DDS discusses dental implant candidacy, including options for those who may have… Continue Reading
Are My Headaches Caused By Dental Problems?If you suffer from frequent headaches, you’re not alone. Approximately 45 million Americans visit their doctor complaining about head pain each year. That said, discerning the cause behind the discomfort can be difficult. Many patients are not aware that dental problems like misalignment, teeth grinding, or even a poorly positioned jaw can trigger persistent headaches. Below, our Elgin dentist, Dr…. Continue Reading
When Does a Broken Tooth Need to Be Replaced?A broken tooth can be a minor inconvenience or a significant dental issue, depending on the extent of the damage. Knowing when a broken tooth needs to be replaced is crucial for maintaining oral health. If a tooth is chipped or cracked but the root is intact, your dentist may repair it with a tooth-colored filling, crown, dental veneer, or… Continue Reading
Can You Drink Coffee and Soda After Teeth Whitening?After investing in a teeth whitening treatment, it’s natural to wonder about the impact of your diet on your newly brightened smile. Among the common concerns are whether you can continue drinking soda, coffee, and tea without compromising your results. Below, our Elgin cosmetic dentist—Dr. Dean Lodding—outlines how your beverage choices can impact your newly whitened smile, as well as… Continue Reading
Health Benefits of Orthodontic TreatmentOrthodontic treatments like Invisalign® are designed to straighten the teeth, but they can offer patients more than just a beautiful smile; improved tooth and bite alignment also entails several significant health benefits that can enhance overall well-being. Below, our Elgin dentist explores the ways in which orthodontics can help enhance health and quality of life. Firstly, properly aligned teeth are… Continue Reading
Health Benefits of Full Mouth Dental ImplantsFull mouth dental implants can be a transformative solution for rehabilitating a mouth that has suffered from significant tooth loss and dental damage. By surgically anchoring durable titanium posts to the jawbone that act as the “roots” and placing custom crowns on top as the restorative “teeth,” dental implants produce results that can mimic the form, function, and feel of… Continue Reading
How Dental Technology is Revolutionizing Cosmetic DentistryThe landscape of cosmetic dentistry has been dramatically transformed by advancements in dental technology. Today, patients seeking to enhance their smiles can benefit from a range of innovative tools and techniques that make procedures more effective, efficient, and comfortable. Our Elgin cosmetic dentist, Dr. Dean Lodding, is a former president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and he is… Continue Reading