How Can I Improve the Appearance of a Single Stained Tooth?Stains on the teeth are a common—but nonetheless frustrating—concern. Many factors can contribute to discoloration, including certain foods and drinks (such as coffee, berries, and wine), tobacco use, some medications (such as tetracycline), and poor oral hygiene. In order to address teeth stains, individuals often turn to over-the-counter teeth whitening remedies. However, these are rarely as effective as professional whitening,… Continue Reading
When Does a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?While we typically do whatever we can to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, in some cases, extraction is actually the best option for your health and comfort. Our Elgin dentists offer a range of dental care procedures designed to meet your specific needs. For patients experiencing pain or who have severe damage or decay, root… Continue Reading
How Can I Maintain the Results of My Smile Makeover?A smile makeover is a completely customizable, multi-faceted treatment that can transform your smile and provide you with confidence for the future. However, patients sometimes wonder about how to ensure the longevity of their smile makeover results. In order to get the most out of your treatment, there are several things to keep in mind. First, it’s imperative that patients… Continue Reading
Is There a Way to Straighten Teeth Without Braces?While traditional braces can often efficiently straighten teeth, not everyone is interested in getting them—often because they don’t want noticeable brackets or wires disrupting their smile aesthetics. This is a totally understandable viewpoint, and one we hear frequently at Smile For Life Dental. In many cases, we can often accommodate a patient’s wishes for straighter teeth using porcelain veneers instead…. Continue Reading
Elgin Dentist Discusses Oral Systemic Health and The Importance of Preventative Dental CareDr. Dean Lodding explains how maintaining good oral health can help protect your overall health, which is why preventative dentistry and good at-home dental hygiene habits are so important. Elgin, IL – Dr. Dean Lodding—an Elgin-based cosmetic dentist and the owner of Smile For Life Dental—is committed to helping his patients both obtain and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles throughout their… Continue Reading
Porcelain Veneers vs. Cosmetic Dental BondingRegardless of how diligent one may be when it comes to taking good care of their teeth, even the slightest aesthetic concern can have an effect on the overall appearance of a person’s smile. Some of the most common cosmetic dental issues include chips, noticeable gaps, and very deep stains. Fortunately, there are two exceptional treatment options that can be… Continue Reading
Elgin Dentist Discusses Invisalign® and Other Discreet Orthodontic OptionsDr. Dean Lodding of Smile for Life Dental explains how Invisalign® clear aligners can provide patients with a more discreet and convenient approach to orthodontic treatment. Elgin, IL — For decades, orthodontic treatments have helped people address bite and tooth misalignment issues for straighter, better functioning smiles. However, the trade-off for correcting one’s smile has traditionally involved metal braces or… Continue Reading
Conquering Dental Anxiety: Elgin Dentist Discusses the Relaxing Powers of Sedation DentistryDr. Dean Lodding of Smile for Life Dental explains how sedation dentistry techniques can provide patients who fear the prospect of dental care with a more relaxing, even pleasant experience. Elgin, IL – Fear of dental treatment is quite prevalent across America. In fact, studies have shown that more than 50% of people in the U.S. suffer from some degree… Continue Reading
Dental Emergencies During the Coronavirus/COVID-19 PandemicThe team at Smile for Life Dental want to be here for you in cases of a dental emergency during this unprecedented and challenging time. While our office is currently closed for routine procedures and other elective dental care options, our dentists are on standby for dental emergencies and can treat patients who are suffering from concerns that require immediate… Continue Reading
At-Home Dental Care and Oral Health Tips During the Coronavirus/COVID-19 CrisisMany of us across the United States are under shelter-in-place orders or are simply doing our part to follow social distancing guidelines by remaining at home as much as possible. In fact, to achieve maximum levels of risk-management during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, Smile for Life Dental has temporarily closed, with the exception of treatment availability for dental emergencies. Since routine… Continue Reading