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 a Damaged Tooth Be Saved?In the world of dental health, a damaged tooth doesn’t always spell doom for your smile. Advances in dental care have paved the way for numerous procedures that can save a compromised tooth—or, in the case that a tooth cannot be saved, replace it. Whether your teeth have been damaged due to decay, injury, or wear and tear, understanding your… Continue Reading
How Can I Remove Staining from Bonded Teeth?One of the benefits of cosmetic dental bonding is the treatment’s ability to blend in seamlessly with surrounding teeth for a natural appearance. However, if a bonded tooth becomes stained, this can reduce the quality of the results and require an adjunctive solution to restore a natural look. Although bonded teeth are polished upon application, they are still susceptible to… Continue Reading
Is Dental Porcelain Strong Enough to Repair My Smile?Dental porcelain is a popular choice for cosmetic and restorative dental treatments due to its compatible look and feel alongside natural teeth—but porcelain’s beauty also matches its brawn. High-quality, dental-grade porcelain is as strong and durable as the tooth’s natural enamel and, when properly cared for, can last for years—or even decades! At Smile for Life Dental, our Elgin cosmetic… 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
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
How to Remove Yellow Stains from TeethOne of the most common concerns relating to smile aesthetics is the yellow discoloration that often affects the teeth over time. Some level of tooth yellowing is likely for most individuals at some point, even those who take great care of their teeth. While tooth discoloration can eventually develop from tobacco use, regular consumption of foods and beverages containing ingredients… Continue Reading
How Can Dental Treatments Make Me Look Younger?It may be surprising to learn that certain types of dental treatment can effectively treat common signs of aging and provide a more youthful and refreshed look. A combination of treatments like those that are often part of a Smile Makeover, or even just a single dental treatment such as porcelain veneers can serve as a kind of “dental facelift,”… Continue Reading