Our Blog

If you think that your teeth have become more crooked over the years, you’re probably not imagining things. Many people with crooked teeth have had their condition progress as they have grown older.

11 years of age is the average cut off time to fix crooked teeth. If not taken care of by the end of childhood, the condition will continue to worsen as time goes by.

Overcrowded teeth can cause many problems. Aside from the obvious aesthetic reasons, they can have a negative impact on your oral health. Food particles can get lodged in between teeth, making them very hard to clean. Over time plaque and gum disease can also develop.

Crowded teeth can also cause:

• Gum bleeding
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Quicker accumulation of plaque and tartar
• Poor bite (teeth not aligned properly)
• Gum disease
• Cavities

A good cosmetic dentist can help fix your overcrowded teeth and prevent any further damage from occurring.

What Causes Teeth to Overcrowd?

Overcrowded teeth are one of the most common cosmetic dental issues. Several things can cause teeth to crowd:

Size Discrepancy – When a child inherits large tooth size from one parent and small jaw size from another, the teeth won’t align properly and have enough room to grow.

Wisdom Teeth – When your wisdom teeth come in, there may not be enough room inside your mouth. Like any unwanted house guest, they will push and shove until they fit themselves into the limited space inside your mouth. This can cause your other teeth to start to grow crooked over time.

Previous Dental Work – If you have had prior dental work performed, then there is a good chance your crowded teeth could be due to a misaligned bite. If the prior dentist overfilled your cavities or misaligned your crown, it can cause teeth to crowd over time. It’s usually slow process, and before you realize it, your teeth are visibly out of alignment.

Bad Habits – Crowded teeth can also be caused by a pacifier or sucking your thumb as a child. The immediate effects won’t be visible until many years down the road.

How to Fix Overcrowded Teeth?

When it comes to overcrowded teeth, each person is different. A consultation with a dentist will need to be made so he can evaluate the extent and severity of the overcrowded teeth.

Based upon the treatment plan he creates, one or more of the following procedures can be performed:

Dental Braces – Braces are a common way of fixing crowded or crooked teeth. While adults can get braces, they're most often worn by children or teens. They can be removable or fixed in place.

Only the dentist can remove fixed braces, and they're supposed to be worn at all times. Removable braces can be taken out of your mouth at-will.

Invisalign – Invisalign is a brand of invisible teeth aligners. They are worn by people who do not like the metal look and feel of traditional metal braces. Invisalign works by putting a serious of clear plastic aligners in your mouth.

They are removable and are meant to be worn for a few weeks. Then the next set of retainers will be put in your mouth. Over time, your teeth will align and straighten.

Dental Veneers – Veneers can also help treat overcrowding issues. They’re usually used on adults and work best in cases of mild-to-moderate overcrowding. Veneers will sometimes be combined with other dental treatments such as braces or Invisalign.

Cosmetic Surgery to Fix Overcrowded Teeth?

Yes, there are many different options available to fix overcrowded teeth. In addition to the three listed above, a cosmetic dentist can also perform:

Dental Implants – Dental implants are one of the best options to fix crooked or misaligned teeth. They are permanent, attractive, and look completely natural. The only drawback for some people is the cost of each implant and the length of time it takes to complete the procedure (6 – 8 months).

The obvious benefit to implants is that once they’re in your mouth, they’re permanent. You don’t have to deal with braces or aligners or veneers. They will be completely straight and natural looking.

Extraction – Tooth extractions are usually performed in conjunction with another cosmetic dental procedure to fix overcrowded teeth. Extractions can be performed under local anesthesia and are a quick way of getting rid of the most prominent crooked teeth in your mouth.

Tooth Reshaping – Sometimes the dentist will suggest that the teeth be reshaped. If they’re too long or too short, they can be reshaped with veneers or a crown. The benefit of these cosmetic solutions is that they will not only make your smile look good but can help prevent further tooth decay.

Cosmetic Dentist in Downtown Chicago

At Water Tower Dental Care, we specialize in helping people fix their smiles with one of several cosmetic dental treatments. If you have crooked or overcrowded teeth, we offer many solutions for all budgets.

Give us a call at (312) 787-2131 or schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help you regain your smile and confidence!

In 2012 the American Heart Association (AHA) published a study that provided substantial evidence that oral health and heart health are closely related. Researchers found that people who suffer from gum disease (aka “periodontal disease”) are almost twice as likely to have heart disease.

Dentists have long known that gum disease can cause cavities and eventual tooth loss. Medical science is now realizing that what goes on inside your mouth can negatively affect other parts of your body. Maintaining good oral health is essential for keeping the rest of your body healthy and normal.

How Can Gum Disease Cause Heart Disease?

Scientists think that the link between the two diseases is due to the same bacteria. They surmise that infected gum tissue can be broken down by harmful bacteria, thereby allowing the bacteria easy entry into other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

When a person starts to brush or chew, the bacteria can enter into the bloodstream and move to different parts of the circulatory system such as the heart. Over time arterial plaque will build up to the point where serious issues can occur.

Researchers have found oral bacteria in the fatty deposits of those who have atherosclerosis. This, in turn, can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

Importance of Brushing and Flossing

Adults over the age of 35 are highly susceptible to losing teeth due to gum disease. It’s been said that three out of every four adults will be affected by gum disease at some point in their life. The best way to prevent periodontal disease and cavities is to use proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Bacterial plaque causes both tooth decay and periodontal disease. It is a colorless film that forms on all tooth surfaces. By brushing your teeth every day, you can remove this layer of germs and help prevent decay and disease.

Sometimes an antiseptic mouthwash can also help lower the bacteria counts in your mouth. For it to be effective, you should always use the mouthwash in conjunction with brushing and flossing. Mouthwash alone cannot get rid of plaque on the teeth – it will only kill the bacteria for a little while.

What Else Can Bad Oral Health Impact?

Researchers have found a strong correlation between cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Further studies have suggested that those with diabetes will benefit significantly from a professional tooth cleaning.

Your mouth is the entryway into your body. If it’s not properly cleaned and maintained, all sorts of bacteria can enter into your bloodstream and start causing other health issues such as:

• Pregnancy complications

• Erectile dysfunction

• Cancer

• Dementia

Bad oral health can also affect your teeth. If you have severe enough dental problems, it can cause total tooth loss. Fortunately, there are treatment options available that can reconstruct your mouth thoroughly and give you a brand-new set of teeth as well as the confidence to finally smile once again!

How to Maintain Your Oral Health

If you’re starting to get scared after reading the above few paragraphs – good!

These reasons and more are why dentists have long been saying that it’s critically important to take care of your oral health. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to keep up your health:

• Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks

• Quit or lower the amount of alcohol you drink

• Stop smoking

• Brush your teeth twice daily with ADA-recommended toothpaste

• Floss between meals

The other thing you can do is to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis are no substitute for a dental visit.

A professional dental teeth cleaning can reach and remove plaque buildup that regular brushing and flossing can miss. The dentist also has the unique advantage of being able to look directly inside your mouth for areas that you might have missed or were unable to reach.

Dentists will also be able to pick up on signs that might indicate the early formation of a cavity or gum disease. This preventative care is essential if you want to maintain good oral health.

Gum Disease Treatment in Chicago

If you haven’t been brushing and flossing regularly, there are several available treatment options which can get your oral health back to a normal level.

In more severe cases, mild lasers can be used to manually remove areas of bacteria that have accumulated over time, which in turn can help improve your oral health.

If you currently suffer from gum disease, all hope is not lost. To tell what stage of gum disease you might have, and what treatment options are available, you’ll need to make a dental appointment to be examined.

At Water Tower Dental Care, we specialize in making our patients feel comfortable and welcome. We use the latest state-of-the-art dental tools that will help improve your oral health and make your smile look like a million bucks!

Do you avoid smiling because you have an uneven or chipped front tooth? Are your canine teeth too sharp-looking, or are your front two teeth too long?

If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people have minor imperfections in their front teeth which makes them self-conscious and too embarrassed to smile.

If you consciously avoid smiling due to chipped or uneven teeth, there is an easy and affordable solution that will help you regain the confidence you once had.

What is Tooth Contouring?

Tooth contouring (AKA “dental reshaping”) is the process by which a skilled dentist will remove a tiny bit of tooth enamel with a dental drill to manually sculpt a more aesthetically pleasing tooth.

After the tooth has been sculpted, it will be polished for a smooth look and finish. Typically, tooth contouring is only performed on the front teeth because these are the most visible teeth when you smile or open your mouth.

Chipped Teeth

For chipped teeth, the dentist will apply a bonding material and cure it with UV light. Once the material has cured, the dentist will then reshape the tooth to make it look completely natural.

The entire process will take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many teeth will have work done to them. Before the dentist starts the procedure, the dental assistant will give you a shot of Lidocaine to numb the area they’re working on.

Prior to undergoing the procedure, the dentist will take an X-ray of your mouth to ensure that there won’t be any bite issues after the tooth is bonded or contoured. If the dentist has concerns that the bite will be affected, several other viable procedures will be recommended instead of dental contouring.

Why Get Tooth Contouring?

Tooth contouring can solve a lot of minor aesthetic dental imperfections such as:

• Uneven tooth/teeth
• Small chips
• Small overlaps
• Tooth edges that are too pointy (canines) or flat

In some cases, contouring can also correct minor bite issues that occur when the teeth unevenly touch during contact. The contouring process can sometimes act as a substitute for braces as it can eliminate minor overlapping and make the teeth look straighter.

Dental contouring can also improve the health of the teeth. By removing imperfections and minor overlaps, plaque and tartar have fewer places to build up. This, in turn, will lower the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

How Much Does It Cost?

The final cost will be contingent upon the procedure that the dentist recommends. Tooth bonding will cost different than tooth contouring. The number of teeth that will need to be worked on will also affect the cost.

It’s best to make an appointment with a dentist so you can tell them your concerns about your front teeth. They will then make a recommendation based upon what is possible and what you’re trying to achieve.

Dental contouring is relatively inexpensive compared to other aesthetic dental procedures. In some cases, dental insurance may cover a portion of the procedure.

Recovery Time

The procedure is done in an outpatient setting. After it’s done, you can proceed with your normal daily activities. The dentist might give you some aftercare instructions, such as avoiding certain hard foods or activities that could lead to the tooth re-chipping.

If you had dental contouring performed, the Lidocaine shot(s) should wear off 30 minutes to an hour after the procedure is finished. You may experience some minor discomfort or residual numbness for a few hours afterward. Your dentist can recommend over-the-counter medications to help ease any pain issues.

Is Dental Contouring Right for Me?

Dental contouring works best for people who need minor aesthetic corrections to repair the look or feel of their teeth. If you have unhealthy or decaying teeth or need a root canal, then dental contouring is not for you.

If you plan to get veneers, crown lengthening, or teeth whitening later down the road, you can get your teeth contoured months or years before you proceed with the more expensive dental work. The contouring process is much cheaper and can significantly improve the look of your mouth and your self-confidence.

Dental Contouring in Chicago

If dental reshaping/contouring sounds like it’s more art than science, it’s because it is.

For best results, this procedure should only be performed by experienced dentists, such as Dr. Aneszko or Dr. Stino at Water Tower Dental Care. It takes a skilled hand and gentle touch to make a chipped or uneven tooth look perfectly normal again.

Both Dr. Aneszko and Dr. Stino routinely undergo ongoing esthetic dental education so that they can provide the highest level of care to their patients.

If you have a chipped or uneven tooth, give us a call at (312) 787-2131 or schedule an appointment to learn more how dental contouring can give you back the confidence to smile!

The hot summer months are officially here and that means BBQ’s, vacations, and family get-togethers. The only downside to all this fun in the sun is that people tend to neglect their dental health and go lax on their New Year’s resolutions to eat a healthy diet.

There are plenty of summertime foods that are tasty and healthy, but there are also plenty of foods that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Lemonade and soda are two of the biggest summertime culprits out there. These two beverages contain massive amounts of sugar – which is not only bad for your teeth, but bad for your overall health.

Candy bars, potato chips (they’re loaded with unhealthy trans-fats), beer, cookies, and anything else that contains sugar or pre-processed food products should generally be avoided. This holds true for children as well as adults. Children are especially vulnerable to foods with high sugar content and cavities can form quicker than you think.

Just because you’re making a conscious choice to eat healthy summertime foods that promote healthy teeth doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck in a corner holding a glass of water while munching a celery stick at the next BBQ you attend.

We’ve come up with 5 fun and tasty summertime foods that you can not only eat yourself but encourage others to eat as well!

Salmon

Fresh (or frozen) salmon contains high amounts of docosahexaenoic acid which is a type of omega-3 fat. Medical studies have been performed that show that these long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can actually help prevent periodontal disease.

Everyone loves the taste of barbecued or baked salmon, and it won’t be hard to get your friends, family, and guests to load their paper plates up with a serving of this delicious and healthy fish. Many supermarkets will have summertime sales on salmon which will greatly reduce the normal cost.

Dairy Products

Unsweetened yogurt (topped off with low-or-no-sugar organic granola bits), cheese and low-fat milk all contain calcium and protein which encourage health bones and teeth to grow.

Be sure to have non-dairy options for those who are lactose intolerant. As gross as it may sound, some people who suffer from lactose intolerance love the taste of goat’s milk and goat’s cheese. Try it – you just might like it!

Cucumber Water

Hanging out in the backyard or park with friends and family is a great way to spend a summer day. Eventually you’ll get thirsty and will be tempted to reach for a soda or other drink that contains a high amount of sugar.

Try a glass of water. Yes, plain water is bland, boring, and tasteless – but it doesn’t have to be! Go to your grocery store and buy a cucumber. Slice it up into ½ inch slices and then let it marinate in a bottle of refrigerated filtered water overnight.

The next morning you’ll have a tasty and refreshing chilled drink. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins, anti-oxidants and offer a whole host of health benefits. It’s even thought that cucumbers can help lower blood pressure due to the high amounts of potassium which help the kidneys process the excess salt you might be eating in your diet.

Apples

While many apples are harvested in the fall time, there are several varieties that your local farmer’s market should carry. Apples can help satisfy even the worst sugar cravings and will work to stimulate saliva flow in your mouth – which can wash away bits and pieces of food that might otherwise cause tooth decay and gum disease. The water inside an apple will also dilute any sugar that they contain.

Strawberries

One of the most popular healthy summertime foods are strawberries. They’re rich in vitamin C, help reduce inflammation and contain collagen, which is a protein that helps fight periodontal disease. Just make sure that you don’t eat them with whipped cream, chocolate, or any other non-natural sweets, otherwise you’ll turn a healthy food into an unhealthy one.

Peaches

There’s nothing sweeter than biting into a fresh summertime peach. They contain the mineral fluoride, which helps re-mineralize and rebuild teeth enamel. Peaches are a great food for helping prevent cavities. They also contain high amounts of vitamin C and calcium which will help strengthen your teeth.

Meats

Meat is good for your teeth, provided that it’s eaten in moderation. Meats contain high amounts of protein which will in turn help strengthen your teeth and jaw. Lean meats such as chicken and turkey will add additional health benefits above and beyond what you would get from eating red meat.

Meat can also help fill up your stomach, thereby giving you a great reason to pass on the sugar-laden cookies, cakes, or other snacks that might be served as after-dinner deserts.

Eating Healthy in the Summertime

Eating healthy in the summertime doesn’t mean you have to eat boring, bland foods. There are plenty of fruits, vegetables, and meats that taste delicious and will contribute to you or your children’s overall dental health.

Just be sure to brush and floss at least twice a day and visit your dentist twice a year for your scheduled checkups and teeth cleaning.