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​5 Reasons Why Water Tower Dental Care Is Unique

December 15th, 2016

5 Unusual Tips to Keep Your Gums in Tip-Top Shape from Our DentistsFor the most gorgeous teeth in Chicago – or anywhere – Water Tower Dental Care is the best in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. The practice boasts exceptional patient care using advanced technology in a luxurious office setting.

1 – Leading Technology

Water Tower Dental Care is proud to use cutting edge technology to deliver the best care for all patients. Intraoral cameras on a pen-sized wand project live imaging in the exam room, allowing patients to see what the dentist sees and develop a better standing of their individual oral health.

Digital radiography and 3D CBCT imaging produces detailed images for more accurate diagnoses while exposing patients to 90% less radiation, and DIAGNOdent laser technology facilitates early detection of areas of tooth decay for minimally invasive treatment.

Lasers, or concentrated light beams, allow the Water Tower dentists to perform procedures like gum recontouring, gum lightening, and bacterial reduction. Another light system, the VELscope, illuminates abnormal tissues that might be at risk for oral cancer but could go unseen by the naked eye.

T-scan Bite Analysis uses a digital system to measure the force of each person’s bite and identify issues with the alignment that could cause pain or problems later.

This advanced technology allows Water Tower Dental Care to quickly and accurately identify issues and address them proactively.

2 – World-Class Dentistry

Dr. Daniel Aneszkoand Dr. Rana Stino deliver high-quality, comprehensive care tailored to each patient for the best possible experience. Both hold advanced degrees from leading universities, are board-certified Doctors of Dental Surgery, and are members of multiple national dental organizations. Drs. Aneszko and Stino continue to pursue training in new technology and education in specialized dentistry each year to ensure they are delivering the most effective, world-class treatments to each patient.

3 – Specializes in Spectacular

A quality dentist can provide excellent oral health care, but Dr. Anesko and Dr. Stino specialize in making their patients’ teeth look gorgeous through cosmetic dentistry.

Enamel remineralization therapy evens out the enamel, creating a brighter, whiter smile with stronger, less sensitive teeth. Minimal prep or porcelain veneers mask stained or oddly shaped teeth for a dazzling smile. Zoom! Whitening Therapy can transform teeth up to 8 shades, from stained and yellowed to Hollywood white, in just over one hour of in-office treatment! For convenience, Zoom and Water Tower Dental Care also offer custom whitening trays for at-home treatments.

Invisalign clear braces help straighten teeth discretely, with clear trays that fit over teeth. An advanced 3-D scan helps map the teeth and create a treatment plan to straighten teeth in about 12 months.

4 – Top-Notch Customer Service

Water Tower Dental Care proudly offers customer service that rivals that of the Ritz-Carlton. Office patients are greeted with coffee, tea, or juice, a comfortable waiting area, and access to WIFI and iPads, and the office carries a selection of prescription products for conveniences. For patients who may be nervous about dental visits, the location boasts a relaxation room. TVs and noise-cancelling headphones are available for use during treatment.

For out of town patients, Water Tower Dental Care is happy to provide a luxury concierge service to arrange travel, accommodations, transportation around the city, and recommendations and reservations for restaurants, shows, shopping, and local attractions and entertainment.

5 – Location, location, location

Water Tower Dental Care is named after the iconic Chicago building where the office is located. The practice is in the heart of Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile, in the Water Tower Place Building at 845 North Michigan Avenue. The area is known for its shopping, dining, entertainment, and luxury condominiums.

If all this sounds good to you, please don't hesitate to make an appointment with Chicago's number one dentistry, Water Tower Dental Care, today! We're looking forward to serving you.

Proper Way to Use a Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

December 8th, 2016

Proper Way To Use A Sonicare ToothbrushThere are many ways to brush teeth, but some are much more effective than others. Using a Sonicare Electric Toothbrush, the number one brand recommended by dental professionals, delivers a superior clean for a healthier mouth. For optimal results, even this advanced toothbrush needs to be used properly.

How to Use a Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

Many people learn how to brush as kids using a circular motion with a manual toothbrush. With the Sonicare, the brush does the work for you, with a vibrating sweeping motion equal to more than 30,000 brush strokes per minute! Simply angle the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line, hit the “On” button, and hold the brush gently on both sides of each tooth for a few seconds. Many Sonicare brushes come equipped with timers that automatically stop the brush after two minutes, the recommended length of time for brushing.

The Sonicare Electric Toothbrush Advantage

Sonicare toothbrushes excel at removing plaque, whitening teeth, and promoting healthy gums. With proper use, these brushes can lead to healthier gums in just two weeks. Sonicare brushes use a “sonic” technology, which produces a sweeping motion to remove plaque and create microbubbles that can get deeper in between the teeth than other brushes. The motion is gentle, and with different cleaning modes, the brushes help reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity after only a few weeks of use. Sonicare brushes also have exceptional battery life, nearly three weeks for some models, for convenient travel use.

Different models have different features. There are up to five cleaning modes and even sensors that vibrate if you’re brushing with too much pressure. The DiamondClean comes with five cleaning modes, three brush heads, a USB charging case for travel, and a sleek charging glass. The Flexcare Platinum Connected brush features Bluetooth connectivity and an app that tracks your brushing habits, gives customized feedback through its Coaching App for the best clean possible, and notifies you when it’s time for a new brush head.

Common Electric Toothbrush Mistakes

The advantages of using an electric toothbrush, especially a Sonicare, rather than a manual brush are numerous, but an electric toothbrush won’t deliver a better clean unless it’s used properly!

One of the most common mistakes is brushing too aggressively with an electric toothbrush. Remember, the brush does all the work once it’s powered on. Instead of moving it back and forth or in circles over the teeth, electric toothbrushes simply need to be held gently against the tooth surface at the gum line to clean.

Before powering the brush on, apply just a small amount of toothpaste to the brush head, and hold off on hitting the power button until the brush is in your mouth to avoid toothpaste splatter all over your face and bathroom sink!

To prevent sensitivity and achieve the best clean, be sure to get the best fitting brush head for your mouth. People with smaller mouths may need smaller brush heads to brush comfortably. Those with sensitive gums should look for soft bristles and be careful not to apply too much pressure. If you have an electric brush with multiple settings, choose the one that best fits your needs, whether that’s whitening, deep clean, sensitive, or gum care.

If your teeth feel the cleanest they’ve ever felt after using a Sonicare Electric Toothbrush, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you don’t need to brush as often! Consistency is key. Remember to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to maintain a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums. Want more tips for healthy teeth? Contact us to learn more.

Best Christmas Gifts for Healthy Teeth!

December 1st, 2016

Best Christmas Gifts for Health TeethForget the gingerbread men, the fruitcakes, the candy canes and the champagne. This year, give your loved ones the gifts that will undo the effects of unhealthy holiday eating and drinking! Fancy toothbrushes and whitening treatments can be pricey so if you’re feeling generous this holiday season, give someone a gift that will keep giving: the gift of healthy teeth and gums!

Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

There are many players in the electric toothbrush game, but Sonicare remains the top name in the field. We always recommend the Sonicare Electric Toothbrush to our patients. Sonicare, created by Phillips, has at least ten different brushes for every budget and everyone in the family.

The DiamondClean electric toothbrush is top of the line with multiple brush heads and power modes, wireless charging, a travel case, and a variety of color options. Kids can begin to build healthy dental hygiene habits with Sonicare for Kids, featuring a Coaching App and stickers. Sonicare is the electric toothbrush most recommended by dentists, including us! With regular use, the brand boasts you’ll have healthier gums in just two weeks.

Zoom Teeth Whitening Treatment

Phillips continues to dominate the oral health market with its Zoom Whitening Treatments. Zoom treatments are professional whitening treatments administered by a dental professional or prepared by the dentist for home use. The treatments are effective, and results are instant – up to 8 shades whiter in just 45 minutes! Take a look at our patients’ before and after photos here!

There are different treatment options based on each individual’s needs and budget. If your loved one wants to whiten their teeth, giving them the gift of perfectly white teeth is a great option for this holiday season! Contact us to learn more!

Oral Probiotics

Probiotics have seen an increase in popularity in recent years. But they’re not just good for a healthy gut. Oral probiotics can help increase the health of oral biofilm for a healthier mouth. Unlike the probiotics for healthy digestion and immunity that can be found in certain foods, oral probiotics from healthy live strains can only be found in specific supplements.

These supplements work best in children to set up a healthy oral environment early on and in people who already follow good overall oral hygiene practices. They usually come in the form of lozenges that are dissolved in the mouth and are distributed by dental offices. They could be a great addition to another in-office gift like a whitening treatment! Learn more by giving us a call!

Travel Dental Hygiene Kit

A travel dental hygiene kit can make a fantastic gift. If you know someone who’s traveling over the holidays, gift it in advance to keep their teeth shiny and strong throughout their travels. Travel dental kits usually include travel size toothbrushes and toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss. They come in all price points and are available at nearly any drugstore or general retailer.

Many travel dental kits come in plastic zip pouches to prevent spills or leakage into luggage. Travel dental hygiene kits contain everyday essentials for everyone, and at Christmas time, many come in festive colors and prints. They can make a great gift or a stocking stuffer!

Travel Toiletry Bag

Travel-size foldable toothbrushes and tiny toothpaste can be perfect for some travelers. But for those who like to bring their regular, full-size equipment, a travel toiletry bag with different compartments makes a great gift.

Toiletry Bags or Dopp kits come in different fabrics, sizes, and with different features. Some are large enough to accommodate an entire travel dental kit, while others feature compartments for toothbrushes and oral care items. They can be found in a variety of styles and price points – just be sure there’s a separate section specifically for dental items so they stay clean and sanitary during travel.

We wish you a very merry Christmas and holiday season! If you have any questions about your dental health during the winter, don’t hesitate to contact Water Tower Dental Care!

The Daily Grind: Teeth Clenching During the Day and What to Do About It

November 25th, 2016

The Daily Grind: Teeth Clenching During the Day and What to Do About ItHave you experienced a tight jaw, impressions on your tongue or a tooth that seemed loose, chipped, or fractured? What about sore facial muscles, increased sensitivity in your teeth, or a partner that complains about clicking noises you make with your mouth? If you said yes to all or most of these, you could be a teeth grinder. Read on to find out why teeth grinding is harmful, what causes it, and what you can do to stop grinding and clenching your teeth during the day.

Why You Should Be Concerned About Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or clenching, known medically as bruxism, is common in both adults and children. It could result in further teeth sensitivity as grinding wears down your enamel. If bruxism persists, you could end up damaging your teeth and it may require treatments such as root canals, bridges, or even dentures and implants.

Bruxism could also affect your jaw—teeth grinding might cause TMJ or even disfigure your face. You could experience headaches and earaches that you may not immediately associate with bruxism.

Grinding and Clenching—Why Does It Happen During the Day?

While doctors are not entirely sure what causes teeth grinding, common causes include sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or abnormalities in your teeth alignment (malocclusion). Many cases of teeth grinding and clenching happen at night, and can only be detected if your loved one notices it enough to wake him up.

But teeth grinding also happens during the day (daytime bruxism) and it is likely caused by anxiety and emotional stress. If you have daytime bruxism, you don’t necessarily experience nocturnal bruxism as well. Fortunately, there are means to stop bruxism before it wreaks havoc on your teeth.

How to Break the Habit

Try the following tips to help you eliminate teeth grinding during the day:

  • Reduce stress and tension by doing the following:
  • Keep a journal or writing pad handy. When you start to feel stressed out, take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts and feelings. This lets you release emotionally, and you can process it later to identify your stressors.
  • Seek counsel. A trained professional will use different techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with your stressors and help you cope with emotional situations.
  • Increased physical activity is proven to lower stress. Remember to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid certain food and beverages that may trigger stress, such as caffeinated drinks (coffee, soda, etc.) and alcohol
  • Under more extreme cases, use muscle relaxants as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Avoid chewing gum, the tip of your pen, your pencil eraser, or other objects. Chewing will only encourage teeth grinding during the day.
  • Use a mouth guard. This is especially important if you grind your teeth at night and you’re not aware. But mouth guards can also be helpful during the day if you’re still training your jaw. Daytime mouth guards are not as noticeable as night guards, so it appears discreet and allows you to talk comfortably.
  • Talk to people you regularly interact with. During the night, ask your bed mate to gently wake you up so you can relax and stop grinding your teeth. During the day, ask people to help remind you not to grind or clench. Self-awareness is important to stop daytime bruxism but employ the help of others if you can’t catch yourself doing it.
  • If you notice that you’re clenching, keep lips together, keep teeth slightly apart, and place the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This technique helps your jaw relax and eventually train you not to grind your teeth.

We hope these tips help you keep your daytime grinding in check! If you need any other tips or are interested in getting your teeth looked at, don’t hesitate to visit Chicago’s number one dentistry. Contact us today!