Schedule an Appointment for a Smile Makeover

Having a beautiful smile can boost your confidence anytime of the year, but especially during the holidays. According to Colgate a healthy smile can help boost your confidence. 

Now is the time to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a no obligation Smile Design consultation if you are ashamed to smile because of your teeth and gums.

During your dental appointment, your dentist will assess your teeth and gums to make sure that your mouth is healthy enough for cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. If gum disease or other issues are detected, your dentist will correct the problems before moving forward with Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Dental Veneers, or Tooth Whitening.

If your dentist diagnoses gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease, an appointment will be scheduled for scaling and planing. Scaling and planing is a safe deep cleaning treatment that helps restore your gums back to their healthy state.

Tooth whitening is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world, and if you have tried those numerous over the counter tooth whitening kits and still have yellow and stained teeth, schedule anappointment with your dentist. Tooth whitening works on your natural teeth, but will not alter the appearance of teeth with dental restorations.

There are two types of tooth whitening techniques available from your dentist. These include in-office tooth whiteningand tray whitening. Although in-office tooth whitening is more expensive than tray whitening, you can have whiter brighter teeth in as little as sixty minutes.

Take an hour off for lunch and you will come back with a beautiful new smile thanks to the light activated gel and laser system that is revolutionizing tooth whitening. To keep your smile white and bright, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth for your take home trays enabling you to keep your teeth white for years to come.

If you opt for the in-home tray whitening system your trays will be made from impressions made by your dentist. When your trays are ready, you will wear them thirty to sixty minutes twice a day for a few weeks. You will notice dramatic results that may need an occasional touch up, especially if you smoke, drink coffee or tea, or indulge in red wine.

Along with tooth whitening, your dentist may recommend Dental Veneers, Tooth Colored Dental Fillings, Bridges, or Crowns to complete your Smile Makeover.

This holiday season you don’t have to frown because of your smile. Schedule an appointment for a Smile Makeover and get ready to grin for the holidays.

Dental Crowns for Kids and Adults

According to Wikipedia, Dental Crowns are used to cover a tooth in order to improve its appearance, strength, size, and shape. Dental Crowns are like caps that are cemented on top of the tooth fully encasing the visible part of your tooth just above your gum line.

Your dentist may suggest a Dental Crown if you have a weak tooth. Teeth that are broken or badly decayed may need Dental Crowns in order to hold the pieces of the cracked tooth together.

Dental Crowns are also used to restore broken teeth and to cover a tooth that has worn down. Your dentist may also recommend Dental Crowns if you have large fillings and not enough tooth to support it. Dental Crowns are also used to hold dental bridges in place and to cover Dental Implants.

Children may also require Dental Crowns on baby teeth if a tooth has a deep cavity. Your family dentist may also suggest Dental Crowns to protect kids who have a higher risk of tooth decay.

There are several types of Dental Crowns available. Stainless steel, all metal, such as alloy or gold, all resin, all ceramic, and porcelain fused to metal.

Stainless steel crowns are normally used on a temporary basis while your permanent crown is being made. Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and make an ideal choice for children’s teeth, as less dental appointments are required.

Gold alloy, alloy, chromium or nickel are also used for Dental Crowns and compared to other materials require less tooth structure removal. Metal crowns hold up better to chewing and biting and rarely break or chip. According to your dentist, the only drawback to metal is the color. Metal Dental Crowns are best for back teeth and molars that are not seen.

Porcelain fused to metal Dental Crowns can be matched to the teeth surrounding the restoration; however, there will be more wear to the surrounding tooth than resin or metal Dental Crowns. The porcelain part of the crown can also break off or chip. Another drawback to these types of crowns is the dark lines that can sometimes appear at your gum line, and even more so if your gums begin to recede. These crowns are appropriate for both back and front teeth.  

All resin crowns wear over time, but cost less than other Dental Crown types. All resin crowns are prone to fractures as well.

All ceramic or all porcelain Dental Crowns will give you the most natural looking smile as they can be matched to the rest of your natural teeth. People who suffer from metal allergies may also be more suited to all ceramic or all porcelain Dental Crowns as well. Although not as strong as porcelain fused to metal and metal Dental Crowns, they make an excellent choice for front teeth.  

If you would like more information regarding Dental Crowns, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will be able to determine what type is the most appropriate for your needs.

Do You Really Want to Get Your Tongue Pierced?

These days oral piercing is considered trendy, and if you or someone you know has been thinking about lip, tongue, uvula, yes that tissue that calls the back of your throat home, or cheek piercing, your dentist has some information that he would like to share that just may change your mind.

According to the American Dental Association, oral piercing not only causes infections, but could also be to blame for infectious diseases such as Herpes Simplex and Hepatitis. Oral Piercings could also cause permanent nerve damage, problems with your heart, excessive bleeding, and gum disease.

Because your mouth is moist, it is home to millions of bacteria. That bacterium is the perfect place for an infection. Infections can quickly spread and could become a threat to your life if not treated immediately.

Your dentist has seen his fair share of oral piercings gone wrong including tongue swelling so bad that it meant a trip to the hospital. Swelling is normal, but if it blocks the passageways, you may not be able to breathe.

People who wear tongue, lip, and uvula or cheek jewelry have a habit of playing or biting down on the barbells, posts, or rings. Doing so can injure your gums. If this occurs, your gums could recede leading to eventual tooth loss. Playing with your mouth jewelry could also crack dental restorations such as crowns, fillings, and caps not to mention breaking or damaging healthy teeth.

If you are sensitive to metals, you will find out quickly if you wear mouth jewelry. Allergic reactions can also occur at the site of the piercing itself.

An increase in the production of your saliva is a real possibility following oral piercings. In fact, you may notice that you are drooling uncontrollably, and when you think about it, who wants to do that?

After an oral piercing your dentist will tell you that numbness is normal, but according to your dentist, that numb feeling could become permanent, especially if you had your tongue pierced by someone who damaged the tiny nerves. This will affect your sense of taste and how your mouth moves when you speak.

Undetected heart problems could suddenly become a real issue if you have had your cheek, lip, uvula, or tongue pierced. Your heart and your heart valves could become infected with a disease known as Endocarditis if a bacterium hits your bloodstream.

If you would like more information regarding oral piercings, schedule an appointment with your dentist who just may be able to convince you that ear piercing is a much safer alternative.

When Was the Last Time You Saw Your Dentist?

An astounding 100 million Americans put off a trip to the dentist each year, even though regular dental checkups and proper oral hygiene will prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Regular trips to the dentist are imperative as your dentist can spot problems with your teeth and gums before they get worse. If spotted early, that cavity will most likely not be a root canal costing you less time and money.

According to the American Dental Association, you should visit your dentist if your teeth have become sensitive to cold or hot temperatures.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, or if they are swollen, make an appointment with your dentist today.

Other signs that you need to see your dentist include chronic bad breath and a persistent bad taste in your mouth.

If you have dentures, dental implants, crowns, or fillings, regular dental checkups are vital to make sure that your dental restorations are still doing their job and functioning properly.

See your dentist if you have problems swallowing or chewing or if your family has a history of tooth decay or gum disease.

Folks with cardiovascular disease, HIV, or eating disorders should also see their dentist on a regular basis.

If you smoke or are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or hormone replacement therapy make an appointment with your dentist.

That popping sound that you hear when you open or close your mouth could have something to do with your TMJ, otherwise known as your temporomandibular joint.

Even if you do not have any of the above symptoms, you should see your dentist regularly as preventive care is the best care, especially when it comes to your teeth and gums. Recent research indicates that poor oral health could cause additional health problems including heart disease.

In-between dental visits, it is important to brush twice each day for two minutes. Flossing once a day is essential for everyone regardless of your age. Good oral health habits are the best way to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

If you cannot remember the last time you saw your dentist, schedule an appointment today. Remember, and ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

Your Dentist May Be Able to Help with TMJ Disorders

That constant headache that you’ve been having could be cause for concern, and if everything has checked out with your physician, you may need to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are suffering from a TMJ disorder.

TMJ, or Temporal-Mandibular Joint disorders are cause by problems that occur where the head and jaw meet. Your Dentist will tell you that TMJ disorders can cause all sorts of problems including earaches, constant popping or clicking when you open your mouth and trouble opening and closing your mouth.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMJ causes dysfunction and pain in the muscles that control the movement in your jaw. Recent research has indicated that more than 10 million people in the United Stated are affected with TMJ disorders.

Although men suffer from TMJ disorders, it is more common in women. For the majority of people dealing with TMJ disorders the discomfort is temporary and only happens on occasion. For some, a TMJ disorder may disappear without treatment, for others however, the pain is significant with symptoms that could last a lifetime.  

If you think you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder, there are some things you can do to alleviate the symptoms. These include the application of ice packs and eating soft foods. According to your Dentist, other things you can do to ease your pain include relaxation techniques and gentle jaw stretching. Try avoiding wide yawning and chewing gum as it may cause more problems.

Schedule an appointment with you doctor or Dentist who can help if over the counter medications have not helped relieve your pain and discomfort. Your Dentist may prescribe muscle relaxants, anti depressants or anti-inflammatory medications to help ease your TMJ symptoms.

Talk to your Dentist who may recommend stabilization splints. Widely used to help TMJ disorders, stabilization splints can help with pain and discomfort. Depending on your particular situation, your Dentist may also recommend replacing missing teeth or adjusting your bite. If you have gaps between your teeth or need to have your teeth moved, talk to your Dentist as these could all be causing TMJ problems. If clenching or teeth grinding is the problem, your Dentist may suggest a custom-made mouthpiece.

For more information regarding TMJ disorders, schedule an appointment with your Dentist who can help you decide what steps to take according to your needs.

Keep Your Teeth Clean or Risk the Inevitable

If you cannot remember the last time you had your teeth cleaned professionally, it is definitely time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

When you put off regular teeth cleaning appointments, you are putting your teeth and gums at risk. Without regular dental cleanings, you can develop cavities and gingivitis.

According to Oral B, regularly scheduled dental cleanings with Romo Dental can help prevent plaque buildup. Plaque is that colorless, sticky film that remains on your teeth. If you do not have regular cleanings with your dentist in Chicago that plaque can turn to tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Plaque and tartar produce nasty toxins that will irritate your gums and eventually destroy the gum tissue leading to bone damage and eventually tooth loss.

Once the gum disease advances to the more dangerous periodontal disease, the pockets between your teeth and gums will grow deeper and travel further down the root of your tooth. Once it gets to this point, the bone will become destroyed. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss, especially in adults. By scheduling regular appointments with your dentist, you can prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

Of course, good oral hygiene is also vital when it comes to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist recommends that you brush twice and floss once each day. If you like to snack, make sure that your rinse after eating to get rid of food particles and promote saliva. Saliva actually helps to wash away bacteria and acids that can cause plaque.

If you enjoy coffee, tea or red wine, your teeth will pay the price. Using tobacco products can also stain your teeth. External stains can be removed if you have your teeth cleaned regularly.

Having your teeth cleaned regularly can also prevent bad breath. There is nothing worse than having to avoid someone because of his or her halitosis.

Healthy teeth and gums can help your body as well. Recent research indicates that there is a connection between overall health and the health of your teeth and gums. Scheduling a dental cleaning every six months can help prevent heart disease and stroke, which has been linked to gum disease.

If you cannot remember the last time that you had your teeth cleaned, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Foods that are good for Your Teeth

A few weeks back, your dentist talked about foods that were bad for your teeth, but all is not lost, as there are some foods that are actually good for you and your pearly whites.

According to Web MD, how often and when you eat is just as important as the foods you put in your mouth. If you enjoy snacking, be sure to rinse after you eat and try to stay away from sugars and carbohydrates. These types of foods will convert to acids eroding the enamel on your teeth.

Your dentist recommends that you include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Pears, apples and carrots not only add crunch but will also help rinse away some of the food particles. Crunchy fruits and vegetables also have a high water content, which helps the saliva clear the bacteria from your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables also dilute the natural sugars that are contained in the pear or apple you had before you went to bed. Snack on celery and you will be clearing the food in between your teeth. Celery is known as nature’s dental floss. Try to avoid citrus fruits on their own and include tomatoes, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges with a meal to help minimize the acids.

Believe it or not, your dentist understands that meats such as pork, poultry, beef, and fish are actually good for your teeth and gums. Loaded with iron, that hamburger that you had for lunch is actually strengthening your bones and your teeth.

Peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, cashews and other types of nuts provide phosphorus. This is needed in order to remineralize your teeth.

Milk, sugar-free yogurt and other dairy products are a must if you want healthy teeth and gums. Calcium protects the enamel on your teeth and can actually provide a protective coating even if you didn’t brush after enjoying that big cheese plate for dinner.

Unsweetened tea, milk, and water are the best beverages to consume. If you must have a soda go for the diet variety, as they will not feed the bacteria as much as the sugary laden varieties do. If you enjoy sipping through a straw cut back. Excessive all day sipping will expose your teeth to sugar eroding the enamel on your teeth.

For more healthy food options for your teeth and gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you make the right choices for oral health.

Chicago Dental Bonding To Give You Your Smile Back

Dental Bonding is very affordable, and if you have been hiding your smile because of that gap in-between your teeth, schedule an appointment with a Dentist in Chicago who can repair that chipped tooth or replace your silver amalgam fillings with tooth colored restorations.

Web MD will tell you that Dental Bonding is a 21^st century modern dental procedure using a durable plastic resin that is applied directly to the problem area. Once your Chicago Dentist applies the Dental Bonding it will be hardened using a light that bonds the restoration to the area.

Dr. Romo will recommend bonding if your teeth are discolored or stained or if you want to close that gap in-between your teeth. Chipped teeth can also be repaired as well as the shape of your teeth. That front tooth that is a bit farther back than the other can be repaired with dental bonding in a single appointment.

One of the most popular dental procedures is also the most affordable and easiest. The tooth colored resin is normally used for cosmetic reasons, but can also be used to fill that cavity in your front tooth. Other reasons that your Chicago Dentist may recommend Dental Bonding is to protect part of the root of your tooth that has receded because of gum disease. In nearly all cases anesthetic is not required for cosmetic Dental Bonding, but may be necessary if you are having a filling replaced or need your dentist to repair a cavity. 

Dental Bonding is different to veneers in that Dental Bonding only requires a single 30-minute visit. Veneers require a couple of visits as your Dentist in Chicago will need to make a mold to insure proper fit.

When you schedule an appointment for Dental Bonding, your dentist will of course make sure that you are a good candidate giving you a clean bill of health when it comes to your teeth and gums. Once given the all clear, your dentist will choose a resin color from a shade guide that best matches your natural tooth color. Once the color has been chosen, your Chicago Dentist will lightly etch the surface of the tooth in order to roughen it up a bit. One the abrasion is complete; your dentist will coat the area with conditioning liquid helping the bonding material adhere properly.

After the preparation, your dentist will apply that resin that is much like putty, before smoothing and modeling to the proper shape. After Dr. Romo is happy with the look, the area will be hardened with a laser or ultraviolet light. Once hardened he will shape, trim and polish.

Dental Bonding will not last forever. Don’t bite your nails and never chew on ice as it can chip the Dental Bonding. Try avoiding smoking, tea coffee or red wine, which can stain the Dental Bonding.

If you would like more information about Dental Bonding, schedule an appointment with your Chicago Dentist today. 

Those Old Fillings Could Be Causing Problems

With all of the media attention that silver amalgam fillings are getting these days, you may be considering swapping out your old mercury fillings for tooth colored restorations.  

Although you may be proud of those fillings that you have had for five, ten, or even fifteen years, the American Dental Association recommends that you schedule an appointment as there may be new cavities lurking beneath your old silver amalgam fillings.

Resin, or bonded fillings, will reduce the chance of leakage meaning dental caries will have a hard time invading the area beneath your filling. Bacteria and plaque can seep under an existing filling if your tooth is cracked, and because it is difficult to detect could be quite extensive, especially if you are not in pain. Scheduling regular appointments with your Dentist in Chicago will be able to detect any problems before they get worse.

Your fillings can fall out if you bite too hard as the material that was used for the tooth is unable to withstand the force. Unfortunately, if a large portion of your tooth is broken, you are inviting additional cavities. If the area is too large, Dr. Romo may recommend a dental crown.

Both resin and amalgam fillings will crack over time and will need to be replaced. Smaller cracks can occur around the edges of your filling causing additional tooth decay.

When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Romo’s office, your dentist will be able to determine if your existing fillings need to replaced. He will do this by taking x-rays and performing several tests including tapping on your teeth. If your fillings are worn, they will need to be replaced.

According to your dentist, silver amalgam fillings have a lifespan of about 12 years, with composite fillings having a shorter life span. Schedule an appointment if you cannot remember how old your fillings are, whether they are resin or amalgam. Some signs to watch for include sensitive teeth, cracks or if you notice that part of your filling is missing.

If your dentist has determined that you need to replace your old fillings, he will discuss your options, which could include repairing or replacing. Schedule an appointment with your Hispanic Dentist in Chicago who will be able to select the best material for your particular situation.

Store Bought Mouth Guards Are Not Always the Best

If your kids are involved in sports, you know how important proper protection is, but knee and elbow pads are not the only things you need if your kids play contact sports.

Talk to your Romo Dental about mouth guards and night guards that cannot only be used for sports, but also sleeping if you or your family tends to grind their teeth during the night.

Mouth guards are made from flexible plastic designed to be worn over your teeth and can be custom made by your Hispanic Dentist, or found in major sporting good stores. However, according to Dr. Romo, those store bought mouth guards could cause more damage as they are bulky, not made to fit, and provide little if any protection. In fact, most Chicago Dentists do not recommend using stock mouth guards.

Boil and bite is another type of mouth guard that you can purchase from your local sporting goods store, and just may give a better fit than standard mouth guards may. Easy to use, you just place your mouth guard in warm water, place it inside your mouth, and shape it around your teeth.

When it comes to sports guards and mouth guards, your Chicago Dentist recommends that you schedule and appointment for a custom fitted sports guard or mouth guard.

During your scheduled appointment, Dr. Romo and his professional team will fit you with a mouth guard by making an impression. Each custom fitted sports guard is designed especially for you and is made to fit. Once the lab has received your impression, a specially fitted mouth guard will be molded over the top of your impression. Custom made sports guards and mouth guards may cost a bit more, but the extra money is well worth it for protection and comfort. Check with your insurance company and your Dentist in Chicago as your policy might cover the use of sports guards and mouth guards.  

When you make an appointment for a sports guard or mouth guard fitting, Dr. Roma will suggest the best option for your particular needs. Your dentist will choose a product that will not restrict your speech or breathing, is easy to clean, and most importantly, durable.

Accidents happen, and if you want to avoid potential disaster when it comes to your kid’s teeth, schedule an appointment for a new sports guard or mouth guard with your Chicago Dentist, Dr. Romo.