2015

Do you hate the color, shape, size, or spacing of your teeth? Then you’re in luck! (Well… not luck, but we have the answer that you have been searching for.) The advancements in dentistry have been truly remarkable (triple backflip with one leg remark-able) — especially when it comes to porcelain veneers. Not only have the materials used to make veneers improved tremendously, but also have the abilities and skill sets of the dental professionals... Continue Reading

It’s almost the end of October – benefit from your benefits before the year runs out! Now is the time for you to plan to complete any proposed dental treatment prior to the end of the year. Please contact our Elgin dentist office if you have any of the following: Unused insurance benefits. Unused flexible spending funds. Proposed treatment for which payment would contribute to medical tax deductions. At Smile for Life Dental, our goal is... Continue Reading

What do you believe makes a person look approachable and friendly? Many people would answer, “A smile!” If you are less than thrilled with the condition of your own smile ‐ but aren’t ready to consider drastic cosmetic procedures ‐ you may be interested in dental bonding! What does dental bonding involve? Bonding involves applying a tooth‐colored resin material to teeth to fix chips, cracks, or other minor imperfections. The surface of the tooth is... Continue Reading

You’re very diligent about brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. You even make sure you see Smile for Life Dental at least twice a year for your checkup and cleaning! Then one day, Dr. Lodding or Dr. Schuiling tells you you have a cavity! How could this happen? Believe it or not, the ​CDC Reports that 91% of individuals over the age of 20 have had cavities at some point in their adult lives. Cavities... Continue Reading

As your Elgin dentist, Dr. Lodding is committed to the health and well‐being of the mouths in our community! As you already know, regular cleanings and checkups are vitally important to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, in addition to fighting plaque, regular checkups can also help you and your family fight oral cancer. There are an estimated 35,000 cases of oral cancers diagnosed in the United States every year. On average, 60 percent of... Continue Reading

  It may look like a simple piece of string, but dental floss is so much more! It’s a proven ally in maintaining healthy teeth and gums and helps give your overall health a boost. Do you floss daily? What techniques help you get the most out of your flossing experience, without injury to your gums? Your Dentist in Elgin, Dr. Lodding  has complied a checklist to see if your flossing habits are up-to-par with the... Continue Reading

One of the questions we get asked frequently is: Why do I need to replace my filling (or crown)? I thought it would last forever? As much as we would love to be able to promise that to you, we can’t project planning app. Even with the highest quality materials and techniques, which of course Dr. Lodding uses, fillings and/or crowns (also called restorations) aren’t permanent. Why? Well, for the same reason why your natural... Continue Reading

Spring sports season is here! Are your athletes ready to play it safe? True or false: Youth football and hockey players have the highest number of dental‐related facial injuries. False. Mouth guards have been mandatory for football, ice hockey, and lacrosse for decades, so the number of facial injuries in these sports has declined dramatically. The majority of mouth injuries actually occur in other popular sports, including basketball, baseball, and gymnastics. According to a study... Continue Reading

Let’s be real here: We know that visiting the dentist can be something that makes many patients nervous. Research shows that 20% of individuals who experience severe anxiety will only go to the dentist if absolutely necessary. However, regular dental checkups are vital not only because they keep your teeth and gums healthy, but they can also help protect and maintain your overall health and well-being. Dr. Lodding is sensitive to the fears and concerns... Continue Reading

What’s living in your mouth? Why is it there? It’s 11:30 at night. You’ve worked another long day. The kids are finally asleep. All you want is to crawl into bed and close your eyes. Brushing and flossing your teeth seems like a daunting task. You’re sure it’ll be ok to skip it tonight as you drift off to sleep. It may seem innocent enough, those times you skip brushing, flossing or scheduling your regular... Continue Reading