Cosmetic Dentistry

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 dentist, Dean Lodding, DDS, creates durable, long-lasting smile restorations with porcelain veneers, crowns, and dental... Continue Reading

Stains on the teeth are a common—but nonetheless frustrating—concern. Many factors can contribute to discoloration, including certain foods and drinks (such as coffee, berries, and wine), tobacco use, some medications (such as tetracycline), and poor oral hygiene. In order to address teeth stains, individuals often turn to over-the-counter teeth whitening remedies. However, these are rarely as effective as professional whitening, and some can even harm your teeth. When only one of your teeth exhibits discoloration,... Continue Reading

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 Invisalign® or porcelain veneers instead. Both treatments have provided countless patients with the opportunity to improve the functional... Continue Reading

Regardless 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 performed to address these concerns; however, one is often more ideal than the other, depending... Continue Reading

One 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 that can stain the teeth (like berries, tea, coffee, and wine), or poor oral care,... Continue Reading

A single missing tooth or several missing teeth can have serious effects on dental function, aesthetics, and overall oral health. Fortunately, Dr. Dean Lodding and our team of dentists at Smile for Life Dental offer a full range of restorative dental treatment options that can replace missing teeth with exceptional results. The best option for you will ultimately depend on how many teeth are missing and other factors; however, rest assured that there are plenty... Continue Reading

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,” helping individuals reduce the appearance of wrinkles, renew dental aesthetics, and address other concerns that... Continue Reading

After a professional teeth whitening treatment, you’ll naturally want to keep the results of your whiter, brighter smile going for as long as possible. While the effects of teeth whitening won’t be permanent, they can last for extensive periods as long as you take a few precautions, particularly when it comes to the food and beverages you consume after you’ve had the treatment. Knowing the types of food that can be helpful and which ones... Continue Reading

Even the smallest chip in a tooth can have a noticeable effect on the appearance of your smile. These very common dental conditions can result from traumatic impact, falls, or trying to open a bottle or a package with your teeth. Thankfully, Dr. Dean Lodding and our experienced team of dentists offer numerous treatments that can address chipped teeth and renew the look of your smile with natural-looking results. A chipped tooth can often cause... 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