Porcelain Veneers

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

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

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

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

* Part 2 of a 3 part series* You want to cosmetically enhance your smile, but you don’t want the commitment that porcelain veneers would need. In the preparation process for porcelain veneers, a portion of each tooth is permanently reduced and this cannot be reversed.  But, there is a way to avoid this permanent alteration to your teeth and still have the beautiful smile you want. What are prepless veneers? Prepless or no-prep veneers... Continue Reading

If there are aspects of your smile that you're less than thrilled with, consider the highly popular dental solution of porcelain veneers. What makes them such a great option? Veneers can effectively address various concerns with your teeth, and can dramatically transform your somewhat mediocre smile into one with some serious pizzazz. Consider three undesirable smile-inhibitors, and how they can be resolved by porcelain veneers.   Smile Deficiency #1 Gaps and Spaces — Unevenly spaced... Continue Reading

As people get older, there are a number of smile issues that present themselves. Teeth may begin to wear, chip, crack, discolor, stain, experience sensitivity, or need to be removed. However, the fact you're a senior now certainly does not mean your smile is permanently doomed to a life of damage, stains, or missing teeth. Cosmetic Dentistry and Seniors Seniors have every reason to smile when it comes to the modern cosmetic dentistry options available... Continue Reading

Why should you have to put up with gaps in your teeth, unsightly stains, or crooked teeth? By visiting Dr. Lodding, you will see if porcelain veneers in Elgin can successfully improve your smile. Porcelain Veneers, also known as dental veneers or laminates, are shells of porcelain that are bonded to the anterior (front) teeth in order to improve the look and even the function of your smile. Porcelain Veneers can correct uneven or crooked... Continue Reading