How Can I Remove Staining from Bonded Teeth?One of the benefits of cosmetic dental bonding is the treatment’s ability to blend in seamlessly with surrounding teeth for a natural appearance. However, if a bonded tooth becomes stained, this can reduce the quality of the results and require an adjunctive solution to restore a natural look. Although bonded teeth are polished upon application, they are still susceptible to… Continue Reading
Is Dental Porcelain Strong Enough to Repair My Smile?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… Continue Reading
Is There a Way to Straighten Teeth Without Braces?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 porcelain veneers instead…. Continue Reading
Porcelain Veneers vs. Cosmetic Dental BondingRegardless 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… Continue Reading
How to Remove Yellow Stains from TeethOne 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… Continue Reading
How Can Dental Treatments Make Me Look Younger?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,”… Continue Reading
Elgin Cosmetic Dentist and Past President of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Attending 2019 AACD ConferenceDr. Dean Lodding, the head of Smile for Life Dental in Elgin, Illinois, is heading to the AACD Scientific Session in San Diego. The 35th annual conference will bring many of the nation’s top dental professionals to share insights on the future of cosmetic dentistry. Elgin, IL – Dean Lodding, DDS, a dentist in Elgin and the director of Smile… Continue Reading
How to Fix a Chipped ToothEven 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… Continue Reading
When You Are Not Ready to Commit!* 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… Continue Reading
3 Smile Deficiencies Resolved by Porcelain VeneersIf 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… Continue Reading