Keeping Up With Regular Cleanings

The doctors at Downtown Dental encourage patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for biannual professional cleanings.  Even when you regularly brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. At a cleaning, our hygienists use professional tools to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria build-up from your teeth that is too tough to remove on your own.

The Academy of General Dentistry recommends you have a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months. It’s important to see a professional regularly to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, our hygienists thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. If you need your teeth cleaned, don’t wait any longer!

To learn more about dental cleanings and all the services we provide, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Characteristics of a Cavity

If you have a toothache that won’t let up, it may be time to review your oral habits, starting with your diet. You are what you eat, therefore, if you don’t eat healthy foods on a regular basis, your smile will pay for it. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world’s most common health problems, and our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC would prefer that you don’t fall into this category.

Cavities are holes in the teeth and if left untreated they can get larger and affect deeper layers of the teeth. Signs and symptoms of a cavity vary, but they can cause toothaches, tooth sensitivity, mild to sharp pain while eating and drinking, and/or pain when you bite. The best way to prevent a cavity is by practicing proper oral hygiene habits and visiting us twice a year for dental checkups.

If you have questions or concerns regarding cavities or dental fillings, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Teeth Whitening

At Downtown Dental, our staff is always being asked by patients about teeth whitening.  Everyone likes to make a great impression with a nice smile which is why we provide an at-home whitening system to patients.  Patients with serious and minor stains can both see great results from this whitening treatment.

A consultation can help you determine how severe your stains are and what kind of results you can expect from a whitening treatment.  To whiten your teeth at home, we outfit patients with whitening gel and a set of custom trays for application.  A dentist takes an impression of your teeth, and from this impression two custom trays are made for your top and bottom teeth. 

The trays are made for you to take home and use by applying gel to the trays and then fitting them over your teeth. The dentist’s recommendation of how often to treat and how long each treatment should last may vary.  When following the dentist’s recommendations, most patients see results of teeth whitening 4-8 shades.

To learn more about teeth whitening and all the services we provide at our practice, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafting is a simple procedure that dentists use to help patients overcome different issues with their teeth and gums.  Lacking gum tissue in certain areas can cause extra sensitivity, and if the gum line is very low the patient is at risk for infection.  Less gum tissue can also cause a smile to have the look of elongated teeth.  Depending on the case, a patient may need one small gum graft or enough for a whole gum line.  The doctors at Downtown Dental can help anyone get to their best smile using soft tissue grafting.

To place a soft tissue graft, a dentist harvests healthy tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth. Tissue can also be taken from the gums if the patient has excess gum tissue anywhere.  The grafts are then placed where gum tissue is lacking or has receded.  Gums will heal relatively quickly, and the grafts encourage growth of new tissue as they heal.  The result is an even ratio of tooth to gums throughout the whole mouth.  Don’t let your gums keep you from your best dental health, contact us if you think a soft tissue graft could help you!

To learn more about soft tissue grafting and all the services we provide at our practice, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Save a Tooth with Root Canal Therapy

Dental pulp is a soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When this part of the tooth has been damaged, the pain can be unbearable and sensitivity may increase. In addition to pain and swelling, an abscess may form inside the tooth or around the gum. Because these symptoms can increase a person’s risk of infection, one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC may suggest a root canal.

The term root canal can sound terrifying but the purpose of the procedure is to clean the tooth root to save it from further damage. When the root canal is cleaned, the dental pulp is removed and all of the canals are sealed to prevent bacteria from entering. Depending on the condition of the patient, a root canal is typically completed in one or two visits to the office. To determine whether or not a tooth needs a root canal, the dentist will take X-rays and properly deliver a diagnosis.

If you have questions or concerns regarding root canal therapy, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

Here at Downtown Dental LLC, our staff appreciates feedback from patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Though this patient chose to remain anonymous, our staff would still like to thank them for this positive review.  If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

"Just had the best dental care I've ever experienced in my 30+ years. Knowledgeable, quick, painless, efficient, friendly, clean, exceptionally modern - all with a great view. I absolutely love this place and the people that work here. Truly a top-notch dental office with a focus on customer satisfaction. Fantastic. (How often do you hear someone say their dental experience was fantastic?!) Highly recommended! Go get your cleaning today! Highly recommended! Go get your cleaning today!" – Anonymous Patient

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Bridges

The doctors at Downtown Dental place bridges for patients with missing teeth to restore function to the mouth and create beautiful smiles. Gaps in the teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, and when a tooth is missing long enough the jaw bone is vulnerable and the structure becomes compromised.  Bridges use caps on the healthy teeth on either side of a missing tooth to anchor the permanent restoration into place. 

To prepare your mouth for a bridge, your dentist will contour the teeth on either side of the gap to make sure the caps will fit over them.  An impression of the area is then taken so that a dental laboratory can create a bridge that will fit perfectly.  Your custom restoration will be fabricated in a dental lab outside the office, and we can fit you with a temporary bridge to protect your gums. On your second visit, the bridge will be cemented into place for you to wear home and wear forever!  With proper care bridges can last a lifetime, but they can be replaced if needed.

To learn more about bridges and all the services we provide, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Intraoral Camera

At Downtown Dental, our doctors and staff take pride in offering the best technology available to our patients.  The intraoral camera is an exciting tool that allows the mouth to be seen from previously impossible angles. This technology has proven very helpful in capturing images needed for procedure approval from insurance companies, but it will also change a typical dental office visit.

The tiny camera’s view is projected onto a monitor, making the same angle of the mouth visible to both doctor and patient at once. These views can help patients who don’t know a premolar from an incisor describe an area or a problem more accurately.  Providing more details can also help a patient better understand and follow their dentists’ plan of care for their mouth.  We hope this technology engages patients and helps you and your dentist better understand how to care for your mouth together.

To learn more about our intraoral camera and all the technology we use, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Diet and Dental Health

If you’ve heard the expression, “you are what you eat,” our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC hope that you are eating foods that benefit your teeth. A poor diet that is heavy on the sugar, can wreak havoc on your oral-systemic health, leading to periodontal disease and tooth decay. To maintain a balanced diet, we encourage patients to eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups and limit snack consumption.

Foods that are high in water content such as fruits and vegetables can prevent embarrassing bad breath. When choosing a snack, aim for nutritious foods such as cheese, plain yogurt, or anything that doesn’t contain sugar. Sugar feeds on the plaque that is left behind on the teeth and can lead to cavities and tooth decay if not careful. In addition to eating healthier foods, you should be practicing proper oral hygiene as well to maintain a healthy smile.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

With age, comes wisdom teeth and depending on the individual, this can be a problem. Wisdom teeth are known as the third molars and usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. If wisdom teeth don’t erupt, they can remain impacted which means that they will stay under the gum unless removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, and infection, so allow our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC to explain what to expect from extraction.

Wisdom teeth removal is extremely common and our doctors promise to make you feel as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Once sedation is administered, an incision will be made into the gums and the teeth will be removed in sections. This procedure is outpatient, but you will need to take a few days off to rest and heal. Our doctors will give you post-op instructions to follow for a smooth recovery.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Pain around Fillings

Patients with cavities at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago are assured of getting high-quality fillings. But no filling lasts forever, which is why we want our patients to understand when they need to come in for a replacement.

Sometimes a filling can be made poorly and interfere with a patient’s bite or contribute to decay. A high filling is one which rises high enough to prevent the patient from comfortably closing their bite. A filling can also not be totally flush with the seal holding it in, leaving a gap for decay-causing bacteria to enter. There are also cases in which the decay went deeper than was thought or started again after the filling’s placement.

We don’t expect this to happen with any of our fillings, but the seal holding it in will only last for about ten years. After that, the filling may come loose or a gap may open. Replacing the filling is an easy process in which it and any new decayed material is removed and sealed over with another filling or a partial crown. Our advanced imaging technology allows us to determine exactly how deep the decay goes.

Downtown Dental LLC operates at 25 E Washington St, Suite 1921, Chicago, Illinois, 60602. To schedule an appointment, call 312-782-8862 or visit Downtown-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Inlays and Onlays

With our fully modernized office, restorations are easier and faster than ever at Downtown Dental in Chicago. It is often the case that patients are suffering from decay or other tooth damage that is too severe for a filling but not bad enough to necessitate a whole new crown. In these cases, we can provide partial crowns called inlays or onlays.

The pointy bits of the back teeth are called cusps. An inlay is a partial crown which is small enough to be placed in between the cusps. An onlay replaces at least one of the cusps while also covering the indentations between them. The molars and premolars’ indentations are a place where food commonly gets trapped, allowing decay-causing bacteria to build up there, which is why partial crowns are most often made for these teeth.

After the decayed material has been removed, a scan will be taken of the patient’s mouth. This is used as the basis for the partial crowns’ manufacturing. Once our CEREC machine has finished milling the inlay or onlay, we’ll be able to cement it in. While teeth are a little sensitive following the removal of decay, the patient will soon be able to chew comfortably.

Downtown Dental LLC operates at 25 E Washington St, Suite 1921, Chicago, Illinois, 60602. To schedule an appointment, call 312-782-8862 or visit Downtown-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

Causes of Bad Breath

Most of us experience bad breath at one point or another; after all, it’s only natural. Bad breath can happen anytime due to the hundreds of types of bad-breath causing bacteria that live in your mouth. Often, bad breath isn’t serious and is treatable by our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC, but sometimes it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. To guarantee your oral health is in good status, visit our office twice a year for professional cleanings.

Bad breath can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as dry mouth, gum disease, or simply just the food and beverages you’ve consumed. Practicing proper oral hygiene with brushing and flossing is critical to bad breath prevention. In addition to brushing and flossing on a daily basis, use American Dental Association (ADA) toothpaste and don’t forget to brush your tongue!

If you have questions or concerns regarding bad breath, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Bruxism

If you wake up with an aching jaw or catch yourself grinding your teeth during the day, you may have fallen victim to bruxism. Bruxism is a condition that is characterized by the unconscious act of grinding, gnashing, or clenching the teeth. Bruxism can happen during sleep, but it can also occur while the person is awake. Though these are two separate cases of bruxism, our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC may suggest a night guard or a mouth guard for treating the problem.

Stress, anxiety, or mood disorders can increase the risk of bruxism because the patient may clench their teeth to cope with these intense emotions. To diagnose bruxism, our doctor will examine your teeth and look for wear and tear. To prevent further damage, a mouth guard may be suggested to alleviate the pressure of the jaw and protect the teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding bruxism, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Whitening Advantages

If you’re afraid to show your teeth in photographs, it might be time to visit our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC for a whitening session. A whiter smile provides our patients with a higher self-esteem and teeth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like. Whether you desire to bleach in the dental chair or in the comfort of your own home, our doctors have a whitening treatment option for you.

Tooth whitening completed by our doctors is generally much faster than whitening at home. This is because the bleaching solution is much stronger than at-home kits. Professional whitening offers the most dramatic results and can make teeth appear three to eight shades brighter. Tooth whitening strips and kits and provide the same results; however, it may take longer to achieve them. Regardless of how you whiten, a whiter smile will provide you with confidence and enhance the overall appearance of your smile.

If you have questions or concerns regarding teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Night Guards for Bruxism

Bruxism is the act of grinding your teeth while sleeping. Though it can occur while awake, bruxism can wreak havoc on not only your teeth; it can put unnecessary pressure on the jaw and cause you to wake up in pain. Bruxism is a very common condition, but there are several ways to relieve this problem. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC may suggest a night guard.

The goal of a night guard is to protect your tooth’s enamel from wearing away. This appliance is typically worn throughout the night, and the best part is that our doctors will custom-make one for your mouth and your mouth only. This way, the night guard allows for proper breathing and less discomfort than an over-the-counter brand. Additionally, a night guard prevents the surfaces of the teeth from grinding together, to avoid chips and cracks.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding night guards, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the teeth and sculpting the gum line.  Dentists often do this in order to expose more of a tooth and affix a restoration like a crown.  Downtown Dental also offers crown lengthening for cosmetics so that any patient can have their perfect smile.  Our doctors see many patients unhappy with their smiles, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their ideal smile. 

Whether a crown lengthening procedure is done for function or aesthetics, it is a simple in-office procedure.  Local anesthetic is used while your dentist removes excess gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser tools.  If gum tissue is being removed for a restoration to fit you may only require tissue to be removed from a couple of teeth.  Some people have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, which can be corrected throughout the entire mouth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of teeth to gums that creates an even smile!  If you think your smile would benefit from crown lengthening, please contact us.

To learn more about crown lengthening and all the services we provide, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is widely used throughout medicine because of how it helps the body heal.  The doctors at Downtown Dental perform bone grafts to strengthen the jaws of patients in need of dental implants.  If a tooth is missing for an extended period of time, the structure of the jaw bone in the area can be compromised.  When a patient needs an implant to replace the tooth, the jaw bone needs to be strong enough to handle the placement of an implant screw.

During a bone graft procedure, our doctors harvest bone material from a healthy location in the patient’s mouth and transfer it to the location that is weakened.  This strengthens the weakened bone, and encourages growth of new bone material as it heals.  The bone graft is then monitored over the course of months, and when the jaw bone has strengthened enough the patient can move forward with receiving an implant and restoring their smile!

To learn more about bone grafting and all the services we provide, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Lumineers

At Downtown Dental, our staff is always being asked by patients about the latest cosmetic solutions available.  There are several methods for whitening or straightening teeth, but lumineers remain the best way to give your smile a complete cosmetic makeover without undergoing a procedure.

Lumineers are thin shells made of high-quality porcelain that bond directly to the surface of your teeth and look like your natural smile.  To outfit a patient with a full set of lumineers, we begin with taking an impression.  This impression will be used to ensure a perfect fit for your new smile.  Some patients won’t require preparation of the teeth, but depending on your individual case your dentist may want to contour or shave teeth in select places.  This is only done when your dentist sees an area they determine could be a problem to fit the shells on.   A new set of lumineers is fabricated outside the office, and on a final visit they are bonded directly to the surface of your teeth to wear forever!

If you’re ready to makeover your smile or have questions about lumineers, please give us a call!  To learn about all the services we provide at our practice, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Crowns

Dental crowns are a way to restore teeth that have a significant amount of decay or are at risk of being chipped.  The doctors at Downtown Dental use crowns to restore function to the mouth and improve patient smiles.  The process of installing the permanent restorative crown at Downtown Dental can be completed in a single visit using CEREC technology!

Before the placement of a crown, your dentist will remove the decay from the tooth, and may reshape the remaining tooth to ensure a great fit for the new crown. Once the tooth has been prepared, your dentist will utilize CEREC technology to take a digital scan of your mouth.  This image is used to design and ensure a good fit for the crown.  CEREC technology allows us to fabricate crowns in office and complete the procedure in a single visit. The crown fits over the tooth like a little cap, and completely covers the tooth.  It will blend right into your natural smile and can last a lifetime!

To learn more about crowns and all the restorative options we provide, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Traditional Braces

Though traditional braces may not be the most aesthetically pleasing orthodontic option, they are one of the fastest ways to straighten your teeth. Traditional braces also treat a variety of malocclusion cases, from overbites to underbites, to overcrowding. If you would like to discuss the benefits of traditional braces, our doctors of Downtown Dental LLC are here to answer all of your questions.

Traditional braces have improved over the years and are much more lightweight than the orthodontics your parents might’ve worn. Traditional braces are made from high-grade stainless steel and are permanently attached to the teeth until treatment is complete. One benefit of them being unmovable is that they are straightening your teeth at all times which means there is no excuse for not following directions are doctors may give you. Additionally, we offer a variety of color options for both the bands and the elastics, so that patients may express themselves however they’d like.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ/TMD)

Do you notice a popping or a clicking sound in your jaw while chewing your food? If so, this may be a sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. These bones help you speak, eat, and yawn. If this area becomes injured, it may lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Fortunately, our doctors at Downtown Dental can discuss treatment options.

The first symptom of the temporomandibular joint disorder is a pain in the jaw area. Jaw pain may occur on one or both sides, depending on the cause. Other symptoms include headaches, stiff or sore jaw muscles, or locking of the jaw joint. When home treatments such as ice packs or anti-inflammatory drugs do not work, our doctors may suggest a night guard as a form of treatment.

If you have questions or concerns regarding TMJ, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Dental Implants

When it comes to tooth replacement options, our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC have a variety of choices for you to choose from. In this post, however, we’d like to discuss dental implants. A dental implant is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the span of a few months. Dental implants are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile.

If you are considering implants, it’s important to understand that you must have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support the implant. Dental implants come in different sizes and heights, including standard, and narrow (mini). You will need to schedule a consultation to see which type is right for you. The biggest advantage to receiving dental implants is that they preserve bone, preventing deterioration of the facial structure, and therefore improving appearance.

If you have questions regarding our tooth replacement options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Find Your Flossing Technique

If you’ve recently consumed a meal that was rich in carbohydrates, it’s time to find some floss. Even if you brush your teeth after eating, a plaque that is left on the teeth contains bacteria that feed on these leftovers. Plaque that is not adequately removed can harden into a substance called tartar which only our team of hygienists at Downtown Dental LLC will be able to remove. We’ve previously mentioned that there is a proper way to brush your teeth, but there is also a proper way to floss. To reap the benefits try utilizing these tips the next time you clean between your teeth.  

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method for the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the molars!

If you have questions about improving your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Brush Your Teeth with This Technique

It’s no secret that brushing your teeth on a daily basis will not only keep your oral health in prime shape but your overall health as well. The American Dental Association, as well as our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC, recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. You may be surprised to learn that there is a proper way to brush your teeth. Next time you’re standing over the sink with a toothbrush in hand, try utilizing these tips.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.


• Move the brush back and forth in a circular motion in short (tooth-wide) strokes.


• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.


• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria.

If you have questions about improving your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Invisalign

Do you desire a straighter smile but are putting off the decision because you don’t want to have a mouth full of metal? Well, wait no longer. As a certified Invisalign Provider, our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC can help patients straighten their teeth discreetly, using a series of removable plastic aligners. Designed for both teens and adults, Invisalign clear aligners can not only transform your smile, it can provide you with benefits that traditional braces may not.

With Invisalign, there are no brackets and no wires which mean that there are very few food restrictions to the patient. Additionally, because the trays are removable, you will be allowed to brush and floss like you usually do. After scheduling a consultation with one of our doctors, you will be given a series of Invisalign aligners that are custom-made for your mouth and your mouth only. Each aligner makes slight adjustments to a tooth’s position, a process that is mapped out in advance. After approximately two weeks, after wearing your aligners for the recommended 22 hours daily, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which continues the teeth straightening process. Duration of treatment will depend on the patient, but if you think Invisalign may be the right choice for you, schedule a consultation today.

If you have questions regarding Invisalign or other orthodontic options we offer, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

How to Clean Braces

You just got your braces, and you’ve been told not to eat popcorn or sticky candy for two years. You were very careful for the past year but you still managed to get food caught in the wires. What do you do? Dr. Viren Patel of Downtown Dental shares tips on how to clean your braces if you are caught in this scenario.

You will want to take any debris out with floss or a toothbrush. Make sure you are using proper brushing and flossing techniques specialized for braces.  Here are some tips on how to brush with braces.

• Hold the brush sideways and guide your brush from tooth to tooth. Follow the natural shape of your teeth and gums.
• If you are brushing manually, make sure to brush for at least a few seconds before you move on to the next tooth. If you are using an electric toothbrush you don’t have to brush hard.
• Clean the brackets by getting the brush inside of them and clean under the wires.
• Remember to always change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

If you have questions about braces or dental health and oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Viren Patel of Downtown Dental in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.