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.