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.