Improving Your Appearance with Tooth Whitening

by Dr. Michael Vold

Have you ever wondered what happened to the beautiful white teeth you had as a child? As we grow older, our tooth enamel starts to weaken and become more porous. Over time, the enamel becomes stained. This is especially true for smokers and people who drink coffee, tea and red wine. Highly colored foods can also cause staining, as well as soft drinks, sweets and excessive fluoride. Teeth can also become discolored from certain medications, such as tetracycline. Your teeth also darken with age – part of Mother Natures cruel design.

There are several ways you can avoid stains, such as drinking beverages with a straw. The straw will keep the liquid away from your teeth. Quickly swallowing foods or beverages that cause stains will minimize the problem as well. Brushing and flossing after eating is also an important factor in maintaining the original color of your teeth.

One way to restore your teeth’s natural whiteness is with dental Chicago tooth whitening. There are many over-the counter tooth whitening products such as gels and whitening strips that can be used at home. Most of these products will need to be applied on a regular basis to keep teeth looking white. The results from at-home kits can vary depending on the product. People who use at-home tooth whitening products are often at higher risk of gum irritation and burns from bleaching. Another common problem for kit users is overbleaching, which can increase the sensitivity of teeth and decrease tooth enamel.

Because dental office Chicago teeth whitening is conducted by a trained professional, the risk of gum and tooth damage is minimized, making it the best teeth whitening route to take. Many people prefer dentist whitening of the teeth because the entire procedure can be completed quickly, uniformly and generally will achieve better results.

Types of bleach include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which changes to hydrogen peroxide when applied. The in-office process uses products with stronger concentrations from the over-the-counter strips and gels. This insures optimal results within the shortest period of time.

Not all stains or discoloration can be eliminated with whitening for teeth. If you have yellow teeth, you are probably a good candidate for the procedure. Some of the discolorations caused by sensitivity to minerals in the water or medications may require special techniques that can only be delivered by the dental office.

Tooth whitening will not change the color of fillings from earlier dental procedures. If you have fillings on your front teeth, you may want to consider re-doing those restorations following tooth whitening.

There are many benefits to teeth whitening Chicago, including a more attractive smile, looking younger and creating a good first impression when meeting other people. The procedure can also increase a person’s self-esteem and result in better oral hygiene.

If you are considering whitening your teeth, a dentist Northbrook can give you expert advice on the procedure and discuss any concerns you have regarding the process. A dental office that offers teeth whitening can also advise you on which tooth whitening method is best for your teeth.

Northbrook Court Dental Offers Teeth Whitening

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com), a Northbrook dental clinic, has announced that it now offers teeth whitening for patients who want a more attractive smile. The simple and inexpensive procedure eliminates tooth stains and restores teeth to their natural whiteness and even lighter.

“Tooth whitening can give a person a more beautiful smile and increase their self-confidence,” says Northbrook dentist Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. “It’s extremely safe and the results can dramatically change someone’s life.”

Teeth often change in color as we age. Tooth discoloration can be caused by many factors, including smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking coffee and tea, consuming soft drinks and sweets, and eating berries and other highly colored foods, including sauces. Excessive fluoride and medications such as tetracycline can also result in discolored teeth.

Professional whitening has become an increasingly popular remedy for tooth stains. Tooth whitening has now become a common cosmetic dental procedure.

Dental office tooth whitening minimizes the potential for gum and tooth damage often caused by at-home whitening products such as gels and strips. It also eliminates the possibility of over-bleaching, which can weaken teeth and damage tooth enamel. It also insures that the whitening is uniformly distributed over the tooth surface and whitening results are maximized. In addition to improving a person’s appearance, teeth whitening increases self-esteem. It has also been found that whitening teeth leads to better oral hygiene.

“Our tooth whitening service is extremely effective. For the majority of our patients, it is the preferred method of whitening their teeth,” says Vold, who adds that “teeth whitening can make a big difference in a person’s attitude and lifestyle.”

For more information on Northbrook Court Dental Associates' teeth whitening services, visit the Northbrook dentistry office's website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com, or call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association, The Chicago Dental Society and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Northbrook Court Dental Offers Occlusion Therapy for Jaw Pain and Headaches

Northbrook, Illinois –Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com), a Northbrook dental clinic, now offers occlusion therapy for individuals suffering from jaw pain and headaches.

“Many people go to medical doctors when they have chronic headaches or jaw pain, not realizing that these health issues can be dental related.” says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. “

Occlusion is a word used to describe how teeth come in contact with each other teeth or fit together when a person is sleeping, talking or eating. A malocclusion is when the muscles in the jaw joint are out of alignment and causes a bad bite. Other causes of malocclusion include crooked teeth and periodontal disease.

Malocclusion can result in different types of physical problems, including difficulties chewing and jaw, neck, back and shoulder pain. The discomfort can become worse if the person clenches their teeth when they are asleep. Repeated clenching can lead to headaches, deterioration of teeth and even teeth being worn down to the jaw bone.

Occlusion Therapy can reduce and even eliminate teeth clenching to help relax the jaw and prevent pain. The therapy often involves the use of splints to prevent any clenching that occurs while the person is sleeping.

Before the therapy is started, the person’s bite is thoroughly reviewed and analyzed. Either through polishing of the surface enamel in specific areas, or through the use of dental restoration, the balance and direction of the bite is adjusted. The procedure helps eliminate clenching stress and pain.

“Our dental clinic uses the latest and most advanced techniques to help eliminate the pain and discomfort caused by malocclusion,” says Dr. Vold.

For more information on Northbrook Court Dental Associates' treatment of malocclusion and occlusion therapy, visit the Northbrook dental clinic's website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com, or call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Do You Have to Suffer with Headaches or Jaw Pain?

by Dr. Michael Vold

Dysfunctional Occlusion

Do you have headaches, neck aches, clicking jaws, limited opening range of the jaw or ringing in your ears?  You may have seen your physician about your symptoms, but found no relief.  You may even have been told that it is "all in your head."  If so, you are not alone.  Some 60 million Americans share these symptoms with you.

We know the cause of your symptoms.

Symptoms of a Bad Bite

o  clicking, popping or grating sound when opening or closing your mouth
o  chronic headaches and/or dizziness
o  tenderness in jaw muscles
o  earaches and/or itchy ears
o  jaws that sometimes lock open when yawning or laughing
o  spasms or cramps in the jaw area.

Problems begin when the muscles in the jaw and jaw joint are out of alignment (malocclusion), causing problems when chewing. Simply stated, the ligaments, muscles, bones, teeth and joints do not line up, thereby causing pain.  The pain and muscle stress is made even worse by clenching your teeth when you sleep.

When you clench, you are using some of the strongest muscles in the body.  These muscles can cause chronic headaches, destructive tooth wear, and at its worst, permanent wear down the bone of jaw joint.

By reducing or eliminating the clenching, you are effectively relaxing the jaw and minimizing the source of the pain.

Occlusion Therapy

Occlusal Splints are used as a treatment option to prevent nightime damage associated with grinding and clenching while at the same time adjusting your bite to relax your jaw.

When your occlusion misalignment is analyzed and identified, minor polishing of the surface enamel or placing strategic dental restorations can redirect and balance the bite, bringing relief from occlusion-induced pain and stress.

TMJ Self Analysis

Take this quick and easy survey to rate your TMJ problem:

1.  Do you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines?
2.  Do your teeth or crowns keep chipping or breaking?
3.  Are your face and neck muscles constantly sore?
5.  Do your ears ring (Tinnitus)?
6.  Are your teeth sensitive when you bite down?
7.  Do you sometimes have unexplained nausea or vertigo?
8.  Has your jaw ever "frozen" in place, even for a few seconds?
9.  Do your ears ever tingle or itch?
10. Are your teeth sensitive to cold?
11. Do you grind or clench your teeth at night?

If you have answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, you probably should be examined for TMJ disease. You should see a qualified dentist in your area that treats TMJ disease and get an examination.

Healthy Eating Prevents Tooth Decay

By Michael Vold, D.D.S., J.D..

Did you know that a healthy diet can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), what you eat and drink can determine how often cavities occur and how they progress.

It is generally believed that a balanced, healthy diet consists of:
Fruits and vegetables
Grains
Dairy
Protein

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) recommends eating lean proteins and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. The CNPP further suggests that half the grains you eat should be whole grains, and that fruits and vegetables should cover half your plate at meal time. CNPP dietary advices are based on scientific research with the goal of improving the health and well-being of Americans.

Fruits and vegetables have a high concentration of water and fiber. They help stimulate the production of saliva, which washes away harmful acids and food particles in the mouth. Firm and crunchy fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial due to their high water content. Fruits and vegetables also contain vitamin C and vitamin A. Vitamin C helps with wound healing and maintaining healthy gums. Vitamin A is an important nutrient in building tooth enamel.

Foods rich in calcium, phosphorous and other nutrients are good for tooth and gum health as well. Calcium and phosphorus in particular help protect and rebuild tooth enamel. It is believed that both nutrients replace the minerals on tooth enamel that are naturally removed by acids.

Calcium is found in cheese, milk, yogurt, leafy greens, seaweeds like kelp, beans, figs and nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, sesame and pistachios. In addition to supporting good oral health, calcium also builds strong bones, regulates muscle contraction, plays a role in blood coagulation, and helps with communication between the brain and other parts of the body.

Phosphorus comes from protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish and eggs, along with bran, pumpkin, squash, watermelon seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, toasted wheat germ, Brazil and pine nuts. It works in conjunction with calcium to build and maintain healthy bones as well as teeth, and helps the body absorb vitamin B.
Other food related-factors that an influence can influence oral health include:
Whether the food is a liquid, solid, sticky or slow to dissolve
How often sugary and acidic foods and beverages are consumed
The combination of foods eaten
The order in which foods are eaten

Limiting the sugar in your diet plays a key role in preventing tooth decay and maintaining good oral health. Bacteria in the mouth feed off of the sugars contained in food, and release acids that are harmful to your teeth. Sweets and snack foods not only contain large amounts of sugar, they have virtually no nutritional value. This includes sugar-laden drinks like soda, lemonade, and sweetened coffee or tea. Sipping heavily sugared products results in a sugar bath over the teeth that can result in tooth decay.

The potential for cavities, gum disease and tooth loss can also be increased due to medical conditions such as acid reflux and eating disorders.

Maintaining a balanced diet is not only necessary for your overall health, it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent cavities, gum disease and avoid the cost of cosmetic dentistry and dental oral surgery.

For more information about Northbrook dental care, visit the Northbrook Court Dental website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com, or call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Northbrook Court Dental Now Offers Porcelain Veneers

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) announced that it now offers porcelain veneers to improve the appearance of teeth.

“Our goal with cosmetic dentistry is to enable patients to have the smile they’ve always wanted,” says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. “Porcelain veneers are one of the easiest ways for patients to correct teeth with poor color or shape.”

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized area of dental care that focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums and bite. Over the years, porcelain veneers has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures,both at the Northbrook dental clinic and in genral.

A porcelain veneer is a custom-made thin layer of material that is generally bonded to the tooth with resin cement. Porcelain veneers can be used to correct teeth that are chipped, broken, discolored and worn down, as well as uneven or irregularly shaped. Veneers are also used to cover large spaces between teeth, and teeth that have not responded well to tooth whitening or bleaching.

Veneers, which can last from 10 to 30 years, can be placed on one or more teeth. The procedure involves an initial consultation that includes an examination, evaluation and the development of a treatment plan. In some cases, x-rays may also be taken. The tooth is prepared for the veneer by removing a tiny amount of enamel from the tooth’s surface. An impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a laboratory where the veneer is created.

Veneers are adhered to teeth using a light sensitive resin, which is placed between the veneer and the tooth. A special curing light is then used to harden the resin.

“It’s almost impossible to tell the different between veneers and regular teeth,” says Dr. Vold. “They are also very easy to maintain.”

For more information about cosmetic dentistry, visit the Northbrook Court Dental website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com, or call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Northbrook Court Dental Associates Earns Better Business Bureau Accreditation

Northbrook, Illinois - Becoming an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau is an honor not accorded to all businesses; because not all businesses meet eligibility standards. Northbook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) is pleased to announce today that it has met all BBB standards and is now an Accredited Business.

“Accreditation in the BBB is by invitation only” says Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “And only those businesses that meet our high standards and pass the review process are approved by our Board of Directors.”

As with all businesses that are accredited by the BBB, Northbook Court Dental Associates has committed to the BBB Code of Business Practices. The Code is a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices on how business treat consumers. These standards call for building trust, embodying integrity, advertising honestly and being truthful. Bernas adds “To maintain their Accreditation a business must be transparent, honor their promises, be responsive to their customers and safeguard their privacy.”

“We are proud to be a BBB Accredited Business,” said Dr. Michael Vold, President of Northbook Court Dental Associates. “In today’s world it is imperative that our patients know how seriously we take our commitment to excellence and good customer service. Our achieving BBB Accreditation exemplifies that goal.”

Northbook Court Dental Associates, a two decades old dental practice, has been offering dental patients oral health services of the highest standards. “Our desire is to stay focused on what we do best; provide outstanding dental treatment and unsurpassed customer service,” said Dr. Vold.

For more information contact: Northbook Court Dental Associates at 847-272-2900.