Smiles by Design has several different options available to change the shape of teeth. Closing spaces between teeth, repairing chipped or cracked teeth, and even making teeth look longer are all possible with modern dental tools and techniques. Bonding, crowns, veneers, and re-contouring are all treatments designed to change the shape of your natural teeth. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, and they will discuss all of the treatment options with you.

Toothpastes contain mild abrasives that remove surface stains. Whitening toothpastes also contain chemical or polishing agents that help to get teeth whiter than ordinary pastes. Over-the-counter products use hydrogen peroxide as their active whitening ingredient, and this does help them penetrate more deeply into the cracks and crevices of teeth resulting in more effective whitening. But, none of these products can come close to the results a dentist can achieve with in-office whitening treatments. Over-the-counter products may lighten your tooth color by about one shade, yet a dentist, in an office setting with professional treatments, can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades! Contact us today to learn all about the whitening treatments we offer at Smiles by Design!

The first thing you should always look for when selecting a toothpaste is that it contains fluoride. Fluoride has been shown in clinical tests to prevent cavities, so any good toothpaste will have some percentage of fluoride in its ingredients. Be sure to check the labeling to ensure it is safe for your children; especially those under six years of age. The simplest path to a winning toothpaste is asking your dentist what they feel would be best. Your Smiles by Design dentist knows your mouth better than anyone, and their knowledge and expertise are yours for the asking. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and we will happily address your toothpaste dilemma!

Yes. There are dental society-sponsored assistance programs all across the country. The easiest way to find out about these programs is to contact your local dental society (Illinois Dental Society, Illinois Dental Association, or search by county or region), and request information regarding low-cost care options and locations near you. You can even check the American Dental Association’s website for links to state dental associations and dental societies in your area.

The dental horror stories have been around forever it seems. Many people hear them growing up, and are affected for the rest of their lives. This is not uncommon, but there is no reason for you to feel this way. Modern dentistry is nothing like the practices used a century ago. The fact of the matter is that fear, in all its forms, keeps us from reaching our potential, and that is equally true when talking of fear of the dentist. Your smile will never reach its true potential until a dentist is a part of the equation. Here are a few things you can try to calm your nerves before your visit:

• Bring someone you trust with you.
• Try to distract yourself in the chair (headphones, TV, etc.).
• Techniques like controlled breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help you relax.
• Discuss sedation options with your dentist.
• If you are still unable to see the dentist then talking with a psychologist may help with the fear.

Dental x-rays are perfectly safe when used responsibly. They do require low levels of radiation exposure, and this does come with a very small risk of potentially harmful effects. Dentists take every precaution to minimize the amount of radiation a patient is exposed to, and all safety equipment (leaded apron, thyroid guard, etc.) is in place before the x-ray is taken. At Smiles by Design we offer digital x-rays that use 80% less radiation than traditional x-rays. Our own Dr. Perlin was one of the first dentists in the state to offer them.

Dental sealants are thin coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of a patient’s teeth to prevent decay. The sealant, once painted on the teeth, bonds to the teeth – filling the depressions and grooves. Children should have sealants applied to their premolars and permanent molars as soon as they come in to protect them through the cavity-prone years. Sealants are also an excellent option for adults who want to protect their teeth and have no decay or fillings present. Dental sealants leave a protective shield over the enamel that will last up to 10 years with regular checkups and maintenance.