United Dental Centers of Chicago Blog

If you’ve ever wondered whether cosmetic dentistry has an age cutoff, you’re not alone. Many people assume treatments like veneers or teeth whitening are only for younger patients chasing a picture-perfect smile. The truth is much more encouraging. There is no upper age limit for cosmetic dentistry, and plenty of older adults choose to enhance their smiles well into their later years.

A healthy, confident smile isn’t about age—it’s about how you feel when you look in the mirror.

When you step into the world of dentures, you may be excited about getting your full smile back. Since they were molded to your mouth, you might even enjoy how comfortable they are as well. This prosthetic helps you feel more confident that you might even wear them all day and night to revel in it. However, keeping them in 24/7 can actually be a bad idea. Here are three ways to better understand why to take them out at night.

Dentures offer patients a new lease on life, especially when it comes to eating a variety of foods. The improved stability and bite force of these prosthetics make mealtime more enjoyable, even around the holidays. But are all food items equal? Should you be careful not to eat certain things because of the potential danger they can cause to your smile? Keep reading to discover which foods to avoid if you want to avoid a trip to the emergency dentist’s office.

A dental emergency can happen at any moment. You may want to prepare for the unexpected, but it’s nearly impossible to do! Whether it was a severe toothache, some damage, or even if you need an emergency tooth extraction, you’ll need to call your dentist to get an urgent visit scheduled. When you have your appointment, you may wonder what will happen during it. Here is what you can generally expect.

Noticing a bump on your gums can be concerning, especially if it appears suddenly or feels tender. While some gum bumps are harmless and temporary, others may signal an underlying dental issue that needs professional attention. Understanding the possible causes can help you know when it’s time to see your dentist and what treatment options are available. Here’s a closer look at the most common reasons for a bump on your gums.

When looking at your options to replace your missing teeth, you may be interested in dental implants, but hesitate to jump into them right away. You’ve likely seen that you will need a surgical procedure to have them placed, and the thought of it may make you sweat. The good news is that you shouldn’t worry. This tooth replacement option is actually safe thanks to modern dentistry. Keep reading to help ease your fears.

When people think of dental implants, they often focus on their cosmetic benefits or how they restore chewing ability. While it’s true that implants provide a natural-looking smile and excellent functionality, there’s another question worth asking: can dental implants actually help you live longer? Surprisingly, maintaining your oral health with solutions like implants can play a role in your overall well-being and longevity.

Dental implants were designed to last a lifetime, but exactly how long depends on a variety of factors, including how you use and care for them, as well as the materials they’re made of. Here’s a quick breakdown of their parts, and how long you can expect each to remain looking and working it’s best!

If you have just undergone dental implant surgery, you are probably looking forward to enjoying the benefits of this fantastic tooth replacement option. By the end, you’ll have a fuller smile and be able to eat confidently! But did you know they also have an outstanding 99% success rate?

With such a high percentage, you may think that dental implants don’t need as much care as your other teeth. However, doing so may land you in the less than 5% of patients who experience dental implant failure. As long as you adopt these five simple habits, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you’re helping protect yourself from dental implant failure.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often considered the gold standard due to their ability to restore a tooth’s entire structure from root to crown. This means that dental implant restorations don’t just look the part – they are fully functional, resilient, and capable of lasting for a lifetime. However, not everyone with missing teeth is immediately able to get dental implants; some patients must undergo a separate preliminary procedure called a sinus lift beforehand. Here’s more about this process and how it sets your implants up for success.