Monitoring Infant’s Fluoride Intake can Prevent Fluorosis – Vernon Hills, IL

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Steven Hoffenberg DDS - Vernon Hills

Even though fluoride is necessary to prevent tooth decay, Dr. Hoffenberg from Vernon Hills, IL suggests too much fluoride given to infants and children can amount to fluorosis. Fluorosis is a harmless dental condition which is characterized by brown, mottled or discolored enamel. Most breast milk and ready-to-feed formulas contain infant-safe levels of fluoride, however, formulas that require water can increase this level since community or well sources usually contain the highest amount of fluoride proven to be beneficial in preventing tooth decay. When using formula that requires water, Dr. Hoffenberg recommends using bottled water that is low in fluoride or fluoride free or filtrated tap water. If you notice brown spots on your children’s teeth, visit Dr. Hoffenberg to check for fluorosis or call (847)367-6760 to schedule an appointment. If fluorosis is corrected in primary teeth, fluorosis will not likely be a problem when permanent teeth surface.

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What Are My Dental Filling Options? – Vernon Hills, IL

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Steven Hoffenberg DDS - Vernon Hills

Dr. Steven Hoffenberg of Vernon Hills, IL is an experienced dentist and  offers plenty of options for you to choose from when it comes to dental fillings. Many patients are confused by what kinds of dental filling options are available for their procedure. The options vary depending on the patient’s health, where and how the filling is placed, the amount of chewing pressure the tooth will have to bear, components of the filling material and the number of visits needed to prepare and accommodate the tooth. Some of the choices include amalgam, composite and ionomers. Amalgam fillings are very durable, easy to use, and inexpensive when compared to other materials. Since amalgam fillings can sustain very heavy chewing loads, they are usually used to restore molars. Some of the disadvantages of amalgam fillings are that the silver tone is not as natural looking, possible short-term sensitivity, and more tooth structure is removed to conform the filling. Composite fillings are made out of a mixture of glass or quartz and resin, this mix produces a tooth colored filling. Composite fillings are durable and provide good resistance against fracture in small to medium restorations where there is moderate chewing pressure. Because less tooth structure is removed when using a composite, a smaller filling can be used than one using amalgam. Some downsides of composite fillings are that they are moderately more expensive than amalgam depending on the size of the filling and technique used by Dr. Steven Hoffenberg, procedure time is generally longer than when using amalgam, and they tend to stain and discolor over time. Ionomers, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders. Ionomers are usually utilized to fill cavities on the root surfaces of teeth or in small fillings that do not require any chewing resistance since they have low protection against fractures. As with any procedure, Dr. Steven Hoffenberg suggests to call us today at (847)367-6760 or come into the office where she can fully discuss which option is better and most efficient for you.

Content Received from ADA

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Preventing Periodontal Disease – Vernon Hills, IL

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Steven Hoffenberg DDS - Vernon Hills

It only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that are difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment at our Vernon Hills office will usually include:

  • Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
  • Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay.
  • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
  • Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!

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Porcelain Fixed Bridges – Vernon Hills, IL

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Steven Hoffenberg DDS - Vernon Hills

Porcelain Fixed Bridges - Vernon Hills, ILA dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

There are several types of bridges. You and Dr. Hoffenberg, Dr. Dang, or Dr. Lee will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years. However, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

  • Fill space of missing teeth.
  • Maintain facial shape.
  • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
  • Restore chewing and speaking ability.
  • Restore your smile.
  • Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, you permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally, your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.

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Teeth Whitening Vernon Hills – Enhance Your Smile

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Steven Hoffenberg DDS - Vernon Hills

teeth-whiteningTeeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every several years and more often if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

  • Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
  • Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
  • Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
  • Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does tooth whitening involve?

This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks, depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit Dr. Steven Hoffenberg regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

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Tooth Colored Fillings (Composite Fillings) – Vernon Hills

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Steven Hoffenberg DDS - Vernon Hills

A composite (tooth-colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion will be removed and the tooth will then be filled with a composite filling.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You and Dr. Steven Hoffenberg can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth-colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long-lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

  • Chipped teeth.
  • Closing space between two teeth.
  • Cracked or broken teeth.
  • Decayed teeth.
  • Worn teeth.

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, Dr. Hoffenberg will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed. However, this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

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Cerac 1 hour crowns – match your tooth color – Vernon Hills

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Steven Hoffenberg DDS - Vernon Hills

cerec-machineCEREC®, allows our doctors to quickly restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic fillings, saving patients time and inconvenience.

CEREC® is the world’s only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one office visit. With CEREC® you can be in and out in a single visit with a permanent, all-ceramic crown, onlay, or veneer! For the patient this means fewer injections, less drilling, and less time out of your hectic schedule for dental care.

What does this innovation mean for a patient?

A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings or discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive, and plaque-resistant. We no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated.

How does it work?

The tooth that requires a CEREC® restoration is prepared and a 3D photograph is taken of the prepared tooth. From there, we use computer-aided design CAD software to create the restoration digitally.

Using a single block of porcelain that is color-matched to your current tooth shade, the digitally designed restoration is sent to a milling machine where your restoration is cut. The milling process usually takes about 15 minutes per restoration.

Once the restoration is finished being milled, it is fitted onto the prepared tooth and adjusted until the bite is accurate.

This procedure is great for crowns, veneers and the replacement of old fillings to give you the longest-lasting, best-looking restorations.

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Porcelain Veneers are great for chipped or discolored teeth – Vernon Hills

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Steven Hoffenberg DDS - Vernon Hills

Porcelain Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth-shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.

Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.

As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long-lasting smile.

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

  • Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
  • Crooked teeth.
  • Misshapen teeth.
  • Severely discolored or stained teeth.
  • Teeth that are too small or large.
  • Unwanted or uneven spaces.
  • Worn or chipped teeth.

What does getting porcelain veneers involve?

Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and Dr. Steven Hoffenberg.

On the second visit, the teeth will be cleaned with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.

You will receive care instructions for your veneers. Proper brushing and flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.

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