Kenilworth Dental Associates

As we welcome a new year filled with resolutions and aspirations for a healthier life, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of holistic dentistry in achieving overall well-being. While conventional dentistry focuses primarily on treating oral issues in isolation, holistic dentistry takes a broader approach. Holistic dentistry offers numerous benefits that positively impact your body’s overall health and well-being. 

What is Holistic Dentistry? 

Holistic dentistry, also known as biological or natural dentistry, is an approach to oral health care that considers the entire body rather than just the teeth and gums. Dr. Dani understands the complex interconnectedness of the teeth, gums, oral cavity, and other areas of the body. She provides treatments that promote overall health and well-being. This approach goes beyond merely addressing the symptoms of dental problems and seeks to identify and address their root causes. 

Aspects of Holistic Dentistry 

Years of research and personal experience led Dr. Dani to a holistic dental care approach that benefits her patients physically, mentally, and cosmetically, focusing on prevention and support rather than treatment “after the fact.” There are many positive aspects of holistic dentistry, including: 

• Minimized Use of Toxins: One of the fundamental principles of holistic dentistry is the avoidance of harmful substances and materials in dental treatments. We always opt for biocompatible materials, such as mercury-free fillings, BPA-free sealants, and non-toxic sterilization techniques. By reducing exposure to toxins, patients can enjoy improved overall health. 

• Prevention-Oriented Care: Holistic dentistry places a strong emphasis on preventive measures, such as proper nutrition, oral hygiene, and regular check-ups. This proactive approach helps patients avoid dental issues before they become severe, potentially preventing systemic health problems linked to oral infections and inflammation.  

• Whole-Body Wellness: Unlike conventional dentistry, which may treat dental problems in isolation, holistic dentists consider the entire body when devising treatment plans. They understand that oral health can significantly impact overall health, connecting to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. As part of Dr. Dani’s holistic approach, she also offers nutritional counseling and lifestyle coaching. 

• Individualized Treatment: Holistic dentistry recognizes that each patient is unique. When creating treatment plans, we consider each patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and overall health. This individualized approach ensures that our patients receive the most appropriate care for their needs. 

Health Benefits of Holistic Dentistry 

The many positive effects of holistic dentistry make it the ideal choice for anyone wanting to improve their oral and overall health in the new year. Consider many health benefits of holistic dentistry: 

Reduced Inflammation 

Chronic oral infections and gum disease can lead to systemic inflammation, which is linked to a wide range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Holistic dentistry aims to eliminate the sources of inflammation in the mouth, thereby reducing the risk of these conditions. 

Improved Digestion 

Proper chewing and digestion begin in the mouth. Dental problems, such as missing teeth or misaligned bites, can hinder the digestive process. Holistic dentistry addresses these issues, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption, which are crucial for overall health. 

Better Immune System Function 

A healthy mouth contributes to a robust immune system. By preventing and treating oral infections, holistic dentistry helps the body defend against pathogens more effectively, reducing the risk of illness. 

Enhanced Mental Well-being 

Holistic dentistry recognizes the connection between oral health and mental well-being. Chronic dental pain and discomfort can lead to stress and anxiety. By addressing these issues, patients can enjoy improved mental health and quality of life. 

As we embark on a new year, consider making holistic dentistry integral to your journey toward better health. By embracing this approach, you can experience a range of benefits, from reduced exposure to toxins and prevention-oriented care to enhanced overall health and well-being. Remember, a healthy mouth is a cornerstone of a healthy body, and starting the new year right with holistic dentistry is a wise step toward achieving your wellness goals. 

Contact Kenilworth Dental Associates at Kenilworth Dental Associates Phone Number (847) 256-7700 to schedule a consultation or learn more about Dr. Dani’s holistic dental care approach. Your mouth – and your whole body – will thank you! 

The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to invest in yourself and enhance your smile. Whether attending festive gatherings, family reunions, or work events, cosmetic dental procedures can help you achieve that dazzling smile you’ve always dreamed of, boosting your confidence and letting you shine. Kenilworth Dental Associates offers several cosmetic dental procedures that provide the gorgeous results you deserve this holiday season.

Teeth Whitening

A bright, white smile is one of the most sought-after features during the holidays, and teeth whitening is a quick and effective way to achieve it. We offer in-office and at-home teeth whitening options that lighten your teeth by up to eight shades. If you start now, you’ll have a whiter, brighter for all those holiday parties. The results are immediately noticeable, making it an excellent choice for those who want a radiant smile in time for holiday photos and gatherings.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a versatile cosmetic procedure that can address issues such as chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. During bonding, a tooth-colored resin is applied and shaped to match your natural teeth, concealing imperfections and restoring your smile’s beauty. Bonding is a relatively quick and affordable option that can help you achieve a flawless smile just in time for the holiday season. Bonding is also inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly way to correct flaws without denting your holiday gift-giving options.

Veneers

If you’re looking for a long-lasting and transformative solution for your smile, veneers may be the answer. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They can hide stains, chips, gaps, and even slightly misaligned teeth. Veneers provide a durable and natural-looking result that can last for many years, making them a popular choice for those who want to make a lasting impression during the holidays and in the future.

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics)

A cracked or decayed tooth can put a damper on enjoying the holidays. It can be hard to celebrate if you can’t eat comfortably or have a toothache. Fortunately, you can undergo CEREC restoration, a quick procedure that repairs the tooth for full, pain-free function. CEREC technology revolutionizes the process of getting dental crowns, inlays, and onlays. We can create custom restorations in one visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns – a considerable advantage during such a busy season! CEREC’s advanced technology ensures you can enjoy the holidays with a fully restored and functional smile.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are an excellent choice for those with misaligned teeth who want a discreet and comfortable solution. We offer Invisalign ® clear aligners to straighten your teeth without traditional braces. They are virtually invisible and removable, allowing you to maintain oral hygiene and enjoy your favorite holiday foods without restrictions. Starting clear aligner treatment before the holidays means you can be on your way to a straighter smile by the time the festivities begin.

Give Yourself the Gift of a Beautiful Holiday Smile

The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and spending quality moments with loved ones. Investing in cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, CEREC, or clear aligners can help boost your confidence and ensure you have a radiant smile to share with the world during this special season. Whether you want a quick touch-up or a complete smile makeover, Dr. Dani can help you choose the best cosmetic procedure for your aesthetic goals.

With the proper treatment, you’ll be ready to greet the holidays with a smile that shines as brightly as your festive spirit.

Contact Kenilworth Dental Associates at Kenilworth Dental Associates Phone Number (847) 256-7700 to schedule a consultation. We’re ready to give you a holiday-ready smile!

Porcelain veneers are a popular way to correct minor cosmetic flaws in the teeth. They are thin shells of porcelain that fit over the front surface of damaged or stained teeth to improve their appearance and protect them. You may want porcelain veneers because you have small gaps between the teeth, chips, or discolored areas. If you are wondering if veneers are the right choice to improve the aesthetics of your teeth, consider the following:

Your Teeth Need to be Healthy

Although porcelain veneers are designed to fix cosmetic flaws, they cannot fix a tooth that is decayed or so severely damaged that it affects your oral health. Your teeth must be cavity free and without any infection, and you must have signs of gum disease. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be treated before getting veneers. If veneers are not an option due to decay, broken teeth, or severe wear, veneers may not be the answer.

Porcelain Veneers are Customizable

If all of your teeth are discolored, you can cover them with veneers that are the precise shade and color you long for, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. If you plan to use veneers on just a few teeth to change the shape or size, Dr. Dani can custom-match the veneers to your other teeth for a seamless, natural appearance. You can try several sample veneers on an individual tooth to find the perfect match.

Veneers Can’t Be Placed in a Day

Veneers are tailored to your specific aesthetic goals and the size and shape of your natural teeth. At Kenilworth Dental Associates, we take an impression of your bite to use as a guide to create your porcelain veneers. While we wait for the permanent veneers, we prepare your teeth to accept them by lightly sanding the surface, then attach temporary veneers. When your permanent ones are ready, you will return to our office to have them attached to the teeth.

Veneers Require Commitment

Porcelain veneers last a decade or more but need to be periodically replaced. This is because we must create a rough surface on the teeth to attach the veneers. Exposing the teeth without protection after removing the veneers leads to damage and possible infection. Consider veneers a lifetime commitment.

You Have to Be Careful with Your Teeth

Although porcelain veneers are strong, they are made of thin shells and can be damaged if you use your teeth in ways not intended. You cannot rip open packages, bite your nails, or crunch on ice with porcelain veneers. These bad habits can loosen or chip your veneers.

Benefits of Porcelain Teeth Veneers

Despite the limitations outlined above, veneers remain one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available. Consider the following advantages of porcelain veneers to improve your smile:

• Porcelain veneers can last 10 years or more, making them a long-lasting solution.
• Custom matching of shape, color, and brightness can give you the smile of your dreams.
• Porcelain veneers more closely resemble natural teeth than any other cosmetic correction. The shells are translucent, like natural teeth.
• Veneers are versatile. If you have multiple issues, like stains, chips, and small gaps, porcelain veneers can correct them all.
• Veneers are stain-resistant, so they will not discolor even if you drink coffee, tea, red wine, or soda.
• Veneers are not bulky, so they do not affect your speech or ability to chew comfortably.
• Porcelain veneers can give you the confidence to flash your new, beautiful smile more often.

If you are considering porcelain veneers, Dr. Dani can evaluate your teeth and help you choose the best option for enhancing your smile. Contact our office at Kenilworth Dental Associates Phone Number (847) 256-7700 to schedule a consultation.

Dental nightguards, often called occlusal splints or bite guards, are oral appliances worn while sleeping to protect the teeth and jaws or improve your ability to breathe freely. Several conditions respond well to nightguard therapy, improving your health.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition in which an individual periodically stops breathing throughout the night, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the brain and interrupted sleep. Although a CPAP machine may be the first solution recommended, many patients cannot tolerate the bulky, uncomfortable mask and noisy machine.

A custom-designed nightguard is a lightweight, comfortable alternative to CPAP. The oral appliance is made to fit over the teeth and hold the jaw in the proper position to allow free breathing without the tongue or soft tissues blocking the airway. Most patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea report that their nightguard is just as effective as CPAP but more comfortable and easier to use.

Snoring

If your snoring drives your partner crazy, you aren’t alone. Every year, millions complain about losing sleep because of their partner’s snoring. Snoring happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep. The jaw and tongue slip backward, narrowing the airway. The reduced airflow causes the mouth’s soft tissues to vibrate, causing snoring.

A nightguard or snore guard is designed to pull the lower jaw forward, clearing the back of the throat and opening the airway. As a result, air flows freely, and the soft tissues no longer vibrate.

Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you are seriously damaging your teeth and compromising your oral health. Over time, the teeth become worn down and may crack or break. Bruxism can also cause your jawbone to shift out of alignment, impacting your bite and ability to eat comfortably.

A bruxism nightguard provides a cushioning effect that helps distribute the forces of grinding or clenching, preventing excessive wear and damage to the teeth. Nightguards act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, keeping them from meeting to reduce impact and friction.

Bruxism can also lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a condition causing chronic jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms. Nightguards create a stable bite alignment and alleviate jaw tension, reducing the strain on the temporomandibular joint.

Benefits of Nightguards

• Reduced tension in the neck and jaw
• Elimination of snoring
• Improved nighttime sleeping
• Prevents teeth wear and tear
• Alleviation of jaw pain and headaches
• A happier partner

Dr. Dani evaluates each patient’s need for a nightguard based on a thorough examination, dental imaging, evaluation of symptoms, and the patient’s goals. Wondering if nightguards might improve your sleep and, therefore, your health? Contact our office at Kenilworth Dental Associates Phone Number (847) 256-7700 to schedule an appointment. Better sleep and better health may be only a phone call away!

Snoring can be annoying, particularly if your partner snores loudly and keeps you awake. But snoring is sometimes a sign of a more significant problem – sleep apnea. While both can be bothersome, sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can lead to heart problems, contribute to diabetes, and create dangerous levels of exhaustion.  

What is Sleep Apnea? 

If you have sleep apnea, you periodically stop breathing for several seconds up to a few minutes while sleeping. Loud snoring is one of the most obvious signs of sleep apnea. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but anyone with sleep apnea snores.  

Risk factors for sleep apnea include: 

• Obesity 
• Over age 50 

• Thick neck 
• Family history of sleep apnea 
• Smoking  
• Excessive alcohol consumption 
• Nasal congestion 

When your breathing stops during the night, your oxygen levels drop quickly. Your brain eventually triggers a reflex to restart your breathing, but the repeated cessation of breathing, fluctuating oxygen levels, and lack of restful sleep contribute to daytime exhaustion. There are several types of sleep apnea, although Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common. In obstructive sleep apnea, the tongue and soft tissues of the mouth fall back into the throat, blocking the airway. 

Treating sleep apnea is crucial to good health, as there are multiple health concerns for people with sleep apnea, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Patients with diabetes find it difficult to regulate their blood sugar levels, and anyone with sleep apnea suffers from a lack of restful sleep. 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea 

• Heavy or loud snoring 
• Gasping or snorting while sleeping 
• Periodically waking during the night 

• Fatigue or daytime drowsiness 
• Irritability or depression 
• Chronic headaches, especially in the mornings 
• Chronic dry mouth and throat 

What is Snoring? 

Snoring is the noise your body makes when your airways vibrate during sleep. Because the muscles in the throat are more relaxed, tissue vibrations create sounds that can be quite loud. Sometimes the sound is so loud you wake yourself up or prevent your partner from sleeping. If your snoring disrupts your sleep or affects your partner, Kenilworth Dental Associates can help with custom-designed oral appliances to minimize the vibration and reduce or eliminate snoring. 

Treatments for Sleep Apnea and Snoring 

Although obstructive sleep apnea and snoring are different issues, they can both have a negative impact. Fortunately, there are treatment options available that work for both. One treatment option is using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which gently forces air down the throat to keep the airway open. However, the CPAP mask is bulky, uncomfortable, and impractical for anyone who sleeps on their stomach. It is also noisy, difficult to clean and maintain, and inconvenient when traveling. Many patients stop using CPAP because of these limitations. 

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea and Snoring 

Kenilworth Dental Associates offers a more comfortable, holistic alternative to CPAP therapy. Dr. Dani and our dental care team can design and custom-fit an oral appliance that fits in the mouth and keeps your airways open by gently guiding the lower jaw into the appropriate position. For many patients, the oral appliance is as effective as the CPAP but much easier to use. 

Advantages of an oral appliance for sleep apnea and snoring include: 

• Comfortable and lightweight 
• Easy to care for  
• Higher rate of patient compliance 
• Portable 

• Effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring 

If you have sleep apnea symptoms, a sleep test is the first step toward finding a solution. From there, Dr. Dani evaluates your snoring, sleeping patterns, and lifestyle to determine the most effective oral appliance to reduce your snoring and eliminate sleep apnea. Contact our office at Kenilworth Dental Associates Phone Number (847) 256-7700 or schedule your appointment online. 

If you are missing many of your teeth, dentures are a great way to replace them and restore your smile. However, they do take some getting used to. For the first few weeks, you may feel some discomfort with your new dentures. You may have some soreness while your mouth heals from the tooth extractions, and you will also make more saliva than usual. Here are a few tips for eating with your new dentures:

• Start with a liquid diet made up of purees and other soft foods. Your diet can include applesauce, yogurt, cooked cereals, soup, broth, chopped boiled eggs, and puddings.
• Be extra careful with hot liquids, as the insulating effect of the dentures can affect your ability to judge temperature correctly.
• Once you feel comfortable enough to eat solid foods, you should begin slowly, with softer foods cut into small pieces.
• When you eat, make sure the food is distributed evenly across your mouth to help stabilize your dentures.
• Be careful not to hold liquids in your mouth for too long, or they can cause your bottom dentures to loosen.
• Chew slowly and thoroughly to prevent choking. Dentures feel different than your regular teeth, and it can difficult to tell if food is chewed carefully enough to be swallowed.
• When you are eating fresh fruit, cut them into thin slices so that they are easy to bite and chew.
• Choose stewed or slow-cooked red meats over tough red meat, and opt for poultry, fish, eggs, and other softer proteins more often.
• Avoid very hard or sticky foods so that you do not loosen the denture adhesive.

If you are missing teeth, or your existing teeth are severely damaged, talk to our dentist about dentures in Chicago. You can book your appointment online today.

Clear braces are a great way to get beautiful, straight teeth without uncomfortable metal brackets. They’re removable, and almost impossible to detect, making them ideal for adults who wish to improve their smiles. Here is a quick guide to cleaning your Invisalign retainers.

Rinse – The first thing you should do after removing your clear braces is to rinse them in lukewarm water. Water that is too hot or cold can distort the shape of the braces and prevent them from doing their job.

Toothpaste – Once you have rinsed your clear braces, brush both the inside and outside of the braces with toothpaste and a soft bristled brush to clean off any buildup. Rinse with warm water again.

Soak – If you notice any buildup still on your clear braces after you brush them, soak them in a denture-cleaning solution according to the instructions on the box. You can also use retainer-cleaning solution.

When you are looking for a simple and painless way to get the smile of your dreams, ask our holistic dentist in Chicago about clear braces. Invisalign is a great way to align your teeth without the use of unsightly and uncomfortable metal braces. Book your appointment online today.

Many adults deal with dental anxiety – some to the point of skipping their annual checkups. Here are some tips you can use to make yourself feel more at ease during your dental appointment:

Talk to Your Dentist

One of the best ways to reduce dental anxiety is to build a relationship of trust and communication with your dentist. Let them know everything about your fears and work with them to develop ways around it. You can even establish a hand-signal system to use when there are instruments in your mouth and can’t speak. Your dentist wants you to be comfortable and will always work with you to create a more comfortable environment.

Focus On Your Breathing

When you are nervous, you might be holding your breath without realizing it, which can increase feelings of panic. Focus on breathing slowly throughout the appointment.

Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages

Avoid sugary foods and caffeine before your appointment, as these foods can increase anxiety. Opt for a meal that is high in protein instead.

Choose a Good Appointment Time

Choose an appointment time where you do not have to be anywhere immediately after so that you don’t feel rushed. Making your appointments on a Saturday or early in the morning can help ease anxiety.

Ask About Sedation Dentistry

For some procedures, sedation dentistry is ideal for patients with dental anxiety. When you visit the doctors at Kenilworth Dental Associates, ask them if sedation dentistry in Chicago is right for you. Make your appointment online today.

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be considering getting dental implants. Unlike dentures and partial dentures, dental implants become a permanent part of your mouth. Here are some of the benefits of undergoing dental implant surgery.

Eating Properly

Eating becomes difficult when you are missing teeth, even if you’re only missing one. Because dental implants are attached to your jaw, they feel like natural teeth and restore your bite to normal. Dental implants allow you to eat normally so that you can get back to enjoying life.

Maintaining Facial Structure

Your teeth do a lot more for the shape of your face than you realize. Missing one or more teeth can cause your jawbone to recede and radically change your face shape. By replacing those teeth with dental implants, you can maintain the shape of your jaw.

Restoring Your Confidence

It’s hard to smile when you’re afraid people will notice your missing teeth. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth so that you can get your confidence back. No one will be able to tell the difference between your real teeth and the implants – even if you tell them you have one.

Make an appointment with the experienced dentists at Kenilworth Dental Associates for dental implants in Chicago. Call us at (847) 256-7700 or schedule your consultation online.

Sedation dentistry is becoming more and more common in dental offices across the country. If you need to have dental work done, you may be wondering if you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Here are a few reasons why you may need to be sedated during a dental procedure:

Anxiety or Phobia – Dental anxiety and even full-blown dental phobia is surprisingly common among adults. This anxiety can prevent many patients from getting the dental work that they need. Sedation dentistry enables them to get healthy teeth and gums without dealing with the stress.

Physical Limitations – If you have neck or back problems that prevent you from holding your jaw in certain angles, sedation dentistry can help.

Gag Reflex – It is not very comfortable to have someone else’s hands in your mouth, but it can be even worse if you have a powerful gag reflex. Sedation dentistry can help you.

Is Unable to Sit Still – If for any reason you are unable to sit still, sedation dentistry is recommended to ensure the dentist can complete their work. Sedation dentistry is often offered to children for this reason.

Other Reasons – If the numbing medication does not affect you as much as it should, or you would simply like to experience a more relaxing dental visit, you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry.

Ask the expert dentists at Kenilworth Dental Associates if sedation dentistry in Chicago is right for you. You can book your appointment online or call us today at (847) 256-770.