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The day in the life of a dentist is moderately predictable… mainly because Big Smile Dental maintains a pretty organized schedule! My day can be made up of nothing but cleanings, fillings and examinations or I can see just a few patients a day if I’m booked for something like a smile makeover…

There are several routes you can take to treat your gum recession. But before we get into those, it’s important to know what causes receding gums and how you can ultimately prevent it from happening. It can start with things as simple as swollen bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth. It’s even possible to no symptoms.

Between holiday shopping, cooking, and family members coming into town, who has time to visit the dentist? Our glutenous inhibition gets the better of us during the holiday season, which also means you’ll be putting your teeth against the brunt of more sugary and acidic treats than usual.

Listen, I understand the obsession for coffee. It wakes you up in the morning, gives you that extra pep in your step, and it just tastes good. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of this glorious beverage is that it can stain your teeth and give you a nasty yellow layer…

Do you have crooked teeth? If so, you know that it can be embarrassing to smile, challenging to chew, and virtually impossible….

Everywhere you look, from the television screen to the pages of the local paper, you see the picture perfect faces of celebrities smiling back at you. They always seem to have smiles as white as winter snow, bright as the summer sun and lovely as spring flowers.

Similar to everything else in life, orthodontic treatment offers both advantages and disadvantages. There are many aspects of braces and Invisalign that you will like, but others that, while necessary, you may not miss when your treatment concludes.

Crooked teeth are no laughing matter. Well, the guy across the room who is making fun of you might think they are a laughing matter, but that just makes your problem more serious. And it goes beyond cosmetic.

Can braces be affordable? Chicago dentist, Dr. Theodore Siegel urges you to consider the big benefits of straight teeth..

It is no fun to search for a dentist when you wake with a swollen face, a toothache becomes unbearable in the middle of an important meeting, or a pick-up game ends with a knocked-out tooth.

It is actually an old folk remedy that originated from India. It is said to help protect your mouth and teeth from harmful bacteria. Likewise, some say the oil pulling method might be an alternative to standard modern products (such as mouthwash) that are used to protect your tooth enamel…

Something as simple as a toothache could be a precursor to a much more serious problem. And if you aren’t following up on these issues with your dentist, the decay can lead to cracked teeth, cavities, and even major health issues such as heart disease.

There are several routes you can take to treat your gum recession. But before we get into those, it’s important to know what causes receding gums and how you can ultimately prevent it from happening. It can start with things as simple as swollen bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth. It’s even possible to no symptoms.

All-on-4 dental implants are one of the most innovative and modern treatment options designed to replace an entire arch of teeth with just four implants to restore the functionality of your bite and the aesthetics of your smile.

Losing a tooth can be devastating. Your smile is ruined, you can’t chew your food, you can’t talk clearly, you don’t even want to get out of bed in the morning… Okay, so maybe it isn’t quite that traumatic, but it certainly has an adverse effect of your image, appearance, and quality of life.

But how do you go about replacing missing teeth? Quite frankly, you can’t do much about your missing teeth without consulting an experienced dentist who can determine which type of false tooth is most appropriate for your situation.

Today’s dental patient is fortunate to have many treatment choices. As an ethical dentist, Dr. Theodore Siegel presents those options clearly,

Tooth sensitivity or tenderness is a sign of a problem and needs to be addressed. This may stem from decay or trauma. Root canal dental treatment may be a solution to preserve the health of your mouth.

In dentistry, sterilization of the invasive tools and instruments used is very important. Tools which are commonly sterilized include those such as detectors, mouth mirrors, pliers, elevators, dental scalars and tips. Medical technicians who are involved in the sterilization of the…

When water picks first hit the market in the 1960’s, many people felt they were the answer to everything from dental cavities to gum disease. While they cannot create the perfect teeth and gums, there are benefits to using them for most individuals.

Which types of dental floss you choose depends on the way your teeth are aligned as well as your personal preferences. Using the right dental floss daily is important to the overall health of your teeth and gums. If you aren’t sure what types of floss you should use, talk to your dentist.

Tooth decay causes damage to the core of a tooth, called the pulp. When this happens, the pulp can get infected and swollen, and pus may build up near or in the jaw bone. When left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause other serious health problems…

There is a fairly common condition that is caused by diminished saliva production. Some call this disorder Xerostomia, which is just as difficult to say as it is to spell. Others refer to this disorder as Dry Mouth, because the latter rolls off the tongue much easier and it is also much more self explanatory.

Even though bruxism (teeth grinding) is typically viewed as an extremely annoying habit, it is also generally seen as a harmless bad habit. Nothing could be further from the truth (than the bit about it being harmless, that is) because grinding your teeth – over time- can severely damage both teeth and jaws.

The Big Smile Dental team knows that your smile isn’t quite the same as any other smile. Neither is your budget or schedule. That’s why Dr. Theodore Siegel is the dentist Chicago families in the Avondale and Logan Square areas trust for a broad range of general and cosmetic dentistry services…

If you suffer from frequent headaches, how do you know the causes of headaches aren’t something you could be easily curing at the dentist?

Oral appliances available at the dentist’s office are not limited to night-guards for teeth-grinding or mouth-guards for protection while playing sports.

Choosing a toothbrush can be a daunting task. When you start shopping, you’ll be confronted with dozens of styles, shapes, and sizes,

Just because you haven’t won the lottery doesn’t mean that having a perfect looking smile is out of reach. Many people hold back from smiling because they are ashamed of their teeth, and we don’t want this to be you!

Are you or somebody you know, struggling with bad breath? The best thing you can do in this situation is be straight forward with this person (even if it means being honest with yourself.)

For anyone who’s lost a few teeth, dental bridges are the ideal solution. They restore a beautiful smile without having to use full dentures and are so original looking that others can’t tell they aren’t the wearer’s natural teeth.

Fluoride is a healthy compound that promotes strong teeth and has the ability to fight cavities and other dental problems… in normal doses. It can be found in safe drinking water, and ADA approved toothpaste, but exposure to too much fluoride can result in fluorosis.

Many of the behaviors associated with eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, cause changes in the mouth. Examples of these behaviors include self-induced vomiting, the use of diuretics and laxatives, or binge eating.

Do you remember Granny’s false teeth? You’ll probably never forget the bulky, plastic looking contraptions that made her look a little non-human every time she opened her mouth. This image comes to many people’s minds when they realize they are going to need full dentures.

Dentures sound like old news. They’ve been around since the beginning of dentistry, yet they remain one of the most popular dental appliances. You might think we would have a better solution by now. In fact, we do – but they have the same name.

Dentistry has come a long way, thanks to extensive research, modern technology, and innovative techniques. Although dentures remain the most common solution for missing teeth, today’s dentures bear little resemblance to Granny’s dentures.

Dr. Theodore Siegel and his team at Big Smile Dental in Chicago, IL welcome patients of all ages. They know that pediatric dentistry sets little smiles on a lifetime path to dental wellness. Focused care for kids, though, doesn’t stop when baby teeth come in.

Big Smile Dental of Chicago, IL offers a full range of cosmetic dental services, from teeth whitening to full smile makeovers. One of our most requested procedures is porcelain veneers, though patients are often confused about exactly what…

From kids’ birthday parties to teens’ graduation ceremonies, your baby’s journey to adulthood is documented in photos and fond memories of beautiful smiles. As a parent, you want to make sure those smiles stay happy – and healthy.

When an emergency strikes, you need help – and answers – fast. Families in and near Chicago, IL turn to Dr. Siegel and the team at Big Smile Dental for advice they can trust and a consistently high quality of care they can count on.

Dentures represent a substantial investment of your money and time. For patients without any natural teeth, dentures also play a big role in enjoyment of life – smiling, laughing, singing, kissing, and eating with confidence.

When you have a bad toothache, it might be tempting to say to your dentist, “Just pull it.” Yet, you will never have the opportunity to get that natural tooth back. In most cases, root canal dental treatment avoids the need for extraction…

Straight white teeth make a terrific first impression and give you the confidence to smile through job interviews, first dates, family reunions, and spur of the moment photo ops. If nature didn’t gift you with this attribute…

Sixty-five percent of Americans are unhappy with their smiles, according to a 2017 survey conducted by the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Are you one of them?

If anyone understood the benefits of wearing dentures, it was George Washington. Plagued by lifelong dental problems, he lost at least one tooth per year starting at age 24. Even during the height of battle, he kept in contact with…

Actress Carrie Fisher’s untimely death in 2016 was attributed in part to sleep apnea. Since then, news outlets across the country, including the Chicago Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune, have been educating Americans about the disorder.

Most people do not want gaps in their smiles. Spaces make us self-conscious, and they cause others to make often unfair assumptions about our health, hygiene, lifestyle habits . . . even intellect and finances. Do you want to fix your missing teeth?

Seven seconds is all it takes to make a first impression. Having a beautiful, healthy smile improves your chances of a positive interaction. Crooked or discolored teeth can detract from your otherwise pleasing smile.

Tooth loss can be devastating, but it doesn’t have to be. Located in Chicago, IL, the dentists at Big Smile Dental offer dentures to complete and restore your smile. Each patient has unique needs. We treat each patient individually to…

Similar to everything else in life, orthodontic treatment offers both advantages and disadvantages. There are many aspects of braces and Invisalign that you will like, but others that, while necessary, you may not miss when your treatment concludes.

Orthodontic treatment is frequently used to help improve the bite, jaw position, and tooth alignment.

Invisalign has become a household name and has worked up a reputation as the leading alternative to braces. You’ll recognize it as the clear, plastic retainer that somehow magically straightens your teeth without any metal hardware.

Many of my patients are eager to try Invisalign as a subtle way to straighten their teeth. But one other question I get asked a lot is, “Will Invisalign improve my jawline?” Invisalign helps to realign your teeth in the same way that traditional metal braces do.

Invisalign is a great route to take if you are looking for something that is possibly less time consuming, less noticeable, and overall, less frustrating than traditional braces. It’s like a clear retainer that works diligently (and discreetly) to remedy your smile.

Invisalign is a miraculous modern technique that most dental patients prefer to straighten their teeth with.

Most people are familiar with the art of cosmetic dentistry. Invisalign is one such method that is simple and affordable enough for most people to indulge in.

Braces are a long term commitment, but a permanent solution to a misaligned smile. Sometimes genetics play a large part in how our teeth are aligned,

Invisalign® is a unique patented technology, but perhaps the best part about it is that its cost is not very different from traditional metal braces. Some people believe that Invisalign® treatment costs more than traditional braces, while others believe just the opposite.

Between holiday shopping, cooking, and family members coming into town, who has time to visit the dentist? Our glutenous inhibition gets the better of us during the holiday season, which also means you’ll be putting your teeth against the brunt of more sugary and acidic treats than usual.

Nothing can warm parents’ hearts like the smiling faces of their children – and nothing can wipe the smile off of a little face as fast as a toothache.

Childhood is a magical time, filled with hundreds of smiles every day. In fact, according to statistics, kids smile about 400 times daily, and we want every one of those smiles to be healthy.

Many parents have heard about dental sealants, but aren’t exactly sure what they are or if their child needs them. Dental sealants are a protective coating placed on teeth to prevent tooth decay and cavities.

The benefits of dental care can’t be expressed exclusively with dollars and cents. It could be said good oral care is priceless. Yet Big Smile Dental understands the “bill” may be a source of dental fear greater than the dreaded “drill.”

Childhood is about fun and games, smiles and laughter – at least, it should be. Unfortunately, even young teeth aren’t immune to toothaches, and they can wipe the smiles off of those little faces in a heartbeat.

Crowns and veneers are both restorative procedures that can be utilized to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth. Even though these two treatments may appear similar, they have some major differences.

Lumineers, like veneers, have their benefits and drawbacks. Patients considering these options should first consider whether or not they are willing to accept certain alterations to their teeth.

Do you have broken, chipped, or discolored teeth? Then dental veneers may be the right treatment option for you.

When it comes to dental work, patients just want to know the final price. So instead of beating around the bush, we wanted to break the barrier by answering this prominent question: Because of the multiple appointments and the cost of material, veneers can cost up to…

Veneers are ultra-thin dental devices that help cover up tooth imperfections. A Snap-On Smile goes over all your teeth, (think Halloween vampire teeth, but straight). And if you feel self-conscious about your smile, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting some cosmetic dentistry.

Getting veneers is a big and costly decision to make especially since it is a cosmetic dental procedure. Most insurance’s do not cover cosmetic procedures, so going into it must be a well thought out decision. One of the most important things to consider after getting veneers is the aftercare. After spending so much…

If you are always worried about your short teeth, then you should consider seeking the help of Big Smile Dental in Chicago. With their wide expertise in dental procedures and treatment tools, they will help you achieve a great smile and better facial appearance.

Seven seconds is all it takes to make a first impression. Having a beautiful, healthy smile improves your chances of a positive interaction.

If you’re not sure what I mean by activated charcoal teeth whitening, it’s a black powder made out of natural substances that retail companies sell as an at-home teeth whitening method. You can find them over the counter at most convenient

Listen, I understand the obsession for coffee. It wakes you up in the morning, gives you that extra pep in your step, and it just tastes good. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of this glorious beverage is that it can stain your teeth and give you a nasty yellow layer…

Professional in-office treatment is done in the dental office, and a color change is noticed immediately. Your dentist may start by cleaning the stains and tartar from your teeth prior to the treatment. The pre-treatment shade of the teeth is then documented.

Permanent veneers are made out of fine porcelain material that is strong, durable, and stain-resistant. That means that this list of foods to avoid is going to be pretty short. So when I say the word “avoid” I mean it in a very loose term.