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Snore when you snooze? Lincoln Park Smiles can help stop snoring
Sleep Apnea or Sleeping with an open mouth can cause snoring and crooked teeth
Do you drive your spouse crazy with your snoring? Are you often kicked out of the bedroom to sleep on the couch because of your loud sleep-snorting? If this sounds like your predicament you may be interested in our snoring solutions at Lincoln Park Smiles.
Not only can snoring negatively affect your marriage or relationship it also has a number of negative health effects. Snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnea or sleeping with an open mouth which can result in a number of other difficulties including improper breathing technique, crooked teeth and incorrect oral posture. Incorrect oral posture is the position of your tongue, jaw and teeth can even be affected by the position of your neck.
Correct your oral posture and correct your smile
The teeth only need a small amount of pressure to move, while your tongue exerts a lot more than is required. This means that the position of your tongue can drastically effect the position of your teeth and therefore your breathing can be impacted by a seemingly simple and trivial thing. The problem is that when you breathe with your mouth open your tongue naturally sits on the bottom of your mouth. This takes away the support that your top teeth need to maintain their position and therefore the straightness of your smile will not be maintained.
How does Lincoln Park Smiles treat incorrect oral posture?
Here at Lincoln Park Smiles we offer snore guards which are tailored to the shape of your mouth and are designed to improve oral posture by ensuring correct tongue placement. Your tongue may rest on a tongue tab which is located at the interior of the mouth guard. This makes sure that your tongue is resting on the roof of your mouth towards the front of your teeth and over time your tongue will learn that position which will improve your everyday oral posture. Over time you may see this corrected oral posture affect the position of your teeth, influencing them into a normal and healthy oral alignment. This can remove the need for braces although in some cases further teeth correction is necessary.
It’s been a while and I’m still not happy with the straightness of my teeth…
If you have been using a snore guard or night mouth guard for a while and are concerned about the crookedness of your teeth you may wish to schedule an evaluation with one of our dentists At Lincoln Park Smiles if we are also not happy with the straightness of your teeth we may recommend that you undergo orthodontic treatment to remedy your crooked teeth. Our favourite method of tooth straightening is “Invisalign”.
Invisalign is invisible tooth straightening
Invisalign involves using a range of transparent teeth guards which, over time will straighten your teeth and give you your dream smile. Usually our patients undergo a range of about 18-25 mouth guards which are swapped as your teeth straighten. The great thing about Invisalign is that the device does not inflict your personal appearance like braces do. Most people won’t even notice you’re receiving treatment and you can take your removable Invisalign liner out for important events so that you can smile boldly and proudly.
If you would like to find out more about our snoring devices or Invisalign visit us today at our Lincoln Park location.
April is oral cancer awareness month!
Lincoln Park Smiles is concerned about the health of your teeth and wants to help spread this wonderful cause
The oral cancer foundation is a non-profit entity that works to educate and encourage correct dental hygiene in order to prevent oral cancer. Since 2007 oral cancer has rapidly been on the rise, rising by over 11% in one single year. This infers that around 42,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2013, which is a little less than 100 every day. This is a frightening statistic and the statistic alone should be enough encouragement to partake in a regular and dedicated oral health regime.
How do I contract oral cancer?
There are two main ways through which people contract oral cancer. Number one is through constant use of tobacco and alcohol and the secondary cause is through exposure. The technical word for the cancerous cells is the HPV-16 Virus and is similar to the cervical cancer virus which affects a number of women. There are also seven percent of cases which occur with no known cause however dental scientists have been studying a possible genetic cause.
Surely oral cancer can’t be as bad normal cancer right? WRONG.
Oral cancer is just as damaging to the body and can still result in fatality. What is shocking is that a majority of oral cancer cases are found in the late stage of development which increases the risk of death. This indicates that a scary number of people are not visiting the dentist or brushing their teeth on a regular basis.
Regular visits to the dentist decrease your risk of oral cancer as well as a myriad of other dental diseases
Visiting us here at Lincoln Park Smiles can save your life! While that may sound a little drastic, early detection of oral cancer cells can actually prevent the development of the cancer as well as other diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis. Periodontitis is a serious health issue which is caused by a severe plaque infection and can be avoided by practicing a quality dental health routine recommended by a dental professional.
Here at Lincoln Park Smiles we have constructed a simple and easy-to-follow routine to ensure the optimum health of your teeth and mouth.
Lincoln Park Smiles’ health mouth routine!
- Brush your teeth twice per day, and within 20 minutes after eating sweet food for best results
- Floss your teeth every night before bed to avoid food rotting your teeth and cavities
- Use a mouthwash to get rid of any tough to reach plaque
- Visit your dentist at Lincoln Park Smiles at least twice a year for a general check-up. This ensures that your teeth are maintained and treated promptly if any symptoms do occur
- Be aware of any lumps in the mouth, especially if they have recently appeared or if they are getting larger over time
If you are concerned about the health of your teeth or if you have been putting off your trip to the dentist visit us today at our Lincoln Park location.
Tooth Whitening Tips The Natural Way
You might be put together head to toe, but if you aren’t dazzling ear to ear, then you won’t be stepping out with straight up and down confidence…
Here at Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago, Dr. Jack knows how important it is to flash a bright smile no matter where you’re going or what you’re wearing. Regular visits at Lincoln Park Smiles is the first way to guarantee getting, and keeping your winning grin. But Dr. Jack want to share some surprising, yet simple natural solutions to beautifully bright teeth. Read on for his top tips on how to keep a healthy white smile every day.
Keep ‘em clean by keeping it crunchy
The old adage says it all, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” When it comes to white teeth and dentists, it’s absolutely true! Apples act as natural toothbrushes when chewed. This crisp fruit, and other crunchy bites remove excess food and bacteria while mauled around the mouth. Also, apples contain malic acid, a chemical compound commonly found in tooth whitening formulas. So munch on apples, celery, and other crunchy snacks to sweep and scrub stains away.
Strawberries help to shine pearly whites
We all know that strawberries are sweet treat, but did you know they’re also a sweet whitening treat(ment)? That’s right, these bright red berries contain powerful, natural astringents and are high in vitamin C. These natural astringents effectively assist in removing surface stains while vitamin C clears away plaque and makes way for whiter, brighter teeth.
Try brushing with this homeopathic paste you can make at home. Combine one quarter cup of water with a half cup of baking soda and mix well with three mashed strawberries. Brush with ingredients as you would with normal paste, then rinse. Or, simply thinly slice strawberries and layer directly across the surface of teeth lengthwise, and rinse. Another quick whitening fix option is to blend a puree consisting of only strawberries, apply to teeth, and let settle in the mouth for five minutes. Rinse, and see the red berries result in a bold, bright smile.
Slip on a white smile with a banana peel
We’ve all heard that bananas are a super food, and when it comes to whitening teeth, they are much more than a healthy snack. The same nutritious properties in a banana peel that make it a feel good food like potassium, magnesium, and manganese are also as good for your brightening your pearly whites. These minerals absorb impurities from teeth, and don’t have abrasive acidic qualities that other natural whiteners have–a perfect natural teeth whitening solution for someone who suffers from sensitive teeth.
After snacking the superfood, save the peel. Rub the surface of teeth with the inside of the banana peel for at least two minutes before brushing. Many will see an instant change in a whiter shade, but most will notice dramatic results within two weeks. Try it, and see for yourself that banana peels are as good as tooth bleach!
Go teeth whitening nuts with walnut bark
Like bananas, walnuts are considered a super food, but not much is known about the bark of walnut trees, and its super whitening power. It contains potent teeth whitening properties such as potassium hydroxide. As a tooth whitening agent, walnut bark removes old, yellow, dark stains formed over years of smoking, drinking certain beverages, and simply aging.
To see the bark brighten your bite, gently rub it on the face of teeth after brushing, making sure to cover the full surface. Discolorations should rub away in just a few short treatments.
While highly effective, it’s not recommended to overuse this as home teeth whitening method. It can wear down enamel over time, and the process is particularly pleasant tasting.
Dr. Jack here at Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago knows that all the teeth whitening tips in the world won’t work for you if don’t use white smile common sense.
A handful of lifestyle style habits can dim down your smile over time. Avoid teeth-staining beverages if your goal is to keep your grin glowing. Coffee, black tea, colored soft drinks and other dark beverages such as red wine aid in dimming down your smile.
If teeth staining sips are a must, use straws as much as possible to avoid direct contact of liquid to the surface of teeth. Also, try alternative sips of water when downing that daily cup to reduce the risk of staining and discoloration. Follow up with a final rinse after you drained the last drop, and slow down the negative effects these drinks can have on keeping celebrity like white teeth.
For a quicker way to a white smile, come visit us at Lincoln Park Smiles for a fast, convenient teeth whitening treatment.
We know that each smile is as unique as the person wearing it, which is why we are careful to diagnose the source of each patient’s discoloration and address it with the most suitable whitening approach.
Striving for an Answer: Dr. Jack Attends Seminar on Sleep Apnea
Always ensuring he is up-to-date on the latest discoveries and treatments in the dental profession, Dr. Jack attended a seminar dedicated to findings on sleep apnea..
By attending the seminar held in Chicago on March 9, which was also Sleep Apnea Awareness Day in Chicago, Dr. Jack was able to learn even more about sleep apnea, the silent airway problem, and its impact on development, performance and health.
Find out more about the seminar here.
We are dedicated to helping you achieve a good night’s sleep!
At Lincoln Park Smiles we endeavor to help you overcome the many symptoms of sleep apnea, which include:
- Heavy snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Cessation of breathing (“apnea”) during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Extreme daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Poor mental functioning (poor judgment, lack of focus, memory loss, mood swings..)
- Reduced libido
Our dedicated team can help..
We can utilize advanced oral appliance therapy to both treat the symptoms and underlying causes, of sleep apnea to help you reclaim your sleep and overall health. The good news is that our sleep apnea treatment can also dramatically reduce or eliminate your snoring at night!
Dr. Jack Manikowski Restores the Smile of a Car Hijacking Victim!
After suffering terrible facial trauma and damage to his smile due to a violent attack, an 18 year old victim of a car hijack has had his smile restored free of charge by Dr. Jack! …Continue Reading
Popularity of Cosmetic Dentistry on the Rise!
The pervasiveness of Hollywood has created a demand for that perfect smile
Thanks to Hollywood and its image of continual gorgeous looks and special effects, beauty trends are shifting to the ‘effortless look’ and this is why veneers are one of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures of our time.
Stars such as the boys of One Direction and the Duchess of Cambridge are just some of the celebrities who have contributed to the rise in cosmetic dentistry. Especially among young men who see how popular a good-looking smile can be.
At Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago our dedicated team of dentists are available to help you achieve that healthy, white smile of your dreams…
Porcelain veneers are an effective and wonderful way to achieve a number of cosmetic dental issues. Veneers are tooth-colored porcelain that fit over your teeth. Porcelain veneers can resolve a number of issues:
- Mask chips, cracks and worn teeth
- Permanently whiten and brighten a discolored smile
- Straighten an asymmetrical smile without the need for orthodontic work
- Gaps
- Stains
The benefits of porcelain veneers are that they are strong and stain resistant and they are usually impervious to decay. However your natural teeth are not. If normal dental hygiene is not observed serious dental problems can arise because bacteria can become trapped between the veneer and the natural tooth.
Dental Hygiene with Porcelain Veneers…
Maintaining good dental hygiene with veneers is simple. In fact it is the same as if you did not have veneers. It is always important to maintain a healthy regime at home. This came be done with just a few simple things:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day, usually a night.
- Dental check –up: it is recommended that you visit the dentist at least once every six months for a check-up to make sure your dental health is at its best.
Our range of dental veneers include: prep veneers (lumineers) as well as other more conservative veneers. When you visit us at Lincoln Park Smiles is Chicago our dental professionals are able to design dental veneers to suit your individual mouth and complement your smile.
Other options include porcelain crowns which are similar to veneers and have much the same function. Porcelain crowns are used to cap or cover damaged teeth with a permanent prosthetic cap. This procedure allows the tooth to be strengthened and prevent the tooth from being further damaged or weakened. As well as improving the function of your tooth it also has the added bonus of improving the look of your smile.
Porcelain Crowns are used to:
- Strengthen teeth that have suffered from extensive damage
- Reinforce teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
- Attach to dental implants as a prosthetic tooth replacement
At Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago our dedicated team have invested in advanced technology, design and manufacturing to provide you with same day restorations. And unlike traditional restorative cosmetic treatments that can take weeks to complete our special technology allows our dentists to design and install caps in a single session!
To discover more about our veneers and caps, or to book an appointment at our Lincoln Park Smiles dental practice in Chicago, please do not hesitate to contact us.
When It Comes to Prospective Partners, Teeth Matter!
In a survey conducted with single people 21 or older it turns out teeth are an important factor
Apparently grammar is also important. The survey was conducted by a university and around 6000 people participated. In a surprise result the survey showed that a person’s grammar was more important than the clothes worn or car driven. But the most important feature? The prospect’s teeth!
When asked, participants in the survey said that teeth were a good indication of a person’s hygiene: it spoke to drinking, smoking habits (or lack thereof) and eating habits. The anthropologist who conducted the survey made the comment that from a Darwinian perspective judging someone by their teeth made sense because teeth are such a good indication of a person’s health.
At Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy white smile…
That is why at Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago we offer a range of smile makeover treatments to enhance the function and aesthetic of your smile. What makes smile makeovers so good is that they are tailored to suit your personal needs and can combine a range of cosmetic dental treatments to give you the smile you desire. A smile makeover can be a combination of the following:
Teeth Whitening…
This is one of the simpler cosmetic treatments and it is capable of creating dramatic results. Reasons that you may need teeth whitening are:
- Drinking tea, coffee or red wine
- Smoking
- Some genetic factors
- Medications
- Aging
While there is the temptation to procure cheap, over-the-counter teeth whitening, these are generally ineffective in the long run and can end up being harmful for your teeth….
Recently, an investigation into some imported tooth whitening products show that they contain mercury! Another survey conducted in 100 countries by an international non-profit health body that the majority of at-home tooth whitening products just were not up to standard. They found that of the 400+ products only 25 met the guidelines to be included in the study.
The survey concluded that many at-home products led to sensitivity and even in some extreme cases gingivitis. These are just some of the reasons why it is so important to be careful. Your teeth are important and problems with your oral health can in fact cause health problems for the rest of your body.
At Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago our dedicated staff are trained to diagnose the source of your tooth discoloration and choose the right tooth whitening treatment to best accommodate your needs. Just one example of when over-the-counter tooth whitening products are unhelpful is in instances when the discoloration happens from the inside out: over-the-counter products can only whiten the outside of your teeth whereas our specialist dentists can treat your discoloration and have you leaving our dental clinic with a healthy and happy looking smile.
For more information on our teeth whitening treatments, or to book an appointment at our Lincoln Park Smiles dental practice in Chicago, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Studies lead researchers to believe that gum disease is linked with cancer!
Research performed in the last 10 years has scientists leaning more and more towards oral hygiene and various forms of cancer being definitely linked.
One study performed by the British Dental Health Foundation has ascertained that the bacterium responsible for the development of periodontitis (gum disease) leads to twice as high a risk of also developing pancreatic cancer. Unless you’re male, then the risk of pancreatic cancer following or developing as a cause of periodontitis is roughly 65%!
It is not all doom and gloom…
- These same researchers have also acknowledged certain oral bacteria which is not harmful has a nearly 50% chance of reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Although there is a lot of research linking periodontitis with pancreatic cancer, experts cannot (yet) irrefutably prove that gum disease increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- A previous study determined that while there is probably a link between the two they were not sure if it was the pancreatic cancer causing gum disease or the other way around.
The potential for a link between pancreatic cancer and gum disease prompted the Chief Executive of the British Oral Health Foundation to remark that this research should bring home the importance of maintaining good oral health – something that we at Lincoln Park Smiles have known from the beginning, and that we encourage all our patients to understand.
Pancreatic cancer is not the only cancer linked to oral hygiene…
A recent study done at the end of 2012 showed that there was a potential link between drinking four cups of coffee and day and the reduction of mouth and throat cancer by 50%! But of course, this is not irrefutable and a lot more research is required. What is important about this study is that it specifies the coffee must be caffeinated and that one of the many reasons more research needs to be done is due to numerous other effects of drinking that much caffeinated coffee daily.
Another study, this one performed in Sweden indicated that poor oral hygiene could result in cancer death, but that the relationship may not even be a cause-and-effect one: the conclusion of the data was that poor oral hygiene with people in their 30’s is associated with an increased risk of dying from cancer.
The message here really is look after your mouth!
Cancer is not the only thing poor oral hygiene can lead to, and we at Lincoln Park Smiles know how important good oral hygiene is for your everyday living.
Our main priority is to ensure the health and wellbeing of your mouth and prevent any oral health problems. We use the most up-to-date technology and techniques to ensure that you leave our practice feeling good about the state of your mouth and health.
Some simple tips to keep your teeth healthy in between regular dental visits are:
- Brush twice daily
- Floss once a day
- Go easy on the alcohol
- Try avoiding tobacco altogether if possible
- Visit the dentist at least every 6 months
At Lincoln Park Smiles located in Chicago we also offer cosmetic dentistry and other dental treatments to ensure you achieve the smile of your dreams.
For more information on any of our dental services or to book an appointment please contact us.
Don’t want a mouth full of metal?
Why not get Invisalign instead. It is a removable, clear and practical solution to straighten your smile
At Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago we offer in-office or at-home Invisalign options to suit your needs and lifestyles.
If you or even your child require braces for that ideal, smooth and evenly-spaced smile, you might be wondering whether the alternate choice, Invisalign clear braces, is by far the more sensible choice. Everything covered, Invisalign does seem to emerge as the best option in the majority of situations, although you might prefer traditional braces for you or your child in some cases.
A few things about Invisalign vs. traditional braces…
Appearance…
Although Invisalign has earned the moniker “adult braces” since many adults choose this technology rather than revisiting their embarrassing teenage years, (many mature people find it degrading to be seen having typical braces) typical braces are actually less awkward and not as ugly as they were in the past. Many orthodontists let teenagers pick the color of bands they wear on their braces, creating a type of “face jewelry.” So, in case you might make the choice for what to pick for your child, make sure you consult with them as to exactly what he or she would prefer. If however you do choose to align your smile without looking like you are wearing braces, Invisalign is by far the way to go. They really are invisible unless of course you’re up close and looking for them!
Another apprehension definitely is that steel braces will generally detach to reveal straight teeth but at the same time will reveal teeth that are mottled in color. When it comes to braces often remaining in position for many years, the part of the tooth enclosed by the bracket will finish up considerably whiter than the rest of your tooth that has been exposed to coffee, cola, as well as other products which stain your teeth. And if you utilize bleaching tooth paste, the reverse may occur, with the covered parts of each tooth winding up substantially darker since the bleaching agents will generally not reach under the brackets. Since Invisalign aligners are actually detachable, you are able to easily clean the entire exterior of each of your teeth, which may avoid this problem.
Pains…
The Invisalign aligners don’t cause periodontal irritation and annoyance such as traditional braces, however since each and every single person is unique, there’s really virtually no means by which to be sure exactly how irritating something will be until you try it. Certainly the annoyance related with waking up realizing your metal braces have cut the interior of your face in your sleep again is not going to be an issue!
Dental Health…
Considering that you would be able to detach the Invisalign aligners, it is straight forward to brush and additionally floss. Traditional braces make it nearly impossible to reach all the areas of all your teeth, and also require you to invest a great deal of time, care and attention upon flossing (you will have to utilize a special technology to get the floss under the brackets, floss, eliminate, and start all over again between the next 2 teeth.)
Duration of Treatment…
With typical brackets, depending on your objectives, you may be in treatment for many years. A large number of Invisalign people end their treatment in less than 12 months. So, in the case when swifter results are your objective, once again Invisalign seems to be the way to go.
We at Lincoln Park Smiles want you to have to best dental care available and that is why we offer veneers, Invisalign and other dental treatments to help beautify your smile so you can reclaim your confidence.
Waking up tired in the morning?
If you’re waking up feeling like you haven’t slept, it’s possible you may have sleep apnea
At Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago we know the importance of good night’s uninterrupted sleep. And so we work alongside sleep specialists in order to give you the best care possible.
Just what is sleep apnea and additionally how will it affect you?
Sleep Apnea affects your night time breathing. Common rest respiration is rhythmic, however, the individual that has a type of Apnea will have an interrupted respiration pattern. The interruption can last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes; this can happen numerous times in one rest period. Sleep Apnea is one of the leading causative factors of day time sleepiness as the interruption will most likely pull you out of deep rest over and over.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
The quintessential prevalent type is by far the obstructive sleep apnea that takes place when the muscle groups involved in your throat irregularly relax and also block your airway. It is considered a terrible medical condition as it can be potentially risky.
There exist 4 components taking part in exactly how this sort of sleep apnea occurs:
- At first, failure or even impediment of the airway occurs;
- following that an attempt is made to obtain a breath of air, but fails;
- next, the oxygen level in the blood decreases because of unsuccessful breathing.
- Finally, whenever the human brain receives less oxygen, it sends a sign to the body to kick-start breathing.
This really is the reason why your partner may notice a silence accompanied by a gasp for air.
The signs or symptoms of OSA contain:
- excessive sleepiness throughout the day (hypersomnia),
- high volume snoring,
- observed episodes of respiration suspension during sleep,
- unexpected awakenings accompanied by shortness of oxygen,
- early morning headache,
- dry mouth or perhaps aching throat on awakening,
- difficulty remaining asleep (sleep deprivation),
- and also hard-to-control blood pressure.
To know if you have OSA, consult your doctor:
- if in case you snore so much that you bother your rest or perhaps that of other individuals;
- experience shortness of breath which wakens you from sleep;
- have breathing pauses during the course of sleep;
- and feel so tired throughout the day that you fall asleep on the job, watching television or even operating a motor vehicle.
Central sleep apnea (CSA)
In this kind of sleep apnea, the brain fails to send a signal to take a respiration because of the muscle groups of breathing. As opposed to the OSA, the central sleep apnea can take place not merely in grown-ups but additionally in children. It is more usual among individuals with cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular illness or perhaps hereditary illnesses. Medications and also high altitudes can also result in this kind of sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea is classified as apneas that last for a time frame of at minimum 20 seconds, typically accompanied by heart rate changes, decreased air amount, or perhaps general muscle relaxation (hypertonia). CSA is a great deal less prevalent than the clogging kind of sleep apnea, comprising less than five percent of all instances of apnea. Its symptoms may be comparable to those related with OSA however the snoring in CSA may not end up being as distinguished with this particular type of apnea as it is with the obstructive kind.
The symptoms of CSA…
You will want to seek healthcare consultation if you encounter the preceding:
- difficulty breathing that wakens you up;
- intermittent respiration pauses during sleep;
- problems staying asleep;
- and also radical daytime drowsiness prompting you to collapse asleep on the job, watching television or commuting.
We help treat sleep apnea…
There may be no remedy for sleep apnea, but recent research shows that effective treatment can lessen the chance of heart disease and additionally blood pressure difficulties. Effective treatment for sleep apnea is really important because sleep apnea can be life-threatening.
Preventing Sleep Apnea can be pretty complicated if you live alone as it typically is only detected or identified by your companion. Some simple and easy things that any person can do to help avoid the collapse aspect of Apnea are resisting the desire to fall asleep on your backside. Snoozing on your side will generally assist to avoid the effects of gravity and may supply you and also your companion a higher quality night sleep. If you have a weight issue indeed there is a genuine possibility that losing weight is going to have a tremendous advantage on your sleep in over-all and of course relieving the additional hassle of the Apnea.
Sleep Apnea should certainly cause some prolonged health risks, if you believe that you have got an extreme occurrence get in touch with us here at Lincoln Park Smiles in Chicago where we will work we sleep specialists to give you the best care available.
