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Author: Carmen Ramos

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Fixing a Gummy Smile: What Can You Do?

Posted on August 5, 2021 by Carmen Ramos

A gummy smile is a smile that shows too much of your gum line, and it can be a cause of embarrassment or an insecurity for many people who have them. Gummy smiles, or excessive gingival display, can be caused by a host of issues with your mouth such as a jaw development problem, incorrect bite, and hyperactive or overly short upper lip. But an important question remains: can you fix a gummy smile?

Whether you’re interested in fixing your gummy smile for only aesthetic reasons or to address these underlying issues, there are options that can help. Whether you’re interested in a non-surgical procedure, like orthodontic treatment or crowns, or a surgical procedure, like a gingivectomy or lip repositioning surgery, you can find information on a range of different treatment options here. Continue reading to find which may be the best option to fix your gummy smile and achieve the smile of your dreams. Continue reading “Fixing a Gummy Smile: What Can You Do?” →

What are the Uses for Botox in Dentistry?

Posted on February 24, 2020 by Carmen Ramos

Botox has been primarily used as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles and lines on the face. However, the botulinum toxin that Botox is derived from actually has a long history of medically therapeutic uses.

Largely due to its minimally invasive nature, the use of Botox in dentistry is expanding to treat dental conditions like high lip lines, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, Bruxism, dentures no longer fitting due to shifting jaw muscles, and more. Continue reading to find out the requirements a dental practice must meet in order to use Botox.

Continue reading “What are the Uses for Botox in Dentistry?” →

Is It Safe to Whiten your Children’s Teeth?

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Carmen Ramos

A healthy, dazzling smile is important for kids and adults. But what if your child’s teeth are yellow or stained? Is it ok to use whitening products on your child’s teeth? Here is what you need to know to keep your child’s smile safe and beautiful. Continue reading “Is It Safe to Whiten your Children’s Teeth?” →

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry and How Can Westend Help?

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Carmen Ramos

Ask individuals to explain which procedures qualify as cosmetic dentistry, and you might be surprised by the breadth of answers you’d get. Some would highlight surgical procedures such as tooth implants or gum lifts. Others might draw attention to relatively simple treatments such whitening or straightening. Continue reading “What Is Cosmetic Dentistry and How Can Westend Help?” →

Understanding Gum Recession

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Carmen Ramos

Receding gums tend to sneak up on you. Few dental patients simply wake up one morning and notice a frighteningly long length of tooth extruding from their mouths. Instead, year after year of changing bodies and sometimes poor habits take their toll. Gaps start to form where healthy tissue once was, and cumulative health impacts slowly start to add up. But what exactly is gum recession? How many people deal with it? And what steps can you take to treat and prevent its insidious onset? Continue reading “Understanding Gum Recession” →

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Carmen Ramos

Pregnancy is an exhilarating time, filled with excitement and preparation for your new baby. Taking care of our teeth while pregnant can often be the very last thing on our minds and most of us have no idea just how important it is! Both for you and the new baby, maintaining optimum oral health during pregnancy is a must! Continue reading “Dental Care During Pregnancy” →

Proper Care for Your Invisalign Retainer

Posted on February 18, 2019 by Carmen Ramos

The time, care, and money you invest in your Invisalign aligners will pay off over a lifetime. For best results, you need to take care of your teeth and your aligners daily. Some patients are careless with their Invisalign trays, resulting in expensive replacements or a less than desired experience. Here are some tips for caring for your Invisalign trays to help you achieve a beautiful smile. Continue reading “Proper Care for Your Invisalign Retainer” →

Should You Opt-In or Out of Fluoride Treatments?

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Carmen Ramos

You have probably heard that fluoride is beneficial to building strong teeth and preventing cavities, but you may not understand how it works or when to use it. Within this article, we’ll explore the benefits of fluoride and how to use it to improve your family’s oral health. Continue reading “Should You Opt-In or Out of Fluoride Treatments?” →

Invisalign 101 – The Easy Way to a Perfect Smile

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Carmen Ramos

Most adults want perfectly aligned teeth, but they are hesitant to commit to years of wearing metal braces. Westend dental is your Chicago dentist to ask about questions concerning using the Invisalign system to align your teeth. Invisalign offers an excellent solution without changing the overall appearance of the face in the meantime. Continue reading “Invisalign 101 – The Easy Way to a Perfect Smile” →

Is Mouthwash Necessary?

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Carmen Ramos

A good daily mouth care routine is necessary for your dental health. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash is a healthy habit for most people. But is mouthwash necessary? The answer is a qualified yes — and no. The American Dental Association states that “use of mouthwash (also called mouthrinse) may be a helpful addition to the daily oral hygiene routine for some people.”

Let’s start by exploring what mouthwash does for you and when you should use it. Continue reading “Is Mouthwash Necessary?” →