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OakBrook Dental Blog

What is Arestin and How Can It Treat Gum Disease?

July 1, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 3:26 pm
Woman showing gum disease.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that affects millions of people. It starts with gingivitis, an early stage marked by redness and swelling of the gums, and can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that leads to bone and tooth loss if untreated. While regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential in preventing gum disease, more advanced cases often require targeted treatment. One effective tool dentists use is Arestin, an antibiotic therapy designed to fight the bacteria that cause gum disease.

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Whitening Wonders: Can There Be Too Much of a Good Thing?

June 2, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 4:54 pm
Nose-to-neck view of woman smiling with bright white teeth

One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours looks more brown or yellow than pearly white, you might not make a good impression. You may already know that teeth whitening can brighten your grin, but if you try over-the-counter options, you might not achieve the desired results. Unfortunately, some people then overapply the product to lighten their enamel, only to develop sensitivity or other concerns.

Continue reading to learn more about how teeth whitening works and how to safely repeat treatments with your dentist to obtain the perfect shade!

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I’d Love to Start CandidPro; Can I Qualify if I Grind My Teeth?

May 13, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 10:50 pm
Lady shows off clear aligners

Many people are hesitant to commit to traditional metal braces because they are irremovable, conspicuous, and attached to an extensive list of dietary restrictions. Thankfully, CandidPro has allowed many patients to straighten their smiles with discreet and removable clear aligners that allow their wearer to eat whatever they like. However, treating patients who grind their teeth may require special considerations. Here’s a brief guide to how teeth grinding can affect the CandidPro process.

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Why Your Clear Aligners Are Turning Yellow and What to Do About It

April 1, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 11:50 pm
Hand shown holding clear aligners.

Clear aligners like CandidPro are a popular alternative to traditional braces because they’re nearly invisible, removable, and more comfortable. However, many users notice over time that their once-clear trays start to turn yellow or become discolored. This not only affects the appearance of your smile during treatment but may also indicate improper care. If your aligners are looking less than fresh, here’s why it’s happening and how to fix it.

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5 Helpful Tips to Remove Your Orthodontic Aligners

March 12, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 2:48 pm
a person removing clear aligners from their mouth

Clear aligners are one of the most popular modern orthodontic treatments available to both teens and adults. While they offer convenient removability that makes eating what you want possible and brushing and flossing easier, sometimes, these aligners can become incredibly difficult to remove. In these situations, you’ll want to have some helpful tips up your sleeve to get them off of your teeth safely. Read on to learn about why this can happen and five tips to remove them.

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Replacing Retainers: 3 Signs You Need a New Oral Appliance

February 3, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 7:21 pm
Woman removing red retainer from her upper arch

There’s nothing quite as exciting as the feeling you get when your braces are removed or you’ve finished wearing your last Invisalign tray and finally have a perfectly straight smile to show off. However, your teeth are prone to reverting to their previous places, especially in the time immediately following orthodontic treatment.

As a result, you may be required to wear a retainer to maintain your pearly whites in their ideal positions long enough for your mouth to acclimate, which might take several years. Although your oral appliance is made from durable materials, it’s not intended to last forever and might eventually need to be replaced. Continue reading to learn 3 indicators that you need a new retainer!

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A Dental Bond That Lasts: 4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your New Smile

January 14, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 2:10 am
digital image of dental bonding process

Repairing minor chips, stains, or gaps might seem like a cumbersome task; however, with dental bonding, the process is simple, easy, and quick. Less invasive and more affordable than custom veneers or metal-free restorations, this cosmetic solution requires only one dental visit and can last several years. But how can you be sure your results will stick around? Here are 4 tips to consider if you want to enjoy your new smile longer.

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Full Mouth Reconstruction Recovery Tips that Are Dentist-Approved

December 2, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 7:21 pm
Woman relaxing on a hammock after full mouth reconstruction

Depending on what’s included in your plan, a full mouth reconstruction can be fairly intensive. You’ll likely want to have some time to yourself to rest, relax, and take care of your smile. So it’d probably be nice to have some aftercare tips!

Look no further than this post – below you’ll find a list of dentist-approved full mouth reconstruction recovery tips. Feel free to read them at your leisure!

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Wait, My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt – Do I Really Need an Extraction?

November 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 12:32 am
Woman shrugging her shoulders in confusion

Normally, when your body hurts, you know to rest or maybe even apply a cold compress. And when it doesn’t hurt, nothing’s wrong – it’s as simple as that! So why do you need a tooth extraction if you don’t have any dental pain? Doesn’t that mean your tooth is fine?

Actually, the existence or absence of pain isn’t really a good way to tell whether you need oral care or not. Keep reading to learn why your tooth could still be in trouble!

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Can I Drink Coffee After a Tooth Extraction?

October 17, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — theoakbrookdentist @ 4:39 pm
A cup of coffee.

If you’re a coffee fan but scheduled to have a tooth removed, you may be wondering how soon you can get back to your daily cup (or cups!) of joe. The truth is, when you have an extraction, you do need to temporarily hold off on the java for a few important reasons. Here’s why you should take a break from your daily “grind” and when it’s okay to indulge again.

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