You love everything about going to the movies.  You can sit back in a comfy red chair, grab a bucket of popcorn, and delve into the lives of the characters projected before you.  As the plot thickens and the twists unfold, you watch as the movie stars deliver their lines effortlessly, and smile their “Hollywood” smiles.

“Why can’t my smile look like that?” you think to yourself as you slurp down an Icee.  “There is no way that I could have the same smile, even if I tried!”

But lucky for you, Dr. Michael Roessler is in town with the latest in dental technology.  With porcelain veneers, you can have the smile that you always dreamed of that is perfectly tailored for your facial features.  That’s right, you can have your own “Hollywood” smile that you can show off  to the world.

To learn more about the porcelain veneers procedure, keep reading Dr. Roessler’s blog!

The Porcelain Veneers Procedure

Porcelain veneers can help almost any smile.  Teeth that are discolored, worn, spaced, chipped, broken, misaligned, or have an irregular shape can all be molded and changed with porcelain veneers.

These veneers have a natural appearance and the gum tissues do not become inflamed or infected by the porcelain material.  The veneers also have the added bonus of being stain resistant!

During your initial consultation, Dr. Roessler will discuss the benefits of porcelain veneers and see if they are the right fit for you.  If you decide to move forward with the porcelain veneers process, then custom made veneers will be crafted and created for your new smile.

The results are that you have a beautiful, natural smile that you can enjoy for years to come.  What’s not to smile about?

But What About the Cost of Porcelain Veneers?

So you might be thinking, “Sure the results sound great for porcelain veneers, but what about the cost?”  That is a great question

The cost of porcelain veneers typically can range from $800 to $1500 per tooth. Cost can vary due to the skill of the dentist, ceramist, the number of teeth that require veneers, and the cost of materials involved. Also,many forms of insurance do not cover cosmetic veneering procedures, so to make sure, Dr. Roessler will look up your specific coverage during your visit.

During your consultation, Dr. Roessler will discuss if porcelain veneers are right for you.  He will be able to discuss the fees and financing options, so you can have the smile that you have always wanted and dreamed of.

Do not wait one day longer for your dream smile.  Call Dr. Michael Roessler today at 847-566-9330!

References:

• Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Porcelain Dental Veneers Cost. http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/veneer-procedure/
• Dr. Michael Roessler.  Porcelain Dental Veneers in North Chicago Suburbs.   http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/pages/veneers.html
• WebMD. Porcelain Veneers.  http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/veneers

Invisalign v. Braces

It is the ultimate battle.  In one corner we have braces.  Braces are known to straighten teeth, but are usually worn by teenagers, and restrict what you can eat.  They also require a person to learn different dental hygiene techniques and go to the orthodontist every 4 weeks.

In the other corner, we have Invisalign.  Invisalign is a clear aligner that is worn all of the time except when a person eats, drinks, or brushes their teeth.  So there are no dietary or dental hygiene restrictions with Invisalign, and no one can tell that you are straightening your teeth. Plus, you only have to visit your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks for a quick check on your progress instead of every month.

Ding-ding-ding! It is a knockout! With so many advances in dental technology, there is no reason not to consider Invisalign today, at any age.  No longer do you have to worry about how braces will affect your social standing in the workplace.  You can have the smile that you always wanted without all of the restrictions of braces.

But you are thinking to yourself, “There has to be a catch.  There is no way that I can have straighter teeth, without braces, without anyone knowing that I am enhancing my smile.”  The only way to find out if there is a catch is to keep reading Dr. Roessler’s blog!

A Catch with Invisalign?

The catch with Invisalign is…there is no catch! You can have the smile that you deserve with the ease of Invisalign.

But what about the cost?  You might be surprised to find that in the United States, the cost of Invisalign ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, while the national average is approximately $5,000.  These rates are comparable with the cost of traditional braces, and most dental insurance plans cover Invisalign like they would any other orthodontic treatment.

The main factors that usually determine the price you will pay for Invisalign include: the complexity of your care, how long your specific treatment will take, and what orthodontic coverage you have.  If you want to see a quick estimate on how much Invisalign will cost to change your smile, check out this nifty calculator tool on the Invisalign website!

This tool can help you estimate how much Invisalign will cost you.  However, for a better idea on the Invisalign process and price, contact Dr. Roessler for a consultation.

Dr. Roessler, You, and Invisalign

If you think that Invisalign might be right for you, or have been exploring different options to straighten your teeth, give Dr. Roessler a call at 847-566-9330.  Dr. Roessler will be able to answer any of your questions regarding Invisalign, or any of the other dental services that Dr. Roessler provides.  If you want to make today the day that you start changing your smile, then come in to experience the Roessler difference! Your smile will thank you for it!

References:

• Invisalign. The Cost of Invisalign.  http://www.invisalign.com/Cost/Pages/dental-insurance-options.aspx
• Dr. Roessler. Invisalign.  http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/pages/general-and-restorative-dentistry.html#invisalign

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one person dies from oral cancer, every hour, 24 hours a day.  Over 8,000 Americans die each year from oral cancer, and 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with it each year.  These statistics are astounding, and at first glance, worrisome.  

Oral cancer is simply defined as cancer of the mouth.  The mouth includes the lips, tongue, cheek lining, floor of the mouth, gums or gingival, and the roof of the mouth.  Any of these areas can be affected by oral cancer, and spotting the cancer can be extremely difficult.

You might be asking yourself, “But how do I know if I have oral cancer?  How can I prevent myself from getting oral cancer?”  In this blog you will find tips for oral cancer prevention and learn how the screening process for oral cancer can lie in Dr. Roessler’s office.

Oral Cancer Prevention

While cancer can be unpredictable in its occurrence, there are steps that you can take to help reduce your risk of oral cancer.

1. Throw the Cigarettes Out- tobacco use accounts for most cases of oral cancer.  The more you smoke or chew, the greater your chances for developing cancer that looks like this. Do yourself a favor and stop smoking today.  Not only will your body thank you for improving its overall health, but your dental health will be dramatically improved as well.
2. No Booze- people who drink alcohol are more likely to develop oral cancer than people who don’t drink.  If you throw cigarettes and drinking into the mix, then you are again increasing your risk of developing oral cancer.  By avoiding some bad habits, you can make a big difference in your day-to-day health.
3. Watch the Sun- you might be wondering what the sun has to do with your dental health, but oral cancer can also spread to your lips, which are constantly exposed to the outside elements.  Make sure that you are applying sunscreen lip balm and protecting your body from the sun’s powerful rays.
4. Brush Your Teeth- it is always important to brush and floss your teeth.  Poor oral hygiene can elevate your risk of developing oral cancer.  So keep it simple.  Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and add floss once a day.  Your smile will stay bright and clean, and you are protecting your oral health.
5. Come in for Regular Visits with Dr. Roessler- maintaining your oral health is of critical importance to the prevention of oral cancer.  Dr. Roessler can check for abnormal white or red patches that might be developing.  Dr. Roessler can be one of your first tools to actively screen for oral cancer, so coming in for bi-annual dentist visits are of utmost importance.

If you have any questions about oral cancer, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Roessler at 847-566-9330.  Dr. Roessler can answer any questions that you have about oral cancer, and give you extra tips to help prevent the cancer.  The more information that you are equipped with, the better, so make sure you have control of your oral health today!

References:

• Dr. Roessler. Technology. http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/pages/technology.html
• Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral Cancer Facts. http://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/index.htm
• PubMed Health. Oral Cancer.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002030/

“Click, click, click,” you hear as you open and shut your mouth.  “What is that noise?” you think to yourself, as you grab your tender jaw.  

Later in the day, you chomp down into an apple.  “Ouch!” you exclaim. You can feel pain radiating down your jaw as you bite.  “What is going on?”

You might be experiencing Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD).  This dysfunction can occur when the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) locks in certain positions.  The Temporomandibular Joint is responsible for moving your jaw up and down, and side-to-side.

But what can you do if you are experiencing TMD, and how can Dr. Roessler help?  The answers to these questions lie in this blog, so keep reading to learn more about TMD!

How Does TMD Affect Me?

TMD usually affects women, ages 30-50.   Typically, the symptoms include: uneven and uncomfortable bite, headache, aching around and in the ear, difficulty chewing, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

This disorder can occur from the soft disk of cartilage eroding or moving out of alignment between the upper and lower jaw. Too much clenching and grinding, or a blow or impact to the jaw may be the reason for TMD to develop.

The Temporomandibular Joint connects the lower jaw, called the mandible, to the skull or the temporal bone.  Since the jaw bone itself is controlled by the TMJ, when the TMJ is compromised, then people experience pain with chewing, yawing, and even talking. The jawbone has two movements: rotation and hinge action which controls the motion of chewing and talking.

Clenching the jaw down repeatedly can cause constant pounding on the Temporomandibular Joint.   Sometimes this clenching is associated with stress—the more stressed you are the more likely you are to chomp down on a pencil, fingernails, or gum.  The stress you are trying to alleviate could actually be impacting your jaw more than you realize, causing the joint to become painful.

While the symptoms associated with TMD can be painful, surgery is not usually necessary for treatment.  Typically, it is recommended that you eat soft foods, avoid chewing gum, and use ice packs when the joint is acting up.  Your doctor or dentist might prescribe pain medication to help when the TMD flares up.

You can learn more about TMJD through this quick video clip!

What Can I Do Next for my TMD?

If you or someone you know might be experiencing TMD, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Roessler at our North Chicago suburban office.

Dr. Roessler can discuss the possibility of using mouth guards and even recommend different exercises that you can do to help with your TMD.  Sometimes smoothing your biting surfaces or replacing missing teeth can also help with the symptoms associated with TMD, as your uneven bite can be realigned.

Call us at 847 566-9330 and change your days from TMJ pain to days of all-smiles!

References:

• Dr. Roessler. Temporomandibular Dysfunction-TMD. http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/pages/general-and-restorative-dentistry.html#tmd 
• EMedicineHealth. TMJ Disorder. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/temporomandibular_joint_tmj_syndrome/article_em.htm
• Mayo Clinic. TMJ Disorders-Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tmj-disorders/DS00355 

When you think of diabetes, what are the first words that come to mind?  You might think of insulin, blood sugar, or even the need to exercise.  While diabetes can affect multiple areas of a person’s life, most people do not realize that diabetes can also affect one’s oral health.

By now you might be wondering, what is the connection between high blood sugar and oral care?  The answer to that question, and many more questions about diabetes can be found in this blog, so keep pressing onwards to learn more!

Diabetes?

People who are diagnosed with diabetes have high blood sugar.   The pancreas might not make enough insulin, cells do not respond normally to insulin, or a combination of both mechanisms can trigger diabetes. In-turn, diabetic bodies cannot move sugar into fat, liver, and muscle cells to be stored for energy reservoirs.

But how does diabetes then translate into oral health?  Research shows that people who have diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes.  Diabetes slows circulation down considerably, making gum tissues more susceptible to infection.

And if diabetes is not controlled, then a person has an elevated risk of developing gum disease.  Severe periodontal disease in a diabetic person can actually increase blood sugars yielding increased periods of time a person experiences high blood sugar.   The more the body functions with high blood sugars, the more the risk increases for a person to experience diabetic complications.

All of these facts all come down to one main take-away: if you have diabetes, then your oral health needs to be a priority to avoid periodontal disease, as periodontal disease can increase blood sugar.

Tips for Oral Health with Diabetes

If you, or someone you knows, has diabetes, then it is important to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.  These tips will help guide you to proper oral care, so that you can manage your health and diabetes, and not let diabetes manage you.

1. Do not smoke- you know that smoking is no good.  Not for anyone, but especially not for someone who has diabetes.  Not only are you poisoning your body, but you are weakening natural defense mechanisms that keep you healthy.  Tissues in the mouth can be weakened and destroyed from smoking, so do yourself a favor and quit today.- http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GuidetoQuittingSmoking/index
2. Maintain your blood sugar- people who have uncontrolled diabetes are more susceptible to a wide array of infections.  Since diabetes already reduces the body’s natural resistance to infection, maintaining normal blood sugar levels as much as possible is essential.  The more you check your blood sugar levels, the more high glucose levels in saliva can be controlled—and gum disease can be controlled.
3. Diet, diet, diet- eating healthy is good for everyone.  Healthy servings of fruits and vegetables should overwhelm your dinner plate every night.  Eating right can help maintain your normal blood sugar levels, while also building up natural mechanisms that can fight off infections.
4. Brush those teeth- you know that you should brush your teeth, but for someone with diabetes, taking care of your oral health becomes so much more important.  Come in to see Dr. Roessler for routine checkups at least two times per year, brush your teeth twice a day, and floss your teeth too.  Poor oral hygiene is a leading factor in gum disease for any person, let alone someone with diabetes.  Take care of your smile and your body will thank you!

If you have any questions about diabetes and your oral care, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Roessler for more advice.  Not only will Dr. Roessler keep your teeth healthy and discuss managing healthy blood sugar levels, but you will walk away with a beautiful smile too.  What could be better?

References

• About Dental Care. Diabetes and Gum Disease—What’s the Connection? http://dentistry.about.com/od/seriousdentalcondition1/a/diabtesdental.htm
• American Academy of Periodontology. Gum Disease and Diabetes. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.diabetes.htm
• Dr. Roessler. Cosmetic Dentistry. http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/
• PubMed Health. Diabetes.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002194/

“On three, smile big for the camera!” the photographer says, directing your family for the annual family portrait.  But year after year, you always have the same stoic face.  No smile.  No grin.  No teeth showing.

It has been this way ever since you can remember.  You never have liked the gap that is right in the middle of your mouth.  The gap just sits there, acting like an open door to the rest of your mouth, and to top it off, the tooth to the right of the gap, is chipped.  

So every year for the family portrait, you clench your lips together and give a give a mouth-closed half smile, showing absolutely no teeth.

But it doesn’t have to be this way any longer!  With Dr. Roessler right here in the North Chicago suburbs, you have the resources available to change your teeth so you can have the smile you never thought possible.  With porcelain veneers, Dr. Roessler can shape and mold your new smile, making the veneers fit your facial dimensions perfectly.

Sound too good to be true?  Keep reading to learn about how you can start smiling more!

What exactly are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are constructed out of porcelain. These shells are bonded  to the front of your teeth, matching the look of natural teeth, giving you a natural smile.

Porcelain veneers are not one size fits all, but are individually crafted to fit your smile.  Veneers can fix gaps between teeth, cracked and chipped teeth, severe stains and graying teeth, or even teeth that are misaligned.

The porcelain veneer process is relatively simply as well.  After a consultation with Dr. Roessler, all of your options will be discussed concerning your smile.  If veneers are considered to be the best choice for you, then during the procedure, about 0.3mm- 0.5mm of your existing tooth enamel is removed, or sometimes no tooth structure at all,  to make space for the new veneers.  Dr. Roessler will make a mold of your teeth so the laboratory can create veneers that are individualized for you.  The veneers are then bonded to your existing teeth, and voila, a brand new smile!

The care of veneers is very similar to natural teeth. You still need to brush, floss, and come in to see Dr. Roessler regularly.  However, biting into hard foods, such as ice, must be avoided, to ensure that the veneers do not break.

With Dr. Roessler in town, there is no reason not to schedule a consultation for porcelain veneers.  Not only will you have the comfort of knowing that you have the healthiest teeth around, but you can rest assured that your smile is going to be noticed for all of the right reasons.

So when your family portrait comes around this year, when the photographer says “smile,” you are going to take his advice.  For this portrait, you can let your beautiful smile show just how happy you are.  No more hiding!  Call us at 847-566-9330 today to set up your free consultation to see if porcelain veneers are right for you!

References

• Dr. Roessler. Porcelain Veneers.

http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/pages/veneers.html

• WebMD. Porcelain Veneers-Dental Veneers. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/veneers 

Do I Have to Go to the Dentist?
We all know that we are supposed to do certain things. We need to water the lawn, lock the front door when we leave, and always say please and thank you. We also know that we are supposed to go to the dentist every six months to get our pearly whites checked out and polished.

But for over 50 percent of Americans, a trip to the dentist is much less than a “must” as dental phobias and fears take over the ‘supposed to-do’ list.

For many Americans, the dentist is just too scary to warrant a visit. When the thought of the dentist arises, so do thoughts of drills constantly firing, smells of fluoride and flavored floss, and teeth being poked and scraped. And so, many people stay at home, avoiding the dentist at all costs.

But that fear does not need to keep you away from good oral health any longer. With Dr. Roessler right down the street in your North Chicago Suburbs-Mundelein neighborhood, you can rest easy knowing that you have options when it comes to dentistry. “What options do I have?” you might be thinking to yourself. In order to answer that question, you have to continue reading the blog!

Options? Tell Me More.
With Dr. Roessler as your dentist, you are being given only the best of care. His attention to detail, and to the “little things” immediately becomes apparent when you walk into the office. Not only does the office have only the latest in technology including computer imagery and laser dentistry, but Dr. Roessler takes the time to make even most basic of dental care, the best it can be.

And the best of dental care starts with your overall comfort. Dr. Roessler understands dental fears, and offers sedation dentistry to his patients. Sedation dentistry allows for you to feel completely relaxed while you are in the dentist’s chair.

At Dr. Roessler’s office, oral sedation and Nitrous Oxide are offered as forms of sedation. Oral sedation is where you take a small pill orally, and then allow the sedation to take over. During this sedation, you will feel calm and at ease, but will still be able to answer any of Dr. Roessler’s questions. Nitrous oxide is best known as laughing gas, and it also decreases anxiety and nervousness, to help calm patients.

With sedation dentistry, not only will you feel tranquil in the dentist’s office, but you also can undergo multiple procedures in a single appointment with little stress. More procedures in one visit means that you can miss less work, have less recovery time, and can come to the dentist less.

Come and Visit Dr. Roessler
Dr. Roessler works hard to offer the best possible care for you and your teeth. Whether you are a regular patient, or haven’t been to a dentist in years, Dr. Roessler is here with one goal: to keep your smile as beautiful and healthy as possible.

There is no better time to call Dr. Roessler than right now. The longer you wait the more likely tooth decay, periodontal disease, and even oral cancer can go unnoticed. See the difference that a caring dentist can make on your smile! Call us at 847-566-9330 to take the first steps to better oral health.

References:

• Dental Fear Central. Common Dental Fears. http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/fears/
• Save Your Smile. Conquer Your Fear of the Dentist. http://www.saveyoursmile.com/healtharticles/dzdentalanxiety.html
• Dr. Roessler. Sedation Dentistry. http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/pages/technology.html
• Your Family’s Health. Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist. http://www.yourfamilyshealth.com/articles/fear_of_dentistry.html

Braces or Invisalign?

It almost seems like a rite of passage for a teenager—sporting brackets accompanying the brightly colored bands of braces.  Braces have traditionally been something that you “get through,” that you can put in your time and then be done with.

But today, there is another option available when it comes to straightening teeth.  Something that not only can change your smile in a year or less, but cannot be seen.  That’s right—instead of having metal and wires affixed to your teeth; you can have a clear aligner which no one can see.  This is all possible with Invisalign.

Invisalign is one of the easiest ways to straighten your teeth, at any age.  You don’t have to be a teenager to have a beautiful smile.  Any person, in any profession, can fix their smile while not having to worry about how they appear to others.

Invisalign is available in Dr. Roessler’s office, so keep reading to find out if Invisalign could be right for you!

How Does Invisalign Work?

The Invisalign process is simple.  Every two to three weeks, you receive a new Invisalign aligner to replace your old one.  These aligners are clear and are almost invisible! You wear the aligners 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except when you eat, drink, or brush and floss your teeth.

The aligners gradually shift your teeth into the proper position, with a course of care set by Dr. Roessler.  The aligners are smooth and comfortable and there are no wires that can poke your mouth like with traditional braces.  You can also eat whatever you like!  No food restrictions for years at a time.  All you have to do is take out your aligner and eat sticky caramel and apples to your heart’s content!

You also do not have to worry about brushing and flossing your teeth.  The aligners are easy to clean and replaced every 2-3 weeks.  You won’t have to learn a completely new technique for basic oral care with Invisalign.

Every six to eight weeks, you will visit Dr. Roessler so he can check on your progress.  And that is it! That is how Invisalign works.  It is that easy to have a new smile!

Can My Smile Be Fixed?

While the process of Invisalign sounds easy, you might be wondering if your particular smile can be fixed.  Invisalign can help with many cases, especially the following:

1. Spaced Teeth- occurs when the jawbone continues to grow abnormally
2. Overly Crowded Teeth- occurs when there is not enough room for jaw and teeth to all fit together normally
3. Cross Bite- where the lower and upper jaws are misaligned
4. Over Bite-where the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth
5. Under Bite- where the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth

If these cases are left untreated, there can be an increased risk of developing periodontal disease, dental decay, and gum disease.  To see some Invisalign results, check out these testimonials!

Talk to Dr. Roessler

The best way to find out more about Invisalign is to come into our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Roessler.  At the meeting, Dr. Roessler can talk about your options for straightening your teeth, and answer any questions that you might have about the process.

Invisalign gives you the opportunity to enhance your teeth and improve your dental health easily. There are few restrictions and your smile will always shine through the aligners.  Give us a call today at 847-566-9330 so we discuss all of your Invisalign options, and get the smile you have always wanted!

References

• Dr. Roessler. The Invisalign Process. http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/pages/general-and-restorative-dentistry.html

• Invisalign.  Invisalign Treatment, Why Invisalign, Testimonials. http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/default.aspx

Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Muscle Spasms. Oh My!

On the way to work, you can feel your jaw tensing as the traffic worsens. The pain seems to radiate through your ears, to your jaw, and even down to your neck and shoulders. “Why does my jaw feel so painful?” you wonder, hearing some clicks as you move your mouth back and forth.

Your pain could be due to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, or TMD/TMJ. TMD can cause headaches, migraines, pain and pressure in the forehead and temples, and muscle spasms in the neck, shoulders, and back. For a visual representation of TMD and its symptoms, check out this video!

Chronic pain of the Temporomandibular Joint can be maintained with home remedies, and with some advice from Dr. Roessler. Keep reading to learn more about how to help your TMD!

TMD and Your Life
You notice that you have an uneven bite, which is usually very uncomfortable when you try to chew all of the foods that you love. Headaches are accompanied by aching in and around your ears, and your joint seems to be locking or popping continuously. And don’t forget about the shoulder and neck pain!

You might have TMD. While most cases of TMD do not have a known cause for developing, TMD might occur due to arthritis, the disk ( the pad between your upper and lower jaw joint ) erodes or moves out of alignment, an overworked joint from clenching or grinding teeth, or from impact.

TMD usually occurs in women, ages 30-50. Individuals born with facial bones resulting a jaw deformity are more likely to develop TMD. Also, individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, and chronic fatigue are also to feel aching jaw pain from TMJ.

What Can I Do to Control TMD?
TMD does not have to control your life. You can use simple remedies to ensure that the pain is managed, and your life runs smoothly. Most cases of TMD do not require surgery, however directing TMD symptoms is essential. Here are a few home remedies that you can use to your advantage!
Medications- over the counter medications might help ease some of the pain that you feel from TMD. If these meds are not strong enough to knock out the pain, contact Dr. Roessler so other painkillers can be discussed.
Use a bite guard- If you are grinding your teeth when you are catching zzz’s, then a bite guard might be a good option for you. This prevents your teeth from rubbing together, and might alleviate some of your TMD symptoms.
Behavioral Therapy- do you find yourself constantly stressed? Are you anxious and nervous? Then cognitive behavioral therapy could be an option for you. A therapist can teach you relaxation methods that can help change your mood, and stop clenching your teeth!
Tooth balance for Zen- Dr. Roessler can evaluate if your teeth need to be leveled, so that the biting surfaces of your teeth are more even. Replacing teeth, fillings, and crowns might be the balance that you need to help reduce your TMD symptoms.
Heat then cool- go back to the basics with heat and ice packs. Alternate heating and icing your jaw to help relax the joint.
Learn what to eat- soft foods are the best so that you can avoid the overuse of jaw muscles. Cut food into smile pieces, avoid sticky and chewy foods, stop chewing gum, and try to keep your mouth closed during yawns.
Stretch it out- Dr. Roessler has a vast amount of knowledge, so ask him about different exercises that you can do to help your TMD. Stretching and specific exercises can keep your TMD symptoms under control, and keep you smiling with less pain.

If you are suffering from diagnosed TMD, or think that you might be experiencing TMD, come into our North Chicago Suburbs – Mundelein office to learn more about what you can do to stop the pain. Your life is too important to constantly be interrupted by TMD, so learn how you can positively change your life, today! Call us at (847) 566-9330!

References:

• Dr. Roessler. Temporomandibular Dysfunction-TMD. http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/pages/general-and-restorative-dentistry.html#tmd
• TMJ Association. TMJ Pain. http://www.tmj.org/site/
• Mayo Clinic. TMJ Disorders-Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tmj-disorders/DS00355

Taking the Time for the Dentist

When you are sick, you call your local physician so you can get back to your oldself. When you are out of shape, you take a trip to the neighborhood gym to talk to a personal trainer about getting that six-pack back. And when you are not sure what you should be eating to stay fit and trim, you look up a nutritionist who can guide you to the healthiest diet.

So who is another addition to your health team that keeps you at your best? Dr. Roessler, your Mundelein/Chicago dentist, not only keeps your smile at its brightest, but he ensures that dental diseases remain at bay, and your oral health is also at its peak.

But in order to keep you on the right dental health path, Dr. Roessler has to see you for your bi-annual checkups. Not only do these dentist visits help keep your teeth white and cavity free, but they also can check for periodontal disease.

Now you might be wondering, what exactly is periodontal disease and how do I know if I have it? The answers to those questions lie below, so keep reading to find out more!

Periodontal Disease and You

Periodontal Disease is a type of gum disease that can affect all of the tissues that support the teeth, gums, periodontal ligaments, and tooth sockets. Everyone’s mouth is full of bacteria which can form a sticky white plaque buildup on the teeth (Plaque contains bacteria, sticky sugars from the foods that we eat, and proteins from saliva). While it is essential to brush your teeth twice a day and floss to remove the plaque buildup, it is also necessary to visit your dentist regularly so that any plaque, does not buildup into tartar (Tartar is hardened plaque from the incorporation of calcium and phosphate from the saliva into the plaque matrix to make it a hard deposit).

The more tartar that remains on your teeth both above and below the gum line, the more difficult it is to remove and the more harmful the bacteria present can harm your gum tissue. Gingivitis can ensue, which is due to inflammation from bacteria present entering your gums. The gums become red or purple and swollen. With this form of gum disease, a simple trip to Dr. Roessler’s office for a dental cleaning can help, along with regular brushing and flossing habits.

If gingivitis is left untreated however, other nasty periodontal diseases can develop. Periodontitis, or destruction of the fibers that hold your teeth in the socket and bone loss around the teeth, can develop, and this can wreck havoc on your teeth. With periodontitis, the gums actually pull away from the teeth and form pockets which become inflamed and infected. Left untreated, the gums, tissue, and bone can be completely wiped out causing the teeth to become loose and eventually having to be removed.

Periodontal Disease? No Thank You!
So, as you can see, periodontal disease is not what you want to go through. But there are simple steps that you can take to prevent yourself from getting gum disease and keep your teeth happy.

Brush your teeth- that sounds rudimentary, but it is one of the best ways to ensure that you are protecting yourself from periodontal disease. Use toothpaste with fluoride, and brush for two minutes, twice a day, especially along the gum line. This habit will take a few minutes each day, and can save you time and extra dental procedures. In short, just brush!

Floss too- okay, so your routine just got a little bit longer. But flossing is another essential dental health tool that you need to get used to doing every day. Flossing cleans the plaque and bacteria off in between your teeth. Make today the day that you take control of your dental care. Pull out the floss and get to it!

Non-smoking section please- if you smoke, your chances for developing periodontal disease also increases. Not to mention that your chances for developing oral cancer also skyrockets. Do your whole body a favor and throw the cigarettes away. Your body and teeth will thank you each and every day. For more ways on how to make today a smoke-free day, visit this site.

Every six months in the dentist’s chair- twice a year, that is not too much time out of your schedule. Making the time to come and see Dr. Roessler should be part of your healthy lifestyle routine. Every checkup gives you more information about another part of your body, your complete oral health. If you take care of your teeth, you will be smiling for a lifetime. So give us a call at 847-566-9330 so we can keep your smile healthy, together.

References:
Dr. Michael Rosseler. Cosmetic Dentistry. http://www.drmichaelroessler.com/
PubMed. Gingivitis. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002051/
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Periodontal Disease. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/ PeriodontalGumDisease.htm