Dental care is an essential part of maintaining overall health, but the cost can sometimes be a barrier to getting the treatment you need. Whether you’re without insurance or simply looking for ways to make dental care more affordable, Amazing Smiles Family Dental has a solution that could be perfect for you. Our in-house dental membership plan is designed to provide significant savings on essential dental services, ensuring that you and your family can receive the best care without breaking the bank.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Care

Dental care costs can vary widely depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of the procedure, and even your location. Routine check-ups, cleanings, and preventive care are essential to avoid more costly treatments down the road, but without insurance, even these routine visits can add up. This is where dental savings plans, like our new membership plan, come into play.

What is the Amazing Smiles Family Dental Membership Plan?

Our in-house dental membership plan is an exclusive program designed to help patients save on the cost of dental care. For one affordable annual fee, members can enjoy a range of benefits, including discounted rates on preventive and restorative services. This plan is ideal for individuals and families who do not have dental insurance or who are looking for additional savings beyond what their insurance covers.

Key Benefits of the Membership Plan:

• Affordable Annual Fee: Pay one low fee each year and enjoy consistent savings on your dental care.
• No Deductibles or Maximums: Unlike traditional insurance, our membership plan does not have deductibles, annual maximums, or waiting periods.
• Discounted Services: Members receive discounts on a variety of services, including cleanings, exams, fillings, and more.
• Comprehensive Coverage: From routine check-ups to emergency care, our plan covers a wide range of services, ensuring you get the care you need when you need it.

Why Choose a Dental Membership Plan?

For many, the question isn’t whether dental care is important—it’s how to afford it. Dental membership plans are becoming increasingly popular as a way to manage dental expenses effectively. Here’s why our plan could be the right choice for you:

1. Dental Savings Without the Hassle of Insurance: Traditional dental insurance can be expensive and often comes with limitations. Our membership plan eliminates the need for insurance, offering you straightforward savings without the complexity of insurance paperwork and approvals.
2. Affordable Dental Care Without Insurance: If you’re one of the many without dental insurance, our membership plan provides a practical solution. It offers the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have access to the care you need at a price you can afford.
3. Tailored for Your Needs: Whether you need regular preventive care or more extensive treatment, our membership plan is designed to meet the diverse needs of our patients. You only pay for what you need, without the unnecessary extras.
4. No Surprises: With our membership plan, you know exactly what you’re paying for. There are no hidden fees or unexpected costs, making it easier to budget for your dental care.

How to Get Started with Affordable Dental Care

Signing up for the Amazing Smiles Family Dental Membership Plan is simple. Just contact our office to enroll. Once you’re a member, you’ll start enjoying immediate savings on your dental care. It’s that easy!

Take Control of Your Dental Health Today

At Amazing Smiles Family Dental, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care without the burden of high costs. Our in-house dental membership plan is just one of the ways we’re making dental care more accessible and affordable for our community. If you’re wondering how to save on dental care or looking for dental savings that make a real difference, our membership plan is an excellent option to consider.

Don’t let the cost of dental care keep you from maintaining a healthy smile. Explore our dental membership plan today and take the first step towards affordable, comprehensive care that fits your budget.

Learn More About Our Dental Membership Plan Call to Sign Up

Learn About Dental Veneers With Amazing Smiles in Tinley Park

Whether you’re looking to have only a few teeth or all of your front teeth covered by dental veneers you might be wondering; which material is the best, composite or porcelain? Dental veneers can be used alongside other cosmetic dental procedures to dramatically change the look of your smile. It’s an important question, so let’s dive in.

How Long Do Veneers Last? Porcelain vs Composite Veneers

The lifespan of any type of dental veneer depends upon a number of factors. The most important of those are hygiene and overall oral health. Under ideal conditions, if a patient follows brushing, flossing, and twice annual dental checkup recommendations, both porcelain and composite veneers can last for many years. A common estimate for the lifespan of composite veneers is between 4 to 10 years. Porcelain veneers are estimated to last between 10 to 15 years if not longer.

Porcelain is generally fragile but after it is bonded to a tooth it becomes extremely durable. Composite materials are strong as well but once attached are more prone to chipping than porcelain. However composite veneers can be repaired, similar to fillings for normal tooth enamel, while porcelain veneers must be replaced entirely if they are damaged.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers: Cost & Time

Composite veneers have the advantage of a faster application process compared to porcelain. Composite veneers can be fabricated in-office and can be applied during the same visit in which your teeth are prepped for them. Any dental veneers require some tooth material to be ground away to make room for them. With composite veneers, your dentist can complete that work, fabricate your veneers and apply them all in the same visit.

Porcelain veneers generally require at least two appointments. Your dentist will remove the necessary material from your teeth, take an impression mold, and then will have to wait for a special lab to fabricate your veneers. Temporary veneers are available between appointments, so it’s not like you will walk around with obviously incomplete dental work, but if time is a factor this is worth considering. At your second appointment, your porcelain veneers will then be applied.

Porcelain veneers are also generally more expensive than composite. Because porcelain veneers cannot be fabricated in-office and are of a higher quality material they cost more to create and apply. The initial cost of porcelain veneers compared to composite often becomes equal over time however when considering the upfront costs versus repair and replacement costs over the lifetime of each material.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers: Look

Porcelain veneers compared to composite veneers look more natural. The way that thin porcelain catches light mirrors a white tooth very closely. Composite veneers still look quite natural but when considering cosmetics porcelain does have the edge. Porcelain is also more stain resistant, related to its general durability edge, compared to composite.

Because composite veneers can stain that does mean they will naturally wear and change color just like your other teeth. Porcelain veneers on the other hand may start to stick out more over time compared to the teeth surrounding them. This might mean you will need to consider whitening your teeth to match the shade of your porcelain veneers as time goes on.

Which Dental Veneers Are Best?

There are pros and cons to both composite and dental veneers. The best material for your veneers is ultimately something you will need to decide for yourself based on your lifestyle and preferences. There’s a question of lifespan, upfront versus lifetime costs, look, and time to consider when deciding between the two. If you’re still not sure, our dentists and staff are happy to help guide you through the decision-making process. There’s yet more information that can be provided to you and guidance that can be tailored to your specific needs and unique oral health situation. 

Call Amazing Smiles For a Consultation Learn More About Dental Veneers

Damage to teeth and gums can’t be ignored. It’s always important to act quickly if something is wrong, but some dental issues are more pressing than others. How can you know the difference between a dental problem that needs to be solved soon and a problem that needs to be solved now?

We never want our patients to put off a dental procedure when it could lead to lasting harm, so we’ve compiled a list of important warning signs that mean you should get your teeth checked out as soon as possible. After all, you’ve only got so many teeth — it’s best to keep them all in good shape.

1. Dental abscesses

A dental abscess is a small collection of pus inside of a tooth or gums that is caused by a bacterial infection. If your symptoms include shiny red swollen gums, a fever, or pain that spreads to your jaw or neck, you may have an abscess, even if you don’t see it. Try to see us as soon as possible, but, in the meantime, you can reduce the pain of the abscess by avoiding cold drinks. Use a soft toothbrush to very gently clean the area until we can get you into the office.

2. Broken or missing teeth

It goes without saying that obvious physical damage to your teeth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies you can experience. If your tooth has been damaged, rinse your mouth with warm water immediately and call us as soon as possible. If your tooth has come out, gently try to put it back into the socket (without touching the root!) or keep it in your mouth to protect it until we can see you.

3. Significant pain or swelling in the teeth, gums or jaw

Constant pain or swelling in your mouth is never normal! This symptom may seem vague or common, but it could be a sign of major damage or an infection that could have nasty results if left untreated. Don’t tough it out. Call us and we will decide together whether you need to come in for an appointment.

4. Lost filling or crown

A crown or filling can become loose or even fall out for a variety of reasons. If you lose a crown or filling, it’s important to try to save it — we may be able to reuse it. Rinse the area with warm salt water and continue to brush the damaged tooth (gently!) until we can see you.

Ignoring any of these four dental problems could result in the permanent loss of teeth. Infections can even spread to other parts of your body and cause serious general medical issues, so it’s extremely important to get your teeth examined if you experience any dental emergency on this list!

We want your tooth pain or mouth pain to stop.

First and foremost, if you are in pain, we want to help you get some relief. Then we can address any underlying causes to solve the problem using dental best practices. If you believe you’re experiencing a dental emergency, give us a call at (708) 444-7645 as soon as possible. We’ll get you an appointment in the near future, so you can go back to your life and leave tooth pain behind.

As we age, we come to understand that a lot of the things we didn’t enjoy as kids were actually for our own benefit. Even some of these things, such as eating our vegetables or going to bed early, may end up becoming favorite activities. But let’s be real, when you’re stuck in a dentist’s office and you hear an eight-year-old boy having a meltdown, you can relate! Going to the dentist is rarely anyone’s favorite thing to do.

For many people, the thought of a dental appointment can be intimidating and even anxiety-inducing. Unfortunately, this fear of the dentist has caused about 15% of Americans to avoid regular check-ups altogether. This can lead to larger and more painful dental issues in the long run, as small dental problems are left untreated. Thus, it is important to confront this fear and make regular visits to the dentist to ensure good oral health.

At Amazing Smiles, we want you to know we understand coming to see us can seem intimidating, and we are committed to making your visit as comfortable as possible. Among other things we do to welcome you to our office, we can make most procedures relatively painless, thanks to the power of modern medicine.

Usually, a local anesthetic is enough to manage your pain. However, for some people pain isn’t the only concern. Patients who suffer from anxiety, for example, may be concerned the discomfort of a procedure will cause elevated anxiety. If that’s the case for you, don’t worry! Sedation can make your visit a breeze!

Controlling Dental Pain: Local Anesthesia vs. General Anesthesia vs. Sedation

Dentists use three primary methods to manage patients’ pain and stress during procedures:

• Local anesthesia: numbs the immediate area being worked on
• General anesthesia: makes you unconscious for the duration
• Sedative medication: calms you – dentists can choose different levels of sedative

Local anesthesia is applied directly to the skin or muscle in the area the dentist plans to work on, using either a swab or syringe. Alternatively, sedative medication can be administered to the patient through a needle or catheter inserted into a vein. This sedation puts the patient in a semi-conscious state, allowing them to respond to verbal commands without the need for close monitoring like with general anesthesia, in which the patient is completely unconscious.

Many sedatives leave the patient with no memory of the procedure, so they don’t have to worry they will have traumatic memories of the procedure. A combination of local anesthesia and sedative medication makes a patient’s experience both painless and more emotionally comfortable.

Oral sedatives (by mouth) often simply calm a person’s nerves a bit. These sedatives leave the patient fully conscious but help them relax during the dental procedure.

The type of sedation a dentist uses depends on individual needs of each patient.

Going to the dentist may not ever be one of your favorite things, but at Amazing Smiles we have ways (including sedation) to ensure your dental visit is as comfortable as possible. If you have questions about how we can accommodate you during your visit, or if you have specific questions about any procedure, give us a call at (708)444-7645, and we’ll be happy to ease your anxiety!

Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or secure dentures and other large prostheses. Dental implants consist of an artificial root and a manufactured tooth that can be placed on it.

Why a Dental Implant?

There are several benefits that can make dental implants the best option for replacing missing teeth:

• Dental implants stabilize bone levels and can prevent bone loss
• Dental implants provide greater long-term support and functionality
• Dental implants stabilize dentures
• Dental implants provide an artificial root system, which keeps the remaining teeth in line
• Dental implants do NOT require alteration of adjacent teeth.

Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?

Yes. The most common type of dental implant are endosteal implants. Endosteal implants consist of a metal rod installed into the jawbone and a supporting post that secures either a dental crown or a dental bridge.

Another common type of dental implant are All-on-4 implants. These revolutionary systems consist of an entire top or bottom denture that is supported by just four implants. The implants are placed so that replacement teeth remain steady and secure. The advantage of the All-on-4 implants is that they help patients recover faster and reduce the chances of complications.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

First, our dentist will examine the area in your mouth where you’re considering a dental implant. Then, an oral surgeon will need to decide if there are any current teeth that need to be removed and which type of bone graft needs to be done. These procedures will take place first, followed by enough recovery time to heal to ensure an adequate and strong bone is present at the implant site. Then, the dental implant is placed into the bone and a healing cap is placed over the implant. You will need to follow up with regular check-ups after to insure proper healing and that there is no infection.

Are Dental Implants Right for me?

If you have loose or missing teeth, or were born without a tooth, dental implants may be right for you. If you’re considering dental implants, give Amazing Smiles in Tinley Park, IL a call at 708-444-7645 or schedule an appointment online.

To many people a morning coffee or afternoon glass of wine is a ritual that cannot be disturbed or broken, but as there are many joys that come with those drinks there are still many enamel straining prices. There are 3 different types of staining that can happen to your teeth and different causes. Learn more below. If you are unhappy with the color of your smile, Amazing Smiles in Tinley Park, IL can help!

Types of Stains:

Tooth discoloration can be caused by surface stains, material changes in your teeth, or a mix of the two. Tooth discoloration can be divided into three types, according to dentists:

• • Extrinsic Teeth Stains: These stains are a type of discoloration that affects the outer layer of your teeth. Extrinsic stains are not as permanent as the other types, these stains will not respond to simply brushing your teeth. If there are cracks on the teeth they can become deep-set and begin to be harder to remove.
  • Intrinsic Teeth Stains: This type of stain will be found on the inner layer of your teeth, or the dentin. Though dentin is beneath the tooth enamel, the darkened dentin can cause the whole tooth to appear discolored.
  • Age-Related Teeth Stains: Age-related teeth stains are a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. The core tissue of your teeth, the dentin, will naturally yellow over time causing your teeth to become discolored. Another factor that may cause your teeth to show discoloration is that the enamel of your teeth will become thinner allowing the dentin to show through.

Causes of Enamel Stains

There can be many causes when it comes to teeth stains. Certain drinks and foods can cause there to be stains on your teeth, but there can be a biological factor as well. Many times there can be ways to prevent these stains from appearing on your teeth and many that you can not control. This list can help you determine what the cause was behind the stains on your teeth.

• Food & Drink: Coffee, dark sodas, red wine and some fruits and vegetables can be so acidic that they cause staining.
• Tobacco: Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can contribute to discoloration
• Oral Care: Tooth discoloration can be caused by poor dental hygiene, such as insufficient brushing or flossing.
• Trauma or Disease: Discolored teeth can result from any trauma, illness, or disease that impairs enamel formation in children, whether in the womb or while teeth are developing (under the age of 8). Adult teeth can sometimes become stained as a result of trauma. Discolored teeth can be caused by a number of disorders and therapies, chemotherapy and radiation, for example, cause tooth discoloration.
• Medical Treatments: There are times when some medical treatments can contribute to your teeth staining as well as some medications.

Ways to Help Clear Stains

There are a few remedies that can help lessen the impact of these causes. With help of some products, the coloration of your stains can become less apparent, but will not fully remove those stains.

• Keeping a consistent healthy oral routine – brushing twice a day and daily flossing
• Twice-yearly visit to your dentist
• Limitation of teeth-staining beverages
• At home remedies – brushing with baking soda products
• Professional teeth whitening

If you are interested in getting your teeth back to pearly white, contact Amazing Smiles today for a professional teeth whitening session!