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How to Choose a Dentist

How to Choose a Dentist

When it comes to selecting a new dentist, many people only consider their insurance network and location of the clinic. While both of these factors are important, it’s essential that the dentist you choose can meet the oral health needs of everyone in your family. To determine the answer to this question, start by reading the doctor profiles on the dental clinic website or search the Internet for patient testimonials. Three full-time dentists are on staff at Smiles of Elgin. They are Dr. Isaac Qureshi, Dr. Jianjan Hao, and Dr. Oded Gargir. Dr. Qureshi holds a master degree in public health and a doctorate degree in dental surgery. He completes several continuing education classes each year to ensure that he is up-to-date on the most recent advances in dental surgery so he can serve you better. Dr. Qureshi also volunteers at free dental clinics for patients with no insurance who cannot afford regular dental treatment. Dr. Hao is an American Board of Orthodontics Diplomat. This is something that only one-quarter of practicing orthodontists ever achieve. Prior to joining the staff at Smiles of Elgin, Dr. Hao taught several dental courses at the University of Connecticut Health Center. He enjoys working with patients to help them achieve their most beautiful smile. After graduating from Northwestern Dental School, Dr. Gargir ran his own practice for more than two decades. His specialties at that time were oral surgery and prosthetics. In addition to being on staff at Smiles of Elgin, Dr. Gargir works for the Lake County Health Department providing dental services to people in the public health system.

What Services Does the Dental Clinic Offer?

All dental offices offer routine cleaning and patient education, but today’s families demand more than that. Our clinic also offers these services:
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Orthodontia
  • Dental Surgery
  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Infant Oral Health Care
  • Periodontal and Endodontic Disease Treatment
Our dentists understand that just going to a dental clinic can cause some patients anxiety and fear. We make your appointment as comfortable as possible by offering sedation options and explaining procedures you need in language that is easy to understand. What Do Other People Say About the Dentist? When you’re going to a new dentist, it’s only natural that you want to know the experiences that other people have had with him or her. We are happy to post verified reviews from several places around the Internet directly on our website. The feedback we have received has earned us an overall five-star

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    Monday 10:00 to 6:00
    Tuesday 10:00 to 6:00
    Wednesday 11:00 to 8:00
    Thursday 10:00 to 6:00
    Friday 10:00 to 6:00
    Saturday 8:00 to 3:00
    Sunday Appointment only

    Dental Mistakes and Habits We Usually Do

    Dental Mistakes and Habits We Usually Do

    We sometimes just don’t know it but we are guilty of committing crimes to our teeth and gums. How awful is this and how do we pay our debts to our ever loyal chompers? Read on and learn.

    1. Blindly buying toothbrush and not knowing the right one for us

    Just like how we buy our clothes, we should consider sizes, textures, make and design when it comes too toothbrushes. a. Size: If you are having trouble opening your mouth wide enough when brushing then it might be too big for you. b. Textures: There are extra soft, soft, mild, medium, hard, etc. Take your pick depending on your general dental needs. c. Make: Do you want the one with the tongue cleaner? Do you want it manual or electrical? It’s just a matter of personal preference here. d. Design: Again, it’s a matter of individual preference.

    2. Brushing too soon

    Brushing your teeth immediately after eating is bad, believe it or not. You should wait at least 30 minutes before you brush so that the enamel hardens back up (food acids weakens enamel).

    3. Brushing too fast

    Well, this is completely another story. You should really take your time brushing and make sure you have brushed all the edges and all the parts of your teeth (and don’t forget your tongue). Brush your teeth for at least 3 minutes.

    4. You don’t go to the dentist at least once a year

    Even if you don’t have dental problems, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay your dentist a visit once or twice a year. There are more things a dentist can advise us even if our teeth don’t hurt (yet.)

    5. Using more than enough toothpaste

    Contrary to popular belief, we only need a pea sized amount of toothpaste every time we brush, not an inch long that we usually see in the commercials.

    6. You love your toothbrush too much

    I know we have to because they are giving us the best service but we have to let go and replace our toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, really.

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      Monday 10:00 to 6:00
      Tuesday 10:00 to 6:00
      Wednesday 11:00 to 8:00
      Thursday 10:00 to 6:00
      Friday 10:00 to 6:00
      Saturday 8:00 to 3:00
      Sunday Appointment only

      Simple Denture Care Tips

      Simple Denture Care Tips

      Taking care of your dentures is the key to make them serve you in the best way and for longest duration possible. Neglecting their cleanliness could result in stains, plaque and other oral inconveniences.

      Here are a few ways of correctly cleaning your dentures at home:

      1. To avoid the damage of your dentures, in case they are dropped while cleaning them, it is advised that you clean them over a sink filled with water or place a damp cloth or other soft material in the basin.
      2. Never use hot water while rinsing your dentures as they may warp or damage your dentures. Instead use cold or lukewarm water.
      3. Always use a good denture cleaner or paste. Not just any regular toothpaste will do. In fact, it is reported that they could harm your dentures.
      4. Tooth brushes are not recommended for cleaning your dentures. Use a moistened denture brush for the job.
      5. Brushing your denture harder doesn’t mean shinier or cleaner dentures. Instead, it could lead to damages such as cracked or broken dentures.
      Getting a denture replacement will vary and depend greatly upon your habits, tolerance and also on how clean and hygienic you keep them. Keeping them clean and plaque free also ensures the best look, performance and longevity of dentures.

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        Monday 10:00 to 6:00
        Tuesday 10:00 to 6:00
        Wednesday 11:00 to 8:00
        Thursday 10:00 to 6:00
        Friday 10:00 to 6:00
        Saturday 8:00 to 3:00
        Sunday Appointment only

        What Should You Do When A Crown Comes Off Of Your Tooth?

        What Should You Do When A Crown Comes Off Of Your Tooth?

        Firstly, you should get the crown out of your mouth.  You don’t want to risk swallowing or accidentally breathing it in. If you end up accidentally breathing it in, it could become infected.

        Next, call your dentist and let the office staff know that your crown came off.  Give them as much details as you can and schedule an appointment.  They should try to fit you in as soon as possible (within a few days at most.)

        loose crown fell off elgin

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          Monday 10:00 to 6:00
          Tuesday 10:00 to 6:00
          Wednesday 11:00 to 8:00
          Thursday 10:00 to 6:00
          Friday 10:00 to 6:00
          Saturday 8:00 to 3:00
          Sunday Appointment only

          Should Young Children Get Orthodontic Treatment?

          Should Young Children Get Orthodontic Treatment?

          Today, there are so many children developing teeth problems due to the popularity of unhealthy foods. And some of these oral problems are affecting their overall facial expressions too. Orthodontics for children play a vital role in treating dental and oral problems like improper bite and irregularities of jaws and teeth. Orthodontists provide treatments to help correct your kids’ tooth irregularities and get a more attractive and confident smiling face. Getting orthodontics for children is very important. The top reasons for its importance are as follows:
          1. An improper bite can wear down your kid’s healthy teeth. With proper dental care treatment, such problems can be avoided. Sometimes misaligned teeth and jaws can change a facial expression. You can experience difficulty in chewing and speaking properly if your have misaligned teeth and jaws. This is where your orthodontist can help you by giving you complete and proper dental care treatment.
          2. A set of crooked teeth can lead to tooth decay and various other oral problems. Having crooked teeth may lead to serious dental issues and can even impact the bone structure beneath teeth. The teeth may not get cleaned as much as straight teeth do which can cause painful toothaches and pain in your jaws. Orthodontists for children can help your kids smile properly.

          Orthodontics for children must begin at an early stage. Here are some of the reasons why parents should go for such a dental care treatment when their kids are still young:

          1. Teeth and jaws of a young child can be treated more easily. Expert orthodontists can still correct and adjust the growth of teeth of young kids as most teeth are at a growing stage.
          2. Orthodontics can prevent your kids from getting serious tooth and gum diseases. Early detection of any oral problem can help you save both time and cost.
          Parents should take their kids for orthodontic as soon as a dental problem is detected. There are certain orthodontic treatments that can be provided to kids as early as the age of seven. Many dental offices are now offering orthodontic consultation for free. Just browse the web and find a dentist nearest to your location and you should find one who can provide you the best dental care services. It is important to contact an experienced and qualified orthodontist, who can treat your child properly to ensure he gets straight teeth and a healthy smile. Only an expert orthodontist can bring back confidence in your young kids with quick and painless dental treatments.

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            Monday 10:00 to 6:00
            Tuesday 10:00 to 6:00
            Wednesday 11:00 to 8:00
            Thursday 10:00 to 6:00
            Friday 10:00 to 6:00
            Saturday 8:00 to 3:00
            Sunday Appointment only

            Tips On Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

            Tips On Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

            As a parent I know how difficult it can be to get your child to start brushing their teeth on a regular basis and making sure they eat healthy foods that will aid their dental needs. Trust me, you’re not alone! Truth is the health of your child’s teeth actually begin before birth. That’s why it is important to eat a healthy, well balanced and nutritious diet while pregnant and get all the vitamins and minerals you need. As a parent it is important that you start your child’s dental care when their first set of teeth appear. This is important because it will help you and your child’s dentist see how healthy your child’s teeth are and predict the likelihood of your child having potential dental problems. The best way to avoid future potential dental problems is to start your child’s dental care as soon as possible. This can be done in a variety of different ways.
            • Avoid sharing utensils with younger children. Although this sounds like an innocent act, you’re not only sharing utensils but bacteria as well.
            • Avoid kissing babies in the mouth. Kissing also is a way to transfer bacteria.
            • Don’t put small children to bed with a bottle. In doing so your encouraging sugar and acids in the liquid substance to sit on teeth which can lead to tooth decay.
            • Feed your child healthy, nutritious foods that help the gums remain healthy and develop strong teeth.
            • Keep younger children away from smoking. If your child is presented with any type of cigarette smoke it can cause tooth decay, gum disease or other dental issues.
            • Don’t let your child suck their thumb. Thumb sucking can lead to teeth becoming misaligned or pushed outward.

            Always remember, the prettiest thing your child can wear is a smile!

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              Archives

              Office Hours

              Monday 10:00 to 6:00
              Tuesday 10:00 to 6:00
              Wednesday 11:00 to 8:00
              Thursday 10:00 to 6:00
              Friday 10:00 to 6:00
              Saturday 8:00 to 3:00
              Sunday Appointment only