Category Archives: Dental Health

How can I whiten my teeth? This is one of the most common questions we hear in the dental office. There isn’t a one size fits all answer. Below we will explain the most popular whitening options and let you know what the dentists at Streitz Dental Arts recommend.

1. Professional Whitening Trays and Gel

This is arguably the best way to whiten. Custom molds are taken of your teeth and clear thin trays are made that fit over your teeth. The whitening gel goes in the tray and the tray is then placed on your teeth. This ensures a close adaptation of the whitening gel to the teeth, especially in teeth that are crowded together or unevenly spaced. The gel that a dentist can provide is usually much stronger than over the counter options, which means faster easier whitening. Whitening trays are the preferred method in our Plainfield and Joliet offices.

2. Whitening Strips Over the Counter

This option is good if you are looking for a more cost effective solution and don’t have overlapping or irregularly spaced teeth. Strips use similar whitening agents to whitening gel, but not as high of strength. White strips are available at most drugstores.

3. ‘Laser Whitening” in a Dental Office

We’ve noticed many dentists offer laser whitening in the office as a one day whitening option. This option has been around for many years and is controversial in the dental community. We’ve done the research and tested the systems in our own offices. Our conclusion is that these type of systems ‘dry’ the teeth out causing them to appear whiter, but don’t produce consistent long term results like whitening trays or strips. We don’t offer this option because we don’t feel it to be a service to our patients.

What is TMD?

TMD stands for tempromandibular disorder, and according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research approximately 5 to 12 percent of people suffer from this condition. This disorder encompasses a number of conditions associated with the joints, muscles, and nerves in the jaw.

How do I get TMD?

For the majority of cases it is unknown what causes the disorder. However, there are some direct links to the disorder including trauma such as a car accident or blow to the face. Grinding or clenching teeth can also aggravate symptoms.

How can I tell if I have TMD?

• Pain associated when you open and close your mouth which may or may not be associated with a popping or clicking noise
• Pain near the ear which is not associated with an earache
• Sore muscles on the side of your face
• Pain when you eat, talk, or yawn

Treatment Options

Depending on the cause of TMD, treatment options vary. They can include lifestyle modifications such as no longer chewing gum or biting nails. Other treatment includes wearing an appliance fabricated by our office in order to place you jaw in a more comfortable position. Selective adjustment of certain teeth can also be a treatment option.

TMD disorders are complicated and a thorough evaluation of each patients particular condition must be made before any definitive treatment can be administered.

We are highly experienced in treating TMD disorders and have had much success treating our patients.

Daniel Streitz DDS, MAGD

Daniel Streitz DMD

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity

Many people have gum recession or what is sometimes called “sensitive teeth”.  This type of dental problem can happen for many reasons including excessive brushing pressure, teeth grinding or clenching, and consumption of acidic foods and liquids.

Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity

Fortunately there are many treatments available for patients with sensitive teeth, which are designed to help you enjoy cold food and drink again.  These treatments range from simply switching to a different toothpaste, placement of a medication directly on the sensitive part of the tooth at our office, or covering the areas of recession with a tooth colored composite filling.

We Can Help!

While tooth sensitivity is very often caused by gum recession, and is often fairly straightforward to treat, sometimes tooth sensitivity is caused from other dental problems such as tooth decay. If you are having tooth sensitivity, we encourage you to make an appointment so we can make a thorough evaluation and alleviate your sensitivity. You will be back to eating ice cream in no time!

Streitz Dental Arts