Summer Smiles

Summer is the time we all look forward to travel, vacations, festivals, cookouts, and just plain getting out for any good reason.

Many people like to work on their summer tan as it gives them a glow. Another way to enhance your looks is teeth whitening. The effect of more color in your face and whiter teeth is quite dramatic.

It has been said that people with a great smile look more intelligent and fun to be with.

We at Crystal Lake Dental Associates can help you have that dazzling smile very inexpensively. We have a new program called " White teeth for Life" that can help you keep that bright smile year round. We also offer a Wednesday ZOOM in office teeth whitening special. Click here for details on affordable teeth whitening.

Summer is also the time to plan all of the little things parents need to accomplish before school starts up again. Yes it is time to plan the trips for clothes, books, and those checkups at the doctor and dentist. It is important to schedule early as the days fill up quickly for those appointments.

We know that Back-To-School costs can mount so we have our own new patient "Economic Stimulus Package" Click here to see our new patient Summer special offer.

Meanwhile have a terrific summer and enjoy yourself.

Phillip C.Neal DDS

Invisalign, Is it right for you?

I recently started a husband and wife on Invisalign for minor correction of their teeth. I had originally mentioned our Rapid Clear Braces for him but, as a teacher, he felt Invisalign was a better option. I could see his point.

Invisalign is a great option for many adults and teens who do not want the stigma that accompanies traditional braces. Invisalign is a comfortable, user friendly way to correct an imperfect smile. Also it can prepare the way for other smile enhancements and restorative dentistry.
I have not had any patient who has been disappointed with the process or the result. None has wished to change over to traditional braces in the process. Visits are quick and easy. Discomfort is minimal. There are no poking wires or brackets to contend with.

With the coming of the summer months, we have decided to make Invisalign more available to people by adjusting our fee. The average treatment time for Invisalign is only about 11 months. For anyone desiring to start Invisalign before September 30, the fee range for treatment is $3500 or less. There is no charge for a workup and consultation.

I also offer Rapid Clear Braces for patients who want to complete treatment in just a few months.

Perhaps now is the time to consider a tune-up for yor smile with Invisalign.

Call our office at 815 459 2202 for a free consultation or

click here to contact us

Dr. Neal

Smoking is hazardous to your dental health

The majority of my patients with serious periodontal disease are tobacco users. Interestingly enough, the use of tobacco also causes difficulty in treating these people as they will not heal as well following any procedure involving the tissues. In fact they also have a harder time getting numb, and have more post treatment sensitivity. This has something to do with the way the chemicals in tobacco affect the microcirculation, and the nervous system. Tobacco users will have more dry sockets after an extraction, slower healing and more post operative pain.

The stain caused by tobacco on teeth is extremely difficult to remove and usually requires extensive scraping with hand instruments as well as ultrasonic cleaning, and a prophyjet. We have to allow extra time to clean a smoker's teeth. It also takes longer to chart the mouth as they will have more gum pockets, and the areas are more sensitive to the periodontal measuring. Often topical anesthetic is needed to take the periodontal readings.

We all know the bad breath generated by tobacco use. A good dental cleaning will not remove this odor as it is imbedded in the tongue and other tissues.

In addition, Tobacco users have a much higher incidence of oral cancer as well as heart disease and lung disease.

Just my 2 cents worth

Phillip C. Neal DDS