• Come meet Dr. Z!

    Hello everyone!

    I welcome you to Dental Heights, a family owned and operated general dental practice. My name is Dr. Zishan Bader DDS. We established this office in the summer of 2013 primarily to give the surrounding residents an affordable and up to date dental office for their family’s needs. I must tell you that these past few years have been a blast! We have made so many new friends through the many patients that have walked through our doors. Ive always emphazed a friendly professional environment where our patients feel like they are with those who truly care about the services provided.

    A little history on myself:

    I went to Lockport Township High School, attended undergrad and dental school at the University of Detroit-Mercy and graduated in May 2009. Ever since, Ive worked tirelessly on keeping myself updated on the latest technology, techniques, and other aspects of dentistry to give true justice to my patient’s experiences with me. I have been blessed to work alongside two great mentors– Dr. Alamdar (my father) & Dr. Shafeeq (my uncle) whom I have learned a great deal from.

    I welcome you to come by and meet me personally & my wonderful staff. I can give you a tour of my office and insight on the types of treatments we offer here at Dental Heights!

    -Dr. Zishan Bader DDS

  • 6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them)

    Nail Biting

    The habit: This nervous habit can chip teeth and impact your jaw. “Placing your jaw for long periods of time in a protruding position can place pressure on it, which is associated with jaw dysfunction ,” says Dr. Ruchi Sahota.

    The solution: Bitter-tasting nail polishes, stress reduction and setting small, realistic goals can help. If certain situations are triggers, hold something to keep your fingers busy.

    Brushing Too Hard

    The habit: Brushing for two minutes twice a day is one of the best habits you can get into. Just make sure you’re not trying too hard. “Brushing with a hard toothbrush, or brushing too hard, can damage teeth and irritate gums,” says Dr. Matthew Messina.

    The solution: Use a soft toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance at the proper pressure. “Don’t think ‘scrub.’ Think ‘massage,’” he says. “Save the hard toothbrush for cleaning the grout in the bathroom tile.”

    Grinding and Clenching

    The habit: “This can cause chipping or cracking of the teeth, as well as muscle tenderness or joint pain,” Dr. Messina says. “You might also feel like you can’t open your mouth wide or chew with pain.”

    The solution: “Relaxation exercises and staying aware makes a difference,” he says. A nighttime mouthguard can also help. “You’ll have less tooth damage, less pain and muscle soreness and better sleep.”

    Chewing Ice Cubes

    The habit: “Tooth enamel is a crystal. Ice is a crystal. When you push two crystals against each other, one will break,” Dr. Messina says. “Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.”

    The solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you’re not tempted. “The risk of chewing ice is greater than any pleasure that comes from chewing it,” he says. “Besides, ice is really cold!”

    Constant Snacking

    The habit: Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.

    The solution: Eat balanced meals to feel fuller, longer. If you need a snack, make sure it’s low in fat and sugar. If you indulge in the occasional sugary treat, follow it with a big glass of water to wash away leftover food.

    Using Your Teeth As Tools

    The habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth , injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.

    The solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you.

    This great information was from http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/bad-habits?source=facebook&content=6_habits_to_break please refer for more information on keeping your mouth healthy!

  • How to Maintain Your Porcelain Veneers

    schaumburg cosmetic dentist Even though porcelain veneers are extremely resistant to stains and discoloration, it’s imperative that you know the best way to care for them. After your veneers are placed, your Schaumburg cosmetic dentist will help you develop a dental maintenance plan.

    The most important way to maintain your veneers is to continue practicing good oral hygiene, just as you would for your natural teeth. This means that you should continue to follow a daily brushing and flossing regimen. Dental professionals also suggest using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to clean your veneers.

    After your veneers are placed, it is essential that you attend any follow-up appointments necessary. These appointments allow the dentist to observe your mouth and any physical reactions to your new veneers. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may choose to fit you with a bite guard in order to protect your veneers. It is also recommended that you visit your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and dental exams.

    Reference: http://www.aacd.com

  • Removing Stains From Your Teeth

    If you’re like many people, you may wish that your teeth were whiter. Over time the pores of our teeth can become stained from products such as red wine, coffee, and cigarettes. If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth, you might consider finding a Schaumburg dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry . Watch this video to find out more about the different treatment options.

    A dental exam by a qualified dentist can help determine if you are a candidate for cosmetic dentistry procedures. Dental whitening involves a dentist removing the surface stain from your teeth, thereby restoring the teeth to their original color. Dental bleaching is an option for patients who want to achieve even whiter teeth. After whitening or bleaching your teeth, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene in order to maintain a beautiful white smile.

  • Which Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Are Right for You?

    With new advancements in cosmetic dentistry , dentists can help a wide range of patients find solutions for the aesthetic issues in their mouths. Keep reading to find out which cosmetic procedure can help you improve your smile and feel better about your teeth:

    A Teeth-Whitening Treatment

    If your teeth are yellowed or discolored, you might want to ask your dentist about a teeth-whitening treatment to restore them to their original color. When you whiten your teeth, you can enjoy a more youthful appearance and a brighter smile. Whether you are getting ready for a big event or you just want to improve the aesthetic appeal of your smile, a teeth-whitening treatment can help.

    Bonding

    If your teeth have gaps or chips, cracks, or stains, your dentist can use the bonding materials to improve their appearance and help you get a more attractive smile. Bonding can also be used to fill in small cavities and prevent further decay as well as to protect the root of a tooth.

    Veneers

    These thin pieces of porcelain can be placed over teeth to fix issues with size, shape, and discoloration. Porcelain veneers offer a wide range of patients natural looking results and enhanced durability. They can also be used to close spaces between teeth. The dentist creates custom veneers so each patient enjoys the best results.

    Dental Crowns

    If you need your entire tooth covered, your dentist can use dental crowns to restore function and aesthetic appeal to your smile. Dental crowns are often used to completely cover misshapen teeth, to strengthen a weak tooth, or to fix a broken tooth. They can also hold bridges into the mouth and provide a replacement tooth when a patient gets dental implants.

    Dental Implants

    Dental implants are used to when patients are missing one or more teeth. These titanium posts are surgically placed into the jaw to serve as replacement roots that are as durable as the natural tooth. If you are interested in improving the look of your smile, you should find a dentist near Schaumburg.

    Reference: http://www.webmd.com

  • Why Straight Teeth Are Better for Your Oral Health

    orthodontics in Schaumburg If the look or cost of braces has prevented you from having straight teeth, consider the expense of advanced gum disease or tooth decay. Studies show that a straight smile is often the key to having a healthier smile. So to avoid the many problems that malocclusion can cause, talk to a dentist about orthodontics in Schaumburg. Many people can complete their orthodontic work in just months and enjoy a lifetime of more attractive and healthier teeth.

    Easier Oral Hygiene

    You can’t clean what you can’t reach. Crooked teeth are often more than just a cosmetic dentistry problem. When tooth enamel and gum tissues are obstructed because of a crowded smile, it can be difficult to properly brush and floss them. Braces can shift teeth into even alignment, enabling you to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums during each oral hygiene session.

    Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

    The consequences of crooked teeth go beyond effective oral hygiene practices. When you cannot brush or floss away food particles and plaque, they can cause significant harm to your teeth and gums. Plaque plays a substantial role in the development of both tooth decay and gum disease, and both conditions can have a considerable impact on the health and appearance of your teeth. Even minor cavities demand fillings, and once they process to the interior of the teeth, root canal treatment is often necessary. The buildup of plaque at the gumline can also force gum tissue to recede and compromise the stability of the teeth. Yet just a few months of orthodontic work can greatly reduce the inherent risks of crooked teeth and offer you lifelong oral health.

    Less Enamel Abrasion

    Proper teeth alignment not only minimizes the dangers of common oral health diseases, but also lessens the risk of tooth trauma. A poor bite can quickly damage tooth enamel. Each time the mouth bites or chews food, it creates intense pressure on the teeth. If those teeth are not in correct alignment, they can strike each other and cause premature wear and tear of tooth enamel. In some cases, bite issues can even lead to tooth chips and cracks. Braces can effectively eliminate a variety of bite problems and reduce the negative effects of enamel abrasion.

    Reference: http://www.webmd.com

  • Reasons for Tooth Discoloration

    As we age, our teeth naturally lose their beautiful white luster. However, there are many factors that can accelerate tooth discoloration. Tobacco and coffee are two of the most common causes of dull, yellow teeth. Some medications may also result in tooth discoloration. You will also notice premature discoloration if you neglect to brush and flush your teeth at least twice per day. Watch this short video to learn more about these and other common causes of tooth discoloration.

    No matter what has caused your teeth to become discolored, a cosmetic dentist in Schaumburg can once again give you a bright, beautiful smile to be proud of. In addition to feeling more confident in your smile, having beautiful teeth may also help you maintain better dental health. After all, when you love the look of your smile, you will feel more motivated to take care of it. Contact a cosmetic dental office in Schaumburg today to schedule a tooth cleaning and dental exam.