Experience the future of dental care. From same-day CEREC crowns to AI-powered diagnostics, AH Smiles brings cutting-edge technology to every smile.
At AH Smiles, technology isn’t just an add-on. It is the foundation of how we diagnose, treat, and protect our patients. We have moved beyond the “drill and fill” era into a truly digital ecosystem where precision, comfort, and efficiency work together to give you a better dental experience.
Whether you need a crown in one visit, laser gum therapy with no scalpel, or AI-powered cavity detection that catches issues years before they become painful, our Arlington Heights office is the region’s leader in gentle, precise, modern dentistry.
Call (847) 230-9703 to schedule your digital dental experience.
Digital Dentistry in Arlington Heights, IL: AI, Lasers & Same-Day Restorations
We integrate technology into every step of your care. Here’s how our digital workflow transforms your experience from start to finish.
1. AI-Powered Diagnosis with Overjet
Dr. Engelberg sees what the naked eye can’t see using FDA-cleared artificial intelligence that catches problems years earlier. We don’t just look at your X-rays. We let artificial intelligence analyze them. Overjet is FDA-cleared diagnostic software that quantifies bone loss and detects microscopic decay with remarkable accuracy.
What this means for you:
- Earlier detection: Cavities are caught at the demineralization stage, often before they need a filling
- Objective data: No guessing or “wait and see.” Hard numbers show exactly where decay or bone loss exists
- Visual education: Dr. Brent Engelberg shows you the AI-colored images on screen so you can see exactly what he sees
- Periodontal monitoring: Tracks gum disease progression with precision, enabling earlier intervention
The result is less invasive treatment, more predictable outcomes, and a patient who understands their own oral health.
2. CEREC Same-Day Restorations
Walk in damaged, leave restored without temporaries, second appointments, or weeks of waiting. CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a CAD/CAM technology that enables Dr. Engelberg to design, mill, and place permanent ceramic restorations in a single visit.
The traditional crown process (elsewhere):
- Visit 1: Numb, drill, take goopy impressions, place temporary crown
- Wait 2-3 weeks for the lab to make the crown
- Visit 2: Remove temporary, cement a permanent crown
The CEREC process at AH Smiles:
- Digital scan of your tooth (no goopy impressions!)
- 3D design on screen so you can see your new crown before it’s made
- In-office milling machine creates your permanent crown in about 90 minutes
- Same-day placement. Walk out with a complete smile.
What can be made same-day?
- Same-day Dental Crowns
- Natural-looking Porcelain Veneers
- Inlays and onlays (the middle ground between a filling and a crown)
The result is one appointment, no temporary, no second numbing, and no waiting weeks with a fragile temp.
3. Pain-Free Injections: The Wand & DentalVibe
We have solved the problem of needle anxiety by redefining the shot experience. For many patients, fear of the needle is the biggest barrier to dental care. At AH Smiles, we use two technologies that work together to eliminate the “pinch” and “burn” of traditional injections.
The Wand® / STA® (Computer-Controlled Anesthesia)
Unlike a traditional syringe that pushes anesthetic with brute force, The Wand uses computer-controlled flow. The anesthetic is delivered at a consistent, slow rate that matches what your tissues can comfortably absorb.
- No sudden pressure or burning sensation
- Precise placement because only the tooth being treated gets numb
- Reduced “fat lip” feeling so you can eat and drink normally after most appointments
DentalVibe (Vibration Technology)
This small, handheld device gently vibrates the tissues around the injection site. The vibration creates a competing sensation that distracts your brain from the needle.
- Most patients barely notice the injection at all
- No “pinch” sensation
- Particularly effective for children and anxious adults
The result is genuinely comfortable dental injections. Many of our patients don’t even realize the anesthetic has been administered.
4. Laser Dentistry: DIAGNOdent & Soft-Tissue Laser
We can detect decay early with a no-drill, no-scalpel approach to treat the gums gently and help them heal faster. Dr. Engelberg uses two types of laser technology to make your dental experience quieter, gentler, and more precise.
DIAGNOdent (Laser Cavity Detection)
This painless, non-invasive laser scans your teeth for hidden decay. Unlike traditional explorers that can miss small lesions, DIAGNOdent detects demineralization and early decay before they become visible on X-rays or to the naked eye.
- Finds cavities when they are still reversible with fluoride
- No poking or discomfort.
- Enables truly conservative treatment
Soft-Tissue Laser (Gum Treatments Without a Scalpel)
For gum reshaping, crown lengthening, and periodontal therapy, we use a precision soft-tissue laser.
- No scalpel: The laser cuts and cauterizes simultaneously
- No stitches: Less bleeding, faster healing
- Less pain: Many laser procedures require little to no anesthesia
- Reduced infection risk: The laser sterilizes as it works
The result is that gum procedures that were once daunting are now quick, comfortable, and predictable.
5. Digital Diagnostics: BioJVA™, Digital X-rays & Intraoral Cameras
See your mouth the way we see it.
BioJVA™ (TMJ & Bite Analysis)
For patients suffering from headaches, jaw pain, or unexplained tooth wear, BioJVA™ analyzes your temporomandibular joints for friction and stress during movement. This objective data helps Dr. Engelberg diagnose TMJ disorders and bite problems with precision.
Digital X-rays
Our digital radiography system exposes patients to significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays – up to 90% less in some cases. Images are available instantly on screen, can be enlarged for better viewing, and are easily shared with specialists if needed.
Intraoral Cameras
A small, pen-sized camera allows Dr. Engelberg to take high-resolution images inside your mouth. You watch on the monitor as we explore your teeth and gums. Seeing what we see helps you understand your oral health and feel confident in your treatment decisions.
Overjet AI Integration
All these diagnostic tools feed into our Overjet AI system, which analyzes the data and highlights areas of concern. This creates a complete, data-driven picture of your oral health that Dr. Engelberg reviews with you in real time.
The AH Smiles Difference: Technology with a Purpose
We don’t adopt technology for the sake of being “modern.” Every tool in our office serves a specific purpose:
| Technology | Purpose | Patient Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Overjet AI | Detect decay and bone loss years earlier | Less invasive treatment |
| CEREC | Same-day crowns, veneers, inlays | No temporaries. One appointment. |
| The Wand | Computer-controlled anesthesia | No “pinch.” No burning sensation. |
| DentalVibe | Vibration distraction during injections | Barely notice the needle |
| DIAGNOdent | Laser cavity detection | Catch decay before it needs a filling |
| Soft-tissue laser | Precise gum treatment | No scalpel. No stitches. Faster healing |
| BioJVA™ | Objective TMJ/bite analysis | Accurate diagnosis without guesswork |
| Digital X-rays | Low-radiation imaging | Up to 90% less radiation |
| Intraoral camera | Patient education | See what we see. Understand your care. |
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Are same-day CEREC crowns as strong as lab-made crowns?
Yes. The ceramic blocks used in CEREC (such as e.max and Empress) are actually more fracture-resistant than traditional layered porcelain. Because they are milled from a single solid block of ceramic, there are no weak points or metal linings. They are also completely metal-free and biocompatible.
How much less radiation do digital X-rays use?
Digital X-rays expose patients to up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. A full set of digital X-rays is roughly equivalent to the radiation exposure of a short airplane flight or a few days of natural background radiation.
Is Overjet AI really necessary if I don’t have pain?
Absolutely. Cavities don’t hurt until they reach the inner dentin layer, by which point they are large and require significant drilling. Overjet detects decay at the earliest stages, when the lesion can be treated with fluoride or resin infiltration. Prevention is always better (and less expensive) than restoration.
Can I really get a crown in one day?
Yes. From start to finish, your CEREC crown is designed, milled, and placed in about 90 minutes. You arrive with a damaged tooth. You leave with a permanent, custom-crafted porcelain crown.
Does insurance cover same-day crowns?
Yes. Dental insurance codes for crowns are the same whether they are made in-office or by an external lab. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment and provide a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket costs.
Does laser dentistry hurt?
Most laser procedures require little to no anesthesia. Patients typically report feeling only mild warmth or vibration. Recovery is faster than traditional surgery, with less swelling and bleeding. Many patients who have avoided gum procedures due to fear find laser treatment surprisingly comfortable.
Can the Wand be used for all procedures?
The Wand is suitable for most dental procedures that require local anesthesia, from simple fillings to root canals and crown preparations. Its computer-controlled delivery makes it especially effective for patients with dental anxiety or those who have historically struggled to get numb with traditional injections.
Experience the AH Smiles Difference
You don’t have to accept dental anxiety, long waits for crowns, or guesswork diagnoses as “normal.” At AH Smiles, we have reimagined every step of the dental experience using modern technology.
Call (847) 230-9703 or request an appointment online. We proudly serve patients from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Deerfield, Northbrook, and the greater Chicago area.