Archives for March, 2011

Braces have come a long way…

March 30th, 2011

Braces have been used to treat a range of different orthodontic problems for many years now and conventional metal braces are still used to address problems including overcrowding, gap between the teeth and poorly positioned teeth.

Many people think of traditional metal train-tracks when they hear the word brace, but braces have evolved considerably and there is now a whole host of different types of braces and orthodontic devices on the market.

Braces are usually associated with teenagers but recently there has been a significant increase in the number of adults visiting their dentist for orthodontic treatments; this is mainly due to the introduction of new, discreet treatments but is also associated with the rise of celebrity culture and the increased focus on image and beauty.

Although the conventional metal brace did enjoy something of a resurgence thanks to the Channel 4 series, Ugly Betty, more discreet treatments have become much more popular. Now, the most popular treatments include Invisalign invisible braces, Damon braces, Six Month Smile braces and the Inman aligner.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

As well as being much more discreet than conventional metal braces, new orthodontic treatments also decrease treatment time and some treatments can produce amazing results in just a matter of weeks. Some treatments aren’t suitable for some people; the treatment you choose may depend on your budget but you will also be advised based on your orthodontic problems and your oral health status.

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Advanced Botox treatment with London City dentists

March 28th, 2011

Treat yourself to a youthful appearance courtesy of London City dentists.

With more and more surgical procedures benefitting patients both medically and cosmetically, it’s no wonder several people are looking to dentists for oral and aesthetic purposes.  And since dentists are able to administer Botox injections, it means patients can trust their oral hygienists to get the best of both worlds.

Initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use back in April 2002, Botox is widely used as part of a facial rejuvenation procedure – commonly known as a non-surgical face-lift.  Reducing the appearance of wrinkles including crow’s feet and frown lines, the botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles and prevents them from creasing, as well as smoothing out lines.

Using only small doses, the toxin is injected into the facial muscles – with the painless procedure taking roughly around 10 minutes.  For an effective treatment, Botox injections must be repeated every few months due to the body breaking down the toxin.

Results are usually noticeable within two to three days, with the lines continuing to improve for up to a month with skin looking smoother.  Yet Botox treatment can last for up to four months provided regular treatments are applied in order to maintain a wrinkle-free appearance.

Although Botox is commonly administered by surgeons, it doesn’t matter who issues the treatment so long as whoever carries it out is insured and has appropriate training.  Yet many believe dentists to be better qualified with applying Botox, since they have more experience with giving injections when administering local anaesthetic – helping their injection technique to be more refined.

Most people would make appropriate Botox candidates, but it should not be used if the area of injection is infected, and if the patient is allergic to any of the components that make up the toxin.  Anyone with neuromuscular disorders should also avoid this type of treatment as they may be likely to experience serious side effects.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

Botox will not dramatically change your appearance other than lessen the wrinkles, giving your skin a smoother surface.  With every procedure, the key is to never overdo it – and at London City dentists, we can work with you to ensure you achieve the perfect look, healthily and consistently.

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The effects of smoking on your health and well-being

March 25th, 2011

The negative effects (to put it lightly!) of smoking are common knowledge nowadays and recently passed laws, such as the smoking ban in public buildings, has attempted to reduce the risk of secondary smoke to non smokers. But what are the most common effects of smoking, and how many of them are permanent?

Cancer

Cancer is one of the first things most people think of on the subject of diseases caused by smoking. The list of cancers that smokers put themselves at risk of may be scarily longer than one would first thin, including lung, throat, stomach, bladder, kidney, mouth, cervix and pancreas cancer. Smokers are also much more likely to get cancer compared to non smokers too, up to seven times more likely according to some studies.

Secondary are also largely at risk from contracting some form of cancer from inhaling other people’s smoke and it is reported that 4,000 people were diagnosed with lung cancer caused by secondary smoking in the US alone.

Heart diseases

Multiple heart diseases are risked by smokers, and the chances of falling prey to a heart attack or a stroke are greatly increased by smoking. Heightened blood pressure and the hardening and thickening of artery walls – which decreases blood flow and can even cause blood clots, which are primary causes of heart attacks – are also problems linked to smoking.

The thickening of artery walls can wear off with time once you have given up smoking, and the likelihood of having a heart attack can be reduced with it. For the effects to fully wear off, it can however take a prolonged period of time, in some cases a number of years.

Lung diseases

The primary problem for the lungs to do with smoking is issues with breathing, shortness of breath and long coughing attacks which can be caused by the carbon monoxide in cigarettes. Luckily, the lungs are much more proficient at cleaning themselves than the heart and you may begin to feel a difference in breathing patterns and stamina within just a few days of your last cigarette.

Available help

With public awareness on the health issues of smoking so high, there are many places to turn for help with quitting including the NHS who do free Quit Smoking packs.

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Bond your way to success

March 23rd, 2011

At some point most of us have at least thought about getting some form of cosmetic dentistry done, be it something as simple as whitening teeth or a more drastic option. But when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, just what is your best bet?

Obviously it depends on what work you actually want doing. Getting Invisalign braces fitted for example, would not be useful if you wanted your teeth whitened and while it can’t be used for everything, cosmetic bonding has been hailed by many as the “ultimate smile makeover”.

What is it?

Cosmetic bonding has gained its reputation largely because of its ability to improve the aesthetics of a tooth or teeth that have multiple issues, whereas most cosmetic dentistry treatments focus on one problem. Cosmetic bonding is able to help broken, chipped, misshapen and stained teeth. This is done by fixing a material on the front of the tooth or teeth, the material is then coloured to match your other teeth and gives the appearance of natural teeth without the problems they originally had.

The treatment and process

Cosmetic bonding is essentially a very simple process. Before the material is placed on the tooth, each one is filed and shaped slightly so the bonding can be implemented properly. This filing will only be of the outer enamel and usually won’t require any aesthetic. The material – which is usually made of acrylic resins in a gel-like form – is added after the colour has been adjusted to match the surrounding teeth. Light is then shone intensely on the area to dry and harden the gel before being polished. Once this is done teeth will have the same appearance as they did before whatever happened to cause them to become misshapen or broken.

The treatment itself takes just one visit and understandably varies depending on how many teeth are to undertake the treatment and how bad a condition these teeth are in.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help

Cosmetic bonding is a diverse treatment that can be used in many cases. But, if an alternative is required andthe teeth in question are not too badly damaged, then something as simple as braces may be an alternative, but obviously take a longer time to take effect.

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Rinsing after brushing your teeth

March 21st, 2011

Most people rinse their mouth out with water or mouthwash, or both, after they’ve finished brushing their teeth and spat out the toothpaste. But should you? There are now a large number of people, including a lot of dentists, who believe rinsing the mouth after brushing shouldn’t be done and needs to be expelled as a natural routine of dental hygiene.

To rinse or not to rinse

It’s something that is simply accepted by many people, that you rinse after brushing. But when you sit down and think about it, it makes sense not to. Spitting out the toothpaste once you’re done brushing and leaving the residue on the teeth not only keeps your mouth fresh but means the fluoride in your toothpaste continues to work after you’ve finished brushing and this is exactly what many dentists are now saying.

Many companies that make and sell toothpaste are also preaching the same message. Colgate has stated that leaving fluoride on the teeth can allow the toothpaste to continue to work up until your next meal.

Are there other views?

If you were to follow up reading this article with a look in to other people’s views on the internet you would discover an on going debate between those who believe in rinsing and those who don’t. Despite many dentists advising to not rinse, a large number of people still stick by the idea of rinsing. This can be true for some toothpaste with very high fluoride concentrations such as whiteners and smokers’ toothpaste, or toothpastes with other added chemicals which could damage teeth if there is prolonged contact.

It should be stressed however that these toothpastes are not common, orthodox toothpastes and are usually prescribed or specialised types.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help

If you are unsure of your toothpaste make and for peace of mind, consult your dentist. Your dentist should also be consulted no matter the type of toothpaste when it comes to dental hygiene for children who still largely have milk teeth.

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Let London City Dentists put the sparkle in your smile with teeth whitening

March 18th, 2011

Here’s a bright idea – learn more about teeth whitening at London City dentists.

Beige, cream, ivory…whilst all aesthetically pleasing shades, nothing beats the
colour of pearly white – especially when it comes to your teeth. But with so
many different treatment options available, it’s hard to know which method of
whitening is worth your money and your time.

Let’s face it, whilst you might have a perfect straight set of teeth there’s no nicer
appearance than that of an added sparkle. And with several celebrities opting
for instant whitening, it’s no wonder many of us are seeking out whiter smiles.

From do-it-yourself home kits to professional whitening treatment, the outcome
will vary dependant on their prices – so the more you pay, the more noticeable
the results. Before you make any impulse purchases, compare different products
and cosmetic dentists. Search out the most positive and recent reviews, get
as much information as possible and then you can deduce which treatment is
suitable for you. Factors such as comfort, time, professionalism, reputation
and whitening results are a must; as well as any other issues you feel would be
relevant when whitening.

The best thing about having professional treatment is that it can be custom made
to suit your preferences. Whether you want an ultra bright smile or maybe
a hint of whitening; it’s always good to speak to a professional regarding any
questions you may have in order to get the best possible treatment.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

Once whitening has commenced, it’s easy to think that your teeth will continue
to be that shade of white for a long time. At London City dentists not only will
you receive the whitening treatment, but advice on aftercare to ensure your
teeth stay whiter for longer.

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London calling restorative dental treatment

March 16th, 2011

A whole branch of dentistry is dedicated to fixing serious problems with your teeth, so that you can smile with confidence.

The phrase “restorative dentistry” covers a whole range of treatments for various conditions, including missing or damaged teeth and even the treatment of damaged bone tissue. Often these repairs are carried out for cosmetic reasons, so that the patient no longer feels embarrassed or ashamed of the gaps in their smile, but often these dental problems can have more serious implications for a person’s oral or even general health.

There are three types of restorative dentistry; prosthodontics, endontics and periodontics. Each offers the patient help for whatever oral health problems they are suffering. Prosthodontics are probably the most common type, as this group includes fillings to repair the damage done by tooth decay and to prevent the tooth from having to be removed. Other types of this treatment include veneers, crowns and bridges, which are considered more of a cosmetic treatment.

Endontics refers to problems inside the tooth; serious problems with the tissue that make up the inner parts of the teeth, rather than the surface enamel. Probably the most well known treatment that is part of the endontics group is root canal treatment, in which damaged or diseased tissue from inside the tooth is removed and then filled again with a suitable synthetic material. Untreated root canal problems can be very painful, so patients are usually very keen to get their condition treated!

Periodontic specialists treat problems with your gums, including the common condition gingivitis or gum disease. This is an uncomfortable condition that can also have serious complications for the health of your teeth, so it’s important that you ask for help if you are suffering any of the symptoms of gingivitis, like bleeding gums. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, which shows you just how important it is not to put off treatment, as by the time you seek help it could be too late to save your teeth.

While some of the problems treated by restorative dentistry are obvious, even to non-professionals, such as missing teeth, the need for fillings, root canal treatment or help with gum disease can be more difficult for the layperson to diagnose. This is why it so important for patients to attend their check-ups regularly and to seek help if they are even the slightest bit worried about any symptoms. Restorative dentistry is much more effective if the condition can be treated as early as possible; plus there is always the risk that you might lose teeth or have to have them extracted if you don’t get treated quickly enough!

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

If you are worried that you might be suffering from a serious dental problem that needs restorative dentistry, then consult a London City Dentist who will be able to advise you on the best course of action. And make sure you don’t miss your next check-up.

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Fix your teeth in months at London City dentists

March 14th, 2011

Inman Aligners are one of the many new and innovative types of braces available from dental clinics – and these get to work quickly on minor problems.

Braces are big business these days and many companies are developing their own brands which all seem to offer something that the others don’t. Inman Aligners are targeting a specific corner of the market; those people who have minor problems with their front teeth that don’t really need long- term braces to create the perfect smile. After all, if you only have one crooked tooth, or a small gap, you don’t want to be wearing braces for over a year, constantly visiting the orthodontist for check- ups. The Inman Aligner would definitely be the braces for you.

The actual braces are more like old fashioned retainers, so while they’re not completely invisible like some modern braces, they aren’t as visible as the old fixed braces either. The aligner can only be used to correct teeth at the front as these are easier to move into a new position, using the simple plastic and wire braces. Of course, they’re also cheaper than the expensive clear aligners that are so popular these days! The other big advantage, after price, is the short length of time that treatment takes. Because the Inman brand is only really suitable for people with minor problems with their teeth, this also means that the treatment time is really short – only six weeks in some cases before you can be smiling with confidence.

This all depends on you, the patient, following the orthodontist’s instruction though. The aligners can be removed for eating, oral hygiene and even social occasions, but if you take them out too often or leave them out for longer periods of time, then your treatment could take longer than you expected. Most experts recommend you wear the aligner for 20 hours a day, so if you can’t commit to this then aligners probably aren’t the treatment for you.

If you have crooked front teeth then Inman Aligners might be suitable for you, providing a quicker and cheaper alternative to many modern orthodontic solutions. However, because they aren’t as strong as fixed braces or the plastic aligners that are worn over a longer period of time, they aren’t suitable for everyone.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

Find out if your condition can be treated with Inman Aligners by making an appointment with a London City Dentist for a consultation and a chance to ask more questions about the treatment.

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Dermal fillers at your London City dentist

March 11th, 2011

Dental surgeries now offer non-invasive cosmetic surgery procedures to compliment the work that has been done on your teeth.

If you’ve already spent hundreds or even thousands of pounds on cosmetic dental treatment, then dermal fillers are the next step to help you create the perfect look. After all, what’s the point in having straight, white teeth when all anyone is going to notice are the wrinkles around your mouth? Wrinkles are a normal part of ageing and only very lucky men and women will manage to get to

their fifties without a few creases in their skin. While in the past the only way to deal with these signs of ageing was to have expensive and complicated cosmetic surgery there are now several different types of non-invasive procedures available which can smooth out your skin in one short session, for a small price. Many dental surgeries are starting to offer these procedures as a way of completing the work they have carried out on your teeth.

Dermal fillers are one of the most popular and straightforward of these treatments, with a session only lasting around half an hour with no recovery time. The therapist, who has to be a trained nurse or medical professional, injects the filler into the creases and wrinkles in your skin, pumping up the tissue and creating a smoother look. The injections are relatively painless, though if you are nervous you can always ask for some anaesthetic cream to be applied beforehand. The treatment is so simple you can have it on your lunch hour and be back at your desk with younger looking skin, and the effects can last for up to nine months.

There are different kinds of dermal fillers on the market, both natural and synthetic, but the most common types use collagen, derived from cow skin, to fill the creases and wrinkles in your skin and restore your skin’s natural glow. Collagen is a substance which occurs naturally in our own skin, making it less likely that patients will suffer any allergic reaction. Often clinics will decide to carry out an allergy test on new customers, to make sure that they can tolerate the injections before they have several on all the affected areas of their face.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

If you would like more details about dermal fillers or have any questions about whether the treatment is suitable for you, then you can contact London City Dentists for information and to discuss your options.

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Celebrities inspire treatment at London dentists

March 9th, 2011

Many people are encouraged to have dental work after seeing the success of the latest treatments on celebrity smiles.

Celebrity magazines are always full of stories about celebrities and their latest plastic surgery procedures. Many younger stars don’t need the usual types of cosmetic treatments, such as face lifts or Botox, but cosmetic dental treatment is very popular among celebrities of all ages. Many are happy to admit in the press that they have had treatment, while others try and keep it secret, despite the evidence to the contrary!

Seeing how successful a procedure like braces, veneers or whitening has been on a celebrity can inspire ordinary patients to turn up at dental clinics requesting similar treatments, so that they can get the same smile and the same look as their favourite celebrity. Some of the brightest and most dazzling famous smiles have been given a helping hand by dental practitioners, including Miley Cyrus, Gwen Stefani and actress Katherine Heigel.

Cyrus’ perfect smile was created with the help of a set of porcelain veneers, which can cover up minor imperfections in just one appointment, while Stefani and Heigl have both had orthodontic work to correct their crooked smiles. Heigl was treated using one of the new, modern types of invisible braces, while there are many pictures of Stefani with her traditional fixed braces, which helped to create the perfect smile we can all see today.

Often patients will come into clinics asking for a particular celebrity’s look, even if they don’t know what treatment they have had done! The “Kate Middleton” look is set to be one of the most popular over the next few months, as girls all over the world want to copy the perfect smile of the future princess. Reports suggest that Kate has had lots of different treatments, all over her body, in preparation for looking her best on the wedding day.

Although all the reports are only tabloid gossip, Kate is rumoured to have had orthodontic work on her teeth, using the latest 3D technology to reduce the amount of time that the patient has to wear their braces. Comparing her engagement pictures with previous newspaper shots, it appears she has also had professional teeth whitening carried out. No doubt the Kate Middleton smile will be recreated in many mouths around the world!

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

If you have a look that you would like some help recreating, then speak to a London City Dentist about the kind of treatments that could help you get the perfect celebrity smile.

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