Archives for March, 2012

Top Smile Makeover Treatments Available to Patients from London

March 31st, 2012

One of the most popular treatments at the moment in cosmetic dentistry is a smile makeover. This can involve a wide variety of procedures designed to improve your smile and can mean different things to different people.

The most common assumption is that the treatment is always aimed at getting that perfect ‘Hollywood’ smile, but many patients simply want to make improvements on their current look. This could be a teeth-whitening procedure or the replacement of amalgam fillings with composite or porcelain.

For patients from London wanting a celebrity smile the treatment can involve porcelain veneers. This is similar to a false fingernail, which is placed on top of the teeth, usually for aesthetic purposes. They are held in place by a strong glue-like bonding agent and help make the teeth look healthy and natural. They can also improve the position and shape of your smile.

The dentist initially removes a very thin sliver of the enamel on the outside of the tooth and then makes a mould of the mouth. The patient is then given a temporary veneer to wear until the permanent one is made. This procedure is usually completed within two hours.

Chemical teeth whitening can be done at different levels and for different costs. One of the lowest cost options is a home whitening kit. This involves placing a gel into a tray, which you can wear in your sleep or for a few hours during the day. This is cheaper but takes up more time and is not as effective as procedures undertaken by your dental practitioner.

Whitening treatment can also be done using a chemical bleaching technique that can take several visits to complete. Another treatment becoming more popular in recent years is a one-hour ‘power whitening’ procedure. Gums and lips are covered and then a gel is applied to your teeth. A light is then shone on the teeth to activate the gel, penetrating the teeth and breaking up stains and discolouration.

One thing is for sure: whatever level you choose and whatever your reasons for having it done, studies show that recipients of such treatment are much more confident with their smile.

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Patients from London Receive Treatment for Tooth Decay

March 29th, 2012

The dissolving of the outer layer of the teeth by the acids in the mouth is called tooth decay. Luckily there are multiple techniques available for patients from London that can be used to deal with this condition.

Fluoride

Fluoride is the best option when it comes to preventing and stopping tooth decay. Fluoride can be naturally found in food such as tea and fish. It can also be manufactured and good toothpastes contain synthetic fluoride. If the decay is caught in the initial stage then the dentist will apply some concentrated fluoride varnish or paste to the affected area, which will stop the decay from spreading. However, if the decay has worn out the enamel then the dentist will remove the decay and use a filling to restore the tooth and prevent further decay.

Fillings and crowns

Fillings and crowns are used when the decay becomes extensive. The filling will be used as a replacement for the lost enamel. Various types of fillings are used, such as amalgam, composite, and glass ionomer. Inlays and onlays are also used for filling.

In certain cases, part of the decayed tooth is drilled out and crowns will be placed on the remaining part of the tooth. Crowns can be made from gold, ceramic, glass and porcelain.

Root canal treatment

If the decay has reached the pulp of the teeth then the dentist will need to replace it with an artificial pulp, which will keep the tooth in place. This process is known as root canal treatment. Most people are scared of having root canal treatment, because in the past the process used to be painful. However, with the help of modern dental techniques it has become relatively painless to received root canal treatment.

When the decay is in the final stages and the tooth is severely affected, then the dentist will need to remove the tooth, to protect the remaining teeth from infection. Once the tooth is removed an empty space will be left between the teeth, which can negatively affect the functioning and shape of the remaining teeth. In order to avoid this, the dentist will place a bridge, denture or implant in the empty area.

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Top Three Restorative Treatments for Patients from London

March 27th, 2012

Restorative dentistry involves the diagnosis and treatment of all issues relating to the smile. In an ideal world, restorative treatment would feature much less frequently in our daily workload. Regular brushing or flossing and making use of preventive treatments such as the early detection of gum disease or tooth decay can help prevent the need for any invasive dental treatments.

Nevertheless, restorative dentistry for patients from London plays a very significant role and in some cases cannot be avoided. For example, teeth may need to be restored following a road traffic accident or slipping on ice.

Probably the most common restorative treatment is fillings. When a tooth is damaged by decay, it is often necessary to remove the decaying material and replace it with enamel or porcelain. The latter is used for white tooth-coloured fillings to make it look more natural. It also involves less removal of the tooth, making it a more comfortable and speedier treatment.

A second common restorative procedure is endodontic or root canal treatment. This seems to be one of the most feared treatments in dental care but, while efforts should be taken to avoid such work, the principle behind it is quite simple and it is not normally very painful. When a tooth is badly damaged or decayed, there is an increased risk of infection to the blood or nerve supply of the tooth. This can be painful and potentially result in the loss of the affected tooth. Root canal treatment is then carried out by removing any sign of infection and thoroughly cleaning it before filling in the tooth again, to restore it to its natural shape.

A third common treatment is the replacement of missing teeth with dentures.  Obviously, these vary in size and design depending on the scale of the problem. This has cosmetic benefits such as improving the smile and preventing facial muscles from sagging. Importantly, it also allows the wearer to enjoy a healthy diet. Dentures are usually made from acrylic (for the teeth) and either acrylic or metal for the base, commonly known as the plate. When a denture is partial, it is attached to the natural teeth with clasps, known as precision attachments.

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Hidden Dangers of Fruit Juice to People from London

March 24th, 2012

Fruit juices come in all colours and flavours under the sun! Some contain actual fruit while others are made with a mixture of chemicals and sugars to mimic the natural taste. Either way, fruit juice contents may be harmful to the dental health of clients from London and the rest of the UK.

What fruit juices contain

Fruit juices have high concentrations of sugar, some natural and some not, like Aspartame. Acid levels in fruit juices are also high, particularly in citric-type juices like orange, lemonade and grape juice. For example, each 250ml Ribena contains 26.3g or 29 percent sugars. Robertson’s Fruit and Barley label promotes no added sugar, but ingredients reveal sweeteners, Aspartame and Saccharin, with acids – both Citric and Malic, which reveals how difficult it is to keep damaging ingredients out of our diets.

Consuming fruit juices in regular quantities, combined with other acid and sugar-containing products like chocolate, cakes and other kinds of yummy things, can push levels way over the healthy mark and be particularly damaging to teeth and overall health.

Tooth decay, tooth erosion and discolouration

Research shows that fruit juices high in sugars and acids can be more damage than other erosive chemicals. Children suffering tooth decay and erosion are on the rise due to unhealthy fruit juice consumption. The acid wears away the enamel of the teeth, causing decay and erosion that can lead to broken and infected teeth. Another knock-on effect includes tooth discolouration. People with poor dental health often have associated health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Managing fruit juice consumption and dental health

Ways to manage the damaging effects of dental health are to:

  • Get advice from a dietician or dentist.
  • Monitor the consumption of fruit juice.
  • Moderate the intake of acid and sugar high foods and drinks.
  • Adhere to dental and medical advice.
  • Have regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning.
  • Follow-through on your dental care plan.
  • Practise proper dental hygiene at home.
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Patients from London Receive Treatment for Issues Related to TMJ

March 22nd, 2012

TMJ is the shortened name for a disorder of the temporomandibular joints of the mouth. The temporomandibular joints are situated on either side of a person’s head and connect the jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular disorder develops when either or both of these joints stops functioning properly. TMJ disorder can be quite debilitating as these joints are necessary for eating, talking and smiling.

TMJ disorder affects over 35 million people around the world and while the exact cause of TMJ disorder is unknown, there is a list of contributing factors including infections, autoimmune diseases, jaw injuries and arthritis.  A number of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors can also increase the risk of developing TMJ disorder. Studies have shown that a genetic variant, which increases pain sensitivity, has been found to be more prevalent amongst TMJ patients and stress is also believed to be a cause of the condition.

Symptoms of TMJ include persistent ear pain, a stiff jaw, unexplained soreness in the jaw, a popping or clicking sound when the jaw is moved and consistent headaches. This is only a selection of common symptoms and if you have these and other symptoms and suspect you may have TMJ disorder, try eating only soft foods for a day or two and using an ice pack to alleviate pain. You should also avoid chewing gum and opening your mouth too wide. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter remedies. If symptoms persist or worsen and you are from London, contact Devonshire Square Dental Studio today.

As TMJ disorder is still being studied, scientists and healthcare professionals prefer to treat the disorder as gently as possible, with conservative treatments that do not cause permanent changes in the jaw or the position of the jaw. Most TMJ patients manage their pain by making changes in their diets (increasing their intake of soft foods) and through the use of paracetamol or aspirin.

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People from London Who Smoke Need to Think Again About Their Priorities

March 20th, 2012

Despite smokers having more issues with their teeth than people who don’t smoke, the latest research from a US government study indicates that they also visit their dentist less frequently. This goes for many patients from London and the UK as well. Smoking leads to poor dental health in a whole variety of ways. In addition to bad breath, oral cancer and gum disease, the habit can also lead to tooth discolouration and a build-up of plaque and tartar on teeth.

Smokers also lose more teeth than non-smokers. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US found that around 20 per cent of non-smokers over 65 are toothless whereas the figure jumps to 41 per cent in daily smokers over 65. There are also indications that smokers do not heal as well as non-smokers following periodontal treatment. Of course, it is not just cigarettes that have this effect and cigar and pipe smokers experience a similar level of tooth loss and degradation of the alveolar bones, which hold your teeth in place.

The 2008 survey from the U.S. government, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, looked at feedback from greater than 16,000 adults aged 18 to 64. The survey found that greater than 1/3 of smokers had 3 or more issues with dental health, such as aching teeth or gum infections. This level was twice that of people who didn’t smoke.

In spite of this, 20% of smokers surveyed claimed they hadn’t been to a dentist in a minimum of five years. A mere 10% of people who didn’t smoke and people who used to smoke had left it that long.  The main reason put forward for this is that smokers have less income.

A separate study from the same organisation found that 30 per cent of Americans with incomes below the poverty line are smokers, while that figure drops to 19 per cent in people with higher incomes. 1/2 of those surveyed who smoked said they couldn’t afford the costs of a dental visit, which was quite an increase compared to non-smokers not visiting the dentist.

However, while financial factors are important, you do not have a limitless supply of teeth. The most sensible course of action is to stop smoking and damaging your teeth in this manner and use the money saved to visit your dentist more frequently.

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Invisalign Helps Patients from London Remedy Their Crooked Teeth

March 17th, 2012

Many people around the world suffer from crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can spoil the beauty of your smile and also the way you feel about yourself and can be a serious self-confidence breaker. One of the most popular and effective ways to treat crooked teeth is Invisalign. Invisalign treatment involves the use of clear plastic aligners that are fixed around the teeth in order to gently push them back into position.

The Facts

Patients who do not want to use metal braces can opt for Invisalign, as the greatest advantage of Invisalign is that they are almost invisible. However, not everyone can use this technique to fix their teeth. If you are a patient from London and have issues with your bite or severely rotated teeth, Invisalign might not be the best option for you. The best way to find out is by consulting a dentist.

How It Works

First the orthodontist will create a 3D image of your teeth and then a lab technician will use the mold and the 3D map to make clear plastic retainers specifically designed according to your teeth’s size and shape. The retainers will be securely fitted onto your teeth and will slowly and steadily move the teeth into perfect alignment. As the teeth moves into place, you will need to get new aligners, with new aligners required every two weeks. They must be worn at all times, except while drinking or eating, in order to get fast and maximum results.

Effects

Many patients with crooked teeth have benefited from Invisalign treatment. If aligners are properly worn as per directions and if they stay on your teeth except for eating or drinking, then the results will start to show within weeks.

Time Frame

It’s impossible to predict the time required for this treatment to be completed, since every case is different. However, before the treatment begins the dentist will be able to give you an approximate completion time. On average an individual would need 20-30 aligners for both the upper and lower teeth, so it may take somewhere in between 12 to 18 months

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Wisdom Tooth Pain is Difficult for Patients from London to Ignore

March 15th, 2012

Everyone who has had their wisdom teeth come through knows the excruciating pain they can cause, often lasting days. During this episode an individual will suffer from excruciating pain in the jaws and cheeks, pain and swelling in the gums, sleeplessness due to pain and difficulty eating. The pain is also not just limited to the tooth that is erupting and can also be extended to the adjacent teeth, as they adjust to create space for the new teeth.

If you are from London and your wisdom tooth pain is affecting your life, there are a few steps you can take to relieve your severe dental pain.

  • Ice treatment is perhaps one of the common techniques used by many for wisdom tooth pain relief and can also be used to relieve toothache. You can put the ice pack on the affected side for up to 15 minutes at a stretch and if the pain is very severe you can repeat it all the way through the day.
  • Rinsing your mouth with salt water can also provide some relief from pain, with the ideal mix being two teaspoons of salt to a glass of warm water, which you then rinse your mouth out with. However, make sure the water is not really hot or it will further aggravate the gums.
  • Cloves and their oil are regularly used for dental care and can be used when you are suffering from wisdom tooth pain. You can either massage the aggravated area with clove oil or you can chew on some cloves to gradually reduce the pain.
  • In case the wisdom tooth becomes infected or is erupting at a discomfited slant then you will need to have the tooth extracted. For this you will need to consult a dentist or a dental surgeon who can surgically remove the impacted or infected tooth.
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Inman Aligner Teeth Straightening Treatment for Patients from London

March 13th, 2012

The Inman Aligner is a hassle free and simple way of straightening your front teeth. Previously, people from London with crooked teeth only had few options and all the available choices involved very long treatment times. More than anything else the treatment time was enough to discourage people from getting their crooked teeth fixed, as well as the highly visible brackets and wires.

The Inman Aligner uses a Nickel titanium spring to apply forces to both the front and the back of the teeth. Since both the spring and the bar continuously work together, the time required for the treatment to be completed is comparatively short.

On an average an individual would need to wear these aligners for just 16 weeks, which is incredibly short when compared with the 12 to 18 months required by conventional metal braces. With the Inman Aligner there is also no real need to continually visit your dentist and you only need to go every now and then to get it adjusted. Also, because the braces are removable, they can fit in with your daily cleaning routine and can be taken out for social events. However, for the best results patients are advised to wear braces for at least 20 hours a day. Another important advantage of the Inman Aligner is that you don’t need to change it every two weeks as with other removable braces and just one Inman Aligner is sufficient to correct your teeth.

Inman aligners are certainly a very practical and simple option for those who are looking to straighten their teeth, with fast and effective results and most adults will not feel that the aligners are disrupting their lifestyle. At the end of treatment, when you will have your perfect teeth in place, your smile will look attractive and your confidence will be boosted.

There are a few qualifiers that you will need to pass, in order to benefit from this treatment. First you will need to have strong jawbone, healthy gums and teeth in a good condition and the best means to discover if you are eligible or not for the Inman Aligner is by visiting a dentist.

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Patients from London Seek Treatment for Abscesses

March 10th, 2012

The collection of pus within the gums or the teeth due to bacterial infection is called a dental abscess. The bacterium is generally found in the plaque and damages the gums, teeth and the soft tissue within the tooth. Dental abscess can only be cured by dental treatment and a dentist is best equipped to deal with dental abscess. In some advanced cases the dentist may also need to perform a surgery.

Dental procedures

If the abscess is periapical then patients from London will require root canal treatment to get rid of the abscess. In this procedure the dentist drills into the lifeless tooth in order to let loose the pus and to remove infected tissues. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned a root filling is inserted to avoid any future infection.

If the abscess is periodontal, then after the dentist releases the pus and has cleaned the periodontal pocket, he or she will smooth the surface of tooth’s root by scaling and filling beneath the gum line to facilitate complete healing. This will help prevent any future infection.

Surgery

In certain cases, where the periapical abscess recurs an oral surgeon will be required to remove the infected tissues. In case of periodontal abscess the oral surgeon will reshape the gum tissue in order to remove the periodontal pocket permanently.

In very rare cases the abscess can show up even after both dental and surgical procedures. In cases like this or where the tooth is severely broken, the tooth will be completely extracted.

Painkillers

There is no doubt that dental abscesses are very painful. Over the counter pain killers from a local pharmacy can be used to get some relief, however, they should only be used for temporary relief, while you are waiting for a proper dental treatment. Also do not overuse the painkillers and always follow the prescription mentioned on the cover. Painkillers will just reduce the pain and cannot get rid of the abscess or the infected tissues and should never be used as an alternative to proper dental treatment.

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