Archives for May, 2012

Invisible Fixed Braces with Social 6 STB Braces at a London Dentist

May 31st, 2012

Despite the necessity of braces to correct problems such as gaps in teeth or crooked teeth, many people may feel self-conscious about wearing metal braces. This is where the STB Social 6 braces can help. The wires and brackets used allow for the best and most effective treatment, but unlike traditional braces, the wires are placed on the lingual side (the back) of the teeth, meaning that the brace cannot be seen.

The thinnest, flattest wires are used, meaning the brace will also feel much less uncomfortable than traditional braces, although as with any brace, there will be some very mild discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new device.

The STB Social 6 braces also allow for much shorter treatment time – treatment can be complete in as little as six weeks, although a period of sixteen weeks is more usual. This is still relatively fast for braces treatment. Oral hygiene is also much easier than is the case with traditional metal braces.

What is the procedure for treatment with STB Social 6 braces?

After a consultation to discuss your aims and your suitability for STB Social 6 braces, a mould is taken of your teeth. This is sent off to the laboratory to design and create individual braces suited to your mouth. The brackets of the braces will then be fitted, using one or two wires, which unravel to allow for a good fit in the mouth.

The brackets are ‘self-litigating’, and thus can move as your teeth change position, so you will not require as many trips to the dentist as you perhaps would with other brace systems. However, in order to ensure that treatment is going well, and that essential oral hygiene is being maintained perfectly, a few dental trips are recommended.

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Why do I need Root Canal Treatment and What does it Entail for Patients in London?

May 29th, 2012

What we see of our teeth is not the full story. Teeth are held in place by our roots, with the front teeth having one root and teeth nearer the back of the mouth usually having more. In the middle of our teeth is dental pulp, which contains nerves and the tooth’s blood supply, which goes from the middle of the tooth, through the root into the root canal(s). If the pulp in a tooth becomes infected, either through decay or injury, this infection can spread through the root canal, causing an abscess leading to serious pain and even tooth loss. Therefore, root canal surgery may be necessary for patients in London.

What happens in root canal surgery?

Firstly, an x-ray is taken to examine the signs of infection, and the structure of the tooth’s canals. A thin sheet of rubber, called a dental dam, may be stretched around the tooth to help keep the canals dry and infection-free during the procedure, which also helps make the treatment more comfortable. After you have been given a local anaesthetic, the dentist will make an opening at the top of the tooth in order to get down to the pulp. The dentist will then use narrow files to take out the infected dental pulp, and after this, a special fluid will be used to clean out the space and the canal, to make sure that it is free from debris and bacteria.

Usually, the treatment will be performed over the course of one visit, but occasionally the dentist may offer a temporary filling to allow the tooth to ‘settle’ before the root filling is put in place. Once the root canals are filled, the permanent filling will be placed, which is used to strengthen the tooth to ensure there is less risk of the tooth fracturing. Sometimes, a crown will be used to provide extra support.

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What Problem Areas can Botox Treat, to Refresh My Appearance in Central London?

May 26th, 2012

One of the most popular cosmetic treatments in Central London is Botox. Botox involves the injection of greatly diluted solutions of botulinum toxin type A, using a very fine needle, into the precise areas where treatment is required. Because the needle is so fine, and the solution so diluted, pain is at an absolute minimum. The treatment usually takes less than five minutes per area.

What does Botox do, and where can it be used?

The toxin used in Botox injections blocks the impulse from the nerve to the muscles, which relaxes the muscles so that they do not contract. Due to this lack of contraction, facial lines will be less visible or disappear, as they no longer experience the ‘pull’ of the muscles from underneath. The skin over the muscles where the injection has been given then remains smooth, while the untreated areas continue to contract just as normal. The effects of a Botox treatment can last around three to four months, although the length of the treatment effect increases over time. In other words, if you undergo further treatments, the effects should last longer.

Botox is used to treat many parts of the face where the signs of aging are most visible. The treatment can ‘soften’ the lines in the upper part of the face, and thus can be used to treat lines or furrows on the forehead, as well as ‘crow’s feet’ around the eyes and ‘frown lines’ between the eyebrows. In addition, Botox can be used to treat wrinkles on the nose or scars, as well as reducing smoker’s lines around the lips. Slightly different uses can include creating arched eyebrows, or even slightly changing the shape of the eye, by opening the eye, and Botox can also be used to treat excessive perspiration.

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What can Restylane do to Rejuvenate my Skin in the City of London?

May 24th, 2012

Signs of aging become visible on our faces as we grow older, including wrinkles and ‘nasolabial folds’ on the skin. Many injectable fillers exist today in order to bring volume back to the skin, to reduce the look of wrinkles for patients in the City of London. However, it is easy to hear about the drawbacks of these fillers, ranging from the ease of causing allergic reactions to the short-lived nature of their effects. Restylane is a safe treatment with a unique chemical formula, which does not suffer from these drawbacks.

What does Restylane do?

The general principle is that Restylane gives more volume to the skin. This means that wrinkles can be raised, so that they are at the same level as the surrounding skin and their appearance is altered. Equally, the contours of lips can be changed using this method. The procedure involves the surgeon injecting small amounts of Restylane directly into the skin. The most common areas that are treated with Restylane are between the eyebrows, the area between the ‘wings’ of the nose and the contours of the mouth, and the lips. While the length of the effect is dependent on many factors, including the individual’s skin and lifestyle, the results of Restylane usually last between six and twelve months.

What does the procedure involve?

No pre-test is necessary with Restylane, and so the procedure can be carried out straightaway. This is due to the composition of Restylane, which does not use any animal material, meaning there will be no allergic reaction or risk of disease. The surgeon will inject Restylane just under the skin, using a very fine needle, until the desired effect is achieved. Since the results are seen instantly, it is difficult to cause over-treatment, so there is no need to worry about the so-called ‘trout pout’. Most people find that the injection is relatively painless, too.

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Dental Crowns to Strengthen Damaged Teeth in the City of London

May 22nd, 2012

Damaged teeth can happen for several reasons, and when they do occur, care needs to be taken to treat the tooth properly. If left untreated, a damaged tooth can become weakened, leading to further damage, such as the tooth falling out or tooth decay. For this reason, a dentist may use a dental crown to strengthen damaged teeth for patients in the City of London.

What is a dental crown?

Also known as a ‘cap’, a dental crown sits on top of the surface of a broken tooth to repair it, ensuring there is no loss of function and that the tooth still looks natural. Crowns can be made from different materials, with the most common being porcelain bonded with a precious metal (such as gold). Occasionally, full porcelain crowns are used, although these are not suitable for use in every situation. Porcelain is used, as it is strong, and it is very easy to make porcelain fit in with the colour of your other teeth. Great care will be taken over this aspect, so that the crown is not noticeable. Once fitted, crowns only require the same care as is involved in a normal oral hygiene routine, and should last ten to fifteen years if treated well.

When might I need a crown?

Crowns are not always the most suitable option for repairing teeth, as it depends on exactly what type of damage has been suffered. However, crowns do have use in many situations. Crowns can be used to repair teeth when the tooth has been so damaged that it is not possible to use a filling in the tooth. Crowns may also be used when the tooth has been severely fractured, or when there is a large cavity in the tooth. After root canal treatment, a crown can be used to re-strengthen the tooth.

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Invisible Tooth Straightening with Invisalign Aligners for Patients with Tooth Misalignment in London

May 19th, 2012

When teeth are crooked, crowded or have gaps between them, it is easy to feel self-conscious about it. However, many of us may also feel self-conscious about the possibility of wearing a clearly visible metal brace over our teeth. This is where Invisalign aligners come in. Made of clear plastic, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible throughout the whole treatment and can correct a whole range of orthodontic problems, such as tooth crowding, crooked teeth and gaps in teeth.

How do they work?

The Invisalign aligner is a custom-built plastic mould, which fits over your teeth. After a consultation, photos and a mould are taken of your teeth the Invisalign lab will use these to construct a 3D image of the movement your teeth will achieve over the course of treatment. A series of aligners is then made, and you will switch between different aligners as your teeth gradually move position. The aligners are removable, allowing for ease of cleaning teeth and eating, but you should wear them as much as possible (around 22 hours per day) to allow for faster results. You will visit your London dentist every couple of weeks to check up on the treatment, and receive your new aligners.

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

The most obvious advantage, and function, of the aligners is that they will move your teeth gradually so that you have a smile that you are proud to show off. This is achieved without any obvious wires or metal brackets. The aligners are made from practically transparent material and cannot be seen except very close up. In addition, oral hygiene is much easier than with traditional braces, due to the aligners being removable. You may also find that they cause less discomfort than metal braces, which can occasionally cause gum irritation.

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Who is Most Suitable for the Inman Aligner in Central London?

May 17th, 2012

The Inman Aligner is an orthodontic treatment used to straighten the front teeth and is available to all patients in Central London. The treatment is relatively straightforward: after a consultation, a mould is taken of your teeth, and from this the desired movement of the teeth is simulated, in order to build an aligner designed specifically for your needs. The aligner itself is a removable, clear plastic mould, which fits over the front teeth. It works by using a spring on the lingual (tongue) side of the teeth to exert very gentle pressure, which works in addition to a bar in front of the teeth to ‘push’ the teeth into the desired position.

Is the Inman Aligner right for me?

The many advantages of the aligner mean it is a good orthodontic option for many people. First of all, the device is relatively transparent, and although it does use a small visible bar across some teeth, it is not as noticeable as traditional metal braces. In addition, treatment time involving the Inman aligner is usually between six and sixteen weeks (depending on your orthodontic condition). This means that the aligner does not cause as much disruption to your lifestyle as other traditional braces can, making the aligner a good choice for those who are conscious of this. Furthermore, since the device is removable, oral hygiene and eating are much easier than with other braces.

What are the Inman Aligners other advantages?

The Inman aligner also tends to be less expensive than other forms of ‘invisible braces’ treatments, and so is a great choice of treatment for people for whom cost-effectiveness is important. However, the device is not ideal for everyone, as it is restricted in exactly how much tooth movement it can achieve. The Inman aligner works well for adults who have experienced teeth ‘relapse’, but it may not be suitable in cases such as very crowded front teeth.

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Don’t Like Flossing? Why Not Try Using an Interdental Brush in the City of London?

May 15th, 2012

The importance of cleaning between teeth

We all know the importance of brushing our teeth, but many of us may neglect to clean in between our teeth, in addition to brushing the surfaces with a normal toothbrush. Over the course of the day, as we eat, tiny bits of food can become stuck in the small gaps between our teeth. It is essential that we try to remove this debris, as leaving it can cause several oral hygiene issues. Leaving food in our mouths causes a build-up of bacteria as the food specks begin to rot, which in turn can lead to a build-up of plaque. Bad breath is another problem that comes from not cleaning the teeth, and eventually, tooth decay can occur.

Using an interdental brush

Since normal toothbrushes cannot reach the gaps between teeth, it is necessary to clean here using floss – although a possibly more convenient option is an interdental toothbrush. An interdental brush is a very small, fine toothbrush, held between the thumb and first finger, which can be used to clean the gaps between the teeth. With its small head and bristles, an interdental brush can easily reach parts of the mouth that bigger toothbrushes cannot. Interdental brushes come in different sizes, and are most effective for different areas of the mouth, using a finer brush at the front, and larger brush at the back. Use a gentle twisting motion to get the brush in between the teeth, and gently pull the brush out again to remove any plaque or debris that may be there. Repeat this until the space is cleaned. Twisting the brush into a banana-shaped curved may be more effective for cleaning back teeth. Rinse the brush after use, to make sure it is clean for the next time it’s used.

Patients in the City of London can keep their smiles clean and healthy using interdental brushes.

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People with Gaps in Their Smile in Central London can Find the Solution with Dental Implants

May 12th, 2012

Tooth loss can happen for a number of reasons to people in Central London, including injury, tooth decay, or as a part of aging. If a tooth is lost, it is important to have the gap filled in some way, or the effects could end up causing you further pain.

Effects of untreated tooth loss

Oral hygiene is much more difficult if a gap is left in your teeth and bacteria can build up in the space, leading to bad breath and infection. In addition, losing teeth can affect your speech function, as well as the ability to eat the foods you want, as you simply would not have the teeth to bite or chew. An even more serious consequence is bone loss. As your teeth sit in your mouth, the tissue surrounding them is regenerated as part of your body’s normal healing process. However, if you lose a tooth and leave a gap, the material – including the bone – around the gap will start to atrophy. In other words, the bone will start to disappear. This can change the shape of your jaw, and contribute to you looking more aged.

Dental implants

Thankfully, dental implants can help stop these problems. Dental implants are small metal rods, inserted into the jaw structure, which help to hold replacement teeth in place. The implants are made of titanium, which easily fuse with the bone structure in your jaw. Rather than a loss of bone, as would happen with a gap in teeth, an implant helps stimulate bone growth. In addition, implants can function just like your own teeth, allowing you to speak and eat as normal. They only require the same oral hygiene routine as your other teeth, and will allow you to have a natural looking and feeling smile.

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Wedding Day Smiles-Whitening Your Teeth in Time for the Big Day in the City of London

May 10th, 2012

There are many things to prepare for before a wedding. In the run-up to the big event, with all the stress and anxiety that comes with it, there is no need to feel even more worried due to your smile. Wedding photos are how people remember their important day, and the best thing you can do for your wedding day snaps is to show off your beautiful smile! If you are feeling self-conscious about your teeth, or that your smile is not worth showing off, tooth whitening treatments may be the perfect way to restore your confidence, so that looking happy in photos of the big occasion need not be a worry.

Why do teeth discolour?

Tooth whitening involves bleaching the teeth after they have become darker or stained. This discolouration is, to some degree, a natural part of growing older, as the mineral structure of teeth changes due to aging. However, the discolouration of teeth can be increased by smoking, as well as consuming certain foods and drinks, particularly tea and coffee. It can also be caused by bacterial build-up, as a result of poor oral hygiene.

How does teeth whitening work?

The ‘at-home whitening’ procedure involves the use of custom-built bleaching trays for your teeth. These should be worn on the teeth for around six hours a day, for between five and fourteen days, in order to see the best results – so some preparation time is needed before the wedding day. The chemicals used are oxidising agents, which can penetrate tooth enamel, due to its porous nature, in order to bleach internal stains. Eventually, the dentine (the tooth layer under enamel) also becomes bleached. The effects of this can last several months for teeth whitening patients in the City of London. The whitening agents should lighten your teeth, but not affect the colour of fillings or most other materials used to restore teeth.

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Posted in Cosmetic dentistry, Laser Treatment, Smile makeover, Teeth whitening | Comments Off
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