Posts tagged “city of London”

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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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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The Many Benefits of Using White Fillings Instead of Amalgam Fillings in the City of London

May 5th, 2012

There are many reasons for having a dental filling, whether this is due to tooth decay, some other type of damage or the need to strengthen the tooth. However, the aesthetic drawbacks of metal fillings are unappealing for many people, as visible metal fillings on your teeth may cause a severe loss of confidence.

However, Devonshire Square Dental Studio now offer ‘white fillings’, also known as composite fillings or bonding for patients in the City of London. Available for teeth at the front and back of the mouth, this type of filling is made from composite quartz resin and a light-sensitive agent. These fillings can be shaded to match the colour of the surrounding teeth, meaning that the traditional problem of aesthetically unappealing metal fillings is avoided.

Other advantages of white fillings

In addition to being almost ‘invisible’, white fillings are incredibly strong and can easily withstand the pressure exerted by chewing. In fact, it is possible to eat practically immediately after having fillings fitted! After the tooth is cleaned and conditioned, a small amount of resin is added, which bonds to the teeth. After the composite is fitted, it is hardened by exposure to a special light. Given the type of light used at Devonshire Square, this hardening procedure takes just six seconds. All this requires only one visit, meaning that the fitting of a white filling is a relatively quick procedure too.

Composite or Porcelain Inlay

A slightly different procedure, using composite or porcelain inlays, is sometimes used with larger cavities, due to their great strength, and on the teeth at the back of the mouth. Given that they are made in a laboratory and then fitted, this procedure requires two visits, but their strength and longevity means it is worth the extra time.

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What Makes STB Social 6 Lingual Braces at City of London Dentist So Unique?

November 19th, 2011

STb Social 6 Lingual Braces are an excellent alternative to other long, expensive and uncomfortable orthodontic treatment. Most patients get frustrated with orthodontic treatment that goes on and on, however, STb Social 6 Braces can get the job done in just 6 weeks time. The uniqueness of this procedure lies in the fact that the braces are fixed to the back of the teeth, which means greater discretion for the patient. These braces are for people who have minimal crowding, so consult your dentist first to discuss if they are the best brace for you.

Advantages of STb Social 6 Lingual Braces

The major advantages of STb Social 6 Braces system is the shorter treatment time coupled with complete invisibility. Since the brace is specifically designed for treating anterior crowding or minimal spacing, the time taken for the treatment can be as little as 6-16 weeks. The discomfort is also minimal, because of the self-ligation system employed by lingual braces.

How is the fitting done?

The first step is to consult your dentist to check if the STB Social 6 Braces are a perfect solution for your dental condition. Once this is decided, impressions of your teeth will be taken and then braces will be crafted to specifically fit your mouth. Brackets and wires are then fixed to the back of your teeth for complete invisibility. Time required for the completion of the treatment can vary from patient to patient, but 6-16 weeks is the general time frame. Regular appointments with the dentist are necessary to ensure the proper progression of treatment.

Is it painful?

STb Social 6 Braces are designed to achieve results without pain or disruption to your daily life. Initially, the braces might feel slightly odd but patients get used to them in no time. The wires and brackets used are very fine and light, to decrease any further potential discomfort.

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Too much porcelain in dentistry?

July 25th, 2011

Porcelain is widely used in cosmetic dentistry but how much is used and what are the benefits?

Dental porcelain, (also named dental ceramic) is becoming the most favoured option by dentists and patients alike due to its resilience and natural effect.

The ceramic material is generally used for crowns, filling gaps in teeth, bridges and veneers. Porcelain veneers are an alternative and more expensive option compared to composite veneers, so why is porcelain used more in cosmetic dentistry?

Porcelain has an infallible reputation for being durable and strong. Additionally, porcelain has more of an edge than composite because it creates the natural look, so similar that no one could tell if a patient has undergone any type of dental procedure. The difference between composite and porcelain is the price. Porcelain is much more expensive, however, you will receive a much more desired effect and porcelain is guaranteed to last over a decade. If you choose composite veneers then you will end up having them changed more often, which will most probably cost you more in the end. If you’re seeking a perfect smile then money isn’t an issue, especially when porcelain is the most preferred choice.

Porcelain can cover the entire teeth by applying thin layers to cover up any discolouration, fillings, gaps or crowns. The dentist who is working with you can ensure that the porcelain used is the exact match and colour of your natural teeth – the ceramic is bonded to achieve the desired effect, an effect that is satisfactory and will create a smile that is outstanding.

Celebrities are avid lovers of porcelain and veneers are a growing trend in Hollywood. It’s not just the celebrities who are opting for the porcelain option; patients worldwide are deciding to have porcelain, dental procedures so they can also achieve the celebrity smile.

It seems that porcelain is used continuously in dentistry but is it too much? Research proves that porcelain is widely used by cosmetic dentists, and the reason – perfection!

If there were a disadvantage of porcelain, it would only be the price and the fact that the procedure isn’t reversible. Saying that, if you have the perfect smile, would you really want it to be reversed?

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An exciting development for cancer specialists

July 1st, 2011

A breakthrough has emerged in Canada that could help many people who discover that they have oral cancer.

What’s been invented?

Through the use of a Canadian-developed Fluorescence Visualisation (FV), or “blue light”, cancerous tissue in the mouth can be identified and then removed by highly trained professionals. The traditional white light in use makes this task virtually impossible, but “blue light” technology can identify these deadly areas of the mouth due to healthy tissue projecting fluorescence whilst cancerous and pre-cancerous cells turn dark.

Tell me more

Having been developed at the British Columbia Cancer Agency, subsequent small-scale research projects have been known to correctly identify cancer in patients which they were previously unaware of. In a new trial, which is planned to be spread over Canada, four hundred patients will undergo the “blue light” over the course of five years. It is hoped that successful diagnosis of this form of cancer will increase and have a positive impact.

Dr. Karen Kost, who was one of the investigators in the study, said “the beauty of the FV or ‘blue light’ is that it is an incredibly simple concept: it is not invasive or painful, and the technology is relatively easy to use.”

It is reported that in Canada each year 3,400 people are diagnosed as having oral cancer, and in 2010 around 1,150 people died because of it. One of the main reasons behind why it is so deadly is because it can quickly spread to other nearby areas that are harder to treat.

Study investigator Dr. Miriam Rosin, who is a senior scientist at the British Columbia Cancer Agency, commented on the potential of FV: “This study will have an immediate impact on practice if the study turns out the way we hope … If the study is successful, it will help to reduce the number of deaths from oral cancer as well as to improve the quality of life for people living with this disease.”

The full potential is yet to be unlocked

Another feat for mankind, whether this will help people on a worldwide scale is yet to be seen but the initial foundations have been well and truly laid.

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Treatment options for a broken tooth

June 29th, 2011

Accidents can happen at any time in any place. Many people damage their teeth as a result of accidents, such as falling or tripping or road traffic accidents, or injuries sustained during sporting activities or fighting.

What should I do if I break a tooth?

If you break your tooth it is important that you keep hold of your tooth and arrange to see your dentist as soon as possible. If your normal dentist does not offer out-of-hours appointments, you can see another dentist. If you cannot find a dentist, you should visit the nearest Accident and Emergency department. Try to keep your tooth in a glass of cool water or milk. If you are able to get treatment quickly, your tooth may be salvageable. Try to avoid touching the root portion of the tooth and hold it by the crown.

Even if you do not think you have broken your tooth it is important you see your dentist as soon as possible as you may have damaged the surrounding tissue or the area of the tooth under the gum line.

Treatment for a broken tooth

If you have seen a dentist early enough, they may be able to salvage the tooth. The dentist will examine your mouth and try to re-implant the tooth if this is possible. Your dentist may carry out X-rays to check for other damage and they may attach a splint to the tooth to support it.

If the tooth has been lost and cannot be re-implanted, your dentist may advise you to consider options to replace the tooth. This may include dental implants, a dental bridge or dentures if a number of teeth have been lost.

Preventing accidents and injuries

It is impossible to prevent accidents sometimes but there are steps you can take to try and protect your teeth. At home, try to reduce the risk of falls by keeping corridors and stairwells clear and covering sharp corners on pieces of furniture. If you play contact sports, such as boxing, rugby or hockey, protect your teeth by wearing a mouth guard.

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Don’t let dental phobia ruin your life

June 27th, 2011

It might be one of the most important health appointments you might have to go to in the foreseeable future, as the quality of your own teeth might have suffered for one reason of the other. Making regular dental appointments every one to two years should be at the top of every person’s list of priorities. However, for some people, the reason why these appointments aren’t made is not because they have forgot, but that they have a phobia of the dentist and this consequently affects a person’s ability to attend to matters of oral health problems.

The many reasons behind having a dental phobia

One of the main reasons behind a person having a dental phobia is something which happened to them during their childhood. An unforgiving dentist who did not take into consideration the fears their young patient held could well have exacerbated since then and, when they reach adulthood, they might have chosen to ignore the constant calls from their dentist surgery as their parents were no longer the ones to force them to the dentist.

A particular horrifically carried out form of treatment when a person was a child or adult could be another reason why they have a dental phobia. The time it took for them to recover from their dental operation could have left the person mentally scarred and these scars need time to heel. Or, the person might have had a straightforward dental operation, such as them needing several teeth extracted. This may be a common treatment for the dentist to perform, but for the patient it is not clear-cut and this harrowing experience could have put a mental toll on the person themselves.

The City of London Dentist understands your fears

The City of London dental professionals here are extremely understanding and they know that a trip to the dentist might take a lot of bravery for the person to do this. Contacting 02072 478057 will enable you to be seen by an understanding person who will be able to cater your dental needs around your worries.

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What your smile says about you

June 24th, 2011

It is one of the most important aspects of when you first meet someone, and for many it is an image which stays with them long after this encounter. When someone smiles, it can mean a number of things and could lead to them making either the right or wrong impression.

The many ways which a smile can help a person

If there are several teeth missing from the person’s mouth, this does not always make a strong impression. Negative impressions can be made about the person and many could frown on the person themselves. Many do not prefer for the teeth to be yellow and, if they see this discolouration present in other people, then they might cast distortions on the person themselves. In all, there are two types of smile.

The Duchenne Smile

This is otherwise known as a natural smile. A smile uses two sets of muscles and a Duchenne smile does cause crow’s feet as one muscle is used rather than another. This is often referred to as a smile which does not mean the person is lying and is sometimes called an “honest smile”.

The non-Duchenne Smile

This is often referred to as a “fake smile”. A person who sports a non-Duchenne smile might be doing it out of courtesy and merely reciprocating what the person they are talking to is doing. It could be done because they are being polite and do not want to anger the person who they are speaking to. Next time you’re talking to someone and you see them smile, check out their eyes as this can tell whether they are genuinely smiling or not.

How your smile can be changed

Here at the City of London Dentist we can provide you with many forms of treatment that can change the colour of your teeth as well as replacing crooked teeth through a number of dental treatments. By contacting 02072 478057 will allow for you to find out first-hand the variety of services available to you.

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The art of extraction

June 22nd, 2011

Even when we least expect it, our teeth might have to receive dental treatment that is not always to our satisfaction. However, this is a necessary evil as our teeth are very important to us and need as much care and attention as possible. With the recent advances in dental technology, there is one type of treatment which many dread but help is at hand if you need it. This is extractions and there are several categories of this.

What types of extraction are there?

General extractions are exactly what it says. With the reasons behind the tooth needed extracting including gum disease, this is needed when there is no other option but for it to be removed and no common medication can help you in relieving that pain.

If the patient is not in pain, orthodontic extractions might be required. Teeth which are yet to appear might need some assistance in doing this as relatively healthy teeth will need to be removed so these other teeth can appear without causing the patient additional pain and discomfort.

Orthodontic extractions are normally carried out under local anaesthetic but surgical removal might be required. Using a technique known as “luxation”, a sharp instrument is prised on either side of the tooth and great force is then used in order to remove the selected tooth.

Wisdom tooth removal

For the large majority of those who need their wisdom teeth removing, extractions are common place here. The lower wisdom teeth have two roots, with the upper teeth having three roots. But this needn’t be as excruciating as it suggests. The roots for wisdom teeth are normally easily locatable but it is always recommended that you speak with a qualified dentist about this procedure as they will ease any worries you have before treatment begins.

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