Archives for November, 2011

Inman aligner treatment is available at your Hounslow dentist – Are you suitable for treatment?

November 30th, 2011

The Inman aligner is a revolutionary new type of brace. Rather than the traditional mouthful  of metal sorely remembered from our school days, the Inman aligner is relatively small, uses very little metal and as such is all but invisible. However, many people believe the Inman aligner and similar fashionable braces and retainers, such as Invisalign, are too good to be true and assume they will be very expensive. This is not the case.

The Inman aligner, available from your Hounslow dentist, can be widely used by most people who need braces. However, certain issues such as extreme misalignment or crowding may require a set of more conventional braces, but most people find that they are perfectly compatible with the Inman aligner.

For those of us who are looking to alter their bite, create space between crowded teeth, or simply create a more attractive smile, the Inman aligner is a great brace system, working both quickly and effectively.

Compared to the Inman aligner, traditional braces take a greater length of time for completion and are much more noticeable. Using a lingual coil system, as well as a labial bar, the Inman Aligner applies low pressure on the teeth you wish to reposition. These two parts of the device work in tandem to apply varying pressure to the teeth and gently squeeze them into position.

The Inman aligner is designed for those of us who have always longed for a slightly different smile. Whether your teeth are overcrowded or you have an uneven smile, the Inman aligner is a cost effective way of giving you the smile you have always wanted.

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The safer option of white fillings at your Ealing private dentist

November 28th, 2011

If you have ever had an amalgam filling then you may be aware of the associated problems. Worries concerning mercury poisoning have seen a decline in the number of practices still offering metal fillings and a subsequent rise in composite fillings. Metal fillings can expand and contract, causing the tooth to fracture, leading to further dental problems.

Metal fillings also damage the appearance of a smile, marking the teeth with black patches, visible every time you laugh. A white filling blends in with the natural colour of your teeth and also bonds with the tooth, leaving it stronger than before.

The silver filling will also over time corrode and therefore leak and this can lead to decay developing underneath the filling. Even though the new composite resin fillings cost more than the traditional amalgam fillings, it is worth it because not only is there a reduced risk of anything happening in the future, but it also leaves you with a much more natural smile.

If you currently have a metal filling a simple procedure by your Ealing dentist can replace it with a white filling, ensure better aesthetics and functionality. White fillings do cost a little bit more than amalgam, but the health benefits alone mean it is a much better option.

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Thanksgiving Day – Give thanks for a smile achieved by Brentford dentists

November 24th, 2011

When you think of Thanksgiving Day you would be forgiven for immediately thinking of American families gathered around a table, eating turkey and watching an American football game. But not many people know it is celebrated in other countries as well. Canada, Liberia and parts of New Zealand and the Netherlands celebrate this occasion too (although Canada, Liberia and the Norfolk Island in New Zealand celebrate it on different days). A tradition of the period is to ‘give thanks’ for what you have, so what are you thankful for? Well, one thing could be your smile thanks to your Brentford dentist!

We can be thankful that we live in a time where cosmetic dentistry has progressed to a stage where nothing is impossible. It can be overwhelming to think of the amount of pressure that is thrust upon us to look a certain way, but now we can feel more in control and better about our appearance due to the wealth of options and possibilities available to us. Now we can rejuvenate our smile with confidence due to advancements in implants, veneers, teeth whitening, teeth correction, gum correction and much more.

Today, ‘train track’ metal braces are a thing of the past now that clear aligners and tooth coloured braces have become the primary source of treatment for misaligned teeth. The advancements in teeth correction methods are not just cosmetic and treatment is now a great deal shorter than previous orthodontic methods.

The progression of dental implants has dramatically changed peoples’ lives. At one time it would have taken months to receive a set of implants with restoration, but now it is possible restore a complete smile in just one day thanks to the All-on-4 implant method. Even those who were told they did not qualify for implants due to weak jawbones and gums can now be treated.

Teeth whitening has also greatly advanced and we are now at the age of laser teeth whitening, which requires no bleach and can last for over a year.

So, one thing to be thankful for is that we live in a time that we can have the smile that we desire.

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What treatment is available as part of a smile makeover at your Acton dentist?

November 21st, 2011

For most people their smile is one of their most important assets and it is the first thing they notice in other people. But what if your smile isn’t up to scratch? For those who feel less than content with their smile a solution can be found with a smile makeover.

A smile makeover involves a number of different procedures, which can help your smile reach its full potential. You may only need one procedure to help you gain this perfect smile or you can choose a combination. Treatments found in a smile makeover include:

  • Tooth whitening – This treatment is the most popular smile makeover option in Acton and across the globe. The treatment involves gel applied to the teeth or lasers, both of which can enhance your smile by up to 8 shades. Home whitening kits from shops provide only a limited amount of colour change, so for a truly beautiful, long-lasting white smile your dentist will always be the best option.
  • Filling Replacements – Many people may have received fillings back when only amalgam was available, but today white coloured fillings are readily available from most dental practices. If you currently have a metal filling a simple procedure can replace it with a white, composite filling, preventing further decay and restoring your smile.
  • Dental Veneers – Dental veneers are tooth coloured shells, which are attached to the surface of the existing tooth to help change the colour, shape, size and overall appearance. Composite resin veneers are a great deal cheaper than porcelain veneers, but do not have their natural appearance or longevity.
  • Dental Implants – If you are missing teeth or have gaps between teeth, then dental implants may be a better alternative to bridges, dentures or crowns. Although more expensive than other restorative procedures, dental implants last a great deal longer, do not move or fall out and have a more natural appearance.
  • Teeth Straightening – Orthodontics can involve a number of different brace systems including fixed or metal braces. However, today a large number of removable, discreet aligners are available, including the most popular, Invisalign. Invisalign, also known as ‘invisible’ braces, use clear, removable aligners to move the teeth into the desired position. Your smile could be straightened and rejuvenated without anyone even realising.

There are also a number of other procedures which can be used for a smile makeover, including dentures, crowns, bridges and composite bonding, to help you achieve your perfect smile.

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Six month smiles at your Ealing dentist is the sure way to a straight, dazzling smile

November 17th, 2011

Six month smiles is a fast, discreet way of fixing a range of orthodontic problems. It is ideal for those who want a quick-fix solution. As the name suggests the treatment is designed to work in just six months – much quicker than traditional braces or most other forms of orthodontic treatment. The treatment can be used to help people with crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, openbite, overjet, a misplaced midline and to close gaps. It works quickly because it focuses on moving just the teeth that are on show when you smile in a fast but safe way. It is a relatively new treatment in the UK, but has been proven to work in the US.

What are the advantages of Six month smiles?

The main advantage is obviously the speed at which these braces work. They are ideal if you want to get your teeth straightened before a special occasion such as a wedding. Most braces take two to three years to work. Six Month Smiles can cut this time down by 75%. They are also very discreet. They are made from tooth-coloured brackets and wires, which means they are only visible from close up. Furthermore, they cost around half the price of traditional braces or other types such as Invisalign.

What are the disadvantages of Six month smiles?

Six Month Smiles are not as discreet as some of the ‘invisible’ options, and can be seen if people look closely. However, for many people the cost and speed of these braces outweigh this slight disadvantage. Also, they can only help with the appearance of the front teeth, which means your back teeth will not benefit. As with all orthodontic treatments, you may experience some discomfort when the braces are first fitted, as well as some changes to your usual speech. However, these side effects are usually short-lived.

What does it involve?

First, your Ealing dentist will take x-rays and photographs to make sure the treatment will work for you. If so, the dentist will fit you with the Six month smiles braces, which are fixed to the teeth using dental glue. The braces need to be adjusted regularly once they are fitted, which means you will need to have check-ups every 4-5 weeks. After six months, the treatment should be complete, but to ensure long-lasting results you will be required to wear a removable retainer for some time after.

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Lumineer your way to a better smile with your Hanwell dentist

November 14th, 2011

Lumineers is a brand name for a new type of dental veneer from America. Lumineers are wafer thin – thinner than most veneers – and as such they need very little in the way of preparation. With veneers, a portion of the tooth needs to be removed to make room, but Lumineers are so thin that in the majority of cases they can just be stuck straight onto the tooth surface.

What do Lumineers do?

Lumineers are able to be used to treat an assortment of tooth irregularities. They can be used to seal gaps between teeth, realign teeth, superficially repair cracked or broken teeth and they are also an alternative to teeth whitening. They are ‘made to measure’, so they will  fit your personal requirements.

Where am I able to get Lumineers?

Lumineers are not currently a standard part of dentistry and only some Hanwell dentists supply them. This is because the special Cerinate porcelain that the Lumineers are made from is only manufactured in the US, and dentists in the UK have to be registered with the factory to be able to supply them. Sparkle Dental Boutique is one such dentist.

What is the procedure?

Once you have found a dentist to fit the Lumineers, the procedure is very simple. The dentist will take impressions of your teeth to be sent away, and the Lumineers are made from these impressions. Once they are ready they are simply cemented onto the teeth. For this reason Lumineers are not permanent and can be removed at any time.

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Have you got the wrong idea about dental implants at your Chiswick dentist?

November 10th, 2011

Losing a tooth can affect many different functions, such as chewing, the way you speak, keeping your facial muscles in place and stopping your other teeth from moving into different positions.  Losing a tooth can also affect your general self-esteem – but you could consider dental implants to restore the confidence you feel in the way your teeth look.

If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implants at your Chiswick dentist are an option that will work really well.  They actually look, feel and work in the same way as natural teeth, making them the next best thing should you need to replace any missing teeth.  Lots of patients are often put off by dental implants, believing that it is a treatment for older people.  This is not the case, as patients of all ages (within reason) can have the treatment if they have lost a tooth.

What is involved in the process of having the dental implant procedure?

There are three parts that go into creating a dental implant; these are the dental implant, the Abutment and the Crown.  After an initial assessment of your mouth, your dentist will insert a small titanium post into your jaw to act as the root of the tooth – this is the dental implant.  There is then a waiting period in which the bone is given time to grow around the implant, which usually takes around two to six months.  After this your dentist will attach the new crown to the dental implant by using an abutment, which keeps the new ‘tooth’ secure and in place.  Your new dental implant, if cared for properly and cleaned regularly, can actually last a lifetime.

The treatment itself is extremely successful and, although fairly long, it is well worth it.  It is also relatively pain-free when under anaesthetic, so there is no need to worry about the pain of the treatment.

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Treatment for missing teeth at your Acton dentist is easier than ever before

November 7th, 2011

No matter how well we look after our teeth losing them is not uncommon. Whether it’s due to trauma caused by an everyday accident or because of tooth decay, at some point in our lives we may be confronted with a missing tooth.

While a missing tooth doesn’t directly affect your oral health, it can greatly increase the chances of surrounding teeth falling prey to tooth decay and if the missing tooth is one that is on show when you smile it can cause a loss of self-esteem.

When this happens, cosmetic dentistry can often be the perfect solution and procedures such as dental implants, crowns and bridges are great ways of replacing a missing tooth.

Implants are used when the patient has lost a single tooth or a small number in the same area, but can also be used to replace a full set of teeth. The new tooth is anchored in place with implants that are fixed in the jawbone and left to fuse. When the tooth is completely secure and a replacement tooth will be fitted, which is indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Dental crowns in Acton are commonly used when a portion of the tooth has been chipped off or eroded. The crown is usually created using porcelain, to recreate the appearance of a natural tooth. Before the new crown is fitted a small amount of the remaining tooth is removed either to fully remove any remaining decayed tooth or to create a better platform for the crown.

Dental bridges are also used to replace missing teeth. This procedure uses surrounding teeth to anchor the new tooth in place. This is done by filing the top few millimetres off the anchoring teeth to place the bridge that will hold the new tooth. The artificial tooth is then held in place by a bridge that spans across the surrounding anchoring teeth.

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Chiswick dentists look at some of the bonfire sweets you should be aware of

November 2nd, 2011

With October over and Christmas on its way, it can be a very bad time of year for your teeth. It is well known that dental problems increase during this half of the year, due to the numerous holidays that often involve sugar in their celebrations. Halloween involves lots and lots of sweets and chocolate and, of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without selection boxes, mince pies and Christmas cake.

In between these two holidays is Bonfire night, which also has a sweet tooth of its own. Bonfire night adds a different variety of sugary treats, from treacle toffee lollipops to bonfire toffee cups.

Because Bonfire night treats such as the toffee treacle are extremely sticky and will stay on your teeth longer, they give sugar much more time to cause damage.

Excessive sugar consumption can lead to the erosion of teeth and tooth decay, so it is always advisable to take care with how much sugar you eat. Tooth erosion is caused by sugary foods creating plaque, which then lead to the erosion of the tooth enamel and eventually tooth decay. A visit to your Chiswick dentist is also advisable for some dental cleaning treatment.

A dental cleaning at your dentist is more in-depth than the one you commonly carry out at home on a daily basis. It is able to dislodge more bacteria and it is recommended that you attend your dentist to have this carried out on a regular basis. With those bonfire night sweeties on the horizon, this is more important than ever.

So remember to keep on top of your dental hygiene over this period, maintaining brushing and flossing within your daily regime.

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Your Kew dentist is here so you don’t let the end of Daylight Saving get you down

November 1st, 2011

The summer has retired and winter is upon us. The bleak nights that have encapsulated us have brought a shroud of gusty winds, icy rains and affection for a warm duvet on a cold morning.

It is no surprise that people feel a little more subdued and down over these months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is becoming more and more recognised and it’s not surprising since Britain is a place where we have a handful of glorious days scattered amongst periods of juggernaut winds and unpredictable rain.

However, there may be a way to distract you from these dark blues in the form of cosmetic dentistry treatments like teeth whitening. You can now illuminate the dark nights with your smile thanks to the services offered by a Kew dentist. Whether you are looking for general laser teeth whitening or you are looking to receive some shiny veneers, a dentist near you can put a spring in your step and a sparkle in your smile.

You may be overwhelmed to witness how many options are available for those who are looking for cosmetic dentistry treatment in Kew, as with teeth whitening for example. Today’s dental practices have taken a huge technological leap in a very short amount of time and have extended their abilities to help those who are seeking their ‘perfect smile’. Today people who were told in the past that there was nothing a dentist could do might very well hear some different news on their next visit.

Many surgeries now offer finance options so if you know of someone who has been talking of seeking some orthodontic work, you may be able to help provide the gift of a smile.

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