Archives for October, 2011

Why Would You Need a Tooth Extracted at Your London Dentist?

October 31st, 2011

There are many different reasons why you may need to have a tooth extracted. In most cases extraction will be a last resort, but this is not always the case.

Orthodontic treatment

If you have orthodontic problems, such as crooked or twisted teeth, a bad bite, crowded teeth or gaps between your teeth, you will probably be advised to have orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth and make your smile look better. Orthodontic treatment can also help to improve the function of your teeth and improve your bite. The aim of orthodontic treatment is to move the teeth into the correct position; for example, if you have gaps between your teeth braces will help to move the teeth to close the gaps. In some cases people who have orthodontic treatment need to have teeth extracted before braces are fitted, which will allow room for the teeth to move. Your dentist will tell you if you need to have teeth removed during your consultation.

Injury or trauma

If you have damaged your teeth as a result of an accident, a fall or a sporting injury, you may need to have a tooth removed. Your dentist will do all they can to save the tooth, but if it is badly damaged there may be no other option but to extract it. If you do lose a tooth and you are panicking about the appearance of your smile, there are plenty of ways to replace it and modern methods are used to create a perfectly natural replacement that blends in with the rest of the teeth.

Decay and disease

In some cases, when a tooth is very badly decayed, it may not be possible to save a tooth and it may have to be extracted. Decay is caused by harmful plaque acids which weaken and gradually destroy the enamel surface of the tooth. Once the enamel is damaged the rest of the tooth, which contains the living tissue, is susceptible. If decay is left untreated it will get worse and the tooth will effectively die (this is sometimes referred to as a rotten tooth). Root canal treatment may be used to try and save a tooth, which involves removing dead pulp tissue from the tooth and cleaning the root canals, but if this is not possible an extraction may be carried out.

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Healthy and Happy Teeth Advice from Your London Dentist for this Halloween

October 29th, 2011

Halloween is a holiday most children look forward to due to the mountains of candy, sweets and chocolates readily available. The possibilities are endless and the amount of candy up for grabs is mind-boggling.

Parents may feel slightly apprehensive at the thought of denying their child an experience that so many others are receiving. However, as a parent or a guardian, you are concerned with their health and safety. You understand that eating a kilo of sweets will most likely result in a tummy ache and a cavity, but children don’t always get the message. So, not wanting to be the mean parent, do you give in and allow them to turn the kitchen cupboards into a veritable sweet shop on 31st October?

Here are five tips for ensuring that your children can still experience the fun and thrill of Halloween, while maintaining healthy teeth.

- Introduce healthier versions of the sticky toffee candies, the multitude of chocolate bars, the sugary bubble gum and the sour boiled sweets. Look for candy that is made using natural ingredients and is free of artificial sweeteners and colors. Also, substitute normal candy for sugar-free sweets.

- Don’t allow sugar to fester. Cavities are caused by sugar that is left on the teeth and gums. Whenever your children dig into their Halloween goody bags, encourage proper dental hygiene by reminding them to brush their teeth afterwards. Brushing after eating sweets can prevent harmful bacteria from developing and causing cavities in your child’s mouth. However, it is important to wait at least an hour after the candy binge before you encourage any brushing, as brushing straight after eating can damage the weakened tooth enamel, causing more harm than good.

- Introduce healthier alternatives to candy. Don’t be afraid to replace sweets with all-natural fruit snacks, dried fruits and even raw fruits and vegetables like apples and carrot batons.

- Keep candy out of the picture. Although it is tradition, there is no set rule stating that Halloween goody bags must be filled with candy. Invest in small bouncy balls, stickers, pads and pens and toys instead.

- Take precautions. Another, increasingly popular method to prevent unhealthy smiles after Halloween is to let your child visit the dentist beforehand. At the dentist, sealants can be put in your child’s mouth to protect the grooves of their teeth and prevent corrosion and cavities.

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What makes the Straumann implants available at your London dentist so superior? r?

October 26th, 2011

If you’re having problems with your teeth and are considering dental implants, but don’t know which ones to opt for, then a Straumann Dental Implant could be the best solution. A Straumann Dental Implant utilises quality, flexibility, reduced surgical time and reduction in the risk of infection, to make it one of the finest dental implants available today.

There is a wide range of different prosthetic options for patients looking for implant dentistry, but many do not incorporate the advantages of a Straumann-made Dental Implants.

The Straumann Dental Implants are created by the second largest dental implant company in the world and are one of the Industry’s leaders when it comes to dental implants. With over twenty years of experience, Straumann are renowned and recognised for their simplicity, safe processes and overall reliability in the area of dental implants.

Extensive research and study have determined the superior quality level of a Straumann Dental Implant. Only high quality dental implants can ensure that your procedure is successful and your implant will last you a lifetime, without the need for further treatment or replacement.

Straumann Dental Implants also reduce the healing time for patients, which takes between six to eight weeks, instead of the usual four to six months. This advanced level of healing is achieved with the implant’s successful oral tissue response design, which encourages a natural fusion between implant and jaw.

The demand for Straumann Dental Implant treatment is growing dramatically due to the vast numbers of positive outcomes, which outshine all other dental implant providers. In the last 10 years alone millions upon millions of patients from around the world have opted for the Straumann Dental Implants.

The Straumann Dental Implant are also surprisingly cheaper than many other dental implants, costing around £665 or €770 each. This competitive price, coupled with a greater level of quality, make a Straumann dental implant the best choice for people looking for successful and long-lasting implant treatment.

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The Role of a Periodontist at your London Dentist

October 24th, 2011

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who has expertise and further training in the detection, treatment and management of diseases that affect the gums and the structures and tissues around the gums.

Periodontists can work in a variety of different settings, including private practices, community clinics and hospitals. They often work alongside other dental hygienists and general dentists to prevent and treat gum diseases.

What do periodontists do?

Periodontists carry out a variety of different treatments and procedures to prevent gum disease and treat developing conditions. Prevention is very important and can involve oral health education, removal of risk factors, the promotion of good oral hygiene and frequent dental check-ups. Preventative treatments such as cleaning treatments, regular examinations and oral health advice, are provided by general dentists, dental nurses and dental hygienists. Periodontists are specialists in their field and dentists will often refer patients who have complex conditions to them, as they have greater expertise in the treatment of these conditions than a regular dentist.

Why would I need to see a periodontist?

A general dentist may refer a patient with complex problems to a periodontist as their treatment plan will require a higher level of expertise to guarantee successful treatment. Medical conditions and severe gum disease may be some of the reasons why your dentist will refer you to a periodontist.

What training do periodontists have?

Periodontists must complete additional training after they have qualified in general dentistry. This is known as speciality training and it commences once postgraduate training has been completed (this lasts for two years).

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The Macveneers difference at Your London Dentist

October 21st, 2011

Macveneers are the ultimate cosmetic dental treatment, used in the creation of numerous celebrity smiles and able to transform almost any set of teeth, regardless of stains, chips and cracks.

What are Macveneers?

Macveneers are a type of veneer which has been specially designed to provide maximum strength and durability, as well as aesthetic appeal. Veneers are very thin sheets of laminate which are applied to the original teeth to create a beautiful, natural looking smile. Macveneers are made from high grade pressed ceramic porcelain and are designed to mimic natural teeth. The colour of the veneers can be matched to blend in with existing teeth or if a full set of veneers is being fitted, the client can choose the shade they like the most.

How are Macveneers different?

Macveneers are different because the porcelain used is up to four times stronger than other types of veneer. There is also a much larger range of hues to select from, allowing the client to choose exactly the shade they want for their brand new smile. The Mac ceramics are designed to create incredible aesthetics, as the veneers are translucent and very lifelike. This differs from other types of veneers made from layers of ceramic material, which can make the teeth look less natural.

How would veneers benefit me?

Most people worry about their appearance from time to time and research suggests that most of us rate our smile as our most important physical feature. If you look in the mirror and you are unhappy with your smile, veneers could be the perfect solution. Veneers are applied to the surfaces of the existing teeth and can convert stained, chipped and crooked teeth into a perfect set of pearly whites. Macveneers are an innovative, revolutionary treatment which could give you a confidence boost, as well as an amazingly beautiful smile.

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The Choice of Simpli5 Braces at Your London Dentist

October 19th, 2011

If you are unhappy with your teeth and have been looking for an effective yet competitively priced treatment option, then you may want to consider Simpli5 ‘invisible’ braces.

The Simpli5 treatment is an extremely effective way of treating mild orthodontic issues, such as crooked, gapped or overbitten teeth. The treatment uses a five-aligner orthodontic system, which only requires five clear aligners for the successful completion of treatment.

After an initial consultation your dentist will decide whether you are suitable for the Simpli5 treatment. If all goes well an impression will be made of your teeth and sent to a Simpli5 laboratory to make aligners that fit your mouth and your mouth only.

Once you have received your aligners you will wear each one for three to four week for a minimum of 20 hours a day, to ensure that the treatment works effectively.

The procedure takes 10-20 weeks depending on each individual’s orthodontic circumstances, which is much quicker than other brace treatments.

There are a number of advantages that come with the Simpli5 treatment, which include:

  • A discreet way of straightening your teeth, using clear aligners for virtually ‘invisibility.’
  • You only require five aligners, which means that treatment times are shorter than other systems.
  • They also cost less than other ‘invisible’ brace treatments.

The price of the Simpli5 treatment depends on a number of things such as your orthodontic condition, the dental practice you visit and your chosen dentist’s expertise.

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Power Mouthguard at Your London Dentist to Improve Sport Performance

October 17th, 2011

If you’re an avid fan of sporting activities there is a mouth-guard out there for you which can actually help improve your sporting performance. The Pure Power mouthguard is the perfect addition to your sporting attire, providing valuable protection and sporting enhancement whatever game you play.

Now you’re probably wondering how on earth a mouthguard can help improve your sporting abilities? Well, it’s quite simple. The Pure Power mouthguard works by re-aligning the muscles in your face and jaw, which ultimately leads to bettered performance and improved muscular positioning.

The mouthguard itself is designed and manufactured using a digital image of an individual patient’s jaw joint, which then provides the precise measurements of your jaw to help determine your optimum jaw position.

The Pure Power mouthguard is much more than just a mouthguard and can provide much more than just protection. Even people who suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), which involves continual muscle and jaw strain, can benefit from treatment with the Pure Power mouthguard. The mouthguard helps to relax the muscles, helping them operate much more effectively and relieving the pressure felt by TMJ sufferers.

There are also a whole plethora of advantages with the Pure Power mouthguard, including:

  • Relieved neck and back tension.
  • Improved sporting performance, through the reduction of fatigue and increased stamina.
  • Relief from TMJ symptoms.
  • Increased flexibility, endurance and strength.

The athlete can now push themselves to the best of their ability, whilst remaining completely protected.

Being fitted for a Pure Power mouthguard is very simple. As mentioned before a digital image is taken of the mouth to locate the optimum jaw position. These measurements will then be taken away to create a Pure Power mouthguard, which is perfectly fitted to your measurements.

Although the Pure Power mouthguard is more expensive than traditional mouthguards, its advantages, such as enhanced performance and relief from back and neck pain, make it worth the extra cost.

There is also a whole range of different Pure Power mouthguards for people of all ages, which are suited to the sport you play.

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London Footballer Didier Drogba Recovers From Dental Injury

October 14th, 2011

Didier Drogba, the Chelsea star, is used to hitting the back page headlines for scoring goals and putting on incredible performances, but he recently appeared in the news following a collision with an opponent that left him requiring dental treatment.

Drogba was playing for Chelsea against Norwich at Stamford Bridge when the incident occurred. Drogba went for the ball at the same time as the Norwich goalkeeper, Neil Ruddy, and fell to the floor unconscious. After spending several minutes receiving treatment from medical staff, Drogba was taken off the pitch on a stretcher and sent to a hospital nearby. Drogba was diagnosed with mild concussion, but was allowed to leave later that evening. He then required dental treatment for the injuries he had sustained as a result of the fall.

Drogba’s injury came as a blow for Chelsea and the timing could not have been worse, as the Blues were forced to travel to Old Trafford to meet championship rivals, Manchester United, without one of their most potent goal threats.

Thankfully, Chelsea manager, Andre Villas-Boas gave the Ivorian striker time off for his dental surgery and recovery. Drogba is now fit.

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How Will Your London Dentist Decide Which Brace is Best For You?

October 12th, 2011

With such an array of orthodontic treatments and devices available today you may be left wondering which treatment to go for and how on earth you are going to choose. Choosing a treatment is an important decision as it can affect the final outcome of your smile, the cost involved and the time it will take to complete. Treatment is a big step and dentists have a responsibility to try and match the results of the treatment process with their patient’s expectations. The right brace can mean a better outcome, cheaper costs and shorter treatment times, so it is important that you are well informed when making your final decision.

Consultations

You may have done your research and read about different treatments, but the best thing to do is to arrange a consultation with a dentist who has expertise in orthodontic treatment. They will be able to talk to you about your options, explain how the different devices work, how long treatment takes and how much the different treatments cost. During the consultation you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and talk to your dentist about what kind of results you are expecting.

Your dentist will examine your mouth and they may carry out X-rays and take photographs and moulds of your teeth before recommending a treatment. Not all treatments are suitable for everyone, so your dentist needs to gauge the extent and type of orthodontic problems involved in order to make a final recommendation.

Dentist recommendations

Once your dentist has an idea of your orthodontic prescription, your expectations and your budget, they can make recommendations based on this information. Some treatments, such as Six Month Smiles, Invisalign Lite and the Inman aligner, are only suitable for minor problems, while others, such as Damon braces may be very effective at correcting more complex problems.

Your dentist will also take your preferences into account. For example, if you are worried about wearing braces that are highly visible, they may advise you to opt for Invisalign or lingual braces as these the most discreet braces available. Once you have all the information you need and have chatted to your dentist, you can choose which treatment to go for and you will soon be flashing a lovely new smile.

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Your London Dentist Looks at What’s so Different About Invisalign Lite

October 11th, 2011

Invisalign is one of the most innovative orthodontic treatments on the market. Its introduction to dental practices all over the world has helped thousands of people receive the treatment they need, while avoiding the discomfort of thick metal brackets and wires.

Orthodontic problems are very common but many people put off having treatment due to the stigma attached to wearing braces. For years, people have been familiar with the high school image of the unpopular kid wearing braces and glasses and, for many, this has influenced the way they feel about orthodontic treatments. However, orthodontics is a rapidly advancing field and a host of new treatments have helped quash the stereotypical image of braces and enable many people to enjoy beautiful, straight smiles without having to worry about what they look like when they are wearing braces.

How does Invisalign Lite work?

Invisalign Lite was developed to offer patients with minor orthodontic problems all the benefits of traditional Invisalign braces, while enabling a quicker treatment time. Invisalign Lite is designed to treat minor issues and treatment time is usually between five and six months. The Invisalign Lite system works in the same way as Invisalign, involving a series of custom-made aligners which gradually move the teeth into the patient’s desired positioning. Patients will need to follow a two week schedule of wearing each aligner before replacing it with the next in the cycle. To reap full rewards the aligners need be worn for at least 22 hours per day.

Why choose Invisalign Lite?

Invisalign Lite is an ideal solution for people who want to make minor improvements to their smile, without having to worry about wearing ugly, bulky braces for long periods of time. The Invisalign Lite braces are clear, meaning that you can achieve the smile of your dreams without anyone else even realising that you are wearing braces.

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