Key to oral hygiene explained by Weston-super-Mare dentist

The essence of good oral hygiene is keeping your mouth free from bacteria, plaque and food debris so that it looks and smells as healthy as possible. This can be indicated by teeth that are clean and free from food particles and staining, gums that are pink and do not hurt or bleed when brushed and breath that does not smell.

This can be achieved by adopting a fairly simple but quite regimented system of cleaning and regular dental check ups. Teeth cleaning is carried out most effectively in several stages. The first and most important is brushing your teeth twice a day with an appropriate brush and paste. A Weston-super-Mare dentist can recommend the most suitable products for your particular teeth. Brushing should be carried out gently so as not to damage the gums and at a forty-five degree angle to the teeth for the most effective cleaning.

Second to brushing in importance is flossing, which dentists recommend should be performed once a day. Flossing is important because it cleans teeth below the gum line and in the difficult inter-dental areas hard to reach with normal brushes. Both brushing and flossing help to prevent the build up of plaque, a substance that releases damaging acids that cause tooth decay if not removed. They also remove food debris that causes over 90 per cent of cases of bad breath.

Further cleaning methods that can benefit oral hygiene are using mouthwashes (always ask your dentist before using), inter-dental brushes and tongue cleaners. Effective brushing and flossing should be enough but these other apparatus can also help in some cases. However, effective cleaning is only really beneficial when teamed with regular check ups with your dentist. Even the cleanest mouth can still be susceptible to dental decay, and only a trained dentist can spot the first signs of decay and gum disease. Dentists recommend a check up every six months to help keep your mouth as healthy and clean as possible.

February 6, 2010 at 5:45 am | oral hygiene | No comment

Bath dentist straightens teeth with ultra-discreet Invisalign braces

Everyone is familiar with the rather unpleasant metallic smile associated with fixed metal braces used for orthodontic teeth straightening. Anybody of a certain age remembers the fear of having these metal train-track braces fitted and the teasing that almost inevitably accompanied them. Fortunately for today’s generation of teenagers and young adults, there are a range of more discreet straightening systems available on the market.

By far the most discreet however is the Invisalign system of clear plastic braces. Made from one millimetre thick see-through plastic, Invisalign braces are almost completely invisible to anyone not standing within a few feet of the patient’s teeth. The system works by using a series of clear retainer braces, worn for a period of roughly two weeks each, making small adjustments to the alignment of the patient’s teeth.

The aligners are also completely removable meaning the impact of the patient’s life is significantly reduced. For the first time there is a brace that fits around the patient’s lifestyle and not the other way round. The advantages of Invsalign over more conventional braces are clear for all to see, but there are differences when it comes to feeling as well. Because the braces involve no metal, there is no uncomfortable or irritating rubbing on the soft tissue of the mouth. When a new retainer is fitted there maybe some minor discomfort as the teeth adjust but this is common to all orthodontic treatments and very quickly wears off as the wearer becomes accustomed to the new brace.

Invisalign braces are available from Bath dentists who can give an estimation of cost and length of treatment, which may vary according to the degree of straightening required by the patient. With Invisalign presenting a genuine alternative to fixed metal braces there is no longer a need to fear orthodontic teeth straightening and no barrier to having the perfect smile.

February 4, 2010 at 5:11 am | invisalign | No comment

Dr Gerrard nominated for national smile awards

Proving that Clifton Smiles are at the top of their game, BACD accredited cosmetic dentist Dr Neil Gerrard has been nominated for the national smile awards on the 27th March in two categories:

1. Best restorative smile

2. Best composite smile.

The dental laboratory that Dr Gerrard uses has also been shortlisted for best restorative technician.

Fingers crossed!

January 27, 2010 at 4:01 pm | Uncategorized, cosmetic dentistry | No comment

Amazing Inman aligner from Swindon dentist straightens teeth

You might have heard reports recently in the media of an incredible new tool for straightening teeth in as little as six weeks. The Inman aligner is making waves in certain circles as the increasingly popular way to straighten uneven or crooked teeth. In reality the Inman aligner has been around for some years but with the popularity of makeover shows demonstrating incredible dental repair works, the Inman aligner has gained notoriety as one of the most effective and affordable straightening tools.

Orthodontic teeth straightening is necessary because teeth can sometimes develop in a misaligned way. In other cases the teeth become crooked over time due to movement in the dental arc. In the past the answer to both of these problems was fixed metal braces, even for teeth with only small alignment issues. However, more and more people are turning to the Inman aligner because of the amazing speed of treatment. But just what is it that gives the Inman the edge over other braces?

The secret behind the Inman aligner’s success is that it focuses directly on the front teeth that are most visible in the mouth. The aligner applies forces to the lateral teeth to create room for the front teeth to straighten. This can be achieved in only a matter of weeks, but there are other advantages to using the Inman treatment. Only one aligner is needed so there is no need to change it every two weeks like some other treatments. It is also completely removable so eating and teeth cleaning are unaffected, unlike fixed bracket braces. Most importantly, perhaps, is the fact that the Inman aligner is comparatively very cheap yet still produces incredible results. Ask a Swindon dentist for more information about Inman aligners at your next check up.

January 25, 2010 at 4:32 am | inman aligner | No comment

Solid dental implants from Weston-super-Mare dentist replace missing teeth

Dental implants are artificial roots that are placed directly into the jawbone by dentists to act as solid anchors for artificial teeth. Unlike partial dentures or dental bridges, which only replace the tooth from the gum up, a dental implant is a complete replacement for the whole of the tooth and as such acts and feels a lot more like a real tooth.

Anyone who has lost a tooth to decay or dental injury knows the amount of pain and anxiety it can cause. Dental replacements like partial dentures and bridges restore the cosmetic appearance of the tooth but never really feel like real teeth. Patients are always conscious that they have an artificial replacement and have to adapt their lifestyle accordingly. This means staying away from foods likely to cause damage to these structures. A dental implant provides a much more rigid alternative that does not involve any degree of sacrifice on the patient’s behalf.

The implant itself is a small titanium screw that is drilled into the bone through the gum. This is then left to fuse with the tissue and become more stable. When satisfied that the screw has been assimilated into the bone tissue thoroughly, the dentist can then attach the artificial tooth, designed to closely resemble the colour and appearance of the other teeth. Implants can be used to secure one or more teeth, or a series of mini implants can be used as a base for a complete denture.

A dental implant from a Weston-super-Mare dentist can last a whole lifetime, if properly cared for. Many patients even forget that they are there such is the level of realism provided by the implant. If you have a missing tooth or are considering replacing a previous restoration ask a dentist about dental implants.

January 21, 2010 at 5:24 am | dental implants | No comment

An end to the pain of decaying teeth with dentures from Gloucester dentist

If your natural teeth are badly decayed or have been lost to some form of physical trauma, a set of dentures can make your life easier. Of course you will probably miss your natural teeth but if they have got to a stage where everyday activities such as eating and drinking have become difficult or unpleasant, it may be time to replace your remaining teeth with an artificial set. Dentures can also restore the appearance of a healthy smile and act as a support for facial muscles sagging as a result of missing teeth.

If you decide to choose dentures the dentist will first need to remove any existing teeth that remain and give the gums time to sufficiently heal. During this time you may be fitted with a temporary denture. When the gums are sufficiently healed, the dentist will then fit your permanent set. They will have been designed to fit exactly over remaining gum tissue so that they will be held in place by suction alone. Some patients are anxious that dentures can fall out and resort to messy denture adhesives. Loose dentures are usually due to an ill fitting set so some minor adjustment may make them feel more secure. Alternatively, you could have a series of mini-implants fitted to act as a secure base for the dentures.

Modern dentures have come along way in the last twenty years and can now appear and feel very realistic. Wearing dentures no longer comes with the stigma it used to have and most wearers go through life without anybody ever knowing they are not their natural teeth. If you are suffering with your teeth and finding eating and drinking a real pain, it may be time to see a Gloucester dentist about dentures.

January 16, 2010 at 9:55 am | dentures | No comment

Incredible developments in dentistry available at Bristol dentist

The boundaries around what is possible in dentistry are increasingly being pushed back as technology finds ways to improve treatment quality, shorten appointment times and find more efficient ways to deal with age-old dental problems. These technological advances have gathered momentum over the past two decades with treatments available now that could only have even been imagined thirty years ago.

These advances have impacted on every level of dentistry and it is useful to give a few examples to highlight the changes. Dental crowns are artificial caps that fit over damaged teeth to protect them from further damage. In the past, crowns were painstakingly manufactured in laboratories using a series of dental moulds and x-rays. Using a combination of metal and ceramics, the crowns were built up layer upon layer until they were the satisfactory shape. The dentist would then need to remove substantial amounts of natural enamel to allow the bulky crown to fit over the damaged tooth. Today’s technology means a crown can be sculpted from a single piece of porcelain in as little as six minutes. This has been made possible by the advent of digital x-rays and 3D imaging which allow the dentist to create an incredibly accurate and immediate image of the patient’s mouth. A computer-guided mill can then whittle the tooth to a similarly accurate degree. This technology can also be used in the manufacture of veneers and dental inlays.

Teeth whitening procedures have also developed significantly to be more effective and much safer and orthodontic straightening has seen a similar improvement. It is now possible to straighten teeth in a fraction of the time previously thought possible, and this can be achieved more discreetly and with less discomfort to the patient.

These are just a small selection of the incredible dental technologies available to all patients at Bristol dentists. Whatever the problem or dental concern there is a quick, affordable and aesthetically pleasing technology available to give you the best possible treatment.

January 14, 2010 at 5:13 am | general dentistry | No comment

End dental pain with help from Bristol dentist

Teeth have a very hard enamel exterior that is very durable and strong, but poor standards of oral hygiene or dental trauma can breech this tough exterior exposing the extremely sensitive dental nerve within the tooth. This can cause pain ranging from a mild sensitivity due to extremes of temperature in the mouth from eating and drinking to very severe pain caused by dental infections and abscesses.

Tooth enamel is commonly broken down by plaque acids and tartar in the mouth which, if not repaired with a filling or crown, can expose the pulp and nerve of the tooth to bacterial infection. If the nerve or root becomes infected the body will produce an excess of white blood cells to fight the infection. This can build up on a pocket around the tooth leading to a painful, pus-filled abscess. These can be very painful and can also lead to a spread of the initial infection.

Dental pain can also come in the form of erupting teeth or wisdom teeth buried beneath the gum. These can cause interruption to bite and painful irritation that is very uncomfortable. One of the common features of all dental pain is that it is very hard to control. For someone suffering dental pain it can seem there is little they can do to stop it. In most cases over-the-counter painkillers will be effective but patients should always see a dentist even if the pain appears to have disappeared. In cases of extreme infection or serious gum disease patients may require anti-biotics and more serious pain relief. It is important to remember in all cases of dental pain to see a Bristol dentist as soon as possible.

January 10, 2010 at 8:47 am | general dentistry | No comment

Restore your confidence and your smile with a dental bridge from Bristol dentist

Even one missing tooth can seriously affect the way a person looks and not just because of the obvious gap in the teeth. Missing teeth leave gaps in the dental arc that allow other teeth to rotate and lean leading to a complete change in the appearance of the teeth. This can also affect bite alignment and have a negative impact on the facial tissue. Vacant spaces are also breeding grounds for plaque-forming and bad breath-causing bacteria. It is therefore very important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.

One cosmetic option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth attached to crowns or resin-bonded strips that literally bridges the gap left by the missing tooth. This restores the appearance of the tooth from the gum up without having any attachment to the gum itself. This prevents bacteria build up and also braces the other teeth preventing any unwanted movement.

Dental bridges are usually fitted over several visits to the dentist depending on the condition of the existing teeth. The type of bridge fitted also depends on the condition of the adjacent teeth. Teeth in better condition are likely to be resin bonded rather than remove healthy enamel for a crown.

If properly cared for a dental bridge can last for up to fifteen years and serve all the functions of a natural tooth. Bristol dentists can fit dental bridges to fill the gap left by one or more teeth to help restore a patient’s confidence and their smile.

January 9, 2010 at 6:31 pm | dental bridge | No comment

Swindon dentist uses versatile dental bonding to repair damaged teeth

Dental bonding is a term used in dentistry to describe the composite resin used as adhesive for dental procedures that is hardened with high intensity heat from a laser. Bonding is a very versatile material that can also be used to repair small damage to teeth such as chips and cracks, as well as covering damage caused by discolouration. In fact, if you’ve had any kind of dental treatment in the past such as a crown, veneer or filling you’ve probably benefited from dental bonding.

Composite bonding is the name given to the use of resin to fix small damage to teeth. The procedure involves mixing up the resin to closely match the colour of the existing teeth, before applying it to the damaged area and moulding it to the desired shape. When this moulding is completed, and it may involve the application of several layers of resin, the dentist will solidify it using the heat of a laser. It can then be polished and buffed to resemble the smooth appearance of tooth enamel. Bonding can be used in this way to repair cracks, chips and fill cavities, replacing the old silver amalgam fillings that have caused so much controversy in recent years. Bonding can also be used to make uneven or slightly crooked teeth look more aesthetically pleasing by careful and subtle application.

The use of bonding as an adhesive enables dentists to fit dental crowns or veneers to teeth that are significantly damaged. In such cases bonding alone may not be sufficient to repair the damage but its strength and durability make it perfect for securing other dental replacements. Before any bonding is applied it is first necessary to etch the surface of the tooth to allow for greater adhesion.

It is difficult to estimate the cost of dental bonding because the amount needed can vary greatly depending on the problem. However, it is important to remember that dental bonding is one of the cheapest and readily available dental treatments. Dentists in Swindon are thoroughly trained in the uses of dental bonding to make long lasting and visually pleasing dental repairs at a minimum of cost.

January 6, 2010 at 3:50 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

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Dr Gerrard's smile makeover photos have been selected to be featured on the cosmetic dentistry guide - an educational resource with information on teeth whitening, dental implants, dental veneers, invisalign and much more. He is also an expert on the Inman Aligner Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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