Archive for January, 2010
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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | No comment
Protect damaged teeth with dental crowns from Bath dentist
Anyone who has suffered the pain of a severely damaged tooth or root canal procedure can tell you exactly how unpleasant it is. When dental nerves are exposed either due to cracks in the teeth, cavities or dental surgery they can be incredibly sensitive and the source of great discomfort. Dental crowns are artificial tooth caps that aim to rebuild the structure of damaged or exposed teeth to protect them from further damage and restore their cosmetic appearance.
Crowns are very versatile and effective and can be made from a number of different materials. Depending on the situation of the tooth in the mouth, crowns can either be made of a mixture of ceramic and metal, or for more visually prominent teeth, just from a porcelain ceramic. It is even possible to manufacture crowns made form pure gold or silver for a slightly more glitzy appearance.
When applying dental crowns to damaged teeth, the dentist will need to remove some of the surface enamel to allow the crown to fit over the top. The crown should cover all parts of the tooth that are proud of the gum line for maximum protection. They are fixed to the teeth using a strong composite resin bonding which is tooth coloured for a more attractive cosmetic appearance.
New technology has radically reduced the amount of time needed to manufacture and fit crowns. It is now even possible to repair a damaged tooth with a crown in only one visit to the dentist, using computer-aided technology. A crown from a Bath dentist can last up to twenty years if properly cared for, offering protection from pain and further damage with no damage to the appearance of the teeth.
January 4, 2010 at 4:28 am | No comment
The importance of oral hygiene explained by Bath dentist
We know from archaeological evidence all over the world that we have been trying to look after our teeth for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, the first great civilisation, used twigs and leaves to keep teeth clean. Many African tribes to this day still use the ancient practice of chewing leaves with antibacterial properties to keep teeth clean. While the Egyptians may not have understood the exact science behind dental hygiene, they had certainly worked out that keeping teeth clean and healthy helped to prevent painful dental conditions in the future.
We now understand the exact scientific processes that can occur in the mouth to cause dental problems if teeth are not cleaned or cared for properly. Bath dentists recommend that patients brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. This helps to remove plaque, a filmy substance rich in bacteria that releases acid and erodes the protective tooth enamel. By removing plaque you can prevent enamel erosion that can lead to dental cavities, tooth infection and in severe cases, tooth loss.
It is also vital to keep up six-monthly check-up appointments with a Bath dentist who is highly-trained to spot the first signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Catching these conditions early is critical to effective treatment that can prevent pain and further infection. Dentists can also recommend the most effective methods of cleaning and most suitable products for your individual teeth. This will almost certainly not involve any leaves or twigs but the principles first discovered by the Egyptians remain the same: look after your teeth and they will look after you.
January 2, 2010 at 10:43 am | No comment
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