Archive for July, 2010

Find out about the latest Six Month braces at Bristol dentist

Being told you need braces is never easy for any teenager. That is because they are so aware of how braces look, how uncomfortable they are and how long the treatment lasts. They are probably also very aware that braces make them stand out when they are in the most emotionally difficult time of their lives. Luckily, orthodontic technology has come on a long way in the last ten years and a whole new wave of braces has revolutionised treatment.

There are now braces that promise invisible treatment, more comfortable treatment and treatment that lasts only a fraction of the time. There are also other braces, like the Six Month Smile brace, that attempts and succeeds in making improvements in all those areas. Six Month braces from a Bristol dentist are far more discreet than their more traditional counterparts. They use tooth coloured wires and brackets to lessen the visual impact on the smile. They are also far more comfortable and require far fewer nasty tightening appointments, which are often the scourge of the traditional brace wearer.

However, by far and away the most significant improvement comes in the length of treatment as you may have guessed by the name. Six Month braces treatment lasts on average six months, a massive improvement on the average of two years for train-track braces and they don’t lose any of the straightening power. Six Month has been sweeping the US in recent years, proving very popular with many thousands of image conscious teenagers and it looks set to do the same for teenagers here in the UK. Find out more about Six Month braces from your Bristol dentist.

July 30, 2010 at 4:44 am | 6 month smiles | No comment

Straighten teeth discreetly with Invisalign from Bath dentist

For many years dentists have been trying to create an invisible brace that provides the same level of straightening power as a fixed metal brace. There have been many attempts but they never produced results as good as using the traditional brace methods. That is until now, with the recent development of Invisalign. This is an invisible brace system that really works, straightening the teeth with little or no visual impact upon the wearer.

Invisalign works by using a series of one-millimetre thick plastic retainers. Each one is worn for a period of about three weeks before being replaced. Each retainer is specially designed to make small adjustments to the teeth, moving teeth into line over the course of treatment. The average time for straightening is eighteen months, incredibly, six months shorter than traditional braces.

Obviously the major advantage of Invisalign is the discretion. When in the mouth, it is almost impossible to tell that the patient is wearing the braces unless standing very close up. This is a major bonus for patients in their difficult teenage years or even young professionals keen to get that winning smile without metal braces. Invisalign braces can also be taken out, as they are completely removable. This means the teeth can easily be cleaned, another draw back of fixed bracket braces.

Invisalign braces from a Bath dentist may be slightly more expensive than traditional braces but they are almost certainly worth the extra cost, especially if you have ever experienced the pain and embarrassment of old fashioned braces. If your child needs braces, why not ask a Bath dentist if they are suitable for Invisalign and let them straighten their teeth the discreet way.

July 29, 2010 at 4:50 am | invisalign | No comment

The low down on dental implants and how they work. By a Bristol dentist

A Dental implant is an artificial tooth made from porcelain that is uniquely fixed to the jaw bone, for all intent and purposes it is the next best thing to a real and natural tooth. A Bristol dentist says that they have completely revolutionised the dental industry. Invented through many years of research and tests, the Implant was first researched in the 50s and 60s and since then they have been improved on to the present day. To someone who loses a tooth and can`t get on with dentures, they are a really good alternative as an artificial tooth. The process isn’t a quick fix though and the whole procedure can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. There is a lot of science involved and the method consists of the jaw bone integrating with the new tooth. A plate made of Titanium is the key start to the procedure, it is slide under the gum and screwed to the jaw bone, it is pre-drilled with holes to accept poles later on that will be the anchors for the actual tooth. The plate is left to integrate with the jaw bone by agitating the blood system into producing new bone cells, these grow around the plate to make it part of the jaw. The poles are then screwed in and glued, then the new tooth or teeth is slide on and cemented in, the tooth is now usable after a few days of sensitivity. It needs no special care and can be regarded as a natural tooth.

July 18, 2010 at 12:11 pm | dental implants | No comment

Good oral hygiene with brushing, flossing and visits to Bristol dentist

From an early age we are told the importance of brushing and flossing everyday. This is necessary when we are children, to help us understand the importance of keeping our teeth clean and help these processes become so natural as to be second nature. This is good when we are growing up but sometimes we can take oral hygiene so much for granted that we forget the importance of being aware of it. This can often result in ineffectual brushing and flossing and missed dental appointments. This is often the reason behind dental problems occurring, because people were simply not paying their teeth enough attention.

Brushing your teeth is the first line of defence against tooth decay, gum disease and many other oral concerns. Brushing removes plaque from the mouth, especially the surfaces of the teeth and gums. Plaque, if left to build up will release dangerous acids that are responsible for enamel erosion, infection and tooth decay. If left on the gums, the plaque will also cause irritation, inflammation and infection. Gum disease can be very serious and has strong links to heart disease and even fatal heart attacks. Bristol dentist recommend that you should brush your teeth twice a day for three minutes with a soft bristled brush for maximum effect.

It is also important not to underestimate the importance of flossing. Flossing cleans the areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush such as between the teeth and around their bases. These are often the areas where tooth decay and gum disease start so it is very important to keep them clean. Flossing also helps to keep the breath fresh by removing bacteria and food particles from between the teeth that cause many cases of bad breath. As well as brushing and flossing it is also crucial you combine good oral hygiene with regular visits to your dentist. They will be able to examine your teeth for any signs of disease and carry out any necessary treatment.

July 16, 2010 at 3:54 am | oral hygiene | No comment

Bath dentist brings an end to pain of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects people when they sleep. It actually involves the temporary cessation of breathing during sleep due to a blocked airway and can have very serious health complications. Sleep apnea is linked to heart disease and stress and can be very damaging to your overall health. What is even more amazing about the condition is that some people are completely unaware that they have it. Because it only occurs during the night, unless a loved one notices, you are unlikely to know what is happening when you sleep. Even then, many people simply mistake sleep apnea for snoring, which is the sound omitted during breathing while asleep.

There are two main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by the collapse of the soft palate at the back of the throat. This temporarily blocks the airways before it is reopened again. This can happen many times each night putting a great deal of strain on the body. The other type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea (CSA), which is caused in the respiratory centre of the brain which stops sending signals to the lungs to breathe. The two are very different but ultimately have the same consequences.

Sleep apnea is the underlying cause of many health conditions such as stress and anxiety. In children it is often the reason for low attention span and underachieving in school. Sleep apnea, specifically OSA, can be treated by Bath dentists who can use special appliances to be worn at night to prevent the palate from collapsing. This will hopefully be able to allow you a good nights sleep for the first time in a long time. Without knowing it, you could be making the most important change to your life. Make an appointment with your dentist if you have concerns about sleep apnea.

July 9, 2010 at 4:26 am | dental disorders | No comment

Lifelike porcelain crown from Weston-super-Mare dentist

Injury and disease can affect the health of our teeth. Teeth that are affected by decay or have been damaged as the result of an accident or biting something hard can be very sore and also lead to further dental complications. If a tooth is cracked or has severe dental cavities it can easily become infected. This can be very painful if the infection begins to attack the dental nerve and can ultimately lead to tooth loss. This is why it is so important to repair damaged teeth before they are attacked by infection and disease.

One of the most tried and tested ways of protecting a tooth is to use a dental crown. Crowns are artificial caps that are cemented over the top of the existing teeth, covering all parts that are exposed above the gum. In this way they act as a barrier against further problems and also restore the structural integrity of the tooth.

Crowns have been used in dentistry for many years. They can be made of a number of materials but have commonly been made from metal (sometimes gold and silver for the more ostentatious patient) and porcelain. Although metal is obviously a very strong dental substitute, it suffers from a poor aesthetic quality and is often not favoured by many patients. Porcelain on the other hand, looks a lot like natural tooth enamel, even having a slight translucent quality. This means that a porcelain crown will look very realistic in the mouth. Porcelain can also be especially selected to closely match the colour if the existing teeth.

New dental technology available at Weston-super-Mare dentist also enables them to manufacture porcelain crowns in a fraction of the time previously needed. Some porcelain crowns can even be made and fitted in just one appointment. A crown could be the only way to protect your tooth and porcelain is one of the best materials to use to achieve this.

July 7, 2010 at 4:30 am | dental crowns | No comment

Early detection of oral cancer by Bristol dentist saves lives

If you were told that by taking just two or three minutes of your time every six months you could save your life, you would almost certainly do it. This is the deal we are offered when it comes to checking for oral cancer yet so many of us are too busy or forgetful to go to the dentist for a check up every six months. As well as checking the health of your teeth, your Bristol dentist will also carry out a small oral cancer examination. This involves checking all the soft tissue areas in the mouth such as the lips, cheek lining, tongue and throat for signs and symptoms of the disease. This is one of the most sure-fire ways of catching oral cancer in its early stages, which could make all the difference in the world.

Oral cancer is a very nasty form of the disease. About 300,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year across the world, with one person dying every hour from the disease in the US alone. If not caught sufficiently early, oral cancer can be deadly. However, if caught in its early stages, oral cancer is very treatable with patients having a greater than 80 per cent chance of beating the disease.

There are several high risk factors that affect your chances of contracting oral cancer. Smokers and drinkers are at a much greater risk, especially if they do both simultaneously. Men are also more at risk than women, especially men over the age of fifty. Although it is important to remember that you are still at risk form oral cancer even if none of the risk factors apply to you and should still always get checked regularly.

If you show any of the signs of oral cancer such as small red or white sores in the mouth, unexplained bleeding in the mouth or sudden weight loss then make an appointment to see a Bristol dentist immediately, and even if you show no signs of the disease, remember how important a check up could be for you.

July 5, 2010 at 3:58 am | oral cancer | No comment

Know the dangers of gum disease – ask a Swindon dentist

The two most common things that affect our oral health are tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay occurs when plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up on the surface of the teeth and release acid that erodes enamel. This eventually leads to decay, infection and ultimately tooth loss. Gum disease is also caused by plaque and bacteria. This sits on the surface of the gum tissue and again releases acids, which cause irritation to the gums. If this process continues, the gum tissue can become infected which is the start of gum disease.

There are two main types of gum disease. Firstly, gingivitis which is the milder form of the disease, characterised by mild inflammation and irritation. This can cause some discomfort but is easily treated with improved oral hygiene and some treatment from a Swindon dentist. The other mores serious form of the disease is called periodontitis. This is when the infection has really taken hold in the gums, beyond the point that more effective cleaning will help. This may cause bleeding of the gums, tissue destruction and considerable pain.

If not treated effectively, periodontitis will eventually result in tooth loss and the spread of infection to other areas of the mouth. More worryingly perhaps, is the recent evidence for links between periodontits and heart disease. If the infection is allowed to enter the bloodstream it can cause a chain reaction that can have seriously damaging consequence on your heart and even cause fatal heart attacks. It is therefore very important to be aware of the health of your gums and do all you can to keep them clean. Better brushing and flossing combined with six-monthly dental check ups will help to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. With nearly three quarters of adults suffering from gum disease of some kind during their lives, it seems there is a lot more we can do to prevent it.

July 4, 2010 at 8:19 am | general dentistry | No comment

Rebuild your smile with dental bridge from Bath dentist

Losing a tooth can be a very traumatic experience both emotionally and physically. The most obvious concern is of course the pain. Whether the tooth is lost due to a physical accident such as a car crash or sporting injury or if it is just lost to decay or disease, either way there is going to be a significant amount of pain involved. The only difference being if the pain is chronic or acute. Once the initial pain has subsided however, you are then faced with the prospect of having a tooth missing from your dental arc. This is very noticeable and will often spoil the appearance of a smile. This can be emotionally very upsetting at any age but particularly for younger patients, having a missing tooth can have a very large stigma attached.

However, there are a number of ways of replacing missing teeth to restore the functionality of the teeth and also their cosmetic appearance. One such way is called a dental bridge. This involves creating an artificial tooth bridge to fill the gap created by the missing tooth. This is achieved usually by attaching two dental crowns to the teeth adjacent to the vacant tooth and using these to support an artificial tooth, which fills the gap. This artificial tooth, called a pontic from the Latin for bridge, will create the appearance of a full set of teeth and can also be used to eat and chew.

If the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are in a sufficiently good condition it is possible to bond the pontic using resin strips only, as this saves the need for enamel removal needed to attach crowns. A dental bridge from a Bath dentist could be the perfect way to restore the appearance of your teeth as well as rebuilding your confidence in your smile. If you have suffered the embarrassment of a knocked out tooth, ask about dental bridges at your next appointment.

July 3, 2010 at 4:55 am | dental bridge | No comment

Keeping your mouth germ free and keeping your teeth longer. By a Swindon dentist

Brushing is not enough to keep your teeth in pristine condition says a Swindon dentist. To keep your teeth in pristine condition and disease free requires more than a quick brushing in the morning. Flossing is really important as it helps to prepare your teeth for brushing, brushing alone won`t shift the food particles trapped in between the teeth, and it is this that is your mouths worst enemy. Flossing dislodges it before the brush gets to work, then if you brush properly, using the correct brush, your mouth will be bare of food stuff, and that means the bacteria in your mouth won`t be able to produce much acid. That acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth, and once it’s gone it won`t grow back, it also makes your gums tender and subject to cuts when you eat food, those cuts allow the bacteria to enter the blood system and new research shows that it can cause heart disease. Receding gums are painful and once they are gone they can never grow back either, we are all carrying out a continuous battle against gum and tooth disease. However, help is at hand in the form of the dental super hero known as `The Dental Hygiene Nurse`, they are attached to every surgery and are there specifically to hand out advice on oral hygiene. You won`t learn oral hygiene at school, so your dentist provides this service as part of their preventative program, leaflets usually accompany the advice.

July 1, 2010 at 4:20 am | gum disease | No comment

 

 

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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