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Posts Tagged ‘oral health’

How To Get Straight Teeth Quick – Your Options And The Duration

Tuesday, November 29th, 2022

In today’s modern world, people are becoming increasingly conscious of their appearance and personality. Unfortunately, wearing fancy clothes alone is not sufficient today. People tend to make a first impression of a person by their smile. So, if one has a charming smile, they will be welcomed warmly. On the other hand, if one has an imperfect smile or crooked teeth, they may be considered unapproachable. 

If you are also concerned about your misaligned teeth ruining your social image, don’t worry, there are ways to fix it. Naturally, you would like to get your teeth straightened as soon as possible. Thanks to modern orthodontics, teeth can now be aligned rapidly compared to previous times. This blog will discuss various quick solutions to help you enjoy a perfect smile and a straight set of teeth. So, read on to learn more. 

Do Clear Aligners Really Work To Straighten Teeth?

Many people think that aligners are ineffective as braces, while others think that aligners don’t work at all. The fact is that clear aligners are pretty effective in treating tooth alignment issues. This is because they are designed in such a way that when worn over the teeth, they will exert pressure on them and realign them. In fact, clear aligners are considered a comfortable, convenient, and inconspicuous alternative to traditional braces.

Is There Any Way To Straighten Teeth In One Day?

It is practically impossible to get one’s teeth straightened with orthodontic treatment in a single day. This is because orthodontic treatment takes time to move the teeth, and it may take many months to achieve the desired results. However, it may be possible for one to get their teeth straightened in a single day with cosmetic dentistry. This involves cosmetically fixing the tooth alignment issues by attaching veneers over them. So, this is purely a cosmetic treatment, and it does not fix the underlying issue. 

How Much Time Does It Take To Straighten The Teeth?

The time required to straighten one’s teeth depends on many factors.

  • For example, the treatment time varies according to the orthodontic treatment option, such as braces or Invisalign aligners.
  • Similarly, it also depends on the skill and experiences of the dentist.
  • Another factor determining the treatment time is the severity of the issue; more complicated issues may take longer than minor tooth alignment problems.
  • Finally, the treatment time also depends on patient compliance, especially in the case of Invisalign clear aligners. Typically, it takes around 6-8 months, while more complex problems may take up to 36 months. 

How Will Invisalign Straighten My Teeth?

Invisalign is an orthodontic system based on a series of numbered removable aligners. These aligners or trays are made of a flexible, transparent material worn over the teeth. The aligners are designed such that each aligner set puts pressure on the teeth and moves them gradually towards optimal occlusion. Once you have worn an aligner set for 14 days, you should switch to the next set. In this way, each aligner set will move your teeth one step closer to a balanced, attractive, and healthy smile. 

Is Invisalign Really Better Than Braces?

Every orthodontic treatment system has its own merits and demerits.

  1. For example, braces are reliable, time-tested, and suitable for even the most complicated issues.
  2. On the other hand, clear aligners are more comfortable, convenient, and inconspicuous than traditional braces.
  3. Furthermore, they allow one to maintain optimal oral hygiene and eat all their favourite foods, compared to braces.

So, if your priority is comfort and aesthetics, then clear aligners are certainly a better choice than braces. 

How Long Does The Invisalign Treatment Take?

Invisalign is an excellent option for fixing mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Typically it takes around 6-8 months to correct minor tooth alignment, crowding, or spacing issues. On the other hand, more complex problems may take up to 36 months for complete treatment. Your dentist will give you an estimated treatment duration after a thorough clinical examination and treatment planning

How Can I Get My Teeth Fixed Without Braces?

The ideal way of straightening one’s teeth is through orthodontic treatment – using braces or removable aligners. However, if someone cannot wait for many months to achieve the desired results with braces or if they cannot afford orthodontic treatment, there is another quick and relatively cost-effective option available. They may consider getting their teeth cosmetically fixed with porcelain veneers. Such cosmetic treatment will fix the cosmetic issue but will not treat the underlying problem. So, it is always advisable to fix orthodontic issues permanently with braces or aligners. 

What Are The Best Teeth Straightening Options?

When it comes to straightening crooked teeth, there are many options available. For example, one could get their teeth straightened with metal braces. But, if someone does not like their appearance, tooth-coloured ceramic braces or inconspicuous lingual braces are also available. Finally, if someone is looking for comfort and optimal aesthetics, removable aligners are an excellent choice. 

When getting one’s teeth straightened with braces or aligners, the foremost thing to consider is the dentist’s skill and experience. The more experienced a dentist is, the better the aesthetic outcome and the less time it will take. So, if you are looking for a renowned and experienced orthodontist in Didcot or Oxford, the smile practice is at your service! We provide all orthodontic treatment services under one roof at affordable rates. So, Request a free virtual consultation today and begin your journey towards a healthy and beautiful smile. 

Why choose Digital Smile Design to help improve your smile?

Tuesday, November 1st, 2022

Why choose Digital Smile Design to help improve your smile?

Have you ever wondered how our favourite celebrities have such attractive smiles? Is that they are born with such picture-perfect smiles? Not all of them are naturally blessed with such adorable smiles, but they have highly experienced and qualified cosmetic dentists who completely transform their smiles! And the good news is that you can also benefit from cosmetic dentistry to eliminate your aesthetic facial defects and enjoy the smile you have always dreamed of. 

But how? You may ask! The answer to this question is a digital smile design. So, if you’re interested in knowing more about digital smile designs and how you can benefit from them, you have come to the right place. This blog will explain everything you need to know about digital smile designs and smile makeovers. So, read on to learn how easy it is to enjoy a Hollywood smile!

What Is A Digital Smile Design?

A digital smile design is an innovation in cosmetic dentistry in which a brand-new smile is digitally designed using software and simulation. The best thing about digital smile design is that one can visualise how their teeth and smile will look once their cosmetic dental treatment is complete. In this way, patients have full control over their smiles and appearance, and there are no surprises for them at the end of the treatment. A smile design basically serves as a template for the dentists that allows them to prepare a customised treatment plan for rehabilitating each patient’s smile and facial appearance. 

How Does Digital Dentistry Work?

Digital dentistry is has brought a revolution in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. With this technology, gone are the days when dentists used analogue equipment and instruments for providing dental treatment. For example, making impressions of teeth for veneer fabrication previously involved inserting an impression material-filled tray into the mouth, which was cumbersome and inconvenient for the patients, besides being inaccurate at times. On the other hand, dentists nowadays make digital impressions using intra-oral cameras that provide immediate results and are highly accurate. Similarly, digital x-rays offer far better details that conventional ones. Finally, digital technologies such as CAD/CAM have provided a convenient, quick, and aesthetically pleasing solution for the chairside fabrication of dental prostheses such as dentures, mouthguards and even restorations such as veneers and crowns. In short, digital dentistry has helped make dental treatment less time-consuming, pain-free, and more aesthetically pleasing. 

What Are The Process For Smile Design?

A digital smile design is an exacting procedure that requires careful planning and exceptional skills.

  • First, your dentist will perform a detailed examination to identify facial cosmetic and restorative defects.
  • Next, they will discuss these issues with you and suggest the best possible treatment options.
  • Then, based on your input, your dentist will use digital technology to design a simulation to help you visualise how your smile will be transformed and how you will look after the cosmetic treatment. At this stage, you can ask for any modifications if needed, as everything is done until this step is through software.

Once you approve the design, your dentist will prepare various restorations using CAD-CAM technology – depending on your treatment needs – to restore your smile and optimal dental function. In most cases, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening enhance one’s smile after a digital smile design procedure. 

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Helpful In Smile Designing?

A digital smile design is simply a template that allows the dentist to transform your smile. However, it is really the skill and expertise of the cosmetic dentist who will utilise this template and remove your facial aesthetic defects. So, a digital smile design is useless without cosmetic dental treatment. 

Where Can I Get the Best Digital Smile Design Treatment In Pune?

Finding the best cosmetic dentist in your area can be challenging, but it is certainly not impossible. The first thing to do is to search for online reviews of cosmetic dental practices in your area and shortlist the ones with the best reputation. Next, you should physically visit these practices and discuss your cosmetic issues with the dentist there. Finally, you should go with a dental practice that you feel the most comfortable with and one that offers the best value for your money. 

Will Smile Design Treatment Hurt?

Digital smile designing is done entirely using digital equipment and software. For example, the impression of your teeth will be made using an intra-oral camera, while x-ray images will be recorded using digital x-ray technology. So, you can rest assured that you won’t feel pain or discomfort during this procedure. 

Is Smile Makeover Really Beneficial?

A smile makeover is an excellent cosmetic option for individuals with flawed smiles. If your facial defects make you feel underconfident, a smile makeover can transform your looks and boost your self-confidence. Numerous people worldwide have benefitted from complete smile makeovers and enjoying the smiles of their dreams. So, what’s stopping you?

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Helpful In Smile Designing?

Let’s put it this way; a smile design is the virtual part of a smile makeover. The actual smile transformation is brought about with cosmetic dental treatment. So yes, cosmetic dentistry and smile design are interlinked and dependent on each other to ensure a healthy and aesthetically pleasing treatment outcome. 

Would you like to see the power of a digital smile design in Oxford? Then, visit us at The Smile Practice today, and let us show you we will transform your smile into a picture-perfect Hollywood smile. So, claim a free smile assessment and get one step closer to your dream smile!

Finding a dentist to remove mercury fillings?

Thursday, June 9th, 2022

Finding a dentist to remove mercury fillings

We often read in newspapers and hear dentists telling us about the dangers of mercury fillings. In fact, many dental practices in the UK have either completely stopped using mercury-based fillings or used them sparingly. So, what is so dangerous and harmful about silver-mercury fillings? Are they really harmful to our health? If you are also searching for ansewrs to these questions, you have come to the right place. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about mercury fillings and their safety. 

Why Are Dentists Still Using Mercury In Fillings?

If we search the internet for the restorative services offered by various dental practices in the UK, we will find that some dentists continue to use amalgam fillings. The reason is that mercury fillings are still not completely banned in the UK. According to the British Dental Association, as of July 1, 2018, the use of mercury has been completely prohibited in the following patient groups:

  • Children below 15 years of age 
  • Pregnant women 
  • Breastfeeding women 

For other patients, the BDA advises dentists to use silver-amalgam fillings with caution while considering their overall health status. 

How Difficult Is It To Have Mercury Dental Fillings Removed?

The procedure for removing silver-amalgam fillings from the oral cavity is straightforward. However, dentists have to use high-quality suction while removing the fillings to ensure that the mercury vapour or particles are not inhaled or ingested as they may prove harmful. Otherwise, the procedure involves using a dental handpiece to remove the amalgam fillings in increments and then replacing them with the safer and more aesthetically-pleasing composite fillings

Is Removing Dental Amalgam Fillings Safer Than Leaving Them In?

If your amalgam-restored teeth are in a healthy condition, it is not advisable to have your silver-amalgam fillings removed. This is because removing amalgam fillings may expose you to more mercury vapours or particles than if they are left behind. Besides, more natural tooth structure is lost during amalgam removal and the placement of a replacement filling. So, if amalgam fillings are not causing any problem, you should not have them removed.

Who’s The Best Dentist For Amalgam Filling Removal In London?

If you are thinking of having your amalgam fillings removed, it is best to visit a holistic dentist or one who has sufficient experience in amalgam filling removal. This is because these dentists will have the necessary expertise and equipment to safely remove the amalgam fillings from your mouth while ensuring that you or the dental staff do not inhale the mercury vapour. 

Why Is Mercury In Dental Amalgams Safe?

The EU regulation on dental amalgam considers silver-amalgam fillings to be safe for use in the oral cavity. The reason is that the amount of mercury released from dental fillings is not sufficient to cause any untoward reaction, especially if an encapsulated form of dental amalgams is used and mixing is done mechanically instead of hand mixing. So, amalgam fillings are largely considered safe for clinical oral use. 

Are Mercury Dental Fillings Dangerous?

The BDA, in accordance with EU regulations on mercury use, recognises amalgam fillings as largely being safe for dental restorations. However, instead of a complete ban on mercury fillings,  the BDA believes in gradual phasing out their use by 2030 on environmental safety grounds. So, there is no harm in getting amalgam fillings in the UK if you are concerned about their unaesthetic metallic appearance. 

Should I Remove My Amalgam Fillings?

As discussed earlier, having your amalgam fillings removed may not be a good idea if they aren’t causing any problems. This is because the removal process of amalgam fillings generates mercury vapours that can be inhaled or ingested, and any result has adverse health effects. So, having your mercury fillings removed may do more harm than good. However, mercury filling removal may be considered if you are not satisfied with their aesthetics and would like to have them replaced with tooth-coloured fillings

Why Don’t Dentists Make A Silver Filling That Has No Mercury?

Mercury is a metal that remains liquid at room temperature, which makes it easy to be mixed with other metal alloys. Secondly, when mixed with suitable metal alloys, the mixture hardens over time into a robust filling that can withstand very heavy biting pressures. In fact, properly placed mercury fillings can last more than 4 decades! Previously, attempts were made to use gallium, another liquid metal considered safer to mercurry, but the results were not encouraging. So, mercury is the ideal metal for mixing with metal alloys. 

What Are The Disadvantages Of Amalgam Fillings?

Compared to the contemporary, tooth-coloured, resin-based fillings, dental mercury filings have certain drawbacks, such as:

  1. Aesthetics – mercury fillings have a distinct metallic appearance which is not liked by many patients
  2. Sacrificing Healthy Tooth Structure – the placement of mercury fillings requires removal of significan amounts of natural tooth structure, which goes against the current practice of minimally-invasive dentistry. 
  3. Safety Concerns – some experts have raised safety concerns regarding the use of mercury in these fillings. 

If you would like to know more about mercury fillings or whether you should have your mercury fillings removed, we are at your service! Whether you need dental fillings or braces for your kids, we provide all dental services in comfortable and relaxing environment at affordable rates. So, contact us today and take your first step towards a healthy and lasting smile. The health, safety, and satisfaction of our esteemed patients is our top priority. 

Why You Should Stop What You’re Doing and Book a Hygiene Session!

Friday, May 13th, 2016

Dental hygienists are experts in the field of freshness and treatments that keep oral diseases at bay. If you suffer from gum disease or have a high risk of developing the condition, your dentist might advise you to see the hygienist. However, you don’t need to be suffering to benefit from hygiene treatment. Whether you’re battling with bad breath, are prone to plaque or simply want to treat your mouth to a fresh, clean feeling, why not book yourself in for an intensive cleaning experience?

What can a hygiene session do for me?

Dental hygiene sessions can make a massive difference to your oral health, especially if you’re at risk of dental disease. Cleaning treatments remove stubborn plaque, tartar and bacteria that your toothbrush can’t get, as well as giving your mouth that clean, fresh feeling.

Our amazing hygienists also offer preventative treatments and can offer advice about oral hygiene at home, healthy eating for your teeth and giving up smoking. We aim to promote good oral health and help you enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile.

Oral hygiene and gum disease

Dentists and hygienists work together to effectively treat and manage gum disease. Regular hygiene sessions are an essential way to tackle plaque and prevent gum disease from developing or getting worse.

How can I find out more?

To find out more about dental hygiene and the services we offer, contact reception today.

The Problem with Wisdom Teeth

Friday, March 18th, 2016

3534882_blogHumans have a complicated relationship with wisdom teeth. In ancient Arabic they are referred to as being the “teeth of maturity” and the Korean culture calls them “love teeth” due to the pain they can cause when growing in. Wisdom teeth, the latecomers to the mouth, can also be the cause of many dental problems for patients in Oxford.

Most people begin to start experiencing problems with wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 25. When wisdom teeth come in they generally produce pain and make chewing uncomfortable. The emergence of these new teeth tends to disrupt the entire alignment of the jaw and mouth, enhancing the pain they cause. This drastic altering of the jaw’s alignment can lead to tooth decay, inflammation and gum problems.

Although useful in later life (once fully formed, wisdom teeth function as any other molars and can be used for grinding and chewing), wisdom teeth can bring with them a host of problems. Common symptoms of wisdom teeth problems include stiffness in the jaw, swelling of the gums around the emerging tooth, pain and irritation and tooth decay.

Because wisdom teeth tend to force their way into a mouth that is already aligned and has been aligned with its adult teeth for some time, crowding is a common problem resulting from the arrival of wisdom teeth. It is a problem that is so serious that it warrants the removal of the wisdom teeth by extraction.

In addition to problems with overcrowding, wisdom teeth are removed for the pain they cause when they rub against the inside of the cheek and jaw. Wisdom teeth are also removed if they haven’t come in properly and remain impacted either in the jaw bone or beneath the gums.

Wisdom teeth commonly pose a lot of problems and in fact only 10 percent of all adults report never experiencing discomfort or pain associated with wisdom teeth. While they do seem troublesome, it is important to know that wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure at dentist surgeries around the world and is usually performed effortlessly and with few negative side effects.

Battling Bleeding Gums?

Thursday, February 18th, 2016

If you noticed a cut bleeding on your arm, you’d probably do something to stop it immediately. However, many people ignore bleeding gums and this is why gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in British adults. The reality is that gum disease is preventable, and all you have to do is spend a few minutes each day giving your teeth and gums a bit of TLC to battle bleeding gums and prevent early tooth loss.

About gum disease

Gum disease is a very common oral disease, which is usually caused by plaque. Plaque is a sticky film made when food debris combines with saliva and bacteria. Plaque irritates the gums and when you eat, the acids released by bacteria also erode the enamel, increasing the risk of sensitivity and decay.

Thankfully, there is an easy way to prevent plaque from forming and this involves devoting just five minutes of your day to your teeth and gums. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day helps to remove bacteria and food deposits from the mouth before plaque can develop, as well as ensuring your teeth look sparkly and clean.

Spotting the signs of gum disease

The most noticeable symptom of gum disease is bleeding when you brush, but you may also notice that your gums feel swollen and sore and they may also look redder.

If you notice the warning signs of gum disease, contact us so that you can see your dentist as quickly as possible.

Often, it will turn out to be nothing, but if you do have gum disease, seeing a dentist early ensures that it can be treated as early as possible. Gingivitis, the mild form of gum disease, is much easier to treat than periodontal disease, the advanced form of gum disease.

I am dropping a note to say thanks for all the work you have done for me, I am aware that I am not the easiest of patients. Your patience and explanations whilst work is underway was very much appreciated. The bridge work is really outstanding, here’s hoping I need nothing more than routine checks for some time.
- Mr R G
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