October 23rd, 2009
Fear of the dentist is one of our most common fears. According to a recent study, it is a fear shared by more than 90 per cent of us. For most of that 90 per cent it is a fear that can be overcome by the knowledge that visiting a dentist is crucial for the maintenance of good oral health, and that by missing appointments it will only lead to future dental problems and further dental appointments. This kind of fear is known as dental anxiety and is usually fairly easily overcome. For some patients however, their fear is much greater to the extent that they are willing to sacrifice their dental health for the sake of fear. This more irrational fear of the dentist is commonly known as dental phobia. Patients who suffer from dental phobia frequently suffer from dental problems such as tooth decay, which will eventually require them to visit the dentist.
People’s fear of the dentist is usually sparked by one of several factors. An unpleasant childhood experience of the dentist can lead to a lifetime of fear. Others are embarrassed by the state of their teeth. Some patients simply describe a feeling of lack of control or vulnerability when in the dentist’s chair. Whatever the cause for the phobia, running away from your fears is never the answer and in most cases only succeeds in further compounding the problem.
Dental phobias are very real to the sufferers but they are not insurmountable. Very often just talking through your fears with the dentist will be enough reassurance. After all, you are unlikely to be their first nervous patient. They will also have been specially trained to deal with nervous patients. Other techniques to help you relax include breathing exercises or self-hypnosis. Patients who can maintain a level of trance like calm can often visit the dentist with little or no anxiety. The use of lavender oil can also help to calm the patient’s nerves before an appointment.
It is also worthwhile remembering that dentistry has made large strides in the last twenty years. Today’s dental practices resemble health spas more than hospitals. Most procedures can now be carried out with the minimum of discomfort and pain caused to the patient and can now be carried out in a fraction of the time it used to take, reducing the time you will need to spend in the chair.
If you suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia, talk to your London W1 dentist before your appointment. They will be able to reassure you and offer advice on how to stay calm and relaxed throughout the appointment.
October 22nd, 2009
Patients who have missing teeth can sometimes suffer with painful jaw disorders called TMJ. This happens because the remaining teeth lean into the gap left by the missing teeth. This alters the way the top and bottom teeth sit together, known as the the bite, and can cause painful alignment problems.
Tooth loss is just one cause of TMJ and there is some argument about what can actually lead to this painful disorder. Many physicians think it may be caused by stress and the related unconscious teeth grinding, or bruxism as it is also known. This may well be the cause of TMJ but it is undoubtedly caused by some of the more common dental issues such as tooth loss.
TMJ is a disorder that affects the major bones and joints in the head, specifically the jaw which is also known as the temporomandibular joint (this joint lends its name to the condition). Because the joint is so regularly in use, it is vital for talking and eating, TMJ can be a particularly irritating condition rendering the most mundane of tasks excruciating. Sufferers of TMJ complain of pain that covers the whole spectrum from minor to severe and intermittent to permanent. As anyone who has experienced pain in the jaw will tell you, it is no joke and can be extremely unpleasant if not properly treated.
Unfortunately for sufferers of TMJ the main symptom is pain. This usually manifests itself in the jawbone but can also appear in the neck and face and, in severe cases, in the ear causing temporary hearing loss. Dentists can test for TMJ by performing the clench test as part of your regular check up. The test involves fully clenching the teeth together to ascertain if it is causing any pain. This may indicate a change in bite which could lead to TMJ. If TMJ is suspected the dentist can carry out further inspection of the teeth and jawbone and possibly refer you to a surgeon should he suspect TMJ.
Patients can get short-term relief from TMJ with over the counter pain relief. The use of hot and cold packs can also minims the swelling and pain caused by TMJ. If you are suffering unexplained pain in the neck, face or jaw ask a West London dentist to perform a test for TMJ at your next appointment.
October 21st, 2009
For teenagers who need braces and aren’t thrilled by the prospect of wearing an unseemly and uncomfortable metal brace for the best part of two years, the newest Invisalign product Invisalign Teen might just bring the smile back to their face. Just like the clinically proven Invisalign adult range, the Teen range is a series of clear plastic retainers, each worn for a two or three-week period that gradually straightens teeth.
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed to help teenagers maintain their self-esteem and self-confidence during their emotionally turbulent developing years. After all, no one wants to stand out from the crowd as a teenager. Invisalign Teen is also able to fit around the lifestyle of a teenager, unlike a conventional metal brace that may cause them to make certain sacrifices.
Invisalign Teen has been designed in conjunction with orthodontists who understand both the teenagers’ orthodontic and general social situation. Combining all the straightening power of the adult Invisalign range the Teen also has Blue Dot Wear Indicators that fade when it is time to change the retainer. They are also made with eruption tabs to accommodate the growth of molars and other common clinical needs during this time.
Invisalign braces are made using the very latest in 3D imaging and digital x-ray technology. Dentists can now create complete three-dimensional images of teeth on the computer without the need for uncomfortable dental moulds. The one millimetre thick clear retainers are manufactured with aid of computer technology and are incredibly accurate. They need to be worn between 20 and 22 hours a day and should only be removed when eating, playing sports, brushing teeth or on social occasions. Each aligner will need to be changed roughly every two weeks, but this depends on the patient.
Invisalign treatments enable teens to maintain their lifestyle and social activities without any loss of confidence. The stigma of traditional braces does not apply to Invisalign Teen as they are barely noticeable unless up very close to the patient’s teeth. Because Invisalign retainers are easy to remove, there is no loss of dental hygiene that can happen with difficult-to-clean metal braces. Broken retainers are also far more easily replaced than broken metal brackets and teens can even be given spares. Costs for Invisalign braces vary but are generally not much more than for traditional metal braces. If your teenager may require orthodontic teeth straightening ask a City of London dentist about Invisalign Teen.
October 20th, 2009
As technology progresses in all fields, equipment tends to get smaller and more efficient. The same is true of dental technology and is particularly useful for the purposes of orthodontic treatment. For years the only option for patients was to have the intrusive and uncomfortable old-style metal braces, but in the last few years advances have been made that has made the wearing of braces more tolerable. One system in particular offers rapid and discreet orthodontic brace treatment. Damon braces offer patients friction-free wires and brackets for a more comfortable straightening experience. It also has the advantage of not requiring as many painful extractions before application for it to be effective, which can be one of the major drawbacks for conventional braces. In place of extractions, Damon braces use palatal expanders to increase the room for overcrowded teeth to straighten.
To increase the speed of treatment, Damon braces use special self-ligating wires and a friction-free movement mechanism. On average Damon braces achieve results six-months faster than ordinary metal braces and the self-ligating wires remove the need for regular tightening which can be an uncomfortable experience for patients. Damon braces do also not require metal or elastic ties which are often the cause for soft tissue irritation. Elastic wires can also be the cause of bacteria build up in the mouth because they are very difficult to clean properly. This bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum disease and staining of the teeth. This means that Damon braces also help to preserve the oral health of the patient while straightening the teeth.
Although it must be said that Damon braces are not as discreet as invisible retainer or other metal retainers on the market, they are more discreet than the old metal braces. Because parts of the brackets are made form ceramic and clear plastic they definitely do reduce the visual impact of a metal brace. They also have the advantage of working in a much shorter time period.
Damon braces cost slightly more than normal orthodontic braces but because of the speed and comfort of the procedure, more and more patients are choosing to use the Damon system. Ask a City of London dentist about Damon braces and straighten your teeth without the pain.
October 19th, 2009
Clearstep braces are the latest in modern, quick and affordable orthodontic technology. Incredibly discrete, Clearstep braces can be used to treat common dental issues such as overcrowding, unevenly spaced teeth and under or overbite issues. The Clearstep system involves a number of removable and see-through positioners that gently manipulate the teeth into place by applying gentle pressure on the incorrectly positioned teeth. Clearstep braces can be worn by almost any patient, including children.
Clearstep aligners offer a discrete alternative to metal braces which can be unseemly and uncomfortable. Patients are often unwilling to sacrifice up to two years of wearing irritating metal brackets just to have straight teeth but with Clearstep, the transparent and discreet retainers offer a genuinely flexible alternative. The Clearstep aligners also have the advantage of being completely removable meaning they can be taken out for important meetings or social occasions. They can even be taken out at mealtimes meaning that, unlike regular braces, no type of food is off the menu.
The Clearstep treatment can also be complemented by a special whitening gel that the dentist can add to the retainer to remove stains. This means that patients can be simultaneously straightening and whitening their teeth in a complete smile makeover.
Clearstep has some clear advantages over the traditional metal braces. Obviously the appearance is a major plus point for the Clearstep system, but just as important is the greater level of control it gives to the wearer. Because it is completely removable, teeth can be brushed and flossed as normal maintaining a good standard of oral hygiene. This often suffers with metal braces because it is so hard to clean around them.
Clearstep treatment vary in cost but for a full treatment you should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £2000 pounds. A West London dentist will be able to give you a more accurate estimation of cost and can also outline further the benefits of using the Clearstep system.
October 18th, 2009
Botox is increasingly becoming the treatment of choice for patients to regain their youthful appearance. Once solely the preserve of the rich and famous, botox is now a common everyday procedure on a par with having a haircut.
Botox is a bacterial toxin that is safe to use in the human body. It relaxes facial muscles and lessens the appearance of wrinkles when it is injected into the face.
The injections are safe and simple and last for up to four months before the body breaks down the botox naturally. Patients usually return for top up treatments every four months
Botox works by blocking the signals between nerve endings. When injected in minute quantities it can temporarily reduce the impression of lines caused by muscle movements. It is a painless procedure and patients usually start to see results after two to three days. 90 per cent of women who took part in clinical trials said they had noticed a marked improvement in appearance after only one treatment.
Initially approved for use in 2002 by the US Food and Drug Administration, botox has rapidly become the most popular cosmetic treatment. The facial rejuvenation it offers is the closest you can get to a non-surgical facelift. It is also becoming increasingly popular in the UK and is being offered by cosmetic dentists as part of an overall smile makeover. It is able to make a significant difference in facial tissue and lip tissue leaving the patient with healthy looking plump and firm flesh that frames a beautiful smile. Consult a City of London dentist about botox treatments and you could take years off your appearance without having to go anywhere near he surgeons knife.
October 17th, 2009
Some of the most common dental concerns that dentists are faced with are chipped, cracked or broken teeth. These are commonly caused by sporting injuries, head traumas or from biting something hard and can be very painful if not properly treated. The first option to fix the tooth is to try and use composite dental bonding. This involves making a tooth coloured resin paste and sculpting it to the tooth to create the desired shape. It is then set firm using the intense heat of a laser. Dental bonding is ideal for fixing small cracks and chips and is very durable. However, on certain occasions the damage is too great to repair or the injury has compromised the structural integrity of the tooth. In these cases, the dentist will need to manufacture and fit a durable dental crown in order to save the tooth.
Dental crowns can also be used to repair teeth damaged by tooth decay. If a tooth’s enamel has been eroded away and infection has spread to its root, its structural integrity may be severely damaged. Once a root canal procedure has been used to clear up the infection, to protect the tooth from further cracking or breaking completely, the dentist may use a dental crown. This also has the benefit of restoring the cosmetic appearance of the tooth.
Toady’s dental crowns are manufactured using CAD/CAM technology. This stands for computer aided design/computer aided manufacture and means that dentists now use digital x-rays and 3D imaging to build an exact replica of a patient’s teeth. Using the 3D image they can design the crown to microscopic levels of accuracy. Once happy with the projection, the dentist can begin the manufacturing process. This involves a computer guided milling device that sculpts the crown from a single piece of porcelain. By removing the need for dental moulds and x-ray developing the whole design and manufacture process can be achieved in one appointment, a vast improvement on the weeks the procedure used to take from start to finish
A dental crown is a lifelike and sturdy way to protect a tooth that may otherwise have been lost and can last for over ten years if properly looked after. If you are suffering from a cracked or damaged tooth visit a London W1 dentist fro a consultation.
October 16th, 2009
A missing tooth can be the source of great embarrassment because it is such an obvious flaw. It can make people reluctant to smile and be the cause of self-confidence issues. But a missing tooth can be physiologically damaging as well as psychologically. Missing teeth leave hollows in the gums that can be the breeding ground for bacteria. Because these hollows are difficult to clean with conventional brushing the bacteria builds up and becomes enamel-damaging plaque. This can lead to further tooth decay and tooth loss.
Missing teeth also leave gaps in the tooth line that other teeth will naturally lean into. This movement can be responsible for an interruption in bite which can lead to the painful jaw condition TMJ, as well as the sub-conscious grinding of teeth, known as bruxism Teeth also act as rigid supports for facial muscles and if missing can cause a sagging of the facial tissue that cam be irreversible.
There are several cosmetic dentistry procedures that can effectively replace a missing tooth or teeth, that can prevent all the abovementioned complications. One of the most popular is a dental bridge. This basically involves creating a bridge made of an artificial tooth, called the pontic, and securing it to existing teeth on either side of the gap.
There are three main types of dental bridge. The traditional fixed bridge involves anchoring the pontic to existing teeth with a dental crown on either side. A resin-bonded bridge is attached to the lateral teeth with resin bonded metal strips (only suitable for patients with strong existing teeth). Finally, the cantilevered bridge which is used when there are only natural teeth on one side of the gap. The pontic will be anchored to two or more teeth on that side.
Dental bridges are sturdy alternatives to real teeth. If properly cared for, with correct brushing and oral hygiene, they can last up to fifteen years. If you have a missing tooth, either due to dental injury or decay, ask a Central London dentist about fitting a dental bridge and you could prevent any further dental complications as well as restoring the cosmetic appearance of your teeth.
October 15th, 2009
For patients who have chipped or cracked teeth, suffer from extensive discolouration or have worn or unevenly spaced teeth, having dental veneers may be an easy and convenient way to create a beautiful smile. With the advances on dental technology over the last twenty-five years it is now possible to design, manufacture and fit dental veneers in only one appointment.
Leading the way in this new technology is CEREC. Standing for CEramic REConstruction, CEREC is at the cutting edge of cosmetic dentistry. Before CEREC, dentists would have to make several moulds of patient’s teeth and take several x-rays. It would then take several weeks to fabricate the veneers in laboratory conditions. CEREC uses the latest in digital x-rays and 3D imaging to create a three dimensional replica of the patient’s teeth on the computer. The dentist is then able to digitally design the veneers to microscopic degrees of accuracy. When they are satisfied with the results they can then sculpt the veneers or crowns from a single piece of ceramic using a computer-guided milling machine.
This manufacturing process can take as little as six minutes to create a veneer, an astonishing leap from the old laboratory fabrications. CEREC veneers can be incredible thin which means that little preparation work is needed for the teeth, especifically in terms of grinding away enamel so that it can support the new veneer. CEREC have also managed to replicate the translucency of natural enamel meaning that they appear incredibly lifelike.
CEREC technology is the future of dental technology. It is so cutting-edge that not every dentist possesses the necessary equipment but almost certainly will over the next few years. Cosmetic dentistry is in the middle of a computer-aided revolution. The results achievable for all kinds of dental problems could not have been dreamed of thirty years ago. Ask a West London dentist about CEREC technology and you might be able to benefit from the future of dentistry.
October 14th, 2009
More and more cosmetic dentists are now offering small scale cosmetic facial procedures as part of an overall smile makeover. After all, the mouth and facial tissue surrounds your smile and every beautiful picture needs an equally beautiful frame. Sagging facial tissue and wrinkles can now be combated by a range of dermal fillers including collagen and hyaluronic acid. These fillers firm and fill facial tissues providing a healthier and fuller appearance that enhances a beautiful smile.
Dermal fillers, like all cosmetic surgery, were once the sole preserve of the rich and famous but they are now increasingly affordable. This greater availability has removed some of the stigma attached to cosmetic enhancers and having a dermal filler injection is now no more unusual than having a haircut.
If applied by a trained professional dermal fillers carry little or no risk and because treatments are only temporary any risk of permanent damage due to bad treatment is reduced. Most of the common dermal fillers use compounds such as hyaluronic acid which already exist naturally in the body, further reducing the risk of a bad reaction to treatment. Hyaluronic acid is the substance in the skin that gives it a plump and healthy appearance.
Treatmenst are usually carried out under a local anaesthetic to make it more comfortable, and for those who don’t like needles this can be applied by using an anaesthetic cream applied half an hour before. The whole procedure should take little more than half an hour from start to finish and will involve no surgical cutting of skin or tissue. Results usually begin to show after a couple of days and can last up to four months before a top up treatment is required. Ask a London W1 dentist about dermal fillers and you could have a healthy and full looking frame for your smile.
