Dental

How Dangerous Is Teeth Whitening?

In search of that perfect white smile many people have turned to teeth whitening products and procedures but without fully understanding that there may be risks attached. Many High Street chemists sell tooth whitening kits and some beauty parlours even offer to carry out the procedure at a much lower price than a trained dental professional or dentist. But the old adage “if it seems too good to be true it probably is” applies here to the full extent. Not all kits work as well as they claim and some can be dangerous to your dental and physical health.

Risks Attached

Having your teeth cleaned, polished and whitened by a dental professional is the safest method of achieving that sought-after perfect smile. Buying a tooth whitening system and doing it yourself at home may be cheaper but there could be long-term detrimental after-effects. As sales of DIY tooth whitening kits have increased in recent years so has the number of people seeking dental attention for problems caused by home treatment.

These problems include:

  • Gum irritation
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Damaged roots
  • Damage to existing dental work
  • Chemical burns from leaking gel
  • Sickness from swallowing the whitening agent

While many home tooth whitening kits are safe to use this may not always be the case and extreme caution should be taken before even considering making a purchase either online or in shops. The British Dental Association (BDA) warns that many manufacturers fail to disclose the exact chemical composition of their products making it difficult to evaluate their safety. One UK online retailer was selling teeth whitening kits that contained sodium perborate, a chemical banned by the European Union and linked to infertility and cases of foetal abnormalities.

Does Tooth Whitening Work?

For 90% of patients tooth whitening works very well but that percentage applies to people who were treated by professionals and not those who carried out the procedure themselves. Teeth will naturally discolour with age and everyday habits like smoking, drinking tea, coffee, red wine and even certain medications will dull their natural whiteness. Sometimes all that is required is a thorough cleaning by a dentist to remove most of the discolouration but sometimes tooth whitening will be necessary. Yellowed teeth will generally respond well to whitening treatment while it may not achieve the same results on brown-coloured teeth. Before deciding to have any whitening procedure it is advisable to consult with a dental professional to determine if tooth whitening is suitable for you and advise of any possible complications that may arise.

Better Safe Than Sorry

There are literally dozens of products on the market that claim to whiten your teeth but how many can you trust to deliver on that promise and are they safe to use? Dentists and dental clinics are fully trained to not only clean and whiten teeth but to do so in a regulated and safe manner. A qualified dentist will treat each case on an individual basis and carry out examinations to be sure the client is suitable for treatment and which form of whitening is best. Certainly you can be lucky with an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit which may work wonders for your smile but, then again, you may not! It would be far better and safer to put yourself in the hands of someone who is trained and qualified in teeth whitening procedures than run the risk of damaging your teeth, gums or worse!

Dental

Are Dental Veneers Right for You?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shell coverings designed to protect teeth and also to enhance their appearance. Often made from either porcelain or composite resin, they are applied to the front of a single tooth, or several teeth simultaneously, through a bonding process. Both the porcelain and composite resin types have different advantages, which can be discussed with your dentist in order to determine which ones are the best fit for you.

Dental veneers fix or improve a number of common patient complaints. They easily cover broken or chipped teeth, which helps to protect the affected area from further damage, while at the same time restoring a complete, healthy smile. Individuals with teeth that are worn down, as a result of grinding, for example, can also benefit from veneers. In addition, they can help patients with teeth that are improperly aligned or uneven.

For individuals who suffer from gaps between the teeth, dental veneers can provide an alternative when braces are not an option, or when they are undesirable to the patient. Without the hassle of braces, veneers can be fitted to give the appearance of a full, gapless set of teeth.

Veneers can also hide stains that prove difficult or impossible to remove. Whether teeth have been stained as a result of drug or root canal treatments, or simply from the use of common tooth-staining foods and beverages, dental veneers can bring back that coveted sparkling whiteness in any lacklustre smile.

Generally, there are a few main differences between the two types of veneers. The porcelain ones have a more natural appearance and a higher resistance to stains. They require fabrication by a technician in a dental laboratory and often take up to two weeks to create. The composite resin ones are typically thinner than their porcelain counterparts. Because of this, it isn’t necessary to remove as much enamel from the surface of the tooth as compared with a porcelain application. With resin veneers, your dentist may be able to place them directly onto your teeth, without needing to order them from a lab.

The process of getting dental veneers usually involves an initial consultation, an appointment for preparation, and, finally, the veneer application. To prepare the teeth, enamel is removed from the surface of the teeth in an amount approximate to the size of the dental veneer. The final step is when the veneer is carefully applied and bonded to the teeth by your dentist, ensuring a perfect fit and giving you a permanent, beautiful, brand new smile.

 

Dental, Implants

Why Are Dental Implants Expensive?

The various factors contributing to the expense of dental implants

Why are dental implants so expensive? This is a common question posed by those who are considering undergoing the procedure. The expense of implants can be attributed to several factors, including the complex and labour intensive nature of the procedure, longevity of the implants and price differentials that are further explained below.

Complex and labour intensive procedure

Implant dentistry is more complex than traditional dentistry, coming within the category of restoration dentistry. The specialised nature of a dental implant procedure requires the skills of an oral surgeon, periodontist, or a dentist trained in implantology.

Dental implants require a tremendous amount of time, planning and work to be undertaken in a number of stages, in order to achieve a successful implantation. An initial consultation incorporating dental imaging is required in order to develop a customised treatment plan for the patient. Two implant appointments are generally required, one to place the titanium implant into the jaw and the other to situate the crown and abutment. Subsequent procedures may also be required, such as adjustment to the implant.

 Longevity

The initial outlay for the procedure is balanced by the longevity of this treatment option for dental restoration. Implants have significant strength and are not prone to decay. Alternative options such as bridges have a shorter lifespan and must be replaced on a more frequent basis. The longevity of the implants makes it a worthwhile, cost-effective option in the long-term.

Price differentials

Considerable price differentials with regard to the provision of the procedure exist, due to the level of competition and geographical area of the treatment provider.

To stay competitive, treatment providers may publicise and quote implant prices at a level below that of other close providers. However, it is important to comprehend the extent of services that are being outlined by the provider. Treatment providers may advertise a price for the entirety of dental implant work, which incorporates the cost of the initial consultation, subsequent appointments and material. This price may seem expensive in comparison to other providers, who may only outline the price for the placing of the implant during an appointment.

The geographical area in which a treatment provider operates can also have a sizeable effect upon the price quoted for dental implants. The price for dental implants in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States is considerably higher than that charged in countries such as Mexico, Thailand and India. Dental tourism is therefore becoming increasingly popular among those looking to undergo the procedure at a lower price.  When factoring in the travel required to get this procedure done abroad, you will most likely find that you wouldn’t be much better off financially.

Dental

Teeth Whitening – Home vs Professional

Dental procedures, whether essential, or done for cosmetic reasons, can be very expensive. Whilst A-list movie stars and entertainers can afford cosmetic dentistry running into thousands of pounds, other people have to explore more cost-effective ways of making the best of the teeth they have. This is why, over the last decade, there has been an explosion in the demand for teeth whitening and teeth whitening products. But how do the different options available compare?

Home Treatments

There is a range of teeth whitening products that can be used at home without dental supervision. These include, whitening rinses, whitening toothpaste and gel strips, all of which bring results only after prolonged use. More expensive kits, such as whitening trays, mirror techniques used by dentists. The trays are filled with whitening solution and attached to the teeth. The trays have to be worn for a specified period each day for several weeks and are reported to give good results.

Dentist Supervised Treatment

Treatments used by dentists are based on whitening trays, however, unlike those for home use, a mould is made of the persons teeth so that the trays fit comfortably without the irritation and chaffing sometimes associated with do-it-yourself kits. The whitening chemical used by dentists (carbon peroxide or hydrogen based peroxide) is stronger than in solutions designed for home use. The treatment is usually carried out over one to four visits lasting a couple of hours each before teeth are lighter by 4-8 shades.

Accelerated Treatment

For the fastest results the teeth are exposed to halogen light during the whitening process. This is the most expensive option, but depending on the severity and type of staining, an 8 shade improvement is achievable in only one or two treatments lasting an hour each.

The Advantage Of Using A Dentist

Teeth whitening is not as straightforward as it might seem. The chemical used is effectively a type of bleach and should be used with caution, particularly where there is gum sensitivity. Teeth can become stained for many reasons and a dentist will advise on how best to remove the staining, carry out treatment while protecting gums and other dental work, like crowns and implants, and make sure treatment is not taken too far. Using the services of a dentist is much quicker than applying home methods, is safer and less messy.

 

Veneers

What Are Dental Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are used to help recreate the natural look of teeth. The veneers are constructed from small but robust porcelain pieces, which gives strength and resilience that is very similar to a tooth’s natural enamel. Dental veneers are often chosen by patients that want to make slight positional, shape size, or colour changes.

What Exactly Are Dental Veneers?

Laminated porcelain veneers consist of a compilation of a number of thin ceramic layers. These have been designed to replace the original tooth enamel and an adhesive coating. The dental veneer is applied after a small amount of the natural tooth enamel has been removed. This is usually no more than a millimetre but is necessary to create space for the dental veneer to fit. The end result will put back all of the natural functions of the tooth, at the same time creating an appearance which is much better than the original tooth.

The bond that exists between the original tooth and the porcelain veneer is vital. This is because it provides not only the desired ‘look,’ but also the strength for the mouth to function normally. To obtain this effect, light-sensitive resin is put between the veneer and the original tooth, and quickly hardened using a specialist curing light.

The Uses Of Dental Veneers

Fitting dental veneers can be done to help with teeth that are in poor condition or discoloured. They are the ideal solution for patients that have discolouration problems, which have not responded well to bleaching or whitening. Veneers are also perfect for compromised tooth positions, gaps, or fractures.

 The Benefits Of Dental Veneers

Because veneers are sculptured individually for every patient, it is impossible to tell the difference between the natural tooth and the fitted veneer. The veneer has advantages over nature, as it has been designed to be stain resistant. The difference between a veneer and crown is that the tooth is almost kept intact. The treatment is not reversible because a portion of the tooth has been removed. However, new veneers can be fitted and adjustments carried out.

 The Cost Of Porcelain Veneers In The UK

The price for have a porcelain veneer fitted is variable and will be between £ 450 and £ 850. No-brand veneers may be fitted for as little as £300 upwards. A cosmetic dentist may well charge up to £2000 per tooth for a fitting.

 

 

Implants

Dental Implants – The Facts

 

Teeth are a very essential feature in the human body. Due to unavoidable circumstance like, diseases, old age and accidents one may lose a tooth or more.  This may make some miserable but it can be resolved by using dental implants.  These are artificial teeth roots placed within the jaw so as to hold replacement teeth.  They are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth.

Dental Implant Procedure

To start the process, a consultation has to take place between the dentist and the patient in order to determine how the implant will be put in place.  The dental condition and the type of implant chosen will determine the treatment plan that will be used.  For instance, replacement of a single tooth can be done by use of a crown and one implant.  Osseointegration is the biological method used to put in place a modern dental implant.  The fixture is placed first then the prosthetic is added.  Afterwards, some time will be required for healing of the gum surrounding the implant.

Types Of Dental Implants

They are two different ways in which as implant can be inserted.  Endosteal implants are inserted into the jawbone using cylinders, screws or blades.  Subperiosteal implants are inserted under the gum line but not in the jawbone.  With both types, the metal abutments protrude through gum to hold the prosthesis.

Advantages Of Dental Implants

There is almost always an improvement in appearance since they look like natural teeth.  A single tooth implant will look just like your natural teeth as the colour will be matched as closely as possible to your own.  They are also more comfortable than the dentures alternative which can make eating and speaking difficult.  There is no age restrictions in getting this procedure done although it is recommended for the patient to be fully matured.   Moreover, implants are long lasting especially when well cared for.  They definitely improve self-esteem as a perfect smile can go a long way to inspire confidence in yourself.

What To Expect From An Implant

Contemporary dental implants have been used for many decades and have proved safe and effective.  Implanted teeth don’t get cavities or decay like natural teeth.  Many options exist to replace missing teeth but implants have proven to be the best. Intense research by experts in the field of dentistry has been conducted so as to rate dental implants. It has been concluded that it has a success rate of up to ninety eight percent.

Veneers

Choosing the Best Toothpaste for Veneers

Your veneers can last for a long time, retaining their sheen and giving you a bright, winning smile. But you have to make sure you’re taking care of them. A big part of that is to keep them free from stains. That not only means avoiding foods and beverages that will stain your teeth, but it also means cleaning your veneers regularly with toothpaste.

You do need to be careful about which kinds of toothpaste you use. Your veneers are a bit more fragile than natural teeth, and you ought to use toothpaste that will be gentle on them. While it may seem like a good idea to use toothpaste with whitening agents, those added chemicals be harmful to your veneers. They can cause the veneers to deteriorate more quickly over time and to need replacement sooner than they normally would. It’s better to just avoid the kinds of things that would stain your teeth than to rely on whitening toothpaste to do the job for you.

You also want to avoid abrasive toothpaste. These are really gritty toothpastes and ones with powerful cleaning agents. Each toothpaste manufacturer is required to test their toothpaste for abrasiveness and assign it what is called an RDA value. The higher that value, the more abrasive the toothpaste is. The gentlest dental cleaners have an RDA value of O, while the maximum recommended limit is 250.You may not find an RDA rating on each brand of toothpaste you look at, but you can check the company’s website or contact them directly to find what the RDA value is for the toothpaste you are interested.

You can usually get a good idea of how abrasive a toothpaste is by looking at its marketing and packaging. If it says anything about whitening power or promotes any kind of power or superior effectiveness, then it is likely high on the abrasiveness scale.

If you are having trouble finding a toothpaste that you are sure is gentle enough for your veneers, the you can always consult with your dentist and get a recommendation there about what you should be using. Until that time, you can simply clean your veneers with a toothbrush and water.

Veneers don’t require the powerful cleaning products that are often required for teeth to stay healthy. Simple, no-frills toothpaste will usually be enough to keep them in great shape and ensure that they last for a while so long as you use it regularly. Also, when you brush, be sure you aren’t using your toothbrush too roughly. Gentle cleaning is the key to getting the most out of your veneers.

Veneers

How To Care For Your Dental Veneers

You have got your new dental veneers. Your teeth are now white and perfectly aligned without bleaching or the need to wear aligners. However, no matter how perfectly they fit, these veneers aren’t a natural part of your body and you need to familiarise with some basics on how to live with and look after them.

You don’t need to drastically change the way you care for your teeth once you get veneers. The width of each tooth will not be excessively increased, so flossing will not be a problem at all. Veneers are thicker than your natural tooth enamel, though you should use only non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Abrasive ones may sand out the shiny surface of the veneer and make it change colour over a long term. For the same reason you should only choose soft brushes, but it’s not as important as the choice of the toothpaste.

Porcelain veneers are very tightly bound to the surface of your teeth, though the bonding agent isn’t stronger than the veneer itself, so a part of it can be chipped, with or without parts of your natural teeth. Basically the only way for that to happen is a mechanical trauma. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth you have to report it to your dentist even before you commence with veneer smile design. Perhaps the dentist will recommend you to wear a mouthguard while sleeping.

It’s not easy to damage a veneer, though you should not try to bite things that are particularly hard. There are no widely used foods which can cause veneer failure through applying excess mechanical force nor through excess acidification. On the other hand, using your teeth as a tool is not recommended.

Do not use your bite to screw or unscrew bottles and things alike, or forcibly pull something. Owing to the anatomy of your incisors, the veneers will cover the top, biting edge. You will be practically applying force using the veneer – not the actual tooth (tooth enamel). Porcelain is glass, and any excessive bending by pressure can make it break.

Despite the fact veneers are highly resistant to acidification, calcification and other chemical impacts, it’s your natural teeth that remain under the veneers, so you have to keep up with your regular dental care.

How long veneers can hold on your teeth tightly varies greatly. It may be anywhere between seven and 30 years. This primarily depends on the choice of a good dentist, rather than some special maintenance you can undertake. If veneers are done poorly, no maintenance tasks will help extend their life beyond just several years.

Implants

All on 4 Implants – Replace Your Teeth in a Day

Losing a single tooth is not a big deal for dental implant surgeons. The implant surgery for such cases is a relatively short outpatient procedure, i.e. the patient returns home the same day and is able to carry on with his or her normal daily routine. But what about edentulous people, those who are missing a whole set of teeth due to a gum disease or another detrimental health condition?

The All-on-4 procedure is an advanced technique in dental implantology. As the name suggests, it means that the entire set of lost teeth is replaced with a whole new prosthesis connected to the jawbone with four implants. The number of teeth supported is up to 14, and the surgery itself is also an outpatient procedure which lasts several hours, even in cases when both arches need to be fixed with it.

This technique saves much time for the surgeon and other staff, and allows the patients to recover much faster than they would need to if multiple surgeries were carried out. Thanks to ease of the procedure and the fact that only four implants can support for an entire arch, the financial saving is substantial.

The quality of living of edentulous people is highly deteriorated. They are unable to eat many foods, and often avoid appearance in public since they feel ashamed due to the lack of teeth. For them, the all-on-4 technique is like a magic wand: it’s fast, convenient, relatively inexpensive, and most importantly, resolves their dental issues entirely.

Edentulism is usually accompanied by other oral health issues. The lack of teeth speeds up deterioration of gums and other tissues in oral cavity, even if they were healthy when the teeth started to fall off. While some cheaper prosthetic solutions like dentures can improve the patient’s life quality a bit, these can’t help with the oral health. In fact, dentures can easily even speed up  further oral deterioration, especially when used inappropriately.

On the day of the surgery , the patient receives his or her implants and a temporary set of teeth. These teeth have a primary function to support for osseointegration and recovery. Several months afterwards, when osseointegration proves to be complete, these temporary, acrylic teeth are replaced with permanent ones made of titanium.

Once you get the permanent set(s) of teeth using your All-on-4 implants, you will be able to recover the quality of life and oral habits just as it was back in time you had all natural teeth.

Orthodontics

How to Clean Your Braces at Home

Despite being made to align teeth in a way which improves form and function, the presence of fixed braces in your mouth requires a greater amount of oral care and hygiene. Generally, patients with braces should go to in-clinic cleaning once every three months, but the home care needs to change as well.

You need to know that the metal parts of your brace can cause collection of plaque, which in the long term causes cavities and teeth deterioration. Your food can be stuck between the wires and the teeth, and it’s a real feast for pathogenic germs which will lead to gum or tooth diseases. This is why you need to brush your teeth after every single meal and do it thoroughly, just to make sure there’s no trapped food.

The general advice for brushing can be called “soft brush hard”. That means you use a very soft brush, and apply more pressure than you did before braces. Brushing is done in the morning, evening and after every meal. Foods that can get stuck between the braces include meat, bread and dough, nuts, as well as some fruits and vegetables. After such meals you should pay a closer attention and dedicate more time to brushing.

Flossing is even more important when you have fixed braces. Of course’ there’s a question – how? You need to floss the tooth between the gum and the brace wire, which would normally require high levels of skill. Luckily, you can buy a floss threader which will help you put the floss in the gap between two adjacent teeth and the wire. Your dentist will explain detains on how to thread your floss under the braces. The beginning may be hard, but you will quickly develop the skill.

You can substitute floss with interdental brushes, these require less skill, and will save much time. You use them for the same places, these brushes are thing enough to get everywhere a floss gets, though back teeth may still be hard to reach. You can keep flossing these anyway.

Mouthwash is also important, in fact, it’s very important. You use mouthwash with antibacterial properties to prevent gum inflammation. Mouthwashes can reach to tiny holes which no mechanic device is able to reach, and kills off most germs. If you rinse intensively, you’ll be able to remove the remaining stuck food which survived brushing and flossing.