sref » Dental Care

How can I get Straighter Teeth?

samon — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:42:33 +0000

There are quite a few ways of teeth straightening, aside from traditional braces. Here is a brief summary:

Fixed Orthodontic Braces – This is the most traditional method used by dentists, and uses metal wires and brackets which are fixed onto the teeth.
Lingual Braces – These are similar to traditional braces, but are fitted to the inward facing surfaces of your teeth so they can’t be seen. They work just as well as traditional braces, and are discreet, but they can be very uncomfortable.
Damon Braces – These provide a friction free alternative to traditional braces. They don’t use elastic bands so are less uncomfortable and can work quicker.
Invisalign – Invisalign braces are becoming more and more popular, especially among adults. They are virtually invisible braces, so get rid of any embarrassment the metal brackets might cause. They are shaped like gum shields and can be removed to eat.
Inman Aligners – These are similar to Invisalign, but they do have a visible metal bar. They have limited movement, but work quicker than Invisalign and are much cheaper. They work mainly on the front teeth.
Six-Month Smiles – This is a new treatment which focuses on moving just the teeth that are visible when you smile. For this reason, treatments that would normally take over a year, sometimes two, take only six months. The braces are tooth-coloured, so they are quite discreet.
Veneers – Veneers don’t actually straighten your teeth, but they can go over your crooked teeth to give the appearance of straight ones. Obviously it’s a much quicker solution than orthodontics, and it also improves the shape and colour of your teeth. However, some of your tooth will need to be removed to fit them, so they are a permanent solution and will need to be replaced regularly for the rest of your life.

All of these treatments are available in the UK at varying costs. Some Kent dentists will offer more treatments than others though, as some of the treatments are less widely available.

Smile makeovers; the latest way to get that Hollywood smile

samon — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:40:02 +0000

Hollywood smiles and we all want one as well, a bright, white set of straight teeth would be a real God Send to most of us, but in the past it has been too costly to achieve. A new innovation has become part of the dentists tool box of tricks to give us that smile makeover, and at a price that won`t break the bank. It is the Lumineer and it has revolutionised the smile makeover industry. Unlike teeth whitening the veneer can be used to hide a lot of our teeth defects, whereas a teeth whitening treatment will just whiten our molars. The new version of the traditional veneer needs less work to fit as well, and it is this that has helped to bring down the cost. It comes in an ultra thin, yet really tough and hard wearing version, it is called the contact lens version as it is as thin as one, and can be fitted in minutes like a contact lens. The tooth usually needs a fair amount of enamel taken off to blend a veneer into it, basically a veneer is only possible by taking off an amount of enamel, and then cementing that amount back in the form of the veneer which is the same thickness. They can last anything from 3-15 years depending on the thickness, but they can only be replaced by another veneer, which has never been a problem. The Lumineer is much better because the patented ceramic formula is much harder wearing; this gives it a bigger life span and allows the cosmetic dentist to make a thinner and wider veneer for gaps. The dentist will first take a mould of the tooth and from this the veneer is made, then they may have to roughen the tooth front up a slight bit, this is to ensure a good adhesion that will withstand the everyday use of the veneer on food etc. The glue they use is also a new formula and this is cured into drying by the use of an intense light source, it is complete in seconds and lasts for up to around 20 years according to tests carried out. A smile makeover will not just give you a great smile, it can also have a morale and confidence affect on you, as when we smile we exude an air of positive attitude that other people notice.

Lasers and teeth whitening is the perfect partnership

samon — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:53:41 +0000

Among the many methods and operations done to whiten teeth, laser teeth whitening is one of the most popular. Whether your teeth have become stained by smoking, food or just age, this method can help get them white again. This new technology is now widely used by dentists in Reading.

Benefits of the laser whitening method:

This method is faster than any other conventional method of whitening teeth. Most teeth whitening procedures take at least one hour to do. The laser system takes about 16-20 minutes.

The gel applied to the teeth when whitening with the laser system can be removed shortly after the procedure. Other procedures require you to wear the gel on your teeth even after you go home, over night.

Some draw backs of the laser whiting process are:

If you have any crowns, bridges or such pre-existing type things in your mouth before the laser whitening, they may need to be replaced afterward to match the color. These Items do not whiten under the laser.

After the procedure is done, you may feel some pain in the teeth and gums for 1-4 days. This will all eventually go away though.

Anyone having amalgam fillings will have to have them replaced as they can discolor and become green.

There are no guarantees as to what shade of white your teeth will be after the procedure. Each person is different and the results can drastically vary. Your teeth will definitely be whiter than before the procedure, but don’t have unrealistic expectations.

Remember, whitening your teeth is not a final solution, regardless of the method used. Regular brushing, flossing and general hygiene are needed to keep your teeth whit and strong. It doesn’t matter how white your teeth are, if your gums aren’t healthy, they will fall out.