6 Oral Care Tips for Naturally Healthy Teeth and Gums

We are all aware of how important our dental health is, however in most cases, we seek expensive orthodontic treatments to make sure our teeth and gums are in good shape. But the good news is that understanding the importance of oral hygiene isn’t going to be heavy on your pocket and instead requires you to make a more conscious effort at home.

Here are 6 simple rules that will keep toothaches and gum diseases at bay.

Eating Right for Healthy Teeth

You probably know that super size-sodas and candy are not good for your teeth. But did you know that starchy foods from pizzas to crackers can also cause tooth decay? If you’re looking for the culprit that causes tooth decay, look no further than the sugar and starches. Substitute foods that promote good oral health like fresh fruits and vegetables that are low in sugar and higher in water and fiber. The fiber acts as a natural toothbrush and helps to reduce the effects of sugar on your teeth. Choose foods rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits and unsweetened juices. The folic acid in spinach and broccoli also contain calcium that promotes strong teeth and bones. Dairy products are great for your teeth too. Not only do they include calcium, they have vitamin B 12 which helps strengthen your gums.

Salt Water Gargle

A salt water gargle is a well-known remedy for your oral health issues. A simple salt water gargle maintains the natural pH of your throat and mouth. By doing so, you are maintaining the natural bacteria and preventing the unwanted bacteria from residing in your mouth, while keeping infections away.

Regular Brushing and Flossing

Brushing regularly keeps prevents problems like plaque buildup and infected gums. When brushing your teeth, it is a good idea to use a brush with soft bristles which is gentle on your gums. First, brush the chewing surface of your teeth with a back and forth motion as well as in a circular motion with the bristles at a 45-degree angle to remove food particles. Flossing removes the plaque that forms on your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. These areas are, along the gumline and between your teeth.

Benefits of Tongue Scraping

One of the most profound and simple techniques of Ayurveda is tongue scraping. When you wake up in the morning, you would find your tongue a little coated. A tongue scraper and scrapes off any undigested food off of your tongue which also stimulates your digestive process.

Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Paying regular dental visits can detect early signs of dental problems like gum disease, periodontal disease, or dental caries that may affect the long-term health of your teeth. It also detects signs of overall systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and oral manifestations that can be picked up during a dental exam. Dental exams also include signs of oral cancer. Not a lot of people look under their tongue or at the back of their throat.

Benefits of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a very old ancient technique that requires you to swish oil back and forth in your teeth. Making it a regular practice will aid in curing tooth decay, heal bleeding gums, naturally whiten your teeth, strengthen your jaw muscles as well as prevent conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease.

What Are Zirconia Crowns?

Cosmetic dentistry is a successful field, because who doesn't want a beautiful smile? When patients require a cap of their tooth, zirconia crowns are one option a dentist may recommend. Read on to learn more about zirconia, how it compares to a porcelain crown, and the advantages and disadvantages. If you do opt for this type of crown, how do you care for it and what are the costs as opposed to other types of treatment?

What Is a Zirconia Crown?

Zirconia is a metal classified as a member of the titanium family and is mined around the world. It is found in dinnerware and electrical fixtures among other products. It's known for its durability, making it an ideal product to use in dental crowns, especially posterior crowns that require a lot of strength for chewing and grinding food, notes a study published by The Open Dentistry Journal.

The metal has become popular as a crown material, since it is supplied to dental offices in the form of a block, which is then milled by a computerized cutting machine (CAD CAM) into the shape of a tooth. Then, once it is fitted, it is cemented in the patient's mouth. Since that whole process can be accomplished in one dental appointment, it has become widely used by dentists, since patients can have a crown shaped and cemented in much less time than the traditional porcelain crown, which may take a few weeks to manufacture, and requires a cementation visit in addition to the initial visit.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages?

Many dental offices may charge less for a zirconia crown as opposed to a porcelain crown, since it does not have to be outsourced to an outside dental lab. Additionally, with today's hectic pace of living, many patients prefer the one appointment for its convenience, since it means less time out of work. The crowns can be easily adjusted by the dentist chairside on that day and cemented once the fit is perfect for the patient.

Zirconia as a material is not as translucent (allowing light) as porcelain crowns, so patients may not like the appearance of them, says Dental Economics. Advancements are being made to improve the color and look of zirconia crowns, so in the future, the appearance may be a non-issue. One of the best qualities of zirconia is its strength. The adjustment process on the day of the crown fitting in some instances can take a little longer that traditional porcelain crowns, but the sophistication of new milling machines streamline that process, according to Dentistry Today

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How Do You Care for Zirconia Crowns?

To care for your zirconia crowns, brush and floss daily like you normally would. Brush with a toothbrush , which removes bacteria from teeth, tongue, cheeks and gum. It is available in soft and medium bristles.

Zirconia crowns can be a good option for many patients undergoing crown treatment, and great oral care habits can help ensure years of satisfaction and dental health for patients everywhere.

ROOT CANALS

Overview

Root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp) and cleaning and disinfecting it, then filling and sealing it. The common causes affecting the pulp are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma to it. The term "root canal" comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth's root.

Decades ago, root canal treatments were painful. With dental advances and local anesthetics, most people have little if any pain with a root canal today.

Understanding

Root canal treatment consists of a number of steps that take place over several office visits, depending on the situation. These steps are:

The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth.

A dental dam is usually placed over the affected tooth to isolate it and keep it free from saliva.

The endodontist makes an opening through the back of a front tooth or the crown of a molar or pre-molar to remove the diseased pulp, called a pulpectomy.

Next, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and shaped in preparation for a filling.

The endodontist fills the root canal with gutta percha material.

If more than one visit is needed, a temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal are permanently filled with gutta percha into each of the canals and is sealed in place with cement. Sometimes a metal or plastic rod is placed in the canal for structural support. In the final step, a crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore its natural shape and appearance. If the tooth is broken, a post may be required to build it up prior to placing a crown.

Planning

Many people worry that a root canal will be painful, something that was true in the past. Today, with advanced anesthesia options and surgical techniques - a root canal is as comfortable as getting a filling. An infected tooth (pre-root canal), is usually what causes tooth pain, and a root canal is the solution to this problem. In fact, infected tooth pulp can cause a tooth abscess and can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth.

A treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. Root canals have a high success rate and are significantly less expensive than the alternative, tooth extraction and replacement with a bridge or implant.

But tooth decay can still occur in treated teeth, so good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are necessary to prevent further problems.

To determine the success or failure of root canal treatment, dentists typically compare new X-rays with those taken prior to treatment. This comparison will show whether bone continues to be lost or is being regenerated.

Sometimes root canals are not successful because an infection develops inside the tooth, or the original infection was not fully removed. In these cases, an apicoectomy, a procedure where the infection and the root tip are removed and a filling placed, is done. Other times a second root canal is recommended.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth's pulp, a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. Once the damaged, diseased or dead pulp is removed, the remaining space is cleaned, shaped and filled. This procedure seals off the root canal. Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Today, root canal treatment saves many teeth that would otherwise be lost.

The most common causes of pulp damage or death are:

A cracked tooth

A deep cavity

An injury to a tooth, such as a severe knock to the tooth, either recent or in the past

Once the pulp is infected or dead, if left untreated, pus can build up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess. An abscess can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth and cause pain

How is a Root Canal Done?

Root canal treatment consists of several steps that take place over several office visits, depending on the situation. These steps are:

First, an opening is made through the back of a front tooth or the crown of a molar or pre-molar.

After the diseased pulp is removed (a pulpectomy), the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped in preparation for being filled.

If more than one visit is needed, a temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits.

The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal permanently filled. A tapered, rubbery material called gutta-percha is inserted into each of the canals and is often sealed into place with cement. Sometimes a metal or plastic rod is placed in the canal for structural support.

In the final step, a crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore its natural shape and appearance. If the tooth is very broken down, a post may be required to build it up prior to placing a crown.

How Long Will the Restored Tooth Last?

Your treated and restored tooth/teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. Because tooth decay can still occur in treated teeth, good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are necessary to prevent further problems.

As there is no longer a pulp keeping the tooth alive, root-treated teeth can become brittle and are more prone to fracture. This is an important consideration when deciding whether to crown or fill a tooth after root canal treatment.

To determine the success or failure of root canal treatment, the most relied-upon method is to compare new X-rays with those taken prior to treatment. This comparison will show whether bone continues to be lost or is being regenerated.

Tooth pulp damaged by a deep cavity. 

The pulp is removed and the root canals cleaned before filling. 

The chamber is filled and sealed.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

Overview

Even though we’ve been brushing and flossing our teeth for years and years, many of us are surprised to learn that we’re not doing it properly. Case in point: Did you know that proper brushing takes at least two minutes? Most adults do not come close to brushing that long.

These four steps are the best and easiest ways to help you remember how to care for your mouth, teeth and gums:

Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, especially first thing in the morning and before bedtime.

Floss every day – usually at bedtime.

Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day.

Visit your dentist every 6 months for an oral exam and professional cleaning.

Understanding

Research suggests that the exposure to acidic food and drinks during meals softens the enamel of your teeth. Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods and drinks increases the chance of enamel erosion. To help prevent dental erosion, drink or rinse with water immediately after eating or drinking. It is recommended that you avoid brushing for at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks, or, better yet, brush your teeth before consumption.

Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes helps to remove food particles and dental plaque that can damage teeth and gums over time. Flossing daily helps to remove food that’s stuck in crevices or between the teeth, and also plaque, which can severely impact your oral health, if persistent.

To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns, implants or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth.

Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth.

Clean the chewing surfaces of all the teeth.

For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue at least once a day, too.

Brushing

Place the toothbrush at a 45°angle along the gum line. Move the toothbrush in a back and forth motion, and repeat for each tooth.

Brush the inside surface of each tooth, using the same back and forth technique.

Brush the chewing surface (top) of each tooth.

Use tip of brush to brush behind each tooth — front and back, top and bottom and up and down strokes.

Be sure to brush your tongue to remove odor causing bacteria.

Flossing

Pull 18 to 24 inches of dental floss from the floss dispenser.

Wrap the ends of the floss around your index and middle fingers.

Hold the floss tightly around each tooth in a C shape; move the floss back and forth in a push-pull motion and up and down against the side of each tooth.

Tooth Brushing Techniques That Get The Job Done

1. Bass or Sulcular Technique

The key to preventing and controlling gum disease is brushing around and under the gumline where bacteria and plaque tend to accumulate. In the Bass method of brushing,  the toothbrush bristles reach under the gums to scrub off plaque before it hardens into tartar and causes gum disease:

Place the toothbrush parallel to your teeth with the bristles toward the gums.

Tilt the brush to a 45 degree angle and move the bristles slightly under the gumline.

With firm but gentle pressure, and while maintaining the bristles under the gum tissue, wiggle or vibrate the brush back and forth or use a small circular motion 15 to 20 times, before moving to the next area. The brush should cover two to three teeth at a time.

Brush the entire outer surface of the teeth and then continue the same technique on the tongue side.

To brush the insides of the front teeth, hold the toothbrush in a vertical position and use the bristles on the toe of the brush, but make sure they are getting under the gum tissue.

Brush the chewing surface of the molar teeth and don't forget your tongue.

2. Stillman Technique

The Stillman method of brushing is similar to the Bass technique; however, it may help clean more debris from between the teeth. The Indian Dental Association provides some helpful diagrams.

To implement this method, follow the Bass technique, but after vibrating the brush under the gum area, move the brush toward the chewing surface of the tooth and use short back-and-forth strokes.

3. Charter Technique

If you have spaces between your teeth, see exposed root surfaces or have had periodontal surgery or gum recession, your dentist may recommend the Charter method of brushing,. This technique is also effective for people with orthodontic appliances or fixed partial dentures.

Place the bristles on the gumline at a 45 degree angle pointing toward the chewing surface or crown of the tooth. This position is the opposite of the Bass and Stillman technique.

Gently vibrate the brush for 15 to 20 counts, using short circular strokes or small back and forth motions, and then reposition the brush to the next area.

Move around the mouth in the same pattern, brushing all tooth surfaces, both inner and outer, as well as the chewing surfaces of the molars.

Modifications

This may sound daunting, but there are modified versions of the Bass, Stillman and Charter techniques. You simply follow the basic technique of whichever method you choose, but after brushing an area, you roll or sweep the bristles toward the chewing surfaces. This action sweeps out debris stuck between the teeth and cleans the entire tooth surface. The sweeping motion also helps prevent damage to the sulcus (the space between teeth and gums).

Tools of the Trade

Using an effective brushing technique is a step up, but to do a good job with any task, you need the correct tools. 

Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Worn, frayed brushes don't clean well, and older brushes can harbor bacteria. Don't forget the fluoride toothpaste, which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay. And floss at least once a day to clean where your toothbrush doesn't reach.

Getting a handle on dental disease is easy: it starts with putting your hand around a toothbrush. So if you would like to try one of these tooth brushing techniques, but aren't sure which one, check with your dentist or dental hygienist. They can customize any of these methods just for you, and along with a one-on-one lesson, you'll be ready for some serious tooth brushing action in no time.

Four Common Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth | Tacoma Oral Surgery

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the third molars erupt through the gums and out into the open. Most people assume that when their wisdom teeth are impacted, they require immediate oral surgery. There are four common types of impaction we see . Depending on which type you experience, it may or may not require surgery and removal.


Understanding the different types of impacted wisdom teeth is helpful. You will know how and when to take immediate action in event it happens to you or your child.

Horizontal Impaction


This is the most painful type of impaction to have. The molar lies horizontally and is being pushed into the molar next to it. Picture a very slow-moving bulldozer with a brick tied to the gas pedal. If you suffer from this kind of impaction, you’re going to be in a lot of pain unless you get it taken care of by an experienced Tacoma oral surgeon.


An X-ray can determine if you have horizontal impaction. If so, your dentist is likely going to recommend you go in for oral surgery. If you wait and put it off (or until the pain is too unbearable), then you run the risk having the impacted molar cause damage to the surrounding teeth.


It’s important to find an dedicated oral surgery clinic with experience dealing with this kind of impaction, The potential for ancillary damage is high as the surgeon cannot see the impacted molar without the help of an X-ray. This means that the surgeon is basically flying in the proverbial dark during the surgery.


The procedure should be performed while you are under general anesthesia or IV sedation. After it is over, you’re going to require a prescription for pain killers and maybe even antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications while you heal.
Distal Impaction


Distal impaction is the least common of the four types of impactions. The wisdom tooth is angled towards the back of the mouth. Extraction will depend on the degree of the angle of the tooth. If the tooth is angled at or near 0 degrees, your dentist or oral surgeon may take upwards of 1-2 years to make a determination if it should be removed.


If it’s around a 90 degree angle, there is a very good chance it will eventually hit bone and will not erupt fully. At this point, it’s up to your oral surgeon to determine if they are going to leave it be or remove it.
Vertical Impaction


This type of impaction is where the tooth is in an almost near vertical orientation. It may be slightly or almost touching the tooth next to it. The chances of this tooth erupting normally is very high and this type of impaction very rarely requires surgery.


If surgery is required, it’s due to the tooth causing pressure on the underside of the molar in the back of the mouth or front of the bones.
Mesial Impaction


This impaction is where the tooth is angled towards the front of the mouth. It is the most common type of impaction and the angle at which the tooth resides determines whether or not it’s going to become an issue.


A partial eruption most commonly occurs as the back of the tooth will poke into the gums. These types of impactions are usually monitored by dentists over a period of time as it could go either way.
Five Common Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth


If you think you suffer from an impacted wisdom tooth, a visit to your family dentist or Tacoma oral surgeon is the only way to really tell for sure. If you’re a “dental chicken” and wait until last minute, here are five common signs that you might have an impacted wisdom tooth:
Gums are bleeding and swollen.
Swelling around the jaw area
Extreme, excruciating pain in the back of the mouth.
Headaches
Neck and shoulder glands swollen


If it gets to the point where you’re in extreme physical pain, it’s usually too late for anything but immediate surgery. You must call our oral surgery clinic as soon as possible for an emergency wisdom teeth extraction.

How laser technology can treat periodontal disease

Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the supporting tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place. Generally affecting adults in their 30s and 40s, periodontal diseases are caused due to a number of reasons, such as poor oral health, genetic susceptibility, chronic illnesses like diabetes, smoking, and certain medications.

Typical treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planing (SRP). This is a nonsurgical method that includes cleaning the surfaces of teeth and their roots, which may be exposed due to gum recession.

Laser treatment is a tissue-preserving, regenerative, and bone-building procedure. In general dentistry, the dentist uses a laser to access an infected pocket to kill the infected tissue and bacteria. Once the infected tissue is removed and the root is exposed, the calculus is removed with an ultrasonic root cleaner instead of scraping with hand tools. Lastly, laser energy is used to warm the stem cell that contains blood in the pocket, which creates a seal of tissues against the tooth root.

Laser treatment ensures that no tissue is subtracted or gum tissue is reduced to a lower level on purpose. It also stimulates stem cells in the tissues to form new connective tissues, bone, and collagen. The body’s healing process then regenerates the lost ligaments and bone around the tooth.

6 benefits of laser technology for gum disease treatment

1. Limits bleeding

Numerous gingivitis patients suffer from severe gum bleeding and bone loss. Therefore, it’s critical to remove bacteria from the teeth and gingival pockets. Lasers provide the benefit of not only removing the bacteria but also killing them. This helps reduce bleeding and swelling of gums. It may even eliminate the need for further gum disease treatment such as gum surgery.

2. Can be optimized for patients

Based on the varying levels of periodontal disease, the wavelengths and power levels of the laser beam can be adjusted. This gives dentists ultimate control over the procedure and allows them to provide a dental treatment that is uniquely designed for individual patients and their long-term requirements.

3. Shorter healing time

Laser treatment causes little trauma to the gum, tooth, and surrounding areas. This means healing time is drastically reduced compared to traditional surgery. Patients will recover quicker and the whole process will be much faster.

4. Minimally invasive

Lasers are less invasive and eliminate the need for drills. This reduces the pressure that patients feel, which means there’s little or no need for anesthesia. The overall result is less pain and discomfort for patients. With minimal discomfort, patients will feel less anxious and relaxed during treatment.

5. Preserves healthy parts of the teeth

Since laser treatments are extremely precise, the technology can be used to preserve the healthy parts of the teeth while removing cavities. For patients with severe bacterial infections, preserving any healthy teeth will help ensure stronger outcomes in the long run.

6. Minimizes risk of bacterial infection

Because there are not multiple tools in use for a procedure, lasers help in sterilizing the area you work in and lower the risk of bacterial infections. Laser therapy helps offer better clinical results with shorter treatment times while reducing discomfort and the need for more invasive therapies. You can do this treatment with traditional surgeries or as a stand-alone treatment. You can make this decision based on the type and extent of the periodontal disease.

Healthy Teeth Can Be Adjusted At Almost Any Age

September is Adult Oral Health Awareness Month, and the nation's orthodontists want adults to know that orthodontic treatment can mean improved dental health and beautiful smiles.

One in five orthodontic patients today is an adult-a record number. Age need not be a consideration in orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age.

"People want their teeth to stay healthy as long as they live," said Dr. Nahid Maleki, a Washington, D.C., orthodontist, adding that 30 percent of her patients are adults.

More adults than ever recognize that teeth can last a lifetime. As a result, many are taking better care of their teeth. Since 1960, the rate of toothlessness among people age 55 to 64 has dropped 60 percent, according to a recent survey.

In addition to the cosmetic effect, many dental professionals recommend orthodontic treatment for adult patients to benefit their overall oral health.

Plaque - a colorless, sticky film of bacteria, food particles and saliva that constantly forms in the mouth - is difficult to remove effectively from improperly aligned teeth.

Plaque feeds on sugars and starches to form an acid that endangers teeth and gums. Orthodontic treatment makes plaque removal easier because misalignment is eliminated.

Malocclusion ("bad bite") is characterized by crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth or jaws that are out of alignment. A proper bite is necessary to avoid hazardous wear-and-tear on teeth.

Orthodontic treatment has come a long way, too. Some treatments take more time for an adult than they do for children because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing and certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone. But today's braces are smaller and less noticeable, such as tooth-colored braces, or gold-colored brackets and wires.

A healthy, beautiful smile is as important at age 60 as it is at age 16.

Clear Braces: A Less Noticeable Way To A Straighter Smile

When a teen finds out he needs braces to correct crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, one of the first concerns he will have is how they will look. While metal braces are often the most economical way to straighten teeth, they aren't the most aesthetically pleasing to image-conscious teens.

There are several alternatives to the standard metal brackets, including braces using tooth-colored ceramic brackets or clear braces that are less visible than standard metal braces.

What Are Clear Ceramic Braces?

Clear brackets for braces were originally made of monocrystalline sapphire, but are now most often made from a ceramic composite. They blend in with the color of your teeth, no matter what shade your natural tooth color is, and are not very noticeable in photographs. This is a major selling point for teens worried about being forever remembered as a "metal mouth" in their yearbook photos.

The ceramic brackets work in the same way metal braces do, and don't fall off or crack easily, making them a good option for normal orthodontic treatments.

Not for All Cases

Severe misalignments might not be suitable for clear braces, but they are well suited for the vast majority of cases. Your orthodontist will be able to explain the suitability of clear ceramic braces for any specific case, and whether using a clear brace will mean a longer treatment period than a metal brace.

The costs of clear ceramic braces can be slightly more expensive than metal braces. Talk to your orthodontist and insurance company to determine what is covered by your plan and within your budget.

Braces Can Improve Your Smile And Your Oral Health

Orthodontic treatment is used to correct a "bad bite," a condition known as a malocclusion that involves teeth that are crowded or crooked. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more important, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. That's because crooked and crowded teeth make cleaning the mouth difficult, which can lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease and possibly tooth loss.

Most dentists are trained to treat some minor orthodontic problems. If the dentist thinks the patient should see a specialist for treatment, he or she will provide a referral to an orthodontist.

Orthodontics is a specialty area of dentistry that is officially known as Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. The purpose of orthodontics is to treat malocclusion through braces, corrective procedures and other "appliances" to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Although treatment plans are customized for each patient, most wear their braces from one to three years, depending on what conditions need correcting. This is followed by a period of wearing a "retainer" that holds teeth in their new positions. Although a little discomfort is expected during treatment, today's braces are more comfortable than ever before. Newer materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require fewer adjustments.

Good oral hygiene is especially important when braces are present. Brushing regularly, as directed by the dentist, flossing daily and scheduling dental visits can help keep teeth healthy.

Patients with braces should maintain a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. Your dentist may recommend avoiding certain foods that could interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires. These foods may include nuts, popcorn, hard candy, ice and sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel or other chewy candy.

ADULT ORTHODONTICS

Overview

Orthodontics is a specialty discipline of dentistry that focuses on alignment of the teeth and jaws to improve a person’s smile and oral health. Orthodontists will diagnose, treat and prevent irregularities of the teeth with the use of braces, which are fixed dental appliances, and removable dental appliances, when the braces are removed. These devices can be used to straighten teeth, correct an irregular bite, close unsightly gaps and bring teeth and lips into proper alignment. Crooked teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean and are at risk of being lost early because of tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Benefits

The benefits of orthodontics include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.

Care

Good oral hygiene is especially important when you have braces or other orthodontic appliances. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, flossing daily, and scheduling ongoing dental visits are all important to help keep the gums and teeth healthy.

Patients with braces should maintain a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks between meals. Your dentist may recommend avoiding certain foods that could interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires, such as nuts, popcorn, hard candy, ice and sticky foods, such as chewing gum, caramel or other chewy candy.

Procedure

There are a variety of options, both fixed and removable, which help move teeth, retain muscles and affect the growth of the jaws. They work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth as they move in the jaw bone.

Traditional Braces

The most common fixed treatment option, braces consist of brackets, elastic bands and an arch wire. Brackets are bonded to the front of the tooth and used as anchors for the braces. Arch wires are placed through the brackets and small elastic bands secure the arch wire in the bracket. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them into proper position. Orthodontists adjust braces every 4-6 weeks to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved in one to three years.

Today's braces are smaller, lighter and show far less metal than in the past. They come in bright colors for kids, and clear styles preferred by many adults.

Once braces are removed, a retainer is worn on both the upper and lower jaws (or where the braces were placed originally) for at least one year to hold the teeth into place in their new position.

Although a little discomfort is expected during orthodontic treatment, today's braces are more comfortable than ever before. Newer orthodontic techniques and materials have been developed to move teeth in a shorter period of time.

Here’s an overview of some of the other orthodontic treatment options:

Damon Braces

Damon braces are self-ligating appliances, meaning that instead of using elastic bands to attach the arch wire to the bracket, the brackets use a slide mechanism. This eliminates the need for elastic bands, which cause friction and can slow down treatment. With damon braces teeth can move into place more freely so treatment time is decreased. Damon braces are more aesthetically pleasing because the brackets are less noticeable than traditional metal brackets. The downside is that damon braces are usually more expensive than traditional braces. Consult with your orthodontist to find out if damon braces are a good option for you.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a set of custom-made clear plastic aligners, which are designed to shift your teeth into the proper position. About twice a month, the patient switches to a new set of aligner trays, repeating this until their teeth are in the correct position. Invisalign is intended to deliver the same benefits as traditional braces but the aligner trays are less noticeable, offering an aesthetic advantage. The aligners are removed for eating, brushing and flossing, and may not take as long to achieve good results as braces during orthodontic treatment.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces, also called invisible braces, are placed on the interior side of the teeth (by the tongue and palate) and are a great option for people concerned about their appearance. Similar to traditional braces, teeth are straightened using continuous gentle pressure to help them slowly shift into the proper position. Lingual braces involve more customization and may be more expensive than traditional braces.

Although treatment plans are customized, most people wear braces from one to three years, depending on their individual needs and the position of their teeth and occlusion.

What Are Dental Crowns And Tooth Bridges?

What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?

Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.

How do Crowns Work?

A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.

Your dentist may recommend a crown to:

Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining

Protect a weak tooth from fracturing

Restore a fractured tooth

Attach a bridge

Cover a dental implant

Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth

Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

How do Bridges Work?

A bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Your dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

How are Crowns and Bridges Made?

Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the color of your existing teeth.

Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your crown or bridge, in the material your dentist specifies. A temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.

How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?

While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.

To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.

Crowns

 

                    Full porcelain fused to metal.

                           Full cast gold crown.

Bridges

Teeth around the space are prepared. 

The bridge is mounted and adjusted for fit and comfort. 

The bridge is cemented into position.

“LOSING YOUR FRONT TEETH IS REALLY QUITE TRAUMATIC. BEING ABLE TO HAVE THAT BACK HAS MADE SUCH A DIFFERENCE”

After cracking his front three teeth during a round the world yacht race, Daniel opted for a replacement denture to help with the aesthetic appearance of his smile. Living with a denture, however, was proving extremely difficult and uncomfortable. He couldn’t eat certain foods and as a naturally active and sociable person, he felt the denture was limiting his lifestyle. Daniel came to Dental clinic  after a friend recommended dental implants. After a consultation with  Dental implantologist , Daniel agreed that, as a permanent and fixed solution, implants were his best option.

“I did a round the world yacht race, had an accident and cracked my front three teeth.” Said Daniel.

“One of the three teeth had really started to go black and it was affecting my confidence, I was having to be careful about what I ate. Fortunately, a friend of mine, who had recently just finished having an implant, mentioned that she’d come here to  Dental clinic .”

Daniel’s treatment involved 3 implants to replace his front 3 teeth, along with some tooth whitening to brighten the colour of his remaining teeth. The outcome was a winning smile and the ability to eat whatever he wanted without the worry of his denture slipping or coming out.

“I was absolutely so pleased, it made such a difference,” said Daniel. “To be able to smile in photos and the lovely feeling of crunching on an apple properly, putting it in your mouth and hearing the crunch, savouring it and knowing that you’re not going to have a denture come out, it’s great. fantastic.

“I’ve just been really impressed with everything  Dental clinic have done in terms of the professionalism, the friendliness as well. They’ve really helped me through what was quite a significant event in my life. Effectively losing your front teeth is really quite traumatic, it takes so much from people’s faces and being able to have that back has made such a difference.

“I would so recommend anyone else who’s in the same position, just do it. It just takes the worry away from you.”

“AFTER GETTING MY DENTAL IMPLANTS, MY YOUNGER SISTER ACTUALLY BURST INTO TEARS AND SAID, ‘IT’S LIKE HAVING MY BROTHER BACK!’”

When Rick came to Dental clinic, he had a mish-mash of crowns and some missing teeth. The crowns had dark lines around the edges and some of them were loose. The appearance of his teeth had caused Rick to become highly self-conscious about his smile. Before arriving at Dental clinic, Rick was adamant that he did not want a denture. He was happy to learn during a discussion with our implant expert, Martin, that he could get dental implants; a tooth replacement that is fixed securely into the jawbone and could restore both the appearance of Rick’s smile and his confidence. It’s just like having real teeth again.
“I work with a company where everyone seems young and beautiful and everyone around me appears to have perfect teeth,” said Rick.
“I felt more and more embarrassed, I actually reached that point where I felt ashamed.”
Following his consultation, Rick had 5 implants and new crowns on the remaining teeth to give him a brand-new smile. We were able to use provisional bridges during his treatment to ensure his smile was intact while we worked on the teeth underneath. Rick was extremely happy with his results and couldn’t believe the impact his new teeth had on his confidence. Even his family members noticed the difference!
               
“My younger sister, was talking to one of my brothers and actually burst into tears,” said Rick.

“She said, ‘It’s like having my brother back,’ because I’d become so self-conscious, so ashamed, so embarrassed and just down in the mouth, literally, that it has just had a completely rejuvenating effect on me.

“ Dental clinic have just been amazing, I’m not just saying that, they really have been. From day one, everything has been explained to me, I am always put at ease.”

CAN I GET FULL DENTAL IMPLANTS IN ONE DAY?

CAN I GET FULL DENTAL IMPLANTS IN ONE DAY?

Those with multiple missing teeth can really benefit from dental implants. Without an effective replacement, missing teeth can have a knock-on effect on your everyday life. Your speech may be affected, it can limit what you eat, and it can even become painful if you are wearing replacement dentures that aren’t properly fitted. More importantly, having multiple missing teeth can really affect your confidence, especially if the gaps are located near the front of the mouth and are visible when you laugh, smile or speak.

Most tooth replacement options are a temporary solution and will not completely restore all the qualities of a real tooth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that can completely restore both the functionality and aesthetic appearances of your teeth, which is why they are the most popular replacement. But with dental implants being such a specialist treatment, is it possible replace multiple teeth in just one day?

What are same day dental implants?

Same day dental implants typically refer to the replacement of multiple teeth or complete upper and lower jaws. The approach uses a strategic placement of 4-8 titanium screws which are inserted into the jawbone using a small surgical procedure. Once fitted in place, a custom-made dental bridge is placed securely on top to restore the functionality and aesthetic appearance of your smile. The end result looks just like real teeth!

Although same day dental implants involve a much larger procedure than the placement of a single implant, with careful planning, expertise and cutting-edge technology, you can leave with full dental implants in one day.

Why get same day dental implants?

Anyone with missing teeth knows what a significant impact tooth loss can have on your life. Dental implants are the only treatment available that can provide an authentic replacement for real teeth and restore your quality of life. Here are some of the reasons you might want to consider same day dental implants:

Replace the cosmetic and functional qualities of your teeth

Whilst other tooth replacement options are available, dental implants are the only treatment able to cosmetically restore the appearance of your teeth and the functionality. Dentures or non-implant dental bridges can improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile, however, they are more limited in functionality. This is because they sit on top of your remaining teeth or gums and are at risk of coming loose. Dental implants, on the other hand, are surgically fixed into the jawbone making them secure. This means that they can act as fully functioning teeth as well as restoring the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

Eat all your favourite foods

Tooth loss can often prevent you from eating tough or chewy foods such as meat, crusty bread or raw vegetables, especially if you have multiple missing teeth. Many people find this embarrassing when going out for food or over to a friend’s house for dinner as you are often unable to eat certain parts of your meal. More importantly, inability to eat certain foods also prevents you from getting the full nutritional value of your meals. Your diet can become very limited and you will not be getting all the nutrients you need. With same day dental implants, you can go from having little to no teeth at all to having a full set of fully functioning teeth in the very same day. This will allow you to eat all your favourite foods and enjoy socialising again without embarrassment.

Smile, laugh and feel confident in yourself

Most people with multiple missing teeth or noticeable gaps become self-conscious about their smile. Subconsciously, you might start to become more withdrawn in social situations or cover your mouth more when laughing, smiling or having your photo taken. Same day dental implants will not only fill the gaps in your teeth, but they can also be cosmetically crafted to create your perfect smile. If you have teeth remaining, the implants can be carefully matched to the exact shape and colour of your teeth, so no one will even know they are implants at all. If you need to replace all your teeth, your same day smile can be cosmetically crafted to look as straight and white as you like. You’ll be able to smile and laugh with confidence again in no time!

Invisaligner :- Conventional Orthodontic to Well Aesthetic Biological Tooth Alignment with Invisible Aligner splints

Invisaligner is a treatment option for some orthodontic problems. Simply pop your aligner in, wear it for 22 hours a day, taking it out to brush, floss and eat. Then, as prescribed by your orthodontist move on to a new set of aligners until your teeth are beautifully straight. Seems easy, right? And it is, in a perfect world. But as we all know, we don’t live in a perfect world, and sometimes treatment is more intensive than that.If you only have a minor orthodontic issue, it can be as simple as what you have read. If you have a more serious malocclusion, though, treatment might be a little more complex.

This is where it is important that you choose a provider who has great communication skills and expertise in 3D tooth movement. Sometimes, patients go in to treatment thinking they’ll only need the aligners, only to find out their issue was a little more complex and will require attachments to correct.Before my patients agree to a treatment plan, I make sure to discuss in detail each option, and what I believe each option will entail for the duration of their treatment. There are always issues that can pop up during treatment, and teeth may not respond exactly how we thought before treatment began. However, if we can prepare the patient for as much as possible before we begin, it makes treatment much smoother and more pleasant.And for some cases, the Invisalign aligners alone cannot provide the force needed to properly move the teeth into their ideal positions. So we use attachments, also called buttons, to help us. They are essentially small, tooth-colored areas of bonding material that we place on certain teeth to help us in more difficult cases. They provide a larger area for your aligners to grip on to, and then work as anchors to move some teeth, while others stay stationary.

Attachments can provide a better result, and allow for orthodontists to use Invisalign to treat more complex cases than it would otherwise allow for. The buttons are tooth colored, so if you’re worried about people being able to see them, they’ll be almost unnoticeable.

Dental Veneers: The Secret to the Celebrity Smile

 

We all want white and sparkly teeth. Sadly, not all of us are blessed with good genes. We see local and international celebrities on t.v. and we long to have their pearly whites. 

The truth is that not all of those pearly whites are God-given. In most cases, these were created by a skilled dentist. But before we discuss that, let us talk about the reason most of us have yellowish or discolored teeth.

Why We Have Yellowish or Discolored Dentition

Discolored dentition may be caused by many factors. One of the most important factors is heredity. Some individuals have a thinner enamel layer than others. Enamel is the outermost layer of the crown and provides the tooth with a pearly white color. If a person has parents or grandparents with weak enamel, he or she may be born with the same condition.

Another factor to consider would be staining. Certain types of highly-pigmented food and drinks may lead to staining. Excessive consumption of cofee, tea, red wine, tomatoes and even blueberries can lead to discolored teeth. Please note that these minor stains may be removed with a good dose of in-office tooth whitening treatments. However, in cases of tetracycline-induced discoloration and other types of major staining, it would be best to consider another option.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin shells that are customized by a dentist or lab technician. These are used as onlays, covering discolored or fractured teeth. This process requires the dentist to remove a thin layer of the enamel to make way for the "shell." The process is done in such a way that there is no downtime and discomfort. However, please keep in mind that patients usually have to come back after one to 2 weeks for the finished product. Temporary veneers are put in place to avoid any loss of self-esteem and embarrassment while the final veneers are being made.

A skilled dentist or technician will be able to mimic the hue and shade of the rest of the dentition. This procedure may be paired with a few tooth whitening treatments to lighten the shade of the natural teeth, unless a patient decides to have all his or her teeth capped.


Patients who opt for this procedure are usually celebrities, politicians and beauty queens. However, many dentists offer affordable rates for this cosmetic procedure. Hence, more people are able to afford this type of treatment. These days, more new-grads and college students are getting veneers done to give them an edge when they join the workforce. Pearly white dentition is a dream that is becoming quite attainable these days. 

If you want to boost your self-confidence, consult a skilled dental expert today!