Archive for Cosmetic Dentistry

How dentists can fix crooked teeth

How dentists can fix crooked teeth

Crooked teeth can be a major source of insecurity for many people, but the good news is that there are several options for fixing them. Whether you’re dealing with minor misalignment or a more severe case of crooked teeth, your dentist can help.

One of the most popular options for fixing crooked teeth is braces. Braces work by applying pressure to the teeth over a period of time, gradually moving them into their desired position. While braces can be a bit of a commitment, they are an effective way to fix even the most severe cases of crooked teeth. They can also be customized with different colors and designs, so you can show off your personality while you straighten your teeth.

Another option for fixing crooked teeth is clear aligners. These are custom-made plastic trays that fit over your teeth and gradually move them into position. Clear aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning your teeth, making them a popular choice for people who want to avoid the appearance of traditional braces.

In some cases, your dentist may recommend a retainer to fix minor cases of crooked teeth. Retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth and work by applying pressure to them to gradually move them into their desired position. While retainers are not as effective as braces or clear aligners for more severe cases of crooked teeth, they can be a good option for minor misalignment.

If you’re dealing with a more severe case of crooked teeth, your dentist may recommend orthodontic surgery. This is a more invasive option that involves physically moving the teeth and jaw into their desired position. While orthodontic surgery is not always necessary, it can be a good option for people with significant misalignment or other issues that cannot be corrected with braces or clear aligners.

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to work with a qualified and experienced dentist to fix your crooked teeth. Your dentist can help you determine which option is best for your specific case and guide you through the process of straightening your teeth. They can also provide you with advice on how to maintain your new smile once your treatment is complete.

In conclusion, crooked teeth can be a major source of insecurity for many people, but there are several options for fixing them. Whether you choose braces, clear aligners, a retainer, or orthodontic surgery, your dentist can help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile. Don’t let crooked teeth hold you back – talk to your dentist today about how you can achieve a smile that you’re proud to show off.

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry

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Why is whitening such a great treatment option?

teeth-whitening-birmingham

How important are our smiles?

With the ‘American smile’ being all over current magazines and social media, many of us aspire to have that perfect white smile. A smile shows confidence and happiness and is an incredibly important feature to many of us helping with our relationships and success. The oral health foundation state that a smile is at the top of the list of things that we first notice when meeting a new person and that teeth/smiles are the second most important attractive feature by both men and women (personality being first). They also found that nearly 50% of the population are unhappy with their teeth and that 64% of these people are unhappy due to them being discoloured.

Whitening is a safe, conservative and affordable option to help brighten your smile and here at Scott Arms Dental Practice we can offer you affordable whitening with great results.

What is it and when can it be used?

Tooth whitening is application of a whitening solution into a custom made tray to fit your mouth. It lightens the natural colour of your teeth safely without removing any of your tooth surface. Perhaps you’ve noticed your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, after all they do discolour over time. Or, perhaps you drink a lot of coffee or tea and this has contributed to a discolouration of your teeth. Surface stains such as these can be effectively lightened using a whitening treatment in order to give you a brighter, whiter smile.

Which product is used to whiten teeth?

Here at Scott arms dental practice we use ‘Boutique whitening’. Boutique offers two different systems- both a day and night which caters for patients’ individual needs. Night tends to be the most popular- with so many people having such busy lives, using the night time whitening system is perfect to fit into your schedule. It is also great for those who suffer with sensitivity as it is less likely to cause sensitivity after the whitening. It’s super simple for you to do at home and gives you the flexibility to get the exact results you wish for as you can use it for as long a period of time as you like to get the results you want. The night time product is 16% carbamide peroxide and is placed into your tray and worn throughout the night. We recommend to use it every night for two weeks to get optimum results- however this amount of time can be adjusted to ensure you get your own personal results.

Once you’ve reached your desired shade, you have the trays for life. Therefore, whenever you feel as though it needs a top up- you’re able to do this as and when needed.

Whitening really is a great treatment option for those looking to brighten their smile. Not only is it simple for you to do at home, it is also minimally invasive on your teeth- no drilling or long appointments is required!

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry

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The truth about teeth whitening at home

teeth-staining-red-wine

There is a huge demand for teeth whitening in the UK, and it looks like the demand is ever increasing. Maybe our increased use of social media plays a part in this, increasing our appearance anxiety and demand for bright pearly whites.

There are many products on the market, especially in local supermarkets which claim to “whiten your teeth”. But do they actually whiten your teeth? Or are their manufacturers selling false hope to people who want a nice set of pearly whites in 2017.

Do most whitening products work?

Well most whitening products don’t actually “whiten” your teeth at all. Whitening products tend to remove stains from your teeth, without actually changing the colour of them. Surface stains can be caused by a wide variety of food and drink – including coffee, red wine and certain fizzy drinks.

What sort of products whiten your teeth?

Now to actually whiten your teeth, you need to use a product containing peroxide, a bleaching agent that whitens the enamel of your teeth.

We strongly advise you don’t try to use any peroxide containing gels by yourself. You should visit a dentist for this, where you can get a close-fitting, custom-made tray to use to prevent the whitening agent leaking onto the gums and into the mouth. Incorrect applications of peroxide can lead to blistering and tooth sensitivity.

What foods and drink can discolour your teeth?

  • Curry – It has a deep pigmentation which can cause your teeth to become yellow over time. When opting for a curry, ensure you mix in fresh fruits and vegetables to help reduce its staining effect.
  • Coffee – It’s very high in chromogens and it’s also very acidic, with both cause your teeth to yellow over time.
  • Red wine – in moderation it can be good for your health but it is very acidic, contains lots of tannins and is high in chromogens, which can stick to your teeth quite quickly.

Where can I get teeth whitening which works?

By far the safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth properly is with your Dentist. Our dentists use a teeth bleaching gel containing carbamide peroxide to your teeth. This chemical will bind to any stains on the surfaces of your teeth (enamel) and remove them. A special covering is used to protect your gums and any irritation will disappear within a few hours.

You can find out more on our teeth whitening page, or call our team on 0121 357 5000 to see one of our teeth whitening dentists.

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

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Orthodontic Braces – What are my Options?

Which brace is right for me?

Whether you’ve got a peculiar bite, a less-than-confident smile or just a couple of wonky teeth, the world of orthodontics can be a confusing place. Gone are the days of standard train tracks: we are entering an era of choice when it comes to tooth-straightening technique. However, there is a not always a spectrum of opportunity for everyone: some braces are not suitable for particular malocclusions (unusual bites) and others are only viable in patients with more simple cases. Despite this, the market is still broad and here are the most common orthodontic treatments, simplified for ease of selection.

After a thorough consultation and assessment with our orthodontist, the choice will become easier due to the joint construction of an ideal treatment plan.
Call our dental team on 0121 357 5000 to arrange an orthodontic consultation where you can discuss your treatment options.

Fixed Braces

These braces can only be placed and removed by an orthodontist.

Metal Fixed Braces

Also known as train tracks, metal fixed braces comprise generic metal brackets that are attached onto the front of the tooth with a special orthodontic glue. The brackets are then connected together with an orthodontic wire; with the memory of a perfect arch, this wire is able to gently pull the teeth into alignment. The wire is attached to the brackets through individual elastics. For discretion these can be clear or silver, but more popular amongst our younger patients are the colourful varieties.

White Fixed Braces

Similar to metal train tracks, white fixed braces consist of brackets attached to the tooth, connected with an orthodontic wire. However, the brackets are constructed from tooth-coloured ceramic and are accompanied by a similarly coloured wire, making them a more aesthetic option. Both white and metal fixed braces require the same treatment time and the same number of appointments.

Lingual (Incognito) Fixed Braces

Tailor-made gold alloy brackets are attached to the back surface of the teeth so they cannot be seen. Kate Middleton is rumoured to have used lingual braces to secretly achieve her royal smile.

Removable Braces

These braces can be placed and removed by the patient.

Removable Appliances

When teeth require either tilting or tipping into place, removable appliances are an ideal way to achieve a perfect smile.

Functional Appliances

Used to change the relationship between the upper and lower jaw (especially during years of growth), functional appliances are often used as an adjunct to fixed braces. Commonly used is the Twin-Block appliance, a removable brace used to open the jaw to correct an overjet (when the upper front teeth are too far in front of the bottom teeth). This is most commonly followed by a course of fixed braces.

Invisible Braces

For smaller tooth movements, invisible brace treatment comprises a series of plastic clip-in braces that are comfortable and inconspicuous. Each brace will provide a small amount of tooth movement, before the subsequent brace is prescribed.

Retainers

Retainers are made from clear plastic material and are recommended for nightly wear after completion of orthodontic treatment. Because teeth may continue to move slightly throughout life it is recommended to continue using the retainer long term.

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics

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Dental Implant Questions for March 2014

    1. Can I have more than one dental implant placed at a time?

      Yes, you can have multiple dental implants placed at once, regardless of which jaw they are in. In fact, having adjacent implants placed at the same time is arguably advantageous, as the healing site is not interrupted.

      For nervous patients requesting sedation, it is best to have both implants placed at the same time to save the need for further sedation.

    2. Can I work after having my implants placed?

      After having the implants placed your jaw may feel tender. Different people respond differently to the treatment, but generally we recommend taking the rest of the day off and relaxing, especially if you have had conscious sedation. Some patients may find they need the next day off work as well if their work is particularly strenuous. For the majority of jobs, a single day off to recover from the treatment is all that is necessary.

    3. Which is the best dental implant system to go for? Different dentists offer different ones.

      There are a number of commonly used systems in the UK, each with their benefits. Most of the popular companies are all high tech and state of the art and dentists generally choose, and stick to, the one that they find most usable, usually after product demonstration.

      Biomet 3i, Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Camlog and Astra-Tech are all amongst the more successful. Don’t worry too much about the system offered, and look for an experienced dentist who you like the sound of.

    4. Can dental implants come out if they get knocked?

      Unlike real teeth, which are held into the bony socket via a connection of soft tissue fibres, dental implants are connected directly to the jawbone. Consequently it is extremely unlikely that any knock could loosen a healthy implant as there are no fibres to damage.

      If you have knocked your implants and are concerned that they may have come loose, book an appointment with your implantologist as soon as possible.

    5. Why are dental implants so expensive?

      Learning to place dental implants can take up to a number of years, even after a 5-year degree in dental surgery. It is also an expensive course to complete. Furthermore, dental implants are made from state-of-the-art materials with a variety of expensive implements to place and maintain them.

      Once the dental implant itself has been placed, the crown that sits on top of it is made from fine-quality porcelain, zirconia or another material that has been tailor-made by a trusted laboratory.

      Often included in the cost of dental implants is a consultation including x-rays and even CT scans, a timeframe for guarantee, post-operative maintenance appointments and possibly conscious sedation.

      To help cover the costs of implants many companies offer interest-free funding over a number of months, Denplan coverage and dental implant insurance.

    6. Can children have dental implants?

      Dental implants are not placed in children for a number of reasons: the jaws don’t stop growing until the late teenage years and not all teeth are through until around the age of 13 (not including wisdom teeth). Dental implants should only be placed when the bone underneath is sufficiently dense, clear of unerupted teeth, and in a jaw that has finished growing with a developed, stable occlusion (bite).

      In some situations, parents know that their child will need dental implants from an early age. X-rays during childhood can show that some adult teeth may never develop. Generally it is recommended for the child to wait until 18 to have the dental implants placed, but orthodontics might be recommended in the mean time to maintain the spaces needed for implant placement.

    7. Can I have my dental implants taken out if I don’t want them in the future?

      Because dental implants are fused to the bone, removing them can be very difficult. It is possible to have them taken out, but requires a careful procedure usually followed by bone augmentation if the socket needs filling. However, there would be very few situations where a dental implant would need to be removed; even if all other teeth were lost, current dental implants would prove very useful in stabilising a denture.

    8. Can dental implants be added to in the future in case I need more teeth taken out?

      If you need natural teeth removed adjacent to a healthy dental implant, an extra dental implant can be placed and the structure above the current dental implant (e.g. crown) can be removed. A new impression will be taken of the two implants together and a custom-made prosthesis can be fabricated. This can either be two separate crowns or a joint structure.

Adding to a dental implant is generally not a problem provided the surrounding tissue is healthy.

  • Can I postpone having a dental implant until the future and have a bridge in the meantime because it is cheaper? Will I still be able to have the implant?

 

Without a tooth to house, alveolar bone (the bone that forms the tooth socket) shrinks away. Consequently, if left too long, the bone may deplete so much that a dental implant can no longer be placed because not enough is there to attach it to.

If you choose to have a bridge now to replace the gap, there is a possibility that you either won’t be able to have a dental implant in the future or its longevity may be compromised. Generally, bone can be well maintained if the lost tooth was between two other healthy teeth, but more might be lost if this is not the case.

If you can’t afford the implant right away, best to try and get it placed within a few years to avoid too much bone loss. However, new systems are being developed that allow implant placement in areas of shallow bone, so worries about bone loss may one day be a thing of the past.

  • Do I have to have a dental implant for every tooth needing replacement?

    No, this is not necessary. Two implants are often sufficient to replace a few adjacent teeth and roughly six implants are adequate to reconstruct a single jaw.

    The ‘all-on-four’ technique allows the replacement of all teeth in an arch using only four implants and is offered in a number of dental surgeries for the right cases.

  • I lost my teeth because of gum disease. If I get dental implants will they get gum disease too?

    It is possible that your genetics may predispose you to gum disease, in which case your implants may suffer from a similar condition called ‘peri-implantitis’. However, with excellent oral hygiene the risk can be dramatically reduced. Cleaning the implants twice a day with an antibacterial toothpaste and using TePe brushes, floss or SuperFloss every day is recommended for the home routine. Regular visits to a hygienist is also very important, along with maintenance checks with your implantologist to ensure the implants are still healthy.

  • Will magnets stick to my dental implants?

    No, because implants are made from titanium, which is not a magnetic metal. Magnetic materials are made mostly from iron, cobalt or nickel.

 

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Replace Missing Teeth

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National Smile Month

National Smile Month 2013

National Smile Month is commemorating its 37th anniversary this year and the team at Scott Arms Dental Practice are joining in the celebrations. From the 20th May to the 20th July, Scott Arms is the place to go for oral heath advice, personalised hygiene plans and is a destination for the whole family to learn about the importance of looking after your teeth.

At the heart of National Smile Month are the following simple messages:

    • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
    • Cut down on sugary drinks and foods
    • Visit the dentist as recommended

National Smile Month is keen to show that now, thanks to their rigorous campaigning and awareness-raising every year, the majority of adults are free from visible dental decay, fewer children are suffering from decay and the proportion of people requiring complete sets of false teeth has fallen.

But there is always room for improvement, and those who are getting hands-on during National Smile Month are excited to improve these figures even more. 27% of people say they only visit their dentist when they are in pain, and 25% of adults don’t brush twice a day. Dentists are regularly hearing how a state of poor oral health prevents potential job-seekers from finding the confidence to apply for employment. Raising awareness through National Smile Month can help turn these statistics around.

While National Smile Month adopts simple key principles for achieving a good standard of oral health, Scott Arms Dental Practice advocates the following extra advice for optimum hygiene:

      • Clean in between your teeth every day, e.g. with floss or TePe brushes
      • Use mouthwash after cleaning in between your teeth to help flush away the loosened debris
      • Don’t brush immediately after eating – wait half an hour
      • Brush your teeth gently with small circular motions, being sure to brush the tooth-gum margin
      • Visit a hygienist every 6 months for a professional clean and polish

The team at Scott Arms Dental Practice are happy to provide further information about all these points, so take the opportunity during National Smile Month to book an appointment for the whole family. Learn recommended oral hygiene techniques from the dentists and get children enjoying looking after their teeth.

To book your appointment now, call Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 5000

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry

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Cosmetic Dentist Treatment in Birmingham

Cosmetic Dentist Treatment Birmingham - Tooth Whitening, Veneers, Crowns and Dental Implants

Cosmetic dentistry is not your usual dental check-up in which you’ll receive a scale and polish accompanied by the odd filling or two. Cosmetic Dentistry is the art of improving the appearance of your smile using one of many cosmetic dental treatments. Our Cosmetic Dentists Birmingham have been whitening, straightening, reshaping and repairing teeth for over 20 years and have helped thousands of patients improve their smiles. But what are the types of cosmetic dental treatment available to patients?

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments as it is a quick and easy way to change the appearance of your smile. After consulting one of our Birmingham Dentists, professional teeth bleaching will involve taking an impression of your teeth. This will then be sent to a dental laboratory where a tailor-made bleaching tray will be made for you. This fits into your mouth just like a mouth guard, allowing the tooth whitening agent to only reach your teeth that need to be whitened.

The teeth whitening agent used by our Birmingham Dentists is carbamide peroxide. As it is broken down it allows oxygen to enter the enamel of your teeth which makes them a lighter shade. As we age our teeth begin to darken, food particles and smoking can stain your teeth which cannot be removed by brushing alone. Professional teeth whitening can counteract the effects of staining allowing you to maintain a pearly white smile.

Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are thin sections of porcelain that fit precisely over the front of your tooth like a false fingernail would over a nail. Dental veneers can achieve many improvements with your smile including; treating discoloured teeth, closing a gap between front teeth and can also repair damaged teeth. After a consultation with your Birmingham Dentist, an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental technician who will make your custom-made dental veneers. These can then be fixed onto your teeth giving an impressive natural-looking result.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are similar to veneers; they are another popular cosmetic dental treatment carried out by our Birmingham Dentists. Instead of being a thin sheet of porcelain that fits over the front of your teeth (veneers), crowns are a tooth restoration that completely caps a tooth. Crowns are also custom-made by a dental technician, which are then fitted by your Birmingham Dentist. Dental crowns are just like fitting a new tooth onto your old tooth, they are often recommended to patients who have large fillings so that the cap will protect the tooth. Dental crowns can:

  • Restore the natural shape of a tooth.
  • Allows bent/crooked teeth to be straightened
  • Protects weakened teeth from further damage
  • Can produce amazing smile transformations

Dental Implants

Dental implants are simply the best way to replace a missing tooth. They look feel and function just like a real tooth. Dental Implants involve placing a small titanium insert into your jawbone, which forms an artificial tooth root that can anchor crowns or a denture in place. The bone actually grows onto the titanium implant (a process called osseointegration) which fixes the artificial tooth root in place permanently.

Dental Implants can be restored with a dental crown, which will look and act just like a normal tooth. The dental crown is custom made by a dental technician to match the rest of your smile. When multiple teeth need replacing dental implants can be used to stabilise dentures or bridge work. Click here to find out more about dental implants, or feel free to contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice and book a free dental implant assessment in Birmingham.

Cosmetic Dental Treatment Options

There is an endless supply of cosmetic dental treatment information on the internet available to patients, however is takes a trained dental professional to assess which treatment route is best. If you’re looking at improving your smile for cosmetic reasons it’s worth paying a visit to an experienced cosmetic dentist in Birmingham such as those at Scott Arms Dental Practice where they can advise the best treatment route for you.

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Porcelain veneers, Teeth Whitening

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My Tooth has been knocked out, what can I do?

Knocked out tooth - Replace a missing tooth with a Dentist Birmingham

Having a tooth knocked out from an accident or injury can be a traumatic experience. Having an unwanted gap in your smile can lower self-esteem and have a huge impact on your mental health. But it’s not the end of the world, there are several ways to replace a missing tooth that will leave your smile looking just as good (or even better) than before!

In America there are over 5 million knocked out teeth (avulsed teeth) each year. When a child loses their milk teeth, it’s best just to stop the bleeding and wait for the new adult teeth to grow through. However it’s a different story when your adult tooth has been knocked out as you’re not going to grow a replacement.

Saving your knocked-out tooth

The tooth can still be saved if you get it to a dentist on time. If the tooth is fractured/broken it’s likely that it can’t be re-implanted but still take it to your dentist anyway to check. If the tooth is still intact, you need to get to a dentist as soon as possible as its likely that the tooth can be put back into your mouth and saved. As time goes by however, the chance of this procedure succeeding drops dramatically after an hour.

Whilst you wait to see a dentist, it’s important to look after your missing tooth. Avoid touching the root and if it’s still connected to your mouth try not remove it. It is important that you avoid cleaning the tooth. The best way to look after it is it put the tooth back into its empty socket. If this is not an option store the tooth in your cheek or in a glass of milk. The tooth has a higher chance of successful re-implantation if you keep it in an environment similar to its natural one.

Your dentist will clean the tooth socket and flush out any debris before re-implanting the original tooth. The tooth will then be supported using a splint to keep it stable, this will allow the tooth to reattach over time, a process which could take weeks.

Replacing a Missing Tooth

If the tooth cannot be re-implanted you don’t have to settle with a missing tooth. There are many cosmetic options to replace missing teeth, such as removable dentures and a fixed bridge. The most popular (and best way) to replace a missing tooth is with a dental implant. Dental Implants look feel and function just like a normal tooth, and if looked after correctly can last a lifetime. Dental Implants involve inserting a titanium fixture into the jaw where the missing root used to be. This implant can then be restored with a crown that looks exactly like your other teeth, matching and completing the rest of your smile.

Preventing Knocked Out Teeth

We recommend to all our patients involved in sporting activities to get a professionally fit mouth guard to prevent the occurrence of dental trauma and knocked out teeth. A bespoke gum shield will be created for you based on an impression taken of your teeth, giving you a mouth guard that fits around the teeth and offers significant protection for your teeth.

If you have recently lost a tooth or are looking to replace a missing tooth please contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 5000 our Emergency helpline is available until 11pm week nights and 24 hours on Friday & Saturday into Sunday.

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Emergency Dentist, Replace Missing Teeth

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