A White Filling is a composite solution to a cosmetic problem, the problems it solves are varied, says a Kirby dentist. They range from teeth damaged by excessive wear caused by tooth grinding, to chipped, cracked and teeth that have had work done on them. It comprises of chemicals that range from plastic to glass and silicone, which makes the hardened end product very workable and hard wearing. It is mixed up by the dentist and applied as a thick liquid initially; this is then subjected to a light system that hardens each layer before the next is applied. Using a layer process will allow the dentist to work the material quicker and build up a thicker top that is sterile and final. It takes longer to build up the filling than a silver filling and as the dentist will grind, shape and polish it to make it look more natural, it is also more expensive than conventional methods that use normal fillings. The fact to remember is that the filling will look like a natural tooth, and you won`t see any dark material to suggest a filling has taken place. A composite white filling will last the patient around 6-10 years, the colour is matched to surrounding teeth and the chemicals used are subject to staining, much like your natural teeth. To avoid discolouration the patient should avoid such luxuries as red wine, coffee and tea, although white wine is O.K. in moderation of course. A special coating can be applied to make them more colour resistant and your dentist will be able to advise you on that.
Archive for October, 2010
White Fillings explained by a Kirby dentist
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010A Wirral dentist advises on the best methods for Teeth Straightening
Sunday, October 17th, 2010
The best way to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth is with braces, but everyone hates wearing braces says a Wirral dentist. The latest technology in braces is quite scientific and allows for new bone deposits, these cells produce bone that attaches itself to the jaw line and build up behind the tooth to make sure that the tooth can`t slip back to its misaligned position. The Invisalign brace is so called because the makers market it as an invisible brace; this is due to its clear appearance. The pulleys and pressure points are all self contained within the inside of the brace; the course that the dentist carries out involves changing the brace every two weeks. This is done quickly as the brace is designed to be removable for eating and cleaning the teeth purposes. Digital pictures are taken initially, and these are used to design the range of braces and make a CGI film of the whole process. This not only shows the patient the end result, but it also allows the dentist and patient to see that the process is working to plan. The process takes around 6-8 months to complete, but it can be longer for really badly misaligned teeth. There is another brace that is also removable and clear in appearance, it is called the Inman Aligner and this one has a thin metal strip which holds the pressure points in place, it runs along the front of the brace and is quite visible. The Inman only works on the front teeth though due to where the points are situated, but it works in much the same way as the Invisalign.
Smile Makeovers explained by a Bootle dentist
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
A Smile Makeover is simply anything cosmetic that enhances the look and general appearance of your teeth, it makes you smile more hence the name says a Bootle dentist. The makeover can be done in a dental surgery, a salon or in your own home and even by yourself with a home kit. Home kits can be got from a chemist or the net, they cost as little as £30 and can be done in around 60 minutes. The kit consists of a blank gum shield similar to a sporting shield; you soften it in hot water and then bit down on it to make a mould of your teeth. A bleaching agent is mixed up and placed in the mould, and then it is put back on the teeth and left for 40 minutes. The teeth are bleached white and can last up to a year if you avoid red wine, coffee, tea and anything else that stains the teeth. The salon method is quite popular as well, it costs around £200-400 to do and takes roughly an hour, it involves a gum shield to protect the mouth from the intense light source that reacts with a gel placed on the teeth, the light isn`t harmful but can burn the soft tissue if it isn’t protected. The process is done in 3 x 15 minute sessions, a short rest in between allows the process to cool down. The last method is a Lumineer veneer; these can be fitted very quickly to the teeth to hide misaligned, cracked, chipped and discoloured teeth. There is little preparation involved and the cost is a lot less than conventional veneers.
The ins and outs of Dentures as explained by an Everton dentist
Sunday, October 3rd, 2010
Dentures have been around for thousands of years, they`ve been made from sea shells, mollusc shells, flint, metal, clay and even wood. Benjamin Franklin wore a now famous set of wooden dentures. Some people can`t get on with them, but most people are quite happy wearing dentures in either a full set, or as little as one tooth on a plate. The teeth in dentures are made from a Porcelain clay and look, act and are treated just like the real thing. They are generally removed at night time, when they are dropped into a sterilising solution to clean and sterilise them ready to be worn again the next morning. They are not cleaned in the usual manner of brushing and flossing and are fixed in using sealant glue. One of the problems people used to get was food working its way under the plate, this made them very uncomfortable to wear, and it meant you had to remove them, clean them and then place them back in with more glue. The new style adhesive will seal the area around the denture plate and this stops food getting in. Some people wear their dentures all day and night as well, but that is a personal choice and not advisable. When you get to the stage in life where you need dentures, your dentist will take digital pictures and put them into a computer program for the orthodontist to make a 3D image from which they`ll make your custom designed teeth, especially for you and your mouth.
How do Dental Implants work? A Merseyside dentist explains the facts
Friday, October 1st, 2010
Dental Implants were devised through research in the 1950s and 60s, the first operation was carried out in Sweden in 1965, says a Merseyside dentist. The procedure involves screwing a titanium plate to the jaw bone under the gum line, and then it is left for 3-6 months to allow the bone to grow over it. The plate has pre drilled and screwed holes in it for later use. Once the bone has grown and the plate is part of the jaw, abutments are then screwed into the holes, these are titanium poles that the false teeth will eventually sit on. The teeth are made by a dental tecnician who makes them to order from digital pictures taken earlier. The false teeth are then slid down the abutment and cemented into position; it is a permanent fixture and will not need to be replaced for many years to come. If the tooth becomes chipped, cracked or discoloured then it can replaced within a few weeks by a new one without any fuss. They need no special care and can be cleaned and maintained by simply brushing in the usual manner, the six monthly check ups will also help to keep them in pristine condition. It may sound like a painful procedure, but it is completely painless, with just a slight amount of discomfort when the gum line stitches are healing up, these will occur in the early stages when the plate is fitted and later when the abutments are screwed in place.