Archive for the ‘Cosmetic Dentistry Information’ Category
UK Guide to Aesthetic Dental Implants
October 6th, 2010Over the last twenty years, the options to replace a missing tooth or set of teeth have dramatically improved. Today Dental Implants have become the most rapidly growing dental procedure in the world.
Humans Have Been Tooth Whitening For 5000 Years!
August 13th, 2010
Are you concerned about the condition of your teeth? If you feel that the human desire for perfectly sparkling teeth has sprung in the past few years then you should glance through the pages of history. Since ancient civilisation, human beings have always looked for ways to improve the appearance of their teeth.
Origins of Tooth Whitening
People in 3000 BC resorted to the use of a tooth whitening tool known as chew stick. This chew stick was basically a small branch consisting of a tattered end. They used to rub their teeth with this stick. Still, a few people living in rural areas continue to use the chew stick method for tooth whitening.
The Invention of the Toothbrush
Back around in 1498, the first ever toothbrush was invented in China. The bristles back then were made up of hog hair. The tooth brushes invented later on in the early 20th century were designed on the principle of the ‘China Tooth Brush.’
Tooth Whitening and Flouride
The concept of tooth whitening products was introduced in the year 1802. During this period, fluorides were incorporated in the tooth whitening toothpastes and were commonly known as ‘teeth whiteners.’ Over the years, several tooth whitening products have been introduced that had fluoride as the main ingredient to whiten teeth.
Modern Tooth Whitening
The number of tooth whitening options has increased over the years. Some of the modern teeth whitening options include bleaching gel and laser whitening. Both these methods use chemicals or oxidising agents that whiten the surface of the teeth. Today, tooth whitening is a widely done cosmetic dentistry procedure that helps people to enhance the whiteness of their teeth.
Tooth whitening procedures have undergone a tremendous change over the years. Modern tooth whitening procedures are faster and more effective that the traditional methods.
A beginner’s guide to tooth whitening
August 13th, 2010
Tooth Whitening is one of the safest and sophisticated cosmetic procedures and does not adversely affect the surface of teeth in any way. Whilst tooth whitening cannot produce a complete colour change in your teeth, it will surely enhance the whiteness of them.
Why might you require tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening can eliminate surface stains and treats discoloured teeth. Teeth tend to stain as you become older and as a result of excessive smoking along with tobacco consumption.
Different tooth whitening methods
Various methods are used for tooth whitening with professional dental bleaching is the most widely used. Other methods include:
• Trays and gels
• Power whitening or laser whitening
• Tooth whitening pastes
Tooth whitening can also be done at home with the use of over-the-counter applications.
Time duration
Generally, one tooth whitening session takes about an hour. Your dentist might call you again for a general check-up or if another sitting is needed.
How long do the effects of tooth whitening last?
With proper dental care, the effects of tooth whitening tend to last for several years. One should avoid excessive smoking and coffee consumption for better and longer lasting results.
Did you know your smile can open doors for you?
August 13th, 2010
A smile is a very important form of non-verbal communication. One can make a lot of things happen with just a smile. Any customer will certainly think twice about purchasing something when greeted by a dull and droopy salesperson who does not greet with a smile. As a buyer, you will certainly be turned off.
The importance of a good smile in business
According to Webster’s Dictionary, a smile means that you appear pleasant or agreeable. Both these factors form an important part of the business world. According to an ancient Chinese proverb, a person who cannot smile should avoid setting up a shop. In business, a smile is a welcoming gesture to patrons. It shows that the person appreciates and respects the patrons.
Many world leaders have spoken about the importance of a smile. Mother Teresa had once said that we should always meet each other with a smile. Andrew Carnegie, an important and powerful man in the business arena during his times had always lauded the positive results of smile. An effective smile can break the barriers between a salesperson and a customer.
What can affect your smile?
Yellow, stained or discoloured teeth can affect the smile of a person. An individual can become self-conscious due to such dental conditions. He/she will then stop smiling or try to hide their teeth while smiling.
Fortunately, these problems can now be treated with cosmetic dentistry. Many professionals, celebrities and other people in the public eye have already benefited from cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile.
Whether your teeth need straightening, whitening, or tidying up, try smiling anyway. Smiles can open doors and a world of opportunities for you.
Image source: dailymail.co.uk
Is Home Tooth Whitening Right For You? (a comparison of Home Tooth Whitening and Dentist Whitening)
August 13th, 2010
Tooth whitening is a common technique used to get rid of tooth stains. Dentists have been employing dental bleaching methods to produce superior results that can help individuals in getting sparkling white teeth. More recently, several tooth whitening products have become available over the counter that can also yield similar results as dental bleaching.
A lot has been said over the years about both dentist whitening and home tooth whitening techniques. A detailed understanding of both these techniques will help you make the right decision.
Dentist Whitening
In this method, the dentist fits a tray which is custom-made to fit around your teeth perfectly. The dentist then applies a whitening gel around the tray that will be placed inside your mouth. Carbamide peroxide, the material whitening gel is composed of, breaks down into oxygen. The oxygen then reacts with the teeth enamel and causes the teeth to fade in color. The success of this procedure is depends upon the mouth tray designed to fit your mouth.
Laser tooth whitening is a newer dental treatment option. In this method, the dentist directs a laser beam at the hydrogen peroxide solution to activate the reaction. Both these methods are more expensive when compared to home tooth whitening methods.
Home Tooth Whitening
Home tooth whitening can be easily done with the help of over-the-counter products. Some of the products that can be used are as follows:
• Bleaching trays
• Whitening gels
• Whitening toothpastes
• Tooth whitening strips
If you cannot afford professional dental whitening treatments, then home tooth whitening may be an option for you. However, over-the-counter drugs may not be as effective as the bleaching kits used in the dentist’s office. Moreover, you must ensure that you get well-fitting trays that fit your mouth appropriately. Regular dental care is also required for sustaining the results of home tooth whitening methods.
As always, patients should consider the pros and cons of each the method before making at a decision.
UK Guide to Tooth Whitening
July 28th, 2010Over the last ten years, Tooth Whitening has become one
of the most popular dental cosmetic procedures available.
This guide was written to help you navigate through the
many options you have available to whiten your teeth,
and discover which option works best for you.
Questions and answers about tooth worries including pain, infection, bad breath, underbites, anesthesia and discoloration
June 29th, 2010
Q&A with our dentist
Dr Keith Cohen answers online readers’ questions about tooth pain, bad breath, a developing underbite, milk tooth discoloration, root infections, and anesthesia and asthma worries.
Developing an underbite
Q: I am 62 and have badly worn teeth. I used to have an even bite, but now have an underbite due to excessive wear. My teeth are also getting smaller by the year. A consultant at the dental hospital advised me that the condition cannot be stopped. My lower jaw is starting to jut out and my upper lip is losing its support. I am desperate to restore my former appearance. My teeth are fairly good; I wear a night shield and have not had a lot of work done on my teeth. What can I do about this situation?
A: Tooth wear is a relatively common problem and the teeth can often be worn down to gum level in severe cases. You can reduce the damage by wearing a hard or soft night guard. Based on how many teeth are missing and how much tooth structure is remaining, you can opt for restoration which includes wearing dentures over the worn teeth. This kind of treatment can be undertaken by dental specialists or the prosthodontics department in a dental hospital.
Bad breath
Q: Although I have an excellent oral hygiene routine, I have very offensive breath. It is really affecting my life. I even removed my tonsils in the hope that it would help. I do not know what more to do. Can you help please?
A: Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by different factors. It is mostly due to organisms in the mouth and can be related to poorly fitted crowns and filings, gum disease and different kinds of diets. It is well known that drinking alcohol, smoking, and eating garlic and onions, all cause bad breath. This dental problem can also be caused by lung and nose infection, uncontrolled diabetes, intestinal problems, and other medical conditions.
Clearly, you will have to resolve the dental problem first. Many people underestimate the skill required for good oral hygiene and regularly miss out certain teeth or do not clean in between their teeth.
You should check with your dentist for his/ her opinion about the bad breath and see if you have gum disease or anything else that may be causing the condition.
Look into your diet and for a time try to avoid spicy and strongly flavored foods, alcohol and smoking. Also consider improving your oral hygiene as much as possible: brush your tongue or use a tongue cleaner. Sugar free chewing gum and an anti-septic mouthwash can also be helpful.
Tooth pain
Q: I have an ejected crown which could not be reinserted because the stump was fractured and it had to be extracted. Now the next tooth has become painful when touched. Is it possible that this tooth is fractured also?
A: The next tooth might be fractured, but it is unlikely, unless you suffered a knock to the teeth. Other possible causes for the pain are either a root canal problem or gum disease which your dentist should be able to diagnose quite easily by examining the teeth and getting an X-ray of them.
Anesthesia and asthma worries
Q: I need to take out a tooth from the back of my lower jaw but I am worried about the anesthesia freezing my tongue. I have asthma and I am concerned that it will affect my breathing. Is there any base for my worry?
A: Normally, local anesthesia in the jaw can freeze one side of the jaw and tongue. This can be avoided, according to the kind of treatment you require. Regardless of this, it will not induce an asthma attack. If you are still concerned about this, arrange a consultation appointment with your dentist and discuss your medical history and any apprehensions beforehand. This will allow your dentist to alter the treatment in a way that will suit you.
Root infection
Q: On a recent holiday, I received a course of antibiotics (penicillin) and when returning, a course of metronizadole for an infection under the root of a posted tooth supporting a six-tooth bridge that no one wants to try to remove. An apecoectomy has been suggested but it has been five weeks and there is no discomfort. Is it possible that the infection problem could have been cured by the antibiotics permanently?
A: Antibiotics only actually remove acute symptoms of infection. However, the original problem will still be there and is likely to persist. This can be seen on an X-ray image. If the bridge is satisfactory it is best to leave it in place. Treating this problem depends on the exact cause which is likely to be either from the root canal or the gums.
Discoloured teeth
Q: I am 62 years and have most of my natural teeth. My four front teeth are crowned but the two front ones are whiter than the others and they really stand out. Is there a way to tint them so they match the others or can I replace them?
A: The colour of ceramic or resin materials cannot be altered easily so your only option is to either change the crowns or bleach the surrounding teeth. If somebody is going to have restorations and bleaching, it is best to have tooth whitening done first. Only then should they match the colour of the crowns to the bleached teeth.
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Questions and Answers about Dentures
June 29th, 2010Q&A with our dentist
Dr Keith Cohen answers online readers’ denture related questions including what to do with dentures that don’t fit, how to handle dentures that break or feel unstable as well as denture costs
Dentures keep breaking
Q: My husband had a partial flexible denture made at a laboratory. The teeth on it broke off and he had to make another, which he paid for again. Two days later, another tooth broke off followed by two more! We called the laboratory and they said they would get back to us, but never did. My husband has a bite problem and after paying for two dentures, we cannot afford to pay for another. Can you advise us on what to do?
A: As people have different mouths, dentures that suit one person might not necessarily suit another for reasons like the number of missing teeth, different thicknesses of material, bite forces / location. You can either choose another dentist for a second opinion or write to the laboratory providing details of your dissatisfaction and take further action against them.
Cost of NHS dentures
Q: I am 67 years old. How much would I have to pay for a full set of dentures on the NHS?
A: The fee for a set of complete dentures on the NHS is currently £198.
More advice from Dr Keith Cohen
*NHS check ups; ulcers
*Discoloured milk tooth; osteoporosis and dental implant; white patch on gums
Dentures do not fit
Q: After getting a great set of dentures, I find that there is no way they will stay in position. My dentist has tried numerous things, including some kind of filing to adjust the shape. So far, the cost has been £200 but the denture seems big and out of shape. Can you suggest something for this?
A: The mouth can vary in size and shape, so in certain cases it may be technically difficult to get a good result. I suggest that your dentist refers you to the ‘prosthetics’ department of a dental hospital or a private specialist (although it could be significantly more costly).
Lower denture difficulties
Q: I recently lost my remaining lower teeth and I find that the lower denture is not quite stable. I have heard of ‘denture clinics’, which offer mini implants and more satisfactory dentures. Your comments on the advantages offered by these rather expensive options would be received gratefully. Also, how can someone find recommended clinics offering these options?
A: Complete lower dentures are usually a source of discomfort and looseness. Mini implants or dental implants are the most beneficial in your case. Mini implants are smaller and less traumatic to place, however, there is not as much research on this solution. They may be weaker and might not last as long as conventional implants, even though they are less expensive. You can use various types of attachments to clip the denture onto the implant, but these need routine maintenance. Eventually, you will have to make a new denture, although existing dentures can be modified in some cases. Any type of implant work is complicated, so you would require an experienced dentist. There are many postgraduate implant qualifications that you can look for, or you can also contact a General Dental Council registered specialist.
Questions and Answers about Receding Gums
June 24th, 2010Q&A with our dentist
Dr Keith Cohen answers online readers’ gum related questions including what to do about white patches or white gyms, as well as handling stains revealed by receding gums
Quickly receding gums
Q: My gums are starting to recede very quickly. I have asked my dentist for advice, but he only tells me to use sensitive toothpaste. Can you suggest methods to stop this from getting worse?
A: Gum recession is usually caused by a gum disease or from incorrect brushing techniques. If your dentist is unable to help you with this, ask if you can be referred to a ‘periodonist’ who specialises in gum treatment or to the ‘periodontal department’ of one of the dental schools for further advice.
•Dairy goodness for gums
Receding gums and stained teeth
Q: The gums across my top front teeth are receding and the area is stained and cannot be cleaned. My dentist proposes to cover the stains with the material used for composite fillings which costs £700 for nine front teeth and is an hour’s work. The stains are not visible as they are above the “smile line”. But my dentist says if I don’t have the work done, my teeth will get worse. What would you advise and is the cost reasonable?
A: There are many causes for stains, but treatment will not be required unless it is for decay on the tooth surface. Unless your dentist is a fast worker, he may not be able to complete nine filings in an hour. If you have any doubts, I think you should consult another dentist to confirm the diagnosis and treatment.
White patch on gum
Q: I had an upper molar extracted a month ago and the next day I noticed a white area, about 1-2 cm on my upper gum. My gum is sore in the region over the adjacent two teeth. The white area which I initially thought was gum bruising is not clearing up. The other gums are slightly sore and my saliva seems thicker than usual. Will it eventually clear up or is there anything to worry about in the long run?
A: The ‘white area’ may be an ulcer in the region of the extraction which would heal up within a week. If this persists ask your dentist to check for any other cause. The saliva may also be modified by any medication which you are taking. Following an extraction it usually takes about one week to get back to normal.
White gums
Q: I recently noticed that my lower jaw gums are white and quite hard on one side of my mouth (which was not the case before). I clean my teeth twice a day, but do not really pay attention to my gums. They seem to have receded a good deal. What should I do? I know someone who transplanted the insides of her cheeks on her gums and they look very healthy. I am an NHS patient but have not seen a dentist since I was ill in hospital last year. Can my dentist undertake this procedure?
A: First you need to understand that everyone’s mouth is different, so it is not advisable to assume you can apply the procedure your friend received to yourself. Dentists receive complete training on treating teeth and also the entire mouth and jaws. Those who smoke usually get white patches in the mouth, but there may be other causes. Check with your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. If he/she cannot help, ask to be referred to an appropriate specialist.
Questions and answers about dental implants
June 22nd, 2010
Q&A with our dentist
Dr Keith Cohen answers online readers’ implant related questions about the impact of smoking on dental implants, tooth loss, gaps between teeth, osteoporosis and ulcers.
Dental implants and smokers
Q: I have been told that I cannot get dental implants because I smoke. And even if I gave up smoking, it would be at least a year before I could get them. Is this true?
A: It is true that smoking reduces the success rate of implants and can even cause complications for surgical procedures. However, there are many factors that have to be considered like how much you smoke and over what time period, as well as general medical health and how straightforward the procedure will be. This depends on how much bone is there to place the implant in. If you insist on going ahead with the treatment and there is a dentist to carry it out, you must accept that there are chances of reduced success. This means that one or more implants might not integrate and will need removing or replacement.
Tooth loss and Implants
Q: I have lost most of my teeth because of chemotherapy and my dentures have gone loose as well. Is it possible to get implants and what would be the cost of this treatment?
A: Generally, it is possible to get dental implants after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Success rates may be reduced as your bone healing might be affected. For further advice and referral, contact the specialists who previously treated you. Usually, with medical history like this, treatment can be carried out within the hospital service and often without charge.
Growing gap
Q: I am 57 years old and have undergone routine dental treatment all through my life. I have a gap between my two front teeth and with age, the gum is receding and increasing the gap. My gums seem a bit delicate, but my dentist says that I do not have any dental problems. Are there any cosmetic treatments that do not involve extractions for this problem?
A: It is natural for the gums to recede with age, but incorrect brushing and gum disease can make this worse. The simplest way of reducing the gap between the teeth would be by bonding composite restorations to the side of the teeth, if they are healthy. If your teeth are more heavily restored, you can reduce the gap with crowns or veneers. If there is a large space, partially closing it can improve the appearance.
Ulcers and Implants
Q: 12 years ago I had implants done in my lower jaw from a dental hospital. Ulcers have now developed around some of them and I am unable to return to the hospital because of ill health and because I moved to another area. Private treatment will cost £12,000, which is more than I can afford as I am a pensioner. NHS dentists will not touch my teeth. I live in a small town without facilities and cannot travel. Can you suggest anything I can do?
A: It is not easy to make a diagnosis without seeing you. Ulcers are not the only cause for concern. I think you need further advice and would suggest that you ask your dentist to refer you to a local dental hospital or private specialist for an opinion as to the cause and possible lines of treatment. (Initially, it may also be possible for your dentist to email pictures and X-ray images of your mouth to the specialist.)
Osteoporosis and dental implants
Q: I take alendronic acid tablets for osteoporosis. Does this mean I am unable to safely have a dental implant? What about Nonviva injections for the same condition?
A: Some medications used to treat osteoporosis have been associated with ‘osteonecrosis’ in a small percentage of patients. This means, with surgical dental treatment or extractions, areas of bone in the jaws become non-vital. There is more association with intravenous usage than when the medication is taken by mouth. If you need to have some form of surgical treatment, consult the doctor who has prescribed the medication and ask their advice on your particular case before undergoing treatment.
*Dentists may pick up on osteoporosis
Implant insurance
Q: Six years ago I had four implants and have not experienced any problems whatsoever. In fact, the bridge they support feels rock solid. Although the policy doesn’t cover wear/tear, I still insure the implants for £200 every year against treatment costs incurred through accidental damage. Do you think this is worthwhile or can I safely assume the implants are “part of me” now?
A: Unfortunately, there is no treatment which is 100% successful and as time passes there are more chances for problems. Implant treatments are usually very successful, but problems may occur with the implants, screws and even the structure on top which can fracture or chip. Your dentist should be able to check your mouth and give you an idea of whether or not any problems will occur later, so you can decide if it is worth continuing with the policy.
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