Archives for August, 2012

Patients in Denton Can Get a Brand New Smile in Just Six Months

Naturally, we would all like a perfect smile to boost our confidence and improve our quality of life. However, many people have reservations on regular orthodontic treatments, such as the metal ‘train track’ braces, that may be uncomfortable, unsightly and very slow to work, resulting in up to three years of misery and embarrassment in some people. Now, with revolutionary new breakthroughs, it is simple, quick and discreet to achieve that perfect smile with ‘Six Month Smiles’.

How does Six Month Smiles differ?

Six Month Smiles braces differ drastically from traditional orthodontic treatments; they are practically invisible so discretion is available for the patient. They are smooth and comfortable, which is appealing for anyone apprehensive of having a mouth full of metal. Unlike other clear aligners on the market – such as Invisalign and Simpli5 – these are attached with wires and brackets, which means you do not have to keep altering their position if they come loose, or keep removing them and putting them back in.

How does it work?

Your dentist will make a mould of your teeth to allow a 3D model to be crafted. Using this model, two trays are designed specifically for the alignment and structure of your teeth. These are then attached with dentist adhesive and wires (don’t worry, these are the colour of your teeth, so are barely noticeable too) to apply the right amount of pressure that will gradually rid you of your oral imperfections.

So, if you think Six Month Smiles might be for you, consult the team at Mossley Dental Care near Denton for a no obligation consultation. Your dentist appreciates that there are now a number of different techniques on the market to offer you your perfect smile, so can give you the best advice to suit your teeth.

 

Gum Disease Explained for Patients from Rochdale

Gingivitis is the name given to the inflammation of the gums that can lead to problems such as bleeding and sensitivity. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious diseases (known as periodontal diseases) that can ultimately result in the loss of teeth.

Identifying Gingivitis

Due to the serious problems gingivitis can lead to, it is crucial to consult your dentist if you notice any signs of the disease. Any of these changes within the gums may be a sign of gingivitis:

  • Extra sensitivity or tenderness
  • A change in colour (often red or purple)
  • Bleeding easily after brushing
  • Swelling

What are the causes?

There are a number of reasons that a patient may develop gingivitis; it may be caused by smoking, pregnancy, diabetes, stress, injury to the gums or untreated misalignment of the teeth. However, the most common cause of the disease is poor dental hygiene, combined with poor nutrition. Plaque build-up is the main contributing factor to periodontal diseases, and when untreated (unbrushed or unflossed), can react with sugar and starch to enflame the gums and form enamel destroying acids. Many times people will say ‘The prevention is better than the cure’, and when the prevention is something as simple as brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing at least once a day, it’s worth listening to!

Is there a cure?

Yes. If – despite the efforts of prevention – gingivitis still occurs, you can still get help to restore your teeth to good health. Your dentist can offer you professional teeth cleaning that, using various tools, can remove most of the plaque build-up causing the inflammation in the gums. This treatment, combined with improved dental hygiene and diet, can remove gingivitis and keep it at bay. If you would like more information about gum disease please contact Mossley Dental care near to Rochdale today.

 

Oral Health Matters For Patients From Glossop

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can prevent the build up of plaque in the mouth. If oral health is not upheld to a high standard, you may be at risk of developing cavities or tooth decay, which can lead to serious problems such as gingivitis or some forms of oral cancer. There are very simple ways to guarantee a good quality of oral health. These do not include expensive treatments or painful procedures, so there really are no excuses!

Brushing

As we all know, brushing your teeth twice a day is paramount to keeping your teeth healthy. Parents should ensure their young children are brushing properly (even before they develop their permanent teeth) as it can prevent tooth decay and gum disease further down the line. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re brushing for long enough play one of your favourite songs that lasts between two and three minutes and keep brushing until it finishes!

Flossing

Many people are not aware that flossing is just as important as brushing, and should be carried out – ideally – twice a day. Flossing can remove plaque from areas that you may not be able to reach with your toothbrush.

Avoiding sugary foods

Substances that are high in sugar, such as fizzy drinks, sweets and fruit juices, can be detrimental to your teeth. When the sugar reacts with bacteria already in your mouth, they form lactic acid, which can wear down the enamel in your teeth. Keep the intake of these to a minimum.

Visiting your dentist

You should continue to attend regular visits to your dentist, as he or she will be able to detect any signs of serious problems within your mouth. You can even consult a dental hygienist and get them to help you create a personal routine to ensure oral health. Contact us today if you would like to know more information about oral health at Mossley Dental Care near to Glossop.

 

Invisalign Explained to Patients From Stockport

What is it?

Invisalign is a modern alternative to conventional teeth straightening treatments, offering a quick solution to minor imperfections in the alignment of the teeth. The process involves a series of aligners that are specially crafted to the patient’s teeth, and are – as the name suggests – practically invisible, which makes them a popular choice for people who may feel self conscious or embarrassed about wearing braces. This treatment involves far less discomfort than its alternatives, using revolutionary technology that can help to drastically improve a patient’s crooked smile.

The Technology

Patients considering Invisalign can now benefit from a high-tech 3D simulation of how the treatment will affect their teeth. Using ClinCheck software, your dentist can now show you a computerised model of your teeth and show how much movement each individual aligner can offer. This is beneficial as the patient can see the predicted end result before deciding whether it is worth their time and money. Bet you never thought you could have a try-before-you-buy smile!

The Process

If the patient approves of the predicted end result, the process can get underway. It’s really rather simple:

1)      Using the 3D model of the teeth and the latest technology, the first Invisalign tray is crafted to suit the structure of the patient’s teeth.

2)      This first custom tray is worn by the patient for two weeks, allowing it to gradually alter the alignment of the teeth, millimetre by millimetre.

3)      When the patient’s teeth fit the mould, a new tray is crafted and again worn for two weeks. This process is repeated until the desired effect is achieved.

 

The number of aligners used varies from patient to patient, but will often be between 18 and 36, meaning the perfect smile can be achieved in just 9 to 18 months! Contact us at Mossley Dental Care near to Stockport for more information of Invisalign.

 

Modern Orthodontic Treatments For Patients from Glossop

‘Orthodontics’ refers to procedures carried out by dental professionals to alter the alignment and the ‘bite’ of a patient’s teeth. This quest for perfectly straightened teeth is by no means a new craze; it is reported that ancient mummified bodies have been uncovered with fibres from animal intestines wrapped around the jaws. Perhaps it’s better to stick to modern techniques. Talk to us here at Mossley Dental Care near to Glossop to see if any of these treatments are suitable for you:

Standard Braces

Metal braces – often referred to as ‘train track’ braces – are a common way of straightening teeth and altering a patient’s bite. However, as this process can take up to three years, it is becoming increasingly unpopular.

Incognito Lingual Braces

In a world where people are becoming more and more conscious of their appearance, many patients want the full effect of braces, but without them being visible to others. Lingual braces offer this as they are attached to the back of the patient’s teeth but apply the same pressure as standard braces. This orthodontic treatment also prevents damage to the surface of the teeth.

Six Month Smiles

This modern process involves a near-invisible set of custom trays that are attached with transparent dentist adhesive and teeth-coloured wires and brackets. These trays allow modifications to the teeth without anybody but the dentist and patient having to know.

Simpli5 Aligners and Invisalign

Simpli5 and Invisalign are two versions of the modern technology of clear, removable braces. Similar to Six Month Smiles, they are practically invisible to others, allowing anybody who is slightly embarrassed about wearing braces that much sought for discretion. These solutions to crooked teeth differ as they involve a series of trays that are designed specifically for the patient’s teeth, often every two weeks, to gradually mould them into the desired positions.

 

Dental Fear Treatment for Patients From Stalybridge

Dental phobia is not uncommon; as many as one in four people fear visits to the dentist or suffer anxiety during their appointment. Many people who fear the dentist will only book an appointment in the case of an emergency – such as gum disease – and any treatment will only add to their trepidation. It is important to confront dental phobia and discuss it with your dentist to avoid future oral discomfort.

Causes

There are a number of reasons why a patient suffers from dental phobia:

  • Bad experience: Most of the time, patients in their teens or older may relate a trip to the dentist to an experience they had as a child. They may be apprehensive that pain they felt in a procedure during childhood will reoccur every time they visit the dentist.
  • Second-hand knowledge: Sometimes, a patient may never have visited the dentist themselves but fear doing so because of ‘horror stories’ they have heard from others, or depictions of dentists they may have seen on television.
  • Lack of control: As with many phobias, the idea of not being in control may trigger serious anxiety in some patients.

 

Solutions

  • Ease yourself in: Modern dentists are far friendlier and gentler than they have been in the past. All dentists are trained on how to deal with nervous patients so will be able to put your mind at ease with reassurance. Start with a simple check-up and get to know your dentist!
  • Discuss using a sign: If you are feeling uncomfortable or scared during a procedure, create a sign recognisable by both you and your dentist that will allow you to take a break before carrying on. This will keep you in control.
  • Take a distraction: Having a friend or family member with you can           put your mind at ease during your visits. Similarly, taking a personal music player and playing your own music during your visit will help you relax.

 

Contact us at Mossley Dental Care near to Stalybridge for more information on our dental anxiety treatments.

 

Patients from Droylsden Learn a lesson In Oral Hygiene

Nowadays, we all know how important it is to maintain a high standard of dental hygiene. Information is readily available for us that allows us to ensure we are dealing with our oral health properly, and as the world of dentistry begins to expand, a lot of people are becoming eager for the latest tips on whitening, aligning, fixing, replicating and – most of all – maintaining a perfect smile. So, if you are joining the millions who have begun their quest for dazzling pearly whites, and visits to your dentist are simply not enough for you, then you may want to visit a different kind of licensed dental professional; a dental hygienist. Here is a list of things a dental hygienist can do for you:

Education

Dental hygienists can offer professional education on all aspects of oral hygiene. They can give you the best advice on things such as which toothbrushes and toothpastes are suited for you, and assist you in developing a great dental routine.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Similar to a dentist, a dental hygienist is qualified to examine your teeth, taking x-rays if necessary. They can offer full check-ups and give a solid diagnosis on any problems you may be having. For any serious problems they discover, they can recommend next steps, which may include visiting an orthodontist.

Minor Procedures

Any minor treatment that is discovered to be necessary after an inspection by your dental hygienist can be performed then and there. Dental hygienists offer a full cleaning of the teeth; including scraping and polishing that can remove excess build ups of plaque in the patient’s gums. These procedures can be very effective, preventing serious problems that could occur – these services are known as preventative dentistry, and for good reason. Visit our hygienist at Mossley Dental Care near Droylsden for a lesson in effective cleaning.

 

Patients From Denton Ask Who Are Six Month Smiles Suitable For?

An Overview

Six Month Smiles is a modern treatment designed to fix imperfections in the alignment of the visible teeth. Crooked or overlapping teeth can be quickly altered and nobody but the patient need know! After a mould of your teeth is taken by your dentist, custom trays are crafted to suit your teeth. These are thin and clear to make the treatment basically invisible. The trays are attached with dentist adhesive and teeth-coloured wires and brackets for just the right amount of pressure to abolish your imperfections. With monthly check-ups and alterations, the treatment – as the name suggests – typically lasts around six months, though this may vary from four to nine months.

So, who are they suitable for?

Six Month Smiles are suitable for most people that want to alter the visible teeth at the front of their mouth. However, there are some key aspects to consider and consult your dentist about as to whether they are suitable for you:

  • Age: Six Month Smiles are suitable for people of any age who have developed their permanent teeth, though it is more popular in older patients.
  • Extent of work needed: Six Month Smiles are only suited to correcting minor problems; they cannot change the ‘bite’ of your teeth, so if you have more serious misalignment problems, other treatments may be more suited for you.
  • Speed & Pain: Though they work much faster than ordinary braces, they are no more painful; any discomfort should be gone after the first 7-10 days, so don’t worry about half a year of toothache!

 

If you would like more information on this or any other treatments we offer please do contact us as Mossley Dental Care near to Denton.

 

Patients From Hyde Learn About The Importance of Oral Hygiene For Children

We as adults are aware of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene; healthy gums and teeth lead to a healthy mouth and less chance of painful diseases and orthodontic procedures. However, when some children lay their eyes on a can of fizzy drink and a packet of sweets, they are a lot less likely to consider whether or not it will affect their teeth.

Why is oral hygiene just as important for children?

Some parents may overlook the benefits of good oral hygiene when their child has yet to develop their permanent teeth. Though the deciduous teeth (or ‘milk teeth’) are temporary, it is important to help get your child used to a healthy routine. By doing so, you are getting your child into a good habit that they will then be able to maintain as they grow older and develop their permanent teeth (no second chances with these!). Good oral hygiene will also prevent various gum diseases that the child may carry into later life.

What sort of routine should my child have?

  • A child should brush their teeth just as regularly as an adult, whether they have milk teeth or permanent teeth. Twice a day, every day. Until the child is around seven years old, the parent is responsible for ensuring the teeth get brushed.
  • Similarly, children should floss their teeth once or a twice a day, though it is not essential until around the age of four. A parent should assist their child until they are old enough to do it themselves.
  • It is advisable for more regular dentist visits (every three months) for a child, starting from as young as one. A dentist can offer advice on brushing, flossing and various other enquiries you may have about your child’s oral hygiene and dental routine.

 

Modern Day Dentures for Patients from Dunkinfield

Dentures, or false teeth, have been a solution to missing teeth since around 700BC. They have been crafted out of animal teeth, wood and even solid gold. However, modern day dentures offer a solution much more comfortable than a mouth full of splinters, and much more aesthetically pleasing than a metallic smile.

Why might they be for me?

Teeth loss can occur in people at any age for a number of reasons, such as bad oral hygiene and symptoms of diseases such as gingivitis. Dentures can help fill in the gaps to complete your smile and give you that extra boost of confidence. As well as improving the appearance of the teeth, they can also offer a better quality of life.

Properties of Modern Day Dentures

Modern dentures are commonly made out of acrylic resins and are designed to look realistic, fitting in nicely with the natural alignment of the teeth and gums. After a few visits to the dentist, specially designed dentures are crafted to fit the patient’s mouth, sitting on the gum tissue. The upper fixtures usually have a little suction to hold them firmly onto the upper row of teeth. With regular dentures, lower fixtures may need to be balanced by the patient.

Fixed Dentures

Don’t like the idea of keeping your teeth in a glass of water beside your bed? Not keen on having the risk of your teeth falling out at every meal? Fixed dentures – or implant-assisted dentures – may be a better option for you. These dentures are just as comfortable and just as credible as regular dentures. All they require is a series of implants into the patient’s gums, and then the dentures are permanently screwed on, holding them firmly in place with no risk of them falling out at dinner time! Contact Mossley Dental care near to Dunkinfield for more information