Author: Shannon

If you’ve heard of Invisalign, you have probably heard good things. That’s because this treatment has been proven to be great at helping those with milder cases of tooth misalignment. It is different from some other treatments due to there being no invasive surgeries or fixed dental appliances needed, and that’s what has contributed to its success.

Introduction to Invisalign

Before getting into the reasons why this treatment is such a good option for straightening your teeth, it’s important to know what it actually is. Invisalign uses multiple custom-made, plastic aligners to gently straighten your teeth over time. Each aligner is slightly different, and that’s what moves your teeth into a better position. The amount of time this takes really depends on your individual needs, but usually varies anywhere between 6-18 months.

The advantages

There are so many amazing benefits that you can enjoy with Invisalign, whether it’s before, during or after the treatment. It has become a very popular and desirable treatment, and you will see why below.

Simple process

When you get Invisalign, you can enjoy a simple consultation with your private dentist in Nottingham, as well as an easy process in general. You usually won’t have to have any physical impressions or moulds taken during your consultation, as a scanner is normally used for this, which means no gagging. You also change between the different aligners yourself from your own home, so it’s really good if you have a busy schedule and need a simple treatment that requires minimal dental appointments.

Invisible aligners

Something that people have really liked about this treatment is the aligners themselves. They are made out of a thin, clear plastic material and as mentioned above, are custom-made for your teeth. This combination really makes the aligners barely visible to others, meaning you can maintain a natural look throughout the treatment.

Removable

The fact that the aligners are easily removable comes with a lot of benefits. Firstly, it means that you won’t need to have any food restrictions throughout the treatment, as you can simply remove the aligners and eat whatever you want to. It also means that it’s easy to take them out and put them back in when you need to, as you won’t have to fiddle around in your mouth every time.

The process

When you go to your dentist wanting Invisalign, they will first have a consultation appointment with you. This is an important step, and they will take scans of your teeth to influence the creation of your custom aligners. This also gives you an opportunity to ask your dentist any questions about the treatment, and they can explain everything you need to know. A lot of dental practices use 3D scanners to get a clear image of your teeth, which have the ability to simulate what your teeth should look like at the end of the treatment before you’ve even begun. If you decide you want to go ahead with the treatment, then your dentist will send off your scans so that your aligners can be created.

After a couple of weeks, your dental practice will receive your aligners and give them to you, whilst also having a quick chat to make sure you know what you need to do. They will explain everything that you need to know when it comes to things such as changing between the aligners, cleaning them and more. Usually, you will change to a different aligner every 2-3 weeks until your teeth have successfully moved into a straighter position. You will only need to visit your dentist every 6-8 weeks throughout the treatment so they can check up on your progress and provide you with more aligners if and when it’s needed.

Losing your teeth later on in life is quite a common part of the natural ageing process. Research has shown that here, in Australia, over 40{136aa97f65d5765b483c18d4122ccaca8e9f60ddd56acbb56de02f794983e249} of adults aged over 75 and 25{136aa97f65d5765b483c18d4122ccaca8e9f60ddd56acbb56de02f794983e249} of adults over the age of 65 report that they have missing teeth. This is because as you age your teeth are more prone to cavities and decay, and your gums become more prone to disease. Therefore, it is important to visit the dentist more regularly later on in life to make sure that your teeth are clean and healthy, and that your gums are strong and free of disease. As you become older your teeth become less sensitive and therefore you may not realise if you are presenting signs of disease. Unless you visit the dentist regularly then cavities and decay will remain undetected until they have progressed significantly or the damage is irreversible and results in a tooth extraction. A tooth can even become loose and fall out by itself. It is usually recommended that you visit the dentist once every six months, however, later on in life it is recommended that you visit the dentist more frequently to look after your oral health and maintain your natural teeth for the rest of your life.

The gold standard for tooth replacement

Tooth loss can have a negative impact on your remaining healthy teeth, as well as impacting the function and appearance of your mouth. If you are missing a tooth then you need to speak to your dentist  to find out about a dental implant Melbourne. A dental implant is a small titanium component that works as a replacement root for your missing tooth. Over the last few decades dental implants have seen a surge in popularity amongst dentists and patients alike and have now become the gold standard in tooth replacement therapy.

The importance of healthy teeth, gums and bones for implant surgery

A dental implant will help you achieve a permanent, sturdy and aesthetically pleasing solution for your tooth loss. Whether you have one missing tooth and are looking for a single dental implant or you have multiple missing teeth and require multiple dental implants, by speaking to your dentist you will be able to have an individually tailored treatment plan put together for you to address your personal preferences and your dental requirements. Your dentist will first carry out a comprehensive examination of your remaining teeth and gums to make sure that you have no underlying dental issues. If you do, then these will need to be addressed prior to dental implant surgery and will help promote better oral health, preventing further tooth loss in the future.

To undergo dental implant surgery you will also need to have sufficient healthy alveolar bone for the implant to be embedded into. Tooth loss can result in bone decay, therefore it is important to visit your dentist early on when you lose a tooth so that it is easier to address your dental needs. If you do not have sufficient healthy alveolar bone then you may need to undergo bone grafting to enable successful implant surgery.

Now you are ready to undergo dental implant surgery, so speak to your dentist to find out about how this works and the advantages it can have for you.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Do you hate smiling? Not because you don’t want to but because your teeth are misaligned. You don’t need to be embarrassed or self-conscious of your teeth any more. There are a wide variety of braces designed to correct almost any dental misalignment. Invisalign London is one of the new generations of braces referred to as aligners.

What orthodontic problems can Invisalign Correct?

Invisalign is an option for any one of these dental conditions, crowded teeth, an overbite, an underbite, gaps between teeth, crossbite and many more. The braces today are more targeted and provide numerous alternatives to the original traditional metal braces that were used for decades.

Dental advice is key

It should be obvious that visiting a dentist is paramount to finding a solution to any dental misalignment issue. The orthodontics involved requires a thorough assessment of the condition, the cause and the possible solutions. Our teeth are one of our most valuable assets because they allow us to ensure that whatever we eat is probably masticated. Misaligned or missing teeth pose a problem because if the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly we put a lot of strain on our jaw. Dental direction is extremely vital to the success of any procedure and corrected dental misalignment is no different.

Decades of research

For decades the dental industry has been striving to improve the comfort and efficiency of traditional braces. Today those same old traditional braces are in use but are now far more effective. In addition there are other braces employing the same techniques but made from different materials making them less visible. There is even a brace called a lingual brace which fits onto the inside of the teeth. Aligners are the result of technology and dental science combining to investigate different techniques, materials and equipment to revolutionise the orthodontics of dentistry.

Invisalign – a clear path forward

One of the drawbacks of braces worn on the front of the teeth has always been the fact that they are visible. Invisalign call their aligners trays and are made from a clear multilayer thermoplastic polyurethane dental material. The fact that they are made from this clear material makes them far more attractive to young and older patients alike. They are less detectable and work slightly differently to the traditional braces. A series of personal trays are produced which resemble gum shields. The number of trays required for a treatment depends on the condition but normally about twenty five trays will be necessary. Each tray has a slightly different orientation which gradually moves the teeth towards their target destination. They must be worn for at least twenty two hours per day being removed only to eat, drink, brush and floss. The duration of the entire treatment is also dependent on the condition.

A result to smile about

Once treatment has been completed it is necessary to wear one final aligner which holds the teeth in the new position, giving them time to settle. After about two to three weeks this final aligner can be removed allowing for smiles all round without feeling self-conscious.

When you’re feeling happy and you smile, you want a smile that radiates your positivity and joy, right? Yet, if you have misaligned teeth, you may find that catching sight of your smile in the mirror or in photographs doesn’t make you feel that way at all and you may be feeling self-conscious or anxious about the appearance of your teeth. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people with their adult teeth feel that they can’t do anything about the appearance of their smile because they don’t want to have fixed metal braces, or that they are no longer in high school, so they’re too old to have them. With Invisalign Dublin, this is not the case at all and you could have a realigned smile in as little as 6 to 18 months.

 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign consists of aligners that apply pressure to the teeth to move them into the desired position. They are almost invisible when worn, because they are made of clear plastic. They are custom-fitted to your mouth, sitting comfortably along the gumline. iTero technology is used to take a 3D scan of your mouth in order to get the measurements required to have your aligners made bespoke for you. From this scan, an animation can also be produced to show you what your teeth will look like after treatment has been completed, before you’ve even started wearing the aligners! It’s a great way to get excited about how Invisalign can work for you if you have mild to moderate alignment issues. You will be provided with sets of aligners to change between on a weekly basis, and you just need to visit your dentist every 6 weeks for a checkup.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The beauty of Invisalign is that the aligners shouldn’t be noticeable when they are being worn, so if you are feeling self-conscious about realigning your teeth, you can forget about that with Invisalign. If there’s a situation where you think you really don’t want someone to see you wearing a dental appliance, you can simply remove the aligners. In fact, you can remove them for up to 2 hours every day, allowing you the flexibility to choose when you wear them and when you don’t. You can also remove them for all of your meals, so you won’t have to clean the aligners of masticated food! The treatment can also be completed in as little as 6 months, depending on your dental needs, which means that you won’t have to worry about wearing your aligners for too long either. You also shouldn’t need to visit the dentist for emergency appointments as the plastic aligners are durable and very difficult to break, unlike more traditional braces.

 

What types of alignment issues can Invisalign help with?

Invisalign can be used to treat a range of alignment issues such as: crossbite, under and overbite, gapped teeth, crowded teeth, and open teeth. There is also a special range for teenagers. To find out if Invisalign is right for you, simply book in for a consultation with a dentist who offers Invisalign. They will be able to examine your mouth and advise upon the right treatment options for you. If it isn’t, there are many other discreet options available too. So, check in with your dentist and put a smile on your face that makes you truly happy.

When it comes to oral hygiene, most people will be able to spot when there is an issue with one of their teeth or their gums.

But, it is a common oversight across many dental patients to keep their eyes open for signs of oral cancer. After all, what exactly should someone be looking for?

Unlike other types of cancer, oral cancer is not often spoken about in the media and, as it is in your mouth, it can be a lot tougher to spot by yourself. When you attend your dentist St John’s Wood for biannual check-ups, they will perform an oral cancer screening as part of the assessment. But what should you keep an eye out for at home?

Here, 5 of the most common signs of oral cancer are highlighted, helping you to stay healthy.

 

Growths

Okay, so growths anywhere on the body are likely to attract attention.

And, in the mouth, they can visually be hard to spot but, should you feel a growth with your tongue or when brushing, it may be time to book a dental checkup.

Remember, an oral growth doesn’t have to hurt to signify cancer.

 

Ulcers

Most people will experience an ulcer or cluster of ulcers in their mouths at one time or another. In most cases, they are simply a sign that something is at amiss with your hygiene or your body, such as stress.

However, if you notice that you are continually suffering from ulcers in the same spot or one of your ulcers has grown larger than a 5 pence coin, it is time to contact your dental team. Don’t worry! In most cases, such ulcers are benign but, as the old saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry!

 

Swallowing issues

Once again, in most cases, if you are having issues with swallowing or even chewing, this does not instantly point towards cancer. You may have something as simple as a sore throat!

But, if these issues persist, or you notice a problem when you attempt to move your tongue, it is best to seek the assistance of a dental health professional.

 

Hoarseness

An often overlooked symptom of a potential issue with your mouth or throat is your voice. Do you constantly sound hoarse? Are you having to clear your throat regularly which doesn’t seem to resolve the problem with your voice?

If this persists for 2 weeks or longer, seek medical attention, especially if you have a persistent cough or are having to continually clear your throat.

 

Weight loss

Studies have found that before being diagnosed with oral cancer, over 40{136aa97f65d5765b483c18d4122ccaca8e9f60ddd56acbb56de02f794983e249} of people reported having unexplained or unintentional weight loss.

And, while this can seem like a good thing for many, it is always worth seeking medical advice should you notice it. Weight loss concerning cancer is due to wasting (a combination of fat and muscle loss) as the body attempts to fight the cancer. So, if the pounds are dropping off and you aren’t meaning them to, it may be time for a full MOT with your medical team.

 

When you’re looking for a dental practice, you may not have a very long wishlist, but finding the correct match might not be as easy as swiping right or left like on a dating site. In fact, you may simply look for a recommendation on a search engine and go with the top result. While this may be a fruitful method, having more discerning criteria of what you’re looking for in a dentist is perhaps a better method.

 

What should I be considering?

If you want to find your match, there are several things to consider. Firstly, location, location, location! If you want a dentist Harley Street, for example, then you should narrow your search to this area. Consider whether or not the practice has parking or if it is near local transport routes. You may also wish to consider whether or not it’s close to home or your workplace, depending on when you would be visiting the dentist. Popping in to visit the dentist during a break from work would mean that you’d need the practice close to where you work.

Another consideration that may be important to you is finding out what range of treatments they have on offer. If you simply want general dentistry, this search won’t rule out any dentists! However, if you are looking for a dentist who offers a more specific treatment like dental implants, then you can start whittling the list down. And, don’t forget, even though you may not currently require a procedure like implants, you may need them in the future and so choosing a dentist with a wider range of treatments may save you from further searches in the long run.

Some patients like to be aware of payment plans. Checking out what insurances are available or accepted at a dental practice can be a good move. You can also ask to see the price lists and inquire about whether or not they accept NHS patients; you can search for available NHS dental practices on the NHS website.

If you are a nervous patient, you may also like to find out how the practice you are considering deals with dental phobias. Many dental practices will offer to let you come and take a look around so that you can familiarise yourself with the environment before coming in for treatment. Whether you are anxious about visiting the dentist or not, it is certainly a good idea to go in and check out the team. Consider the sort of welcome you get from the reception staff. They are the front of house staff and set the tone for the service you are likely to have. A warm, friendly smile as you walk through the door will certainly make you feel more willing to hang around than being ignored for 10 minutes!

Another important part of your research can be to ask friends, family or work colleagues where they go to. If you love their smile, they may be the right people to ask for trustworthy recommendations, although you can also research other testimonies on the dental practices’ websites.

 

Meet up

Once you think you have a suitable match, you need to meet your dentist. Many dental practices offer initial consultations so, you can go and have an examination and discuss any concerns you have about your smile and possible treatments with your dentist. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your dentist and start building that important relationship of trust. This will put you on the path to getting the smile you deserve after putting in the effort to find the right dental practice for you. So, get the date in the diary and meet your new dentist!

What is facial aesthetics?

Facial aesthetics refers to a group of treatments, which are meant to improve the appearance of certain features of a patient’s face. Facial aesthetics treatments can be carried out by plastic surgeons and dentists who specialised to facial aesthetics. Patients often chose to undergo facial aesthetics treatments to reduce or improve certain signs of aging. Aging is a natural process, which occurs to almost every organism on earth, except certain primitive animals, such as hydras. There is currently research carried out to develop treatments in order to treat the chemical and physiological changes occurring the body with aging, however as of yet none of these treatments are approved or seemingly efficient enough. Until the world’s scientists work out how aging can be treated, only the signs of aging are treatable. Facial aesthetics treatments can help achieve this. If you are interested in getting facial aesthetics treatments in Kent, visit the website of Stangrove Court Dental Practice for more information and contact details to book an appointment.

 

Botox

Botox is one of the most well known facial aesthetics treatments. It has been used by many people, including various celebrities as well. Botox is the abbreviation of botulinum toxin. This is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria can sometimes be found in inappropriately tinned food and they can cause serious toxic effects. However, when botox is used in a controlled environment by professionals there are usually minimal risks associated with it and no systemic toxicity occurs. The molecule works by blocking the neuromuscular junctions, which are the junctions where your motor neurons and muscles meet. By blocking these junctions, the aesthetic appearance of the face can be improved and signs of aging can be efficiently reduced. Botox treatments can only be carried out by professionals who specialise to facial aesthetics or cosmetic surgery, as in the hand of charlatans botox can unfortunately become a highly dangerous material. It is therefore very important to only get botox treatments from professionals who are experienced in their field. If you are interested in facial aesthetic treatments in Kent, such as botox, then you should get in touch with Stangrove Court Dental Practice for an appointment.

Lip fillers

Many patients wish to improve the appearance of their lips, but would prefer not to undergo any surgical interventions. For these patients lip fillers are a perfect way of doing so. Aging is also a culprit here: as humans age, the collagen and fat content of the lips decreases annually. This can lead to wrinkles and thinner lips. Lip fillers can help reduce the signs of aging in lips. Formerly, one of the most commonly used materials in lip fillers was collagen, however due to its ability to cause allergic reactions in some patients collagen is rarely used today. Today the most common material found in lip fillers is hyaluronic acid, which is a material found across various tissues of the human body, however it is manufactured from bacteria. Hyaluronic acid can interact with the lips’ water content and help make them appear smoother and more youthful. Make sure you only get lip filler treatments from professionals.