Category: Health

Mold is a pervasive problem that can affect homes and buildings of any age, size, or location. However, in cities like Toronto, where the weather is often damp and many buildings are older, the issue of mold growth is particularly prevalent. Ignoring mold can lead to a host of problems, from structural damage to serious health risks, making it essential for property owners and managers to address mold growth promptly and effectively.

Structural Damage Caused by Mold

One of the most significant costs of ignoring mold is the potential for extensive structural damage to your property. Mold thrives in damp, humid environments and can grow on various surfaces, including wood, drywall, and insulation. When left unchecked, mold can grow and cause:

1. Wood rot: Mold can cause wood to decay, compromising the structural integrity of floors, walls, and roof supports.
2. Drywall deterioration: Mold can eat away at drywall, causing it to crumble and necessitating costly repairs or replacement.
3. Insulation damage: Mold growth on insulation can reduce its effectiveness and contribute to higher energy bills.
4. Foundation issues: In extreme cases, mold growth can even affect a building’s foundation, leading to expensive repairs and potential safety hazards.

Neglecting mold growth can lead to costly repairs and renovations down the line.

Health Risks Associated with Mold Exposure

Another significant cost of ignoring mold is the potential impact on the health of those exposed to it. Mold can release microscopic spores into the air, which can cause a range of health problems when inhaled or ingested. Some common health issues associated with mold exposure include:

1. Allergic reactions: Many people are allergic to mold spores, experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin irritation.
2. Respiratory issues: Mold exposure can exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause respiratory infections, coughing, and wheezing.
3. Neurological problems: In some cases, exposure to certain types of mold, such as Stachybotrys (black mold), can lead to neurological issues, including headaches, memory loss, and mood changes.
4. Immune system suppression: Chronic mold exposure can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to other illnesses and infections.

In Toronto, where residents spend a significant amount of time indoors due to the colder climate, the health risks associated with mold exposure are particularly concerning. Ignoring mold growth can lead to ongoing health problems and reduced quality of life for those living or working in affected buildings.

Other Costs of Ignoring Mold

In addition to structural damage and health risks, there are other costs associated with ignoring mold growth:

1. Decreased property value: The presence of mold can significantly reduce the value of a property, making it difficult to sell or rent.
2. Increased insurance premiums: If mold growth is left unchecked and leads to significant damage, insurance companies may increase premiums or even refuse to cover the property.
3. Legal liability: In cases where mold growth affects tenants or employees, property owners may face legal liability for any health issues or damages incurred.
4. Reputational damage: For businesses, mold growth can lead to negative publicity and damage to the company’s reputation, resulting in lost revenue and customer trust.

Addressing Mold Growth in Toronto

Given the high costs of ignoring mold, it’s crucial for property owners and managers in Toronto to take proactive steps to prevent and address mold growth. This may include:

1. Regular property inspections to identify potential moisture issues and early signs of mold growth.
2. Prompt repairs of leaks, cracks, and other sources of water intrusion.
3. Ensuring proper ventilation and humidity control to prevent mold growth.
4. Engaging professional mold remediation services at the first sign of mold growth to minimize damage and health risks.

By prioritizing mold prevention and promptly addressing any growth, property owners in Toronto can protect their investments, the health of occupants, and their own financial well-being.

The cost of ignoring mold is simply too high to overlook. From structural damage and health risks to decreased property values and legal liabilities, the consequences of unchecked mold growth can be severe. In a city like Toronto, where many buildings are older and the weather is often damp, it’s especially crucial for property owners to stay vigilant and proactive in preventing and addressing mold issues. By doing so, they can safeguard their properties, protect the health of occupants, and avoid the costly ramifications of ignoring this pervasive problem.

This is a guide for anyone who is considering opting for straight teeth at home in London.  It contains information on what the treatment involves and how it works.  Teeth that are misaligned can affect a person’s self-confidence, their oral health and the general health of the whole body.  Therefore, it is important to have this issue corrected.

What is the treatment?

The treatment involves moving the teeth into a straight and more uniform position using a type of orthodontics known as Invisalign. Invisalign is the trade name for a type of braces which are completely invisible.  They are made up of transparent trays of super soft plastic that are also known as aligners.

How does the patient get started?

The first step to getting treatment with clear braces at home is for the patient to take some photographs of their teeth.  They send these to the provider to allow them to identify if they have the potential to be a suitable candidate.

If this appears to be the case, then the patient is invited to go for a scan of the teeth and gums.  This is the most up to date method for getting a comprehensive view of the position of the teeth and is used in place of the previous technique of asking the patient to bite down on moulds to take impressions of them.  The scan is conducted in 3D using the best technology available.  It is easy and comfortable, which helps to ensure the patient feels relaxed and at ease.

Suitable candidate

The results of the scan are emailed to the patient with the recommendation of whether they are likely to benefit from wearing invisible braces.  Most people are suitable candidates, and if they are not, then another alternative can be suggested if they want to enjoy the benefits of having straight teeth.

Predicting results

One of the great advantages of this treatment is that the patient can get a good idea of the results they can expect at the end of treatment.  They are given images and a description of how they can expect the teeth to move during the process and are also allocated a time period that should achieve the desired results.

Getting the braces

Once the patient has decided to go ahead and get their smile improved using clear aligners at home, the braces will be ordered.  They are custom made for the teeth of each individual patient.  This tailoring has two benefits.  Firstly, it means that the braces are extremely comfortable to wear which makes life much easier during treatment.  Secondly, the fact that the individual teeth of each individual patient are targeted means that they deliver very impressive results.

Wearing the braces

The patient has the option to have their new aligners delivered to their home or to have a fitting with a professional.  This flexibility gives the advantage of choice alongside expertise when needed.  A special app helps the patient to keep an eye on their progress as time goes by, and to get help and advice whenever they need it.

There has always been an interplay between services and expectations; everybody wants to give the best service they can and with it, expectations always grow. When combined with developing better techniques and understanding the fundamentals, a feedback loop is created. This can be seen throughout almost every industry, and with orthodontic care, it certainly has made itself known.

Orthodontic treatment simply means the moving of teeth. It was first referred to in Greek medical manuals that suggested finger pressure over many hours could change tooth location, which is technically true, but it’s pretty inefficient. This has led to lots of tools and gadgets to apply that pressure constantly.

Celebrity standards setting the curve

In the 60s, The Beatles may have been an icon but not for their teeth. Teeth just were not the priority as the free love countercultures defined celebrity! The change may have been gradual, but as pearly whites that were straight and symmetrical became signs of status, it was celebrities that led the way. By the 90s, it was obvious that you could not get away as a celebrity without near-perfect teeth. Some may have taken it one step too far with phosphorescent standards of boy bands and Simon Cowell.

2020’s standards of dentistry amongst celebrities have levelled off albeit at the very top end of what is possible with a healthy dose of photoshop and video editing to boot. Many of these dental goals have moved down to the rest of society, leading people to wonder what they can do to improve the appearance of their teeth; whitening became part of their normal routines, and more adults considered an orthodontist Liverpool more than ever.

Covert treatment options

One of the biggest factors limiting adult orthodontic care, particularly when focused on static goals, is the appearance of wearing braces. Considered infantile and unflattering, many patients simply do not wish to or cannot afford to go through the process of reducing appearance temporarily to reach and assist goals. The obligations of adult life are simply not as flexible as those of high school or full-time education.

Changes in orthodontic practice

Over the same time period from the 60s to today, there has been a big shift in tools from heavy-handed headgear to lighter and thinner braces, with bulky steel archwires being superseded with thin titanium-nickel alloy. With the length of treatments sinking, orthodontic treatment extending more than 2 years was very rare, but historically it was not unheard of.

NHS treatment: then vs. now

It can be easy to forget that the NHS was founded in the late 1940s, and it took a long time to establish the services that many have come to take for granted today. Dentistry was one of the later services; therefore, it is entirely possible for an adult in the 1960s, depending on their economic background, to be completely denied dental care at the most critical stages of their life.

In the more general improvement and, therefore, higher expectations of tooth alignment, there is an expectation of having access to good quality dental care regardless of economic background throughout childhood.

Of course you will! White teeth are the luck of the draw; you might have the strictest oral hygiene routine and the straightest of teeth, but the things we do, eat and drink don’t pick favourites. If you’re a frequent coffee drinker, wine drinker, or enjoy dark berries, curries and other dark foods, you might have noticed some staining to your teeth or the slightest discolouration. With teeth whitening Harley Street on the come up, though, it has never been easier to get the bright, white smile of your dreams!

Safety tips

Before you dive into the world of whitening and all the different types there are, it is important that you take extra precautions to care for your mouth and gums. No matter the type of treatment you go with, you should always follow any instructions or directions that come with it. These are in place to get you the best possible results without putting yourself in any danger, so it really is a no brainer. After the whitening treatment has finished, be sure to avoid sodas and other acidic foods or beverages that may cause any discomfort. Remember, sensitive teeth after this kind of treatment is completely normal, but you should always take extra care with them! Always talk to your dentist or practitioner if you have any concerns. Finally, don’t overdo it! Your teeth have feelings, too.

Toothpastes and gels

Toothpaste and gels that you can buy over the counter do, of course, offer some teeth lightening benefits, but you won’t get a drastic change as they do not have any bleach in them. If you only want to lift around one shade from your teeth, you might want to try these alternatives before taking the big jump with in-clinic or at home options.

At home whitening

The obvious benefit to at home whitening is that you can do it from the comfort of your home, with directions from the dentist. You’ll be provided with all the necessary things, including your trays and the whitening agent, but there won’t be any supervision and results can essentially vary based on how strictly the directions are followed. Results from this process are usually seen within two weeks. There are also options to have a combination of at home and in-clinic whitening treatments, which may offer more stability and are easier to maintain. Be sure to ask your dentist about all your options and don’t be shy to question anything that raises a concern!

In-clinic options

This whitening treatment is probably the most common, with the best results. You’ll be sitting in the safety of the dental chair and your dentist will do all the heavy lifting, leaving you to reap the benefits. Your dentist will protect your gums before the whitening agent is applied to your teeth. You’ll then be left under a light which will activate the process and instantly begin lifting the shades from your discoloured teeth. After just a few hours, you’ll be able to smile with confidence and your new bright, white smile!

If you are looking for a way to whiten your smile without using bleach, or to conceal a gap in between your teeth, you may have stumbled across porcelain laminates in your online research for a way to achieve these goals.

While not a new idea, in recent years, veneers Wagga have become increasingly popular among patients and cosmetic dentists to alter the aesthetics of a person’s smile. But with popularity comes myths and misguided information that can deter patients who may benefit from the procedure from seeking it.

Here, some of the most common myths about porcelain laminates are explored so you can learn the truth about this popular and nifty restorative treatment.

Laminates are weak

When many people think of porcelain as a material they visualise cups and plates which are usually weak when exposed to pressure.

However the porcelain that is used to create laminates is sturdy and can rival enamel in many ways. Laminates do not crack easily, and are often used to support teeth that have been weakened by a procedure such as a root canal or to add strength to a tooth that has had a crown or deep filling fitted to it.

Laminates are too expensive for most people to afford

A common concern that many patients have is that porcelain laminates are too expensive for them to afford.

Luckily many dental surgeries who offer this treatment may also be able to offer you financing options or a payment plan, so you can spread out the cost of the treatment into affordable monthly repayments.

Also when you consider how long porcelain laminates will last (up to 15 years with correct care) they are well worth the money spent!

Laminates stain easily

Many patients who are considering laminates are doing so to whiten their smiles. This treatment is very popular among patients whose teeth are too sensitive to undertake traditional whitening methods.

But you may have read that laminates stain easily; this is not true. Porcelain itself is less porous than enamel and as such, it does not stain as easily or as deeply. And so any whitening effects that are created with porcelain laminates are likely to last longer than those achieved with traditional whitening methods such as bleaching.

Laminates hurt when they are fitted

Actually, the fitting of dental laminates is one of the few cosmetic procedures you can undertake at your dentist that will not cause any discomfort at all!

This is because all that has to happen for a laminate to be fitted to your teeth is a minor sanding of the enamel on the tooth to create a rough surface, and the placement of  dental cement. The laminate is then placed onto the cement and the procedure is completed. No needles or numbing agents are required at all! 

Laminates do not last long

As mentioned earlier, with correct aftercare porcelain laminates can easily last for 15 years. The most common issue which can cause them to fall off is gum disease, so you will need to attend biannual check-ups at your dental surgery to keep an eye out for this condition.

DISCLAIMER OFFSITE

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

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% of adults aged over 75 and 25% 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.