Tag: Cosmetic Dentist

What Are The Worst Foods For Your Teeth?

Most people are aware that exercise plays an important role in keeping them healthy, but did you know that your diet is vital due to the impact on your general well being and your dental health? Here are the foods that are the worst for your teeth.

1. Sugary Sweets

When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your plaque starts to breakdown the sugar into acid. This acid is harmful to your enamel and starts to dissolve it, creating cavities in your teeth. Sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time, such as hard boiled sweets, make it harder for your saliva to wash away the sugar.

2. Soft Drinks

Soft drinks, whether they are fizzy or not, contain acid, which is harmful to the enamel on your teeth. The enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Try drinking water instead to help protect your teeth from decay.

3. Wine

Red and white wine contains acid which softens your enamel, causing your teeth to look yellow. Red wine contains compounds that stain your teeth. Risks associated with drinking wine, including risks to your health, can be minimized by drinking it in moderation. To help minimize the risks try drinking water after your wine to neutralise the acid.

4. Citrus Fruits

Fruits are an important part of a well balanced diet. However, when you eat a lot of citrus fruits, the citric acid can wear down your enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay. Examples of citrus fruits include limes, lemons, grapefruit and oranges. When drinking fruit juices, try to use a straw to reduce the contact with your teeth.

5. Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are harmful to your teeth due to their high sugar content and acidity. The acid causes your enamel to become weakened making the teeth more susceptible to decay. The high sugar content encourages bacterial growth on your teeth, further promoting cavities.

6. Dried Fruits

Dried fruits such as raisins and apricots contain highly concentrated sugar and consuming them regularly can lead to tooth decay. Instead try snacking on tooth friendly foods, such as nuts, cheeses and non acidic fruits and vegetables.

If you need any further advice, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@newbydental.co.uk.

Am I Too Old For Invisalign?

The simple answer is no! Many people delay having orthodontic treatment until later in life when they are able to afford it. In fact, treatment works well with adults because they tend to comply with wearing their retainers regularly.

Reasons Adults Seek Invisalign Treatment

Many adults who have issues with their smile actually had braces when they were younger but didn’t keep up with wearing their retainer. This has caused their teeth to shift back into their old position.

Other patients have always had crooked teeth but did not have the opportunity to have them corrected when they were younger.

Whatever reason for being unhappy with your smile, it’s never too late to enjoy Invisalign treatment.

Pros And Cons Of Invisalign As An Adult

The benefit to having orthodontic treatment as a child is that they have jaws that are still growing. Undergoing orthodontic treatment during this stage means that dentist can account for growth when planning treatments.

Having Invisalign treatment as an adult means that you are more likely to comply with wearing the retainer. As an adult you are more likely to appreciate the results that the aligners provide you, meaning you will look after them effectively and wear them when instructed to do so.

What To Expect During Treatment

Once you have decided to go ahead with treatment, impressions of your mouth will be taken and you will be given your first set of trays. The trays are normally worn for two weeks at a time. Once you have worn all of your trays, you will be given a retainer to wear at night.

If you are interested in having Invisalign treatment, you can book a complimentary appointment with our treatment coordinator who will help you decide if it is the right treatment for you. Please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.

If you would like more information, please visit our Invisalign page or email us at info@newbydental.co.uk.

Cleaning And Caring For Your Dental Implant

The right oral hygiene routine will help to minimise the discomfort you feel after your implant procedure, as well as improving the healing times, and helping to ensure the implants don’t become infected.

What To Expect After Surgery

The healing time after surgery will depend on the person, the number of implants placed and other procedures performed such as tooth extractions or sedation.

For a single tooth implant, you should be able to manage with over the counter painkillers for the first couple of days. Try ibuprofen as it is anti-inflammatory so it will help with the swelling. Also try using a cold compress to help reduce swelling.

If you have had multiple implants, or have had teeth extracted, you will need more time to recover. Take the medications prescribed and stick to a soft diet for the first several days.

How To Keep Your Implant Clean

Once the implant has fully healed, you should care for your implant as if it was a natural tooth. You should clean it at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and a low abrasive toothpaste. Brush under and around the implant crown. Use a nylon coated interdental brush to clean hard to reach places. Floss daily with unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss. The goal of your hygiene routine is to prevent gum inflammation and gingivitis.

What Causes Infection After Implant Placement?

Dental implant failure is usually caused by risk factors such as gum disease or poor placement. By maintaining a healthy oral environment before and after the implant placement, you can reduce your chance of infection or failure.

With the right care, dental implant placement is extremely comfortable and can last a lifetime.

if you are interested in making an enquiry about dental implants, please email us at info@newbydental.co.uk for more information.

5 Things Every Person With Dentures Needs To Know

We are told from a young age how important our oral hygiene is to keep our mouth and teeth healthy. However, even if looked after to the best standard, there is a high chance that you will need dentures at some point in your life. To be able to experience the benefits of your dentures, you need to understand how to care for them.

Dental Hygiene Is Still Crucial

Even though your dentures are not natural teeth, they still need cleaning frequently to keep them looking good and to keep the rest of your mouth healthy. To clean your dentures you should soak and brush them using a soft bristled toothbrush and non abrasive denture cleaner. Soak them overnight. Dentures get stained easily if not cleaned properly.

It Takes Time To Get Used To Them

When you put your dentures on, you are placing something artificial in your mouth so it is normal for this to feel strange. It could also result in the development of some mouth sores. However, your dentist will tell you how to minimise the initial discomfort and avoid sores. After a short while, your dentures will start to feel natural in your mouth.

Dentures Should Be Removed When Possible

Whenever you do not need to wear your dentures, you should remove them. Extended wear can place pressure on the gum, which could lead to a receding gum condition. If in place too long, they can also cause bad breath. Taking them out will allow your gums to relax.

Practice Makes Perfect

The reasons for wearing dentures are to allow you to eat and talk naturally. However, this may take a while to get used to.

Dentures Require Maintenance

Once you get used to your dentures, you will almost forget that they are there. However, because they are subject to so much wear, they need regular maintenance and there may be times that they need repairing. If they do need repairing, make sure you take them back to your dentist who will ensure that they are repaired correctly.

Your dentures will give you the confidence to smile and go about your day to day life as if you had your natural teeth, as long as you care for them correctly. If you have any issues with your dentures, please call us on 01723 670500 and one of our dentists will do everything they can to help.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants have a titanium screw that is drilled into your jawbone. Over several months, the bone surrounding the implant grows, holding it in place.

Types Of Dental Implants

There are two types of implants:

Endosteal (In The Bone)

Endosteal are the most common types of implants. They are surgically inserted into the the jawbone where they take the place of the tooth roots. One implant can be used to anchor one or several teeth.

Subperiosteal (On The Bone)

This implant is used when there isn’t enough healthy jawbone to support an endosteal implant.

They are inserted under the gum but aren’t drilled into the jawbone. They are placed on or above the jawbone.

Surgery Timeline

Implant procedures require lots of steps over a period of 3 to 9 months.

Evaluation

The first step will be to get your teeth, gums and jawbone evaluated. This will help to determine if you have enough healthy jawbone to maintain the implant. If the bone is too thin or soft, a bone graft may be necessary first. Your gums must also be free of periodontal disease.

Placing The Implant

An endosteal implant:

  • The dentist will cut the gum and expose the jawbone underneath.
  • Holes will be drilled into the bowl where the implant will be inserted.
  • If you would like, a temporary, removable denture can be placed over the hole until the permanent tooth can be fitted to the implant.

If you have a subperiosteal implant, your jawbone won’t be drilled and the implant will be put on or above the bone.

After the procedure, you will experience some swelling and pain which will subside over the following days.

Osseointegration

After the implant is placed, it can take between 2-6 months for the bone to grow around it. This is osseointegration. Natural jawbone will strengthen and grow around the the dental implant. This keeps it firmly in place.

Abutment Placement

A metal extender called an abutment is typically added to the implant and they are used to connect the replacement tooth to the implant.

Sometimes the abutment will be attached when the implant is placed but sometimes it may require a second appointment. If this is the case, the dentist may need to make an incision if the gum tissue has grown over the implant. The gums will take several weeks to heal after the abutment placement.

Placing The Tooth

Once the healing process is complete, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so that the replacement tooth can be made to fit. It can be fixed or removable.

If you choose to have a removable tooth, it will be mounted onto a metal frame and attached to the abutment. It can be removed for daily cleaning.

If you choose to have a fixed tooth, it will be cemented or screwed onto the abutment.

Your new teeth must be cared for with daily brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth. Your implant should last for decades if looked after properly.

If you are interested in having an implant, please call us on 01723 670500 for more information.

Who Can Have Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a method of replacing missing teeth. They are suitable for most adults, but there are a few exceptions. Your dentists will discuss with you during your consultation whether they are right for you or not.

Your dentist may not recommend dental implants if you:

  • Have had radiotherapy in or around your jaw.
  • Have diabetes that isn’t well controlled.
  • Smoke, chew tobacco or vape. Smoking causes a number of adverse effects on your oral health, including dry mouth and reduced blood flow. This slows the healing process and the integration of the implant into your jawbone.
  • Drink heavily.
  • Take recreational drugs.
  • Have active gum disease. Your mouth needs to be in a healthy condition to have implants. Gum disease creates an environment that increases the risk of infection around the implants. This could lead to the failure and loss of the implant.

In some situations where bone is lacking, the placement of the implant can be more difficult. Your dentist will assess the bone using a CT scan before your treatment starts to ensure that there is enough quality bone to withstand the implant.

If you are considering having an implant call us on 01723 670500 to book a consultation to decide if it is suitable for you.

Why Do I Need To Wear My Retainers After Braces?

Retainers are custom made devices to hold your teeth in place. They are often used after orthodontic treatment to keep your bite in place.

How Many Hours A Day Do You Need To Wear A Retainer?

Your dentist will advise you on the length of time you need to wear your retainer after having your braces removed, but the general rule is to wear them full time for the first three months. This means you will only remove them to eat or brush your teeth. After three months, it is recommended to wear them every night. Basically, you need to continue to wear your retainer for as long as you want a beautiful smile, otherwise it is inevitable that they will shift back into their original position.

Why Do I Need To Wear My Retainer?

After having your braces, your teeth have been moved to the perfect position, but it takes time to stabilise them. If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will shift back into their old placement. This is known as relapsing. If you don’t wear it, it is likely that you will need orthodontic treatment again.

Although it might seem annoying at first, it will soon become a part of your routine to wear your retainer. When considering the alternative of having braces again, it seems like the better option.

After a couple of years, you may need a new retainer. If this is the case and you need a replacement, call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment. The dentist will take an impression of your mouth which is given to the lab to then make you a new retainer.

What Are Your Tooth Whitening Options?

Whitening Toothpastes

The idea of whitening toothpastes has been around for over 50 years, but the science involved has improved drastically. Previously they were extremely abrasive and harmful to your teeth as they removed stain and enamel layers. Modern versions are much more tooth friendly and can help to maintain whiter teeth if used regularly. However, they rarely whiten to a huge degree.

Whitening toothpastes contain detergents and a mild abrasives to gently scrub the staining from the surface of the enamel.

Internal whitening

Teeth can darken for a variety of reasons, such as external trauma. When a tooth experiences trauma, the pulp becomes nectrotic (dead). Blood is released as a result of the inflammation and tubules in the teeth become stained black. Non-vital teeth usually respond well to external bleaching, however it is sometimes necessary to whiten the tooth from within the root canal.

Supervised Home Whitening

Dentist-supervised home whitening is the safest, most popular, well researched whitening procedure. The first step is an assessment and diagnosis, coupled with good quality photographs showing the closest matching shade tab.

This method requires the manufacture of custom made trays by a laboratory.

In Office Whitening

The dentist will apply a fine layer of the bleaching gel and leave it for a period of time before using the suction to remove it and repeating the process.

To further speed up the process, the dentist may shine a special light at your teeth once the gel has been applied. This procedure takes less than an hour and can brighten your smile by upto 6-7 shades.

Tooth Replacement Options After An Extraction

After you undergo an extraction you will need to replace the tooth. If not replaced, the bones in your mouth can weaken and lose density. Other teeth might also shift, which could cause difficulty eating as well as speaking. There are multiple options to replace your extracted teeth.

1. Dental Implant

Implants are a fixed alternative to removable dentures that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Titanium screws are drilled into the jaw bone. Implants tend to be secure and feel like natural teeth, which makes them very popular.

2. Partial Denture

A partial denture is a plate with one or more false teeth attached to it. It may be all plastic or it may contain some metal too. Both types will have metal clasps to help the denture stay in place.

3. Fixed Bridges

A dental bridge is a false tooth that is held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge is cemented in place and can only be removed by the dentist.

Why Is Tooth Replacement Necessary?

Patients can suffer from a wide range of negative consequences if they decide against a tooth replacement. A missing tooth affects the ability to eat. Forces may shift onto the adjoining teeth, which can cause damage.

Your appearance may also change. Not only will a missing tooth be visible in your smile, but as your teeth start to shift, it will affect the alignment of your mouth.

If you are interested to find out more about your options to replace a missing tooth, read more about implants here, or call us on 01723 670500.

Possible Issues And Side Effects Of Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is a very safe procedure when performed correctly. However, there are some side effects that you should be aware of prior to your appointment.

Sensitivity

The most common side effect of any whitening procedure is sensitivity. This problem affects up to 75% of whitening patients. The bleaching solution can remove minerals within the enamel making it more vulnerable to sensitivity.

Gingival Irritation

Gingival irritation occurs when the whitening gel has prolonged contact with the gingival tissue. This can be avoided by only filling the dosing dots on the tray and no more. This will help to avoid the excess use of gel and, therefore, gingival irritation. If you do apply too much of the whitening gel, use a clean tissue or soft toothbrush to remove it.

Disappointing Results

Tooth whitening is not an exact science, and in some instances teeth whitening does not result in perfectly white teeth. This could be due to the severity of the stains or even your genetics. Tooth whitening only helps to get teeth back to their original brightness and not any brighter, and some teeth are naturally less white than others.

Teeth Grinding

If you find that you grind your teeth during the night, overnight whitening may not be as effective as you would like. As you grind your teeth, the flexing of the trays will cause saliva to enter, washing away the whitening gel. If this is a problem that affects you, the best option would be to use the daytime whitening solutions. Discuss this with your dentist and they will advise you on the perfect plan for you.

If whitening is something that you are considering, click here for more information or call us on 01723 670500.