Tag: Cosmetic Dentist

Tooth Whitening And The Law The European Directive

The laws on tooth whitening changed on 31 October 2012. The legislation in regards to tooth whitening by the European Union shows a clear difference between the products that can be legally used for tooth whitening by dental professionals, and products that can be used by non-dental professionals.

The change follows a move in 2013 to revoke and replace the Cosmetic Products Regulations 2012, with the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013, commonly known as the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

For Each Cycle Of Use, First Use By A Dental Practitioner

There is a possibility that a patient that has not had the appropriate instruction on how to use their home kit could be at risk of swallowing excess whitening gel. The requirement that the first use of each cycle is done by a dentist, or under their supervision, will help to prevent this. This also means that whitening kits can’t be sold to patients at reception or through the post.

Hygienists And Therapists

The General Dental Council’s Scope Of Practice sets out the roles that each dental professional can carry out. It sets out that hygienists and therapists can provide tooth whitening under the prescription of a dentist, if they are trained and competent.

It is advisable that the dentist is on the premises when the first use of of the product is provided to the patient.

Patients Under 18

The Regulations and EU Directive state that the product must not be used on patients under 18. This can create an ethical dilemma for dentists who may want to act in the best interest of their patients but are prohibited from doing so by the Regulations.

Breach Of The Regulations

The maximum penalty for breaching the Regulations is a sentence of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.

Invisalign System Frequently Asked Questions.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan based on your Invisalign Provider’s prescription, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for 1-2 weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, gradually moving towards the projected final position. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your Invisalign Provider, based on your specific needs.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing these virtually invisible aligners, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others. Invisalign aligners are removable giving you the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and to maintain good oral hygiene. Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires. This means that in most cases less time is spent in your Invisalign Provider’s practice for adjustments. And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you even begin treatment so you can see how your teeth are expected to look when your treatment is complete.

Is this a new way to straighten teeth?

Dentists or orthodontists have, in the past, successfully used removable appliances for years. But with the application of Align Technology’s 3D computer technology and mass-customisation, the Invisalign System can be used to treat a wide range of patients who wants straighter teeth. The unique ClinCheck® software allows patients to see their treatment plan from beginning to end even before the start of treatment.

How old is the company?

Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997.

How old is the technology?

In 1945, Dr. H.D. Kiesling envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Align Technology has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align Technology produces Invisalign, a series of customised clear aligners. Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce gradual tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.

How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?

More than 8 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.

Where is Invisalign available?

Invisalign is sold in over 45 countries using a direct sales model in the US, Canada, Europe, China, Japan, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East, and supported by distributors in smaller emerging growth countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Latin America.

How much does Invisalign cost?

As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign is dependent on the complexity of your issue and your course of treatment. As a general rule the cost is comparable to traditional fixed braces. And, although only an Invisalign Provider is able to fully determine your cost, prices for Invisalign treatment are generally between £2,500 – £5,500.

How do I get started with Invisalign?

Make an appointment using our online booking request for an Invisalign consultation here

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign aligners move teeth with an appropriate placement of controlled movement on the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign not only controls the amount of movement per aligner, but also the timing of the movement. So at each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, as per the Invisalign treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system that moves teeth into the desired prescribed position.

What are aligners made of and what do they look like?

The virtually invisible aligners are made of strong medical grade thermoplastic material, uniquely developed for the Invisalign System. The aligners are custom-made for you and fit snugly over your teeth.

Can I go to any dental practitioner for treatment with Invisalign?

While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training to become qualified and proficient in the various requirements for treating patients before treatments will be accepted from their office. More than 82,000 dentists and orthodontists worldwide are already trained to treat patients using Invisalign. Find an Invisalign Provider near you.

What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with Invisalign?

While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training to become qualified and proficient in the various requirements for treating patients before treatments will be accepted from their office. More than 82,000 dentists and orthodontists worldwide are already trained to treat patients using Invisalign. Find an Invisalign Provider near you.

How often must I see my Invisalign Provider once I have started treatment?

Appointment intervals are generally the same as with traditional braces but can be much quicker with less time spent in the dentists’ or orthodontists’ chair during appointments as no adjustments need to be made to wires/brackets. Patients typically visit their Invisalign Provider every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of Invisalign aligners, but your Invisalign Provider will decide based on your treatment.

How long does the Invisalign treatment take?

The total duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the treatment and is generally comparable to that of traditional braces. Typically treatment can last between 3 and 18 months. During your consultation, your Invisalign Provider can provide you with more detailed information.

Is the Invisalign treatment painful?

Some people may experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days, at the beginning of each new stage of treatment when they insert a new aligner. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the aligners are working – moving your teeth gradually, helping you to achieve the final results. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.

Does the procedure work on overbites?

An Invisalign Provider can use Invisalign to treat overbites in the vast majority of adults and adolescents. Consult an Invisalign Provider to determine whether Invisalign is suitable for you.

Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being an eligible patient?

Only your Invisalign Provider can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.

Are bridges a factor in Invisalign treatment?

Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they offer significant resistance to tooth movement. Your Invisalign Provider will be able to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.

Are crowns a factor in Invisalign treatment?

Crowns (tooth caps) are usually not a factor in Invisalign treatment. However, sometimes small tooth-coloured composites called “attachments” are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements and are more difficult to bond on crowns than teeth. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated. An Invisalign Provider can provide further advice.

Can Invisalign close gaps?

Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign. Consult an Invisalign Provider to determine whether Invisalign is suitable for you.

Will TMJ affect Invisalign treatment?

To find out if your TMJ problem will adversely impact treatment, consult an Invisalign Provider. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. People with a TMJ condition can have a number of problems with the jaw joint, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign, and some which can improve, remain the same or even cause the condition to deteriorate.

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

Yellow teeth can cause you to lose confidence in your smile, but there are some simple lifestyle changes that can help to improve the colour of your teeth.

Smoking

Smokers often complain of the yellowing colour of their teeth and long term smokers even notice that their teeth begin to turn brown. This is caused by the tar and nicotine in cigarettes that quickly stain your teeth. By giving up smoking you will not get any more cigarette related staining. Not only this but you will reduce your risk of gum disease and oral cancers.

Poor Oral Hygiene

It is vital to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. By brushing and flossing, you are helping to remove the build-up of plaque. Plaque can quickly turn into tartar which is yellow in colour and, therefore, leads to your teeth looking more discoloured.

Getting Older

The hard, white coating of your teeth, called enamel, eventually begins to wear away as you age. This, unfortunately, exposes the yellow material underneath called dentine.

Your Diet

Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth. Foods that have a strong, dark colour, such as curry and coffee contain chemical compounds called chromogens which make your teeth much more likely to stain. Read this article to learn more about which foods can stain your teeth and how some can whiten your teeth.

Genetics

Sometimes, you can inherit tooth colour from your parents.

Dead Tooth

Due to decay or an accident, teeth can die. The blood flow to your tooth will be cut off, resulting in discolouration.

If you want to improve your smile, contact our team on 01723 670500 to discuss the whitening options that we have available.

5 Reasons To Consider Getting A Dental Implant

Missing, damaged and broken teeth can cause pain and embarrassment. An implant may be the right choice for you.

1. Damaged Teeth

If you struggle with broken or chipped teeth, implants may be the best way to fully restore your teeth. Damaged teeth can be a source of embarrassment as well as causing difficulties eating, and in more severe cases, speech issues. Implant restoration involves removing the damaged teeth and replacing them with new, artificial ones that fit perfectly.

2. Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can also cause eating and speech difficulties, as well as affecting your appearance. There are various reasons why you could be missing your teeth, such as trauma, health issues, or a lack of oral hygiene. Implants will help to resolve these issues by filling in the gaps with natural looking, sturdy artificial teeth.

3. Loose-Fitting Teeth

If you suffer with weak and wobbly teeth implants can help you. If you can easily move one of your teeth around, you might want to talk to your dentist about replacing it with an implant. Similarly to how damaged teeth can affect your lifestyle, unsecure teeth can affect your ability to speak and eat as you normally would.

4. Infected teeth

Tooth decay and gum disease are both very serious issues that may lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis, a form of gum disease, results in bone loss. This means that there aren’t enough supporting structures for your teeth, causing them to become loose and eventually fall out. If left untreated, mouth infections can even spread to other parts of your body. Your dentist will remove the infected tissue and and replace the natural tooth with an artificial one.

5. Shrinking Jawbone

Missing teeth roots from the gum and jawbone can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone. Natural tooth roots transmit the pressures created by chewing into the jawbone, maintaining its form and function. The post portion of the implant acts as an artificial tooth root. It becomes osseointegrated, meaning it grows and fuses with the jawbone and transmits the necessary forces. Quickly replacing any missing teeth with implants helps stimulate the jawbone to continue its natural function.

If implants are something that you are interested in, please give our team a call on 01723 670500 for more information.

How Long Should My Crown Last?

What is A Dental Crown?

A crown is a type of cap that completely covers a real tooth and is fixed in your mouth. They can be fitted where a tooth has broken, decayed, been damaged or to make a tooth look better. The old tooth will need to be drilled down so that the crown can be attached.

A dental crown can last anywhere between fifteen years and a lifetime but it can be determined by a few factors:

Type Of Crown

The material that the crown is made out of can have an impact on the lifespan. Composite crowns, although affordable and tailored to your tooth colour, are limited to their toughness and lifespan. Porcelain crowns can last just about fifteen years, and a gold crown can last a lifetime under the right circumstances.

Health Of Affected Tooth

If the tooth was relatively healthy to begin, with longer roots and healthier surrounding gum and bone levels, both the crown and the tooth are likely to have a longer lifespan.

Injury And Breakage

An injury to the mouth can damage the crown as well as the tooth it sits on. If the damage to the crown is to severe to be repaired it will need to be replaced.

Changes In The Mouth Due To Aging

As we age, the structures in our mouth change. For example, gum recession can affect the fit of a dental crown. If your dental crown begins to not fit properly, your dentist will advise you to get a new one.

Tooth Grinding

Grinding and clenching your teeth, especially at night, can wear down a crown’s surface and threaten its stability.

So, How Long Do They Last?

Depending on the type of crown used, the average lifespan of a crown is around 10-15 years. However, with a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist, some crowns can last for decades.

Book an appointment with one of our dentists who will be able to talk you through the options available and which type of crown they think is suitable for you. Call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.

Why You Should Wear A Mouthguard During Contact Sports

Mouthguards prevent injuries to the face and mouth. They are made of soft plastic or laminate and prevent injuries incurred when you receive contact to the face or mouth. As well as your teeth, they also protect your mouth, gums, cheeks and jaw.

How Do They Protect?

Although a mouthguard won’t stop you from being hit in the first place, they can reduce the damage. They spread the impact out, reducing it across each area. They also absorb some of the force as they are made from a soft material.

Using Mouthguards In Sports

Sports injuries account for 1/3 of all injuries to the mouth and face. A direct blow to your face can result in a lot of tooth trauma. Not only can your teeth be completely knocked out, but they can become dislodged, cracked, chipped or loosened. A mouthguard acts as a cushion to reduce the blow and reduce the risk of fractures and bone damage to both the lower jaw and neck.

Types Of Mouthguards

There are three types:

  • Stock: comes in a range of premade shapes and sizes. They are the cheapest but they don’t offer a comfortable fit or a high level of protection because they are one-size-fits-all.
  • Boil-and-bite: They are the middle ground between premade and custom fit in terms of cost and function. The process involves placing them in boiled water before biting into them to leave an impression of your teeth.
  • Custom-made: offer the best protection and it is often worth the higher cost. A dentist will take an impression of your teeth and orders a guard personalised to your bite.

Taking Care Of Your Mouthguard

  • Rinse with cold water and clean with toothpaste and a toothbrush to remove plaque.
  • Avoid hot water, hot surfaces and directly sunlight as they can lead to warping.
  • soak in non-alcoholic mouth rinse before cleaning with water.

Here at Newby Dental Practice your dentist can make you a mouthguard in as little as 3 days. Call us now on 01723 670500 to book your appointment.

Top Trending ‘Tweakment’

The nonsurgical trend that will improve how your skin looks – not only instantly – but also accumulating with longer term results!

The days of having to go under the scalpel to give your face a youth boost are over. We’re now living in the era of injectable ‘tweakments’. Ok, there’s nothing new about using wrinkle reducing and dermal filler
injectables to reduce wrinkles and add volume to your cheeks, but now there’s a NEW injectable that will moisturise from the inside out, boosting hydration and remodelling ageing and sagging skin… say hello to Profhilo®.

  • Profhilo® has opened up a new injectable category called, bioremodeling. It is not a dermal filler or biorevitaliser.
  • Profhilo® is the first BDDE-free stabilised injectable hyaluronic acid-based product for treating skin laxity.
  • Profhilo® has one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (64mg / 2ml) which boosts and hydrates the skin, but also remodels ageing and sagging tissue.
  • Profhilo® delivers great results as a treatment on its own or in combination with other aesthetics treatments currently on offer.

What’s The Buzz On Profhilo?

The first of its kind, Profhilo® is a revolutionary beneath the skin, hyaluronic acid moisturising treatment. It’s unique formulation of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is one of the highest concentrations on the market. When injected into skin it stimulates the skin cell receptors to counteract skin laxity and improve and restore firmness of the skin.

How Does It Work?

Ultra-pure hyaluronic acid is precisely injected into the area being treated. Then, unlike wrinkle reducing and dermal filler treatments, Profhilo® stimulates collagen and elastin, improving hydration in the deeper layers of the skin. As a stabilised product, Profhilo® has a prolonged action in the skin. During this time the stimulation of 4 different types of collagen and elastin takes place by slow release of hyaluronic acid. Results include the improvement of the skin’s texture, firmness and radiance in addition to reducing the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Tell Us About The ‘Tweakment’

Profhilo® can be used by patients of all ages and is the perfect solution if you’re looking for youth boost for your skin but don’t want dermal fillers or wrinkle relaxing treatment. The injections are strategically placed at key points to rejuvenate the skin’s own collagen-making abilities. It can be used on numerous areas such as the face, hands, neck, and chest and it can be used on its own or in combination with other aesthetics treatments currently on offer. Two treatments are recommended, spaced four weeks apart, and
you’ll see the benefits from six-nine months.

What Are The Results?

The powerful moisturising properties and hyaluronic acid combat the signs of fine lines and wrinkles whilst deeply hydrating the skin and restoring a youthful glow. The stimulation (after having the Profhilo® treatment) results in significant tissue improvement. Which means we cannot say that Profhilo® is a skin booster as it also has a significant tightening and lifting effect on the tissue. It is a
great ‘first step’ treatment as it acts directly on skin laxity and can also improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, pores and dull pigmented skin as part of a bespoke skin programme.

How Can I Protect my Teeth From Sugar?

Eating large amounts of sugar is bad for your health, and can result in obesity, heart disease, diabetes and tooth decay. The coating that covers your teeth is called plaque and it contains lots of bacteria that breakdown the sugar in your food into acid, damaging the hard, protective coating on your teeth called enamel.

Here are five ways to help protect your teeth:

Limit Your Sugar Intake

This seems like the most obvious option, but switching out sugary foods in your diet for healthier ones, such as swapping out a slice of cake everyday for a bowl of yoghurt with fruit, can make a big difference. Other changes could include cutting out that teaspoon of sugar in your cup of tea or having a glass of water at meal times instead of a fizzy drink.

However, there will be times when you fancy a treat! To help protect your teeth, try to eat the sugary snack at mealtimes to reduce the number or acid attacks on your teeth.

Drink Through Paper Straws

When you are drinking sugary drinks, such as fruit juices and fizzy drinks, try to use a straw to limit the contact between the sugar and your teeth.

Keep On Top of Your Oral Health

Make sure you keep up with your oral health routine. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. However, do not brush your teeth straight after eating as this can cause more damage by brushing acid into your teeth.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum After Eating

Saliva helps to defend against acids causing demineralisation. Chewing gum helps to stimulate your salivary glands to produce more saliva. However, make sure that the gum is sugar-free, otherwise it could be causing more harm than good.

Visit Your Dentist For Regular Check Ups

Your dentist will be able to spot the signs of decay before they worsen and provide any advice to improve your oral hygiene routine. Call us on 01723 670500 to book your appointment now!

Causes Of Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a very common condition for many adults. It can be caused by something you eat, or it could signify a more serious problem with your health. Read below to find out about the causes of bad breath.

General Oral Health

Most cases of bad breath are related to a poor oral hygiene routine. If you don’t clean your mouth regularly, food particles will remain in your mouth and a build up of bacteria, known as plaque, can form on your teeth. The uneven surface of your tongue can trap food particles and bacteria in the mouth, which results in bad breath. Keeping a thorough and consistent oral hygiene routine is the best way to prevent bad breath.

Eating Strong Foods And Drinks

Certain foods, such as onions, garlic and some spices, cause odor-containing particles to enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, causing bad breath.

Coffee

Coffee may have an impact on your breath as it has a strong flavour, but it also affects your saliva flow. After drinking coffee, the caffeine causes a decrease in saliva production which results in an increase in odor causing bacteria.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol, particularly in excess, results in a decrease of saliva production, creating an environment for odor-causing bacteria to flourish.

High Sugar Diets

A diet that is high in sugar can result in bad breath as the sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, turning the sweets into bad smells.

Digestive Issues

If you experience acid reflux, the odors from recently consumed foods may make their way back up, causing bad breath.

Prescription medication

Lots of prescriptions result in dry mouth, meaning that the production of saliva decreases. This creates an environment that the bacteria love. Also, when some medications are broken down in the body, they release chemicals that can be carried through your bloodstream to to your breath.

If you are concerned about your bad breath and you’re worried that there is a more serious cause, call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.

The Dangers of Turkey, Are They Worth It?

You may have heard of the new trend called ‘Turkey teeth’ which involves people travelling to Turkey to get cut-price crowns. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that it involves shaving down 60-70% of the natural tooth before a crown is fitted.

What Are Turkey Teeth?

Patients who are unhappy with their smile often choose to have veneers fitted to improve the appearance of their teeth. This can be an expensive procedure, especially if the patient requires a large amount of work to be done. This is why some patients are opting to travel abroad, to countries such as Turkey, to have the procedure done where it is considerably cheaper. However, what a lot of patients don’t realise is how invasive the procedure is and the risks involved.

The photo above shows an example of how invasive this procedure is, and how little natural tooth is left. Katie Price has had multiple procedures done in Turkey. Dentists warn patients against this as every time the treatment is done, more and more natural tooth tissue is removed.

In the UK, there are strict regulations in place relating to dental work, so anything carried out has to comply with the standards set by the General Dental Council. However, in other countries, these regulations don’t apply, contributing to the risk.

What Are The Dangers?

When veneers are fitted properly, they offer a low risk, long lasting solution to your smile insecurities. However, if carried out by someone inexperienced, they can result in serious damage leading to more treatment being needed to repair the tooth.

Immediately after treatment, patients tend to be very happy with the results achieved, often turning to social media to show off their new smile. But upon returning to the UK, they start to notice problems.

Common issues caused by Turkey teeth include:

  • Intense pain.
  • Sensitive teeth, making it difficult to eat or drink.
  • Exposed nerves, leading to more treatment.
  • Infected gums.
  • Swelling.

Although it may be cheaper to travel to Turkey to improve your smile, there is a large cost associated with their repair when they inevitably start to cause you pain. This cost will not be covered by your dentist when you return home.

What Are My Options?

Instead of putting your health at risk by travelling abroad to receive cut-price treatment, consider the other options that are available to you. A less invasive treatment that is widely available is composite bonding. Here at Newby Dental Practice, our experienced dentists will be able to provide you with the smile you desire, whilst maintaining your natural teeth. Composite bonding involves the careful build up of dental composite. The procedure can even be completed in a single visit.

If you are interested in improving your smile, call us on 01723 670500 or use our patient portal to book a complementary appointment with our treatment coordinator who will explain the treatments available and what they think is best for you.