Dental Clinic Miller

Prevention is better than cure, according to the old adage. Very few people will disagree with this notion. And of course, it applies to our teeth. Far better to brush and clean our teeth that to have cavities and gum infections that need treatment by the dentist. It is also far cheaper.

Diligent daily cleaning is not the only preventative measure. Our dentist can take preventative measures to greatly reduce and even eliminate tooth decay, though these treatments only work if we also continue to brush our teeth.

Fluoride Treatment – Dental Clinic Miller

We have all heard of fluoride. A few toothpaste brands advertise their fluoride content. Sometimes fluoride is added to local water sources. The main benefit of fluoride is strengthening of tooth enamel. When the teeth are exposed to fluoride on a regular basis they harden, and become more resilient to decay. While this fluoride exposure is good at any stage of life it is especially beneficial in children, because it helps the forming teeth harden before they can suffer any damage.

If adult teeth are in very early stages of decay the fluoride can remineralize the tooth enamel. Fluoride can also helps keep the mouth clean, especially if we have a dry mouth. It can reduce the acidity of the mouth.

Dentists can apply a strong fluoride treatment as part of our regular visit. This treatment applies fluoride directly to the teeth via a small mouthguard. Because it is not swallowed the fluoride treatments can be stronger than usual. Swallowing fluoride in large amounts is unhealthy, which is why we do not swallow toothpaste.

Sealants – Dental Clinic Miller

Our back molar teeth have a rough top surface designed for chewing. This rough surface is effective, but it is prone to trapping food debris, which leads to decay. This is all the worse as the tiny spaces in the molar tooth can be smaller than the bristles of a toothbrush, making the surface hard to clean even with regular brushing.

Dental Sealants deal with this decay problem. These sealants are applied to the top of the molar teeth, and fill in all of the small spaces. The molar teeth will still have the larger rough ridges for chewing, only the small spaces will be filled by the sealant. This prevents most decay problems on the top of molar teeth.

Sealants are often applied when we are in our early teens, when the primary teeth have all emerged. They should last 5 years or more, after which time they are removed and replaced with a fresh layer of sealant.

Sealants can only be applied to the rough surface of back molars. Unfortunately, they cannot be applied to the smooth surface of other teeth as they require a rough surface for adequate adhesion.

Dental Clinic Miller

Regular dental visits are essential. Dentist can provide fluoride treatments and molar sealants to reduce tooth decay.

Dentist Sydney

There are many reasons to straighten our teeth. And there are various dental and orthodontic techniques to achieve this straightening.

Reason for the Sydney Dentist to Straighten Your Teeth

• Aesthetics – Straight teeth usually look better.
• Function – It is easier to speak clearly when the teeth and jaws work correctly.
• TMJ – crooked teeth can sometime cause us to chew unevenly, leading to jaw pain.
• Even wear – if the teeth or jaw are uneven we will tend to suffer more wear on some teeth and far less wear on other teeth. This leads to serious damage.
• Cleaning – Neat, even teeth tend to be easier to brush and floss.

If you suffer none of these issues then it might be acceptable to leave your crooked teeth in their crooked state.

Dentist Sydney Methods of Straightening Teeth.

Braces are a time tested and reliable method of straightening teeth. They can be applied at any point once the adult teeth are in place. More often they are applied during the teenage years, so the benefit of straight teeth will be there during the entire adult years. But older people can benefit from braces too.

Braces are permanently fixed to the teeth for about 2 years. They apply constant pressure to the individual teeth, to shift the teeth into the ideal alignment. After the braces are eventually removed a retainer will be worn for a few years, at least at night, to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their old position.

Invisalign is popular with adults who need their teeth straightened.  It uses a series of clear mouthguards to straighten teeth. These are not permanent, but they must be worn when ever not drinking or eating.

Adults prefer Invisalign because braces often seem to be something that teenagers wear. They are also easy to remove for public speaking or photos.

Veneers – This is appropriate for some dental situations. The front of the teeth can be covered with a porcelain veneer that changes the colour and shape of the visible tooth. This can be effective for widely spaced teeth, as the veneers can be slightly wider than the teeth.

Unlike braces which require 2 years to work the veneers can be applied with just a few dental appointments over a few weeks.

Crowns – These replace the entire out part of the natural tooth with an artificial tooth. This is an expensive option, but the results are permanent, and there is a lot of flexibility in what can be done.

Dentist Sydney

Straight teeth look good and are easier to look after. Our dentist service means the best possible teeth for each client.

Dentist Rhodes – Overbite Treatments

Overbite is a fairly common, comprising about 70% of dental disorders. There have been several orthodontic treatment options for overbite. One relatively recent option is Invisalign, or similar clear aligner treatments. Many people are surprised to learn that Invisalign is suitable for fixing at least some type of overbite.

Dentist Rhodes – Overbite Issues

There are basically 2 types of overbite, skeletal and dental.

Skeletal overbites are the result of the top jaw being too far forward relative to the bottom jaw. This is almost always hereditary.

Dental overbites are the result of the top teeth being too far forward. This might be hereditary, or it might be the result of habits such as thumb sucking as a child.

It is possible to have a combination of skeletal and dental overbite.

Overbites can cause problems such as:

– Difficult eating and chewing
– Speech issues like lisps
– Jaw pain from strained muscles – this can lead to migraines.
– Ongoing wear on teeth. This can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Dentist Rhodes – Invisalign and Overbite

The distinction between skeletal and dental overbite should show that dental overbite can sometimes be treated with Invisalign.

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners, rather like a small mouth guard, to move teeth into ideal position using constant pressure. A new mouth guard is used every two weeks until the teeth have reached their ideal position.

Being clear, Invisalign is less noticeable than braces. They are also removable for eating and drinking. Many adults prefer Invisalign to braces because of the convenience and quite minimal impact on their appearance.

Invisalign can move the top teeth slightly back to correct slight moderate overbite, if the overbite is dental rather than skeletal. It may sometimes be possible to correct slight skeletal overbite with Invisalign, or combine Invisalign on the top teeth with veneers on the lower teeth.

Dentist Rhodes

Overbite is a common condition. Have this treated now to prevent complications latter on. Invisalign is one convenient option.

What Dentists Camden Recommend

A better set of teeth is always preferable to an unhealthy and unattractive set. Some of this is about good genes, but far more of this is about how we treat our teeth. Daily cleaning, diet and good habits go a long way to healthier teeth. Other issues, like crookedness, can be fixed by the dentist or orthodontist.

Brush twice per day – This is the basic advice we were taught in primary school. But fundamental advice never changes. Twice a day cleaning gets rid of most bad bacteria, and the plaque they produce. This means far less chance of decay and gum disease.

Brush Lightly – A hard bristle brush will wear away tooth enamel. Pressing too hard on the brush will do the same. Lightly brushing with a soft brush will remove virtually all the plaque and food debris. If in doubt, brush for a little longer. 2 minutes twice a day is about right.

Use a Sports Mouth Guard – If we play contact sports there is a risk of an impact to the jaw, which can badly harm teeth. A mouth guard will not reduce the risk of the impact, but it will reduce the amount of damage. It can be the difference between a bad bruise, or a lost tooth.

Use a Sleep Mouth Guard – Some of us grind our teeth while we sleep. A few of us might go through a stage of grinding our teeth during a stressful time of our lives. This is very bad for the tooth enamel, and we can end up with badly damaged teeth. it also tends to make teeth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
A mouth guard will prevent the damage to teeth while we sleep, though we should also look at the underlying cause of the grinding.

Rinse – Salt in warm water helps reduce dental issues. Rinse with this one per day, preferably before you brush your teeth at night. Adding a few drops of lemongrass, Aloe vera, or Tea Tree oil to warm water also makes an effective mouthwash.

Avoid sugar – Sugar, especially in soft drinks and fruit juice, will feed the bad bacteria that destroy teeth. It will also cause thinning enamel because it is acidic. Use stevia or Xylitol if you have a craving for something sweet. And drink water after eating to help wash the sugar away.

Many diet soft drinks are almost as bad as regular soft drinks. While there is no sugar, the drink is still acidic. Avoid these whenever possible.

Clean the tongue – while the tongue won’t suffer decay, it will harbour bad bacteria, which will then affect the rest to the mouth. The same bad bacteria also lead to bad breath. A tong scrapper will remove or at least greatly reduce the bacteria on the tongue.

Floss – About 30% of the tooth surface is between the teeth. It is too easy for bad bacteria and food debris to remain in this area as it is not cleaned by regular brushing. Flossing will remove most of the food and bacteria. Alternately, a Waterpik can be used to clean between the teeth.

A ultrasonic toothbrush will help clean between the teeth; the ultrasonic vibrations cause the bacteria to break up and die. But we recommend using floss or a Waterpik as well.

Dentists Camden

Basic dental care only takes a few minutes each day. This greatly reduces decay and infections. Visit the dentist twice yearly.

Braces Dentist Strathfield

A few older patients are hesitant to get braces or orthodontic treatment, partly because they feel that braces would make them look too teenage in appearance. Partly because they associate orthodontic treatments with awkwardness and discomfort. But while these notions were partly true in the past, orthodontics has advanced considerably over time. New treatments are more comfortable, often more discreet than before, and just as effective as ever.

New Braces Dentist Strathfield

Two decades ago braces were notorious for their discomfort, cutting and abrasion of cheeks and gums. Newer braces are superior to these old-fashioned designs, being smaller and less uncomfortable. Self-ligating, which have been around for many years, have become more common today. These are more comfortable, having less protruding brackets, and require fewer adjustments, and therefore fewer frequent dental visits. Self-ligating braces use memory wire that will move teeth more quickly than conventional wire and elastics in fixed brackets.

Modern braces can also be made to blend in with the teeth. They can be the same colour as the teeth, as ceramic braces, or transparent.

Another option is lingual braces. These are fitted behind the teeth rather than in front. This means they are completely hidden from view; nobody can tell that you are wearing braces. The disadvantage is that they initially make speaking difficult, until the patient is used to them.

Alternatives to Braces – Dentist Strathfield

It is quite possible to straighten teeth without braces. One popular alternative is Invisalign. This is a series of clear plastic mouth guards that more teeth by the applying constant pressure. These mouth guards are not noticeable, and can be removed for eating and drinking. Many adults who think braces look ‘too teenage’ find that Invisalign is a good option.

The use of digital technology, from digital x-rays to 3D modelling of the mouth’s interior, make modern orthodontic treatment easier and more effective. This technology allows the treatment to be highly customised to each individual.

Dentist Strathfield

Modern braces and alternative orthodontic treatments are more comfortable and more effective than ever before.

The Orthodontist Homebush West Looks at Different Teeth

No two smiles are the same. They are all as distinct as faces and fingerprints. This is true both before and after orthodontic treatment. But while a smile will still be unique and individual after orthodontic treatment, it will also be neat, functional and probably much more attractive.

While a few individuals are lucky enough to have developed perfectly straight from their childhood, most of us have a combination of dental issues. Each of these issues requires some form of treatment. This can be anything from straightening individual teeth that are crooked, to realigning jaws that do not meet correctly. Orthodontic treatment will optimise the function of the teeth and jaws, while usually improving their appearance.

Why we need the Orthodontist Burwood

Some orthodontic issues might be left alone. Sometimes a crooked tooth in not hurting anybody. But more often an orthodontic problem will lead to more serious problems over time. Misaligned jaws tend to cause wear on teeth, which means damaged teeth when we are a few years older. Sometimes crooked teeth are simply hard to clean, meaning we are very prone to decay and gum infections. A few individuals suffer breathing and sleeping problems because of their misaligned teeth and jaws. This strains cognitive function and health, even in the space of a few days.

An imperfect Bite – Orthodontist Croydon

What are the more common orthodontic issues?

• Problems chewing, eating, biting, or even speaking with a lisp.
• Breathing issues, especially when sleeping. Snoring and Sleep Apnea are common.
• Top and bottom jaw do not meet correctly at the front – Overbite or under bite.
• The bottom jaw is crooked in relation to the top jaw – Cross bite.
• Digestive issues from poorly chewed food, including pain/discomfort.
• Pain in the Jaw.
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) – where the jaw clicks.
• Unbalanced facial appearance.
• Ongoing issues with bacteria growth and plaque build-up.
• Difficulty closing mouth – Open bite.
• Social awkwardness with smiling and/or a lack of confidence.

Treatments by the Orthodontist Concord

Traditional braces solve almost all orthodontic problems. They can align jaws and individual teeth, giving us the best version of the mouth we have. The orthodontist will custom design the braces for the individual’s situation. Modern braces are more comfortable and less visible than older braces, and achieve the same results, often in less time.

Invisalign can perform most of the tooth straightening functions of braces, but are not suitable for jaw alignment issues. Many adults like Invisalign because it works by using clear mouth guards that are fairly discreet.

Orthodontist Homebush West

Orthodontict treatment means teeth and jaws thet look good and function correctly. Find the best version of the mouth you have.

Specialist or Cosmetic Dentist North Strathfield

Most of the time we receive all the dental care we need from a general dentist. We might add to this general treatment by occasionally using a specialist for a few situations, like an orthodontist for braces, or a periodontist for a gum infection. A specialist dentist is an individual who, after qualifying for their dental degree, then completed additional training focusing on a specific area of dentistry. Very occasionally a dentist might be a specialist in two or three areas.

About Cosmetic Dentist Homebush

Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialist area, though it might use a specialist on some occasions. Rather, cosmetic dentistry is the practice of making the teeth and gums more attractive. Most dentistry is about keeping the teeth healthy and making sure they function correctly. This general dentistry does tend to help the teeth look a little better. But sometimes we want to take the healthy teeth and make sure they are attractive too.

Cosmetic Dentist Homebush West

Teeth might be made more attractive in several ways. We might simply change their colour, making them a shade lighter. Or we might need to straighten the teeth with braces or Invisalign. Sometimes we improve the appearance of a single tooth with a crown or implant. Some of these might require a specialist, like the orthodontist for braces. Some of this can be done very well by a general dentist.

Braces and Cosmetic Dentist Lidcombe

Very few people have completely straight teeth, or at least not have straight teeth naturally. More often people have braces as teenagers, so their teeth can be straight by the time they are adults. It is also possible to have the braces fitted while an adult, though some people find this awkward.

Braces prioritise function of the jaws – neatly aligned teeth in upper and lower jaws that meet correctly. This tends to mean teeth that are attractive – crooked teeth rarely look good. But sometimes we this is only part of the process. The straight teeth might need more treatment to look their best.

Veneers Cosmetic Dentist Burwood

Veneers put a permanent cover on the front of teeth. This cover surface look like a tooth in optimal conditions. These veneers can be used to give the teeth an attractive finish, changing the colour, texture and even general shape of the tooth. They can also be sued to bring a row of teeth slighty forward, or close gaps between teeth that are widely spaced apart.

Cosmetic Dentist North Strathfield

Want a better smile? General or specialist dentistry can be used for healthy, attractive teeth.

Orthodontist Strathfield

Both dentists and orthodontists help to improve an individual’s oral health. But while a dentist covers a broad range of issues, including teeth, gums, and jaws, and orthodontic looks after jaw and teeth alignment.

All orthodontists are dentists, but many dentists are not orthodontists. An orthodontist requires additional training to become a specialist.

Orthodontist Homebush

Most people will think of orthodontists as the specialists who fit braces. This is basically correct. Though modern orthodontics also include other teeth and jaw straightening systems like Invisalign. They may occasionally perform some surgery on teeth.

Most often we see orthodontists deal with crooked teeth, which may need to be straightened for functional or aesthetic reasons. Crooked teeth can make eating difficult, or speaking awkward, and they can compromise breathing, especially at night. It is not uncommon for crooked teeth to exist with overcrowding in the mouth, which requires extractions.

Orthodontists also deal with overbite and underbite. This is where the jaws do not meet exactly, and either the top or bottom jaw is more forward than the other. This type of misalignment will almost always lead to problems, as the teeth will wear unevenly. Furthermore, the jaw tends to suffer temporomandibular disorders, clicks and pain while eating, speaking or yawning.

Orthodontist Homebush West

Orthodontists deal with:

– Misaligned teeth
– Crowded teeth
– Overbite
– Underbite
– Crossbites
– Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
– Supervise facial growth (jawline and bite) in children
– Create a treatment plan that includes braces and retainers
– Perform teeth straightening surgery
– Installion dental appliances, such as braces, palatal expanders, orthodontic headgear, or Herbst appliances

Orthodontist Burwood

We deserve the best smile possible. Enjoy the benefits of functional and attractive teeth and jaws with orthodontic treatment.

Braces Hoxton Park

A few older patients are hesitant to get braces or orthodontic treatment, partly because they feel that braces would make them look too teenage in appearance. Partly because they associate orthodontic treatments with awkwardness and discomfort. But while these notions were partly true in the past, orthodontics has advanced considerably over time. New treatments are more comfortable, often more discreet than before, and just as effective as ever.

New Braces Miller

Two decades ago braces were notorious for their discomfort, cutting and abrasion of cheeks and gums. Newer braces are superior to these old-fashioned designs, being smaller and less uncomfortable. Self-ligating, which have been around for many years, have become more common today. These are more comfortable, having less protruding brackets, and require fewer adjustments, and therefore fewer frequent dental visits. Self-ligating braces use memory wire that will move teeth more quickly than conventional wire and elastics in fixed brackets.

Modern braces can also be made to blend in with the teeth. They can be the same colour as the teeth, as ceramic braces, or transparent.

Another option is lingual braces. These are fitted behind the teeth rather than in front. This means they are completely hidden from view; nobody can tell that you are wearing braces. The disadvantage is that they initially make speaking difficult, until the patient is used to them.

Alternatives to Braces Cartwright

It is quite possible to straighten teeth without braces. One popular alternative is Invisalign. This is a series of clear plastic mouth guards that more teeth by the applying constant pressure. These mouth guards are not noticeable, and can be removed for eating and drinking. Many adults who think braces look ‘too teenage’ find that Invisalign is a good option.

The use of digital technology, from digital x-rays to 3D modelling of the mouth’s interior, make modern orthodontic treatment easier and more effective. This technology allows the treatment to be highly customised to each individual.

Braces Hoxton Park

Modern braces and alternative orthodontic treatments are more comfortable and more effective than ever before.

Orthodontist Strathfield

If we diligently brush and clean our teeth we avoid most problems. But there are a few dental issues that even the most thorough care cannot prevent. We might be born with discoloured, misaligned or a few poorly shaped teeth. These required dental treatment to be corrected.

Orthodontist Homebush

It is not uncommon to have crooked teeth. Many people have braces as teenagers (or a little later in life) because their teeth are at least a little crooked. Braces are very effective for straightening teeth, moving them vertically and horizontally. They can also straighten many types of jaw alignment issues.

Braces work by applying constant pressure to teeth. This moves teeth slowly and steadily into the correct position. The process usually takes about two years. After the braces have completed their work and been removed the patient will need to wear a retainer to prevent the teeth from slipping back out of the idea alignment.

Older patients who do not like the idea of wearing braces can often have their teeth straightened with Invisalign. These are a series of plastic mouth guards that push teeth into alignment. They can perform most, but not all, of the straightening functions of braces. They are less noticeable than braces, and reasonably comfortable.

Orthodontist Homebush West

Implants will replace an entire tooth. This might be necessary if the tooth is badly damaged, very badly out of alignment, or badly formed.

An implant consists of a metal (titanium) post that supports a facsimile tooth. The post binds to the jawbone at a molecular level, and provides a solid, permanent anchor. The facsimile tooth looks natural and is quite durable. It will last for years, looking and functioning like an organic tooth.

Orthodontist Burwood

Teeth are often less that ideally white. In fact, perfectly white teeth are basically a Hollywood myth. Natural teeth are usually off-white.

Our teeth may be discoloured because of our diet; coffee and cigarettes will cause discolouration. Or they may have always been discoloured, being something in our genetic makeup. In either situation the teeth can be whitened with the appropriate dental treatment.

Teeth whitening can be preformed by either a procedure at the dentist, or by a take-home kit designed by the dentist. The procedure is safe, with the only issues being that it cannot be used on sensitive teeth, as it can make the teeth more sensitive.

Better teeth and Orthodontist Strathfield

We all deserve the best teeth possible. Have teeth that are both healthy, and that look great.