Orthodontics Miller

Many of us suffer at least some developments problems with our teeth, and either have them fixed with orthodontics in our teens, or with dental/orthodontic treatment as adults. This orthodontic treatment has both aesthetic value, as our teeth look better, and functional value, because neat teeth almost always function in a better fashion.

Some common dental developmental problems include:

Crowding – This is where the teeth simply do not have enough room in the mouth. Either the teeth are too big or the jaw is too small. This may lead to teeth protruding at odd angles, or the back molars being overgrown by gum. It also tends to mean the jaws will not neatly fit together.
Crowded teeth maybe treated by a combination of extractions and braces.

Crossbites – If the upper and lower jaw are out of alignment, if some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, then this is termed crossbite.
Mild crossbite can be treated with conventional braces. In some cases a palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw.

Underbite – We may find the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw. If this is mild it may be fixed with braces. Sometimes veneers are used to bring the top row of teeth slightly forward. Occasionally surgery is performed for this.

Overbite – This is where the upper jaw is more forward than the lower jaw. Braces can solve this if the problem is mild, but sometimes surgery is required. Overbites might be cause by the placement of the teeth, or by the bone structure of the jaw.

Braces Miller

Traditional metal braces are a tried and true method of fixing many dental problems. They can align individual teeth, both vertically and horizontally. They can also fix most minor jaw problems.

Braces are notoriously awkward and even painful at first. But the results can last for the rest of our lives if we take care of our teeth. Modern options like damon braces are less painful and faster acting. and there are also clear and ceramic braces which are less noticeable.

Dental Clinic Miller

Orthodontics Miller- Better teeth make eating and speaking easier. They also make out mouth look better. Have orthodontic treatment now in order to have better teeth for our adult years

Cosmetic Dentist Elizabeth Hills

Our appearance is more influential than we might think. The way we look impacts our social interactions and our confidence. It makes sense to look our best.

Our teeth are part of our appearance. If our teeth look poor it has an effect on other people, and how they treat us. We should avoid this if possible.

Well functioning teeth that are healthy and teeth that look good tend to be synonymous, or at least not in contradiction. While health is more important than appearances a healthy mouth tends to also look good.

Braces Miller

Braces can improve the function and appearance of teeth. These are ubiquitous on teenagers, who benefit with neat teeth for their adult years, but it is possible to have braces at a later stage of life if necessary.

Braces can correctly align teeth, so they look neat, and so that the jaw fits together neatly in a manner that functions well. This can also benefit speaking, because crooked teeth can make speaking difficult, and benefit sleep because bad jaw position can cause snoring and sleep apnea. But the most salient benefit of braces is the teeth’s appearance.

Teeth Whitening Elizabeth Hills

Magazines promote the idea of bright, white teeth. This is a little bit artificial, as teeth are not naturally this bright shade of white. But we can often get that bright Hollywood look for our teeth with whitening.

Teeth whitening uses a gel activated by UV light to effectively stain the teeth white. This is a process that can be either done in the dentist office, or with dentist prepared kit that is used at home. The home kit uses custom-made mouth guards specifically designed for each patient. This is used with small UV light source each month or to keep the teeth looking bright.

Teeth whitening is safe, but it may not be suitable for patients who suffer sensitive teeth (sensitive to hot and cold drinks), as the whitening process can make the teeth even more sensitive.

Veneers – Dental Clinic Miller

Dental veneers put a permanent cover over the front of teeth, rather like a crown. This veneer looks like a natural tooth, and is very effective for fixing teeth that are discoloured, slightly crooked of misshapen. They can also fix slight over or under bite by bringing the row of teeth slightly forward.

Cosmetic Dentist Elizabeth Hills

We all deserve to look our best. Have your teeth brought up to their potential with cosmetic dentistry and have a smile to be proud of.

Braces Horsley Park

Braces have been used for many generations to improve the appearance and function of teeth. They are initially awkward, but the results are impressive and long-lasting, provided we look after our teeth.

We might need braces if:

– Crooked teeth
– Crowded teeth
– Teeth with some gaps
– One or more teeth that protrude
– Have an overbite
– Have an underbite
– Suffer crossbite
– Have jaws that do not fit neatly together
– Have an incorrectly positioned jaw.

Types of Braces Miller

There are four main types of braces, as well as one or two alternatives to braces.

Metal Braces

These have been the most common type of braces for many years, and will fix most orthodontic problems.

Metal braces consists of metal brackets on the front of each tooth, linked by a metal wire on top and a metal wire on the bottom. Modern metal braces are smaller than older designs, and cause less irritation on the gums, but still work by the same basic principles.

Braces work by putting constant pressure on the teeth. This moves the individual teeth into a neat, functional alignment. The process takes about two years, varying with the individual tooth issues. A retainer is often worn after the braces are removed, to maintain the new position of the teeth.

Ceramic Braces

These work on the same principle as metal braces, except the individual brackets are clear or tooth coloured. This greatly helps them blend in with the other teeth. Sometime the wire is also the same colour as the teeth.

Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal, though the material can stain if they are not looked after correctly.

Lingual Braces

These are similar to metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are positioned behind the teeth rather than in front. This has the advantage of making the braces virtually unnoticeable. The disadvantage is that it makes speaking more difficult as the braces are next to the tongue. Cleaning is also more difficult.

Lingual Braces are sometimes preferred by adults who don’t want to be seen wearing braces. They are very effective for straightening teeth, though they may not be suitable for some jaw alignment issues.

Adult Braces Camden

It is best to have braces fitted at the earliest age possible, so we can benefit from the straight teeth when we are young adults. But it is quite possible to have braces as an adult, or at any point once the permanent teeth are in place.

Adults might use lingual braces because they do not affect the appearance very much. Or they might choose Invisalign.

Invisalign

This is an alternative to braces. It uses a series of clear plastic mouth guards that steadily move teeth into place. These mouth guards are not noticeable, and are removable for eating and drinking. They might also be removed for public speaking. The process also takes a little longer than traditional braces.

Invisalign is more expensive than most braces, and it will not be suitable for jaw alignment problems. But for moderate tooth alignment problems they are a good option.

Braces Horsley Park

Having braces fitted now means neater, better functioning teeth for the rest of our life. Talk to the dentist about the smile you deserve to have.

Cosmetic Dentist Busby

A dentist aims to produce teeth that are healthy, functional and attractive. These three goals tend to work together. Unhealthy teeth are rarely attractive, and functional teeth tend to look neat. So cosmetic dentistry is really putting the final touch on healthy, well functioning teeth.

Braces Miller

Braces will straighten teeth and jaws. They are usually fitted during the teenage years, once all the adult teeth are in place, but they can be fitted at a latter age if required.

Braces are awkward at first, but the two years spent wearing braces should give us neat, functional teeth for the rest of our life, less likely to develop issue latter on.

Braces will give us teeth that are straight, and therefore easier to keep clean. And they can align jaws that are less likely to develop problems. Teeth can start to drift out of alignment after the braces come off, so it is usually necessary to wear a retainer for a few years. Sometimes an individual will need to wear a retainer for their rest of their life, albeit, only at night, to keep their teeth straight.

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Some teeth can be straightened without braces. We might use Invisalign, a series of clear mouth guards, to straighten teeth in adults. Alternately, we might crown a damaged to misaligned teeth, or replace it entirely with an implant.

Implants and crowns can fix a badly damaged or malformed teeth, even a tooth lost entirely. These procedures require a few dental appointments, but the result are faster to achieve than the results produced by braces, and can solve many different types of problems.

Crowns and implants look natural, help the mouth to function well, and are easy to maintain with regular brushing.

Teeth Whitening Heckenberg

Teeth whitening is purely aesthetic. It exists only to change the colour of the teeth and make them look more attractive. Whitening is not suitable of the teeth have thin enamel and prone to sensitivity (feeling painful when exposed to hot or cold conditions), but they are fine for most patients.

Cosmetic Dentist Miller

Dentist want you to have the best teeth possible. Look good and be healthier with teeth looked after by the dentist.

Dental Clinic Camden

Our teeth are connected to our overall health. They can both indicate health problems in other parts of our body, and also cause health problems if we neglect to look after them.

If we neglect our to clean our teeth we can suffer gum infections, which are linked to developing cardiovascular issues and dementia later in life. Looking after our teeth is an essential part of looking after our health.

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Ground Down Teeth

Flat, worn teeth show that we have been grinding our teeth, albeit unconsciously. This is probably due to stress.

Teeth grinding will steadily and permanently damage teeth, leaving them sensitive to temperature changes (cold foods will be painful) and prone to decay.

Teeth grinding will tend to strain the jaw and neck muscles. Leading to constant pain and irritation, perhaps making it difficult to sleep.

We may be grinding our teeth at night. The dentist can make a mouth-guard that prevents this damage. We should also address the cause of the stress.

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Bad Breath

Nobody wants bad breath. It can be caused by a dry mouth, gum infections, poor diet or a bacterial imbalance in the gut. Quite often it is caused by not brushing and flossing every day. Sometimes it is the symptom of a serious medical condition.

– Be diligent about cleaning teeth twice daily. Use mouthwash several times per day if necessary.
– Drink plenty of water as dehydration and a dry mouth will increase bad bacteria in the mouth and gut.
– Are you mouth breathing at night? This leads to a dry mouth, gum infections and dental decay. The dentist can produce a custom mouth-guard to help might breathing. Or you might need a nasal strip.
– Quit smoking. This causes many problems, including a dry mouth prone to infection and bad breath.

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Swollen gums

If your gums are off-colour or sensitive you probably have an infection. If caught in the early stages a gum infection can be reversed, but a more advanced infection, like Periodontal disease, is permanent, and requires constant treatment to keep it under control.

The bacteria in gum diseases are the same bad bacteria found in Alzheimer’s disease and cardio vascular (heart) conditions. If we prevent gum infections we significantly lower the chances of later contracting these health issues.

Daily brushing and flossing greatly reduce the chances of contracting gum diseases.

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Mouth Ulcers

Ulcers are most often caused by teeth that keep rubbing or biting the cheek or soft tissues of the mouth. Perhaps the dentist can realign teeth to prevent this type of reoccurring injury.

Sometimes ulcers are caused by stress, spicy foods, mineral deficiencies (most often zinc) or a gluten intolerance.

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Looking after our teeth and gums goes a long way to improving our overall health. Have any issues checked by the dentist.

Dental Clinic Ashcroft

It can be difficult to get children to brush their teeth. Young children don’t think ahead, so they don’t see the consequences of their actions, or their negligence. They don’t connect their lack of dental care today with the painful cavities they suffer tomorrow. So parent have to be strict and make sure that children brush their teeth, and eat a reasonable diet.

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We have some suggestions for helping children keep their teeth healthy.

Upgrade to Adult Toothpaste

Childrens’ toothpaste is made to be a little safer should it be swallowed. It has little to no fluoride, because it is unhealthy to consume too much fluoride. But if your child has learned how to spit out the toothpaste when they are finished brushing then they are ready for the adult type toothpaste. This adult toothpaste has a decent amount of fluoride, which goes a long way to strengthening tooth enamel and preventing decay.

Do not rinse after brushing. Instead, let the toothpaste stay on the teeth so the fluoride can do its work.

Strong Mouthwash

Some general mouthwashes can be used several times every day. Others, like Savacol, are designed for occasional use. This is because they are very strong, and will stain teeth if used daily. But it we use these strong mouthwashes on a regular but infrequent schedule, once per week or for one week per month, they are still very effective.

Sugar and Diet

Sugar and carbohydrates will feed the bad bacteria in the mouth, increasing tooth decay. Even healthy food will contribute to this if we do not remove them with brushing. We need to address this if we are to protect our teeth.

Snacking is generally a bad habit. If we snack on junk foods and sugar then our teeth are constantly exposed to the acid that lead to decay.

If we do snack, we should stick to fruit, nuts, cheese, celery and carrots. These are fine if we brush our teeth latter on in the day.

If we have to eat sugary deserts, then only have these after a meal. The extra saliva produced after a meal helps neutralise the effects of the sugar.

Sugar free gum is one exception. Gum with Stevia or Xylitol helps keep teeth clean.

Quick brushing

If we brush too soon after eating we damage the enamel, which has been softened by the sugar or acid in the food.

We should brush for 2 minutes, using light pressure and a soft bristle brush.

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Molar Sealants

The back molar teeth have a rough upper surface that tend to retain bacteria and food debris, even when diligently brushed every day. Toothbrushes often cannot reach the small spaces in these teeth, so we need to take a preventative measures to protect them.

Molar sealants are put in place by the dentistdentist. These sealants fill in the tiny grooves in the molar’s chewing surface, and provide some protection against decay.

Fluoride Varnish

If the individual child has ongoing decay problems, then regular fluoride varnishes at the dentist can offer addition protection for teeth. The dentist may recommend undergoing this treatment every 3 months.

Braces Miller

By the time the child has braces they are already teenagers, so they should have learned at least some responsibility. But braces do make teeth cleaning more difficult than usual. Individuals find they may need to use inter-dental brushes or Waterpik instead of flossing. The dentist can instruct on other ways to keep teeth clean while wearing braces.

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Children need instruction on how best to look after their teeth. Parents can advise and schedule regular dental appointmentsregular dental appointments.

Dental Clinic Bossley Park

Bad breath is something nobody wants. It is socially awkward, and surly a sign that something is wrong.

Most of us know that we should brush twice daily and floss. And augment this with some good mouthwash. And this should go a long way to removing bad breath. But occasionally this is not enough. We make even have healthy teeth, but still find we are plagued by bad breath.

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We can reduce and hopefully remove bad breath with some good habits:

– Limit or remove all sugary foods. Sugar feeds the bad bacteria that cause bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. If we get rid of sugar we starve the bad bacteria.
– Drink plenty of water to keep the mouth moist. A dry mouth encourages bacteria.
– Green tea fights bad bacteria. Drink a few glasses per day. Decaffeinated green tea is fine. And plain black tea is also quite good.
– Sugar free gum keeps the mouth moist, and helps reduce bad breath. Gum with Xylitol will fight bad bacteria.
– Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue.
– Brush first thing in the morning, before eating, so we don’t ingest the bacteria left in the mouth overnight.
– Brush before bed, so there is minimal bacteria in the mouth overnight.
– Make sure you are not breathing through the mouth at night. This leaves us with a dry mouth, which encourages bacteria. A mouth-guard or nasal strip can help.
– A modern diet trend is to fast for 16 hours per day, only eating during an 8 hour window. This actually helps the teeth as there are several hours a day in which the bacteria are not fed. Brush before you fast, and use mouthwash.
– Chew parsley, which fights bad breath.
– Eat plenty of salad and crunchy fruit, which helps clean teeth.
– Clear your airways with a saline nasal spray. Bad bacteria can hide in our nasal passages.
– Cashew nuts contain a compound that fight bad bacteria. Eat a few each day.
– Avoid junk food and spicy food, which can cause bad breath.
– If you have dentures then make sure to clean and store them correctly.
Check to see if you have a gum infection. This will cause bad breath. But if it is caught early it can be reversed.

Braces Miller

Braces are effective for straightening teeth, but they do make cleaning awkward as food gets stuck in the wires and brackets. And they make flossing all but impossible.
Use a Waterpick to clean between the teeth. This works in place of flossing.

Cosmetic Dentist Horsley Park

If the teeth are neat and well aligned they will be easier to clean. Cosmetic dentistry concentrates on appearances, but this is strongly connected to functionality. We might find that having our teeth straightened with Invisalign helps to reduce cleaning issues, and our breath benefits from this improvement.

Dental Clinic Bossley Park

Have regular dental appointments to keep teeth and gums healthy, and our breath fresh.

Teeth Whitening Miller

Teeth whitening does exactly what the name says, it gives us whiter teeth. This can give both our appearance and confidence a little boost. There are several proven methods for effective teeth whitening, with both in office and take home treatments.

If the teeth are off colour there is rarely any real cause for concern. The teeth may be perfectly healthy. Whiter teeth are really just a cosmetic concern.

Dental Clinic Ashcroft

The most modern teeth whitening method uses a combination of UV light and chemical bleaching to achieve its results. But the alternate LED method of Teeth whitening is also popular, and used for some individual cases.

UV light treatment is performed in the dental office. The teeth are coated with a bleaching agent, and the UV light acts as a catalyst to speed up the whitening process. This process quickly breaks down stains on the teeth, and does so without the stinging sensation of older bleaching methods.

UV light methods are not recommended for long term continual use, or for teeth that have thin enamel. The UV bleaching system can increase tooth sensitivity in some cases, leaving the teeth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. It is fine for strong healthy teeth, but not for teeth that have suffered enamel wear over time.

Cosmetic Dentist Horsley Park

LED whitening is similar to UV treatments, but LED uses a less potent form of Blue light. This is less invasive and cause less strain on the tooth enamel. Sometimes teeth that will not take UV treatment (teeth with thinner enamel) can still be whitened with LED treatment.

While teeth can be lightened several shades it is unrealistic to expect the type of photoshopped image found on models in magazines. Yet whitened teeth can look very satisfying.

Teeth whitening is not permanent, but the results can last for up to 6 months. The treatment can usually be repeated after this time.

Teeth Whitening Miller

Tooth colour is not a health concern, but teeth can be lightened with in office or take home dental treatments.

Dental Clinic Bossley Park

A few of us feel a sharp pain in our teeth when we eat hot or cold food or drink. There are two main causes of this pain. If the pain is in an individual tooth we probably have a cavity. If we feel the pain in several teeth then the enamel on the teeth has become thin. In both cases the nerve inside the tooth is being directly exposed to the hot or cold food, and this causes the pain. An infected tooth will also feel this type of pain.

Tooth Decay – Dental Clinic Camden

If we have a sensitive tooth due to a cavity then we need to have the cavity treated. The cavity is literally a hole in the tooth, leaving the nerve in the tooth exposed. This problem will only grow worse over time. The only solution is to have the tooth treated and filled by the dentist.

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If the enamel on our teeth has become thin over time then the teeth will become sensitive. The thin enamel cannot insulate the nerve in the teeth from the rest of the mouth, so it will react strongly to any hot and cold temperatures. This is painful.

Thin enamel, and hence sensitive teeth, can be caused by:

– Drinking acidic liquids, like soft drink, fruit juice, or lemon water. These will quickly thin out enamel.
– Brushing with abrasive substances like charcoal toothpaste, some whitening toothpastes, or bicarbonate of soda.
– Brushing too soon after eating/drinking. We should wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing. If we brush too soon, when the enamel is temporarily softened, then we wear away the tooth enamel.
– Brushing too hard, or with a hard bristle brush. This steadily wear away enamel. Use a soft bristle brush and gentle pressure.

Treating Sensitive Teeth -Dental Clinic Greenfield Park

Thin enamel cannot be reversed. The damage is permanent. But the pain can be greatly reduced by the use of special sensitive toothpaste.

The special sensitive toothpaste will reduce the pain felt by the teeth, but it must be used for several weeks before it is effective. Use the sensitive toothpaste twice per day, and leave it on the teeth after brushing- do not rinse. Over time this will reduce the pain, and you can eat/drink hot and cold foods again.

Teeth Whitening Ashcroft

Some individuals like to have their teeth whitened as they believe this improves their appearance. Unfortunately, this whitening procedure is not appropriate for people with sensitive teeth or thin enamel, as the procedure can make the teeth more sensitive.
Dentists will advise on the suitability of teeth whitening for individuals clients.

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Sensitive teeth can be a serious problem. Diligent cleaning, done correctly, will prevent most dental problems.

Braces Miller

Straight Teeth tend to look better, but there are exceptions. Sometimes a slightly crooked smile is endearing. Sometimes the imperfections are not noticable. We are all different, and we might be content with the teeth we have.
But straight teeth are not just a matter of aesthetics. Crooked teeth and mialighned jaws may cause problems with eating or speaking. And over time the msialigned teeth may wear unevenly, often without the problem becoming apparent until the damage is done. We should look after such situations as soon as possible.

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We might want straighter teeth for aesthetic or functional reasons. The most common method for straighening teeth is orthodontic braces. These braces are usually fitted in the teens, one all the permanent teeth are in place. The advantage of fitting braces early on is having straighter teeth for the rest of your life.
The major downside of braces is their awkwardness. We spend two years with metal bands in our mouth, making it difficult to eat and speak. But the results are well worth the temporary inconvenience.
Nonetheless we might like to look at the alternatives to traditional braces.

Alternatives to Braces Cartwright

lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, but they are placed behind the teeth rather than in front. This makes them virtually unnoticable, though they do require a period of adjustment, initally feeling quite awkward.
Invisalign is another alternative to braces. These are more popular with younger adults rather than teens. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners, rather like a small mouthguard, to straighten teeth. They cannot perform all the functions of braces, but are often more than adequate for moderate and minor issues.

Dental Work rather than Braces Sadleir

In some cases the teeth can be covered with veneers, which gives then a clean, shiny white apperance, and can compensate for minor and moderate irregularities. If the teeth are widely spaced, veneers can fil in the gaps.
In some cases, especially if it is an individual tooth or two that is the problem, then the dentist might fit some crowns. This effectively replaces the outer part of the tooth.

Braces Miller

Braces will give us neater teeth that are more attractive, easier to clean, and far less prone to wear over time. Consider braces, or an alternative, for better teeth in the future.