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Archive for February, 2015

Saying So-Long to Sleep Apnoea

Saturday, February 28th, 2015

4443553_blogIf snoring or sleep apnoea are making life tough, we can help.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a condition that affects breathing when you sleep. It causes the airway to become blocked as a result of the muscles in the throat relaxing, narrowing the airway. Apnoea is a term relating to obstructed breathing periods of 10 seconds or longer, which are caused by the airway being completely blocked.

Sleep apnoea affects people in different ways, but in severe cases it can be life-threatening. If you struggle to breathe during the night and this poses a risk to your health, you may be advised to wear a mask during the night to ensure that your body gets the oxygen it needs.

How can we help?

In more minor cases of sleep apnoea, it may be possible to reduce symptoms and improve breathing by making lifestyle changes or using devices that facilitate air flow when you sleep.

Most cases of sleep apnoea are related to body weight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing sleep apnoea because excess fat in the neck increases pressure on the muscles in the throat and excess fat around the waist makes breathing more difficult. Smoking, drinking alcohol and taking some types of medication can also be risk factors. In some cases, making changes to your diet and exercise, giving up smoking, avoiding heavy drinking and avoiding drinking during the evening can improve symptoms. We are able to offer advice and information about making these changes and will be happy to help.

We can also provide devices that adjust the position of the jaw while you sleep and help to increase air flow. Mandibular advancement appliances move the lower jaw forward slightly to prevent blockage and increase the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs.

If you’re struggling to sleep, don’t suffer in silence. Call now to book an appointment.

 

Getting to the Root of the Problem with Endodontics

Friday, February 27th, 2015

585986_blogEndodontics is the specialist field of dentistry that deals with the tooth roots and the dental pulp. The pulp tissue is the living tissue of the tooth and tooth roots play an important role in oral health. It is important to take good care of your teeth and gums and to attend regular check-ups to reduce the risk of dental infections, injuries and abscesses.

About Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure usually recommended once the pulp tissue of the tooth has become infected. When the pulp is damaged or decayed, the blood supply to the tooth is reduced and the tooth begins to die. At this stage, there is risk of abscesses developing and infection spreading through the tooth.

Root canal treatment takes place under local anaesthetic and the aim of treatment is to reduce the risk of infection spreading and protect the tooth. Your City Dental dentist will numb your tooth to make sure that you don’t feel any discomfort at all, and then start the procedure by drilling into the tooth to reach the root canals. The decayed pulp tissue is removed from the root canals and your dentist will clean the tooth thoroughly to remove traces of bacteria and ensure that there is absolutely no decayed tissue remaining. The canals are then sealed using gutta percha, a dental filling material. We usually recommend fitting a new crown after treatment to make the tooth stronger.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Many people have a terrible impression of root canal treatment, but the truth is that there’s nothing to worry about as your tooth will be numbed before treatment starts. It is perfectly natural to be nervous and our experienced dentists will do everything they can to make your feel comfortable and reassure and calm you throughout the procedure.

Is there an alternative?

Often, root canal treatment is recommended when there is no other option but to extract the affected tooth.

Innovative Orthodontics with the Inman Aligner

Thursday, February 26th, 2015

3170978_blogCity Dental Leeds prides itself on offering an innovative range of orthodontic treatments and we’re delighted to have the Inman Aligner as part of our amazing collection. This advanced removable brace offers a rapid alternative to invisible braces and fixed braces.

What is the Inman Aligner?

The Inman Aligner is a removable brace designed to align and reposition the teeth to iron out issues with the front teeth, such as crooked teeth or mild crowding. Although the Inman Aligner is not invisible like Invisalign or Clearstep aligners, it is a much more discreet alternative to fixed braces and the only part that is visible when you speak or smile is a fine metal bar. The aligner comprises of two main parts: the metal bar and the coiled spring. The bar is located at the front of the teeth, while the spring sits at the back. The components work together to create forces that move the teeth, straightening and realigning them to produce a beautiful smile.

How long does treatment take?

The speed of treatment is one of the major selling-points of this system. The Inman Aligner is one of the most rapid treatments on the market and the average treatment time is just 16 weeks.

Is the Inman Aligner a good choice for me?

If you suffer from minor issues that affect your front teeth, such as mild crowding or small gaps between your front teeth and you would appreciate discreet aesthetics combined with the flexibility and convenience of a removable brace, the Inman Aligner could be a great match for you. We also recommend this treatment in cases of relapse, where the teeth have started to move following treatment in the past. To find out if this amazing system is a viable option for you, simply call us and arrange a consultation.

How Oral Cancer Screening can Mean the Difference Between Life and Death

Wednesday, February 25th, 2015

944335_blogIt may sound dramatic and far-fetched to say that a trip to the dentist could save your life, but with oral cancer screening, this really is the case. We are eager to encourage as many of our patients as possible to undergo screening in order to ensure that any potential signs or symptoms can be spotted at the earliest stage. Screening takes just a few minutes, but it can really make the difference between life and death.

About oral cancer

Oral cancer is found in the soft tissue inside the mouth and throat. Although it is relatively unknown compared to some other forms of cancer, it is actually becoming increasingly prevalent in the UK and it kills more people every year than cervical and testicular cancer combined. In the last ten years, the number of cases has almost doubled and experts predict that this is a trend that will continue in the future.

The main symptoms of oral cancer include:

  • slow-healing ulcers and mouth sores
  • abnormal swelling and lumps
  • difficulty swallowing
  • a persistent sort throat
  • red or white patches in the mouth

There have been major advances in cancer treatment in recent years, but in the case of oral cancer there has been little improvement in survival rates. This is largely due to the fact that many people are not diagnosed until an advanced stage where there is a high risk that cancerous cells have already spread.

Why is screening important?

Symptoms of oral cancer can be hard to spot and this is why screening is so important. With screening, we use the latest technology to spot early changes in the tissue, which may be early indicators of cancer. Once these changes have been identified, further tests can be arranged and a diagnosis can be confirmed or ruled out. Early diagnosis can have a radical impact on survival chances, increasing rates from less than 50 percent up to over 90 percent.

What happens when you have an oral cancer screening test?

Oral cancer screening is quick, painless and very simple. We use specially designed technology to look inside the mouth and identify abnormal changes in the tissue, which are highlighted using different shades of light. The test takes just a few minutes and you won’t feel any pain or discomfort at all.

Call us now to book your oral screening test.

Secret Straightening with Invisalign Braces

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015

header_image4If you’d rather keep your braces a secret, we have the perfect solution for you! Invisalign is a clear brace system that affords you the luxury of undergoing treatment in complete secret. You can smile, chat to your friends and speak in public without anyone being able to tell that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Tell me more!

If the prospect of invisible braces is appealing to you, we are delighted to introduce Invisalign. This convenient, discreet system is suitable for patients with a range of minor and moderate orthodontic issues and it offers the option to remain incognito during treatment, as well as a number of other amazing benefits.

Many people imagine a metal fixed brace when they think about braces, but Invisalign is a completely different ball game. This treatment uses a sequence of specially designed bespoke appliances called aligners to straighten out issues like spacing and crooked teeth. The aligners are all different and they work in order, taking centre stage for 2 weeks at a time. Once the last aligner has done its bit, you’ll be able to show off your amazing new smile and everyone will be shocked to hear that you’ve been wearing a secret brace all along! Treatment is planned in advance and the bespoke collection of aligners is manufactured according to your personalised plan. The advanced software can also be used to show you what kind of results you can expect when you finish treatment.

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

Invisalign offers maximum discretion, but it also gives you flexibility and freedom, ease of use and comfort. As the aligners are removable, eating and drinking re completely stress-free and you can clean your teeth as normal. The clear aligners contain no metal bands, which require adjusting and they use gentle forces to move the teeth, so you won’t need to worry about tackling any pain.

If you’re interested in Invisalign, call us now to find out more and arrange a consultation. This could be just the treatment you’ve been looking for!

Let Your Confidence Soar with a Smile Makeover

Monday, February 23rd, 2015

Beautiful young lady smilingHere at City Dental Leeds, we know how important it is to feel confident, and we regularly treat patients who want to give their self-esteem a boost by transforming the look of their smile. If you’re unhappy about the way your teeth look, it can cause a real lack in confidence. Our smile makeovers can help you to feel happy every time you smile in public, pose for photos or get ready for an interview or date. We provide a plethora of marvellous treatments that will make your smile stand out for all the best reasons!

What is a smile makeover?

The idea of a smile makeover is to transform the look of the teeth and gums to create your dream smile. This can be achieved by a combination of techniques and treatments. We offer so many different options available at our clinic and each smile makeover is unique to the patient.

During a smile makeover, we use the latest restorative, cosmetic and orthodontic treatments to repair damaged teeth, smooth out flaws and straighten crowded or crooked teeth. We will tailor your smile makeover to your own needs, and will spend time planning treatments to help you decide which ones would be best for you.  During this discussion, we will talk in great detail about your idea of the perfect smile and work out your cost and treatment time preferences. You are welcome to bring photographs to show us the kind of smile you wish to achieve.

Smile makeover treatments

We provide a wide range of treatments that cater to all of your cosmetic dental needs and we are highly skilled in using the latest restorative, orthodontic, aesthetic and tooth replacement treatments to provide the perfect results.

All smile makeovers are different because each patient has different needs and ideas. Some may require only cosmetic treatments, whereas others may want to use orthodontics to improve their smile. We can help you come up with any number of combinations to bring your dream smile to life. Our most popular smile makeover treatments include:

  • Teeth whitening
  • Veneers
  • Porcelain crowns
  • Bridges
  • Cosmetic bonding
  • Cosmetic braces
  • Dental implants

 

 

Are You Suffering from TMJ Problems?

Sunday, February 22nd, 2015

3534882_blogTMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which is situated just in front of your ear. This joint connects the mandible (the jawbone) to close to the temple on the skull. The TMJ is responsible for a number of movements including biting, yawning and opening and closing the mouth. TMJ disorders often cause jaw pain and restricted movements for the TMJ. Disorders associated with the TMJ can be known as TMJ dysfunction, TMJ pain or myofascial pain disorder.

Problems with the TMJ are common, and an estimated 1 in 10 people will experience symptoms at some point in their lives.

The symptoms

Symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

  • Headaches
  • Pain when chewing food and biting down
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Restricted movement in the TMJ, causing difficulty when opening and closing the mouth
  • Clicking of the jaw
  • Problems with the ears, such as vertigo and increased sensitivity to noise

What causes problems with the TMJ?

Many different factors can cause problems with the TMJ, including over activity in the jaw. This may include clenching or grinding the teeth. Problems can also arise from damage to the joint as a result of arthritis or general wear and tear.

How to treat TMJ problems

If the TMJ disorder is caused by arthritis, you will be able to have the underlying cause treated. If your symptoms are caused by clenching and grinding, we advise that you wear a protective mouth guard during sleep. We can provide you with a custom-made mouth guard to prevent the occurrence of tooth grinding. In many cases, simply resting the jaw can ease the symptoms, along with taking pain relief medication.

The Days are Getting Brighter, so Why Shouldn’t Your Smile?

Saturday, February 21st, 2015

2904341_blogSpring is coming and the days are getting lighter and lighter, so why shouldn’t your smile brighten up too?

About teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of our most popular treatments. If you’d love to have a whiter and brighter smile, you can guarantee that we have the perfect colour match for you. Our home whitening treatments enable you to enjoy gorgeous pearly white teeth without having to leave your house!

Home whitening

We have chosen the very best premium home teeth whitening products, so that our patients are provided with a convenient and effective system that allows them to enjoy all the benefits of whitening treatment in the comfort of their own homes.

Before you begin treatment, we will invite you to a consultation. During this relaxed and informal session, we will check your suitability for candidate for the treatment before explaining how it works and what you will need to do at home to achieve the greatest results.

We will then create moulds of your teeth, which will act as templates for your whitening trays. Once the trays are ready, treatment will begin.

The process of home whitening treatment is a huge selling point as it is so easy to do. You just have to wear the whitening trays at home for between 10 and 14 days. We recommend wearing them for six hours each day, a time frame that enables you to fit the treatment around your work schedule and social life.

Once treatment is finished, you will notice a huge difference in the whiteness of your teeth.

Six Foods You Should be Eating for a Healthier Smile

Friday, February 20th, 2015

2429879_blogOur diets play an important part in the maintenance of our oral health. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease and keep your smile looking beautiful, we need to watch what we eat. Here are some suggestions for a good healthy teeth diet:

  1. Green tea

Green tea hydrates the body, is rich in antioxidants and is completely sugar-free. It has been discovered that those who regularly drink green tea have a lower risk of developing gum disease. If you don’t like the taste of green tea, try to add a splash of lemon or a sprinkle of ginger to make it more appealing.

  1. Cheese

Cheese is a brilliant source of calcium and has a high pH value. This helps with the protection of enamel by neutralising acidity found in the mouth. If you eat or drink something acidic, such as wine or fruit juice, it is advisable to eat a little bit of cheese afterwards as a neutralising agent.

 

  1. Chicken

Chicken is a fantastic source of protein, and it also contains phosphorus and calcium. Both of these play an essential role in the maintenance and repair of the bones and teeth. As a hugely versatile dish, chicken is an excellent diet choice as it can be added to almost any meal.

  1. Milk

Milk contains calcium and is an excellent alternative to fizzy drinks and sugary acidic fruit juices, as it helps to neutralise acids in the mouth. Calcium is crucial for healthy and strong teeth and helps to keep your tooth enamel in great condition. It is especially important for children and elderly people at risk of osteoporosis.

  1. Carrots

Eating carrots, especially when raw, increases production of saliva and stimulates the gums. Saliva production is great for cleaning out the mouth and removing leftover food particles. Carrots also contain anti-oxidants and are rich in both vitamin B and vitamin C.

  1. Yoghurt

Natural yoghurt is a great dessert choice as it is low in sugar and rich in calcium, making it a winner for your teeth.

Fabulous Facial Rejuvenations for a Fresh New Look

Thursday, February 19th, 2015

2977218_blogEveryone feels great after a fresh new makeover, and our facial aesthetic treatments will make you look and feel like a brand new person. We provide the very best non-surgical facial treatments to rejuvenate and smooth your complexion to enhance your natural beauty and make your skin glow.

Our treatments

Our spectacular non-surgical facial treatments include dermal fillers and Botox. We aim to create a naturally youthful appearance and our treatments are designed to treat the most common signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, lines and dull or sagging skin.

Facial rejuvenation treatments are a perfect way to look younger without the risks involved with cosmetic surgery.

Botox and dermal fillers

Botox is injected into the skin to smooth out lines and wrinkles, and dermal fillers help to add volume and vitality to the skin. Fillers are often used to define and enhance facial features. As with Botox, fillers can also be used to lessen the appearance of facial lines.

Advantages of facial treatments

Our treatments refresh the skin, giving you a smoother, more youthful complexion without causing risk to your health and you will not need to take time off for recovery. The treatment process for both Botox and Dermal fillers is quick and simple, and only last around 15 minutes to half an hour so you can easily fit them into your daily routine.