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Archive for February, 2015

We Treat Every Patient’s Orthodontic Case Individually

Wednesday, February 18th, 2015

3492515_blogMany people have misaligned or crowded teeth, but there are lots of different treatments out there that can remedy these problems and it’s never been easier to achieve a beautiful smile. At City Dental Leeds, we’re proud to offer a host of orthodontic treatments to suit our client’s varying and diverse needs and we always aim to provide you with a choice.

Our treatment plans are tailored to the individual and we take your needs into account, as well as other consideration such as the kind of treatment or system you would prefer, when making recommendations and planning the stages of your treatment. We actively encourage your thoughts, ideas and opinions and we aim to work together to create the best possible results.

Our treatments

We believe that choice is essential for our clients and we offer a range of different treatments, including:

  • Damon Braces: an advanced fixed brace system that is capable of achieving significant tooth movement. Damon Braces straighten the teeth around 4-6 months faster than traditional fixed braces and they also use gentle friction-free forces to move the teeth gently and painlessly.
  • Six Month Smiles: a fast-acting fixed brace ideal for patients who have issues with the front teeth. This system is discreet, quick and the process is incredibly simple.
  • Inman Aligner: a removable appliance that produces results in a matter of weeks, this treatment is ideal for patients who have minor orthodontic problems that involve the front teeth. The Inman Aligner can also benefit those who suffer from relapse following treatment in the past.
  • STb Social 6 braces: this rapid lingual brace system is an excellent option for those who want results fast, as well as the benefit of invisible treatment. STb Social 6 braces are fixed to the back of the teeth and they take just weeks to straighten out issues that affect the social 6 (the top and bottom front six teeth).
  • Invisalign: a clear aligner system, this is a popular choice for those want a discreet alternative to fixed braces. These light and transparent removable aligners offer a simple, convenient and invisible way of straightening the teeth.

 

Forget All About Traditional, Bulky, Train Track Fixed Braces

Tuesday, February 17th, 2015

2904341_blogIn years gone by, if you needed orthodontic treatment the only remedy was bulky, fixed braces. Today, there’s a new breed of treatments on offer to provide teenagers and adult patients with myriad benefits. One of the most impressive systems on the market is Damon Braces.

Damon Braces

Damon Braces are advance fixed braces that offer patients who require intensive treatment and more movement an alternative to traditional fixed braces. This system uses state of the art self-ligating technology to cut treatment times and enhance comfort. It is suitable for those with the most complex orthodontic prescriptions.

Damon Braces look different to traditional fixed braces, as they are lighter and sleeker and they feature sliding brackets, which are easier to clean and less cumbersome. The wires are fine and discreet and they use self-ligating forces to reduce pressure and friction.

How long will treatment take?

As with all treatments, there is no set treatment duration for Damon Braces and some patients will need to wear braces for longer than others. Treatment times tend to be 4-6 months less than they would be with traditional fixed braces, which are typically worn for 12-46 months.

What Do Damon Braces Treat?

Damon Braces are effective in many cases and used to treat varying orthodontic problems, including:

  • overlapping or crowded teeth
  • spaces between the teeth
  • overbite
  • underbite
  • overjet
  • misplaced midline
  • crossbite

In order to assess whether or not Damon Braces are the perfect match for you, your City Dental dentist will examine your teeth and take some tests and X-rays. If this is the right choice for you, they will talk you through the ins and outs of treatment and help you to gain a clear understanding of what treatment involves and how it works. They can also give you an idea of projected time-scale and answer any questions you have.

No Need to Hide Your Smile During Invisalign Treatment

Monday, February 16th, 2015

header_image4If you’re thinking about having braces, you may assume that you’ll need to hide your smile for months to come. But with Invisalign, you can show off those pearly whites without any worries about how you look or what your friends or colleagues will think. Invisalign braces are virtually invisible, so you can feel confident throughout your treatment.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern, innovative orthodontic treatment, which employs a series of custom-made aligners to straighten out orthodontic issues. Invisalign aligners look similar to gum shields, but they are much thinner and lighter and they are completely clear. When they are in place over the teeth, it is very hard to notice them.

The Invisalign treatment process differs to normal orthodontic treatment because more than one appliance is used. In fact, each patient is given a series of aligners, all of which are bespoke and the aligners are swapped every two weeks. Each one is slightly different and treatment is planned in advance so you can see exactly how your teeth will move and what your smile will look like at the end.

The many benefits of Invisalign

Understandably, many people are worried about having braces because of the way they look, the treatment duration and the social stigma attached to them. However, with Invisalign there’s no need to even think about these potential stresses. Invisalign aligners are clear, so nobody will be able to tell that you’re wearing a brace, you can take them out when you’re out for dinner or drinks and you can go to meetings or dates without anyone being drawn to a highly visible brace.

As Invisalign aligners are removable, they give you more flexibility and reduce the impact of treatment on your normal daily routine. You don’t have to worry about getting bits of food lodged in your brace and you can brush your teeth in the normal way. As teeth cleaning is straightforward, there is also a lower risk of oral health problems associated with wearing a brace.

How long will treatment take?

Treatment times vary depending on how much tooth movement is required and the complexity of the orthodontic prescription. Most patients wear their aligners for around 12 months.

The Dental Veneer Process Explained

Sunday, February 15th, 2015

18625010The demand for cosmetic dentistry is increasing year on year in the UK, as more and more people pursue their dream smile. With veneers, we are able to transform the appearance of unsightly teeth into a stunning smile, so if you’re not confident about the look of your smile and you tend to hide away in the background whenever there’s a camera around or the opportunity to lead a pitch or present to an audience, we can help!

About veneers

Veneers are custom-designed shells of porcelain, which are fixed onto the surface of your teeth to create a brand new stunning aesthetic. In most cases, veneers are made from porcelain, but there are alternatives available.

Many people have veneers to achieve a flawless, bright smile. However, they are also a very useful treatment for patients who are looking for a solution for chipped teeth, uneven edges and gaps between the teeth.

How does the veneer treatment process work?

If you’re interested in veneer treatment, you’ll have a consultation with one of our excellent dentists to talk about treatment in more detail. Your dentist will explain how treatment works, what it involves, what you can expect from treatment and how it could benefit you. Your dentist will also check that you are a good candidate for treatment and if you agree to go ahead, the planning stage can begin.

There are various different types of veneer and they come in different shades and shapes, so you can decide what you want your smile to look like.

Veneers are very thin, but in order to create a natural look and ensure maximum comfort it is necessary to make room for them. This preparatory stage involves etching the teeth to remove a very fine layer of the surface. Each veneer is custom-made based on impressions of your teeth, which are made during the planning phase. The impressions are sent away to the laboratory where the veneers are crafted by skilled technicians. Once they have been sent back to us, we can fit them and you can see your amazing new smile!

If you’re interested in veneers or you’d like to find out more, call now and book a consultation!

Why We Use Osteocare Dental Implants

Saturday, February 14th, 2015

2433646_sDental implants have revolutionised tooth replacement treatment and they offer a range of attractive benefits for people of all ages. At City Dental Leeds, we are proud to use Osteocare dental implants.

About Osteocare dental implants

Osteocare dental implants are made in Britain and they offer reliability, durability and efficacy. These implants have a very high success rate of between 90 and 95 per cent, they are compatible with a range of restorations and they are built to last. Osteocare implants can also be used as same-day treatments in around 75 per cent of cases, as they can be placed in a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require the creation of a gum flap. As the procedure is less invasive than other implant treatments, the cost of treatment is also lower, offering you a cost-effective solution for missing teeth.

What’s so good about dental implants?

It’s no understatement to say that dental implants have taken the world by storm and this is largely due to the fact that they offer such an extensive range of benefits to patients of any age. Implants are currently the closest match to a natural tooth on the market and they also last a lot longer than bridges and dentures.

Dental implants are small prostheses, which are made from titanium. They are placed inside sockets in the jaw bone to take on the role of the tooth root. Once they are settled, the implants can be connected to a bridge, denture or crown and the smile will look incredible.

As well as providing longevity, implants also boast natural aesthetics, ease of use and simple maintenance and they provide optimum stability ready for the new restoration, which replaces the tooth crown. You look after implants in the same way as you would natural teeth, so you don’t need to worry about learning new cleaning regimes. Implants can also help to reduce bone loss.

If you think dental implants would  be the perfect solution for you, call now and book a consultation. Our expert dentists will be able to tell you more about the treatment, explain how it works and how it could benefit you and talk to you about other options open to you.

Are There Any Side Effects After Tooth Whitening?

Friday, February 13th, 2015

386703_blogTooth whitening is a really popular treatment that gives your smile a gorgeous, healthy glow, but is it safe and are there any side effects?

Is tooth whitening safe?

Recently in the news, you may have spotted articles talking about illegal tooth whitening or horror stories related to people who have had an adverse reaction to whitening treatment. These stories relate to treatment provided by non-trained professionals. EU legislation has been introduced to protect the public from illegal whitening and ensure that whitening treatment is provided only by qualified, experienced dentists.

When whitening products are in the hands of a dentist, you can rest assured that treatment is safe and the results are amazing.

About home whitening

Home whitening is a really simple and easy way of achieving a lighter, brighter and whiter smile. Home whitening involves wearing a specially-designed tray that contains bleaching agent. The tray is designed fit your mouth perfectly and the agent gradually lightens the shade of the teeth when it comes into contact with the enamel. We usually recommend 10-14 days of treatment and you should wear your trays for around 6 hours per day.

The beauty of home whitening is that it gives flexibility, as you can tailor your treatment to suit your schedule. Many people wear their trays at night so that treatment has no bearing on their work or social commitments.

Are there any side-effects?

Sometimes, sensitivity can occur following whitening treatment. However, this is usually very mild and it is short-lived. The majority of people don’t experience any problems at all with home whitening.

If you would like to inject some spring sparkle into your smile and learn more about home whitening treatment, call us today and book an appointment.

Preventing Dental Injuries

Thursday, February 12th, 2015

2112592_blogDental injuries can happen at any time and like most accidents, they usually occur when you least expect them. However, some scenarios are more dangerous than others and there are often steps you can take to protect your teeth and gums in potentially hazardous situations, such as when you are playing sport. Whether you enjoy a kick about on the rugby field once a week or you’re an elite performer in a fighting sport, we strongly recommend wearing a gum shield. We are incredibly proud to be one of just a handful of practices to offer patients the incredible OSO Athletic mouth guard.

What is the OSO Athletic mouth guard?

Mouth guards are appliances that are worn when you play sport as a means of reducing the risk of injury and protecting the teeth. The OSO Athletic mouth guard is an advanced gum shield that offers protection as well as a host of other benefits proven to enhance sporting performance.

Usually, custom-made gum shields are designed to fit over the teeth perfectly, but with the OSO Athletic mouth guard, customisation goes a step further. Every time you place the gum shield in your mouth, it automatically adjusts the position of your jaw to ensure that it is the optimum place. Modifying the position of the jaw reduces tension in the muscles, increases the range of movement, reduces the risk of joint stiffness and pain and facilitates more efficient muscle contraction throughout the body. Studies have shown that using the OSO Athletic mouth guard is proven to help increase strength, power and balance, so it may just be the catalyst to giving you the edge over an opponent.

Who can benefit from the OSO Athletic mouth guard?

We recommend the OSO Athletic mouth guard for anyone who participates in fighting sports, martial arts, contact sports, sports that involve heavy objects and sports that involve hard surfaces and fast-paced action, such as hockey, lacrosse and ice hockey. Although this is a very advanced piece of kit, it is not just reserved for professional athletes and can be highly beneficial for participants of all abilities and levels.

If you’d like to find out more, simply call us or bob in if you’re working or shopping in Leeds.

Do You Have a Tooth Infection? Signs and Symptoms

Wednesday, February 11th, 2015

364999_blogDental infections can cause sudden, severe pain. If you have a dental infection, don’t suffer in silence! Our amazing City Dental team is here to help.

What is a dental infection?

Dental infections are caused by bacteria. Often, the first sign of an infection is decay, which erodes the enamel, causing a hole known as a cavity to form. Cavities can be treated easily with a filling. However, if they are left untreated, there is a risk that infection can spread to other parts of the tooth, increasing the risk of more severe infection and the development of dental abscesses.

Symptoms of a cavity include pain, weakness in the tooth, tenderness in the tooth and sensitivity. In some cases, you can also feel the hole when you run your tongue over the surface of the tooth. It may also be possible to see the cavity when you look very closely at your mouth in the mirror.

About dental abscesses

Dental abscesses are fluid-filled sores that can develop inside the tooth (periapical abscess) or between the teeth and gums (periodontal abscess). Abscesses contain pus, which is a yellow fluid that contains bacteria. Abscesses cause pain, which may be severe and throbbing, tenderness and inflammation and they can also cause you to suffer from fever and make you feel under the weather.

Normally, abscesses are treated by doctors. However, in the case of dental abscesses, these must be treated by a dentist. Dental abscesses are treated in a different way and they need to be drained and removed, rather than treated with a course of antibiotics.

If you think you may have a dental abscess or you have severe dental pain, call us and we will do our best to see you and free you from pain as quickly as possible.

Why Choose Innovative Lingual Braces?

Tuesday, February 10th, 2015

2823674_blogMany of our patients who require orthodontic treatment express a desire for discreet braces and with lingual braces we are able to fulfil this wish. Lingual braces are fixed onto the back of the teeth, which means that you can go through the entire treatment process without any worries about exposing a highly visible metal brace. With this treatment nobody will even notice that you’re wearing a brace at all.

About lingual braces

Lingual braces are essentially very similar to traditional fixed braces, but they offer a major advantage in that they are invisible when you smile. Braces can make people feel self-conscious and they can attract unwanted attention from others and this treatment provides a solution, which enables you to feel more confident during the treatment process. With lingual braces, the front of your teeth will look exactly the same as before you started treatment and you can enjoy complete secrecy.

We are proud to offer STb Social 6 braces, which are innovative lingual braces that take a matter of weeks to produce an incredible outcome. This system is geared towards patients who only require minor correction and it targets the social 6, the 6 front top and bottom teeth.

The benefits of STb Social 6 braces

Aside from the obvious benefit of discreet aesthetics, STb Social 6 braces also work rapidly and offer comfort thanks to advanced self-ligating technology. Treatment times are just 6-16 weeks on average and the braces can be applied to the top and bottom teeth.

With STb Social 6 braces, you can achieve a dream smile without anyone even knowing that you’re having treatment. If this sounds too good to be true, call us now and we’ll show you how brilliant lingual braces are!

 

We Use A Range Of Techniques For Our Nervous Patients

Monday, February 9th, 2015

585804_blogWe understand that anxiety can be crippling for some of our patients and we offer a range of techniques to make patients feel comfortable and help them to build confidence and gradually overcome their fears and worries.

In addition to providing a relaxing, calming space, DVDs and music, magazines and hot drinks to make patients feel comfortable , we also have a really understanding, experienced and compassionate team and we will always go out of our way to help nervous patients to feel as calm as possible. We want to work with you to slowly build your confidence and enable you to come to the dentist without any feelings of dread or nervousness.

One of the most effective techniques we use to help comfort and relax nervous patients is sedation.

About sedation

Sedation is a technique, which is used in clinics and hospitals up and down the country every day; it is widely used in dentistry and medicine to make patients feel comfortable during procedures.

Sedation is used to induce a profound state of relaxation; it involves using sedative medication and it is not the same as general anaesthetic. When you are sedated, you feel drowsy, but you remain conscious; you will be able to hear your dentist and speak to them if you wish to. Once the procedure is complete, you will be given medication to make the sedative wear off and you will gradually start to feel more awake and alert. It can take up to 24 hours for the effects of sedation to wear off completely and we advise you to arrange for somebody to take you home and stay with you during this period of time.

If you are a nervous patient, we are here to help. Our caring team has experience in caring for anxious and phobic patients and we will do everything we can to provide the treatment you need with minimal stress and inconvenience.