FREE CONSULTATION 0113 245 4868 Ask us about 0% Finance
Book Online

Posts Tagged ‘Central Leeds’

Treatment And Advice For Chipped Teeth

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015

Beautiful young lady smilingPlaying sports, trips and falls or even biting down on a mint humbug can damage your teeth, but if you have a chip, there’s no need to worry. Even the slightest chip can make you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile, but there are some excellent treatment options out there and your dentist will be able to patch up your tooth in no time.

Composite bonding

Composite bonding is a procedure commonly used to make minor changes to the shape and aesthetic of the teeth; it involves using dental composite, a tooth-coloured material, to repair chips, build up worn down surfaces and reshape the teeth to make the smile look more attractive. Treatment only takes one hour and it is completely painless.

The procedure involves your dentist moulding and shaping the composite to reshape an individual tooth and carry out basic repairs, such as filing in a chip or evening up a worn edge. At room temperature, composite is soft like putty and this enables your dentist to adapt it to suit each individual tooth that needs attention. When they are confident that the composite is in the right place, they then shine a curing light onto the composite and this sets it, making it firm.

Veneers

Veneers are a popular treatment option for people who want to transform the appearance of their smile and they create dazzling results. Veneers are usually made from porcelain and they are placed on top of your natural teeth; the aim is to create a stunning smile. Each veneer is custom-made and shaped to fit your tooth perfectly; you can choose from various tooth shades and shapes to suit your aesthetic preferences and treatment can usually be completed in 2 sessions 2-3 weeks apart. Veneers may be a good choice if you have additional issues, aside from chips, such as staining or gaps between your teeth and you are looking for a more dramatic transformation.

Preventing chips

Sometimes, it’s impossible to prevent chips; however, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of your teeth being damaged, including:

  • wearing a gum shield when playing sport
  • avoiding using your teeth to open bottles or cut labels off clothing
  • avoiding very hard foods
  • seeing your dentist for regular check-ups

Dealing With Pain During Braces Wear

Monday, September 21st, 2015

2143132_blogMany people are worried about wearing braces because they assume that it will be painful; however, modern treatments use advanced technology to straighten the teeth quickly and comfortably.

When you have your braces fitted, it is normal to experience discomfort and to find the sensation of having braces in your mouth a little odd; however, after a few days, you will get used to your braces and it will become second nature.

What should I do if my braces are painful?

For the first couple of days, it is normal to find your braces a little uncomfortable and it may be advisable to take over the counter pain relief medication; your dentist will advise you what you can take and it’s important that you follow the dosage instructions carefully.

While you get used to your braces, it’s a good idea to stick to soft foods, which are easy to eat; try to avoid anything that is hard or involves a lot of chewing for the first few days. Examples of foods that are good to try during the first couple of days include omelettes and scrambled eggs, mashed potato and natural yoghurt.

Good oral hygiene is essential when you have braces, but to begin with, brushing can be a little uncomfortable and it may be advisable to give your teeth a very gentle brush and then use an oral rinse.

If you have any questions or you are worried about, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. If you find that any pain you have is getting worse or you are struggling even after taking painkillers, contact your dentist for advice.

Prevent Bleeding Gums Quickly And Effectively

Friday, September 18th, 2015

3200188_blogWhen it comes to gum disease, prevention is always better than cure, so here are some helpful tips to help keep sore, bleeding gums at bay.

Hone your hygiene skills: good oral hygiene is the best way to keep gum disease at arm’s length and the best news is that you only have to spend a couple of minutes each morning and evening cleaning your teeth to enjoy amazing results. Brushing is essential, but it doesn’t cover the whole of the mouth, so it’s best to team twice-daily brushing with flossing or inter-dental brushing. When you brush, take care to be gentle, as brushing aggressively can damage the enamel and irritate the gums. It’s also advisable to use fluoride toothpaste and to swap your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

Be wary of warning signs: treating gum disease in the early stages is much easier than treating advanced gum disease and it helps to prevent permanent damage to your gums and the bony structures beneath. If you spot signs of gum disease, make sure you arrange to see your dentist; symptoms to look out for include swelling, bleeding gums, soreness and redness.

Book regular check-ups: regular check-ups enable your dentist to look out for early signs of gum disease and keep tabs on your oral health. Ideally, you should see a dentist every 6-9 months. If you do notice symptoms of gum disease, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for your next appointment.

Resist sweet temptations: many of us enjoy sweet treatments from time to time, but sweet and acidic foods are bad news for your teeth and gums, so it’s important to moderate your sugar intake and try to avoid snacking between meals. When you eat, acids are released by bacteria, which soften your enamel. If you eat throughout the day, this mean that your enamel is under constant attack and eventually it will become eroded and cavities will form. These acids also irritate your gums, causing gingivitis (early gum disease).

Changing The Shape Of Your Teeth

Thursday, September 10th, 2015

1050560_blogVery few people are lucky enough to have perfectly shaped pearly whites, but if you’ve got a worn edge, you’ve chipped a tooth or your teeth are in need of a little cosmetic TLC, there’s no need to worry. With cosmetic bonding, we can transform the appearance of your teeth in no time at all!

About cosmetic bonding

Cosmetic bonding, also known as composite bonding, is an aesthetic technique, which uses a material known as dental composite to change the shape and appearance of the individual teeth to create a beautiful, healthy looking smile. Dental composite is also used for white fillings and it has a putty-like consistency at room temperature; this means that it can be shaped and altered to fit gaps and carry out basic repairs. We are able to use this simple and painless technique to repair chips, build up worn edges, alter the shape of the teeth and even reduce the size of gaps between the teeth.

The process

Cosmetic bonding is a straightforward and pain-free procedure, which can usually be completed in just an hour. Your dentist will start by selecting the closes shade match so that the composite matches your natural tooth colour; they will then prepare your teeth and apply the composite, shaping and moulding it to create the perfect aesthetic. When your dentist is happy with the placement of the composite, they will ask you to put on a pair of goggles for a minute and shine a curing light onto the composite. This hardens and sets the composite; once this stage is complete, your dentist will then carry out any final modifications to ensure the perfect new look.

The benefits

Cosmetic bonding is one of the most affordable, effective and fastest ways to improve the look of your smile. It is a versatile treatment and you will be able to enjoy the benefits immediately. There’s no pain involved, so you won’t need any injections and the results should last for years to come.

The Benefits Of Removable Aligners

Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

header_image4Today’s orthodontic patients have an amazing array of treatment options to choose from, including fixed and removable appliances. In the last few years removable aligner have become very popular, but what are the benefits and are they a suitable match for you?

The benefits of removable aligners

Removable aligners are orthodontic appliances, which are designed to straighten the teeth with maximum convenience and simplicity. Aligners slide over the teeth in a similar way to a sports mouth guard and they can be taken out and replaced very easily. Removable braces offer a host of benefits, including:

  • Better oral health: food and bacteria tend to get trapped in braces, so removable aligners are a much better option when it comes to oral hygiene, as you can continue to brush as normal and you can take the aligners out to give the a good clean.
  • Easy eating: with removable aligners, you can continue to eat as normal, without any worries about getting food trapped in your braces, breaking your braces or limiting the range of foods you can eat. When you’re about to eat, you simply remove your aligners and enjoy your meal in the same way as you did before you started treatment.
  • Increased flexibility: with removable aligners, you have much more freedom an flexibility than you do with fixed braces; however, it is important to remember to wear them for the recommended time each day to ensure you get the best out of your braces.

Are removable aligners a good choice for me?

Removable aligners are suited to many patients and they can provide an effective solution to many common orthodontic issues. Generally speaking, they are best suited to those who need minor or moderate levels of correction; if you have complex needs, which require intensive correction, a fixed brace may be better. Your dentist will be able to discuss viable options with you once they have analysed your bite and examined your teeth.

What Happens If I Need My Tooth Extracted?

Friday, September 4th, 2015

1788888_blogIf you injure a tooth or your tooth is severely decayed or damaged, extraction may be the best course of action. Many people worry about tooth extraction, but your dentist will take the necessary steps to help prevent pain and facilitate rapid healing. Extracting a tooth is usually recommended when there is no ay of saving the tooth; in this case, removing the tooth can help to prevent damage to the surrounding teeth and dental infection.

What happens when a tooth is extracted?

The teeth are held firmly in place by roots and the roots are loosened before the tooth is pulled out to reduce discomfort and damage to the surrounding gum tissue. Before this stage of treatment is carried out, the tooth will be numbed using local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain. Once the effects of the anaesthetic have become apparent, your dentist will use specially designed dental pliers to gently pull the tooth from side to side; this will loosen the tooth in its socket. Once the tooth is moving freely, your dentist will pull the tooth, releasing the roots.

After tooth extraction there may be minor bleeding and pressure will be applied to the socket to stem blood flow and start the healing process.

What happens after tooth extraction?

After you’ve had a tooth extracted, it’s important to take it easy and avoid doing anything strenuous. As the anaesthetic wears off, you may start to experience mild pain; pain should be short-lived and you should be able to ease it using over the counter painkillers. If you have severe pain or pain that is getting worse, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist. For the first 24 hours, try to avoid drinking alcohol and eating anything hard or chewy and take care with hot drinks shortly after the procedure, as the anaesthetic may prevent you from feeling a burning sensation. When you go to bed, try to prop your head up a little higher than usual using an extra pillow or a towel under your pillow; this will help to reduce the risk of bleeding. Take extra care when brushing your teeth around the affected area.

Which Toothpaste Should You Be Using?

Monday, August 31st, 2015

297243_blogIf you’re often faced with the retail dilemma of selecting a single tube of toothpaste from hundreds of different products, you’re certainly not alone. Today, consumers have a huge choice of toothpastes and it can be incredibly hard to know which one to go for and which is the best for your teeth.

Choosing the right toothpaste

There are lots of different brands and types of toothpaste product on the market now and often, making the right choice comes down to catering for your individual needs and preferences. In addition to more general products, which are suited to the mass market, there are lots of speciality toothpastes, for example those that are designed for sensitive teeth, so it’s worth looking out for those that appeal to your dental needs. Some people also have preferences when it comes to flavours, colours and additional features, such as enamel protection or whitening properties.

If you find the whole scenario of choosing toothpaste difficult and confusing, the best thing to do is to ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice. They can offer recommendations based on their knowledge related to oral health and they experience of working with you as a dental patient; they will be able to make suggestions based on what they think would suit you best.

Fluoride toothpaste

We recommend using fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride helps to strengthen and protect the tooth enamel. Fluoride is a mineral, which is found naturally in water and sometimes added to water supplies to reduce the risk of dental decay. The amount of fluoride in commercial toothpaste products is carefully monitored. Take care if you have young children, as the level of fluoride in adult toothpaste is higher; if you have children aged under 7, you should buy children’s toothpaste.

Porcelain Veneers Add A Celebrity Edge To Your Smile

Friday, August 28th, 2015

2904346_blogIf you’re one of the many people who admire the perfectly straight, bright white smiles often sported by celebrities posing for red carpet shots, you may be pleased to hear that a flawless smile is now accessible to all. Gone are the days of cosmetic dental treatment being available to the rich and famous; now, you can have an amazing smile without needing a diary full of premieres to attend. With porcelain veneers, you can achieve that amazing celebrity look in no time at all.

About porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are incredibly thin sheets of laminated porcelain, which are shaped to mimic natural teeth; they are applied to the natural teeth to create a new smile. Porcelain is an ideal material because it looks similar to healthy, radiant tooth enamel and it is hard-wearing and durable.

Veneer treatment usually involves 2-3 treatment sessions including a consultation, which is used to chat about treatment, design your new smile and plan your treatment. Once you have decided what kind of look you would like to go for and chosen the shape and shade of your veneers, your dentist will prepare your teeth in order to make room for your veneers and ensure they bond properly. The preparation stage is nothing to worry about and it simply involves taking away a very fine layer of the tooth structure and etching the surface of the tooth. Impressions of your teeth will be created and these are sent away to the laboratory; here, highly skilled dental technicians will use them as moulds for your brand new veneers. Once your veneers are ready, they will be placed on your teeth and then fixed firmly into position; they should last for several years, but you will need to take good care of them.

Why would I consider veneers?

Veneers are known for creating stunning smiles and they are a versatile option; they can provide a solution for a number of common cosmetic issues, including chips, worn edges, misshapen teeth, staining and gaps between the teeth.

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!

 

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

Thursday, February 5th, 2015

585811_blogRoot canal treatment is a procedure, which often provokes feelings of fear and anxiety, especially among patients who suffer from dental phobia, but what exactly is it and do you really need to be worried if your dentist utters the word root and canal in the same sentence?

Root canal treatment is a commonly performed procedure, which is designed to save a tooth, which is severely infected or damaged. If your tooth is decayed and the infection has reached the pulp tissue, root canal treatment is usually recommended. The pulp tissue is located inside the tooth and it contains the living tissue, such as the nerves and blood vessels. Once an infection has reached the pulp chamber, there is a very high risk of further infection and dental abscesses and the tooth effectively begins to die.

What happens when you have root canal treatment?

Before you have treatment, your tooth will be numbed completely using local anaesthetic. Your dentist will then drill into the affected tooth to access the pulp tissue inside the root canals; all the decayed and damaged tissue is then cleared from the root canals. Once the root canals have been cleaned thoroughly, they are then filled with gutta percha, a dental material. The canals are then sealed. We often recommend placing a new crown following root canal treatment to offer greater protection and strengthen the tooth.

Usually, root canal treatment is an alternative to tooth extraction.

Is there anything to worry about?

Our expert dentists have experience in providing root canal treatment and they do everything they can to achieve the best results with minimal discomfort. Your tooth will be numbed before treatment begins, so you won’t feel any pain and our dentists will encourage you to relax with a film or some music. We promise that root canal treatment really isn’t as bad as its reputation suggests; the majority of our patients leave with a smile on their face wondering what all the fuss was about!