Braces have become a part of modern day life for those who value and understand good dental health. The tiny metallic shiny pieces attached to the teeth have become a symbol of progress and development of the community. Everyone wishes for a beautiful smile. It uplifts the personality and leaves a permanent impression on the beholder. Perfectly arranged teeth functions best and last longer in the mouth. They help chew food better and assist in the digestive process therefore, are important for good health. The treatment with braces is a major step towards providing perfect and permanent alignment to the teeth. The end result of treatment with braces can be simply stunning. It is a result oriented procedure.
An Orthodontist is a Dental Specialist trained in the art and the science of the treatment for crooked and protruding teeth and misaligned jaws. The special training is obtained after graduation in Dentistry. Not many people are familiar with the term ORTHODONTIST- The specialist that treats with BRACES. It is in the interest of the patient to visit and consult the ORTHODONTIST specialist instead of a general physician for their dental concerns.
Treatment with braces can improve your dental health and change the facial appearance for the better. It can boost your self – esteem. This is beneficial to social and career success. It also helps improve one’s general attitude towards life and the quality of life itself. Some problems can cause excessive and abnormal wear of tooth surface leading to misalignment of the jaw joints which can result in severe pain in the neck face and the front of the ears. When the teeth are not straight or properly arranged with the bone in respect to their long axis, the force is misguided and destroys the supporting structures of the teeth, loosening them and hastening their fall. Treatment with braces can help achieve a high level of self confidence. Straight teeth are easier to clean and last longer and enhance the quality of the smile.
This is the simplest step of all. Just stand in front of the mirror and check out the following.
- Are your teeth crowded like passengers in an overloaded bus
- Upper teeth protruding far ahead of the lower
- Lower teeth closing ahead of the upper this is called cross bite
- Upper rear teeth, i.e. chewing teeth, closing inside the lower teeth
- Teeth falling into extraction spaces
- Upper front teeth falling backwards and grinding against the lower teeth
- Lower teeth hitting the roof of the mouth behind the upper teeth on closing
- Pain in the jaw joint just ahead of the ear
- Clicking sound in the joint during opening and closing
- Habits like Mouth breathing and tongue thrusting
If one or more aforementioned conditions exist. Seek consultation of an Orthodontist immediately.
Always trust a qualified dental specialist for braces. The qualification is an M.D.S in Orthodontics. Every M.D.S DEGREE HOLDER IS NOT AN ORTHODONTIST. Many dentists claim to be able to treat with braces. You would be taking a big risk by submitting to treatment with an unqualified Orthodontist. The conditions requiring braces can easily be checked out in front of a mirror. If you are in doubt about the need for the treatment, consult an ORTHODONTIST. Remember an ORTHODONTIST is never very far and is worth the visit. Of course the most important aspect is the regularity of the patient’s visits and the co operation of the patient.
Braces are generally of two types.
- Removable braces: The removable braces, as their name suggests, can be removed from and placed in the mouth by the patient. They are made of wire and plastic and are made outside the mouth on the plaster models of the mouth of the patient. Removable braces require a great amount of co- operation from the patient in order to produce the result. It is not possible to control the movement of each tooth of the patient during the treatment.
- Fixed Braces. The fixed braces are fixed to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient at his own free will. They are made of steel or ceramic and represent the greatest of advances in technology. The result is excellent as they provide control on individual teeth.
Braces move the teeth with their support system through the bone. When force is applied on the tooth, the bone on the side of which the pressure is applied slowly dissolves out and the tooth moves into the gap thus created. New bone forms on the bone on the opposite side which is experiencing the pull of the force. All this happens simultaneously.
No, they are capable of manipulating the direction of growth of the facial bones. Growth of the bones is determined genetically. What can be achieved is the change in the direction of the growth of the facial bones. Small lower jaws that close far behind the upper jaws can be made to grow favorably if and when treated in the growing years. The same applies to upper and lower jaws which are seen to be growing far ahead of their opposite member. Appliances placed outside the mouth called extra oral appliances may be required to achieve these corrections.
Yes. Definitely with the new advances in the field of orthodontics we have a number of solutions for professionals and those involved in glamour industry to get a treatment done without the metallic smile. Ceramic braces are one of the solutions where the braces are exactly tooth colored or transparent. They are the least visible braces. Lingual braces are another solution for the metallic smile. These braces are placed on the tongue side so are not visible.
Humans are blessed with two sets of teeth in a life time- The milk teeth for the growing years and the permanent teeth for the adult age. The transition from milk teeth to the permanent teeth takes place over a period of time usually from 6 years to 13 years of age. It is good to see a specialist ORTHODONTIST during this period. Conditions requiring braces for treatment can be prevented to a good extent, and those conditions which have appeared can be stopped from growing in severity during this transition period. There are two periods well recognized for treatment. These are the pre puberty and the post puberty growth periods i.e. somewhere between 12 to 18 years, as changes in the face can best be achieved at these times. However, treatment with braces can be taken at any age. The age is not the limiting factor. What is important is the nature of the problem to be treated and the condition of the teeth and their supporting structures. Best bet is to consult the ORTHODONTIST for guidance.
The treatment would generally consist of the following steps:
- Records and investigations, consisting of x rays and plaster models and history
- Case analysis and case discussion, treatment planning
- Completion of all general dental work like filling and extractions
- Fabrication of appliances and fitting
- Follow up visits till treatment goals are achieved
- Models and x rays to compare with the record and evaluate the result. End of active treatment.
- Retention appliance-To retain the result and allow setting down.
On an average a treatment time shall vary anywhere between 4 months to 18 months. Time for treatment varies from case to case. There is no known method to predict the exact time for the treatment. The estimates given are on the basis of past experience of treating similar cases. There may be some cases which show slow progress, however, no treatment goes on just endlessly without showing any significant progress compared with the pre treatment plaster models.
Special methods can be used to reduce the time of treatment .like use of implants, lasers but only in selected cases.
Braces are considered expensive the world over. The reasons are simple; it is a highly skilled job and requires expensive materials. The experience of the Orthodontist, the quality of the braces and the problem to be treated decide the cost of the treatment. You could choose out-dated low technology cheaper braces but will end up paying more on hidden costs such as extra visits longer treatment time, more discomfort, poor results. Cost of treatment could range anywhere from Rs.4000. to 20,000 depending upon the type of braces. There is no standardization of charges for treatment.
There may be some discomfort at the beginning of the treatment and when new wires are placed on the teeth, some wire may poke at the soft tissues of the mouth. These are very small problem and can be attended to instantly. Better quality braces are very comfortable and the patient does not even feel their presence in the mouth. Certain foods are not allowed during treatment with braces chewing on ice, hard candy, hard chocolates, bones and biting into fruits like apples is not allowed. Braces when subjected to heavy pressure can break off from the tooth surfaces. Also the wires may hurt the tissues in the mouth causing injury. This can be easily avoided by following the instructions of the ORTHODONTIST.
Some doctors offer cosmetic dentistry in lieu of treatment with braces on the plea that braces take longer time to complete. This is pure misguidance. Brace cannot be substituted with cosmetic dentistry. Changes with braces are permanent as compared to a camouflage treatment with cosmetic dentistry which is temporary in nature and needs to be repeated. Braces create changes in the position of the teeth from the roots upwards. The changes are longer lasting and ensure health and longevity of the teeth. The basic treatment philosophy is different. Therefore, there can be no comparison. The plea that braces take longer is an attempt to mislead the patient on the advantages of treatment with braces.
Root Canal Treatment
When tooth decay occurs and is detected, a normal filling procedure is carried out. However, if this tooth decay is not detected, it progresses to deeper layers and finally reaching the pulp chamber. When the tooth decay reaches the Pulp chamber, there is no alternative but to perform a Root Canal Treatment. This is because, the infection in the pulp chamber must be removed else it will progress further.
An X-ray will be taken to examine your tooth and detect the presence of infection in the surrounding bone.
- The area surrounding the tooth is numbed using a local anesthetic which desensitizes the patient to any pain.
- The tooth to be worked upon is isolated by placing a rubber dam around it.
- The drill is employed to make an access hole to the pulp chamber and the pulp along with decayed tissue and debris is removed. The entire pulp chamber including the root canals is cleaned and disinfected.
- If the Root Canal Treatment is to be spread over multiple visits and some dentists prefer this, the empty pulp chamber is filled with disinfecting agent. This is covered by a temporary filling which is removed in subsequent visits and replaced by a permanent filling.
- The next step is filling of the pulp chamber with an inert material as the tooth is effectively dead. Gutta percha (along with Zinc Oxide eugenol) is generally used to fill the empty pulp chamber and root canals.
- A permanent filling (similar to the filling for treating cavities) is carried out on the tooth and a crown is placed over the tooth. A crown is required in most cases as the tooth becomes brittle due to absence of pulp.
If your RCT procedure is spread over more than one appointment, minimize the chewing on the affected tooth till the procedure is entirely completed. This will prevent recontamination of the pulp chamber and will also reduce the risk of fracturing or damaging your tooth.
Approximately 30 million people live with no natural teeth in one or both jaws? But more and more dental patients are opting for dental implants as a means of tooth replacement. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that 3 million people currently have dental implants – a number that is rapidly growing by about 500,000 per year. Modern titanium implants were first developed in the 1950’s, but archeologists have determined that ancient Egyptians and Mayans were the first cultures to implant artificial teeth.
Tooth loss, in most people, is associated to a number of factors. Some of these factors that cause tooth loss are tooth decay, periodontal disease, injury and aging. Most people with missing teeth do not bother getting a tooth replaced as they lack proper understanding of the underlying problems associated with tooth loss. The loss of a tooth can wear out the bones of the jaw causing a change in structure of the jaw line.
Consequences Of A Single Tooth Loss
- The loss of a tooth can wear out the jaw bones causing structural change of the jaw line.
- This change results into relocation of teeth as a single gap among the teeth would cause the other teeth to shift.
- This further result into change in the contour of the face.
- The change in the facial structure looks unattractive to the eyes. In the long run, this lowers one’s self esteem and have a bearing impact on the eating behavior.
- Biting and chewing certain types of food gets challenging, causing one to miss out a person’s normal staple diet.
Crown and Bridges
Dental Bridge otherwise known as a Fixed Partial denture comes under a branch of dentistry known as Prosthodontics. The major function of the Dental Bridge is to fill the gap between teeth generated due to the missing of one or more teeth. Here, a bridge is created of two crowns for the teeth on each side of the gap and the gap itself is filled by a false tooth/teeth. The two teeth on the either side of the false teeth play the anchoring role and are termed as abutment teeth. The false teeth are known as pontics in dental terms. These false teeth (Pontics) are made from the materials like alloys, gold, porcelain or with a combination of all the materials. The dental bridges can get the necessary support with the help of natural teeth or by implants.
There is immense number of benefits you can avail of, while going in for dental bridges. The major advantage of these bridges is that with the help of them you can easily restore your smile as well as personality. If you are missing multiple teeth, it becomes quite difficult for everyday activities such as eating or speaking. This problem can easily be sought out, with the help of bridges.
There are three main types of bridges available, which you can choose from. One of them is the traditional bridge, which is the most common amongst all the available bridges. It is manufactured with the help of porcelain, which is normally fused with a metal or ceramics. The next important type includes cantilever bridges. These kinds of bridges are used only in special cases. The last major type of bridge includes Maryland bonded bridge. They are also known as resin-bonded bridge. These bridges are normally made from plastic teeth and gums and are supported with the help of a metal framework.
While a crown is often used for its functional properties, like veneers the set oo can be used to bring about excellent aesthetic modifications in a smile. The common indications for a crown are:
- To restore a badly decayed teeth, with large fillings or teeth which are root canal treated.
- To protect fractured teeth where little tooth structure is left.
- When the position, shape, size or color of the teeth have to be dramatically altered.
- To improve the bite.
- To strengthen worn down or mobile teeth.
- As part of a bridge to support a tooth replacement.
- To be placed over an implant.
Tooth shaping: Your Dentist will reshape the tooth, to create space all around it for the crown.
Impressioning: A measurement of the prepared tooth and of the surrounding and opposing teeth is taken. Your measurements are then sent to a dental laboratory for processing of the crown.
Temporary Crown: Meanwhile, a temporary crown may be placed. Take care of your crown by avoiding sticky and hard foods and be sure to clean around it.
Cementation: Soon, you Dentist replaces your temporary crown with permanent one. The crown is adjusted,making sure you are comfortable with it. It is then cemented or bonded to the prepared tooth.
- Treat your crowned tooth like a normal tooth.
- Brush and floss thoroughly.
- In the unlikely event of your crown or veneer coming on. keep it safely and contact your dentist immediately.
These can generally be remixed. People from all walks of life can greatly benefit from the improved confidence a better smile can give. With proper care, Veneers and Crowns will enhance your dental health and beauty for a long time to come.
Crowns can be made of acrylic, metal, ceramic, porcelain or zirconia. The ceramic & zirconia crowns are great for aesthetics and durability. SWITCH FROM PFM to ZIRCONIA
(PFM) Porcelain-fused to metal
- Longstanding experience
- High stability
- Metal flame can show through.
- Unfazed metal Inargins may become visible.
- The metal can lead to intolerances and electrochemical reactions with other metals in the mouth.
- Natural-looking aesthetics
- Translucent natural teeth
- Metal-free and a very strong material
- No visible transitions at the gum margin
- Does not trigger electro chemical reactions in the mouth
Many people believe that teeth whitening can make them look younger and more attractive. It is for you to decide if you wish to have whiter teeth. Yet, the unattractive stains on teeth can be removed by whitening treatment.
- Professional whitening: Peroxide is the whitening agent that the dentist uses. A “curing light” is sometimes used with the peroxide to accelerate the bleaching process. Most bleaching techniques include the use of mouth trays. These fit firmly over the teeth, but do not reach the gums.
- The trays are filled with a paste or gel containing bleach.
- The dentist will provide these trays for use in the surgery and for you to take home.
- The dentist will tell you how to use the trays at home, how often to use them, and for how long to keep them in the mouth.
- You will stop repeating the treatment when you are satisfied with the colour of your teeth. Additional treatments may be needed to maintain the lighter colour.
The outer layer of a tooth is called the enamel. The color of natural teeth is created by the reflection and scattering of light off the enamel, combined with the color of the dentin under it. Your genes affect the thickness and smoothness of the enamel. Thinner enamel allows more of the color of the dentin to show through. Having smoother or rougher enamel also affects the reflection of light and therefore the color.
Every day, a thin coating (pellicle) forms on the enamel and picks up stains. Tooth enamel also contains pores that can hold stains.
The most common reasons for teeth to get yellow or stained are:
- Using tobacco
- Drinking dark-colored liquids such as coffee, cola, tea and red wine
- Not taking good care of your teeth
Other dental problems can affect the success of tooth whitening. For example, cavities need to be treated before teeth are whitened. That's because the whitening solution can pass through decayed areas and reach the inner parts of the tooth. If your gums have receded, the exposed roots of your teeth may appear yellow or discolored. Whitening products will not make them whiter.
If you have tooth decay or receding gums, whitening may make your teeth sensitive. Whitening also does not work on ceramic or porcelain crowns or veneers. The dentist or a dental hygienist will clean your teeth. This will remove the film of bacteria, food and other substances that build up on your teeth and contribute to the staining. Once this is done, the whitening procedure begins.
There are two main types of whitening procedures. Vital whitening is performed on teeth that have live nerves. Non-vital whitening is done on a tooth that has had root-canal treatment and no longer has a live nerve.
1. Vital Whitening
The most common type of vital tooth whitening uses a gel that is applied directly to the tooth surface. This product contains some form of hydrogen peroxide.Tooth whitening can be done in the dentist's office or at home.
2. Non-Vital Whitening
Vital whitening may not improve the appearance of a tooth that has had root-canal treatment because the stain is coming from the inside of the tooth. If this is the case, your dentist will use a different procedure that whitens the tooth from the inside. He or she will place a whitening agent inside the tooth and put a temporary filling over it. The tooth will be left this way for several days. You may need this done only once, or it can be repeated until the tooth reaches the desired shade.
In-office whitening allows your dentist to use a more powerful whitening gel. A specialized light or laser activates the gel and allows bleaching to happen faster.
In-office whitening usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. You will need 1 to 3 appointments. The number will depend upon the method used, how severe your stains are and how white you want your teeth to be. Different types of stains respond differently to the treatment.
First, your dentist will apply a substance that covers and protects the gums around the teeth. Then, the whitening agent will be placed on the teeth.
Some whitening agents are activated by a laser light, special lights or by the heat from these lights. After the whitening agent is applied, the dentist will shine the light on your teeth. If they are badly discolored, your dentist may suggest that you continue the bleaching process at home for a few days or weeks.
For in-home whitening, your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and will make custom mouthpieces to fit you. The mouthpiece needs to fit well. A close fit helps the whitening agent remain in contact with your teeth.
At home, you will fill each mouthpiece with a whitening gel your dentist provides. You will wear the mouthpiece for several hours every day. Many people achieve the amount of whitening they want within a week or two. However, you may need to wear the mouthpiece for four weeks or longer.
You also can buy whitening products over the counter. They contain a weaker whitening agent than the products you can get from your dentist. Therefore, whitening may take longer. The whitening agent is applied as a gel placed in a mouthpiece or as a strip that sticks to your teeth. Over-the-counter mouthpieces fit less securely than the kind you get from your dentist.
Whitening toothpastes are available as well. They contain abrasives that remove stains on the enamel.
If you find that your gums are white or sore, follow up with your dentist.
Whitening is not a permanent solution. The stains will come back. If you smoke or consume a lot of staining foods or drinks, you may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as one month. If you avoid these sources of staining, you may not need another whitening treatment for 6 to 12 months.
Re-whitening can be done in the dentist's office or at home. If you have a custom-made mouthpiece and whitening agent at home, you can whiten your teeth as often as you need to. Discuss your whitening schedule with your dentist. You can talk about what whitening products would work best for you.
Whitening is unlikely to cause serious side effects, although some people's teeth may become more sensitive for a short while. You may get mild gum irritation as well. Women should not have their teeth whitened while pregnant. The effect of the whitening materials on the development of the fetus is not known.
If you feel your teeth would benefit from whitening, contact your dentist to discuss the procedure.
Dental Veneers (or Porcelain Veneers) are used in a variety of cases such as:
- Individual discolored teeth.
- Worn chipped or fractured teeth.
- Uneven and irregularly shaped teeth.
- Widely spaced teeth
Placement of a Dental Veneer can only be performed by a qualified Dentist which involves basic 4 steps:
- Diagnosis and Treatment planning
- Placement and Bonding
Diagnosis and Treatment planning:
This includes determining whether Dental Veneer is suitable for you and discussing its limitations with you.
This involves scraping the outer layer of the tooth up to the thickness of the veneer. A replica of the patients tooth is made. Repeated color adjustments might be required to achieve a suitable color.
The next time the patient is called at the clinic is for the actual veneer placement. Now the dentist cleans and polishes the tooth surface on which the veneer is to be placed. The dentist then uses an acid to etch the teeth i.e. it creates a roughened tooth surface which improves its bonding to the veneer.
The Veneer will be placed on the tooth surface with a special tooth colored material called composite used for attachment. A few final adjustments may be required and a couple of further visits are obligatory for the patient to ensure a normal response of the gums towards the veneer.
Porcelain Laminate Veneers are coatings cured out of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. These veneers greatly enhance the look of your smile with as little discomfort as possible. These veneers are made to suit the patients individual needs and are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Veneers can be used to provide an aesthetic solution in many situations:
- Minor Spaces between teeth.
- Discolored teeth.
- Odd shaped cracked or chipped teeth.
- Fractured teeth with a fair amount of tooth structure left.
- Teeth with multiple fillings, which have compromised the aesthetics of the smile.
- Unsatisfactory shape, size and form of teeth.
- To provide a “White Smile” in persons with naturally dark teeth.
Veneers can be placed on teeth with minimal tooth preparation. They look and feel completely natural. A beautiful result of Smile Makeover is achieved in just a few days time, and can last for many years. The texture and finish of porcelain veneers mark them highly resistant to external staining. Due to their durability, looks and comfort, veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. Veneers are widely used by people in the entertainment field and show business to obtain a beautiful smile.
Oral Detection of Cancer
The process of having a veneer made for your tooth involves a few short visits to your Dentist. The procedure is simple and relatively painless.
- Your Dentist will first analyse your smile to determine which teeth require veneers for Smile Makeover.
- Depending on how much tooth shaping is required, you may or may not require anesthesia.
- Minimal shaping of your teeth is then done and an impression is taken.
Ceramic veneers take between 1-2 weeks to be made. During that period, your teeth may be fitted with temporary veneers to prevent sensitivity. Ceramic veneers are bonded to the teeth using special adhesives. Once fixed, these veneers are exceptionally strong. It takes only a day or two to get used to them.
A crown, also called as ‘cap’ covers the entire tooth, unlike a veneer, which covers only the front surface of a tooth. A crown requires more shaping of the tooth structure and is or en used to strengthen a weak or broken tooth. Crowns are extremely durable, aesthetic and are commonly used in front and the back of the mount.
Some early signs of cancer include lumps, sores that fail to heal, abnormal bleeding, persistent indigestion, and chronic hoarseness. Early diagnosis is particularly relevant for cancers of mouth amongst other organs.
Screening refers to the use of simple tests across a healthy population in order to identify individuals who have disease, but do not yet have symptoms.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. It is made of acrylic, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.
Dentures may replace all or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones. The stability and retention of these dentures can be improved by attaching them to dental implants. Dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are missing. Dental implants can also be used to restore and stabilize partial dentures as well.
Denture fees vary widely based on many factors including the complexity of your particular treatment, the time required to accomplish the treatment. Denture fees can vary depending on your needs. Payment terms also vary according to the requirements of the patients. The best way to determine fees for the services you require is to visit with your prosthodontist and discuss the care you may need.
Whitening: It is not possible to whiten dentures like natural teeth because dentures are made of plastic. To minimize staining, properly clean your dentures daily to remove food and plaque bacteria. Brushing with a denture brush or soft toothbrush will prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and keep your mouth healthy. Moisten the brush and apply a non-abrasive soap or denture paste (regular toothpaste is too abrasive). Brush every surface, inside and out, scrubbing gently. A variety of over-the-counter denture cleanser products may be safely used (by following the manufacturer’s instructions) to remove most stains. Do not use bleach on your dentures unless your dentist or prosthodontist gives you special instructions on using bleach. Dilute household bleach can be used to clean and disinfect your dentures, but don’t use bleach until you see your prosthodontist for instructions. More stubborn stains may require removal by your prosthodontist.
Brushing: Do not brush your dentures with normal toothpaste. Toothpastes are designed to be used on teeth, and they often contain materials and chemicals that help whiten and strengthen teeth, but may harm dentures, which are made of a very durable plastic. Even though the plastic is strong, it is not as strong as the enamel of teeth and may be scratched by using toothpaste to clean your dentures. You should use a dish washing liquid and a special denture brush to clean your dentures by hand every day. After rinsing them thoroughly, soak your dentures in water-based cleaning solution overnight.
Repairing broken dentures: The best solution is to return to the prosthodontist who made your dentures and have the cracked denture repaired professionally. It may seem easy to fix, but it is important that the repair is done correctly to prevent problems with chewing and to avoid any sore spots. The prosthodontist also needs to check the denture and adjust it after it is repaired. The denture may be too old and may no longer fit closely to your gums, and you may need a new denture.
Yes, you can wear your dentures at night but it is preferred that they be removed. You should remove your dentures at night and this will give your gums and bone a chance to relax from the pressure of the denture during the day. If you need to wear your dentures for social reasons or to prevent your jaws from over closing, you should find time during the day to properly clean your mouth and your prostheses. You should never wear your dentures 24 hours a day without preforming proper oral hygiene. Dentures should be cleaned at night and stored in water during the night.
Most patients need to learn how to use dentures properly and as a result, it takes a little time to get used to them. After a while, you should be able to eat fairly normally, but it may take more time to get comfortable with harder foods or sticky foods. Using a small amount of denture adhesive (no more than three or four pea-sized dabs on each denture) may help stabilize the dentures and help hold them in place while you learn how to get comfortable with them and may make the learning process easier.
When you’re first fitted for new dentures, it’s normal to experience minor irritation, which should fade as your mouth becomes accustomed to them. The period of pain varies. If you’ve previously worn dentures and now have a new set it may take longer. Similarly, if you had some natural teeth present that were removed at the time of the new dentures, the areas where the extractions were performed may be painful or uncomfortable for up to several weeks after the removal of the teeth. Regular visits to your prosthodontist to adjust the dentures as you go through the normal healing process are recommended.
If the dentures no longer fit as well as they once did, you may need to have a procedure done to refit the base of the denture, called a “reline". Check with your prosthodontist to see if your dentures can be relined. This procedure, which can be done by your prosthodontist, will enable your dentures to have a tighter, better fit.
The term “permanent dentures” is deceptive and misleading. As we know, most things in life are not permanent, teeth and dentures alike. “Permanent dentures” are retained by screws or dental cement ontodental implants and cannot be removed by a patient; they can only be removed by your prosthodontist. Eventually even these “permanent dentures” may wear or break or become stained and discolored and will require replacement. Typically, soreness should be resolved within two weeks; if it persists, likely something in the denture needs to be adjusted. You should see your prosthodontist as soon as possible.
If the implants had been placed a long time ago and you have not returned for folllow-up/maintenance visits, such problems can occur. Unfortunately, in time the bone shrinks beneath dentures causing the dentures to slip and slide resulting in painful ulcers. Additionally, the attachment parts get worn down with use or damaged and require replacement. Regular visits to your prosthodontist is recommended.
In most cases, the lower denture is much less stable than the upper denture. This is due to the shape of the gums on the lower ridge and movement of the denture caused by the tongue. Ask your prosthodontist about supporting your lower denture with dental implants. Implants can be used to stabilize and retain the lower denture allowing you to chew more efficiently and feel the confidence of knowing that your denture will stay in place.
Prosthodontists and their teams are highly trained in the art of color and shade matching. Assuming it is a new partial denture, they can work to produce a match to your remaining natural teeth. If it is an existing partial denture, we would recommend having a new one made, as the expense would be about the same to recolor the old one.
Research shows that once the teeth are removed, the jaw bone shrinks and changes shape. Typically, dentures should be checked every year, and often they should be remade when they lose their fit and are loose in your mouth after 5-10 years of use. By using dental adhesive, you may have masked the loose fit of your dentures. Even though you have adapted to these dentures, you are not receiving the function and appearance you deserve. Also, it is important that you take your dentures out at night to allow your gum tissues to rest and decrease the possibility of sore spots.
Relines of dentures should improve the fit of the base of the denture to the jaw. However, if your jaw has been without natural teeth for some time, it may be difficult to make the denture stable if there is little jawbone. Soft tissues beneath dentures can also become easily irritated by wearing dentures continually (24 hours a day). You should refrain from wearing dentures at night as this gives the skin a chance to recover from wearing them during the day. Your dentist or prosthodontist should make sure that the skin inside the mouth is healthy and take steps to treat it properly before relining. If there is enough jawbone available, relines can often be done well. If not, it may be necessary to revisit the need for either remaking or redesigning the denture.
Gingival Flap Surgery
If you are using your denture adhesive correctly, there should not be a lot of adhesive left on your gums and palate when you remove your denture. Patients use a variety of methods to remove the adhesive: a piece of gauze, a tissue, a damp washcloth, or a wet toothbrush. Use no more than three or four pea-sized dabs of adhesive on each denture.
Though originally started as a treatment for periodontal diseases, nowadays these procedures are partly cosmetic also. Gum tissue removal may be required under the following two circumstances:
- Sometimes empty pockets develop between an individual’s gums and teeth. These spaces may become breeding ground for bacteria, and food particles may get stuck in them. Trimming of gums with gingivectomy can rectify the problem.
- The problem can also be cosmetic with excess gum tissue marring the appearance. Extra gum tissue can also lead to non-cosmetic problems like speech impediments and chewing difficulties. The condition, which can sometimes be caused by medicines, will also make cleaning process a bit cumbersome.
Misshapen gums may result from genetic factors, due to some diseases, or could even be the result of some mental trauma. In either of these cases, gingivoplasty may be the answer for cosmetic relief. Gingivoplasty can be done by itself, or in combination with gingivectomy. Sometimes a gum graft is done to increase gum tissue. In such cases, gingivoplasty can be performed together with the graft.
Gingival flap surgery is a procedure in which the gums are separated from the teeth and folded back temporarily to allow a dentist to reach the root of the tooth and the bone.
Gingival flap surgery is used to treat gum disease (periodontitis). It may be recommended for people with moderate or advanced periodontitis, especially if the initial, non-surgical treatment (scaling and root planing) has not eliminated the gum infection. It may also be done in conjunction with another procedure known as osseous (bone) surgery.
After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, the periodontist will use a scalpel to separate the gums from the teeth and then lift or fold them back in the form of a flap. This gives the periodontist direct access to the roots and bone supporting the teeth. Inflamed tissue is removed from between the teeth and from any holes (defects) in the bone. The periodontist will then do a procedure called scaling and root planing to clean plaque and tartar. If you have bone defects, your periodontist may eliminate them with a procedure called osseous recontouring, which smoothes the edges of the bone using files or rotating burs. After these procedures are completed, the gums will be placed back against the teeth and anchored in place using stitches. Some periodontists use stitches that dissolve on their own, while others use stitches that have to be removed a week to 10 days after the surgery. Your periodontist may also cover the surgical site with an intraoral bandage known as a periodontal pack or dressing.
What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
Invisible Braces (Aligners)
One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures in support to the teeth starts getting damaged.
Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs due to decrease in saliva flow. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy to increase your fluid intake.
Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduces one’s ability to taste foods and irritate gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer.
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract (nose, throat windpipe, and lungs), chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential for reducing bad breath. Schedule your regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you’ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
A fluoride mouth rinse used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay. Look for products that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Products that display the seal have undergone strict testing for safety and effectiveness.
Clear Path is an exciting new, invisible, easy to wear, comfortable and above all affordable orthodontic system. Its popularity is growing at an incredible rate. All you have to do is wear a series of clear wafer thin transparent removable aligners, which gently guide your teeth from their present to the desired position. No-one will ever know you are wearing braces!! We pride ourselves on being a very caring and professional company. We are dedicated to providing a high quality product and service to every patient and ensure that you get the most beautiful smile you always desired.
Clear Path is a system of clear aligners that can treat young teenagers as well as adults in their sixties alike. The system has been designed to be flexible to suit individual patient requirements and priorities.
Clear Path can treat:
Crowding – teeth are too close together
Spacing – gaps between teeth
Overbite – teeth overlap vertically
Overjet – upper front teeth stick out and protruded
Underbite – lower teeth extend past the upper front teeth
Crossbite – upper and lower teeth bite on the wrong side of each other
Openbite – your teeth do not meet when you bite
Misplaced Midline – center lines of upper and lower teeth don’t align
Never underestimate the power of a polite smile. A healthy smile is not only beautiful, it also promotes good health. Teeth that are straight and evenly spaced are easier to keep clean, which promotes better oral health. Better oral health can reduce the incidence of heart disease, gastrointestinal disease, and other health conditions.
You need your teeth for eating and chewing purpose and teeth are designed to meet in a certain way that makes chewing more efficient which helps in proper digestion.
A well balanced and even bite also reduces the risk of excessive stress, headache and strain on your supporting bone and tissue.
Our Crystal Teeth Jewels are glass crystals, made in Germany. Their flat back is surfaced with a special coating to create a sparkle and shine like a diamond.
A Tooth Jewel applied on a natural tooth will stay on until you decide to have it removed again. Based on our experience it will certainly stay on for 6 months up to a few years.
The Tooth Jewels are only 0.4mm or 0.9mm thick and 1.8mm to 3mm in diameter. Initially something on your tooth will feel different, but a few days after the application you will get used to the new feeling.
No! The Jewel is bonded to the enamel like a orthodontic bracket (braces) or a filling to your front tooth, without any drilling or pain. The procedure and removal can be compared to the placement and removal of orthodontic brackets. When it is removed it it simply popped off and the tooth will be polished to remove any remaining bonding material.
No, the presence of the gem will not make any difference regarding dental hygiene. However, it is recommended not to use an electric tooth brush for the first 24 hours after the Jewel has been attached.
The Jewels are tiny glass crystals. They have no sharp edges. It will basically come out “the natural way” the same as it went inside your body.
Yes, you can and should still have your teeth cleaned by a professional. Teeth Jewelry will not cause a problem for the hygienist cleaning your teeth. The area underneath the Jewel is sealed like a filling and will not let in any bacteria. The hygienist can easily polish on top and around the Jewel with a soft point.
The jewel is removed the same way as an orthodontic bracket is and the enamel will not be harmed. After your dentist removes the gem, the tooth needs to be polished, which takes away any remaining bonding materials.
A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.
A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.
If your answer to any of the following questions is “yes”, then you need to get a cosmetic evaluation done by your Dentist.
- Do you lack confidence when smiling?
- Do you wish you had a smile as pretty as the models?
- Are any of your teeth crowned, overlapping or crooked?
- Are any of your teeth missing or do you have gaps between any of your teeth?
- Do any of your teeth have uneven shape due to chips, fractures or rough edges?
- Do your teeth seem out of proportion because they are uneven in length?
- Are you dissatisfied with the way your gums look?
- Do you have any stained or discoloured teeth or fillings?
- Are your gums red, swollen, receding or bleeding?
A variety of options are currently available to suit most conditions. Some of the commonly used cosmetic options include: TEETH WHITENING, COMPOSITE BONDING RESTORATIONS, DENTAL CROWN & VENEERS, ORTHODONTICS.
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.