Invisalign : The Alternative to Metal Braces

2013 September 1

Metal braces are often referred to as ‘train tracks’ and although considered unattractive and bulky at one time, they have seen a resurgence in popularity over recent years due to a change in the image and association with celebrity wearers.

Braces are no longer worn solely by children and teenagers these days either but an increasing number of adults are opting for them in order to straighten their teeth and achieve the smile that may have alluded them as a teenager.

New teeth straightening and aligning technology means there are many dental options available today for achieving straighter and more uniform smiles. Some of these options are the traditional ceramic brackets (also known as ‘train tracks’) offered by orthodontists, Lingual Orthodontics which a virtually invisible brace being worn behind  teeth and the more recent and popular Invisalign treatment which uses clear almost invisible aligners being worn over teeth to straighten them.

Dental treatment costs will vary depending on which tooth straightening treatment you choose or require and also the extent of rectification involved in straightening of teeth for each individual

The availability of clear invisible braces has been a fairly recent transformation and has certainly proved to be a popular choice with increasing numbers of patients opting for this treatment of choice. The reason for this is because Invisalign has many benefits compared to traditional methods such as Metal Braces.

Some of the benefits of Invisalign are:

  • The smooth material used for manufacturing the aligners means no pain or rubbing or on the teeth and gums and therefore increased comfort for the wearer
  • computer technology and custom manufacturing means you get a better fit and therefore a more predictable final result for straighter teeth
  • The aligners can be removed when flossing or brushing teeth so there is no issue with food being trapped in braces as often is the case with metal braces. This means there is a reduced chance of tooth decay and poor oral hygiene
  • The Invisalign aligners can be removed when drinking and eating so you wont be restricted by what you can eat or drink during the course of treatment
  • Reduced Treatment time compared with traditional metal braces

For more information on Invisalign and teeth straightening treatments, listen to some of our patients discussing their dental treatment and recommend a good Derby dentist

You can spread the cost of cosmetic dentistry treatments and Invisalign with  Dental Finance

Contact us for more information on  cosmetic dentistry in Derby  or to book an appointment with a our Invisalign dentist in Derby

Lookout for our FREE TEETH WHITENING TREATMENT offers with Invisalign treatment throughout the year from our Derby cosmetic dentist

Google+

Clarifying the Confusion : What is A Specialist Dentist?

2013 July 2

Not all dentists are specialists in the field in which they practice or provide dental services. This can often cause confusion and be misleading to the general public who may not know the difference between a dentist who practices or provides specialist dental services yet may not actually be a specialist dentist.

Any dentist who is registered with the GDC can practice and provide dentistry in a dental speciality, however they cannot represent or call themselves a specialist dentist unless they have met certain training requirements and are a consultant included on a speciality list. In order to become a specialist in any particular area of dentistry, the dentist needs to have undertaken many years of training in his particular field, undertaken exams and finally but crucially, be included on the specialist register.

To be included on the specialist dentist register, the specialist dentist requires to  carry the Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) as a qualification and additional qualifications may also be necessary. To qualify as a specialist, the dentist must undertake an additional and intensive training programme working as a specialist registrar in a hospital whilst continuing postgraduate academic study at a university. This training can take up to five years , has to be approved by the Specialist Advisory Committee and when successfully completed, allows the dentist to be included on the General Dental Council’s Specialist list and become a Membership or an Intercollegiate Fellowship with the Royal Colleges of Surgeons.

Specialist dentists then provide their services from a specialist dental practice or from a hospital.

Sometimes, dentists call themselves a dentist with a Special Interest (DWSI) but this should not be confused with a Specialist Dentist. Dentists with specialist interest are not specialists in their field but they can offer a variety of dental treatments, cosmetic and otherwise, alongside their general dental treatments.

Dentists with specialist interest ( DWSIs) do not replace a Specialist Dentist or a Consultant Dentist  and DWSI’s may have to refer patients to a Specialist or a Consultant when the dental treatment is beyond their scope of clinical expertise.

You may have to be referred to a specialist dentist for treatments such as a severe infection of the tooth which may require root canal treatment.

Contact us for more information on root canal treatment and specialist dental services from our dentist in Derby Richard Milner

Richard Milner has treated patients at our dental surgery who have travelled for specialist dental treatment from all over the East Midlands.

Our dental surgery in Derby is the official dentist to Derby County Football Club and Derby County Cricket Club.

Google+

Answers to Your frequently Asked Questions on Invisalign

2013 October 27

How do I Find A Good Invisalign dentist ?

Your cosmetic dentist will have carried out suitable Invisalign training if he or she is offering this treatment. It is also a good idea to ask how many cases of Invisalign they have carried out and ask if you could speak to other patients who have had the treatment too.

You can find a suitably accredited  Invisalign  by visiting the Invisalign website on www.invisalign.co.uk

How Expensive is Invisalign?

The cost of invisalign and orthodontic treatment in general is often considered as being high, however there are finance options for Invisalign available at many dental surgeries these days which help with the cost of treatment by allowing you to spread payments over a period of time making Invisalign treatment more affordable

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment time will be different for every individual  and will depend on the amount of work involved for each particular case. The more intense the straightening and realignment needed to get the necessary final result, the longer the treatment time involved.Treatment courses are generally anything from twelve months but can be as long as twenty four months depending on the severity of the misalignment and rectification required.

How long do you have to wear the Clear Braces/Aligners?

Invisalign aligners should be worn every day for a minimum time of twenty hours per day. They should only be removed for  cleaning your teeth, drinking or eating and replaced immediately afterwards

 What do you do if you break or lose an Aligner?

You should not continue to wear a damaged aligner but should aim to have it replaced; by continuing to wear an aligner that has been damaged, you risk disrupting the progress of your treatment. Contact your dentist so he/ she can advise you appropriately and arrange to replace your aligner. The same applies if you lose an aligner. You need to ensure you wear your Invisalign aligners every day for the recommended time as advised by your dentist in order to ensure optimum outcome for straightening your teeth

Is Invisalign treatment  available on the NHS?

Invisalign is not available on the NHS and can only be provided on a private basis.

Contact us for more information on  Invisalign, Lingual braces and teeth straightening options or to book your consultation with our Invisalign dentist  in Derby

Feel free to get in touch should you require any  information on other aspects of cosmetic dentistry in Derby  or  to book an appointment with one of our Derby dentists

If you would like to know more about any treatment options you are considering, you can hear patients  recommend a good Derby dentist , talk about their dental experiences and provide their opinions and feedback

 Google+

Root Canal Treatment : The Pros and Cons

2013 October 21

 Your dentist may have recommended that you need root canal treatment in order to attempt to save your damaged or decayed tooth . Should your tooth or teeth require this treatment, it is not a guarantee that the outcome will always be successful and root canal treatment is also not completely risk free. However, without any intervention the tooth will not get better; Furthermore, if root canal treatment is not undertaken early on in diagnosis, the pulp of the tooth can become infected. There is a danger that the presence of infection will spread which in turn could lead to abscess formation and damage to the oral bone. At its worse, oral bone degeneration can lead to the affected tooth or teeth being lost or requiring extraction and posing a new set of functional, aesthetic and financial problems involving replacement options for missing teeth.

Below are the Benefits and Risks when undertaking Root Canal Treatment:

The Risks of Root Canal Treatment:

  •  Discolouration or darkening of the affected tooth can sometimes occur after it has been treated with root canal treatment; Should this happen, your dentist should be able to offer solutions such as teeth whitening treatment to address the problem
  • A tooth which has undergone root canal treatment will not be as strong as it was when it was a healthy tooth; it will need to be protected with a crown following the root canal treatment
  • The presence of discomfort and toothache are a possibility, even after root canal treatment has been carried out. If this is the case, your dentist may choose to prescribe you with antibiotics, painkillers or both and may well recommend further dental treatment
  • Following root canal treatment, the chances of the treated tooth becoming re-infected are slim; However, this does not mean re-infection is not a possibility and in the unfortunate circumstance where this does happen, the affected tooth may require further root canal treatment or as a last resort, extraction
  • It is impossible to predict the lifespan or guarantee longevity  and long treatment prognosis of a tooth which has undergone root canal treatment
  • An affected tooth which has undergone root canal treatment is not as resilient or healthy as it was before treatment; for this reason, it’s lifespan cannot be guaranteed and it can still be lost at some point in the future
  • Root canal treatment can involve complicated dental surgery which may not be without some  discomfort , risks and complications: During and after this treatment, it is possible you might experience altered feeling which usually disappear. If this is not the case, revisit your dentist who can make an assessment and decide whether additional treatment is necessary

The Benefits Of Root Canal Treatment

  • Avoiding pain, spread of infection, abscess formation and damage to the oral bone
  • Avoiding extraction of a damaged or decayed tooth and retaining your own teeth
  • Avoiding problems with biting and chewing as adjacent teeth move into the gaps caused by missing teeth
  • Avoiding problems with confidence and aesthetics due to gaps left by missing teeth or adjacent teeth moving out of alignment into the gaps left by missing teeth
  • Dental treatment and costs involved with replacement of missing teeth

Routine root canal treatment can be carried out by most dentists but the more complicated cases may require the experitise of an endodontist who is a specialist in this field of dentistry.

If you are having your treatment carried out by a specialist in endontics, you can check the specialist register or specialist list to ensure he or she is suitably registered to carry out this type of treatment.

Your endodontist should also have undertaken further postgraduate training in this area of expertise

Contact us for more information on root canal treatment,  cosmetic dentistry in Derby and  specialist dentistry in Derby

Google+

 

 

 

 

 

Why Has My Dentist Recommended Root Canal Treatment?

2013 October 17

Your dentist may have suggested your tooth needs root canal treatment  but you’re not sure why or what is involved with this treatment option.

Below we’ve aimed to answer some of your questions, along with providing some tips and advice if you have been recommended this dental treatment:

  • Root canal treatment involves removal of a nerve in a tooth which may have become damaged or infected
  • Root Canal treatment is aimed at removing the cause of the infection in the tooth ie: the damaged nerve
  • Root Canal Treatment will also involve treating any infection which may have spread beyond the infected nerve
  • Root canal treatment is aimed at saving your original tooth and preventing the extraction of the affected tooth
  • Root Canal Treatment should avoid the issues of  additional dental treatment for replacing a tooth which might otherwise need to be removed
  • Root canal treatment carried out by a specialist dentist can often be performed in one visit under a local anaesthetic.

An infected or damaged tooth, if left untreated, can lead to severe toothache and other dental and health problems

  • Visiting your dentist regularly will help in diagnosing dental problems at an early stage
  • Visiting your dental hygienist regularly will help maintain good oral health  and healthy teeth and gums

Root canal treatment (or endodontics as it is sometimes known) can be carried out by most dentists. However, the more complicated cases do require experitise and may require a specialist dentist who is experienced in this area of dentistry to carry out such treatment.

To find the best dentist in Derby for your root canal treatment, ask for patient recommendations ,check the specialist professional training the endodontist has undertaken in this area of expertise and ask whether he or she is on the specialist list for carrying out this type of treatment.

Contact us for more information on root canal treatment,  cosmetic dentistry in Derby and  specialist dentistry in Derby

Google+

More Information About Dental Implants

2013 October 16

Do you have a missing tooth or several missing teeth which are causing you embarrassment and a lack of confidence?

Missing teeth can be the cause of many issues ; These can be aesthetic due to the individual feeling self conscious and unattractive or practical such as problems with talking and speech or eating certain foods

An appointment or consultation with your cosmetic or implant dentist  is the starting point to help you gain more information about the choices and treatment options for you and dental implants may be one of the options presented to you.

For those individuals looking for a good long term solution which is can give them their teeth back, dental implants  may be the answer.

Dental implants resemble natural teeth so closely it is almost impossible to tell them apart from real teeth. They are made from a titanium ‘screw’ and an artificial tooth which is held in place by the screw integrating into your jawbone tissue.

With good oral healthcare and maintenance, dental implants should last for many years.

Dental implants are an effective procedure and a great solution for gaps in the mouth. They have been known to transform smiles and restore confidence as well as tackling speech problems in many individuals with missing teeth.

We recommend researching your dental treatment options if you are considering dental implants or any other cosmetic dentistry procedures and ensure you find a good Derby dentist who can share with you some portfolio treatment cases

Contact us for more information on dental implants and cosmetic dentistry in Derby or if you wish to book an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Derby

Google+

Why Do I Need Root Canal Treatment ?

2013 October 13

Root canal treatment (or endodontics as it is sometimes known) is a complicated form of dental treatment carried out by either a dentist or a specialist on a damaged or dentally decayed tooth. The treatment is necessary to save the tooth and your dentist will have made an assessment that without the root canal treatment, the affected tooth would need to be removed due to the extent of the damage or decay present.

Your dentist will aim to save and preserve your tooth rather than losing it is for obvious reasons, both functional and aesthetic: Your own teeth are always preferable for chewing and eating and gaps and missing teeth can lead to a loss of confidence and inhibited social interaction.

Unhealthy teeth may require Root Canal Treatment for various reasons, some of which are listed below:

  • Damage to the tooth due to an impact or trauma
  • A tooth has become unhealthy as a result of gum disease
  • Severe dental infection of a tooth
  • A crown has broken down on a tooth leading to infection
  • A filling has broken down on a tooth leading to infection
  • A tooth may have become weak due to previous dental work carried out on it already
  • A chip or crack in a tooth has allowed the infiltration of bacteria leading to an infection
  • Extreme wear and tear on teeth can make them weaker and more susceptible to infection

If the affected tooth is left untreated, infection can spread leading to dental complications, ongoing damage and pain which will inevitably result in you losing the tooth, hence early intervention is always recommended.

Root canal treatment  can be carried out by most dentists. However, the more complicated cases do require expertise and may require a specialist dentist who is experienced in this area of dentistry to carry out such treatment.

To find the best dentist in Derby for your root canal treatment, ask for patient recommendations ,check the specialist professional training the endodontist has undertaken in this area of expertise and ask whether he or she is on the specialist list for carrying out this type of treatment.

Contact us for more information on root canal treatment,  cosmetic dentistry Derby and  specialist dentistry Derby

Google+

Simple and effective tips for whiter teeth from your cosmetic dentist

2013 October 12

Wouldn’t you love to have white teeth and a beautiful smile? It may be easier than you think as teeth whitening treatments have become cheaper and more affordable over recent years

There are also many cheaper alternatives such as strips that claim to whiten teeth when worn over them or rinses and bleaches which you can buy to use on teeth. Be wary of such products and the claims they make as teeth whitening products; whitening treatments that genuinely work should contain whitening materials of a certain concentration and strength and can now only be supplied legally by a dental professional . Many of the teeth whitening products which are sold over the internet or in beauty salons will not deliver the results they might promise and worse still , in the process of using these unregulated products, you might actually end up damaging the health and appearance of your teeth and gums.

So, how to achieve that whiter, brighter and youthful smile?
Always visit a dentist for advice and any teeth whitening treatment you might be considering. Furthermore, a good oral hygiene regimen and healthy diet is a must if you want to have healthier and whiter teeth. Daily brushing and flossing of teeth is recommended and regular visits to your dentist and hygienist will ensure good long term oral health and a healthier, whiter and brighter smile.

Contact us for more information on teeth whitening or any other aspect of cosmetic dentistry in Derby  or to book an appointment with a our Derby cosmetic dentist

Listen to some of our patients recommend a good Derby dentist

Visit your dentist for your snoring problem

2013 October 1

Sleeping problems like snoring and sleep apnoea are not something that you would normally expect to consult your cosmetic dentist about but you might be surprised to know your dentist can help treat it.

Snoring is a common sleeping problem that many people suffer. In most cases, it is a simple disorder, but it can cause irritability, headaches and tiredness. Snoring is often confused with sleep apnoea, which is a breathing disruption while sleeping.

Sleeping disorders not only affect the person suffering from them but also the person’s partner. They can cause sleep deprivation, which can, in turn, lead to serious health consequences if not treated in time.

Sleeping disorders were once treatable only through positive air pressure and surgical treatments, but with advancements in science and technology, they can be addressed with simple dental appliances provided by your cosmetic dentist.

After carrying out an assessment of your snoring problem and identifying the symptoms of any sleep deprivation disorder, the cosmetic dentist may treat your problem with an anti snoring dental appliance that fits over your upper teeth. The appliance prevents the lower jaw and tongue from dropping back in the airway, which reduces the symptoms of snoring. This enables you to breathe more easily and therefore sleep better.

The fitted anti snoring dental appliance is not painful or uncomfortable but it may take some time for you to get used to it. It can be easily cleaned by soaking it in fresh water for a period of time every few days.

A visit to your cosmetic dentist may well provide the answer to help treat your snoring problem and lead you to enjoying a good night’s sleep.

Google+

Cosmetic dentistry:your cosmetic dentist can help

2013 September 27

Are you self-conscious about your smile? Does your smile embarrass you? If the answer is yes, then visit a cosmetic dentist can offer various cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

People often feel inhibited and choose not to smile if they have unattractive or broken down teeth, missing teeth or unsightly fillings and discoloured teeth. Other issues such as  misshapen or crooked teeth and plaque build up can also cause embarrassment yet this need not be the case.

With all the advances and technology available in your dental surgery today and with the help of a good cosmetic dentist, there is a solution to your cosmetic dental problems. Cosmetic dentistry has heralded the availability of a vast array of dental treatments which can help you achieve a beautiful and healthy looking smile. The procedures utilised by cosmetic and specialists dentists today and the developments over recent years means you no longer have to settle for a gappy unsightly and discoloured smile.

Dentists today are fortunate to have available various technologies and treatments and the cost of such procedures is more affordable than you might imagine as more and more people opt for such treatments which no longer remain the preserve of the rich or famous.

Ensure you carry out as much research as possible and gather all your information on your treatment options before you embark on any cosmetic dentistry treatment. Ask your dentist about similar cases he may have carried out on other patients and if possible, before and after pictures of the results as well as getting recommendations and referrals from people you know.

Contact us for more information on cosmetic dentistry in Derby or if you wish to book an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Derby

Google+

Questions About Dental Implants Answered

2013 September 21

Your cosmetic dentist may have recommended dental implants as a treatment option to replacing your missing teeth but you may have many questions and considerations to explore before you decide to embark on this treatment choice.

It is always recommended that you carry out as much research as possible on any cosmetic dental treatments and the same applies to options for replacing your missing teeth so you are fully informed and prepared as to what this dental procedure entails.

Some of your questions about dental implants are answered below:

Am I A Suitable Candidate for A Dental Implant?

Sufficient oral  bone density is necessary in order to hold a dental implant securely in place in your mouth and jaw. If you are considering a dental implant as a dental treatment option to replace a missing tooth or teeth, your implant dentist will probably need to take an X ray to check that you have enough bone density to house your dental implant. He will also check other oral structure to get an accurate picture of your mouth and your teeth.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a metal rod, placed into jawbone in order to securely hold in place the replacement artificial tooth. It is usually made from titanium as this allows it be easily integrated into oral bone

Will I need a General Anaesthetic?

No, a general anaesthetic is not usually required. Dental implant surgery can often mbe carried out under local anaesthetic in the dental surgery without having to go into hospital or be asleep for the treatment procedure.

Sedation is an option if you are a nervous dental patient

What Happens During and After Dental Implant Surgery?

The Implant dentist cuts into the gum into which a hole is drilled into the jawbone for the placement of the implant. Once the implant has been placed, the gum and mouth needs time to heal over, which can take several months. When the implant has stabilised and the mouth and gum has healed, the artificial tooth is positioned onto the implant either permanently or semi-permanently to allow for removal and cleaning.

Are there any Complications or Side Effects from having Dental Implant Surgery?

Complications which may arise will be influenced by various factors such as your overall general and oral health and the type of procedure you may have undergone.

Complications can include infection, excessive bleeding or an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic. If this happens, your implant dentist might choose to prescribe antibiotics for you and/or recommend using an antiseptic mouthwash to minimise the risk of infection.

Side-effects are usually temporary and may include some pain, discomfort or swelling around the area where the dental  implant has been placed. This is to be expected and should not be a cause for concern unless you experience severe or continued symptoms, in which case, you should contact your dental implant dentist for advice

Contact us for more information on Dental implants in Derby or to book your FREE COSMETIC CONSULTATION with our cosmetic dentist in Derby

Google+

Missing Teeth : Options from Our Cosmetic Dentist

2013 September 17

Persistent toothache  may be an indication of  an infection or decay in the tooth and can cause misery and pain if you are suffering. You should visit your dentist to address the problem as soon as possible as if a tooth which has decay in it is left untreated, it can cause more severe dental problems further downstream as well as potentially leading to other health issues too.

Depending on what your dentist diagnoses,  removal of the tooth might be one of the options you may have to consider. However, if  there is  infection present and this can be isolated and treated with antibiotics by your dentist , it might be feasible (and no doubt preferable) that tooth extraction can be avoided.

As loss of teeth can have both functional and psychological implications, saving or mending a tooth is usually the preferred option.

However, if saving your tooth proves impossible  and the dentist has no choice but to extract it, you will be left with a gap and you will then need to consider how you may wish to address this from both a functional and aesthetic point of view.

Should you be faced with this dilemma, there are many treatment options  for missing teeth and these are outlined below:

Dental Implants

  •  A popular treatment choice for replacement of missing teeth providing you have suitable jawbone to support a tooth
  • Dental Implants function like your own teeth and also look like real teeth
  • They are permanent, durable and should last for many years with good care
  • They do not need other teeth for support as they are held securely in position in your jaw

Dental Bridges:

  • A widely utilised dental option providing you have healthy and strong teeth to support the dental bridge
  • Available in a variety of choices and materials  e.g : Porcelain , Metal , Maryland Bridge

Dentures(or False Teeth):

  • Not permanent and will need replacing if gums shrink with age or due to wear and tear on denture
  • Discomfort and soreness can occur due to the friction present between the denture material and the gums
  • Can be difficult to achieve good aesthetics and function compared with dental implants and dental bridges
  • A relatively cheap option in terms of cost

Our cosmetic dentist  derby are available for dental referral or advice on any aspect of your dental treatment and options for missing teeth

Listen to some of patient testimonials which recommend a good Derby dentist

Google+