Replacing missing teeth could see current tooth replacement treatments such as dental implants or false teeth and dentures being offered alongside a breakthrough technological option allowing you to grown your very own new set of teeth.
Scientists in Tokyo, Japan have used mouse stem cells to create artificially bioengineered teeth which both look and function in the same way as real teeth. The artificially engineered ‘tooth buds’ were grown in a lab before being placed in mice where they developed into full grown teeth. They were then transplanted into jawbone where they fused and integrated to function and look like real teeth. Although the research was carried out on mice and in the laboratory, it paves the way to future development of generating replacement teeth in humans.
Research is at an early stage and one of the obstacles to overcome is finding a suitable source of stem cells for use in the human mouth. Professor Takashi Tsuji who spearheaded the study, stressed the importance of finding the right ‘seed cells’ for reparative therapy. His team utilised stem cells from the molar teeth of mice which went on to produce a regular tooth unit comprising dental bone, enamel and nerve fibres.
Adult stem cells, also known as the body’s master cells, have the ability to be utilised in the growth of new cells. Because of their ability to regenerate and renew, stem cell research has also been harnessed in the research of a variety of diseases, including cancer and diabetes.
Although bioengineering of teeth may directly benefit patients in the future, for now, it’s important to maintain and look after your teeth following the usual guidelines: Restricting your intake of sugary drinks and food, brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and visiting your dentist and hygienist on a regular basis.
Research details and content source :http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0021531 PLOS One, online July 12, 2011
Everyone’s talking about money, finances, jobs and today’s current economic climate. We’re all looking for better value for money and thinking carefully about where to spend our cash.
But beware of false economy when it comes to your teeth and if you are considering putting off dental care. Addressing your dental problems whilst they are minor and small may well save you money and pain in the long run. Your teeth are priceless and irreplaceable and damage caused to them over time can be expensive and difficult to rectify.
As a dental patient you should be made aware of your proposed dental treatments and costs right from the start. Your dentist should outline and provide you with a personally tailored treatment plan or proposal which should include a breakdown and description of the dental treatment you require accompanied by a dental fee estimate. If you have a dental insurance plan, mention this to the dental staff who will be able to advise you on how best it can allow you to benefit your treatment plan. If you’re not covered by dental insurance, are still many other ways to cover the costs of your dental treatment. Monthly payment schemes, zero percentage finance or dental loans are some of the available options.
We all realise that dental costs may well play a part in the choices and decisions you make with regards your dental treatment and we are here to help and advise you.
Caring for your teeth, maintain their good health and looking after their appearance could pay you dividends and save you money in the long run
A mum and innovator has been awarded with an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 Award following the launch and commercial success of her infant oral healthcare products.
Dominique Tillen, founder of Brush-Baby which manufactures baby ‘toothbrushes’ was inspired by her daughter to create an innovative product range which filled a gap in the market. The concept of her company and her original dental product range aims to meet the desire of parents and dental professionals looking to address the oral healthcare needs of babies and young children.
The unique Brush-Baby Chewable Toothbrush is based around a baby’s natural urge to chew, particularly during the teething phase. It combines a chewable toothbrush with a teether which massages and soothes tender gums as it cleans baby teeth.
The Brush-Baby Chewable toothbrush is widely available in the UK and can be found in John Lewis, Waitrose, Sainsburys,Tesco and Mothercare stores with increasing sucess and availability in Europe, Australia and the Middle East.
Other products in the range include Dental Wipes which can be used to keep oral bacteria and plaque at bay prior to the eruption of baby teeth and xylitol/fluoride toothpastes for babies and children aged from birth to six years.
Once a child’s teeth appear,looking after their teeth should become an important part of a daily hygiene routine.
The Folllowing are Dental Health Recommendations on how best to care for young teeth:
- Use a children’s toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste.
- Supervise your child’s brushing until they are at least age seven.
- Once all the first teeth have appeared, use a small-headed soft toothbrush and clean teeth with small circular movements, one area at a time.
- Remember to gently brush behind the teeth and onto the gums as well as fronts of teeth.
- Try to incorporate tooth brushing into a twice daily routine, morning and night.
- Encourage and praise children to look after their teeth and adopt health eating habits from a young age
Further information on Brush Baby Products www.brushbaby.co.uk.
Straighter teeth, Whiter teeth, Healthier teeth.Your Essential Guide to a Dazzling Smile
Teeth Whitening can lighten your tooth colour by several shades and give your face an instant lift and make you look younger.It’s great for achieving a quick fix to a brighter, whiter smile with almost immmediate results.The downside is the results don’t last forever and staining can reappear after 6-18months depending on your diet and lifestyle.There are a vast array of tooth whitening treatments ranging from power or laser tooth whitening to tray based tooth whitening to toothpastes that claim to whiten teeth.The results and outcome vary considerably and will depend on the products used,the active ingredients and the technique utilised.Ultimately, a good cosmetic dentist should be able to advise and guide you on the most suitable treatment option to achieve the best results.
Porcelain Veneers are ‘fingernails’ of porcelain applied to your teeth and are widely utilised in smile makeovers.They are good for closing gaps between teeth,changing the colour , shape and size of your teeth and straightening crooked or uneven teeth.Veneers are permanently fixed to teeth and do entail removal of a small amount of natural tooth enamel so they should only be carried out following a consultation with a good cosmetic dentist.With good aftercare, veneers should last from 10-15 years.
Dental Implants look like real teeth but are a titanium substitute for replacing a missing tooth.They can be fitted into your jaw and once integrated, look just like a natural tooth. They are strong, durable and permanent and can last many years but it is important to maintain regular and thorough oral hygiene.It is highly advisable to have this procedure carried out by a dentist who has been trained to fit dental implants.
White or Porcelain Fillings are good for replacing old style metal or mercury fillings and give a good aesthetic and natural result whereby it is difficult to tell your teeth have been filled.
Porcelain Crowns are false teeth fitted over damaged or broken down teeth to improve function and appearance.Porcelain crowns avoid the dark or metal line that is sometimes appears with porcelain bonded to metal crowns when gums begin to recede.
Dental Bridges are a row or ‘bridge’ of false teeth where the two teeth either side of a gap are utilised as anchors to create a bridge and thereby fill the space or gap between them.They create a natural look and are good for replacing multiple missing teeth and with good aftercare, can last from 10-15 years.
Cosmetic Contouring is a technique whereby your cosmetic dentist can contour and file down your teeth to create the desired shape or size.It is a useful for addressing minor imperfections such as slightly pointed or jagged teeth with the amount requiring to be filed away being very minimal.
Cosmetic Bonding is a techniques whereby a white pliable substance called composite resin is moulded and shaped around the tooth in order to repair minor chips in the tooth or close small gaps.It is a reversible procedure and last 3-5 years.However, it is only suitable for small defects.Composite resin can discolour so it’s a good idea to avoid smoking and drinking too much coffee and red wine and maintaining a good oral hygiene is necessary.
Are Gappy, Crowded or Crooked Teeth holding you back from Smiling but you don’t like the idea of wearing ‘train tracks’ or a metal brace? If so, Invisalign may be the answer.
Invisalign Treatment works by realigning your teeth with a series of removable, almost invisible ,clear aligners which have been custom manufactured specifically for you. The series of aligners are periodically replaced to gradually move your teeth into the required position and ultimately to straighten your teeth.
Invisalign treatment has minimal impact on your daily routine and easily fits into whatever lifestyle you lead. It is a non invasive treatment requiring no removal of any tooth structure and causes minimal discomfort and pain. The removable nature of the aligners means you can eat and drink normally and it is also easy to keep your mouth healthy and clean whilst undergoing treatment.
Unlike metal braces, the clear aligners and hardly visible so nobody will even notice you’re wearing them.
So if you’re looking to invisibly transform your appearance and your smile, Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces and may be the ideal treatment choice for you.
Want to know more…give us a call or drop us a line. We’re here to help advise you on the treatment choice that’s right for you.
To mark National Smile Month 2011, we’re holding an Exclusive Invisalign Event with some great special offers available on the evening.
Contact us for more details
Maybe you thought that wearing a brace was confined to teenagers but not anymore. An increasing number of adults are undergoing Orthdontics or dental treatments to straighten their teeth. Wearing a brace can also be used in instances where there are gaps or spaces between teeth, overcrowding or overlapping of teeth and even and realign teeth to achieve a straighter smile.
There are many Teeth Straightening Treatments and Orthodontic options available from your cosmetic dentists ranging from traditional orthodontics to the latest techniques which are referred to as accelerated orthodontics.
Some of these include:
- Traditional Metal Braces-These are wire and bracket ‘train tracks’ which are placed on the front of your teeth to straighten them. They work by creating a force to your teeth which gradually moves them into the required position.Traditional orthodontics (as this treatment is known)can take up to three years
- Invisalign-These are almost invisible, clear aligners (or retainers as they are sometimes called) which can be easily removed, comfortable to wear and require minimal maintainenance. They work by gradually moving your teeth into the required position and straightening and realigning them over several months.The advantage of this treatment is the shorter time frame as compared with traditional metal braces.The average Invisalign treatment is between twelve to eighteen month
- Lingual Braces-Made from small metal brackets, these are braces which are worn on the backs of the teeth and as such, they are not as obvious and visible as the ‘wire and bracket’ braces
You might regret having missed out on having your teeth straightened as a teenager or maybe you did wear a brace but it didn’t quite work and you were disappointed with the result.However, it’s never too late to consider teeth straightening dentistry treatments and you’re never too old to wear a brace, especially with all the invisible braces available today.
The beauty of the more modern techniques compared with the traditional and more prominent metal braces of the past is thay are so much more aesthetically acceptable.
With so many options and choices in cosmetic dental treatments for straightening your teeth , nobody need ever know you are wearing a ‘brace’ on your teeth!
There have been many new developments in the field of cosmetic dentistry and in particular, the area of replacing missing teeth with dental implants.
Dental implants are an easy way of replacing a missing tooth or a broken tooth.
Having missing teeth can have a massive impact on how you look and feel and your overall self confidence.This can be addressed by replacing your missing tooth or teeth with permanent teeth or a dental implant. Dental implants are basically artificial teeth that look like real teeth and are permanently fixed into the jaw to replace your original missing tooth or teeth. The artificial tooth looks and acts like a normal tooth and can last many years as long as it is properly looked after.
The procedure of placing a dental implant occurs in several stages. Firstly, the metal connectors are planted into a pre-drilled socket in the jaw and after this, artificial teeth are attached to them. The procedure does not affect the other teeth in any way and it should result in a tooth that is indistinguishable from the real teeth surrounding it.
Once a person gets a dental implant, it is important that they keep visiting their cosmetic dentist in order to avoid any complications. Another important point after the dental implant is that it is vital to keep the implant clean by carrying out proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing regularly and using mouthwash.
Are you fed up of your discoloured, yellow and stained teeth? Do you wish you had a whiter more radiant and younger looking smile?If so, you don’t need expensive cosmetic dentistry to change your teeth and smile.A visit to your cosmetic dentist to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a laser teeth whitening procedure may be the answer.
The latest laser teeth whitening technology is used for whitening your teeth in as little as an hour at a clinic and the results can be almost immediate with your teeth being substantially lightened up to several shades whiter.
There are so many products out there that promise to whiten your teeth: whitening toothpastes, whitening pens, home remedies and home whitening kits which can be bought in shops or overthe internet.Exercise caution and be careful when purchasing such products as they don’t always produce satisfactory results and you have no way of knowing whether they may end up damaging your teeth and gums. Laser tooth whitening or tray whitening carried out by a cosmetic dentist is a far more reliable and safer method if you are wanting whiter teeth and considering teeth whitening treatments.
The dental procedure for power or laser tooth whitening is effective, safe and painless. A dental strength whitening gel is applied to your teeth by your cosmetic dentist following which, your teeth are exposed to a special laser which activates the bleaching or whitening agent of the gel. This bleaching reaction results in your teeth being safely whitened under the supervision of a dentist who can monitor the process to achieve the best results.When carried out properly and depending on each individual, teeth can lighten by between six to ten shades.
If you want whiter teeth and are hoping to impress everyone with a dazzling smile, then talk to your cosmetic dentist about laser teeth whitening. And remember,once you get a white smile, maintain and look after it with good hygiene and regular brushing at home and by visiting the dental hygienist.
Nowadays, more than ever, people are searching for different ways to improve the appearance of their teeth, straighten their teeth and ultimately, improve their smile. Although there are many over-the-counter products and other questionable methods available, the safest and most affordable method for having a white, beautiful smile is through visiting the cosmetic dentist.
One of the best cosmetic dental procedures for improving cracked, chipped or discoloured teeth or correcting uneven teeth and different sized teeth is via dental veneers. Cosmetic dentals veneers are custom made according to the shape, colour and size of the affected tooth. They come in different thicknesses, ranging anywhere from 0.5 millimetres thick to 1 millimetre thick. The best part about dental veneers is that they are available in a wide variety of materials like resin, acrylic or porcelain. Depending on your budget, you can choose the most appropriate material.
Dental veneers are thin facings just like the shell of the enamel and are placed directly over the top and front of the affected tooth. Dental veneers are transparent and blend easily with the affected tooth, making it look healthy, real and better in appearance. Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment suitable for those people who have worn-out, chipped, cracked, stained or crooked teeth.
It is important to consult, discuss and take advice from your cosmetic dentist before the dental treatment. Additionally, you should also ask for proper maintenance tips after the dental veneer treatment is over.
Not everyone is blessed with a perfect smile and pearly white teeth. While some people are fortunate enough to shine confidently when they smile, there are many people who may worry about showing their teeth when smiling due to an unattractive set of teeth or dental problems. One of the many reasons you may be shy of smiling is if you have crooked teeth. Fortunately, this can be addressed with cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics.
What is orthodontics?
Dental braces, or orthodontics as they are sometimes known, are used by dentists to treat crooked teeth. Braces or orthodontics are available in different designs, depending on the purpose they will be used for and the material from which they are made. The different types of orthodontics include traditional metal braces, invisalign and inman aligners.
Why do people need to use braces?
Structural errors of the bite and teeth can result in problems that cause the jaws and teeth to become painful. Besides this, structural dental flaws can affect people’s emotional wellbeing and their confidence. For this reason, it is important that these problems are solved and this is best done through the use orthodontics.
Orthodontics are most commonly thought of as something for children and teenagers. However, of late, many adults have also begun to go opt for orthodontics and braces. If you are thinking of undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is best to consult a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist for their professional opinion.
Properly carried out, orthodontics can lead to perfectly aligned teeth which you will not have to worry about when you smie.
