King’s College London has placed dentistry in the spotlight as its highly regarded Dental Institute, which is renowned for its cutting edge innovation and research, scooped three accolades at the recent Medical Futures Innovation Awards.
One of the awards, Best Education Innovation, was bestowed for developing a virtual reality dental chair system which is aimed at helping teach our new generation of trainee dentists. The system utilises a sense of touch dental drill, foot pedal, mirror and screen allowing the trainee dentist to simulate real life dental procedures by operating on virtual 3D teeth.
Research team leader, Professor Margaret Cox said the system had been evaluated over a two year period with over 320 undergraduates and 30 postgraduates. During this time, it had demonstrated great potential in enhancing clinical skills and assessment, thereby lending itself to a considerable global impact on the dental profession and the patients who may go on to benefit from dental treatment.
Professor Cox was also awarded with an additional accolade, the Special Award for Best Educational Innovation. This award recognises an individual or team that has demonstrated a novel and outstanding initiative that has made a positive impact in healthcare learning amongst students at any level.
The technical and educational expertise and knowledge of the team behind the ‘Virtual Reality Dental Chair’ will benefit further research in medical sense-touch applications and may pave the way for future development of systems to provide therapy for stroke victims and educational aids for children with learning difficulties.
Want to know more about teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry? Ask your cosmetic dentist today.
Thinking about Cosmetic Dentistry but maybe you feel it’s pandering to vanity?
Think again-a beautiful smile, whether you receive it or give it, signals many messages at many levels- joy and happiness, empathy and understanding, bonding and love. It is your window to the world, a connection with the people you interact with, an insight into who you are.
A good Cosmetic Dentist views his skills as an art as well as a science and should aim to deliver to each individual their own unique smile of their dreams. Advances in cosmetic dentistry procedures have been possible as a result of technological breakthroughs in equipment and dental techniques as well as development of modern day dental materials and better access to advanced training skills and learning.
All this has made it possible for the best cosmetic dentists to give you the beautiful smile you may only ever have dreamt of. And a brighter, white and younger looking smile is now more affordable and attainable than it is has ever been.
Your smile can be improved through a variety of cosmetic dental treatments such as porcelain dental veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants and teeth straightening procedures. Many dental treatments serve not only to change the look of your teeth and improve the appearance of a smile but also to address poor health of your teeth and gums.
With so many dental treatment choices available today, it is possible to have a healthy and beautiful smile.
Want to know more about cosmetic dentistry? Ask your cosmetic dentist today.
Wearing a brace has traditionally been associated with teenagers but this in no longer the case. A growing number of Orthodontics or dental treatments to straighten their teeth are carried out on adults and more mature individuals today.
There are many Orthodontic and Tooth Aligning Treatments being offered by cosmetic dentists ; These can range from traditional orthodontics(the old fashioned metal ‘train tracks’ ) to the most advanced and up to date treatments.
The Range of Tooth Straightening Treatments including the latest techniques are outlined below:
- Metal Braces(Also known as Traditional Orthodontics) are bracket and wire and bracket devices which are placed on the front of teeth to straighten and realign them. They work by generating gradual force on your teeth which moves them into the desired alignment and position.This type of orthodontics can take up to three years to achieve the required results.
- Lingual Braces are invisible as they are worn on the backs of your teeth. They are fixed in place with small metal brackets, similar to ‘wire and bracket’ traditional braces but are not on display on the fronts of your teeth
- Invisalign-Almost invisible and clear, these are retainers or aligners which are comfortable to wear, easily removable for eating and drinking and are low maintenance. They also work by slowly moving your teeth into the necessary position, aligning and straightening them over a shorter time frame than metal brackets ie:several months rather than years.The advantage of Invisalign treatment is the shorter time span compared with train tracks or metal braces.The average Invisalign treatment is approximately twelve to eighteen months.
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 they are so much more aesthetically acceptable.
Wearing a brace is also utilised to straighten spaces or gaps between teeth, on overcrowded or overlapping teeth and often to straighten crooked smile.With your cosmetic dentist and orthodontist now offering so many options and choices in cosmetic dentistry treatments for straightening teeth , nobody need ever know you are wearing a ‘brace’ at all.
If you are looking for a quick fix boost to make you look younger and give you that instant wow factor, tooth whitening may be the answer for you. Laser teeth whitening has become an increasingly sought after treatment recently and is a great way to change the colour of your teeth as well as being more cost-effective than many other procedures, dental or otherwise. Laser tooth whitening usually gives good results whereby it is possible for peopl with yellowish-brown and unsightly teeth to transform their smiles to a whiter, brighter and more dazzling smile.
Laser teeth whitening is also widely referred to as power bleaching and when done properly and with the correct concentration of whitening or bleaching product, is carried out by a cosmetic dentist in the dental surgery to achieve effective results.The results of a good laser teeth whitening treatment procedure should last for several years if you take good care of your teeth and are particular about the foods you include and exclude within your diet.
Laser teeth whitening is not a complicated procedure and usually painless and comfortable producing noticeable white teeth and impressive results in a limited period if you are short on time. This makes it a popular cosmetic dentistry procedures with many dental patients and is one of the main reasons it is so frequently requested in the dental clinic.
The Laser teeth whitening treatment involves the dental hygienist(or in some cases the dentist) cleaning the teeth thoroughly to remove build up of any plaque, following which the gums and lips are isolated utilising a rubber dam or similar device before commencing with the teeth whitening treatment.
The cosmetic dentist uses a special light activated laser in this treatment as this is what helps accelerate and promote the oxidation of the gel which in turn whitens the teeth.The gel is applied to the teeth,then activated using the laser and the procedure usually takes no more than an hour in the dental chair.The results of laser teeth whitening are immediate and there are usually few side effects other than tooth sensitivity which can sometimes be experienced by some individuals; However, this should not be a reason to avoid tooth whitening as this side effect is easily treated with sensitive toothpaste and mild painkillers.
Many individuals have discovered the secret to a more radiant appearance and a more attractive smile as they request laser teeth whitening treatment to help them whiten their teeth and gain a youthful and beautiful new look.
Developments and advances in the cosmetic dentistry mean there is now the availability of a vast array of dental treatments which can help address every type of cosmetic defect to your teeth and smile.
One of the most widely used treatments in cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers is the use of Porcelain veneers to change the shape, size, orientation and appearance of teeth.
Dental veneers are slithers or fingernails of porcelain which are attached to the surface of the teeth. They are used like a thin layer on tooth surface to hide cracks, repair damage, change colour or create a new shape or size to a tooth. They are often also used to fill gaps or spaces between a tooth.
For people who are unhappy with their smiles, dental veneers and crowns are often utilised in smile makeovers. Wax models of the teeth are taken and new veneers or crowns can be created using these models. The new veneers or crowns can be made to look natural, aesthetic and of a very high quality and achieve a great result in a smile transformation.
For patients who cannot undertake laser tooth whitening treatment, dental veneer are also an altrnative to achieve whiter teeth. The chosen shade of white is selected for the dental veneers which are then fixed or attached directly onto the tooth surface to change the colour of the existing teeth.
Dental veneers are available in porcelain and composite. Porcelain dental veneers can last for up to 15 years with good dental aftercare.
Visit our cosmetic dentistry website for more information on dental veneers and smile makeovers or call 01332 675000
Think you need traditional braces to straighten your teeth?
Think again- long gone are the days when a mouthful of uncomfortable metal and endless painful trips to the orthodontist was the only way you were going to get rid of those buck teeth or that unattractive smile.
With the latest advances in dental technology such as Invisalign Treatment it is now possible to have straighter teeth at any age and achieve it without anyone even knowing you’re wearing a ‘brace’ on your teeth.
Invisalign involves custom made aligners and a tray system which you wear over your teeth. The trays are changed every few weeks to slowly move your teeth into the required position over time.
The Invisalign Trays are kept in place over the teeth during the day and each set is changed over time for a new and different set or tray system hence slowly moving teeth into a straighter position.
The trays can be removed for eating, drinking or cleaning of teeth and is a comfortable and aesthetically suitable option for all age groups, young and old.
If Invisalign is not a suitable option for you for whatever reason, there are other ‘invisible’ teeth straightening options available such as Lingual Braces. This is a fixed (metal) brace that sits behind or inside the teeth thereby making them completely invisible. They cannot be removed for eating, drinking or cleaning of teeth but some people prefer this type of brace to the traditional metal ‘train tracks’ or traditional braces for cosmetic and aestehtic reasons.
For further information or advice on Invisalign, Lingual braces and teeth straightening treatments our cosmetic dentists will be happy to advise you on your treatment options
Our teeth play an important function in our lives and our smiles speak volumes about the messages we convey. Without our teeth, we would be unable to appreciate the various delicious cuisines that the world has to offer us and without our smiles, we would not be able to communicate effectively or connect with people around us.
Nobody wants to display chipped, crooked teeth or discoloured teeth or a not so beautiful smile these days.
If you have missing teeth, there are so many more options to replace them other than a denture and one of the most advanced and permanent solutions is a dental implant.
There are different types of implants that people can opt for, but regardless of the type of dental implant you have, it is extremely important to take proper care of them.
Below are a few simple guidelines and points related to dental implants:
• They require care and attention like you would for your normal teeth and this means regular brushing, flossing, cleaning and checkups at the dentist.
• The toothbrush you use is very important: Use a special interdental brush or a small sized toothbrush as these are perfect for cleaning the abutments of your implants.
• It is also important to known which foods to avoid and which are healthy. Just as with your natural teeth, foods with too much sugar are not recommended on a regular basis as they can lead to the development of acids which can damage your gums and teeth and also your implants.
It is vital that you develop good oral hygiene habits and a maintenance routine at home and with your dentist.Good maintenance is vitally important as this will prolong the lifespan of your dental implants.
If you are considering dental implant treatment as an option for replacing missing teeth, you would be wise to do some research and homework so you are aware what this dental treatment procedure entails.
Below are the answers to some of your questions about dental implants:
What Is A Dental Implant?
A metal (usually titanium) rod inserted into the bone in your jaw in order to secure the replacement artificial tooth in place.
Can Anyone Have A Dental Implant?
You need to have sufficient oral bone density to securely hold the implant in place. Often, your implant dentist will carry out an X ray to check your jawbone and your other mouth and tooth structure to get an accurate picture of your mouth and your teeth.
Do I Need A General Anaesthetic?
Not usually-dental implant surgery can be carried by an implant dentist using local anaesthetic in the dental surgery without having to go into hospital or be asleep for the treatment procedure. For very nervous dental patients, sedation is also an option.
What Happens During and After 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.
What are the Likely Side-effects and Complications?
Side-effects are usually temporary and may include some pain, discomfort or swelling around the region where the implant has been placed, which is normal and to be expected.
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. Your implant dentist may recommend antibiotics or an antiseptic mouthwash to minimise the risk of infection of your dental implant.
Dental implants in Derby are available at Oakwood Dental Centre and The Cosmetic White Smiles Clinic.
Having dental implants fitted is a dentistry procedure that can help people who have lost teeth.
Losing teeth, especially when you are an adult, can be very discomforting and can cause confidence issues in some cases. Dental implants can successfully help you to regain a full set of teeth, ensuring that you have that perfect smile once again. But you must ensure that you approach a professional dental surgeon to ensure the best results.
Dental implants are artificially made teeth, which replace your natural teeth. The implant is anchored into a drilled socket in your jaw-bone. The implant is made of titanium which can integrate easily with the surrounding bone tissue. Once completed, the implants can take some time to heal, so it is vital that you listen to your dentist’s instructions on how to take care of the dental implant after the procedure.
Dental implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth and the success rate of dental implant surgery is very high. So if you are looking for a solution to regain a full set of natural looking teeth, they may offer you the perfect solution.
A missing tooth can lead to embarrassing situations and can subject an individual to being on the receiving end of people’s laughter and jokes. Often, a missing tooth can not only be detrimental to how you appear, it can also change your speech.
If you find yourself in this embarrassing situation and need advice on how to address the issue, visit a cosmetic dentist and discuss the possibility of a dental implant.
Dental implants are artificially manufactured, natural looking teeth which are fitted permanently into your jawbone to replace missing teeth. Dental implants resemble natural teeth so much that it can often be impossible to distinguish between a dental implant and a natural tooth, even for the individual with the dental implant.
The procedure for obtaining a dental implant requires the consultation of an implant specialist. The procedure requires a small connecting screw or metal rod to be fixed to your jaw. Once this is integrated and fixed, the dental implant is fixed to the metal connecter. The dental implant can be either permanently fixed or removable, depending on your choices.
A dental implant should last for many years with good aftercare.
It should not only restore proper chewing and a healthy looking set of teeth but also address any speech problems you may have experienced.
A good after care regimen of flossing and proper cleaning should be followed after a dental implant has been fitted.
