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Natural-Looking Implants: A Long Term Solution for Missing Teeth

October 6th, 2015

At Liverpool Dental Spa we offer a range of tooth replacement treatments, including natural-looking dental implants.

Dental implants represent a long-term solution for lost teeth and enable you to enjoy all the same benefits of a strong and healthy natural tooth.

All about dental implants

Dental implants are made from titanium and their purpose is to replace the root of a missing tooth. The implant sits in a socket in the jaw bone and is able to become part of the bone tissue thanks to a process called osseointegration.

Once the process is complete, a new restoration can be attached and this replaces the crown section of the tooth. One of the many benefits of dental implants is they are compatible with a range of different restorations and this means they are suitable for most patients.

Implant treatment takes between 3 and 9 months and the result is a natural looking, strong and functional new tooth or set of teeth.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants are the best long-term option for replacing missing teeth and they also offer many additional benefits, including excellent aesthetics, enhanced bite power and durability. Implants are easy to maintain and act like natural teeth, so you have complete peace of mind and can enjoy eating and socialising with confidence. Implants also help to reduce bone loss and they can be fitted to crowns, dentures or a dental bridge, making them hugely versatile.

Incredible Results with Porcelain Veneers

October 2nd, 2015

Porcelain veneers from Liverpool dentists allow you to be proud of your smile

Having uneven, damaged or stained teeth can leave you feeling reticent about smiling.  Given that smiling is a vital social tool to put your friends and colleagues at ease when you are interacting with them, it is vital that you deal with any problems stopping you from smiling.  Porcelain veneers can be fitted over these problem teeth to give you a natural looking smile that you will want to show off.

The best thing about modern porcelain veneers is they can now be fitted with incredible speed, allowing you to get on with your life without having to worry about lengthy procedures.  The use of CEREC techniques allows porcelain veneers to be constructed in only six minutes.  These processes use the efficiency of 3D digital x-rays, the data from which is sent to an online milling machine, which constructs the new veneer ready to fit.

Your dentist is able to match the veneer to the colour of your surrounding teeth, right down to the tone and the texture.  This gives an incredibly natural look to your porcelain veneers and no-one will even know they are not your natural teeth.

Another advance in technology means that the porcelain used for these veneers is incredibly thin.  This has a number of benefits.  If the veneer is being fitted over an existing tooth, less of it will potentially have to be shaved off to fit the veneer.  In many cases nothing at all has to be removed of the existing tooth.  This means that the process can often be reversible.  As such some of these veneers have come to be known as ‘contact lenses for teeth’.

Looking for a Liverpool dentist? Liverpool Dental Spa dentists are here to help.

There is no longer any need to be ashamed of your uneven, stained or damaged teeth. Contact your Liverpool dentist today to get more information about how porcelain veneers can restore the brilliance of your smile in a quick and easy procedure that produces lasting results.

5 Dental Tips to Carry You Into the Autumn Months

September 28th, 2015

Summer days are fading away and autumn is approaching. If you want to enjoy a bright and healthy smile, here are five top tips to carry you into the autumn:

Book a dental check: if you’re due a check-up, the new season is the perfect time to call and arrange an appointment. We offer flexible opening times and will happily see members of your family at the same time. Check-ups are quick and if you get the all-clear, you won’t have to come back and see us for another six months!
Swap your toothbrush: if you haven’t swapped your toothbrush or replaced the head of your electric brush for a while, the arrival of autumn is a good excuse to treat yourself. Ideally, we recommend replacing brushes every 3-4 months. This helps to ensure effective cleaning, as worn bristles don’t work as well as new ones.
Hone your brushing skills: this autumn, set yourself a goal to improve your daily oral hygiene regime and step up your efforts when it comes to brushing and flossing. If you need any advice or any help at all, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of dentists and dental hygienists.
Book a hygiene session: many people assume that they need to be suffering with painful gums or bad breath in order to see a dental hygienist, but our hygiene services are accessible to all and we strongly recommend an annual session, even for those with healthy teeth. Seeing a hygienist provides you with a really deep clean, which will banish any bacteria, plaque and tartar and also polish your teeth to give your smile a lovely sparkle.
Cut down on sugary foods: research shows that many people consume too much sugar and this is contributing to high rates of dental decay. The World Health Organisation recommends a daily intake of just six teaspoons of sugar. We also recommend avoiding acidic foods and drinks where possible, as the acids weaken and erode tooth enamel.

Defeating Decay: Focus on Fluoride

September 24th, 2015

At Liverpool Dental Spa, one of our main concerns is fighting dental decay and we encourage our patients to take steps to protect their teeth from cavities and keep harmful bacteria at bay. Here are some of the measures we recommend for strong, healthy teeth:

Preventative treatments

We offer a selection of preventative dental treatments designed to protect your teeth from decay, including fluoride varnish and fissure sealant treatment. Fluoride varnish treatment takes minutes and there is absolutely no pain involved. Fluoride is simply painted onto the tooth enamel to strengthen it. Fissure sealant treatment is also really straightforward. It involves creating a sealant barrier between bacteria and the tiny cracks and pits in the tooth surface. It’s very simple, it’s completely painless and it only takes a few minutes. We simply apply sealant to the tooth and then set it using a bright light beam.

Fluoride toothpaste

We recommend fluoride toothpaste for adults and children (children aged under 7 years old should use specially designed children’s toothpaste products, which contain a smaller amount of fluoride). Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in water and added to water supplies in some areas of the country. Fluoride has oral health benefits as it helps to make the enamel stronger and protect the teeth from cavities. Always follow the usage instructions carefully when brushing.

A good oral hygiene regime

A good oral hygiene regime makes a massive difference to your oral health and the good news is, it only takes five minutes a day to give your teeth a good clean and polish. We recommend brushing your teeth each morning and evening for around two minutes each time using fluoride toothpaste and a brush with a small head and soft or medium bristles. We also advise you to use inter-dental brushes or floss to clean between your teeth.

A healthy diet

Your diet is heavily linked to your risk of decay, so keep an eye on what you eat, particularly when it comes to sugar consumption. Avoid sugary and acidic foods, especially between meals and always wait at least 60 minutes after eating to brush your teeth.

What Happens When You Don’t Visit the Dentist

September 22nd, 2015

Surveys show that many people wait longer than the recommended time to see a dentist. We strongly recommend six monthly check-ups for children and adults in order to prevent oral disease and keep the teeth and gums healthy.

What happens if you don’t see a dentist on a regular basis?

It’s really important to see a dentist on a regular basis, even if you haven’t got any pain and your teeth and gums feel fine. Regular check-ups allow us to spot early warning signs of gum disease, decay, bad breath and even oral cancer and this means that we can provide treatment quickly to prevent the situation from getting worse and save you from suffering.

If you avoid going to the dentist or keep forgetting to book that all-important check-up, your risk of dental disease will increase and you might end up paying more for dental treatment, as complex courses of treatment are more expensive than routine treatments. There is also a risk of staining and discolouration, which may affect your confidence.

There is also a great deal of evidence to support a link between oral and general health and avoiding the dentist may actually increase your risk of general health problems, as well as oral disease. Studies show that gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Nervous patients at Liverpool Dental Spa

Dental anxiety is one of the main reasons people steer clear of the dentist. At Liverpool Dental Spa, we have expertise in caring for anxious and nervous patients and we promise to make you feel comfortable and to help you overcome your fears so that you are able to come and see us again in the future without any worries or fears.

If you’re due a check-up, now is the time to call and book an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Mental Health Problems Associated with Sleep Apnoea

September 18th, 2015

Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder that requires careful management. In the most severe cases, sleep apnoea can be fatal and it is essential that patients who display symptoms of this disorder receive the appropriate support and treatment. Sleep apnoea is characterised by periods of interrupted breathing that occurs as a result of the airway becoming blocked.

If you suffer from sleep apnoea, this can have a major bearing on the quality of your sleep, and frequent disturbed nights can soon take their toll on your physical and mental health.

Sleep apnoea and mental health

Anyone who experiences disturbed sleep patterns, insomnia or a lack of sleep on a frequent basis are at risk of experiencing problems related to both their physical and mental health. We need sleep to recover, rest and regenerate and without it, we start to suffer. In the short-term, a lack of sleep may contribute to daytime tiredness and lack of motivation, energy and concentration. In the long-term, disrupted sleep may increase the risk of stress, anxiety and depression. Sleep problems can also cause issues in relationships.

The chances of depression may also be elevated by a lack of oxygen reaching the brain as a result of sleep apnoea, which causes reduced air flow while you sleep.

What can be done for sleep apnoea?

There are various treatment options for sleep apnoea and the type of treatment usually depends on the cause and severity of the individual case. In minor cases, lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, losing weight and giving up smoking may be sufficient to ease symptoms. In moderate cases, using a mandibular advancement device may help. This device moves the lower jaw forward slightly, increasing air flow while you sleep. In the most severe cases, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) may be recommended. This involves wearing a breathing mask while you sleep.

Which is the Best Tooth Straightening Method for Me?

September 16th, 2015

If you search online for information about braces, the likelihood is you’ll be greeted with hundreds of links to all kinds of different pages talking about the countless orthodontic options available today. The good news is there’s a huge range of choices available to patients, but the bad news is that this can make choosing the right method a little tricky. Fortunately, that’s where we come in. Our experienced dentists will be able to narrow down your options and help you to make the perfect choice.

Which treatments are available?

We are proud to offer an extensive collection of orthodontic treatments and our range caters for patients with all kinds of orthodontic issues, from minor crowding and slightly crooked front teeth, to complex issues related to the bite. We offer removable, fixed, invisible and fast-acting treatments in addition to lingual braces that sit behind the teeth.

Our treatment list goes as follows:

  • Invisalign
  • Inman Aligner
  • Perfect Clear
  • Six Month Smiles
  • Damon Braces
  • Clearstep
  • CFast
  • MTM No Trace lingual braces

Which method is best for me?

It’s impossible to say which treatment method would suit you best without assessing your dental needs and discussing your treatment goals with you. This is why consultations are so important. When you come in for a chat, we will have a good look at your mouth, analyse your bite and assess the nature and severity of your orthodontic problems. Once we have this information, we can talk to you about what kinds of features you would prefer (for example, some people prefer a removable brace if this is viable) and this will enable us to draw up a shortlist. We can then talk you through the options available to you and consider each one in detail to make sure you have all the information you need to make a decision.

What To Do When You Lose An Aligner

September 14th, 2015

We are proud to be a leading Invisalign provider in the North West and our experienced dentists have already helped hundreds of people to achieve beaming, beautiful smiles using this innovative technique. If you’re interested in Invisalign aligner treatment or you’re looking for an invisible means of straightening out orthodontic problems, here is a brief guide to tell you everything you need to know about Invisalign:

Invisalign: a brief overview

Invisalign is a clear brace system that uses a series of bespoke transparent plastic aligners to gently straighten the teeth. Each patient is presented with a set of aligners, fabricated according to a personalised treatment plan. The movement of the teeth is plotted using state of the art software and each aligner is worn for two weeks. Invisalign offers an alternative to fixed braces for those with minor or moderate orthodontic issues and it is a very popular choice for teenagers and adults who wish to enjoy treatment in secret. As well as providing invisible aesthetics, Invisalign aligners are also comfortable and convenient, as you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth and drink.

What happens if I lose an aligner?

We all lose things from time to time and it can be very frustrating when we can’t for the life of us find what we’re looking for. With Invisalign, it is possible to replace lost aligners, but it can take time as the aligners are custom-made at the Invisalign laboratory in America. If you can’t find an aligner, stay calm and retrace your steps. If you’ve been eating, drinking or cleaning your teeth, you may find that you’ve popped your aligner down in the kitchen or by the bathroom sink. We recommend calling us as soon as you can if you have misplaced an aligner so we can advise you on what to do and order a new aligner for you if necessary.

The Top 3 Features of Damon Braces

September 10th, 2015

If ever there was an example of how far orthodontics has come it’s Damon Braces. This advanced orthodontic system offers an innovative alternative to traditional fixed braces for those with complex issues that require significant tooth movement. If you’re interested in Damon Braces, here are three key features to make your decision nice and easy:

Sliding brackets: Damon Braces feature unique sliding brackets, which are easier to clean and maintain than traditional square brackets. Often, wearing braces increases the risk of oral health diseases, as bacteria and food debris become trapped in the bands, brackets and wires. With this treatment, you can enjoy good oral health, as well as easy cleaning.

Self-ligating technology: Damon Braces work quickly and comfortably. They use friction-free self-ligating technology to accelerate the movement of the teeth and reduce treatment times, while also minimising discomfort. The forces, which are generated by the wires and brackets, are powerful yet gentle. These braces are also free from metal and elastic ties, reducing the chance of sore gums and irritation.

Subtle aesthetics: many people worry about having braces because of the aesthetic impact on their smile. However, with Damon Braces this is not a concern. Damon Braces are much finer and more delicate than traditional train-track braces and the brackets are made from ceramic, which is designed to match the natural tooth shade. Although the braces are not invisible like clear aligners, they are much more discreet than most other fixed braces and they are barely noticeable when you smile.

To find out if Damon Braces are the perfect choice for you, call now and book your consultation.

The Most Popular Smile Makeover Options

September 8th, 2015

At Liverpool Dental Spa, we are tremendously proud of our bespoke smile makeover service. We offer a veritable array of treatments that come together to bring about a stunning transformation and ensure you feel confident every time you smile. If you’re conscious about the appearance of your teeth, have been hiding your smile away for a long time or want to impress at a special event in the coming months, why not call us and find out about our stunning smile makeovers?

What exactly is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover is made up of a combination of dental treatments and the aim is to create a brand new, beautiful smile. The makeover is designed to address existing flaws and enhance the natural beauty of your teeth to achieve the smile of your dreams. We understand that every patient is different and this is why we offer a tailor-made service. Every makeover we create is different and we always engage the client in the planning process to make sure that we are working towards their vision of the perfect smile.

We have an extensive selection of treatments at our disposal and we can find a solution for a host of dental issues, including missing, crooked and broken teeth, staining, chips, misshapen teeth and gummy smiles.

During the planning stage, we will chat to you at length about the options and carry out some basic examinations to determine which treatments would be most beneficial for you.

The most popular smile makeover options

We can include a diverse range of treatments in a smile makeover, but the most popular options include:

  • porcelain veneers and crowns
  • white fillings
  • cosmetic bonding
  • teeth whitening
  • gum contouring

We also offer restorative treatments including bridges, dentures and dental implants and a host of cosmetic braces such as Invisalign, the Inman Aligner, Six Month Smiles and lingual braces.

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6 Dentistry Awards!

Winners for National UK Award

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team

Winners for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team
  • > 2008 Best Dental Practice

Finalists for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Practice
  • > 2008 Best Dental Team

Finalist & Highly Commended for

  • > 2007 Best Young Dentist Dr Marius McGovern