Liverpool implants blog

Dental Bridges To “Bridge The Gap” For Patients In Liverpool

November 8th, 2012

Dental bridges are used to replace a single or multiple teeth to restore the natural and healthy smile damaged by teeth loss. Dental bridges do not require partial denture or dental implants to be fixed in the mouth.

Bridges come in several forms and can be made out of several different kinds of materials. The choice of material depends on the overall oral heath, location of the lost teeth and the strength of the teeth that are located adjacent to the area where the tooth has been lost from.

Types of bridges

Traditional fixed bridge: This type of bridge is used when there is a healthy tooth on both sides of the tooth gap. The false tooth known as “pontic” is fused between two crowns and is then attached to the healthy teeth on both the sides. These bridges can be taken out of the mouth just like partial dentures can be removed.

Cantilever bridge: If the location of the tooth that has been lost falls in the area where stress is comparatively less, for example the front teeth area, cantilever bridges could be used. Also if there is a healthy tooth only on one side of the lost tooth area Cantilever bridges could be used, as the crown will be placed on one or more natural tooth on one side.

Maryland bridge: Maryland bridges have become very popular since they require very few adjustments to be done on the surrounding teeth during the placement of the bridge. They are made out of special resins which are attached to the enamel of the teeth and a metal frame. Due to the structure of the bridge, they are much stronger than their conventional counterparts. Additionally, the inner part of the tooth called the dentin will remain unexposed due to the minimal adjustment requirements. This minimises the probability of experiencing sensitivity in the teeth after the completion of the procedure. The teeth surrounding the lost tooth do not have to be altered with this type of bridge and the procedure is generally reversible.

For more information on dental bridges please contact Liverpool Dental Spa today!

Tags: Dental bridge, Dental bridge Liverpool, liverpool, missing teeth treatment
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My Invisalign Journey – Week 2

November 7th, 2012

Hi everyone, I’ve noticed quite a few changes with my teeth over this past week since wearing the Invisalign aligners and the good news is they no longer feel as tight. In fact the top set are feeling fairly loose now, which is a good sign and means my teeth have moved. It’s only a few days now until I move on to tray two which is pretty exciting!

Yesterday, I went back into the Liverpool Dental Spa practice for a check-up and to get my next few trays. I have four sets now and the idea is you are given a few so you don’t have to keep coming into the practice all the time.

I can’t rave enough about how fantastic their dental practice looks. The stylish décor definitely makes you think you’re at a spa or a beauty parlour rather than at a dentist. The tropical fish tank and clean open space of the waiting area make it look really peaceful and put your mind at rest.

Take a look for yourself: http://pinterest.com/liverpooldental/welcome-to-our-practice/

Invisalign check-up

I was given a thorough check up by Marius who noticed that I have some swelling around the bottom set and he asked me if I had any experience of bleeding gums. I mentioned that I had noticed some bleeding when I had brushed my teeth, but it didn’t seem like anything major. I was given some special toothpaste, mouthwash and gel to help treat the areas, which hopefully will help.

Personal cleaning

You have to be quite careful when cleaning with braces and Invisalign is no different in this respect. Plaque can build up on the gum line if you’re not careful to brush or floss properly – especially after eating. Which is why you’re encouraged to clean your teeth before putting the Invisalign aligners back onto your teeth.

Progress

Which reminds me, I can now floss inbetween my teeth properly! This might not sound like much but just last week my teeth were crowded and I couldn’t get the floss to reach properly to clean the areas. To my mind, just to be able to reach around the back of some of the teeth shows there has been a vast improvement already.

That’s it for now. For my next appointment I will hopefully get a look on the software as to what my teeth should look like after I’ve completed the treatment, which I will keep you all informed about.

In the next update I’ll talk about the second trays and any progress I’m having.

Tags: braces, Central Liverpool, City of Liverpool, cosmetic, dental, dental spa, dentist, Dentistry, Invisalign Liverpool, liverpool, liverpool dental spa, smile, smile makeover, Teeth Whitening
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Da Vinci Veneers-The Ultimate Thin Veneer Treatment For Patients In Liverpool

November 6th, 2012

For the last 25 years, Da Vinci Veneers has been a favourite choice for many who wanted to use veneers to get rid of their dental imperfections. The major difference between Da Vinci Veneers and other veneers is that they are thinner, last longer and offer greater resistance to chipping and stains.

There are many reasons that cause an individual to be dissatisfied with their smile and Da Vinci Veneers are capable of fixing many of these issues within just 2 or 3 visits to the dentist. Clients who have their teeth chipped, cracked or just need a new surface can benefit from Da Vinci Veneers. Stains on the teeth due to years of red wine and tobacco usage are very difficult to remove. Many times these cannot be completely removed by professional teeth whitening techniques. Even in such cases, Da Vinci Veneers can provide the desired solution. Teeth that have small gaps between them and teeth that are misaligned can also be fixed with the help of Da Vinci Veneers.

The Procedure

Firstly the dentist will analyse the smile and mouth of the patient. The main objective of this analysis is to ensure whether or not veneers are the best option to fix the problem. If the patient is a suitable candidate for Da Vinci Veneers then the dentist will discuss about the colour, shape and size of the veneers. This way the patient remains in charge of all the available choices.

Next the patient’s teeth will be prepared to receive veneers. This will involve the slight removal of enamel from the surface of the tooth. Pictures and impression of the teeth along with your preference for the colour, shape and size will then be sent to the Da Vinci laboratory in California where it’s fabricated. The patient will need to wait for two weeks before the Da Vinci veneers arrive, during this time the patient can wear temporary veneers. Two weeks later Da Vinci veneers will be secured to the teeth using dental cement. If you would like to discuss Da Vinci Veneers with us in more detail, contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa and be on your way to a whiter, brighter smile.

Tags: Da Vinci veneers, Da Vinci veneers Liverpool, liverpool, Porcelain veneers
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My Invisalign Journey – Week 1

November 1st, 2012

On Monday afternoon, I went to the Liverpool Dental Spa to have my first set of Invisalign aligners fitted. As soon as I was welcomed into the practice I was really impressed with the way I was treated as the whole dental team made me feel at ease. Everyone was very friendly and helpful about any questions I had.

Initial Impressions

I remember feeling nervous as I walked into the practice, but the peaceful music and tranquil atmosphere of their reception area soon put me at ease. It wasn’t until I was called into the treatment room that I realised what I was about to do. Thankfully Marius McGovern, owner of the practice asked me if I was ready to go ahead with the treatment and explained everything to me in detail; that I was to have 21 sets of aligners on my top teeth and 16 on the bottom set, meaning that I should finish treatment around November.

I closed my eyes as the six ‘buttons’ or attachments were bonded onto my teeth, but the process wasn’t painful, despite my initial panic over thinking they would look really noticeable. I promise you, they’re really not that easy to see!

The idea behind attachments is that they provide grip on the teeth and aid in their rotation, so they move into the correct place. There must have been about 10 minutes where these were bonded on, though I didn’t feel anything during this process.

After the attachments were fitted, I had the aligners placed onto my teeth and while I didn’t feel anything at first, I was aware that they fitted snugly onto my teeth and the sensation felt a bit like wearing a gum shield.

One of the dental nurses then brought a mirror over to me so I could have a look at my teeth with the aligners on. The first thing I noticed was the attachments on my teeth – but they were the same colour as my teeth and on closer inspection and barely noticeable. I was shown how to clean and maintain the Invisalign aligners and was asked to practise taking them on and off so I could get used to the feeling. It took a few minutes – but I got there!

We had a joke about Invisalign being the best diet to go on as people tend to avoid snacks and hot drinks when they’re wearing them. This is because hot drinks can warp the aligners and if you snack, you are then required to take them out and brush your teeth/aligners to avoid the build-up of food which can lead to plaque. With regard to cleaning the Invisalign aligners, I was advised to just use a bit of toothpaste on a toothbrush and rinse them out using cold water.

I was also given two sets of trays to store them in to keep them safe when they’re not in my mouth. One of the trays is red and one is blue. The blue one is for during the course of treatment and the red one is for previous aligners.

Here’s what it looks like:

It was a strange feeling taking them off at first and I thought they might snap if I pulled too hard – but I was told just to pull them off, from the left, right and then finally the centre to remove them. I was also advised that my teeth would feel sore with these aligners in for the first couple of days, as the teeth adapt and get used to wearing them.

Pain

At first I thought ‘this is easy’ and wondered what all the fuss was about. For me, the pain didn’t kick in until I’d been wearing the aligners for at least 2-3 hours. The pain wasn’t excruciating, but it felt like a dull ache on my bottom set of teeth – more annoying than anything else. I took two paracetamol however and the pain soon subsided. It did hurt to remove the aligners to eat though and the pain was pretty sharp and somewhat agonising when taking them on and off. I just kept on thinking to myself that it can only get better!

Day 1-2

I’m still finding it slightly difficult to adapt to these aligners. The pain taking them on and off is still there and it feels weird to taste the sensation of plastic in my mouth. I can’t get over how invisible they really are and so far no one has said anything about them or commented that they can see them.

Day 2-3

The aligners are becoming more comfortable and don’t hurt as much to take on or off. They’re getting easier to remove too – maybe my teeth have started adapting to them? The taste of plastic is still there, but I’m getting used to it. I am noticing that I’m lisping slightly, but nothing too obvious.

That’s it so far! So what are my overall thoughts about my first few days of using Invisalign?

I’m really impressed by how virtually invisible they are and now my teeth are adjusting it feels pretty comfortable – and not like wearing a brace at all. I have to wear the first set for about 10-14 days before moving onto the next tray and I’m already feeling pretty excited to see the results. Of course there is a lot of commitment involved – 22 hours of wear a day is required, but so far it’s not been as difficult as I at first imagined.

In the next update I will talk more about my progress during this first set of trays and how I’m adapting to it – plus whether I have seen any results yet.

Thank you Liverpool Dental Spa!

Tags: Central Liverpool, cosmetic, dental, invisalign, Invisalign Liverpool, liverpool, liverpool dental spa, smile makeover, Teeth Whitening, whitening
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Bone Grafting For Patients In Liverpool Needing Dental Implants

November 1st, 2012

Dental implants are the artificial replacement for tooth roots that are placed within the jaw bone. Patients wanting a dental implant would need sufficient bone mass to support the dental implant; otherwise the implant could possibly fail. In the past, patients who did not have sufficient bone levels were deemed unable to receive the implants. However, with the development of technology and science patients who do not have sufficient bone levels can now receive implants with the help of bone grafting.

What is Bone grafting?

The procedure of bone grafting allows the dentist to take the bone tissue from an area where there is higher density of bone and use it to increase the bone levels where there is lower density of bone. In case of bone grafting for dental implants, bone from another part of the body is added to the jawbone. Generally, bone grafts are taken from another area in the mouth or from the hip area. This procedure is only required when the dentist concludes that the patient has insufficient bone levels in the jaw.

Different Types of Bone Grafting

Out of the many types of bone grafts available today, the most commonly used is known as Autograft or Autogenous. Under this type, the bone graft is taken from another part of the patient’s body and is applied to the jaw bone. Bone grafts can also be taken from other humans, in which case it is called Allograft and when a bone graft is taken from an animal it’s called Xenograft. Alloplastic graft is the procedure during which synthetic material is used to add strength to the jaw bone.

Disadvantages of bone grafting

Even though bone grafting is an effective procedure, success is not guaranteed. After the bone graft is done, the patient will need to wait for approximately 3 to 4 months. This time period is required to allow the bone to integrate. However, this period of wait will only benefit in the long run. For more information on bone grafting and dental implants please contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa today.

Tags: bone grafting, Dental implants, Dental implants Liverpool, liverpool
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The Wand Explained For Patients In The Heart Of Liverpool

October 31st, 2012

Expelliarmus! …no, it’s not that kind of wand. But, for people suffering from dental phobia, this wand is also pretty magical. Dental phobia can be crippling and can even cause such distress in its sufferers that they let their teeth fall into disrepair. Sadly, for some, ‘dental phobia’ can just be an umbrella term for numerous fears that revolve around dentistry, making it hard to tackle. One such sub-fear is the fear of injections, often stemming from that short sharp pain provided by a syringe. What most people don’t know is that the syringe itself isn’t what causes this pain; it is that the syringe’s contents are being delivered too quickly or with a bit too much force. Thankfully, with the wand, this side-effect can be a thing of the past!

What is the wand exactly?

Essentially, the wand is a computer controlled injection system. The flow of the anaesthetic it injects is controlled by a computer and kept at a steady pace, thus removing the human error that can cause pain during injections.

What is so great about it?

Technically the wand’s manufacturers now call it the CompuDent and STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) System, but it is often referred to colloquially as the wand by patients on account of how effect it is – it’s like magic! Visually, it also looks more like a pen attached to a space-age toaster. It looks non-threatening and studies have found it to be less anxiety inducing than other methods of injection (Kudo et al, 2001). Administration of an anaesthetic via the wand can also reduce the amount of unnecessary numbness in the lips, face, cheek and tongue which can cause discomfort for a few hours after treatment.

Injection method!? So, is there still a needle?

Yes, but it is a small one and it guarantees no pain. If you experience fright at the sight of a needle you need not worry, you’ll hardly be able to see it.

Do all dentists have this?

No, but at Liverpool Dental Spa we do! If you suffer from dental anxiety, please talk to us. We will do everything we can to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.

Tags: dental phobia, dental phobia Liverpool, liverpool, Sedation
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What Is Oral Surgery And Which Patients In Liverpool Would Need It?

October 31st, 2012

‘Oral surgery’ is another way of saying ‘tooth extraction’. No one really likes the idea of it, but sadly extraction is sometimes necessary. This surgery might be necessary for a variety of reasons but, regardless of ‘why’, at Liverpool Dental Spa we will endeavour to make the experience as easy as possible. Here is a list of reasons why a patient would require extraction:

Repair is not possible

A tooth may have suffered such a sever fracture, or been the subject of such widespread decay, that extraction may be more viable than repair. In these instances, it is often an obstacle that has emerged which makes oral surgery a more practical option. These obstacles can range from medical or physical issues all the way to the grim reality of finance.

Gum disease

Gum disease can also lead to oral surgery: As gum disease progresses, your tooth may be receiving less and less support from the surrounding bone, resulting in your tooth coming loose. Here, extraction may be the only viable option.

Brace preparation

Orthodontic treatment attempts to align an individual’s teeth, be it to correct a poor bite or for aesthetic reasons. Sometimes there is conflict between the size of an individual’s jaw and the amount of space required to correct the alignment of their teeth. Simply put, you can sometimes have too many teeth on your jaw and, in order to prepare for braces, extraction might be appropriate.

Poorly positioned and non-functioning teeth

Those cheeky wisdom teeth do belie their name with just how awkward they can be. If you wisdom teeth do protrude at an awkward angle, this can provide major irritation to a person’s cheek. This is but one example of poorly positioned teeth which would be ripe for extraction. Other examples include teeth which serve little practical purpose but could cause prospective problems in the future. Wisdom teeth can, for instance, be difficult to clean which, in turn, could lead to future oral hygiene issues. The impact these problems could have on surrounding teeth might provide viable grounds for oral surgery.

Tags: liverpool, Liverpool oral surgery, oral surgery, teeth extractions
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What Does Gum Contouring Entail For Patients In Liverpool?

October 25th, 2012

Do you have a ‘gummy smile’? Debbie Harry does, as did Miley Cyrus. I just want to focus your attention on that all important ‘did’. Lots of people are perfectly happy with a bit of gum in their smile but, if you want to puts yours in the past tense, then you might want to hear about gum contouring.

What is gum contouring?

Glad you asked! It is essentially the reshaping of gum tissue. When excess gum tissue covers part of the teeth, it can make teeth appear smaller and affect the smile. Gum contouring can equally help when there is too little gum, such as when tissue pulls away from the teeth or when there is such a small amount of gum tissue that the tooth root is exposed.

What ‘exactly’ is a gummy smile?

It is when a there is a high percentage of gum covering an individual’s teeth. It is mostly the result of genetics, but can be caused by some health conditions or as a side effect of certain medications. There aren’t any known medical issues linked to a gummy smile, it is mostly a matter of aesthetics and how they affect your confidence. Some care, some don’t.

What does gum contouring involve?

First of all, a local anaesthetic will be administered to the appropriate area. Either a scalpel or special laser device is then used to trim away excess gum. Your dentist will also reshape your gum to ensure it stays in place. Healing after treatment is usually very quick, but is even quicker when a laser device is used during surgery as it seals blood vessels. In some instances, removal the gum will not be enough. In these instances, some of the bone in which the teeth are rooted might need to be removed. This sound far more intimidating than simply cutting away gum, but it is a relatively simple procedure.

Talk to us

Whether you’re sold on gum contouring or simply have questions, please talk to us at Liverpool Dental Spa. We will happily answer whatever is on your mind!

Tags: Gum contouring, gum contouring Liverpool, liverpool, reshape the gum line
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What Are The Advantages Of Removable Braces For Patients In Liverpool?

October 25th, 2012

Fixed braces aren’t exactly a thing of the past but, in many cases, orthodontic treatment can now be provided by removable braces. There are several types of removable brace treatment, ranging from Invisalign to ClearStep, but they all share many common attributes.

Basic advantages of removable braces

Firstly, the can be removed at mealtimes. Food can get trapped in and behind fixed braces, but this is not a problem with removable braces as they can be removed when eating. Certain foods are a problem for fixed braces: Hard foods such as crusty rolls can break them, chewing gum can get stuck in them and acidic foods (such as soft drinks) can stain orthodontic brackets. By being able to remove your brace at meal times, you avoid damaging it in this way – only your actual teeth will bear the burden of your diet. Speaking of which, being able to remove braces will also help you maintain basic oral hygiene: Fixed braces can make parts of your teeth difficult to reach and can make the 2 minute ritual that little bit more complicated. Again, all of this is sidestepped by a removable brace. Most removable braces are also more comfortable than fixed braces as fixed braces are noted causes of irritation and gum inflammation.

Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign is but one brand of removable brace. This type of brace comes with one added advantage however: It is clear. You can wear braces discreetly!

Suitability: Are removable braces for everyone?

In a word: No. Complicated orthodontic procedures are best suited for fixed braces. There are, however, various types of removable braces, some of which are more accommodating than others. Simpli5 braces, for instance, work very quickly; some patients can complete treatment with them in between 3 and 5 months (whereas standard treatment can take up to 3 years). This speed, however, comes at the expense of the range of orthodontic issues they can treat. Simpli5 is best suited for minor corrections. Invisalign and ClearStep, in contrast, can treat a wider array of bite problems.

Tags: invisalign, Invisalign Liverpool, liverpool, Removable braces
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My Invisalign Journey

October 24th, 2012

Hi everyone,

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Anna and I’m a Content Creator at ApexHub, a digital marketing and social media agency in Liverpool. I would like to share with you about the dental treatment I’m going to undertake at the Liverpool Dental Spa. I’m really excited to be getting my first set of Invisalign trays on Monday and sharing my progress throughout my journey.

At the moment I’m feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement, but I know that I’m in good hands and that if all goes to plan I will be really pleased with the results.

Why am I having Invisalign?

The main reason that I have chosen Invisalign treatment is because my teeth have some crowding, which means that there isn’t enough space for all the teeth to be accommodated properly, so some of them overlap. After doing a lot of research on the subject and evaluating other teeth straightening options such as Six Month Smiles, I decided that Invisalign is the best option for me as it’s the most convenient for my lifestyle.

From the moment I booked my first consultation, I have been very pleased with the customer service I have received and the way in which I have been treated at the Liverpool Dental Spa. From the first appointment with Dr Marius McGovern where I was told what the Invisalign treatment involves, to my hygiene appointment with his wife Debbie when my impressions were taken, I have had everything explained to me which has made me feel assured that I’m in good hands.

Their dental team has also stayed in contact with me at every stage of the treatment process so far, right up until last week when I was informed that my Invisalign aligners are ready to be picked up.

I will keep you updated about what it’s like to wear the Invisalign aligners and my first impressions of the treatment as I start this exciting journey!

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