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New Types Of Dental Veneers For The Good People Of Liverpool

September 18th, 2012

Dental veneers are extremely thin shells that cover the natural teeth, hiding a multitude of sins. They are used to improve the appearance of the teeth and are cemented to the front surface of the teeth.

Why are veneers used?

Veneers are used for a number of reasons. For instance, an individual with badly stained teeth where tooth whitening will not improve them will often be given the opportunity to have them covered by a veneer.

They may also be used for teeth which are damaged, crooked, or where there are gaps between the teeth.

Types of veneer

Two of the most popular types of veneer are porcelain and composite.

Porcelain veneers are as the name implies made from a thin sheet of porcelain. They have the advantage of being translucent so are not easily spotted. Another advantage is they tend to be stronger and more durable than composite veneers.

Composite veneers on the other hand are cheaper than porcelain and are ideal for small chips as little of it is needed. The rest of the tooth does not need to be covered. However the disadvantage of composite veneers is they are not long lasting.

A more recent development in porcelain technology is Durathin. This particular veneer has one major advantage over traditional porcelain prosthetics as there is no need for the dentist to remove any of the tooth’s natural structure. In short there is no need for any dental preparation, including injections.

Interestingly, the procedure is also reversible and can be custom-designed to fit the individual’s requirements.

Durathin is said to benefit those who want a natural look but without the natural teeth being drilled in the process.

Another new development is the Lumineer veneer. Again these are porcelain based veneers, but are made from a special type of material called Cerinate.

Cerinate is applied directly to the tooth, and like Durathin can be applied without the need for injections or anaesthetics.

 

 

Patients In Liverpool Get A Younger Looking Face With Juvederm

September 13th, 2012

Certain types of cosmetic therapy are now being employed by dentists as an addition to the regular dental services. While most people will have heard of Botox treatment, there is another similar treatment now being offered called Juvederm.

Juvederm is facial filler that is injected under the skin to help soften folds and reduce wrinkles.

Unlike many dermatological fillers Juvederm is essentially hyaluronic acid. This is found naturally in skin, muscles and tendons in all mammals including humans. In the latter however it is used primarily to improve skin quality, particularly for treating smile lines. These are the creases in the skin that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Juvederm is also often used as a lip augmentation agent and as a kind of repair filler for scars.

How does Juvederm work?

As hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical found in the skin, it is naturally absorbed. It is this natural absorption property that makes it a useful product for use by cosmetic surgeons, and more recently dentists to rejuvenate sagging skin. It does it by effectively plumping it up by adding new volume under the skin.

Many older people prefer using Juvederm to other fillers because it is known to bind with collagen, another natural product which gives skin its elastic property. Hence, they look more youthful.

Side Effects

Like all products there will be side effects which should not be discounted. Minor side effects could include temporary redness or bruising and possible short term pain around the area of the injection. This is generally common with any treatment of this sort and is not particular to Juvederm.

More serious side effects however could be immune system reactions. As such, it should not used on anyone who is prone to allergic reactions to bacterial proteins or has a history of anaphylaxis – a life threatening disorder.

 

How Do Patients In Liverpool Treat Broken Teeth?

September 11th, 2012

How do teeth break?

While teeth are remarkably strong there are a variety of reasons why they chip or break. For instance, biting on something hard such as a boiled sweet can cause the tooth to chip or crack.

Similarly, if something hits the face or a person falls over banging the mouth on a hard surface it could break a tooth.

Tooth decay and its subsequent treatment invariably make the teeth that little bit weaker. So, chipping or cracking are an increased possibility.

While minor cracks or chips are not usually painful, they can nevertheless feel a little awkward in the mouth. Running the tongue over a chipped tooth can feel sharp. Occasionally a person can feel pain when chewing.

Treating fractured teeth

It is important to realise that it is not possible to self treat broken teeth. This requires the skill of the dentist. So, if it is something that is troublesome, it is vital that a visit to the dental practitioner is made.

Visiting the dentist could also indicate whether the cause of the fracture warrants emergency surgery, particularly if the nerve is damaged. If so, root canal therapy may be required.

What types of fracture are there?

There are a number of different types of broken tooth, all of which will need treating in a different way. For instance, minor cracks in the enamel may just need the application of enamel polish. Similarly, chipped teeth generally don’t require treatment but the dentist may advise adding a filler to prevent further damage. The same applies to broken cusps.

More major cracks may require filling or a crown fitted. Serious cases especially where bleeding occurs may require root canal treatment

In some cases, the break may originate in the root and spread through to the surface of the tooth. If this is the case there may be infection of the root. Again root canal treatment may be necessary.

Finally, if the tooth is weak and starting to crumble, then restorative dental therapy may be advised.

 

Implant Retained Dentures Treat Liverpool Patient’s Missing Teeth

September 11th, 2012

Implant retained dentures are different from traditional dentures in that they are fixed to the gum as opposed to being movable. They are made from high impact acrylic making them hard wearing.

Implant retained dentures are more suitable for those who no longer have any natural teeth but have sufficient bone in the jaw to support the implants. Patients in this situation are known as endentulous.

Traditional dentures rest on the gum without any support.

Advantages of Implant Retained Dentures

There are several advantages to getting a fixed type of denture. For instance, while they are described as fixed, they can be removed when necessary – for cleaning and such like.

While implant retained dentures wear out with age, they are easily replaced at low cost. Similarly, for anyone considering other options, this type of denture costs considerably less than full arch implant bridge restoration.

Moreover, they are cheaper than the ‘All-On-Four’ implant restorations and less troublesome. The latter type of implants can sometimes break down simply because of the forces put upon the implants by chewing and eating.

Implant retained dentures on the other hand absorb these stresses or rather the gum is able to absorb these natural stresses, leaving the implant in place.

Types of Implant Retained Dentures

There are two types currently available. One is called Bar-retained dentures and the other Ball-retained dentures.

The first involves a thin bar of metal being attached to the line of the jaw holding between 2 and 5 implants at once. The denture is slipped over the bar and securely attached by clips.

The ball-retained dentures also called stud-attachment dentures are fixed in place by two different attachments one often referred to as the male attachment; the other the female attachment.

 

Patients In Liverpool Banish That Bad Breath!

September 6th, 2012

What is bad breath? Also called halitosis, bad breath is an unpleasant smell emanating from someone’s mouth. Everyone will suffer from it at some time in their life.

While it can be very unpleasant for anyone standing next to a person with halitosis, it is caused by bacteria that attacks any food still lodged in the gums and teeth of the individual. The odour itself results from the release of sulphur compounds.

Bad breath can also be emphasised when individuals eat foods which themselves produce powerful odours such as garlic and oils.

Incidentally, smoking is also a cause of bad breath. It may also indicate a serious medical problem, particularly if it persists; for instance sinusitis and gum disease.

How can bad breath be treated?

Before answering this question, perhaps it is important to dispel a couple of myths. For example, some people say they can detect bad breath when they breathe into their hand. This isn’t true. You breathe differently when doing this than when you talk.

Similarly, using mouthwash or simply brushing doesn’t totally get rid of bad breath. The former simply masks it or removes it temporarily, while you need to brush far more than most people do to eradicate it completely.

However what will cure bad breath is making sure that you use a proper regime when cleaning your teeth. Simply brushing won’t cut it. You need to floss as well. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a sprig of parsley can also help as the release of saliva helps to clean teeth and remove food debris.

If bad breath is persistent it may also be the result of not eating a suitable diet. Low carbohydrate diets can cause what is called ketone breath which is particularly pungent smell.

In short, a proper balanced diet along with a good oral hygiene helps reduce the risks of halitosis.

Prevention is better than cure.

 

The Changing Faces Of Braces For The Patients Of Liverpool

September 4th, 2012

The perception of the tooth brace to most people is a chunky, ugly and possibly ill- fitting metallic device. However, in recent years, this has changed with many different types of brace being developed, all of which have been designed not just for comfort but for aesthetics.

No longer is there a stigma attached for wearers. Rather, wearers who generally tend to be fashion conscious youngsters can wear them without feeling embarrassed.

Types of modern braces

There are a variety of braces available now which are designed for specific purposes. The one size fits all is no longer appropriate.

Traditional Braces

This type is perhaps the recognisable brace although now they are made from a mixture of stainless steel and nickel-titanium amalgam making them a lot lighter to wear. The bracket is bonded to the tooth and each one is connected via a wire. The brackets themselves can also be decorated.

One of the problems with using stainless steel though is that this can stain the teeth; an alternative is the gold plated brace. This has one distinct advantage over the traditional stainless steel version – it is not as severe looking. They are also useful people with allergies to nickel.

Another alternative to the above are ceramic braces. These tend to be the most popular with adolescents. Moreover they can be designed to blend with the natural colour tooth enamel of the wearer; thus making them less obtrusive.

Lingual Braces

These are fitted to the back of the teeth rather than the front. While they are effective in not being easily seen there are 2 disadvantages. First they can be expensive, and second they are not easily adjusted simply because they can get in the way of the wearer’s tongue. The good thing about these braces is that no one will know that you are wearing them.

Invisalign

This type of brace was designed for people whose teeth problems are not severe or complicated. As the name implies they are also almost invisible, which for adolescents is a great added benefit.

Invisalign braces are used for people where movement is gradual. They also offer better oral hygiene care as they are easily removed.

 

Why Consultations are Important in Liverpool

August 30th, 2012

Regardless of the type of dental treatment it is important to have a full and proper consultation prior to the commencement of treatment. This gives both the patient and the dentist time to assess the current state of the mouth and discuss any concerns that there may be.

The importance of a consultation

If you are considering undergoing cosmetic dentistry then the consultation is even more important. The initial appointment will be an informal discussion where both the dentist and patient can address the concerns raised and agree on a treatment plan. You can talk with ease about the kind of results you would like to achieve and the dentist is able to learn more about yourself and therefore find it easier to work out what treatments you would like or need to attain the desired effect.

Computer Imaging

Computer imaging technology can allow patients the chance to see what their finished smile will look like. There are a number of factors that must be considered when it comes to cosmetic dentistry such as what does the patient want? A dazzling Hollywood smile or perhaps something more natural looking. Factors such as natural tooth colour, shape, size and position will be taken into consideration. As well as these factors such as frame, face, lips and gums and overall facial symmetry need to be kept in balance.

A two-way process

The initial consultation is a two way process, the patient has the opportunity to voice their concerns and the dentist can then address them. Every option is explored and full details are given on these options so the patient is fully informed prior to making any decisions. A full breakdown of the agreed treatment will be given along with a breakdown of the total cost.

 

Juvederm For Fresh, Plumped and Younger Looking Skin For Patients in Liverpool

August 28th, 2012

No matter what we do, ageing is a fact of life. One day our skin will no longer be as fresh and as plump as it once was and wrinkles will be setting in for the long haul. Although creams can help to some extent the deeper the lines and wrinkles go the harder they are to disguise.

What is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a non-invasion treatment that helps to re-plump the skin giving it a more youthful appearance. It is made using substances that are found naturally within the human body and therefore is kinder than other alternatives. The treatment is administered via injections and can be directed to target specific areas such as area around the mouth, eyes, lips and smokers lines which occur along the upper lip.

Treatment

On average the treatment is completed within 30 to 60 minutes and the effects generally last anywhere from 6 to 9 months. However this is only a guide and can be either longer or shorter depending on the individual’s current skin condition and lifestyle. A smoker may very well find that repeat injections are needed sooner, as the effects of smoking are more damaging to the skins appearance than other daily contributing factors.

The main benefit of Juvederm is that the rest time required is very minimal. Normal daily activities can be carried out straight away. However, strenuous exercise, sun and heat exposure and alcohol should be avoided for the first 24 hours after treatment. As with any treatment there can be side effects such as redness, swelling, itching and some discomfort. However these side effects will only last a short time and should be completely gone within 7 days, if they appear at all. Then, you will be left with a fresh, rejuvenated, youthful appearance.

 

 

Da Vinci Veneers For a Celebrity Look in Liverpool

August 23rd, 2012

A Hollywood smile is a desirable smile and something that everyone can have nowadays. Gone are the days when only the rich and famous could have their teeth cosmetically altered. Da Vinci veneers have been at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry for almost 25 years and thanks to shows like ‘Extreme Makeover’ their popularity continues to soar.

How are Da Vinci Veneers different?

The main difference between normal veneers and Da Vinci veneers is that the latter is thinner, highly resistant to chips and staining and they last longer. Veneers can be used to counter a wide range of dental complaints and treatment usually takes 2 to 3 visits to complete. Veneers can be used to cover cracked or chipped teeth, excessively stained teeth, gaps between teeth and misaligned teeth can be addressed.

Hand-crafted for unique quality

Da Vinci veneers are carefully crafted in the Da Vinci laboratory in California and are made to the custom requirements of each patient. Factors such as teeth, mouth shape, facial appearance and patient preference with regards to shape and colour are al taken into consideration.

How does the treatment work?

The treatment process will begin with an assessment of the mouth and smile. This is to determine if veneers are a suitable option and if they are then the dentist can discuss the options with regards to shape and colour.

The teeth that are going to be having veneers will need to be prepared. This involves removing a thin slice of enamel; this is done so that the veneers sits flush with the tooth surface and therefore is not obvious. Impressions and images will be taken of the mouth and teeth and these along with the patient requirements will be sent to California. Temporary veneers will be fitted and the average creation time is two weeks. Once the veneers have been crafted they can be bonded to the teeth

 

Dental Phobia and The Treatments Available in Liverpool

August 21st, 2012

Dental phobia or a general fear of the dentist especially when it comes to treatment is common. There are many reasons why people develop a fear of visiting the dentist, these fears can include a fear of pain, the drill, needles, embarrassments about their mouths or the actual dentist themselves.

Whatever the reason for the fear and anxiety, there is a treatment or course of action that can be taken to alleviate the fear, so you can get the dental treatment required.  If pain and needles are the problem then the use of anaesthetic creams to numb the area may well be sufficient to calm the patient.

Sedation methods

However in more extreme cases sedation may be required. This can be either full (anesthetize) or partial sedation and removes the possibility of any pain being felt or drilling sounds being heard. Sedation is given intravenously and the needle is usually place either on the back of the hand or the arm. As the drug begins to work you will become calmer and more relaxed.

Depending on the level of sedation, you will either be totally unconscious for the treatment or be partially so. Longer treatments tend to warrant full sedation and unless requested a partial sedation will be used.

After treatment

Once the treatment is complete you will feel a little light headed, therefore you cannot drive and it is recommended to get a friend or family member along who can get you home. The use of sedation in the partial format is widely used to help patients overcome their fears and be able to get the dental treatment they require. If you are suffering with a fear of the dentist then we are here to help. Contact our team at Liverpool Implants & Aesthetic Dental Spa for an informal discussion today.

 

 

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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