Friday, February 26, 2010

Six Month Smile : Fast Orthodontic Straightening

Are you one of the millions of people that stifle laughs or are constantly trying to cover your mouth when you smile because you are embarrassed of your teeth? Many adults are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth but can’t face the prospect of wearing ugly fixed-metal braces for months or years on end. Now, a revolutionary new treatment is available called Six Month Smile which promises straighter teeth in, that’s right, just six months.

Six Month Smile braces are also not fixed so they have the added advantage of being completely removable should you have an important social engagement or big presentation at work. The treatment is fast, easy and affordable and is rapidly becoming the orthodontic straightening appliance of choice for thousands of patients and dentists across the world. Dentists are noticing a surge in demand for this very innovative product as adults everywhere realise they can have the teeth they always wanted without the fuss.

All the materials used in the Six Month Smile brace are small, discreet and mostly tooth coloured.The method that is most popular is the Invisalign system which uses a brace that the patient has complete control over, the device is renewed every two weeks and allows the patient to remove it daily for cleaning teeth, eating and drinking. It has to be said that there are more discreet options available but with a reduction in treatment time of 75 per cent on most other braces it really is not much of an issue. In fact, Six Month Braces are in your mouth for so little time most people might not even notice you are wearing them.

Make an appointment with a dentist to see if your teeth are suitable for the incredible straightening power of Six Month Smile braces and you could finally have the confidence to laugh and smile without worrying about your teeth.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Invisalign : Authentic Straightening Power

Having straight teeth is fundamental to having a beautiful smile. For many of us not blessed with naturally straight teeth there is the option of orthodontic teeth straightening. This involves fitting a device around the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. As you are surely all aware, this is called a brace and its most common form is that of a fixed metal bracket and wire system, often more commonly known as ‘train track’ braces. These fixed metal braces can be quite unattractive and very uncomfortable for the wearer but for years they were considered a necessary evil to have straighter teeth.

However, orthodontic technology has come a long way in the last ten years. There are now available a whole new range of more aesthetically pleasing straightening devices that offer a much higher degree of discretion. By far the most discreet brace available is the Invisalign retainer. Introduced in 1999 by Align Technologies, the Invisalign retainer is a one millimetre thick plastic retainer that is designed to fit over the teeth making small adjustments. Each retainer is worn for a period of two to three weeks before a new retainer is used, again with a small adjustment. In all, an average of twenty retainers are used throughout the course of the treatment, although this varies on a patient-to-patient basis.

As most braces are fitted to patients in their teenage years, the level of discretion offered by Invisalign is invaluable. In the emotionally charged and difficult teen years nobody wants to stand out from the crowd, so a virtually invisible Invisalign retainer could be perfect for straightening teeth and retaining the patient’s confidence. Similarly for more mature patients keen to avoid the stigma attached to wearing braces at a later time in life, the Invisalign system can offer teeth straightening while maintaining the patient’s mature and professional appearance. One of the other major advantages of the Invisalign system is that the braces are completely removable. This means they can be taken out for meal times and important meetings or social occasions.

Invisalign braces were not the first clear plastic retainers on the market but they are certainly the first that offer an authentic straightening power. The retainers offer the best of both worlds for patients eager to have the perfect straight toothed smile. If you are considering teeth straightening treatment, speak to a dentist about Invisalign braces.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Give Yourself Something To Smile About

Discoloured or badly stained teeth can be very embarrassing and cause the patient to be very anxious and self-conscious about their appearance. It can make people very reluctant to open their mouths or smile in public and be the underlying cause of self-esteem issues and even depression. But with modern cosmetic dentistry there is a solution to having discoloured teeth.

Teeth whitening has existed for many years but in the past has been hit and miss at best and often prohibitively expensive. But as more and more dentists offer the treatment and more patients use it the price is dropping and the treatment becoming more available. New whitening treatments are hitting the market each year, each promising new and improved whitening that takes less time and yields better results.

Dentists offer a variety of whitening treatments to suit all budgets and time considerations. These range form short one-hour treatments in surgery to two or even three week concentrated procedures involving take home trays to be worn at night. The active ingredient in teeth whitening is hydrogen peroxide and it works by gradually penetrating the enamel and staining any discoloured areas. Any patches of enamel that have been stained or discoloured are then turned the same colour as the rest of the tooth.

Teeth whitening can be one of the most successful and dramatic cosmetic dentistry treatments, capable of completely transforming the teeth and restoring the self-confidence of the patient. If you suffer from discolouration or staining, ask your dentist about teeth whitening and really give yourself something to smile about.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Main reasons For Dental Implant Complications

The endosseous system of dental implants, currently the most popular system used, has been utilized to replace missing teeth for over thirty years. Dental implants are very successful. Dental implants are made of titanium, an inert metal that bonds with the bone and forms a very tight union. Dental implants have a 90% to 95% success rate and once placed and restored, can last for an indefinite amount of time.

Although rare, dental implant complications do occur. If the bond between the dental implant and the bone breaks, or the dental implant itself breaks, it may have to be removed. If so, it may be possible to replace the failed dental implant, either at the same time or after doing a bone grafting procedure.

There are two main reasons for dental implant complications are:

1. Infection of the implant surface can result in disintegration of the bond between the implant and the bone. Eventually, the dental implant may have to be removed. To avoid infection at the time of dental implant placement, sterile operating techniques are recommended and most implant surgeons prescribe antibiotics after surgical implant placement.

The oral bacteria that causes periodontal disease can also affect implants. Around implants, this infection is called peri-implantitis. Just as with the natural teeth, meticulous oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing, combined with periodic professional cleanings are critical to prevent peri-implantitis.
2. Excessive loading: If the forces on the dental implants are too strong or not in the right direction, the implant components can break or the bond between the implant and the bone can disintegrate. The bite on an dental implant has to be properly designed.

There are certain risk factors that may increase the risk of dental implant complications. Smoking, for example, halves the success rate of dental implants and is the number one risk factor for dental implant complications.

Also, persons that have a diminished healing ability such as people with uncontrolled diabetes may have an increased risk for dental implant complications. Even low sucess rate is registered in patients with bone disorders like osteoporosis.To reduce the risk of dental implant complications, and to prevent serious health complications from surgery, a thorough medical evaluation is required before dental implant treatment.

The success of dental implant treatment is dependent on the expertise of the dental team and the patient's ability to control plaque. With proper dental implant design and follow-up maintenance, you could enjoy the benefits of dental implant treatment for a lifetime. Dental implants are as close to real teeth as are available. Because the root of the implant is secured to the jawbone like a real tooth, it acts and feels like a real tooth. If you have a missing tooth or are looking to replace an earlier dental substitute, make an appointment to see a dentist in Shimla.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Sleep Disturbances/Sleep Apnea

You may not think that snoring or sleep apnea have much to do with dentistry, but they do! If you suffer from a sleep disturbance, you probably feel groggy, irritable, forgetful, and may even fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day. Quality of life and job performance can take a hit when you don’t get the refreshing, uninterrupted, deep sleep you need. If you snore, your sleeping partner probably suffers, as well.

Snoring occurs when soft tissues in the throat vibrate. Sleep apnea is more serious, and it’s often accompanied by snoring. There are two types of sleep apnea, the most common being obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. During sleep, sleep apnea sufferers stop breathing for periods of ten seconds or longer, repeatedly. This happens when soft tissues in the mouth and/or throat block airflow. Because the brain knows that you aren’t breathing, it causes your body to awake, partly or fully, to reinitiate breathing. This self-defense reaction interrupts sleep, and thus, even if you think you’ve slept all night, you may feel unrested.

Soft tissues collapse when the lower jaw falls backward a bit. This is where sleep dentistry comes into play. Dr. Goma can create a nightguard, an oral appliance, to hold your jaw in a comfortable position and eliminate potential for airflow blockage while you sleep. No surgery, no CPAP. Just a simple snore appliance may solve your problem! Don’t let a sleep disturbance disorder compromise your quality of life.

Call Dr. Goma today to reserve your personal sleep apnea consultation.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

ClearCorrect : New Transparent Aligner System

ClearCorrect is the clear and simple way to straighten your teeth without wearing braces so you can show off your smile!

Once doctor establishes ClearCorrect is the right treatment option for you, your doctor will take impressions, photos, and x-rays of your teeth that ClearCorrect uses in manufacturing your custom aligners.

ClearCorrect uses your records to create exact 3D models of your teeth. Then working with your doctor every step of the way, and following the precise instructions provided on your prescription, ClearCorrect maps out a complete treatment plan of gradual adjustment that takes your teeth from where they are currently to where you and your doctor want them to end up. Once completed, you and your doctor will be able to preview the projected results of your treatment in your "treatment set-up," a computer representation of your teeth before and after treatment.

Using the latest digital mapping and molding technology, ClearCorrect creates your custom aligners with computer precision. ClearCorrect then sends your aligners to your doctor for delivery to you.

Aligners should be worn all the time, except while eating and drinking or during daily tooth care, such as brushing and flossing. Your ClearCorrect aligners are so clear they are barely noticeable so they won't have an impact on your day to day life. Aligner by aligner, you'll be able to see the difference as your teeth slowly adjust and align to your target smile. Periodic checkups are necessary to see how you're progressing until you eventually have the straight smile you've always wanted.

ClearCorrect is the easy and discreet solution to align and straighten a broad range of conditions for a stunning, healthy smile. The fact that it does this so well is remarkable; the fact that it does this with little to no effort is almost unbelievable.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Shimla Dentist Explains Root canal

As you may be aware, your teeth play a vital role in maintaining long term good health. Unfortunately, as you age, cavities and other damage to your teeth may lead to tooth loss. Today, root canals are one of the most reliable methods for saving teeth that would have required extraction. Without a question, if you can arrange to visit a dentist in Shimla, it will be worth your while to ask about root canal treatment.

In general, the process of root canal treatment first removes (as thoroughly as possible) bacteria, nerve tissue, the organic debris left over from the breakdown of nerve tissue, and bacterial toxins from within the inner aspects of a tooth (the area originally occupied by the tooth’s nerve tissue). Each of these items can produce tissue irritants that can cause your body to activate an inflammation reaction.

Subsequently, once this space has been cleansed the second half of root canal treatment involves filling in and sealing up the interior of the tooth. This aspect of the treatment is an attempt to minimize the possibility that bacteria will be able to recolonize the inner aspects of the tooth or that tissue fluids can seep inside the tooth, become stagnant, and subsequently break down. The seal also contains and encapsulates any debris that could not be fully removed during the cleaning aspect of the root canal treatment process so that it can’t leak out and trigger an inflammation reaction.

The problem with teeth and infections is that once a tooth’s nerve tissue has started to degenerate and bacteria have taken up residence in the tooth’s nerve area, there is no effective way for white blood cells to get at the bacteria to combat them. The dying nerve’s blood and lymphatic vessels used to transport white blood cells will have begun to degenerate too.

So the idea behind having root canal treatment is that it provides the bulk of the clean up work for your body. It removes bacteria and tissue irritants that are present inside the tooth, especially those in the locations where your body would have the most trouble combating them. As an end result, once root canal treatment has been completed it provides your body with an environment where its mechanisms are able to clear away any residual bacteria and tissue irritants that may still be present, thus allowing complete healing (resolution of the inflammation) to occur.

Symptoms that suggest that root canal therapy might be required:

* A tooth is currently causing you pain or else has a history of being painful.
* You have noticed the presence of gum tenderness and/or swelling in an area adjacent to a tooth

We’d acknowledge that root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but we’d be the last to agree that this reputation is deserved. It seems most likely to us that the majority of derogatory remarks you hear in regards to “having a root canal” almost certainly must have included in them references to the pain and discomfort that the person experienced leading up to receiving treatment.For the average person and the average case, root canal treatment is a nonevent and not any more uncomfortable than having a filling placed.

In just three visits to your dentist, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will be doing everything possible to preserve your natural teeth. This will be better in the long run than trying to cope with dentures that may break, slip, or fall out. In addition, you will also be pleased to know that root canals are far less damaging to the gums and bone tissue than any other tooth repair procedure. Therefore, if you have a condition that requires a root canal,consult your dentist soon.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Dental implants : Long Lasting Functionality

Many people find it challenging to maintain a healthy level of confidence when they are suffering from the negative impacts of missing teeth. Not, only do missing teeth affect your confidence, but biting irregularities, caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Most concerning is when teeth are missing from the jaw, the surrounding bone begins to shrink and eventually your jawbone will recede. Fortunately dental implants procedure provide a means of replacing lost or damaged teeth and combats the negative effects it has on both your confidence and health.

For many people dental implant treatment has been a permanent solution to missing teeth. Despite the nature of the problem related with tooth loss, dental implant treatment can provide a simple solution with proven results. Although there are a number of restorative alternatives for missing teeth, none have proven to be as functional and effective as dental implants. For high compatibility, dental implant procedures are customises to each patient, offering a full dental implant and now with procedural advancements a mini dental implant.

Dental implants are an artificial tooth root made of biocompatible materials that are placed on artificial tooth roots in the jawbone and take the place of your missing tooth root. Dental implant procedures are customised to each individual offering a range of implants options from root form implant to artificial bone substitute. Dental tooth implants are designed to replicate and feel completely natural, whilst being fully functional and preventing further tooth decay.

Titanium dental implants biocompatible materials offer durability and strength for long lasting functionality. The durability and the strength of the dental implant will mean that you have long lasting effects and once again eat and speak with comfort. If you are considering restorative dentistry then it is worth taking to dental implant specialists about an appropriate treatment plan for you.Dental implants are as close to real teeth as are available. Because the root of the implant is secured to the jawbone like a real tooth, it acts and feels like a real tooth. If you have a missing tooth or are looking to replace an earlier dental substitute, make an appointment to see a dentist today.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Nobel Biocare : Teeth-In-An-Hour technology

Nobel Biocare, creators of the Teeth-In-An-Hour technology and trademark have been at the forefront of dental science for years. They are a recognized leader in the development of cutting edge technologies and solutions for dentists worldwide.

The Teeth in an hour concept applies to a variety of edentulous patient demographics. Patients who have a history of compromised bone structures, due to disease, trauma or genetics, may benefit from this unique method of performing dental implant surgery.

Patients who have had implant failures, due to a variety of reasons, can be strong candidates for this procedure that can best assess existing bone structures and existing implants, further paving the way for developing a more intelligent implant mapping that promotes optimal health and longevity of treatment.

Virtual placement of recommended implants provides patients with the sound and practical information they need for making the best decision possible for maintaining their oral health needs.

Digitized Surgery Guides :

Freehand placement of implant devices, especially with patients who may not have optimal bone structures can result in low rates of predictability for implant success and overall dental function (bite). Virtual placement, accompanied with leading edge CatScans all but eliminates guesswork and significantly reduces probabilties for error.

Etiological factors that consider how the teeth were lost (trauma, long term extraction history, disease, genetic issues, malformed jaw structures, occlusal characteristics, etc) and the current integrity of bone mass are accounted for in treatment planning.The treating doctor combines the patient data and CatScan analysis which is used to generate a NobelGuide. A computer guided surgery template that maps the placement of implant devices that are restored individually or used with prosthetic devices (dentures, overdentures, etc).

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Tooth Replacement Options

There are many options available to replace teeth. When a front tooth is lost in an accident, such as when playing a sport or in a car, time can be a major concern. Dentists can replace a tooth very quickly by fabricating a single tooth denture . Most people are not happy with their ability to chew with the denture in place, so they remove it when eating. Some have trouble talking with the denture at first, but speech improves with practice. This is the least expensive way to replace a tooth. Some patients will live with a denture for years before replacing it with a more permanent false tooth or another denture.

There are three basic ways to fix a missing tooth or teeth.

* A fixed bridge
* A removable appliance
* A dental implant

A fixed bridge

Having a bridge is like having three crowns. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns, an impression is made, and the case is sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory then makes the crowns and fastens a false tooth between the two crowns – this is a bridge.The advantages of a bridge are that it is fixed, stable, and feels like your own teeth. In most cases it can be made to look just like you never had a tooth missing. The disadvantage is that you have to treat two teeth besides the one that was extracted – these teeth may otherwise be perfectly sound with nothing wrong.


A Removable Appliance.

Something removable can be used to replace a missing tooth. This can be anything from a budget “denture” (a piece of plastic with a false tooth attached) or a Cobalt Chromium, to a more sturdy metal and acrylic removable partial denture.The advantages of the removable partial denture appliance are that it is a more economical way to replace missing teeth than a fixed bridge. Also, you can replace multiple teeth with one appliance. If the span of missing teeth is three or more, or if there are not solid teeth on both sides of the missing teeth, a fixed bridge may not work.

The disadvantages are that it may not be as esthetic as a bridge. Clasps will be required to retain the removable partial, and it may not be possible or practical to entirely conceal those . Also, there may be some discomfort with wearing removable hardware in your mouth, and it is not as stable as a bridge.


A dental implant

A dental implant is an artificial “root” that is implanted in your jaw after a tooth extraction, and then a tooth is placed on it. Biologically, it is like placing an entirely new artificial tooth in your mouth.The advantages of an implant are: No teeth on either side have to be prepared for crowns, so there is no grinding on “good teeth” – you just fix the missing tooth. Implants can also span the space of multiple missing teeth. There is no limit to the span they can cover, as long as the patient’s health is good and there is healthy and adequate bone to support the implant. An implant also is fixed and feels just like your own teeth.

The disadvantages of implants are that they can cost more and be more and time-consuming, and the cost may not be covered by dental insurance. You will likely have to deal with two dentists – the dentist who does the surgery to place the implant, and the dentist who puts the false tooth on top of the implant. There is also a delay in getting the false tooth or teeth – a healing interval of several months may be required before the artificial root can have a tooth placed on it. There is also surgery involved with its attendant discomfort and healing period.

However, if you are missing multiple teeth or all your teeth, there is a strong advantage to dental implants in that they will preserve the jawbone. Sometimes dentists don’t explain the negative long-term consequences of missing teeth, which are that your jaw gradually shrinks until you can’t wear any removable appliance. So if you want to still be able to eat when you’re 80, you may want to consider investing in dental implants to replace those missing teeth.
Conclusion

Patients who do not replace missing teeth may experience shifting of teeth, spaces opening between teeth (resulting in food impaction), collapse of the bite, alterations in their chewing ability, TMJ pain, and trauma to the remaining teeth. People sometimes don’t replace teeth that are “in the back” of the mouth because no one sees them. The back teeth are needed to support the bite and grind up food. We can all swallow food that is not chewed thoroughly, but this compromises the nutrition we extract from our diet.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Oral Hygiene Helps Prevent Heart Diseases

Your oral hygiene may be more than just an indicator of your dental health, as links have been proven between periodontal disease and a heightened risk or cardiovascular disease.

These links have always been suspected but a new study seems to conclusively prove the relationship. The study showed that adults who had lost more than ten teeth were much more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. This happens because bacterial infection affecting the teeth and gums can start a chain reaction of chemicals that causes inflammation throughout the whole body. Inflammation of the arteries causes a narrowing of the arteries, which can be the main cause of a heart attack.

The study followed 711 people over the age of 57 and found that those who had lost teeth due to decay and periodontal infection correlated with those most likely to suffer some form of cardiac disease. The study is particularly shocking because periodontal disease and tooth decay are so preventable with improved oral hygiene. More effective and regular brushing and flossing can reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth and severely cut the risk of infection. This in turn would keep the arteries free form the effects or inflammation helping to keep the heart and other major organs healthy.

Another important aspect of maintaining good standards of oral hygiene is by making regular visits to a dentist for a check up. They can spot and treat the first signs of decay and infection, helping to keep your mouth and heart healthy. For the sake of a few extra minutes cleaning a day you could help to minimise the risk of heart disease, one of the biggest killers in the India.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Regular Exercise Essential For Dentists

There are exciting prospects of pursuing career in dentistry and its challenges, be that as a dentist, a dental specialist or an oral hygienist. But even dentistry has occupational hazards and there are some practical ways whereby dentists can mitigate the risks of musculoskeletal problems that often comes with our job.Scholarly research which confirms that musculoskeletal problems are widespread among dental practitioners.

Dentists have to contort their bodies while using a variety of elaborate hand tools in order to perform work in the oral cavity. Plus, they are required to maintain these positions for prolonged periods of time. This creates a problem of having static contractions and subsequently developing muscle ischemia. Muscle ischemia is thought to be a primary cause of myofacial trigger points, which can result in pain, restriction of movement and muscular atrophy. Weakness of the postural muscles may lead to a progressive of the operator’s posture, when then leads to pain.

As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. Some simple exercises and practices should be incorporated into our daily routine at your clinic or office.

* Maintain an erect posture–to do that, adjust your seating to minimise bending forward, thereby preserving normal curves in your spine as you sit to treat your patient.
* Keep your body in a relaxed natural position–do not work with your arms elevated and tensed. Try to bring your patient close to you so that your elbows and arms stay close to your body. Just relax. Please ensure that your hands and wrists do not remain contorted for an extended period of time.
* Change posture as frequently as you can– frequent switching between sitting and standing helps to reduce fatigue and the risk of problems associated with static muscle ischemia.
* Use dental equipment and tools that are easy on your hands–ergonomically designed equipment are available. Please consult your equipment supplier for advice.
* Take regular breaks between treatment– These breaks will enable you to do some stretching exercises. This will reduce muscular tension and give you time to recompose. Do not overstretch yourself with too many procedures at any given time

Regular exercises focussing on the back, neck and shoulders are highly recommended. Hand exercises are essential too. I squeeze a tennis ball, but you can visit any exercise equipment shop to look at an array of hand exercise gadgets, which you can use.As dentists, we are susceptible to back, neck, shoulder and other musculoskeletal injuries. We need to be careful that we do not ignore early signs we run the risk of serious problems that can result in disability.