Fix Your Smile with Invisible Braces

If you need braces to correct or straighten out crooked teeth, you don’t have to dread wearing those unattractive metal wires. Thanks to technological advancements in dentistry, straighter teeth and a winning smile can now be achieved with invisible brace Richmond. 

Invisible braces provide an aesthetic alternative to traditional bracket or wire braces. They are clear, barely visible, and easily removable. Invisible braces are also called clear aligners or clear braces. They are made using advanced computer technology which can also predict tooth movement. This makes invisible braces effective in straightening teeth gradually with minimal discomfort.

Invisible braces can treat a wide variety of dental issues such as:

• Crowding – when teeth are too close together
• Overbite – teeth overlap each other
• Underbite – lower teeth stick out
• Crossbite – teeth bite on the wrong side of each other
• Openbite – your teeth don’t meet when you bite
• Overjet – the front teeth stick out
• Misplaced midline – centre lines of lower and upper teeth don’t align
• Spacing – gaps between teeth
• Crooked teeth

Invisible braces are primarily designed for older teenagers and adults, and aren’t recommended when one still has baby teeth. Children and younger teens with orthodontic problems are required to use traditional metal braces. It’s recommended that they see a children’s dentist Richmond. Consult your private dentist Richmond or a quality NHS dentistry Richmond to determine whether you are a right candidate for invisible braces. 

Advantages of invisible braces over traditional metal braces

• The wires are small and tooth-coloured, which means they’re discreet and not easily visible to the naked eye.
• Discomfort is very minimal, since the teeth are gently repositioned and no extra pressure is exerted on the teeth.
• Treatment time is reduced up to 75%--typically 6-15 months compared to traditional braces which can take up to two years. 
• The cost of treatment is more affordable than traditional braces. 

Types of Invisible Braces

Clear aligners

 

Clear aligners are currently the most popular type of invisible braces, represented by well-known quality brands like Invisalign by Align Technologies and ClearCorrect by ClearCorrect Inc. Clear aligners are a series of custom-made clear, removable aligners that fit into your teeth to provide pain and irritation-free treatment with only minimal adjustment discomfort. Being nearly invisible, clear aligners are aesthetically more attractive compared to traditional metal braces. They are also minimally invasive, apply gentle pressure on your teeth, and are resistant to staining from daily wear. Clear aligners do not include any brackets, wires, or sharp edges that can graze, poke, or damage the inside of your mouth. You can remove them before eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, and then reapply them without so much fuss. 

The only problem is that since they’re removable, one might easily lose motivation or forget to wear them consistently. This can also lead to the possibility of misplacing or losing them. If you lose them, you’ll need to have them replaced and this will incur extra cost. Although generally comfortable to wear, there might be slight pain or discomfort especially during the first time wearing them. As you progress with your treatment, the discomfort would gradually fade. 

Your dentist will first take three-dimensional impressions of your teeth and send them to the manufacturer’s laboratory to create your custom-fit clear aligners with the use of computerised technology. Once they’re made, they’re sent back to your dentist where you can try them on and assess if the fit is right. Clear aligners are made in sets. The number of aligners you need to use would depend on the severity of your orthodontic problem. Your dentist will instruct you to wear each aligner for a specific duration and he will also be the one to provide you with your next aligner set during your scheduled appointments. 

Only manufacturer-certified and trained dentists and orthodontists can provide you with clear aligners. They may also require special care and maintenance so listen to your dentist’s instructions and follow them to the letter.   

Ceramic brackets 

Ceramic braces are like traditional metal braces; the only difference is that it has tooth-coloured brackets or tooth-coloured wires instead of metal that straighten out teeth. They are made of composite materials. The tooth-coloured ceramic material blends with the natural colour of your teeth, which make them less visible than metal braces. However, they’re not as “invisible” like clear aligners or inside braces. Ceramic brackets are bigger than metal ones and include ligatures or small rubber bands. These act as built-in spring clips on self-ligating brackets that connect them to the arch wire. The ligatures are clear and changed every time you go back to the dentist to have them adjustment, which is usually on a monthly basis. They require a longer treatment time since they’re structurally weaker than metal braces. 

Like metal braces, ceramic brackets cannot be removed until treatment is final. Only your dentist can remove your ceramic brackets. Wearing them can also cause discomfort, irritation, and difficulties in eating, drinking, speaking, tooth brushing, and flossing. 

Inside braces 

Inside braces, or iBraces, are called so because they are attached to the back of the teeth, hiding them from plain sight. One well-known brand is Incognito Orthodontic Braces by 3M. iBraces use digital images of the interior of the teeth to create computer-designed custom brackets. These brackets attach to the insides of the upper and lower teeth. This makes them appealing for those who do not want the sensation of wearing ceramic brackets, metal wires, or clear aligners in front of their teeth. iBraces are fixed and non-removable. They can be used in combination with elastics to help speed up treatment. 

iBraces are more expensive than traditional braces and clear aligners since computer customisation and specialised equipment is used to create the brackets. Also, the techniques used in making and applying inside braces are still fairly new, and only a few orthodontists are experienced in it.

What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening Richmond is the most popular and in-demand cosmetic dental treatment because it instantly improves how your teeth and smile looks without the use of complicated methods. Given that teeth are very much susceptible to discoloration and staining from smoking and consuming food, drinks, or medications that stain teeth, teeth whitening procedures are a godsend. 

You have two main options for teeth whitening: in-office whitening by dentists Richmond or in the comfort of your home. In-office teeth whitening are typically more expensive, but it generally takes only 1-3 sessions as the dentist uses a more powerful whitening agent. For in-office whitening, first, your dentist needs to take a digital photograph of your teeth for monitoring and comparison purposes. The dentist will also check your teeth and find out what causes the staining. Next, the dentist or a dental hygienist will clean your teeth to remove plaque, bacteria, food particles, and other substances stuck on your teeth and that contribute to staining. It’s only after thorough teeth cleaning that the actual whitening procedure begins.

There are two types of in-office whitening procedures—vital whitening and non-vital whitening. Vital tooth whitening is done on teeth with existing live nerves, while non-vital whitening is done when you have teeth that have undergone root canal treatment and therefore, no longer have live nerves. 

Non-vital whitening whitens the teeth from the inside. The dentist will put a whitening agent inside the tooth and put a temporary filling over it. You may need to have this done only once or multiple times until your teeth have reached your desired shade. 

In vital tooth whitening, first, the dentist will apply a substance that covers and protects the gums surrounding the teeth. This is followed by the application of the whitening agent directly on the teeth, which is usually a gel-like solution containing hydrogen peroxide. The dentist then uses a specialised laser light and focuses it on your teeth. The light will activate the whitening agent and jumpstart the bleaching process. Each session usually lasts 30-90 minutes. The number of sessions you need would also depend on how white you want your teeth to be and how difficult the stains are to remove. If your teeth are badly discoloured, your dentist may suggest that you continue whitening treatment at home for a few days up to a few weeks. 

If you opt for whitening at home, your dentist will still take impressions of your lower and upper teeth to make custom mouthpieces or trays that fit your teeth. Each mouthpiece or tray contains whitening gel. That’s why the mouthpiece needs to be a perfect fit to help the whitening agent remain in contact with your teeth the whole time you’re wearing it. These whitening trays are used for several hours daily for 1-2 weeks, or longer, depending on the shade of white you want to achieve. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid misusing and damaging your teeth or mouth.   

Take note that teeth whitening are not a permanent solution. Teeth are still prone to staining, especially if you do not actively avoid those substances that cause staining. If this is the case, the whitening effect may fade within a month. If you avoid the sources of staining and consistently practice good dental and oral hygiene, it may take you 6 months to a year to need another teeth whitening treatment by your dentist in Richmond.

Is Tooth Whitening 100% Safe?

They say a person’s best asset is their smile, but what if your smile shows an embarrassing stain? This is a seemingly common problem in the UK as experienced by the more than 100,000 Brits who tried tooth-whitening treatments last year. But what’s the real deal about tooth whitening?

Some critics claim teeth-whitening treatments as ineffective, costly, and even dangerous for human health. To investigate the grounds of these claims, let’s take a look at the different types of teeth-whitening treatments. There are two basic types: at-home treatments and in-office treatments. These methods obviously differ on who administers the treatment but usuallythe same chemicals are used. Let’s have a closer look:

At-home Whitening Treatments

There are three subtypes of at-home treatments: bleaching tray, bleaching strip, and whitening toothpaste. Bleaching tray is a customised tray made by a dentist through taking an impression of the patient’s teeth. This tray contains a bleaching chemical, most commonly hydrogen peroxide, which the patient needs to apply on his/her teeth for a week or two depending on the strength of the formula. There are also over-the-counter bleaching trays but since these are not custom-fit, it may lose its fit and risk burning of gums by the chemicals. If over-applied, the chemicals may weaken the teeth and burn the gums.

Bleaching strips work the same way as bleaching trays. These over-the-counter strips with hydrogen peroxide are applied to teeth for a certain period of time. This type of at-home treatment, however, has greater risks of burning gums since they can be moved more easily.

Lastly, whitening toothpastes contain abrasive elements that may whiten your teeth by a shade or two. Some allege, though, that these toothpastes are ineffective and may weaken teeth over time. These claims have not been proved by any scientific studies.

The dangers involved in using at-home whitening treatments largely lies on the user’s ability to follow instructions and carefully administer the treatments. If you will use these methods, make sure to apply only the necessary amount on the recommended duration.

Further, and this is extremely important, you should consult a professional dentist in Richmond first before trying any at-home treatments. This is because you have to have healthy teeth with no cracks or damages so that the chemical solution will not seep into your teeth. Also check if you have any gum diseases. If any irritation or allergic reaction occurs, contact an emergency dentist Richmond.

In-office Whitening Treatments

The latest in-office treatment is what we call laser treatment, a method wherein a hydrogen peroxide solution is applied onto the patient’s teeth and exposed to a strong light to accelerate the bleaching process. This treatment is highly effective as it can lighten your teeth by 11 shades within an hour. It will cost you more than £600, though.

Some people experience sensitivity and/or gum irritation after laser treatments, though these side effects are usually short-lived. There are no other known problems caused by laser treatments or any in-office treatments of tooth whitening Richmond. 

In all cases, dentists discourage dental bleaching for pregnant and lactating women. Not enough studies show if teeth-whitening procedures have negative effects on babies, so it pays to stay on the safe side.

Now we’ve seen that teeth-whitening treatments are generally safe if administered carefully and responsibly. Just make sure to follow experts’ advice and you’re good to go.

Is Tooth Whitening 100% Safe?

They say a person’s best asset is their smile, but what if your smile shows an embarrassing stain? This is a seemingly common problem in the UK as experienced by the more than 100,000 Brits who tried tooth-whitening treatments last year. But what’s the real deal about tooth whitening?

Some critics claim teeth-whitening treatments as ineffective, costly, and even dangerous for human health. To investigate the grounds of these claims, let’s take a look at the different types of teeth-whitening treatments. There are two basic types: at-home treatments and in-office treatments. These methods obviously differ on who administers the treatment but usuallythe same chemicals are used. Let’s have a closer look:

At-home Whitening Treatments

There are three subtypes of at-home treatments: bleaching tray, bleaching strip, and whitening toothpaste. Bleaching tray is a customised tray made by a dentist through taking an impression of the patient’s teeth. This tray contains a bleaching chemical, most commonly hydrogen peroxide, which the patient needs to apply on his/her teeth for a week or two depending on the strength of the formula. There are also over-the-counter bleaching trays but since these are not custom-fit, it may lose its fit and risk burning of gums by the chemicals. If over-applied, the chemicals may weaken the teeth and burn the gums.

Bleaching strips work the same way as bleaching trays. These over-the-counter strips with hydrogen peroxide are applied to teeth for a certain period of time. This type of at-home treatment, however, has greater risks of burning gums since they can be moved more easily.

Lastly, whitening toothpastes contain abrasive elements that may whiten your teeth by a shade or two. Some allege, though, that these toothpastes are ineffective and may weaken teeth over time. These claims have not been proved by any scientific studies.

The dangers involved in using at-home whitening treatments largely lies on the user’s ability to follow instructions and carefully administer the treatments. If you will use these methods, make sure to apply only the necessary amount on the recommended duration.

Further, and this is extremely important, you should consult a professional dentist in Richmond first before trying any at-home treatments. This is because you have to have healthy teeth with no cracks or damages so that the chemical solution will not seep into your teeth. Also check if you have any gum diseases. If any irritation or allergic reaction occurs, contact an emergency dentist Richmond.

In-office Whitening Treatments

The latest in-office treatment is what we call laser treatment, a method wherein a hydrogen peroxide solution is applied onto the patient’s teeth and exposed to a strong light to accelerate the bleaching process. This treatment is highly effective as it can lighten your teeth by 11 shades within an hour. It will cost you more than £600, though.

Some people experience sensitivity and/or gum irritation after laser treatments, though these side effects are usually short-lived. There are no other known problems caused by laser treatments or any in-office treatments of tooth whitening Richmond. 

In all cases, dentists discourage dental bleaching for pregnant and lactating women. Not enough studies show if teeth-whitening procedures have negative effects on babies, so it pays to stay on the safe side.

Now we’ve seen that teeth-whitening treatments are generally safe if administered carefully and responsibly. Just make sure to follow experts’ advice and you’re good to go.

How to Properly Care for Children’s Teeth

More British kids seem to be having teeth trouble, a recent study suggests. The Health and Social Care Information Centre, the analysing arm of NHS England, says that tooth decay is the number one reason children aged 5 to 9 were hospitalised in 2013 to 2014. It estimates that almost 26,000 children underwent multiple tooth extractions within the year, a significant increase from around 22, 500 three years prior. The current figure translates to nearly 500 children a week.

This shocked dental practitioners nationwide, expressing concerns that sugary drinks and juices may have been causing rapid tooth decay among children.

This issue raises questions on how to properly care for your children’s teeth so that they don’t make any trips to the dentist any time soon. Children’s dentist Richmond answers this question for you. 

Here are five simple ways to care for your child’s teeth:

Have a Regular Teeth-Cleaning Routine

Many parents ask when to start brushing their baby’s teeth. The answer is to start as soon as the first milk tooth peeks out. This is usually at around six months or so. Brush your child’s teeth for around two minutes twice a day. NHS dentistry Richmond suggests using toothpaste containing 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride as it effectively controls and prevents tooth decay. Supervise their brushing until the age of seven and make sure they don’t eat or lick toothpaste. Children under the age of three should use just a tiny amount of toothpaste. 

Make Sure They Brush Properly 

Food particles and bacteria can hide in tricky parts of the mouth so make sure you teach your child how to brush properly. Guide their hands when brushing and put a mirror in front of them so they can see how exactly their hands are moving.

It is important to thoroughly clean their mouth to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. This condition happens when a baby’s teeth are frequently exposed to sugars from fruit juices, sweet drinks, milk, and even human breast milk. 

Tame Your Child’s Sweet Tooth

Any good dentists Richmond will advise you to control your child’s intake of sweets because of the possible tooth damage it may cause. This will not only protect their pearly whites, it will also prevent diabetes. Replace sweet drinks and treats with nutritious alternatives such as water, cow’s milk, rice krispies, carrot cupcakes, and more. 

Take Your Child to the Dentist Regularly 

The first time the milk teeth appear, take your baby to clinics that provide quality dentistry Richmond so that the child becomes acquainted and comfortable with the dentist. Make sure your dentist is child-friendly and has a pleasant attitude. It is important to have your baby checked early on so the dentist can detect any oral health problems, if any. Establish a regular dental check routine and make each trips fun so that the child may grow accustomed to and positive about it. Don’t worry, NHS child dental care is free.