Popular Teeth Straightening Options

Invisalign Clear Braces

One definition of this new method is, “a series of clear, removable orthodontic aligners that straighten teeth without the use of metal or wires”. The amount of aligners the patient will need depends on the severity of the condition of the teeth. There are many straightening stages, however these take place once every two weeks, therefore overall Invisalign is only a slightly longer method than most.

The pros outweigh the cons when it comes to these invisible braces. They are removed before eating, brushing and flossing the teeth – resulting in less issues when it comes to cleaning the braces. The most obvious pro is that they are not nearly as noticeable as metal braces – attracting many adults!

Ceramic Braces

Another option that is not as noticeable as the conventional metal braces, are ceramic ones. Because these are made of translucent or tooth-coloured material, they are not easily detected. This is the option well-known actor, Tom Cruise chose when he needed some teeth straightening.

Lingual Braces

Your options of undetectable braces are not limited to Invisalign and ceramic braces. Lingual braces, the slightly more costly option, are inserted behind your teeth – completely out of sight. At first, they may cause irritation against your tongue and some people have battled with pronunciation in the beginning.

All these options are viable. And none of them are noticeable. Whether you are a child or an adult, you don’t want people to notice your smile more when you have braces in, more than they did when you had crooked teeth. These methods can improve your smile without the world even knowing. However, there are many more methods for teeth straightening- so be sure to do all the research when making the decision.

We can evaluate if teeth straightening is something that you would benefit from.  And not just for esthetics!  Crowding, spacing and teeth that are in the wrong position can cause irreversible damage over the years.  If you are thinking about straightening your teeth come in for a FREE consultation with Dr. Kooner.

A smile is always beautiful, as long as it’s genuine.

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Advantages and Disadvantages

The claims are not just idle boasts according to the long list of advantages assigned to using implants. Among these are implants’ comfort and convenience; their natural appearance; and their low impact on speech and the ability to eat. To cap it all, they are seen as lasting the longest of the tooth replacement options and putting the least strain on surrounding teeth.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Some disadvantages do dim the royal glow. These include the need for surgery, which by its nature brings with it a healing period and carries the threat of infection. Implants also require adequate bone to support them, and there is a chance that during their lifespan (which is cited at anything up to 20 years), problems might rear their heads in terms of the implants’ components with regard to possible mechanical failure and the dental crown fracturing at some point.

Implants also involve a commitment to high levels of oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure their longevity, but then again that’s a commitment that applies to other tooth replacements and our natural teeth, if we want them to last a long time.

Types of Implants and Their Components

Most implants work on similar principles and have three similar components, the body, the abutment and the crown. At the jawbone level, the body which will ultimately support the entire structure is implanted in or on the bone, and the abutment or post-like support for the visible porcelain crown is attached to it. And in most instances, a false crown is attached first to give the gums a chance to heal before the final ceramic crown is attached.

The two major types of implants differ mainly in the way the body is attached to the bone, and in the number of incisions required. The Endosteal implant involves two surgeries, one to implant the screw-like titanium body directly into the jawbone. The second allows for the abutment (or post) that will eventually support the porcelain crown, to be attached after the gums have been given a chance to heal.

The second type, the Subperiosteal implant, involves only one surgery. It also uses a different body and way of attaching it to the jawbone, instead of fitting a metal frame onto the bone just below the gum tissue and allowing it to become permanently attached to the bone as the gum heals. With the abutment post already attached to the implant and protruding through the gum, all that remains to be done is the attachment of the porcelain crown.

If considering an implant, your dentist will be the best person to offer guidance as to whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure, and, if so, which type of implant will be the best option for you.

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What is more: the risk of injury to the teeth or mouth is higher. What is a mouthguard? It is a piece of equipment that has been designed to prevent injury to the teeth or jaw. It is usually moulded to fit around your teeth to provide protection from any blows to the head. Why is this piece of equipment so necessary for anybody at any age? Let’s look at just a few good reasons.

You Cannot Avoid an Accident

One dictionary defines an accident as: “An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.” Simply put: we are not in complete control of what happens when playing sport.

All sports provide a risk of injury, some of course will be higher than others. Sports such as hockey, football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, soccer, skateboarding, gymnastics, and mountain biking are more prone to mouth injuries. However, no matter what sport you do, it will always be a good idea to protect your teeth.

Protection for Teeth and Jaw

Mouthguards play a vital role in the protection of your mouth. In most sports the safety equipment that a player needs to wear seems excessive and yet it might be the reason why a player will stay in the game for longer, or even stay in for the whole season.

This thin, flexible piece of plastic could save your future in a sport by avoiding any permanent damage done to the teeth or jaw. But what if a mouthguard just doesn’t seem like the right fit for you? Well, that doesn’t have to be the end of your relationship with a mouthguard.

Many Different Options

Perhaps it hurts the teeth; perhaps it irritates the tongue. Maybe the mouthguard is too prominent or it doesn’t match your outfit. Whatever it may be that you have against this piece of equipment, it can be solved. To start off, there are three different types of mouthguards on the market:

1. Boil and Bite

It is what the name suggests. Because these mouthguards can be moulded to fit the teeth perfectly by warming up the plastic and biting into it, it provides a comfortable and customized piece of equipment.

2. Custom-made Mouthguards

Although this option may cost more money, it provides the most comfort and protection. Your Surrey dentist will design a mouthguard perfect for your teeth using an impression of your teeth.

3. Stock Mouthguards

Often uncomfortable and bulky, these pre-designed mouthguards may cause discomfort. However, they are the least expensive and could provide the athlete with exactly what they need.

Your teeth and jaw play a very vital role in daily living, and protecting the teeth from any harm is essential. We cannot avoid accidents or injury and, depending on the sport we play, our mouth is at risk of permanent damage. With all the options of different mouthguards, there is no excuse for any unnecessary sports injuries. Speak to your dentist as soon as possible and protect your future.

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So, if you currently have braces; or your local dentist is telling you that you need to consider them in your near future, how do you ensure that you are getting the most out of the experience? A dental check-up is no doubt something that your parents, your doctor, or your dentist himself has encouraged throughout your life. Does this change when you get braces? Let’s see…

What Are Dental Check-Ups?

Dental check-ups are necessary for overall dental hygiene and oral health. We all want to look after our teeth and gums, but at times we forget the effort that is needed in order to do so. What would the dentist check for during this routine appointment?

Dental cavities in the teeth

Cavities can sometimes only be seen in an X-ray; therefore, some dentists will insist on scanning your mouth.

Plaque and tartar on the teeth

Plaque is what appears on the surface of your teeth before it becomes tartar. Because plaque and tartar are results of bacteria, if left untreated it can lead to oral diseases.

Any sign of gum disease

The spaces between the teeth and gums will determine whether a patient has developed any gum disease. The dentist will most likely use a specialised tool to determine this.

Don’t forget about the tongue and throat

Some dental check-ups will include the examination of your tongue, throat and sometimes the face and neck. Any signs of inflammation or irritation could mean that there are bigger problems to address.

How Often to Go for Check-Ups?

Because your oral health is determined at these check-ups, they are obviously vital. The recommended amount of visits a year is two. That is for someone without any complications. If, however; you have a need to see the dentist more often then that would be necessary. The golden rule here would be to listen to the advice of your dentist or oral hygienist and ensure that you go at least twice a year.

What About Those with Braces?

Well, think about it logically: would someone with braces face more complications with their teeth? Unfortunately, yes. Food and food particles can often get stuck in between the teeth and the braces. Anything that may not be removed by brushing and flossing can cause bacteria, and as mentioned above, bacteria can cause serious harm. Therefore, it is even more essential for those with braces to go for regular dental check-ups.

So please, the next time you wonder to yourself, “Do I really need to go see the dentist when nothing feels wrong?”: don’t! It’s not even a question whether regular dental check-ups are necessary. Your dentist is there to care for and protect your teeth: diagnosing any problems early on; cleaning and maintaining your oral hygiene and health; and giving expert advice on necessary homecare. Keeping in mind the goal of your dentist will make the vitality of these appointments that much clearer. Also, keeping in mind the aim of the braces themselves might help motivate you to take the best care of your teeth during this process. Keep in mind: regular dentist check-ups are essential, especially when you have braces.

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Drinks

Let’s start by taking a look at the most common drinks that can discolour your teeth.

• Coffee
• Tea
• Wine
• Sodas
• Sports Drinks

Coffee is one of the largest causes of tooth discoloration, but teas, even herbal teas, can have the same effect. This is because of the acidity of the tea. Likewise, both light and dark sodas can stain and damage your teeth, as can both white and red wine. Don’t let decaf coffee confuse you into thinking that it will not stain your teeth either, because it is just as likely to stain your teeth as fully caffeinated coffee is. It also does not matter what type of a roast that you consume, all coffee is at risk of staining your teeth. It is best to limit your intake of all of these beverages and brush your teeth after consuming them.

Fruits

Fruits and berries are delicious to consume, but can also stain your teeth. These include:

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Pomegranates
• Purple grapes

The more vibrant the color of the fruit, the more likely they are to stain your teeth. Not only is it because of the color, but these fruits also contain more tooth-discolouring acid. Meanwhile, lighter coloured fruits, like white grapes, apples, and even peaches, are much less likely to discolour your teeth.

Sauces

Some sauces can also cause your teeth to discolour. These include:

• Tomato sauce
• Curry

Sauce is normally highly acidic and dark in color, which can result in discoloration and not the brightest smile you can get. In the same vein, citruses in general can breakdown your tooth enamel and put you at risk of staining your teeth.

Prevention

If you are wondering what you can do to help prevent the discoloration of your teeth while still being able to enjoy the foods you love, there is a way. Eating leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, and spinach, before consuming a stain-causing food can provide a protective film on your teeth, preventing the next food you eat from staining them.

Keeping up with good brushing and flossing habits can help keep your teeth from staining as well, especially if it is done right after you eat. If your biggest concern over staining your teeth is drinks, a big helper is to use a straw for drinking. While disposable straws are becoming less available, keep a collapsible or a silicone straw in your purse or car to have on hand when you order a drink that might stain your teeth.

Another good preventative method is to eat well and drink plenty of water. Water does more for your body than just keeping your hydrated, but it can also keep your teeth and gums healthy, especially if it is fluoridated water. Avoiding many of the foods that can stain and discolour your teeth can also help the health of your teeth and your body. Foods that are high in acid will break down the enamel on your teeth, not only making them susceptible to discoloration, but also susceptible to tooth decay.

Generally, you just need to focus on eating your vegetables, brushing your teeth, and avoiding junk food, just like your mother always said.

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Severe gum disease starts small. The infection is called gingivitis and an estimated 47 percent of people have it. This mild infection can go unnoticed, but you might notice that your gums are sensitive and tend to bleed after tooth brushing or that they appear red and inflamed.

Mild gum infections such as these are caused by bacteria that build up in the mouth – even when you’re quite good with your home oral hygiene routine. There are always crevices and corners that are hard to reach with a brush and the bacteria that breed here cause gum infections.

Receding Gums are a Serious Symptom

Once your gums begin to recede from your teeth, you have a serious gum infection. It can cause damage to the bone that underlies your teeth, and there is even early research that seems to show a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.

Trying to stop receding gums with home or folk remedies is a recipe for disaster. You have an infection and need specialized help. The good news is that the treatment of receding gums has advanced enormously in recent years. Dentists can even restore some or all of the damage that has already been done to the gum line.

How Dentists Treat Receding Gums

The treatment of receding gums depends on how bad the damage is. If the infection has damaged the bone or the pockets it forms in the gums have become too deep, you may need to undergo surgery to save your teeth. Depending on what is required to do so, it could involve bone grafting or regeneration, gum grafts, or simply a lifting and reattachment of existing gum tissue.

However, if the recession has just begun, the Surrey dentist can clean away the harmful bacteria and smooth the tooth so that it is harder for the bacteria to regain a foothold.

Taking Care of Your Teeth Means Taking Care of Your Gums

Gum recession isn’t just an aesthetic problem, it also has the potential to be a serious health problem. The longer it goes untreated, the worse it gets, the more permanent damage is done, and the more severe the intervention required to correct it.

Luckily, you don’t have to do anything extra to take care of your gums. Follow this checklist:

• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day.
• Do not brush too vigorously at the gum line – use the correct brushing technique and a brush with relatively soft bristles.
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Every 6 months is best, but once a year will do if you don’t already have dental complications.
• Visit your oral hygienist for regular teeth cleaning to remove tartar build-up on your teeth.
• Limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages.

Are You Worried About Receding Gums?

If you have noticed that your gums are receding it may just be that you need to adapt the way you brush your teeth or that you are seeing a normal sign of ageing. However, the possibility that receding gums come from an infection that could place your health at risk is real. See your dentist as soon as possible.

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Remember to Distinguish Between Crown and Implant

Since you go for implants to get a replacement tooth, it’s all-too-easy to think of the whole replacement tooth as being an implant. However, the part you can see is not the implant, but the crown, which is in turn attached to an abutment on the implant itself.

So, to clarify: replacement tooth = implant + abutment + crown. Let’s look at what you can expect from these components’ longevity.

Lifespan of Implants

It’s just possible that implants could last a lifetime. The truth is that we don’t know. The type of implants we use today have been around for decades, and so far, it seems that a successful implant can continue working indefinitely if its properly cared for.

Premature implant failure is possible when people suffer from certain illnesses including diabetes and gum disease. Discuss any risk factors with your dentist.

Lifespan of Crown and Abutment

Since the crown does all the work your natural tooth would have done, it’s far more likely to fail than the implant. We usually estimate the lifespan of a crown at 10 to 15 years although some of our patients have maintained their crowns in good condition for longer.

Crowns at the back of the mouth experience the greatest pressure when chewing and are likely to wear out faster than crowns placed towards the front of the mouth. However, replacing the crown or the abutment is a straightforward process.

How to Care For Implants and Crowns

When you have crowns and dental implants, you don’t need to do anything special to take care of them – but you should also not neglect your regular oral hygiene routine. Implants can fail because of untreated gum disease, so consult your dentist if your gums seem red, swollen, or sensitive, and don’t miss your regular dental check-up appointments.

Get Specifics From your Dentist

When you and your dentist are considering implants as a way to replace a missing tooth, your dentist should enquire into your medical history and explain the process in detail. He or she will highlight any factors you should take into account before making a decision and should also explain tooth-replacement alternatives as well as their pros and cons.

From a general perspective, we can confidently say that implants are the best tooth replacement options available. Their convenience, longevity, oral health benefits, and natural aesthetics speak for themselves. If you would like to know whether dental implants will be the right choice for you, consult your dentist as soon as possible after tooth loss.

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Sugar is definitely one of the culprits behind cavities and wrecking your teeth. This is how.

History

It took literally centuries for the understanding that sugar caused cavities to become common knowledge. Aristotle observed the negative impact that sugar has on people’s teeth, but even thousands of years ago, no one thought it was true.

As science and information has improved throughout the years and with the advancements of technology, we can actually see how cavities are formed and take the right steps to preventing them.

Minerals Under Attack

The trouble with sugar and other carbohydrates comes down to what they do to the makeup of your mouth rather than what they are directly doing to your teeth. Your mouth is naturally full of a variety of bacteria, some of which is harmful, but not all of it.

When some bacteria within your mouth run into carbohydrates, the bacteria release an acid. The acid then actually takes away the minerals within your tooth enamel, leaving it weak and prone to getting caries. The demineralization of your enamel can happen when you eat not just sugar, but potato chips, and even raisins.

Saliva

Saliva is your mouth’s natural housekeeper. It washes your teeth and by keeping your mouth moist, keeps bacteria from sticking to your enamel. This is why people who suffer from dry mouth are at a bigger risk of developing cavities than those without.

Calcium and phosphate are both found within your saliva. These essential minerals will combat the bacteria that are attacking your tooth enamel, warding off the decay. Combined with the fluoride you get from your toothpaste, you can remineralize your teeth while the bacteria are fighting to demineralize your teeth.

Unfortunately, when the bacteria attacks happen repeatedly, there is ultimately damage caused along the enamel that cannot be fixed with your saliva alone. Once this happens, your tooth will form a cavity.

Controlling Your Diet

The best thing that you can do outside of having great dental homecare is to control your sugar intake. Sugar is not just harmful to your teeth, but can be harmful to your entire body. Think about what you are eating before you eat it. This means cutting down on sugar or carbohydrate-heavy snacks.

The frequency that sugar is consumed can also put your teeth at greater risk. If you are a frequent sugary snacker, for example, your enamel will be at a greater risk for developing a cavity than someone who does not.

Another change that you can make has to do with what you drink. Energy drinks, sodas, and juices are all harmful to the enamel of your teeth, leading to tooth decay as well as recession. You should even watch out for sports drinks as they often have hidden ingredients of sugar, disguised as helpful electrolytes.

Simply being aware of what you are taking in can make a huge impact on your oral health. You should also make sure to brush twice a day, with the most important being right before bed. Combined with your regular dental visits, you can expect to keep decay away.

The post How Sugar Causes Cavities and Destroys Your Teeth appeared first on Surrey Dentist | Green Apple Dental | Surrey, BC.

But at what age can you get Invisalign? Is it possible for anyone to qualify for this life-changing procedure? This is what you need to know.

Requirements to get Invisalign

To begin with, let’s take a look at what the requirements to get Invisalign are. While Invisalign might be an ideal treatment for many, the truth is that not every can have it, regardless of age. The basic requirements to be considered for Invisalign are:

• Oral Health: To begin with, you must not have any significant active decay or tooth damage. Before braces of any type, you need to already have good oral health.
• Baby Teeth: All baby teeth need to have come out with the permanent teeth erupting.
• Incisors and First Molars: Your incisors and first molars should have already erupted.
• Wisdom Teeth: Second molars and your wisdom teeth do not need to be out in order to get Invisalign. Since the trays are custom-made, they can be built to take the missing teeth into consideration.
• Maturity: Patients need to be able to faithfully wear their Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours a day, while still understanding the trays must be removed for eating and have to be cleaned after each meal.

In theory, you could say that children as young as 12 could meet the above requirements in order to receive Invisalign. Yet, just as every orthodontic case is different, the maturity level of each child is different. If a teen patient does not take his or her orthodontic treatment seriously, the results can be disappointing.

Yet if the child is responsible and understands what is needed in order to have effective treatment, it is possible to have a younger teenager be successful with Invisalign.

There are also some oral situations where Invisalign might not be the most effective form of treatment or will take longer than traditional braces would. These cases are usually when there is substantial crowding or tooth displacement that cannot be reasonably helped by Invisalign. Fortunately, even in extreme cases, many patients can switch from traditional braces to Invisalign once the teeth have been moved to an easier position.

Why Invisalign?

Many young teenagers still get the traditional braces because they are not good candidates for Invisalign. But you still might be wondering what it is that makes Invisalign so great to begin with. With Invisalign, instead of traditional braces, your child will:

• Be able to eat the food of his or her choice.
• Maintain better overall oral health.
• Eat without pain or discomfort from metal brackets.
• Be free of sores and cuts along the cheeks and gums.
• Be confident with his or her smile.

One of the biggest drawbacks to traditional braces in the eyes of a child is the appearance of the braces themselves. With a lot of metal in the mouth, children often hesitate when it comes to smiling. Since the teenage years are already awkward for most, having the addition of metal braces does not help.

If you are wondering whether Invisalign is a good choice for your child, schedule an orthodontic consultation today.

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So how often should you be visiting the dentist?

Frequency of Appointments

The truth is that some people need to visit the dentist more often than other people. It comes down to your dental and oral health needs, which can dramatically vary from person to person. Generally speaking, however, you should go to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and at least once a year for routine x-rays and a dental exam.

When You Need To Go In More Often

Twice a year cleanings might be the average, but there are many factors that can affect how often you should be going in for a dental appointment. Some of these factors include:

• Dry mouth: Whether you naturally have underactive salivary glands or you take a medication that dries out your mouth, you will need to go in more often when you have a dry mouth. Saliva is a natural cleaner for your teeth and without it, you will become more prone to a variety of dental issues, including decay. Going in for more cleanings a year can keep the teeth as clean and healthy as possible while keeping an eye out for dental concerns.
• Pregnancy: Due to the influx of hormones during pregnancy, many women will experience inflammation in the gums, known as gingivitis. This can cause the gums to bleed more and increase the risk of decay. As a result, having an extra visit during pregnancy can prevent the problems the hormones can cause.
• Cancer: Cancer treatments can have many side effects, including dry mouth and periodontal disease. The risk of infection in the gums will increase due to the immune system suppression while the medicine will cause the mouth to dry out. For the longevity of your teeth, you should see a dentist more frequently when you are undergoing cancer treatment.
• Diabetes: Another condition that can require more dental visits is diabetes. Diabetics have a higher tendency toward gum disease as well as other dental concerns. Frequent visits can help keep the conditions at way.
• Other diseases: Many other conditions and diseases will also need more monitoring by the dentist, including immune disorders, heart disease, and even kidney disease.

How Often You Need To Go In

If you are wondering how often you should be going to the dentist, the best way to find out is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. At that appointment, your dentist will be able to review your health history, your current oral health, and review any x-rays that have been taken on your teeth. Together, you and your dentist will be able to make a plan that can ensure the health and longevity of your smile.

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