Month: November 2022

What Are The Advantages Of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances? And How Different Options Can Improve Your Smile

Many people require orthodontic treatment to realign their teeth at some point in their lives. Thanks to modern dentistry, there are numerous orthodontic appliances available these days that one can choose from. So, if your dentist has just informed you that you need orthodontic treatment, you might be confused between the numerous available options. But don’t worry; this blog explains different orthodontic treatment options in detail so that you can make an informed decision regarding your treatment. So, continue reading to learn more about orthodontic appliances. 

What Are The Benefits Of Orthodontic Braces?

Dental braces among the reliable and time-tested options for straightening crooked teeth. Despite their disadvantage of being uncomfortable and conspicuous, they do offer certain advantages. These include:

  • Versatility – dental braces can be used to treat even the most complex orthodontic problems that are not treatable with other options. 
  • Cost-effective – dental braces are cost-effective compared to removable clear aligners. 
  • Simplicity – treatment with braces is relatively more straightforward and can be provided by all dentists, including general dentists. 

What Are The Benefits Of Using Retainers Instead Of Braces?

When we compare retainers (clear aligners) with braces, it becomes evident that clear aligners offer several advantages.

  1. For example, clear aligners are inconspicuous. Hence, you can wear them to a meeting, interview, presentation, or even a date without worrying about them being visible or affecting your smile.
  2. Secondly, invisible aligners are made of flexible polymer, which makes them much more comfortable than traditional fixed braces. Clear aligners also allow you to eat all your favorite foods.
  3. Finally, clear aligners, being removable, allow you to maintain optimal oral health. 

Can Wearing Braces Benefit Your Long-Term Dental Health?

The purpose of wearing braces is to align one’s teeth. This is done for various purposes. First, properly aligned teeth optimize one’s smile and facial aesthetics. Secondly, when teeth are aligned, they allow us to chew and digest our food properly, thereby helping in improving our physical health. Finally, optimally aligned teeth with braces allow one to maintain good oral hygiene. So, wearing braces can have a significant beneficial effect on one’s oral health and physical well-being. 

What Are The Benefits Of Braces For Kids?

Dentists worldwide recommend that if a child needs orthodontic treatment, it should begin at an early age – as soon as all their permanent teeth have come out. This ensures that kids retain their pearly white smile and their teeth remain cavity-free. Furthermore, there are significantly lesser chances of gum disease when the teeth have been aligned at an early age. So, it is always beneficial to get children’s teeth straightened in their early years. 

What Are The Long-Term Disadvantages Of Having Braces?

Like all other dental treatment options, dental braces have their merits and demerits. While we have already discussed the long-term benefits of braces on one’s oral health, there are certain long-term drawbacks of dental braces as well. These are:

  • Tooth Decay – teeth cleaning becomes quite challenging with braces. This is because food particles tend to stick around the braces and are difficult to remove. This leads to plaque and tartar decay around the brackets, increasing the risk of tooth decay. 
  • Gum Disease – difficult cleaning around braces also increases the risk of gum disease significantly, if optimal oral hygiene is not maintained. 
  • Bad Breath – food impaction around dental brackets can lead to bad breath. 

Will Ceramic Braces Give Me The Same Results As Metal Braces?

Ceramic braces have the same shape and design as metal braces. However, the only difference is that they are made of tooth-coloured ceramics. So essentially, ceramic braces will give the same results as traditional fixed metal braces. But, there are certain cases that may not be treatable with ceramic-based braces. Furthermore, ceramic braces are not recommended for individuals who grind their teeth as it can lead to the wear of the opposing teeth. But, overall, you can expect the same treatment outcome with ceramic braces as with traditional metal-based dental brackets. 

Are Damon Braces And Ceramic Braces The Same Thing?

Although the outcome of both ceramic and Damon braces is the same – to align the teeth – they work differently. Damon braces are available in both metal and ceramic materials. On the other hand, ceramic braces are made of tooth-coloured ceramic. Furthermore, Damon braces are self-ligating. This means that they don’t require elastic bands to hold them in place. They also don’t need frequent tightening. Furthermore, clear Damon braces are made of a transparent material, which makes them virtually invisible. So, Damon braces, in addition to being more convenient, also offer better aesthetics (Clear braces). However, not everyone is a candidate for Damon or ceramic braces. Your dentist will perform a detailed clinical examination to identify the underlying cause and your treatment needs and then advise a suitable treatment option. 

If you have been putting off your orthodontic treatment because you don’t want to wear those uncomfortable and conspicuous metal braces, here is your chance to get your teeth straightened quickly, comfortably, and inconspicuously. At Harrow Dental, we offer our patients a wide range of orthodontic treatment options, including ceramic, lingual, and Damon braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Furthermore, we have a team of highly qualified orthodontists. So, you can rest assured that you are in safe and capable hands with us. 

So, what are you waiting for? Let us help you with any orthodontic concerns, contact us today to take your first step towards your dream smile. 

Can Dentures Be Fitted To Receding Gums? And Other Tooth Replacement Questions Answered

Removable dentures are one of the most commonly used options for replacing missing natural teeth. If your dentist has recently suggested removable dentures for tooth replacement, you will surely have questions about this treatment option. In this regard, one of the most frequently asked questions about removable dentures is whether they can be used with receding gums. If you are also looking for an answer to this question, you have come to the right place. So, read on to find out the answer to this question so that you can make an informed decision about this tooth replacement option. 

Receding Gums: Causes And Treatment Options?

Gum recession is a pathological process in which the gums start to move away from their normal attachment position on the teeth. Gum recession can occur due to a variety of reasons. Some of these are given below:

 

  • Gum Disease – the harmful bacteria inside inflamed gums release toxins that irritate the gums. This results in the movement of the gums away from their normal position. 
  • Physical Irritation – physical factors such as using excessive force during brushing or too much use of toothpicks can also cause gum recession. 
  • Overhanging Restoration – if a filling overhangs and touches the gum tissues, it can cause irritation and recession of the gums. 
  • Trauma – an accidental injury to the gums can also cause their recession. 

 

Which Is Better, An Implant Or A Bridge, If You Have Poor Gums?

Dental professionals recommend against getting any type of tooth replacement while there is underlying gum inflammation. This is because dental bridges are dependent on the supporting healthy teeth for their support. If there is gum disease, the teeth may already be mobile resulting in the pre-mature dislodgment of the bridge. Similarly, dental implants rely on the health of the bone tissue for the support. Again, if there is gum disease, it may have already caused extensive bone tissue damage. Hence, dentists always treat gum disease before considering any type of tooth replacement. 

What Causes Receding Gums On One Tooth?

Typically, gum recession occurs on all the teeth. However, there are certain cases when it can also occur in isolated teeth. Some of the reasons for isolated gum recession are:

  • Trauma to the affected tooth 
  • Misaligned tooth which receives excessive force during brushing 
  • Using too much toothpick 

Regardless of the location of gum recession, it should never be taken lightly and immediate dental assistance shoul be sought. 

What’s The Best Solution For Teeth Gap And Receding Gums?

Teeth gaps and receding gums are two separate issues. Teeth gaps typically appear when there is excess space in the jaws than needed for accommodating all the teeth in alignment. Alternatively, if a tooth is lost prematurely, the neighbouring teeth move towards the vacant space, creating extra spacing between all the teeth. Regarding the solution of teeth gaps, dentists utilise various options. These are:

For receding gums, the following options are available:

  • Periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planning
  • Gum grafting 

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix Receding Gums?

Cosmetic dentistry can help in restoring the aesthetic flaws caused by gum recession. However, other procedures need to be performed to treat the underlying cause. For example, if gum recession is because of periodontal inflammation, your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar deposits through scaling and planning and then treat the cosmetic issue. In some cases, treatment of the underlying issues restores gum health and attachment. On the other hand, when there is severe gum recession, a gum grafting procedure is performed to correct the optimal length of the gums.

Can Fake Teeth Chew Just As Good As Real Teeth?

There is nothing as good as one’s natural teeth. However, this does not mean tooth replacement options do not restore one’s ability to chew food. Instead, it depends on the type of tooth replacement. For example, removable dentures, especially complete dentures, rely solely on the underlying bone and soft tissues for their support and retention. Hence, they do not effectively restore one’s ability to chew food. On the other hand, dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone, like natural teeth. Hence, they optimally restore one’s ability to chew food efficiently. In fact, dental implants are the next best thing for your natural teeth. 

What Happens If Your Gums Recede Too Far?

The most significant complication of gum recession is the exposure of the tooth roots, which are more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay than the tooth crowns. So, if the gums recede too far, it can cause root sensitivity and decay. 

Will My Teeth Fall Out From Receding Gums?

Gum recession is an indication of underlying gum disease. In the advanced stages of gum disease, there is extensive bone loss, resulting in the teeth becoming loose in their sockets. If this condition is not corrected in a timely manner, the teeth may start falling off. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Having Dentures?

Like all tooth replacement options, removable dentures have their own merits and demerits. These are:

 

Pros of Dentures

 

      • Cost-effective 
      • Simple fabrication technique 
      • Repairable can be used to replace single, multiple, or all missing teeth 

Cons of Dentures

 

    • Service life is limited 
    • Can fracture easily if dropped 
    • Can get warped if exposed to sudden extreme temperature changes

Finding an excellent removable denture specialist in your area can be difficult. But, if you reside in Hornchurch, Harrow Dental Practice is the best place to visit. Whether you need removable dentures or teeth whitening for your stained teeth, we provide all the services under one roof. So, contact us today and request an appointment so that we can give you a healthy, lasting, and adorable smile.