March 2012 – Page 2

10 Things to ask before having Invisalign braces in Essex

10 Things to ask before having Invisalign braces in Essex

If you are considering taking the help of Invisalign dentist for straightening your teeth, it is better to be armed with a host of questions that you should ask at first consultation appointment. It is best to have these questions in writing as there is the possibility of you forgetting them in your excitement at getting acquainted with the dentist. Whenever patients enter into relationships with new medical providers, it helps if all bases are covered and if you ensure that you both are on the same page. Here are 10 things to ask before having Invisalign braces in Essex.
1 & 2) What is Invisalign? How does the device work?
The cosmetic dentist would be capable of answering these questions. They would show you brochures, pictures and examples of actual aligners. Invisalign is a straightening device that is made of transparent plastic. It is removable. It actually looks very similar to the whitening trays that are used in the process of bleaching.
3) How often do the aligners have to be switched?
At an average switch should be made every 2 weeks. The dentist would give you additional specifics as per your situation.
4) What is the duration of straightening process?
No patient is the same. After examination, the cosmetic dentist would give you approximate timetable for completion date that is targeted.
5) For how long are patients to wear the aligners every day?
So as to complete the process according to planned timetable, patients usually need to wear the devices 20 to 22 hours every day. They could take them out for special engagements or to eat.
6) How are the devices to be cleaned?
The cosmetic dentist would give you examples of cleaning products, probably even samples that you could take home and use. The braces would have to be brushed as well as flossed in the usual manner.
7) Can patients smoke cigarettes when they are fitted with Invisalign?
This is not a good idea as tobacco products could stain and discolor the trays. As you are aware, smoking is associated with a number of health concerns besides this. Hence it is probably right time to quit this bad habit.
8) Are the patients allowed to consume alcoholic beverages on wearing straighteners?
Yes.
9) Is chewing gum allowed?
Chewing gum should be avoided while wearing plastic trays. As a matter of fact, gum should not be eaten at all when they are worn. If the patient craves chewing gum, they would have to remove the devices first.
10) What is the cost of the straighteners?
The cost of the straighteners depends on many factors such as the location of the dental office, fees of individual practice and the amount of straightening that is to be done. Average price is 2000 to 4000 Pounds. However it could be a few thousand more or less depending on circumstances. If patients have insurance covering orthodontia, this could also cover Invisalign.
Once all your questions are answered by the cosmetic dentist, you are ready to go! In just a couple of years, you would be smiling through straight beautiful teeth.

10 things to know before you having Sedation by a Dentist in Essex

10 things to know before you having Sedation by a Dentist in Essex

The option of sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who have dental phobias, those who need dental work in large amounts and those who would prefer sleeping through their dental appointment. But sedation as a tool is very powerful. You would not want to trust just anyone when it comes to your safety. Here are 10 things to know before you have sedation by a dentist in Essex. These guidelines would help you in choosing the right dental practitioner.

• Check the credentials of the doctor – Unlike other specialties in dentistry (orthodontics, oral surgery, etc.) the Dental Association of America does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as specialty but cosmetic dentists could get accreditation from the American Cosmetic Dentistry Academy. They should also have a license from the dental board of the state.
• Investigate training of the doctor – The best practitioners of cosmetic dentistry didn’t only attend the dental school. These experts also underwent extensive postgraduate training programs, concentrating specifically on issues related to cosmetic dentistry. Moreover, they also participate in continuing education programs regularly in order to stay informed on new materials and procedures.
• Start with consultation – The best way of learning more about dentists and their dental practice is to go for consultations. These are usually inexpensive. Sometimes, they are even given for free. Speak to your dentist before committing to anything. You have to keep in mind that it is your responsibility to make educated decision.
• Seek experience in smile design – Cosmetic dentistry could be looked upon as science as well as art. Generally, if a dentist has designed a lot of smiles, their work would be better. Designing a smile is not just about the teeth. Dentists have to consider the lips, mouth shape, facial structure and gum line as well.
• Communication is the key – It is very important that you talk to the dentist and they listen to all you have to say. There has to be ongoing dialogue if it is the question of individual long term treatment plan. In case you feel rushed, pressured or bullied, then that dentist is not right for you.
• Ask for before-and-after photos – Before you come to a decision go through the portfolio of the dentist. Pay special attention to the cases same as yours. See to it that the photographs are of the actual work performed by the cosmetic dentist and not stock photos.
• Do not pay too little or too much – Many dentists charge exorbitant fees by promoting themselves as renowned high-end celebrity dentists claiming to offer Hollywood smile restorations. Others try making up for shoddy work and poor materials by offering very low prices. Be wary of the extremes.
• Honest dentists set realistic expectations – Look out for dentists who promise a lot more than what they are capable of delivering. Your dentist should be able to tell you what can possibly be done to change your smile. They should be able to tell you the amount of time the process would take, what you would be required to do as well as the possibility of the occurrence of any complications.
• Technology is the in thing, however it is not everything – A dentist who uses latest state-of-the-art equipment is bound to be familiar with modern techniques. However this does not mean that you should be dazzled by the fancy tools of dentist. What is important is that the dentist should know the way to use the tools properly.
• A lab technician who is good is a priceless asset – Dentists decide on treatment plans. However, lab technicians actually fabricate porcelain crowns or veneers that grace your brand new smile. All great dentists tend to be proud of lab technicians who work for them and materials they work on.

10 things to know before picking a Cosmetic Dentist in Essex

It is very difficult to get a cosmetic dentist who is right for you, irrespective of the amount of time you spend browsing the Internet for articles on dentistry. Such articles only describe dental experience and skills however interpersonal skills are also very important. Here are 10 things to know before picking a cosmetic dentist in Essex so that your search becomes easier.
• Do not go to the first dentist you come across on the street. Carry out extensive research. Not all cosmetic dentists would be recognized by the Dentists Association in the country you live in. Hence look for certifications and licenses. Ask friends to recommend dentists. In this way you would be able to get at least one name.
• Consider training that the cosmetic dentist has undergone in the field of cosmetic dentistry. See if the degree they have acquired is from among the top schools of dentistry. Being a licensed cosmetic dentist is not enough. Considerable experience and skill in the field is very important.
• Undergo dental examination. Ask them for a dental examination as it is the best way of knowing if a cosmetic dentist is good. Such an examination is affordable compared to any cosmetic treatment. This would help you in determining if the dentist deals with you in a professional manner. You would also be able to experience office environment. Is the dentist well organized? Is the office tidy and neat?
• Ask what is to be done to your pearly whites so that you get the perfect smile. Experienced dentists would consider all the dental problems you are suffering from and recommend many options. A cosmetic dentist should ideally consider the structure of your facial bone and shape of the gums and lips. They could suggest the treatment of braces, reconstruction or other procedures. See if the dentist is able to provide recommendations well.
• Observe how the cosmetic dentist approaches you. Dentists have to be friendly and warm. This is very important because there are a lot of people who are not happy to meet them. The ones who are nice and friendly would be able to calm the patients. This would make them feel very comfortable.
• Take a look at the work the dentists have done on their previous patients. This is the best way of evaluating the experience and skill of the dentist rather than just browsing through their portfolio.
• See that the dentist does not enjoy any bad press. Bad news about the dentist will work against them. Go for a dentist who has a great reputation.
• Think about median cost. Dentists with less experience would not charge higher fees because they want to build their practice. Those who are established would charge exorbitant rates. Go for one who charges reasonable fees so that they would give you a sparkly smile without burning a phone in your pocket.
• Rein in your expectations. Your budget would influence services you are given. You should not expect a lot if the price point is the lowest. Many people complain that their teeth have not gone white after undergoing basic teeth cleaning procedures. Bleaching procedures are a lot more expensive than basic cleaning. This treatment would be done only if you ask for it specifically or the dentist advises it and the patient agrees.
• Ask who would be doing the procedure. At times, the cosmetic dentist would make you extremely comfortable in the first appointment however during the next visit you might be surprised to find another person applying braces or installing dental implants. If the cosmetic dentist would not be performing the procedure themselves, you could ask them to acquaint you with the one who would.

10 things to ask before placing Dental Implants in Essex

An amazing treatment for people who have some teeth missing or are set to lose them is dental implants. The functionality, feel and look of these implants are closest you could get to natural teeth. But getting dental implants fitted is a surgical treatment that you would have to take extremely seriously. It is important that you be very careful and are aware of 10 things to ask before placing dental implants in Essex so that you can rest assured that you are in the best situation possible for successful outcome.

1) Does the doctor make use of latest computer technology and 3-D x-ray imaging to ensure implant is placed in right location with enough bone?
Not many doctors make use of 3-D imaging for help in placement of implant. The technology of cone beam helps clinicians know the exact location where the implant is to be placed and if the bone is sufficient. There is no room for guesswork.
2) Will the dentist make use of guides or surgical stents?
Proper placement of implant is not much of prosthetic dilemma nowadays as surgical stents are being used. The stents offer communication between restoring dentist and surgeon so that implant is fitted at ideal prosthetic angulation and position. The last thing you want after placement of the implant when it is time to fit the crown is that the position of the implant is incorrect.
3 & 4) How much experience does the doctor have in fitting dental implants? What is the number of implants they have fitted in the course of their career?
Usually, all patients would prefer working with clinicians who are highly skilled and have years of experience before letting them fit dental implants. See to it that you ask the doctor questions about experience, training and number of implants.
5) When does the doctor plan to load implants? Why?
Many doctors would load implants same day. Some might prefer loading them progressively. Others might load them 4 to 6 months later. Every doctor would have a reason for doing this and each would be appropriate as per the situation. This is why you should ask the doctor these questions.
6) What is success rate of the doctor in a span of five and 10 years?
When it comes to dental implants, success rate is very high in majority cases but doctors that do not use latest technology or lack experience tend to have lower success rate. Hence ask for their rate of success for 5 as well as 10 years post-operation.
7) What is the number of surgeries that would be required?
It is important to know in advance the number of surgeries that would be required. In a number of cases it would be beneficial to get second opinion.
8) Would the doctor be restoring the implant?
Many times, doctors place implants and restore them, too. You should inquire about the possibility of this option as well as who would be performing the restoration. Restoration is equally important as placement of implant with respect to long term stability.
9) Would the doctor make use of sedation?
You would be more comfortable with the surgery if you are given oral sedation or intravenous conscious sedation. Ask about the availability of the service.
10) Who is restoring your implant if not your doctor? What rate of success do they boast?
If your dentist is fitting the dental implant but will not be restoring it, question them about experience of doctor who would be doing it. What is ratio of their success? Have they undergone advanced courses?

10 things to know about 6 Month Smiles in Essex

10 Things to Know About 6 Month Smiles in Essex

The 6 Month Smiles is a new product in the market. It sorts out gappy gums and crooked smiles with high-tech braces. The product is comfortable and fast. The braces are nearly invisible. Here are 10 things to know about 6 month smiles in Essex.
1. About the 6 month smiles program –
The technique makes use of two colored braces that straightens teeth gently. The duration of the treatment is just six months on average. Usually conventional braces are worn for 2 to 3 years so there’s a big reduction in the treatment time.
2. How does the product work?
6 month smiles only focuses on teeth that are seen on smiling. It does not make any significant change to the bite. Hence it is able to create great cosmetic impression when it actually makes only minor adjustments to the teeth.
3. What does this treatment involve?
First of all, your teeth would be checked thoroughly. Then you could discuss with the doctor about the look of your teeth and the amount of improvement that could be brought about. The dentist would decide if you could go for 6 month smiles treatment or you need a treatment or technique of different sort. If this program is decided on, tooth colored braces that are barely noticeable would be fitted. If needed, space required for relieving crowding would be achieved with a polish between teeth. In certain cases, a tooth might have to be removed for creating enough space.
4. What if this treatment is not recommended for you?
The 6 month smiles treatment is not meant for everyone because it focuses on making small adjustments to visible parts of the smile. Hence, if there is a problem requiring more basic orthodontic work, a long term treatment or brace that works in different way would be required.
5. Is the 6 month smiles treatment new?
The treatment is new in UK. Dr. Swain, a dentist, developed this technique 20 years ago in US. He was aware of the fact that many Americans who needed orthodontic work refused treatment due to the timescales, cost and ugliness of devices involved. The research revealed that at the time 95% of the patients were not getting themselves treated. Today 95% accept orthodontic treatment in the clinic of Dr. Swain. This suggests that he developed right product.
6. Will you have to carry a mouth filled with metal?
Six month smiles uses tooth colored braces. These are nearly invisible as compared to conventional ones. However the braces do exist. Another benefit of the technique is that it applies extremely light force through the braces. Therefore the braces have to be tightened and adjusted less often as compared to the conventional braces. This means that they offer more comfort to the wearer. You also do not have to pay many trips to your dentist during the course of treatment.
7. Is the treatment painful?
Getting braces fitted does seem strange initially. Sometimes the teeth could be tender and hence uncomfortable for a few weeks after fitting of the braces. However light forces applied during treatment for moving teeth means it does not cause a lot of pain and disruption as compared to other treatments. Nearly all patients grow used to these braces quickly.
8. Do teeth stay straight after treatment?
Teeth tend to go back to original position once any orthodontic treatment is done. Under the 6 month smiles program, permanent retainers would be fitted to the teeth by the dentist so that they do not relapse.
9. Could adolescents and children go for the 6 month smiles treatment?
Traditional braces are usually geeky and unattractive. Unfortunately adolescents and children do not have any other option but to use them for time being. Aim of the 6 month smiles program is to improve smile but not change bite. Hence it is in no way an alternative for complete orthodontic work. When the jaws and teeth are growing (up to 16 years of age or so), the time is ideal to attain perfect bite. Hence the recommendation is likely to be more comprehensive orthodontic program.
10. What is the cost of 6 month smiles?
It is extremely affordable as compared to conventional braces. Payment plans are offered by a lot of dentists to suit the patient’s budget.