Constantly advancing Technology gives us better ways to treat and repair our teeth. New dental methods should be quicker, more effective and less uncomfortable than older methods. Sometimes the new approaches are simply more convenient.
Some possible new technology and practices after the year 2020 include.
Online convenience – It is now quite common to book appointments online, and get appointments in minimal time for emergency dental treatments. No more waiting with a toothache, we can get an appointment almost immediately. Patient Information on Record – Patients will no longer have to fill out medical history forms, at least no more than once, when they have a procedure. Easy to access databases give dentist up to date information. Emotional Dentistry – Patients will be able to see accurate computer depictions of how their dental procedures will turn out. Often they will have some choice for cosmetic procedures. This give them a goal to commit to. Having patient involvement like this prevent dentistry from becoming a bland technical practice. 3D Printing – Crowns and implants can be 3D printed to fit the individual’s mouth. This is already a growing practice in dental labs, but now the printing can be done int he dental office, so there is no need to send away for the replacement teeth.
The 3D printing equipment is expensive, but works out cheaper for the practice in the long run. Laser Treatments – Laser technology has found an increasing range of applications since lasers became commonplace in the mid 1980s. Dentists are looking at using lasers for restoring gum-lines, removing lesions, and performing root canal work. These laser procedures are reasonably quick and very effective, killing bacteria as they work. They are also far less painful that traditional surgery, so there is often no need for anesthetic. This is great for patients who react badly to anesthetics.
Other types of dental lasers can be used for teeth whitening. Natural products – Toothpastes and mouthwashes that use natural products to fight bacteria should become commonplace. These tend to be healthier, with no side-effects. and they are better for the environment.
Epping Dentist
We want all our clients to receive the best preventative and restorative dental care. Enjoy a healthier life, starting with better dental health.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
Flossing addresses the 30% of tooth surface that is between the teeth. It should be part of our threefold dental hygiene practice – Brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash. we should brush twice daily, and floss at least once daily. We can use mouthwash several times per day, with once a day being a minimum. Proper brushing does a decent job of removing the bacteria, food debris, and plaque on the outside of our teeth. But it is unable to remove anything from the spaces between the teeth. This is why we need floss, or an alternative cleaning method, to clean these between teeth areas. If we leave these spaces uncleaned we risk gum disease and tooth decay.
Flossing is simple yet effective if it is done correctly.
Use a piece of floss about 50cm in length.
Wrap either end of the floss around the index finger of each hand. Leave about 10-15 cm between each hand.
Use a section of floss to clean between the first pair of teeth. Rub the floss against the inner side of each tooth to remove any plaque. Remember to clean right up into the gum line.
Use a clean section of floss to clean the nesting pair of teeth, and repeat for the whole mouth
It is a bad sign if the gums start to bleed. This might be because you have not been flossing enough.
Some people like to brush and use mouthwash before flossing. This kills (almost all) the bacteria in the mouth before you floss, preventing any bad bacteria from getting into a bleeding gum-line. Getting bacteria into our bloodstream is bad for our health.
Alternatives of Flossing – Epping Dental
Floss picks
These are short sections of floss held in a plastic holder. Some people find this easier to use than regular floss. But the disadvantage is that the same piece of floss is used for all the teeth, so we may end up spreading the bacteria from one place to the next.
Waterpik
This is an electronic device that uses high-pressure water to clean the teeth. It is quite effective, though the device is rather expensive.
Interdental brushes
These are short brushes, rather like a pipe cleaner, that are used to clean between teeth. That is quite effective for larger spaces, like those between the back molars. that is great for dislodging pieces of food (like popcorn) that are stuck between teeth.
Interdental brushes have the same disadvantage as Floss Picks, we reuse the same brush to clean all the teeth, and risk spreading the bad bacteria from one space to the next. But they are still useful for cleaning some troublesome spaces where the floss is too small.
Epping Dentist
Flossing cleans up all the smaller areas between teeth, making sure that our mouth is as thoroughly clean as possible. Clean teeth and gums suffer far few problems.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
Aesthetics is at least partially about how everything fits together. So the aesthetics of teeth includes teeth that fit together, and that neatly match rest of the mouth, and the face of the individual.
So what are the elements that fit together for the right smile?
Tooth Colour-
The first two things we think of with attractive teeth are being straight, and being the right colour.
Teeth can easily become discoloured from strong foods, or we might be born with slightly discoloured teeth. Often a cosmetic dentist can brighten teeth by bleaching. But is this is not possible, it perhaps the enamel is too thin, we might use dental veneers to give teeth a new brightly coloured surface. In some cases teeth by be crowned to give a both a new colour and a new shape.
Teeth Shape
Teeth can be sharply rectangular, softly rectangular with curves, or perhaps square. It all depends on what suits the individual’s mouth. Veneers and crowns can reshape teeth and correct gaps between teeth. Evenly Spaced Teeth
Neat looking teeth should be evenly spaced in two single rows, one row on top jaw, and one on the lower. Each individual tooth should almost touch the adjacent tooth on either side.
Dental Veneers can correct teeth that are slightly too far apart, whilst also correcting colour and shape. Crowns can correct more extreme problems with spacing and tooth shape. Smile Arc
The teeth on the top jaw should curve slightly upward, the two front teeth being lower than the rest, with a gentle curve on the other teeth towards the back molars. The lower teeth should be in a straight line. Gum Display
A complex combination of muscles and facial habits will determine how much gum is shown when we smile. A little bit of gum when we smile looks neat and natural. Too much or too little gum can mean a smile that is all teeth (which looks old) or too much gum (a gummy smile) which makes the teeth look small.
Botox is sometimes used to reduce the amount of gum we show when we smile. Gum colour
Pink gums look healthy. If the gum colour is wrong it look unnatural, and is probably a sign of a serious infection. Maxillary Gum Line
The teeth should neatly join the gum-line in a gentle curve on the top jaw, and in a straight line on the lower jaw. If this gum line is uneven then it makes he teeth look uneven.
Gum Contouring can make gum lines look straight and neat, so the teeth will look neat. Buccal Corridor
These is the spaces at the corners of the mouth. If this space is to large the teeth look small. If the space is too small the teeth look too large. Cant
This is how the teeth are tilted. Ideally there should be no tilt, the teeth should be vertical. Overbite/Underbite
Today it is considered normal and correct to have the top jaw slightly in front of the lower jaw. A few centuries ago the jaws were more likely to meet at the front teeth.
If the jaws meet unevenly it makes chewing and speaking slightly awkward. Braces can often correct slight overbite or underbite, where the jaws don’t properly align. Dental Midline
The place where the front teeth meet should be in the exact centre of the face.
Epping Dental
Often a smile can look great by correcting just a detail or two. Talk to the dentist, to get the smile you deserve.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
Some well intentioned advice may have unfortunate side-effects. Sometimes something that boost our health in one way may compromise our health in other ways. Recently a few popular health habit have been show to be harmful to teeth.
Lemon Water
This is part of the detox trend; lemon water is supposed to get rid of impurities in the body and reduce body odor. But is is unfortunately hard on teeth, causing tooth decay or thinning tooth enamel. This often leads to sensitive teeth.
Alternative – Try Chlorophyll in water if you feel the need to detox.
Fruit Juice
Juices contain sugar. Varieties made at home in a blender are a little better that commercial varieties, but in both cases the sugar is bad for the teeth. Many juices have as much sugar as soft drink. Our bodies should be digesting fibre with the juice, which is the way it occurs in natural fruit. The juice on its own is a bit strong.
Drinking with a straw reduces the impact on the teeth.
Gargling water after drinking juice will help clean the mouth and greatly reduce the harm.
Bottled Water
Water is healthy, and essential. But bottled water can be so pure that it does not have trace elements, or any fluoride.
Tap water contains fluoride, which helps reduce tooth decay. Drinking bottled water causes us to miss out on this fluoride. Dentists have noticed the general increase in decay since the start of the bottled water fad.
Our bodies need some salt and trace minerals to function. If we drink too much pure water we wash these trace minerals out of our system.
Gargling tap water, or mouthwash, will give our teeth some much needed fluoride.
Sports Drinks.
These are full of sugar and bad for teeth. They are as bad as soft drink.
The health benefits of sports drinks are still debatable. Perhaps drinking them once a week when actually playing sports is acceptable. But no more than this.
Try gargling water after sports drinks, to reduce the damage on teeth.
Cough Lozenges
Only use these if you really do have a sore throat. But remember that they are full of sugar, so they will harm your teeth.
Rinse your mouth out with water as often as possible if eating lozenges. And drink green tea for both the sore throat and the teeth.
Brushing straight after Meals is a mistake.
This was recommended by previous generations. But is is actually harmful to brush too soon after eating. Our tooth enamel can be softened after eating or drinking, especially if we consumed acidic foods or soft drink. So if we brush our teeth while the enamel is still soft we will end up wearing away that enamel and cause damage. This will soon lead to teeth that are sensitive to temperature changes. Hot and cold things will cause pain in the teeth.
Wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing teeth.
Rinse with water after eating.
Chew sugar free gum (with Xylitol) after eating.
Epping Dental
A few lifestyle changes can improve our dental health. Keep regular dental appointments and enjoy better health.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
About 30% of our tooth surface is between the teeth. This narrow space between the teeth is a little difficult to clean, a conventional toothbrush won’t come close to fitting in there, but it does need to be cleaned lest we suffer tooth decay and gum disease.
There are a few ways to clean between the teeth:
Traditional Floss
This is by far the most popular way to clean between teeth. Flossing is usually combined with brushing and mouthwash as the standard, and quite reliable, way to clean the mouth.
We can use a short length of floss to clean between the teeth. It removes bacteria, plaque, and food debris by physical action.
Floss Sticks
Some people find these easier to use than traditional floss. They consist of a short length of floss held between to arms of a plastic holder. They are single-use only but still managed to be quite inexpensive.
Inter-dental Brushes
These are an alternative to floss. They consist of a small round brush on a short plastic stick, about the diameter of a pipe cleaner. Like floss they clean between the teeth by physical action, removing bacteria, plaque, and food debris.
Ultrasonic Toothbrushes.
This has a different cleaning action to floss. The vibration of 3Mz or higher destroys bacteria near the brush, even bacteria between the teeth as long as the individual teeth contact the brush. This does not remove food debris between the teeth, but it is effective against bacteria and plaque.
An ultrasonic brush is best used in combination with floss, so food debris can be removed as well.
Mouthwash
This deals with bacteria by chemical means. Mouthwash is especially good for reaching places that brush, or even floss, cannot reach. So like ultrasonic cleaning it is best used in combination with floss or inter-dental brushes.
Carlingford Dental
Use dental floss in combination with mouthwash or ultrasonic toothbrushes to clean the spaces between teeth.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
Our appearance and smile influence our social life. If we are self conscious about our smile it will affect how we interact with others; we cannot be natural or outgoing if we are self conscious.
Individuals who have a missing tooth often feel self conscious. But a missing tooth can be replaced with an implant.
But it is more than aesthetics. A missing tooth will cause other teeth to move. Over time this can lead to changes in the shape of the jaw and face. A missing tooth also tends to make eating a little difficult.
Carlingford Dental Implants
For many generations a missing tooth could only be replaced with dentures. These were awkward, especially when eating, though they looked quite acceptable.
Today we can replace missing or badly damaged teeth with dental implants.
Implants are artificial teeth that are secured with a metal post. They are permanent, look realistic, and feel like natural teeth. Soon you will forget you have an implant, because it feels natural.
If several teeth have been lost it is possible to replace a row or teeth using only two metal posts.
Advantages of Implants
– Look realistic, like a natural tooth
– Feel like a natural tooth
– Extremely strong and long lasting
– Help preserve bone in the jaw, which can deteriate without a tooth root
– Prevent other adjacent teeth from moving out of alighnment.
– Don’t require adjacent teeth to be altered, as an old dental bridge restoration did.
Carlingford Dentist
Some individuals need a tooth replaced. Dental implants look and feel natural, and help keep the mouth in good working order.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
Few of us have naturally straight teeth. Many people have their teeth straightened by braces during their teens. Others have their teeth fixed by the dentist when they are adults. The results are well worth it.
Straight teeth are both an aesthetic and a practical matter. Certainly a neat set of straight teeth look better. But the dentist will also make sure they function well, with the jaws aligning neatly, and teeth that won’t wear against each other. The teeth will also be easier to clean when they are neatly aligned.
Carlingford Dental Treatments
Invisalign
This is a dental alignment method that performs in a way similar to braces. It is popular with adults who do not want to wear braces.
Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners. They fit snugly over the teeth, providing pressure to steadily move them into correct alignment. They will align teeth within one or two years.
Crowns
These replace the outer part of a tooth, while keeping the inner pulp and nerve. Modern crowns look, feel and function like a natural tooth. And they don’t require anything beyond normal brushing and flossing.
Crowns are a great option for a badly damaged or misshaped tooth. They can also help for a single poorly aligned tooth.
Implants
These are like a crown, but they replace the centre of the tooth with a metal post. They are a good option if a tooth is lost or badly damaged. They are also a good option if there is only one tooth that is out of alignment.
Veneers
These replace the front part of a tooth. They can greatly improve the appearance of the tooth, changing the colour and the shape. They can also help slight jaw alignment issues, bringing the teeth of one jaw slightly forward.
West Pennant Hills Dentist
Attractive teeth look great, can improve confidence, and are easier to look after. Talk to us about your teeth.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
Our back molar teeth can be a little difficult to clean. Their upper surface is concave and rough, an area where food debris and bacteria easily gets trapped. Even diligent cleaning often fails to help here because the toothbrush bristles are not fine enough to clean the smaller pit in the teeth. So dentists sometimes prevent this problem by using dental sealants.
West Pennant Hills Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are applied to the upper chewing surface of the back molars. These sealants fill in the tiniest indentations of the tooth while still leaving the upper surface rough enough to chew with . So the molar upper surface is concave, without having tiny crevices to harbor bacteria and food debris.
Dental Sealants protect the back teeth from decay and make brushing easier. Once applied they are inconspicuous and require no maintenance. Sealants are not suitable for other teeth, they only work on the rough chewing surface of molars.
Dental Sealants have been applied to molar teeth for several decades, usually lasting for about 5-10 years before they require reapplication. They are routinely applied to children’s teeth, where they greatly reduce problems with decay.
West Pennant Hills Dentist
Dental sealants protect the chewing surface of the back molar teeth. Talk to the dentist about this extra dental protection.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
Dentists will look after jaw alignment as well as teeth and gums. As all parts of our mouth are part of an interconnected system (as is every part of the body) so poorly aligned jaws can lead to damaged teeth (by constant wear) and damaged gums.
There are several types of jaw problems:
– Overbite – where the top teeth and jaw are too far forward.
– Under-bite – where the bottom jaw is too far forward.
– Cross-bite – where the top and bottom jaws do no align with eachother, the lower jaw being too far to onle side.
– TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint disorders) – where the jaw click on at least one side, sometime with pain.
Occasionally the cross-bite or TMJ can can appear with the over-bite or under-bite.
Fixing Jaw Disorders:
Some minor over-bite and under-bite can be fixed with dental veneers. these are thin coverings over the front teeth. They effectively bring one jaw slightly forward.
Some minor to moderate cross-bite, overbite or under-bite can be fixed with braces, which can realign the jaws to a certain extent.
Major jaw alignment problems may require headgear for correct alignment.
Surgery is necessary for some cases.
TMJ is not uncommon, but it is often mild, and despite concerns it usually does not grow worse overtime. Often it develops if we always habitually chew on the same side of the mouth. chewing on the opposing side for a few month will often relieve the problem. Chewing gum can help here.
Carlingford Dental
Talk to the dentist if you have any concern over misaligned jaws. Early treatment, especially for children, will prevent more serious problems latter on.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
For many of us, Braces are a rite of passage in our teen years. If our teeth are less than straight, as they are with most individuals, the braces can bring everything into a neat alignment. This includes the jaws as well as the teeth. Braces can give us teeth and jaws that look neat and function well.
Occasionally we may need other treatment in combination with the braces. It is not uncommon for a few teeth to be extracted from an overcrowded mouth before the braces are put in.
Types of Braces:
Traditional Braces are made of nickel steel (stainless steel). They consist of metal brackets on the front of each tooth with a wire joining the upper teeth and another wire joining the lower set of teeth. The constant pressure of the wire on the braces will steadily move the individual teeth into place.
Gold and Titanium Braces
Some individuals are allergic to nickel, so they cannot use traditional stainless steel braces (which have a small amount of nickel in them). In these cases, the patient may use titanium braces or gold braces.
Lingual Braces
These are like traditional braces but they are fitted to the back of teeth, so they are far less noticeable. The disadvantage is that they are initially even more awkward than other types of braces, making speech unclear.
Self litigating Braces
these are a variation where the wire and tooth bracket is not attached with elastics. They work a little faster than traditional braces.
Braces will always be awkward, and literally painful, at first. But they are worthwhile in the long term. We spend about two years with braces, but a lifetime with improved teeth.
Braces will correct:
Any spaces between teeth.
Alignment of individual teeth.
Teeth that are too high in the mouth.
Slight to moderate over-bite and under-bite.
They can also widen the smile a little but expanding the arch of the upper palette
Once the teeth are straightened they tend to be easier to clean.
Carlingford Dentist
Many Teenagers and some adults will benefit from braces, having neat functional teeth for the rest of their life. Talk to the dentist/orthodontist if you feel you or your child needs braces.
Information Disclaimer The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
