FREE ORTHODONTICS CONSULTATION in the month of AUGUST!!!

ADULT BRACES

If you have crooked teeth and think you have missed the opportunity for braces during childhood, do not worry! Many dental professionals are readily using braces to help correct dental problems at any age.

Adult braces can correct variety of dental problems, including:

• -       Crooked teeth
• -       Overcrowded teeth
• -       Bite abnormalities
• -       Problems with jaw position
• -       Jaw joint problems

Without treating these problems, you may be at high risk of gum disease, cavities, headaches, ear pain, and speech and chewing problems.

 Please contact us for more details or to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Benny.

Does Orthodontics affect the quality of life?

Quality of life could be explained as ‘a person’s sense of well-being that stems from satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the areas of life that are important to him/her’1. As we all know, good oral health has a great impact in a person’s quality of life. ‘Oral health is a standard of health of the oral and related tissues which enables an individual to eat, speak and socialize without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to general well-being’3 .Orthodontic treatment is different compared to most of the other medical interventions, as its goal is to correct variation from an arbitrary norm 4. It is proven that one of the main reason for undertaking orthodontic treatment is to improve in aesthetics and for the subsequent enhancement of psycho-social well being 2. In addition, it improves a person’s self esteem and enhances their confidence in SMILE.

References:

1. Becker, M., Diamond, R. & Sainfort. E. (1993). A new patient focused index for measuring quality of life in persons with sever and persistent mental illness. Quality of Life Research, 2, 239-251.
2. Cunningham, S. & Hunt, N. (2001). Quality of Life and Its Importance in Orthodontics. JO, 28 (2), 152-157. 
3. Department of Health (1994). An Oral Health Strategy for England, London: HMSQ.
4. O’Brien, L., Fox, D. & Mandall, N. (1998). Assessing oral health outcomes for orthodontics-measuring health status and quality of life. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 17, 7-10.

 

DENTAL IMPLANTS (PART 3)

Do Implants Hurt?

The procedure is carried out under a local anesthetic so you will feel no pain during the operations. After the anesthetic starts to wear off, you may feel some pain and discomfort but it is important to note that the fixtures do not touch the sensitive nerves.

Caring For Your Implants

Remember that your attention to oral hygiene helps determine the success of your implants.

DENTAL IMPLANTS (PART 2)

Abutment

The abutment is the titanium link between the fixtures and the prosthetic superstructure (or denture). This operation is shorter than the installing the anchors and lasts about half an hour. After a short period of healing, lasting about a week, the surgical treatment is complete.

Prosthetic Attachment

Once they are in place, the fixtures and abutments together provide a supporting post. Everything is now ready for the next stage, the task of constructing your new teeth – the prosthetic treatment. Implants can be used for a single tooth or used in tandem to support several adjoining teeth or an entire denture.

DENTAL IMPLANTS (PART 1)

What Are Implants?

Dental implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth roots. They act as an anchor for a false tooth or a set of false teeth. Implants have been in use for many years, they are effective, natural-looking replacements for missing teeth. After a thorough evaluation your dentist surgically prepares your jaw and makes your prosthesis (substitute teeth).

The Fixture

Titanium fixtures (like screws) are inserted surgically into the jawbone. The operation is usually carried out under local anesthetic and lasts for approximately one hour. In the course of healing the titanium fixtures take firm root in the jawbone. Healing times vary depending on upper or lower jawbone. 

GUM DISEASE (PART 3)

Prevention

You can prevent gum disease by taking care of your teeth along with regular dental checkups.

1. Remove plaque before it becomes tartar by brushing well, twice a day.
2. Floss regularly, and don’t be afraid to clean ‘below’ the gum line.
3. Eat healthy foods. Diet can play a big part in preventing gum disease.
4. Visit your dentist regularly. Professional cleaning is a big help when combating gum disease.

GUM DISEASE (PART 2)

Early Periodontitis

As periodontitis sets in, the gums begin to ‘pull away’ and more of the tooth is exposed. Plaque attaches itself securely to this newly exposed area and hardens into tartar. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, which harbour bacteria and worsen the condition.

Advanced Periodontitis

Eventually so much of the tooth is unprotected that it begins to loosen. The bone is irreversibly damaged. It can change the way your teeth fit together (your bite). Eventually your teeth may fall out or have to be pulled out by your dentist.