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What is a Bonded Wire Retainer after Orthodontic Treatment?

February 23rd, 2010

What is a bonded wire retainer?

A bonded wire retainer is a small wire glued to the inside of the top or bottom front teeth after orthodontic treatment hereford is carried out

How does the bonded retainer work?

As the wire retainer is both fixed to the teeth but still flexible it prevents the teeth moving out of line after a orthodontic brace hereford has been removed.

Will it hurt?

There should be no pain or discomfort.

How do I clean my teeth & the retainer?

Extra care must be taken when cleaning your teeth and the wire retainer.

How long will the retainer need to be in place?

As long as the retainer is intact it is better to leave it in place.  Removal may allow the teeth to move even years later.

Will there be any permanent damage?

Poor cleaning and too many fizzy drinks can cause permanent decay marks.  The importance of thorough brushing and the use of a fluoride mouthwash cannot be emphasised enough.

How often should I return for check-ups?

The retainer can be checked by your herefordshire dentist at your usual check ups.

How successful will it be?

Occasionally the wire retainer will need repairing or replacing.  Your dentist in herefordshire at your regular check ups will discuss this with you.

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Advise on the use of Space Maintainers in Orthodontics

February 20th, 2010

What is a Space Maintainer?

It is very often a small stainless steel wire and band joined together which is cemented on one of the teeth adjacent to a gap where a permanent tooth should be erupting.  Occasionally a plastic plate may be used if more than one or two teeth are involved.

Why is a Space Maintainer needed?

Usually when milk teeth are lost especially in the back of the mouth, the following adult teeth that are developing in the jaw are already near the surface and follow the lost teeth without any problem.  But occasionally some of the milk teeth may be lost prematurely because of severe decay and unless the gap left by this tooth loss is kept open until the permanent teeth in the gum are ready to erupt, the teeth behind the space may drift forwards and the space lost.  If this happens crowding of the teeth often occurs and the permanent teeth in question do not have enough room to come through in the correct position.

Will my Dentist provide this retainer?

Space Maintainers in orthodontic treatment have to be professionally made and fitted, and only qualified dentists like dentists in hereford can provide you with them.

When will I need to wear it?

If the Space maintainer is cemented onto one of the teeth, the appliance is worn 24 hours a day until the permanent tooth in question is erupting through the gum.  If it is a removable plastic appliance, it should be worn almost all the time, except during playing sports.  It must only be taken out for short periods, normally at least twice a day for cleaning.

How long will I need to wear it?

This all depends on how long it takes for the tooth or teeth to erupt though the gum.

How do I clean it?

Both removable braces hereford and fixed braces hereford must be cleaned thoroughly.  Use the same brush that you use for cleaning your teeth.  You must be very thorough with a fixed appliance as it has little spaces where food can get trapped.  If the appliance is removable do remember never to wrap them in tissues or paper handkerchiefs if you are not going to wear them immediately.  They will get thrown out with the paper and the valuable appliance will need to be made again right from the beginning.

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Vacuum formed retainer after Orthodontic Treatment

February 16th, 2010

What is a Vacuum Formed Retainer?

A vacuum formed retainer is a thin brace made from a sheet of clear plastic, which looks similar to a gum shield in shape.

Why is a Vacuum Formed Retainer needed?

This retainer is needed to stop teeth moving back after the fixed braces hereford, herefordshire is removed.

What is the difference between a Vacuum Formed Retainer and other retainers?

The vacuum formed retainer prevents any movement of the teeth and is easy to wear.  This makes it popular with many patients. Sometimes a Hawley retainer made of plastic and wire is better because it is stronger and allows for the back teeth to settle slightly.

Will my Orthodontist Hereford or Dentist provide this retainer?

Your Orthodontist hereford will provide the retainer for use after the removal of your fixed brace.

When will I need to wear it?

You will need to wear the retainer at nights.

How long will I need to wear it?

You will need to wear the retainer for at least one year following the removal of your brace.  Many hereford orthodontists now recommend wearing your retainer until all growth ceases at around 22 years of age.

What will happen if I don’t wear the retainer as recommended?

Your teeth will almost certainly move if you don’t use your retainer as recommended.

How do I clean my retainer?

You should use a toothbrush and soap.  Do not use toothpaste as some products can damage the plastic of the retainer.  If you are cleaning the retainer over the sink, as a precaution put water in the sink in case you drop the retainer.  Proprietary cleaning agents are available.

What happens if I lose or damage my retainer?

You will need to contact your orthodontist herefordshire as soon as possible for a replacement.

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Rapid Maxillary expander during Orthodontic Treatment

February 13th, 2010

What is a crossbite?

A crossbite is when the teeth come together but either inside or totally outside their correct positions.  The most common crossbite occurs when the top back teeth are inside the lowers usually on one side only.

How can a crossbite be rectified?

In the most common occurring crossbite, the upper tooth arch can be widened followed by some orthodontic treatment in hereford.

What is a Rapid Maxillary Expander?

A Rapid Maxillary Expander is a brace which is fixed to the upper teeth.  It has a screw in the middle of the palate.

How does the Rapid Maxillary Expander work?

The screw in the middle of the brace is turned twice daily for two weeks.  This very quickly expands the upper jaw.

Will it hurt?

There is some discomfort for the first two or three days.  This can be controlled with paracetamol or your preferred pain relief.

How long will the Rapid Maxillary Expander need to be in place?

The Rapid Maxillary Expander will need to be worn for a minimum of three months.

Will there be any permanent damage?

The fixed brace expander is not in place long enough to cause any damage.  It will be replaced with a removable retainer after 12 weeks. Poor cleaning and too many fizzy drinks, however, can cause permanent decay marks around the fixings.  The importance of thorough brushing and the use of a fluoride mouthwash cannot be emphasised enough.

Is the treatment permanent, or will I need additional future treatment?

The correct use of the removable retainer for 12 months after the Rapid Maxillary Expander has been replaced will usually ensure the improvement is permanent.

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A Guide on Veneers for diastema

February 10th, 2010

What is a diastema?

A diastema is a space or ‘gap’ between teeth – very often your front teeth.  This is very common in children and is part of their normal dental development.  About 50% of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have these.  Most of these spaces close naturally as the mouth and teeth develop.  In some cases this gap does not close naturally and a dentist in hereford advice is sought.

What causes a diastema?

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of a diastema..  Some of them include:
Abnormal bone structure – sometimes the bone between the incisors will have a W-shaped defect – which can be seen on an x-ray. Such a defect will prevent the teeth from touching. Occasionally, there may be some extra tissue between the teeth which prevents them from touching.  If you bite your lower lip it may aggravate such a problem. If your teeth have developed in such a way so as to allow space for the front teeth to drift apart.
If you have a large tongue it may push the teeth forward. This is not an extensive list, but covers the main causes.

How will this gap affect me?

A gap between children’s teeth often causes concern.  It can have an effect on speech – making ‘s;’ sounds difficult to pronounce, aesthetics, balance and social behaviour.

What can a dentist do for me?

There are many innovative treatments available – restorative, surgery and hereford orthodontics. Treatment choices vary, and can only be offered after the correct diagnosis has been made.  A dentist in hereford will need to look closely at the patients medical and dental history, do x rays and clinical examinations and in some cases even do a tooth size evaluation. Contributing factors may also need to be considered.  These include spacing of teeth in the mouth, vertical tooth overlaps, normal growth and development, tooth size and tooth angles. The best treatment for the particular patient needs to be chosen.  It is often more important to treat the cause of the diastema, rather than simply focusing on correcting the gap.

How will my teeth be prepared?

The surface of your tooth will need to be roughened a little so as to give the veneer hereford more chance of bonding to your enamel.  A mould will be made of your tooth and a porcelain veneer hereford made using this to make a perfect fitting veneer.  Veneers can be trimmed and shaped a little more by your dentist in hereford to make them look perfect.

Will it be painful?

You teeth will be sensitive to cold for a while.

How long will the veneer last?

Veneers can last for many years – but, they are not indestructible and can be chipped or damaged if treated roughly. Contact your dentist in herefordshire for more information.

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A Guide on Enamel Stripping during Orthodontic Treatment

February 6th, 2010

Can teeth be straightened without removing other healthy teeth?

If there is only mild overcrowding of 2-4mm then the teeth can be straightened without removing healthy teeth.

What is enamel stripping?

Enamel stripping is where the teeth are reduced very slightly in width by removing some of the enamel layer.

Will it hurt?

Removing some of the enamel does not hurt.

How many teeth will need to be treated?

Depending on the space required enamel stripping is usually carried out on the six front teeth.

Will I still need a retainer?

Once the space has been created by the enamel stripping process, the teeth will need to be brought
into line with a fixed brace.  Bonded retainers are often fitted after the enamel stripping and fixed brace procedures.  These are fitted for permanent retention.

How long will the fixed brace need to be in place?

The amount of time the fixed brace will need to be in place depends on a number of factors, e.g. the amount of teeth that need to be moved etc, therefore, each case is individual.  Your herefordshire orthodontist will advise you accordingly.  The bonded retainer applied after removal of the fixed brace should be considered permanent.

Will there be any permanent damage?

Enamel stripping only removes some of the tooth’s enamel, therefore, there should be no long term damage.

Is the treatment permanent, or will I need additional future treatment?

The need for any additional future treatment depends on whether any growth changes occur in the mouth.  Regular check ups with your family dentist in hereford will highlight these.

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A Guide to Fixed Orthodontic braces

January 24th, 2010

What is my dental brace made up of?

Your dental brace is made up of small brackets glued to your teeth.  The brackets are handles used to hold your teeth and straighten them; the archwire, which runs through the brackets moves the teeth.  We start with the most gentle archwire and gradually move up through five sizes.  The archwire is held in place by tiny elastic bands, which come in different colours.

A metal fixed brace

A metal fixed brace

Will it hurt?

It is usual for the teeth to be uncomfortable for the first few days after the brace is first fitted - stay with a soft diet and if necessary take one or two tablets of paracetamol or ibuprofen.

What if bits break off?

If one bracket comes off then leave it until your next scheduled visit.  If several break off then phone for an appointment to have the brace repaired. Often as the teeth move the archwire sticks out at the back.  If this scratches your cheek come in to have the end cut off (ask your hereford receptionist for a packet of wax in case this happens).

How do I clean my teeth?

Since the brace is fixed you cannot remove it for brushing.  It is extremely   important to spend extra time brushing all around the brace and especially the gums.  If the dirt builds up then your gums will bleed a lot (gingivitis) and your teeth will decay.  Special brushes and fluoride mouthwashes for daily use can usually be obtained from the receptionist of your Hereford dental surgery.

Will there be marks on my teeth when the brace comes off?

Poor cleaning and too many fizzy drinks can cause permanent decay marks.  The importance of thorough brushing and the use of a fluoride mouthwash cannot be emphasised enough.

What about sports?

Contact sports such as rugby present a problem since it is difficult to make a gum shield that will fit over the brace.  A reasonable solution is to buy a cheap gumshield from a sports shop which can be softened in hot water and moulded over the brace.

How long before the brace is removed?

It usually takes about 18 months, occasionally longer, to straighten your teeth.  “Traintrack” braces are very good at straightening teeth so that they look better in months.  It is important to remember, however, that if the brace is removed too quickly before the teeth have settled into their new positions, then the teeth tend to go crooked again.

Teeth crowding before fixed fixed braces

Teeth crowding before fixed braces

End result once fixed braces removed

End result once fixed braces removed

So how are the teeth kept straight after the fixed brace is removed?

Usually we make a removable brace called a retainer to wear at nights for at least 12 months.  Sometimes a wire is fixed to the insides of the teeth to hold them straight. Please ask your orthodontist hereford for more information.

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A Guide to Tooth Resorption

January 20th, 2010

What is resorption?

Resorption is a normal and natural process in which teeth “dissolve” away under pressure from adjacent teeth e.g. baby teeth roots disappear under pressure from the second teeth coming through.

How does resorption affect tooth development?

Occasionally Mother Nature makes a mistake and a permanent tooth damages another adjacent permanent tooth.

What are the symptoms?

A damaged tooth will become loose like a baby tooth.

Upper lateral incisor discoloured due to resorption

Upper lateral incisor discoloured due to resorption

What can be done to correct a Resorption problem?

If seen early on x-rays, the tooth causing trouble can be moved away with braces or even extracted.  If the problem is not seen until later in the process the damaged tooth will usually be lost.

An xray image of resorption

An xray image of resorption

How long will the treatment take?

Each resorption case must be assessed individually as they are very complicated situations.  Your Orthodontist Hereford will give you a guide estimate based on their examination.

Will there be any permanent damage?

Unfortunately the tooth or teeth with the damaged root(s) will usually be lost.

Is the treatment permanent, or will I need additional future treatment?

Any damaged teeth that are extracted will need to be replaced with a denture, bridge or Dental Implants.

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What are the choices available for braces?

January 18th, 2010

The type of braces for teeth can depend on the extent of the treatment, particularly given the fact that all sorts of elements could influence its complexity. Thus, the degree of tooth crookedness and the way the bite is affected are the first to be connected with the choice of the braces for teeth. According to this factor, you will have to wear the braces for a longer or shorter period of time; the dentist may even have to extract some of the teeth in order to make all the applications possible. The price could also be an important factor when it comes to straightening crooked teeth: how much do you afford to pay for the braces?

Very often the aesthetic aspect of the braces for teeth is seriously taken into consideration; given the fact that you’ll have to wear the metal brackets for six months or even a year, you’ll definitely be worried about your looks. This is why ceramic brackets have become the most popular on the market, since they are the least visible braces for teeth. The bands that make the connection between the arch wire and the ceramic brackets are made of transparent or white material, which renders them little visible.

Many people who want to have a perfect smile turn to braces as the right means of straightening crooked teeth. There are all sorts of materials and designs when it comes to braces for teeth, and the offer is so wide, you may have difficulties in choosing: gold or regular metal, ceramic, invisible brackets, lingual braces and more, how should one know what to choose? First of all, the dentist’s advice is crucial when it comes to selecting a certain model of braces for teeth, but the patient’s opinions and wishes are definitely taken into consideration as well. There are several factors that influence the choice, and they all need to be discussed with the dentist.

However, there are certain inconveniences related to the use of ceramic braces for teeth. The most serious issue is that the white or transparent ligatures can easily stain, and then you can say goodbye to your good looks. You’ll have to change the ligatures every time you go to the dentist, usually on a monthly basis; furthermore, this type of braces for teeth is a lot more expensive than the regular metal ones that use traditional brackets. Last but not least, the treatment with ceramic braces for teeth usually takes a little longer than with other regular orthodontic devices; hence you may have to wear the brackets for a few months more.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign, Lingual Braces, Orthodontics | No Comments »

Dentistry at Hereford Dental Clinic

January 1st, 2010

The great advancements made in the field of dentistry have made it possible and feasible to restore every kind of dental defect like misalignment, broken or chipped tooth and even discoloured teeth. If you are facing some dental problems due to a disease, accident or simple negligence, then restorative dentist at Hereford dental clinic can rectify the problem easily.

However, before you opt for this procedure to rectify any dental defect, one of the first steps that you must take is to locate a competent and experienced restorative dentist in Hereford. Some of the ways to locate a good dentist in hereford is through the yellow pages, internet or through the reference of others who have got treated by the dentist.

A smile is the best way to break the ice and make new friends and definitely it is one of the natural ways to greet any friend. It can make or mar your appearance and has an impact on your mood and personality as well. Hence, it is no wonder that people with warm and attractive smiles often make their presence felt even in a large group. It is therefore, imperative that you take the effort to ensure that your smile remains intact under all circumstances. However, a defect in your dental structure can alter your appearance and make you feel too self conscious to give that open hearted smile in public. This should be avoided at all costs and if in spite of your best effort and care you still face a dental problem then a Hereford dentist might just be the solution for you.
Once you have decided the dentist for your treatment, make sure that you inform yourself about every procedure and costs involved for the restorative dentistry treatment. Only once you are aware of the entire procedure and treatment involved and knows about the care required post treatment, should you go in for this treatment. Besides the treatment provided by the dentist, you as a patient also need to maintain a regular oral care routine and be careful about your lifestyle. Some measures that can help prevent dental problems like staining of the teeth are regular brushing after meals and avoiding consumption of any food item or beverage that is of extreme temperature.
One of the most common procedures under restorative dentistry is the creation of Dental Implants Hereford to fit the structure of the missing or damaged teeth. Another common treatment is the use of braces at our Orthodontist Hereford to rectify the alignment of your teeth. All these methods are also being constantly improvised on and now you also have transparent braces that have made life much easier for adults going in for such mode of treatment. So whatever may be the condition of your teeth and treatment involved, entrust yourself to the care of a competent dentist to get the best results. Also remember, that prevention is better than cure, so it is advisable to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine to ensure that your pearly whites remain in perfect condition always.

Posted in Orthodontics, dental implants | No Comments »

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