Month: April 2016

Straighter teeth without everybody knowing

Ask many adults what their number one wish for their smile is and they reply that they would like straighter teeth. However, many are put off seeking treatment because when they hear the word “orthodontics” the picture that instantly springs to mind is metal bracket and wire braces.

invisalignAt Amsel & Wilkins dental practice we understand these concerns. Braces are an excellent way to straighten teeth and afford your orthodontist maximum control over the movement of your teeth. However, wearing metal braces for a considerable time (sometimes up to 24 months) is not always compatible with busy personal and professional lives. Fortunately, there is another solution.

Invisalign is a revolutionary teeth straightening system that uses a series of clear aligners to gently move your teeth into a new position. The system can be used to correct a wide range of orthodontic problems and, because the aligners are clear and are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely, the world doesn’t need to know you are having treatment.

Each set of aligners is carefully crafted to fit your teeth perfectly. You change your aligner approximately every two weeks as your teeth begin to move, and you will need to wear a retainer at the end of treatment to ensure your teeth stay in their new position.

Invisalign is supported by state-of-the-art 3D imaging software, which enables your dentist to show you what results you can expect before you start treatment. In addition to being clear, Invisalign also comes with the added benefit of being removable. You should of course wear your aligners most of the time to ensure your treatment progresses as planned, but you can take the aligners out to eat and drink, to clean and to brush your teeth, eliminating the oral hygiene problems some patients who wear braces experience.

Replace one, several or all your missing teeth with dental implants

If you have lost one or more of your natural teeth, you may be self-conscious about smiling. You may have heard of dental implants but wonder if they are suitable for you, and if they are really worth the effort and money.

dental implantsAt Amsel & Wilkins dental practice, we believe that dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. Implants are not just an investment in your smile, they are an investment in your overall health.

People who have lost one or more teeth may be acutely aware of the social embarrassment it can cause, but may be unaware of the impact missing teeth can have on your general health. Remaining teeth often become crooked as they try to move into any gaps, making them more difficult to clean thus more prone to decay. You may also find that your diet is restricted to soft foods, with many favourite treats and healthy options off the menu. This can have a negative effect on your general health and wellbeing.

How dental implants work

Dental implants are replacements for the root portion of a natural tooth. Our teeth comprise two parts: the crowns we can see and the roots beneath. New crowns, dentures or bridges are attached to the top of your implants using special fixings.

Implants are made of titanium, which is highly compatible with the human body. They are precisely placed in your jaw bone, where they integrate with the bone and help to prevent the common problem of bone loss. In some cases your new teeth will be attached at the same time as your implants, while in other instances a healing period of a few months is needed first.

Dental implants are the only permanent way to replace your missing teeth, and the resulting restorations will look and act just like natural teeth – restoring not just your confidence in your smile, but your ability to eat a full, healthy diet, too. With proper care and regular visits to the dentist and hygienist, your implants may last you a lifetime.