When it comes to your teeth, one of the most important aspects of dental health is oral hygiene. Keeping your teeth clean will help to fight dental disease and improve the health of your teeth. In fact, unlike most other areas of the body, your own actions will have a direct result on you’re ability to avoid dental disease.

This is because dental disease such as tooth decay and gum disease is caused by a build up of a sticky substance called plaque. This builds up around the teeth and gums if not removed and releases acids which erode tooth enamel and gum tissue. Plaque will eventually harden and become tartar if not removed by brushing and flossing, which cannot be removed by conventional cleaning and will need to be scraped clean by a dentist.

Effective oral hygiene mostly consists of brushing and flossing at home. Braintree dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for three minutes twice a day. This will help to remove plaque and other bacteria from the surface of the teeth. It is best to use a soft bristled brush angled at forty-five degrees to the teeth. This will help to remove plaque more efficiently and also stimulate gum tissue helping to keep it healthy.

Flossing is very important because it removes plaque and bacteria from areas of the mouth that are very difficult to reach with a toothbrush. This includes the small spaces between the teeth and also around the base in the pockets between the teeth and gums. It is these areas that are harder to reach that are often the initial location of dental disease so you should floss at least once every day. This will also help to remove food particles, which are the cause of many cases of bad breath. It is also very important to team good oral hygiene with regular visits to your dentist. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

There is a certain stigma attached to dentures that is not particularly flattering, although it might be undeserved. People lose their teeth for many reasons. It may be the result of tooth decay and gum disease but it could also be as the result of a physical injury or head trauma or even as a complication form other diseases. Losing your teeth is not a very pleasant experience and can be the source of great pain and embarrassment. It can also make even simple actions like eating and talking difficult, as well as negatively affecting the profile and facial structure.

This is why Chelmsford dentists recommend that if you have lost your teeth you should try and replace them with a set of dentures. Modern dentures are far more advanced than dentures in the past and should be much better fitting. Not only will dentures restore the appearance of a healthy set of teeth but they will also act as a rigid support for the facial muscles. This will help to prevent the sunken, sagging appearance common to many people who have lost their teeth. This can make you look a lot older than you are, and more unhealthy. Of course dentures will also enable you to eat and talk with little difficulty.

Some patients who wear dentures are often concerned that they are loose and ill-fitting and may fall out at an embarrassing moment. This can be overcome with denture adhesive, although this can be messy and limit what you can eat. Good dentures should fit with suction alone so see your dentist if you are concerned about your loose dentures. You may be suitable for dental implants which act as a secure base for dentures alleviating the anxiety that loose dentures can sometimes cause. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Extreme fear, also known as a phobia, can be very unpleasant if you suffer from it. It can cause panic, anxiety, stress and in severe cases lead to temporary paralysis or anxiety episodes. It can lead you to avoid any situation in which you might confront the thing it is you are afraid of. This may not be such a problem of your phobia is of snakes or spiders which are relatively easy to avoid and it is not harmful to you to do so. But what if you are afraid of the dentist. This could have serious detrimental effects on the health of your teeth that can cause pain, suffering and great expense in the future.

Dental phobia is often caused by a traumatic experience in the past, often during childhood. This can lead to developing a fear of visiting the dentist, even if it’s just for a check up. We all know the importance of dental check ups in helping to keep our teeth healthy and clean. Missing these for large periods of time will inevitably lead to dental problems occurring, which will ironically require more serious dental attention.

However, there are many ways top overcome dental phobia. Many phobias caused by bad experiences can be dealt with by just talking to a friendly dentist. Modern dentistry and dentists are very different from the, perhaps less caring, dentists of the past. They are also trained to deal with anxious and nervous patients. There are also a number of relaxation and breathing exercises that you can do to help you relax before an appointment. Other studies have found that aromatherapy and particularly the use of lavender oil help to relax nervous patients.

No matter how severe your phobia, you will be able to overcome it with the right help. Brentwood dentists are happy to talk you through any treatment and offer support if you suffer from any kind of dental phobia. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford

Basildon dentists are currently using new technologies that are constantly being introduced into the world of dentistry. Technology is advancing at an incredible rate with tools like dental lasers making surgery more comfortable and improving recovery times. But perhaps the most significant new tool in the dentistry field is the digital x-ray. This has facilitated a number of pioneering new dental treatments and made many existing dental procedures much more efficient.

Digital x-rays possess several major advantages over conventional x-rays. The most obvious advantage is the time taken to process the image. Traditional x-rays need to be developed like photographs in a laboratory. This takes time and can cause problems with under or overexposure. It often meant that at times, the images are less than perfectly clear making diagnosis and treatment slightly tricky. New digital x-rays can be processed immediately and displayed on a computer screen right in front of the dentist. The images are very clear and very accurate and allow the dentist to use or save the image in the patients file.

Another major advantage comes in the area of safety. Digital x-rays use about 80 per cent less radiation than the old style x-ray machines which makes them less damaging to both patients and the dentists who use them every day. This has managed to alleviate one of the most common dangers of using x-rays.

Digital x-rays have also made possible the emergence of chair-side dentistry. The speed these images can be produced combined with other computer guided machinery means that dentists are now able to manufacture and fit dental restorations such as crowns and veneers in only a single appointment. This has vastly improved both the speed and accuracy of treatment. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford

If we’re honest we would probably all like to have whiter teeth as they look healthier and improve the appearance of the smile. Most people know about the existence of teeth whitening treatments but few people realise that they are actually very affordable. Teeth whitening started in America in the late seventies and eighties and was often seen as something reserved for movie stars and other rich and famous people. However, teeth whitening has become far more available and affordable and is now within the price range of pretty much everybody.

Teeth whitening systems such as Enlighten are carried out by almost all dentists in the UK and prices start at about £600 per treatment. Obviously, the more extensive the work you have carried out, the more expensive the treatment will be but everybody can benefit form even a single whitening treatment. Enlighten works by applying an active gel to the surface of the teeth in a special tray. This active gel contains the ingredient hydrogen peroxide, which slowly seeps into the tooth enamel, bleaching it and turning it whiter.

The process is completely safe if carried out by a dentist in a surgery. It is possible to buy home whitening kits but it is always best to have the treatment performed by a trained professional. There have been cases of people burning the soft tissue of their mouths with the gel, but with a dentist this is unlikely to happen. Whitening can make teeth up to ten shades whiter, depending on the original condition of the teeth and the consistency of the enamel, which differs from person to person.

Colchester dentists offer tooth whitening to improve the appearance of your smile. This perfectly safe treatment is one of the most affordable yet effective cosmetic dentistry treatments, so give it a try to boost your smile. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Being happy and confident with your smile can help you to be happy and comfortable with who you are. Our smile is one of the most distinguishing features we have and also one of the most recognisable and important. Unfortunately, there are many problems and issues with our teeth that mean that some people are not happy with them. This could be due to uneven spacing or discolouration, or even perhaps due to worn enamel. But there is a 100 per cent successful way to restore the appearance of damaged teeth that produces perfect results every time.

Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic, shell-like caps that are cemented over the top of the existing teeth to produce a more even and clean appearance. Porcelain is used because it resembles very closely the appearance of natural tooth enamel. It even has the translucency, which is such a distinguishing feature of tooth enamel. The veneers are manufactured specifically for your teeth and are incredibly thin. Some modern veneers are so thin they are about the same width as a contact lens. This means that, unlike in the past, little or no natural enamel needs to be removed before the veneers can be fitted. This was always drawback of old veneer technology that has now been overcome. In fact, some modern veneers are so thin they can be fixed over the top of existing dental work.

The veneers are cemented in place using dental bonding, which is also tooth coloured and adds a dimension of protection, which is then matched by the veneers themselves. Porcelain veneers will last up to twenty years of properly maintained, protecting the teeth from any further damage and completely restoring the aesthetic appearance. Harlow dentists are even able to attach the veneers in a single appointment meaning that your smile can be completely transformed in just one visit. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford

Everybody wants to have straight, healthy looking teeth but not all of us are as blessed as others when it comes to our dental appearance. Unless you are one of the lucky few who are born with naturally straight and even teeth, the options are to either accept your smile for what it is or try and improve it using orthodontic methods. Basically, this means having a brace, and we all know what braces look like and how long they need to be effective. The thought of wearing a fixed metal brace for up to three years is simply too much for some people, which is exactly why the Inman aligner has been designed and manufactured.

Originally released in the US, the Inman aligner is now sweeping the UK, providing better smiles and straighter teeth in a matter of just weeks and months rather than years. In some cases, the Inman aligner has provided results in as little as six weeks although the average treatment time is about six months, and the longer you wear it, the more effective it is.

Also, unlike traditional fixed braces, the Inman aligner is completely removable. This means it can be taken out if so desired by the wearer either for eating, tooth brushing or even social events. As long as it is worn for between 20 and 24 hours each day it will still be effective.

The aligner is also far more discreet with only a small metal bar brace visible across the front of the teeth. The rest of the brace is located on the tongue side of the teeth and impossible to see unless form certain angles. As well as all these advantages, the Inman aligner from an Epping dentist is also cheaper than most conventional orthodontic straightening treatments.

Perfect for putting the finishing touches to a smile see what the Inman aligner could do for your teeth. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

The sight of a mouth full of fixed metal bracket and wire braces is not a particularly attractive one, and for many teenagers in such a difficult emotional time, can be the source of much embarrassment. This could affect confidence and emotional development at a crucial time in their lives, which is exactly the thinking behind the designers of the Invisalign orthodontic straightening system.

Invisalign is a clear plastic brace about one millimetre thick, designed especially for each patient. Each retainer-like brace is worn for about three weeks before it is replaced with another, with slight adjustments. Over the course of the treatment, this will gradually manipulate the teeth and move them into the desired position. In total, about 25 to 30 retainers are needed on average for a full treatment. This means that treatment with Invisalign is about six months shorter than the average fixed brace treatment.

However, the length of treatment is not the main advantage of the Invisalign brace. But the fact it is almost completely invisible when in the mouth most certainly is. All the aesthetic compromise usually required for wearing a brace is no longer necessary as many Invisalign users straighten their teeth without anyone even knowing they wear a brace. This is one of the main reasons why Invisalign braces are so popular with teenage patients.

Another reason is the fact that they are also completely removable so can be taken out for eating and teeth cleaning. This means they have a significantly reduced oral hygiene impact than fixed braces, which can leave stains or clean patches when removed.

Invisalign braces from Braintree dentists are revolutionising the world of orthodontics. If you or your child is likely to require braces, ask your dentist about Invisalign braces and straighten your teeth without the sacrifice. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Losing your teeth at any stage in life and for whatever reason can be a very traumatic experience to go through. Being left with few or no teeth can make even the simplest of daily activities such as eating and drinking difficult and can seriously limit exactly what food you can eat. Missing teeth also cause problems with facial structure, as the lack of rigid support can cause the tissue to sink, giving a sunken expression.

Maldon dentists recommend that you replace your missing teeth with dentures as soon as possible. This will not just create the impression of a full set of teeth but will also restore their functionality. Some people are reluctant to wear dentures or find it difficult because they can often feel loose and fall out at very inopportune moments. Some patients resort to using denture adhesives to secure their dentures although these can often be very sticky and messy, and make eating certain foods very difficult.

One other alternative is to have a set of mini-implants fitted. These are small titanium screws that are drilled directly into the jawbone to act as an anchor for your dentures. The dentures are fitted with clips so that they can snap on and off to the implants. This firmly secures the dentures in place so you don’t have to worry about embarrassing slippages. It also means you will be able to eat what you want, when you want.

You won’t need to have a new set of dentures either, as the clips are easily attached to your existing set. It usually requires about five mini-implants to secure a full denture. The dentures can easily be removed from the clip to be taken out for cleaning and overnight. Mini-implants are the perfect solution for anyone who is concerned about loose dentures and letting it cause them unnecessary stress and anxiety. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Inman Aligners are an orthodontic brace that straightens and moves the teeth to a position that nature intended, many adults have crooked teeth and to use general braces would be prohibitive for them. Most dentists use Inman Aligners as an alternative to the Invisalign type of brace. Inman Aligners are limited to the amount of movement they can achieve, and generally work better on misalignments of the lower and upper front teeth. They are generally not suitable for cases where the teeth are crowded or compacted in the mouth. After the first consultation, your dentist will be able to determine if you are suitable for the Inman Aligner. The Inman Aligner is not entirely clear like its rival the Invisalign brace; it has a metal bar that is prominent across the front of the teeth. However, the Inman Aligner has more benefits than the invisible brace system. One of the main benefits is that this system is removable at will; the patient can easily remove and replace it at any time. This makes eating and cleaning the inman aligner much simpler, it is also handy for the busy executive who needs to be brace free at a business meeting. The brace works by pulling and pushing the misaligned teeth into the position that is required by the patient, and this whole operation can take in between 6 to 16 weeks. The cost isn’t too much either, and you can expect to pay anywhere between £1,300 and £2,500 depending on the length of time and the amount of visits required. A patient will need to visit the dentist every two weeks to have a new aligner fitted, this is done by adjusting the springs and the bar to lessen or increase the push and pulling elements of the brace. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.