Over the last twenty years a change has occurred in the way we view the dentist. The dentist is no longer just a medical professional there to repair damage to teeth and keep them healthy, but they are now additionally seen as cosmetic technicians. They are able, using a variety of new procedures, to drastically improve the appearance of even the most damaged and unhealthy looking teeth.

The change really began with the advent of modern teeth whitening. People began to realise that having a healthy and beautiful looking smile could be a real advantage and work wonders for the self-confidence. As treatments like teeth whitening became more affordable more people began to see the benefits on offer from their dentist. Other cosmetic treatments such as dental bonding, orthodontic straightening and teeth contouring all became very popular as the full potential of cosmetic dentistry was gradually revealed to the public.

In recent years, a more extensive and comprehensive cosmetic dentistry treatment called a smile makeover has grown in popularity as it offers a complete dental transformation utilising a number of treatments suitable for your teeth. The potential of a smile makeover has been seen on many of the wave of TV makeover shows where even the most unhealthy looking teeth can be transformed.

Harlow dentists offer a wide variety of cosmetic dental treatments ranging from the most simple to the most extensive and with treatments to suit every budget it is possible for everyone to benefit from cosmetic dentistry. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford

Of all the cosmetic dentistry procedures, the most dramatic and by far the most popular with patients is teeth whitening. Although mankind has been trying to whiten teeth for centuries using a variety of techniques and substances, it is only relatively recently that modern technology has provided a more successful method.

Teeth whitening hit the headlines in the late 1980s when it was mostly the preserve of the rich and famous but as it has become more available it has also become more affordable. Teeth whitening is now offered by nearly all dentists across the UK with a variety of different products on the market promising results. Different dentists use different products but some of the most popular are Enlighten and Zoom whitening.

Whitening treatments can involve anything from half and hour one off appointments to two week intensive whitening using specially prepared take-home trays with lower concentration gels for nigh time use. Whichever treatment you choose it is important that it is provided by a trained Basildon dentist, as some home-use kits can contain high strength hydrogen peroxide which is capable of burning the soft tissue in the mouth. Dentists will be able to use all the necessary protective gear to ensure that your mouth is perfectly safe during the treatment.

The cost of whitening depends on which treatment you opt for and how long it lasts but there is a treatment available for all budgets and results are achievable with only limited whitening having been carried out. The process is relatively painless with only some mild sensitivity being experienced by some patients. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford

If teeth are not effectively cleaned by brushing and flossing, a substance called plaque builds up around the teeth. Plaque is a filmy substance made up of bacteria and other debris that clings to the teeth and gums causing decay. The acids released by the decaying bacteria in plaque erode tooth enamel, the hard protective coating that covers the teeth. It makes small holes in the enamel known as cavities, which can require dental fillings.

If the cavities are not filled, the plaque will eventually penetrate to the centre of the tooth. Here it will erode away the pulp or dentine that fills the centre of teeth and eventually attack the nerve located at its centre. This can lead to a very painful infection which can be responsible for tooth loss. The infection is also capable of spreading to other parts of the mouth and even entering the bloodstream where research has shown it can cause heart problems.

The body’s natural response to infection is to bombard it with white blood cells. These white blood cells gather around the infected material and attempt to kill the infection. This creates a yellow substance called pus, which can build up in large and painful abscesses in the gum. This swelling can be very sensitive and make everyday activities like eating and drinking very unpleasant.

The first sign of a tooth abscess is usually a toothache but if the infection has killed the nerve there may be no pain but there can still be an infection present in the tooth. It is always essential to see a dentist even if a toothache seems to have gone away by itself.

Other signs that you may be suffering from a tooth abscess are a foul odour and a bitter, unpleasant taste in the mouth. This may be accompanied by a general feeling of nausea. The pain from the ache will usually get much worse when exposed to extremes of hot and cold, especially when eating.

Over-the-counter pain remedies such as paracetemol can help with the pain and can keep tooth abscesses under control and swilling salt water also helps, but only a visit to a dentist will beat the underlying causes of the infection. Any delay in treatment can give the infection valuable time to spread making the consequences of a tooth abscess much more severe. In extreme circumstances tooth abscesses can require admission to hospital and even painful oral surgery. Make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible if you suspect a tooth abscess. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Orthodontic teeth straightening is now achievable in a significantly reduced time than was previously possible. The very latest in orthodontic straightening is the Six-Month Smile treatment that aims to visibly straighten teeth in as little as, you’ve guessed it, six-months. This a reduction in treatment time on average of 75 per cent compared to more traditional fixed braces. The Six-Month smile treatment also promises a reduced degree of discomfort, one of the most common complaints against fixed metal braces.

Six-Month Smile treatments are able to achieve such rapid straightening results by focusing especially on teeth that are visible when smiling. This new kind of treatment uses nickel-titanium wires to reposition overcrowded or misaligned teeth. It is this more focussed approach that allows the huge drop in treatment time. This does mean that the Six-Month Smile treatment is more suitable to patients with minor overcrowding issues and dentists will advise patients with more serious straightening needs to have prior treatment and possibly some removals. But for patients looking to put the finishing touches to their smiles in as little time as possible, the Six-Month Smile brace is perfect.

The wires used by Six-Month Smile are very thin and tooth coloured making them very discreet. In fact the braces are hardly noticeable unless standing very close to the patient. This makes them ideal for more mature or professional patients wishing to avoid the stigma attached to wearing conventional braces. The braces require only ten to fifteen minute check up appointments each month to reposition the wires, which reduces the level of discomfort experienced by less frequent tightening common with other braces.

If you are suffering with overcrowding or lack confidence in your smile and want to do something about it with the minimum of fuss then ask a dentist about the Six-Month Smile teeth straightening system. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Dental veneers are ceramic shells that are custom made to fit over the top of teeth repairing damage done by injury, erosion or discolouration.

Common tooth injuries that require repair are teeth that are either chipped, cracked or broken due to head trauma from physical injury. Porcelain veneers can restore the structural integrity of the tooth while also enhancing the tooth’s cosmetic appearance. In some instances, such as discoloured or worn teeth, the veneers are for purely cosmetic reasons. A row of veneers across the dental arc can completely change the appearance of teeth in one afternoon. Modern veneers are made form incredibly thin porcelain that replicates the translucent appearance of tooth enamel.

Teeth can become stained or discoloured for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is the result of a hereditary condition or certain medical treatment, but more often than not it is the result of time and certain substances such as tobacco or red wine. Patients with fragile enamel often have teeth that are badly worn which need protecting to prevent further erosion. For all of these concerns, dentists can fit porcelain veneers to restore the integrity and appearance of real teeth.

Previously, porcelain veneers needed to be manufactured in laboratory conditions after the dentist had measured the existing teeth using dental moulds and x-rays but modern computer technology has significantly reduced treatment time and accuracy. The latest digital x-rays and 3D imaging means dentists have access to exact three-dimensional representations of the patient’s teeth almost instantly. Using computer-aided technology they can manufacture the veneers in as little as six minutes per tooth. Because modern veneers are so thin they can be fitted over existing teeth with minimal enamel removal. Some modern veneers are also completely removable.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, or think on or more of your teeth needs strengthening, ask a Chelmsford dentist about porcelain veneers at your next appointment. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Nobody ever wants to wear a brace but everybody wants to have straight teeth but sometimes it is an inevitable sacrifice. One to two years with a mouthful of uncomfortable and unseemly metal braces to have straight teeth at the end. This was always the deal available to patients in the past. This can be particularly unpleasant for patients in their emotionally turbulent teenage years when standing out from the crowd is the last thing they want. It can also be unfortunate for older patients, when the stigma of metal braces being for younger people can be embarrassing especially in a professional environment. Thankfully there is now a solution to this dilemma.

In 1999 a company called Align Technologies introduced their Invisalign range of invisible plastic braces. This was a system that offered genuinely discreet teeth straightening that was also effective. Clear plastic retainer braces had existed before but had often been ineffectual bordering on useless and most patients were still opting for the old fashioned metal braces.

Invisalign braces are manufactured from one millimetre thick clear plastic and moulded to fit over the patient’s teeth with small adjustments. These small adjustments are designed to gradually move misaligned teeth into position over time. By using twenty to thirty retainers, each worn for a period of two weeks (although treatment times do vary on a patient to patient basis), overcrowding and misaligned teeth can gradually be straightened with out the need for fixed metal brackets. Invisalign braces are also almost completely invisible unless standing very close to the patient. They also have the advantage of being completely removable so can be taken out for eating or important business or social occasions.

Invisalign braces are the first invisible brace that offers genuine straightening power as well as a real level of discretion. It is now possible to have straight teeth without having to sacrifice up to two years of your life to the uncomfortable and embarrassing metal brace. Dentists will be able to offer further advice and information about Invisalign clear plastic braces and assess whether they could be suitable for your teeth. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.