The future of cosmetic dentistry has finally arrived in the shape of new technology from Cerec. Also commonly known as ‘chair-side restoration’, Cerec has revolutionised the way dentists are able to manufacture and fit ceramic restorations such as dental crowns, porcelain veneers and inlays for fillings.

In the past, if a patient needed a dental crown to repair a tooth damaged by decay or accidental damage then a dentist would need to take several dental moulds as well as a series of x-rays. The x-rays would take several hours or days to develop and the dental moulds were not always completely accurate. They would then need to construct a crown or inlay for the patient’s tooth in a laboratory using the x-rays and the moulds. This involved making a layered metal and porcelain restoration that could often take days or weeks and even then still require minor adjustments.

Cerec technology allows the dentist to take several digital x-rays, which can produce three-dimensional images almost instantaneously on a computer screen. This allows the dentist to create a perfectly fitting crown or veneer on the computer. Then comes the really incredible bit, when the dentist sends this information to a computer-guided mill, which can sculpt a new crown or veneer from a single piece of porcelain in a mater of minutes. All of this can be achieved in little more than an hour per tooth for a crown and significantly less for veneers. Combined with the use of resin bonding, it is possible for a patient to have a crown designed, manufactured and installed in a single appointment at a Braintree dentist. Compared to the old methods of crown dentistry, Cerec represents a huge leap forward and expect to see this technology in all dentist surgeries in the near future. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

When teeth are damaged either by decay or accident, the pain is caused by the exposure of the sensitive dental nerve located at the centre of the tooth. In a normal functioning tooth the nerve is protected by a layer of pulp and dentine and then finally covered with a layer of hard protective enamel. When a tooth suffers form decay this enamel is broken down exposing the softer central parts of the tooth and dental nerve to infection and extremes of hot and cold. This can lead to painful toothache and even tooth loss.

Holes in the enamel therefore need to be filled with a protective substance to replace the enamel. These are commonly known as fillings but in certain circumstances, a filling is not enough to protect the tooth from further damage and more extensive protection is needed. In this case dentists uses what is called a crown to offer a greater degree of protection to the tooth. A crown covers the whole of the tooth exposed above the gum and can be made form metal, porcelain or a combination of the two, although most patients today prefer porcelain because of the aesthetic qualities it offers.

Crowns are also used for teeth that have been cracked and damaged by injury to the face. Cracked or broken teeth can be very painful and if they cannot be repaired with dental bonding then they too will require a crown from a Billericay dentist to prevent further pain.

The crown is manufactured to closely resemble the shape pf the existing tooth before being cemented over the top to act as a protective barrier. It may be necessary to remove some existing enamel to allow the crown to fit comfortably over the top. A dental crown can last longer than fifteen years if properly cared for. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

There are two main types of veneers that can be placed over the top of damaged or discoloured teeth to restore the cosmetic appearance of a smile. Composite veneers are made of a resin and are made in laboratory or even constructed in the mouth during an appointment. The other type of veneer is made entirely from porcelain and is cemented over the top of teeth using dental bonding.

Although composite veneers are cheaper, they do not look nearly as realistic as a porcelain veneer which are specially designed to resemble tooth enamel. Composite veneers are more suitable for individual teeth that are damaged or for repairing small cracks or chips. When it comes to replacing a whole dental arc that has been damaged by staining or discolouration there really is only one option. Also, as technology advances, new tools are being developed to speed up the manufacturing process of porcelain veneers and with technology such as digital x-rays and Cerec, it is now possible to sculpt veneers from a single piece of porcelain in a matter of minutes.

Other modern porcelain veneers are incredibly thin, some the same width as a contact lens, which can be fitted over the teeth with no enamel removal and can be completely removed themselves should the need arise. They are in fact so thin that they can fit over existing veneers and other dental repair work.

As well as completely restoring the appearance of damaged teeth, porcelain veneers from a Colchester dentist also play an important protective role. Acting as a second layer of enamel they protect the teeth from decay adding another important barrier to tooth decay. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

For patients with uneven or crooked teeth, the prospect of wearing a brace can often be an unpleasant one. Traditional fixed-metal braces can be very uncomfortable and can cause irritation to the soft tissue. They can also make it very hard to clean teeth effectively because the fixed brackets cover so much of the surface enamel. This is mentioning nothing about the visual appearance of metal braces, which can be very unseemly and unappealing.

Luckily for patients needing braces, there is an alternative in the form of Invisalign clear plastic braces. Made from one-millimetre thick plastic, the Invsialign brace is almost completely invisible when in the patient’s mouth, unless standing very close. They are also completely removable which makes cleaning the teeth a lot easier. It also means the brace can be taken out for meal times, putting no limits on what the patient can and can’t eat.

Invisalign braces use no metal wires so the degree of comfort is far superior to wire-bracket braces. The system works by using a series of about twenty braces each worn for a period of two weeks. Each new retainer is designed to make small alterations which when combined gradually move the teeth into the desired position over the course of treatment. This will usually last about eighteen months, on average six-months shorter than traditional braces.

Invisalign braces from a Chelmsford dentist are particularly suited for younger patients because of the aesthetic qualities they can offer. There are also specially designed Invisalign Teen braces, which have added features specially suited for younger patients. If you or your child needs orthodontic teeth straightening, ask your dentist about the benefits of Invisalign braces. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Losing your teeth at any age in life can be very unpleasant and can cause a great deal of anxiety and pain. However, there are many options still available and thanks to modern technology and improved dentistry, the option of wearing dentures no longer carries the stigma it once did.

Modern dentures are more comfortable, more realistic and stronger than the dentures of the past and are designed to fit the mouth better to prevent the anxiety caused by loose dentures. In the past, many denture wearers had to resort to using sticky and messy dental adhesive gels or strips. These prevented many people form eating and drinking what they wanted. A good pair of dentures should stay firmly in place by suction alone, allowing the wearer to live a normal life.

For those patients who still require the extra security there is now the possibility of mini-implants to act as a secure base for the dentures. A series of small titanium screws are anchored directly into the jawbone to act as a solid base for a set of dentures, which can be fitted with snap on/snap off clips so that your dentures will never come out unless you want them to.

Patients with several missing teeth can also benefit form a partial denture, which can be worn to restore the cosmetic appearance of the teeth and regain some of their functionality. Partial dentures and full dentures also act as support for facial muscles, preventing sagging of the facial tissue common in patients with few or no teeth. Brentwood dentist are able to offer advice and treatment to patients considering dentures or partial dentures to help them regain their confidence and the full use of their teeth. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Many patients find that some dental substitutes such as partial dentures and dental bridges are just not strong enough and cause constant anxiety about breaking. This can have an impact on their life and prevent them enjoying it to the full, especially when it comes to eating. Patients are often looking for a more long-term and solid solution to a missing tooth and often find it in the form of a dental implant.

A dental implant is the only artificial dental substitute that replaces the whole of the tooth from root to tip. The implant itself is only the small titanium screw that makes up the root portion of the restoration. This is screwed directly into the jawbone in a procedure that sounds a lot more unpleasant than it actually is. When secure in the bone, the dentist will leave the implant for several weeks to fully fuse with the bone and soft tissue around it.

Once fully secure, the implant will now act exactly the same as an actual tooth root and can act as a base for an artificial crown to be attached. This is secured to the implant using a screw and post device. Once attached, the whole implant is incredibly sturdy and feels just like a real tooth. Thanks to the porcelain crown attached, with its enamel-like qualities, it also looks exactly like a real tooth. The other major benefit of the dental implant is that it lasts a lifetime, unlike other dental replacements which need to be replaced every ten years or so. This means once the surgery is complete you can completely forget that the implant is there and enjoy your life just as you would with a full set of real teeth. There is no need to suffer with the embarrassment of a missing tooth or with the frustration of an inadequate dental replacement, ask a Maldon dentist about dental implants and get the security and comfort you deserve. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

The health and appearance of your teeth is very much dependant on how well you take care of them. Dental hygiene is fundamental to having healthy teeth that are free from decay and painful infections and it really is a matter of following a few simple rules.

The first and most important aspect of dental hygiene is brushing. This should be done twice a day fro three minutes using an appropriate brush and paste. A Chelmsford dentist can recommend the most suitable equipment for your teeth at your next check up. You should brush your teeth with the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the tooth pointing towards the gums. This helps to remove plaque and bacteria that build up on the enamel of the tooth that cause decay and gum disease.

Next to brushing is flossing, the second most important aspect of dental hygiene. Flossing between the teeth cleans the areas which are difficult or impossible to clean with a brush. These are often the places where the plaque and bacteria build up the most, attacking and wearing away the enamel causing decay and ultimately painful infection and tooth loss. It also helps to remove trapped food particles that are responsible for over 90 per cent of cases of bad breath.

Other cleaning devices such as tongue scrapers and inter-dental brushes are also useful in the battle against plaque. Mouthwashes may be useful but can also cause further dental hygiene issues so you should always ask your dentist before using them. Finally, it is crucial that this hygiene routine is backed up by regular visits to your dentist. They can spot the first signs of decay and disease and advise on the most effective ways to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford