Mini Dental Implants Explained For Patients In Liverpool

16th May 2013

Perhaps we should begin at the beginning, prior to discussing issues of size, with what exactly a dental implant is: A dental implant is essentially a fake tooth anchored to your jaw by a small metal rod. They also happen to be one of the most effective replacements for missing teeth. They look and function like the real deal, can be cleaned and treated like the real thing and can even stimulate bone growth (thus combating the change in jaw shape and facial appearance that plagues denture users). The big problem is that this wondrous treatment is always applicable; bone density issues are a common barrier to dental implant treatment. Thankfully, at Liverpool Dental Spa, we offer a treatment that can bypass many of these problems!

What are mini-implants?

The little learned brothers of the aforementioned dental implants, mini implants are basically more democratic dental implants: They are suited to more people! They are also more effective time-wise: Traditional dental implants can require months of preparatory bone fusion, whilst mini implants can be fitted in one day! Having mini-implants fitted is also far less invasive than with standard implants.

More uses than one

Mini implants can be used for individual teeth, but they can also be used to anchor in an entire set! Six mini implants, complete with screw tops, can be affixed to your jaw, a pair of dentures can then be attached to the screw tops. This will stabilise the dentures, overcoming the common problem of denture slippage and still managing to stimulate bone growth.

The procedure itself

The process of having them fitted is relatively straightforward, fairly swift and not all that invasive. The patient will receive a local anaesthetic and then a tiny hole will be produced in their gum to accommodate the implant. The top of said implant will be situated above the gum line so that your choice of replacement tooth (or teeth) can be fixed into place.  Thanks to the mini implants tiny size, the gum need not even be cut. This process can be done in as a little as half an hour and can be completed in a single trip. The healing process, post-treatment, is also fairly speedy!

Talk to us

Like the sound of mini dental implants? Then call us to book a consultation!

 

Perfect Clear Braces For Patients In Liverpool

14th May 2013

Somehow we have arrived at a place where braces carry an unfortunate cultural stigma. Until such time as people stop being judged on appearances, or held at the mercy of culturally determined whims, then discreet methods of orthodontic treatment will at least provide brief respite for some from the onslaught of fashion-centric barbarism. If keeping said treatment out of the sight of waspish detractors sounds appealing, then perhaps you might want to investigate Perfect Clear Braces.

What exactly are ‘Perfect Clear braces’?

Well, they are series of clear plastic aligners which will gradual shift those mildly misaligned teeth to a preferred position.

The perks of perfect clear

Firstly, these plastic aligners are pretty much see-through. Their most marked selling point is, to be blunt, that they are ‘perfectly clear’; no one will notice that you are wearing them. There are also, however, some more practical benefits to be found with removable aligners: Your aligners can be taken out when cleaning, thus preventing food and plaque from mounting in hard to clean areas. It also means that you won’t have to purchase any of the cleaning equipment associated with fixed braces. Plus, you’ll be able to eat without fear! Braces are liable to break when you eat certain foods. By being able to take them out at meal times, this will no longer be a concern. There is also zero wire or elastic in Perfect Clear to rub or cut your gums, meaning you will be much more comfortable and less likely to get abscesses than with fixed braces.  They also require less maintenance than their fixed counterparts!

Are there any negative points?

Perfect clear has been known to have a minor effect on one’s speech, often resembling a lisp, which may last for a few days. You will, however, adjust to the aligners quickly and the problem should disappear pretty promptly.

Contact us

We understand that orthodontic treatment is a big commitment and an important decision, so feel free to call us at Liverpool Dental Spa so we can discuss the myriad of brace types we offer.

 

 

Changing Your Smile With A Smile Makeover For Patients in Liverpool

9th May 2013

The philosopher Bertrand Russell once quipped that ‘everything is vague to a degree you do not realize till you have tried to make it precise.’ Although the smile makeover is a problem Russell himself never grappled with, his point certainly rings true: Despite how deceptively simple it sounds, the smile makeover is a rather difficult to pin down. This is because it is not a set procedure as much as it is an umbrella term for a variety of potential procedures. The outcome of a smile makeover is to make your smile look how you want it; the actual method of achieving this could involve a variety of different procedures. A smile makeover could be called a flexible, comprehensive, goal-specific treatment, but you can leave all that mumbo-jumbo to the dentists. What really matters is that, here at Liverpool Dental Spa, we are here to provide all the skill and expertise required to provide your smile a makeover.

The crucial consultation

Given the aforementioned difficulties in pinning the treatment down, the consultation process is perhaps the most integral part of a smile makeover. Don’t panic though! Our crack team of professionals are here to the tough stuff. All we really need from you is an idea of what it is you want from your teeth. Would you like them straighter? Do you think the colour is a bit off? Whatever the complaint or desire, we are more than ready to help.

Contemplating your smile

Thanks to our advanced digital imaging software, we will actually be able to present virtual mock-ups of the outcome of several treatments. Arriving with a few ideas of what you want is important, but, once you arrive, we can than demonstrate the outcomes of your ideas and start to hone down what it is you want.

Examples of treatments

Missing teeth can be replaced, stained teeth can be made 16 shades lighter, garish amalgam fillings can be replaced, gum lines can be recontoured, cracked or chipped teeth can be covered up by porcelain veneers, and that is just the tip of the iceberg!

Talk to us

Get that conversation going; after all, it is the most crucial part of a smile makeover!

 

 

Denture Treatment For Missing Teeth For Patients In Liverpool

7th May 2013

Retro is certainly in at present, and you can’t get more retro in dentistry than dentures: Their usage can be traced all the way back to 700BC. Those early dentures were mostly made from animal teeth, with models in later centuries also being constructed from wood. Thankfully, the dentures we offer at Liverpool Dental Spa aren’t quite that retro… Just as vintage designs can be reproduced with all the benefits of modern technology – one need think merely of the laser turntable – so an ancient dental concept can be updated to suit one’s modern needs.

What are dentures exactly?

Dentures are essentially a way of replacing missing teeth. The can be constructed so as to stand in for a full set of teeth (a full denture), or just to fill in for a few missing ones (a partial denture). Modern dentures are made from an acrylic resin which is then affixed to metal. Partial dentures are fantastic at preventing your healthy teeth from moving about, and both full and partial dentures are great at fighting the infamous issues of speech and eating which are associated with missing teeth.

Having your dentures fitted

The process of having dentures fitted will take, on average, a month and you will most likely need to have 5 appointments with your dentist during this procedure. An impression of your mouth will be produced and this will then be used as a basis for your dentures. You will also be given a ‘trial denture’, just to ensure that you are happy with the look and feel of dentures generally. If any other work (such as tooth extraction) is required before having your dentures fitted, you will typically wait two months post-surgery before your dentures will be fitted; this allows your gums to heal. Following the dentures being fitted, you might find them a little odd to use. Don’t fret! This perfectly is normal. It is best to only eat soft foods and drink for a while after you denture has been fitted.

Are dentures okay to wear at night?

It is best, when you are going to sleep, to take them out as it lets your gums rest.

Talk to us

Are you considering dentures? Then contact us at Liverpool Dental Spa.

 

Tooth Decay Detection For Patients In Liverpool

3rd May 2013

Clichés are so familiar that we often dissociate them from the point they actually make. Yes, some seem a little out of touch, but others have become well-worn phrases because they carry something valuable within them. In dentistry, one such phrase is ‘prevention is better than cure’. Decay is one of the major roots of dental difficulty, and stopping it before it causes damage is paramount. Sadly, tooth sensitivity and other tell-tale signs only appear once the damage has already been done. What then is one to do? Never fear! We at Liverpool Dental Spa are always on hand to help!

Regular Check Ups

Take advantage of our regular six month check-ups at Liverpool Dental Spa, that way we can look out for those signs of decay that will evade even the most observant lay person. During check-ups we utilise intense magnification and specialist lighting so as to highlight even the teensiest hint of decay’s occurrence. Also, as you are already in a dental practice, we can then take immediate action and treat the problem. Minute holes in your teeth may be invisible to the naked eye, but, with our specialist tech, we can find them and then fill them in so as to prevent the development of decay and the later need for more extensive surgery.

Peace of mind

Looks can be deceiving; a seemingly healthy tooth may be decaying without your knowing. Tooth decay is also incredibly common, second only in fact to the common cold, so there is a large likelihood that it is going on without you knowing. Thankfully, piece of mind is readily available. Simply contact us at Liverpool Dental Spa for an expert examination.

 

Children’s Dentistry For Little Patients In Liverpool

1st May 2013

Old habits die hard, and the oldest habits we have are the ones formed in youth. With your children, it’s important to make sure that one of those habits is effective oral hygiene. Not least for the obvious future benefit, but also for their baby teeth. Contrary to popular belief, baby teeth are not a dental ‘test drive’. No, in fact, losing a baby tooth early can alter the shape of your child’s face! Children’s dentistry is a big deal and we at Liverpool Dental Spa will do all we can to ensure a happy future for your child’s pearly whites.

Checkups for children

Prevention is better than cure and we are always on hand to examine your child’s teeth. In fact, we recommend bringing them in even before their teeth have erupted, just to ensure that all is progressing smoothly. Getting your child into the habit of regular trips to the dentist is important, but we can also ensure that your child’s teeth are developing properly. That way, you can concentrate on the parenting with a little less to worry about!

Dental education

At Liverpool Dental Spa, we will provide your children with all the information they require to best look after their teeth at home. This includes information on brushing techniques, flossing and the importance of a good routine. We also provide information on the effects of one’s diet and lifestyle on their teeth.

Overcoming dental phobia

Introducing your child to the dentist in a friendly, informative way, your child will be less likely to develop dental phobia and anxiety in the future. Dental phobia can be crippling and can lead to major dental problems to the patient avoiding checkups. Trying your best to quash these groundless fears is paramount!

Preventative measures

Alongside education and examination, we also offer preventative treatments which can help protect your child’s teeth until they are more competent at maintaining their teeth. These include fissure sealants and fluoride application which can help prevent decay and damage.

Contact us

Want to take advantage of all these wonderful services? Then call us at Liverpool Dental Spa!

 

How Can We Detect Tooth Decay At Liverpool Dental Spa?

29th April 2013

One of the major problems with tooth decay is that it’s very hard to notice that your tooth is rotting until you have a full-blown problem on your hands. The dentist is highly trained in detecting the slightest sign of decay so if you don’t visit the dentist on a regular basis, your decay is more likely going to go unnoticed and cause major problems in the future. If the decay goes undetected, it can continue to work its way through your tooth, causing more and more trouble. If it becomes deep seated, you may have to have the tooth removed, which is a lot more hassle than visiting the dentist every six months.

Dental check ups

At Liverpool Dental Spa, they have all the tools necessary to detect and tackle tooth decay. By looking at your teeth, the dentist can assess the status of each tooth and use magnification and lighting to search for any small holes. These are signs of decay in the tooth and may be fixable by fillings.

Sometimes, the dentist may need to take an X ray in order to assess the full extent of the damage. A picture will be taken of your mouth so that the dentist can see how far down the decay has gone. If it has travelled to the roots, you may have to have the tooth removed. It is surprising how much damage can actually be hiding in your tooth. You may think that you have a healthy set of teeth but bacteria and plaques can cause a lot of damage before you notice any pain. Therefore, by visiting the dentist frequently, you reduce the risk of deep-rooted decay as the dentist can catch the problem in the early stages and take preventative measures to ensure that the decay doesn’t develop further.

 

 

Headaches And Migraines And Their Link To Teeth Issues For Patients In Liverpool

25th April 2013

The cause of headaches and migraines is not fully understood as there are a variety of factors that have been linked to this problem. This throws a spanner in the works when it comes to treating head pain and means that we have to suffer along by using management strategies. When a headache or migraine hits there’s not much you can do but lie in a dark room with painkillers and ride out the storm.

If you can, its best to try and narrow down the stimuli that might be causing the pain. Some people find that eating certain things such as chocolate can bring on migraines or it could be related to your oral health. Many people fail to realize that pain in their head could actually be associated with your teeth but once you make the link, there could be some truth behind it.

One common jaw problem is tempero-mandibular jaw pain. If you grind your teeth or the muscles of your jaw spasm, this can send shooting pain up to your head and bring about migraines. Tooth infections can also cause headaches as it can affect the nerves that run from your teeth to your brain. Abscesses are also particularly nasty and may contribute to those headaches you are feeling.  Any kind of trauma to your mouth may also result in head pain or if your teeth are misaligned, your bite will be wrong and will cause tension that can lead to headaches.

What treatments are available?

If you think your headaches may be attributable to teeth problems, head straight to your dentist. If the problems are indeed caused from abscesses or infections, action can be taken such as antibiotics or removal of the tooth in question to relieve you of those bad heads. If you suffer from tempero mandibular pain, you will benefit from a retainer. This prevents you from exerting so much force through your jaw and can help relax the muscle so that you experience fewer headaches. Realignment of the teeth through a brace system should deal with any headache problems so visiting the dentist may be the ideal solution to your migraine problems.

 

Get A Straighter Smile In Just Months At Liverpool Dental Spa

23rd April 2013

Braces can be very successful in creating that perfectly straight smile. Trouble is, it can take years before the results finally start to show. The thought of wearing a brace for three years is daunting to most people and frankly it can be quite off putting. Luckily, dentists have invented a new technique appropriately named the 6 Month Smiles, proven to give you the desired results in six months or less.

6 Month Smiles

The 6 Month Smiles is a unique brace system with proven results. Memory wires are the key to its success and are thin wires that exert enough pressure on the teeth but are thin enough that they are barely noticeable. Coupled with this, the wires are a natural tooth colour and the brackets used are made of clear material so it won’t be obvious that you are wearing a brace. The brace works like other brace systems in that it is routinely tightened to bring your teeth into position. It can be used for a variety of teeth problems such as overcrowding, crooked teeth, overbite or underbite.

The 6 Month Smiles braces gets fast results because it acts on the region of your teeth that’s always on display. By concentrating on one area at a time, you can get that desired smile in a much shorter space of time.

The benefits

At Liverpool Dental Spa, the major benefit of 6 Month Smiles is that it’s fast acting. You can get that perfect smile within a matter of months instead of years. It also means less time spent at the dentist which is an added bonus. The system is quite discreet as it isn’t obvious you are wearing a brace and as you only have to wear it for a few months, it’s not the end of the world. All these benefits have lead to the success of 6 Month smiles, as it has become one of the most popular brace systems in private dentistry.

 

Oral Surgery Explained For Patients In Liverpool

18th April 2013

There are a number of reasons why teeth may need to be taken out. You may have an overcrowded mouth, so removing one of them will give the others some breathing space or your wisdom teeth may be causing problems. Sometimes, you may have a tooth that is causing more harm than good because it is the source of decay and this will need to be removed too. Unfortunately, the procedure may not the most comfortable thing in the world, but after you are given a local anaesthetic, you shouldn’t feel a thing.

Tooth extraction

Anaesthetic is given to the area to numb the nerves so that you won’t feel any pain. The dentist will then cut away at the gum to clear the area around the tooth so forceps can be used to wriggle the tooth out from its roots. Once its removed, stitches may be needed and once a dressing is applied, you’re all set to go home. Although it’s not the most pleasant experience, techniques and anaesthetics make the process much more bearable.

Aftercare

After the extraction, there is no doubt that the area will be a little painful. You can take painkillers to help ease the pain but it is important that nothing touches the area. You shouldn’t eat hot food for 24 hours and avoid hot drinks also as they can aggravate the area. Blood clots usually form over the wound and it is important that you do not attempt to remove these, as you will reopen the wound, which will be more painful in the long run. As tempting as it is to play with the newly formed hole with your tongue, it’s best to refrain from touching the area for the first 24 hours, as it will be very tender. Also, don’t rinse the area for a day and then in order to clean it, use warm salty water. Keep your mouth as clean as normal and your gums should heal in a few days. For more information on tooth extraction please contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa in the city of Liverpool.