What treatments are available to improve the appearance of teeth?

Healthy looking teeth are something that’s desired by everyone. Whilst regular brushing and a good diet will go a long way to keeping your teeth looking healthy, it’s also worth knowing what cosmetic treatments are available to help improve the appearance of your teeth.

Below are some of the most popular treatments available to improve the appearance of your teeth.

#1. Teeth whitening

One of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments is teeth whitening. Whilst there are many teeth whitening products to buy online, it’s not always the best idea to go down the DIY route. Many of the home teeth whitening kits available to buy have a very high strength of hydrogen peroxide, which can actually be damaging to your teeth and cause side effects such as sensitivity.

This being the case, it’s always preferable to go to a dentist if you want to have your teeth whitened. Not only will a dentist be able to recommend the best type of treatment but they’ll also

#2. Dental braces

Braces are used to straighten teeth and ensure they are properly aligned. Braces can be fitted at any age but are most common in children and teenagers. The are different types of braces available, including metal, ceramic and lingual. Metal braces are the most common purely because they’re the most affordable. They might not look that great but they get the job done.

For those who are self-conscious about how braces will look, then there are ceramic braces. They work in just the same way as metal braces but their transparent appearance means they’re not nearly as noticeable as metal braces. Lastly as lingual braces, which are fitted to the back of the teeth rather than the front, as is the case with metal and ceramic braces. Whilst this might sound ideal since they’re not visible, lingual braces can be uncomfortable and are not suitable for everyone.

#3. Dental crowns

Crowns are used to cover damaged teeth to make them stronger and also improve their appearance. Crowns can also be used on top of dental implants to give them a more tooth-like appearance. There are a variety of materials used for dental crowns, including ceramic, porcelain, metal alloys and gold.  The type of material used will usually depend on the extent of the damage to the tooth and where in the mouth it is.

For back teeth, it’s usually recommended that a metal crown is used since they’re stronger. For teeth nearer the front of the mouth then a porcelain or ceramic crown is usually preferable due to their more natural appearance.

#4. Dental bridges

If you have one or more teeth missing, then a bridge may be recommended by your dentist. Bridges are so named because they’re typically placed over missing teeth and held into position by the surrounding teeth or implants. They’re available in a variety of materials just like crowns. Your dentist will be able to suggest the best type of material for your bridges depending on where your missing tooth (or teeth) is located.

Everything You Need To Know About Braces

Braces are something that many of us have had experience with, whether we’ve worn them ourselves or had a family member who’s had them. Having braces fitted is something that no one especially looks forward to but the truth is they’re really not that big of a deal once you well informed about how they work.

What are braces used for?

Braces are used to keep your teeth in alignment and prevent problems occurring in the future. Although braces are often associated with teenagers, people of any age can have them. Braces are fitted by an orthodontist – a type of dentist who specialises in teeth and jaw alignment.

A good orthodontist will have a lot of experience and be able to suggest the right type of braces or retainer to help keep your teeth straight and in proper alignment. Although you might be worried about how dental braces will affect your appearance, they only need to be worn temporarily and there are different types of braces to choose from other than traditional metal braces.

#1. Metal braces:

 

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Metal braces are very common and are most often used for children and teenagers. Brackets are individually placed on the teeth and a wire is then run through them and tightened when needed. This encourages the teeth to grow in the right direction and prevents them from becoming crooked. Metal braces can be seen as ugly though they’re usually not required to be worn for more than a couple of years.

#2. Clear/ceramic braces 

 

Clear braces are an alternative to metal braces and although they work in much the same way, the materials used gives them a more transparent appearance. Clear braces are often used for children and teenagers who might be self-conscious about wearing regular metal braces.

 

#3. Lingual braces:

 

 Lingual braces are different to metal and clear braces in that they’re placed on the back of the teeth rather than the front. Although this means they’re completely hidden from view. A lingual braces orthodontist will be able to determine whether lingual braces are right for you.

#4. Invisalig: 

 

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Invisalign, as the name suggests, are invisible braces that are made by doing a scan of the patient’s teeth that allows for the design of a perfect aligner. More akin to a mouth guard than braces, Invisalign is printed using a 3D printer and is very easy to put in and take out, with no need for glue to be applied.

The downside to Invisalign is that the aligner’s have to be replaced regularly and paid for after the first fitting. This means they can get expensive and therefore aren’t suitable for everyone. Invisalign is mostly used for adults although they might be suitable for use in teenagers in some cases too.

Are braces painful?

Many people fear that having braces fitted will be a painful procedure, but this is usually not the case. An anaesthetic is usually not required and the braces can be fitted very quickly in most cases. The only slight discomfort might be when the braces are tightened but even this is usually not too painful.