Orthodontics
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but also eventual gum disease and tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems that can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surface, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints, which can result in chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck. The value of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one's self – confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve one's General attitude towards life…
At what age can people have orthodontic treatment?
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics, because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Because monitoring growth and development is crucial to managing some orthodontic problems well, it is recommended that all children have an orthodontic screening no later that age 7. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.
How is treatment accomplished?
Custom-made appliances, or braces, are prescribed and designed by the orthodontist according to the problem being treated. They may be removable or fixed (cemented and / or bonded to the teeth). They may be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desirable position. Orthopedic appliances, such as headgear, bionator, Herbst and maxillary expansion appliances, use carefully directed forces to guide growth and development of jaws in children and / or teenagers.
Are there less noticeable braces?
Today's braces are generally less noticeable than those of the past. Now the brackets are bonded directly to the tooth, minimizing the "tin grin". Brackets can be metal, clear or colored, depending on the patient's preference. In some cases, brackets may be bonded behind the teeth (lingual braces). In recent years, many advances in orthodontic materials have taken place. Braces are smaller and more efficient. The wires now being used are no longer just stainless steel. They are made of alloys of nickel, titanium, copper and cobalt, and some of the wires are heat-activated.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
It involves the surgical and related treatment of diseases, injuries and deformities involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the head, face, mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, and neck. The various surgical procedures done by us are
- Orthognathic surgery (Cosmetic Correction of severe jaw discrepancies)
- Management of facial bone fractures
- Cleft lip and palate deformities
- And minor surgeries like extraction of wisdom teeth.
Conservative Dentistry
This branch deals with conservation of tooth structure as a result of caries of trauma / fracture. Filling of the tooth with various types of tooth coloured (composite) material is done. Amalgam fillings which contain mercury are not done (Mercury Free Clinic)
Endodontics
Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics) is needed when the blood supply or nerve supply of the tooth is infected through decay or injury. In some cases, tooth would darken in colour which may mean that the nerve is dead or dying. This would need root canal treatment. The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. A local anesthetic is used and it would feel no different to having an ordinary filling. Later a crown is done over the tooth to protect it.
Periodontics
Periodontics involves diagnosis and management of diseases of the gingival and periodontium. We are committed to motivate and educated the community regarding oral hygiene maintenance as it is one of the cause for early loss of dentition.
Prosthodontics & Implantology
Prosthodontics means replacement of missing teeth and associated structures by removal partial denture, fixed partial dentures and complete denture. Complete denture are constructed when all the teeth have been lost. Partial denture means dentures that replace single teeth to many teeth be in the form of removable or fixed. Fixed partial dentures are done with crowns and bridges.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental Implants are an ideal potion for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
While high – tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth – saving that traditional bridge work, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
What Dental Implants Can Do?
- Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
- Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable denture.
- Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
Root Canal Treatment
Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the cavernous space where the live tissue and nerve of each tooth is located.
If for any reason the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. The exposure of pulp happens in many circumstances, such as when you have a large cavity or a fractured tooth. Your dentist can explain the exact reason for damage to this tissue. In these cases, the treatment is usually Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected, dead tissue. The space is then disinfected and sealed with special materials.
Nowadays, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and materials, making them far more comfortable and faster. After root canal treatment is complete, your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on your tooth to safeguard against fracture. If you have any questions about root canal treatments give us a call today!
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the cavernous space where the live tissue and nerve of each tooth is located.
If for any reason the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. The exposure of pulp happens in many circumstances, such as when you have a large cavity or a fractured tooth. Your dentist can explain the exact reason for damage to this tissue. In these cases, the treatment is usually Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected, dead tissue. The space is then disinfected and sealed with special materials.
Nowadays, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and materials, making them far more comfortable and faster. After root canal treatment is complete, your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on your tooth to safeguard against fracture. If you have any questions about root canal treatments give us a call today!
Dental Crowns & Bridges
A crown (cap) is a restoration that is placed on teeth that have lost a lot of their structure. There are various types of crowns, ranging from full porcelain to full metal crowns. Your dentist will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each kind for you.
Crowns may also be used to securely attach a bridge if the structure of the surrounding teeth is inadequate. A bridge is a dental appliance that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are designed to be cosmetically appealing and to restore proper occlusion. Like crowns, bridges are fully customizable and made of various materials, including porcelain and metals.
Both crowns and bridges are created to match the color, height, texture, and overall appearance of your teeth. Most crowns and bridges will last for life, eliminating the need to replace them unless they fall out or become loose. You may prolong the durability of your crowns and bridges by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Removable Dentures
Though many advances have been made in the field of dentistry, loss of teeth is still an ongoing problem. Around 26% of adults between the ages of sixty-five and seventy-five have lost all of their teeth. Currently, there are a number of options available for people who have lost their teeth. One of the most versatile and affordable is a set of removable dentures.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are dentures that replace only a limited number of teeth, not an entire set. Partial dentures are a single piece fitting that is supported by the remaining teeth and gums. They are much more secure than standard full dentures and are more comfortable.
Standard Full Dentures
Standard full dentures are dentures that comprise a full set of upper and lower teeth. This type of denture uses suction to stay in place. They are made of a pliable material which makes suction easy. However, it is for this reason that standard full dentures require routine visits to the dentist.
Cosmetic Dentures
Cosmetic dentures, as you can imagine, are made to look as natural as possible. Unlike standard dentures that use a heat curing process which leads to dentures that become ill-fitting over time, cosmetic dentures are made from a special acrylic base that eliminates the possibility of the denture shrinking and warping.
Furthermore, some cosmetic dentures achieve a natural appearance through the use of implants. Implants are installed in the mouth so that the dentures have something to hold onto. The cosmetic denture will either rest on or snap onto the implant. What this does is allow the denture to stay in place without the chance of it moving around, which makes the denture more comfortable than a standard one.
How to Brush your Teeth
The first step is to choose a good toothbrush. You always want to use a soft brush with a small head. A soft brush is hard enough to remove plaque, yet gentle enough not to damage your teeth or gums.
The next issue is to select good toothpaste. In general, any toothpaste that contains Fluoride will do the job, unless you have special needs that are determined by your dentist. Two of the best brands of toothpaste are Colgate Total and Crest Multicare.
The first rule of brushing is to start from a specific location and work your way to the opposite side, continuing all the way through the whole mouth so that you end where you started. This way you won't miss any area. Usually a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is enough. An adequate brushing should take at least 2 minutes and preferably around 4 minutes.
There are a variety of techniques for brushing your teeth, but one of the most popular ones is described here:
Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the teeth and gums. Gently press against the gums so the tips of the bristles go in between the gum and the teeth. Then apply a few lateral strokes and roll the brush down to sweep the plaque away from the teeth and the gum. Repeat this motion 6 to 10 times and move on to the next area of 2 to 3 teeth. If your mouth is full of foam, spit it out and continue brushing. Your brushing is completed when you have brushed all the surfaces of your teeth, not when your mouth is full! On chewing surfaces, short strokes work best to get the plaque out of the grooves and pits. When brushing the back side of your front teeth, hold your brush vertically to be able to reach the teeth better.
As far as frequency of brushing is concerned, ideally you want to brush your teeth after each meal. But if you can't, brush at least twice a day - after breakfast and before going to bed.