On the last blog I introduced my colleague Dr Justin Toal. Justin has been trained to work with Invisalign braces. From a discussion with him today it became clear that there is an element of confusion as to what can be done with these invisible braces. Obviously not having to wear traditional style train track fixed braces is an advantage, but what does Justin think are the major strengths with Invisalign treatments?
‘Invisalign treatments are for adults, in other words their teeth have erupted. Invisalign is excellent for closing gaps between teeth and for those patients with narrow dental arches. I have had great results with overcrowded teeth and Invisaligns support has always be first rate. It is such a simple treatment plan, and you can get to see what your mouth will look like before the treatment has started’.
Justin is available for free consultations on Wednesday and Thursday. Please contact the practice for more information or visit the Invisalign website at www.invisalign.com
Justin is available for free consultation at the Clinic on Wednesday and Thursday. If you would like to discuss your smile further, please do not hesitate to contact us at the practice.
I have been asked on many occasions which is the best toothbrush or toothpaste to use to look after teeth and gums. The Inuit tribes used to chew on wood to help clean their teeth,one of our feathered friends has the idea…….
Tooth cleaning, its a big business. Whether you are using a Sonicare electric tooth brush or a simple chemists own value brand what are you looking out for?
1) Choose a brush that can easily fit in the back of your mouth. It gets tight up by the back of your molar teeth so ensure that you buy a brush which can clean around your furthermost back teeth. You cannot test drive a toothbrush in Sainsburys, but a rough estimate will suffice.
2) Toothbrushes have a life. Some designs have colours that change with use to tell you when to replace them.If your budget can stretch to a new tooth brush every one-two months then stick to that, otherwise check the bristles of your brush to see how worn and twisted they are. There comes a time when the bristles are rubbing your teeth and gums rather than cleaning them. If the tips of the bristles are not in contact with your teeth you will have to work harder and push harder and thus increase the level of wear on your teeth and gums, bin the brush.
3) Toothbrushes you can get hold of. The last thing you want it to lose grip of your brush whilst brushing. Brushes that have sturdy handles and sections of extra grip rubber so you can direct you brush to hard to get at areas without the brush slipping our of postion or your hand.
Get into the habit of brushing your teeth and gums properly and regularly. There are some simple rules that you can follow for your mouth’s benefit. Choosing the best time to first brush your teeth in the day is important. If you like fruit or fruit juice for breakfast instead of a bacon buttie, remember that citric acid can soften the enamel of your teeth making it more likely to be brushed away when you clean your teeth. So if you eat fruit or drink fruit juice, clean your teeth before you eat. Afterwards you can wash your mouth out with a glass of water. Otherwise clean your teeth after every meal. Put a pea sized amount of toothpaste ( I am not going to get into the Fluoride v Non Fluoride debate) on your clean and well bristled brush. Make small, circular motions over your teeth and gums for about 2 minutes. Rinse out your mouth with water and repeat any areas that need it. Always pay attention to how much force you brush your teeth with. Too much can speed up the rate of tooth and gum wear. We want you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy for a life time.
Dental floss or tooth picks are fantastic for removing food that is stuck between your teeth. They also have the added benefit of ‘toughening’ up your gums. Think of it as a gum workout. Floss can come in a few varieties, waxed or unwaxed,string like or ribbon. Whatever feels right for you. By flossing or tooth picking a few times a day to remove debris from your mouth that could get stuck under your gums, start to rot ,then get to work on destroying your teeth.
