Considering Invisalign? Part II

So you’ve decided that the Clincheck simulation is perfect and would like to proceed with the treatment, what’s next?

Your aligners will be ordered and delivered within a few weeks to our surgery.

Depending on your case, your teeth may need some Interproximal reduction (IPR), which means the spaces between your teeth will be widened slightly to make more room. This isn’t a need for concern as the amount of space we create between your teeth will be less than 0.4mm, and will eventually be closed as your teeth become straight. Additionally some teeth may need attachments, as shown below.

These attachments act like the brackets of traditional braces, and allow more grip of the aligner onto the tooth for more drastic movements.

Once the IPR and attachments are placed, you can now start using your aligners, each set for 10-14 days at a time, until you reach the end. The great advantage of the Invisalign system is that if at the end of your set of aligners you aren’t happy, we are able to order further aligners until we reach your desired result.

If you have any queries about Invisalign or would like a free orthodontic consultation with our dentists, we are more than happy to hear from you on (02) 9623 1756.

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight” - Phyllis Diller

Considering Invisalign? Your first steps to that perfect smile!

We are often asked about the process of getting started with Invisalign treatment. Initially your consultation will be to have a general look at your teeth, ensuring you first of all are a suitable candidate for the treatment. Its important to ensure your treating dentist is trained in both traditional braces and Invisalign, as even though both are suited to a large portion of similar cases, one may be more appropriate for your particular case.

If you are indeed suitable, your next step will be to have photos, radiographs (x-rays) and impressions taken of your teeth. With all this information your case will be measured to calculate which tooth movements are needed to get your teeth nice and straight. The added benefit of using the Invisalign system is that a computer generated simulation of your case will be created, giving you a detailed preview what your smile result will be, and how long the treatment will take. This simulation is called your ‘Clincheck’.

With our dentist you are able to request changes to how the Clincheck result appears. Individual teeth can be moved on the simulation, to suit what you and the dentist feels is best.

Once completely happy with your Clincheck, your Invisalign aligners can be ordered, and you are almost ready to begin the clinical treatment!

In our next blog we will go through what typically happens when you start your treatment and what to expect.

My Smile Plan now available!

We are pleased to announce that finance is now available to approved patients through My Smile Plan. We hope that the new partnership will give our existing and new patients greater freedom in accessing dental treatment for themselves and their families. 

Whatever your required/desired treatment, simply book a consultation and we can help you through the application process on site to assess eligibility.

visit mysmileplan.com.au for more information.

Mouthwashes

It is commonly believed that as part of the daily routine of cleaning your teeth, mouthwash is needed to compliment your toothbrushing and flossing. We are often asked the question of which mouthwash is best to use, and when to use it.

Unless you have been specifically been prescribed a mouthwash from your dentist, there is little to no benefit in using one of the 'daily' mouthwashes found at the supermarket. In fact, if used after you have brushed with fluoridated toothpaste, the mouthwash will likely remove the film of tooth strengthening fluoride from your teeth. 

Mouthwashes that contain alcohol such as listerine often give a burning sensation when used, and the misconception is that this is beneficial in giving you a fresh mouth feeling and killing off any bacteria in your mouth. The truth is alcohol in your mouthwash will cause a dry mouth long after the mint taste has worn off ,which will lead to bad breath and an increase bacterial load.

The best mouthwash to use is the one recommended to you by your dentist if in fact your condition requires it. There are mouthwashes which for example

1)may be used to help with clotting if you are on blood thinners and require a surgical procedure at the clinic shortly

2) have a medicated antibacterial (such as chlorhexidine)  if you have a gum infection 

3)have increased fluoride content in those with a high decay risk and the content of regular toothpaste is insufficient

So for the most part daily mouthwashes/mouthrinses are not something we recommend as it cancels out whats most important in dental hygiene, which is flossing and brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. If you do require a mouthwash, it will often be short term and at the recommendation and guidance of your dentist.

Thumb Sucking, What You Need To Know

Here at the Dental Surgery- St Marys we see a wide range of orthodontic issues. Some of these issues are genetic, and cannot be avoided, but others are caused by habits which have developed early in a child's life. Thumb sucking is an important coping mechanism for self soothing, and in itself is a learned developmental ability. However you can have too much of a good thing, and thumb sucking, if done for too long, can cause problems with the development of the jaws, palate and teeth.

Common problems include

* Bone and back teeth in a reverse relationship, known as a cross bite.

* opening of the front teeth by flaring forward, causing an increased overjet and an openbite 

*narrowing and raising of the hard and soft palate

*a continuation of the tongue thrust swallowing pattern and inhibition of learning the mature swallowing pattern.

*speech impediments 

*cracked, sore thumbs

*introduction of increased levels of bacteria in the mouth 

When is a good time to stop?

The majority of children outgrow their habit on their own without any help from mum or dad. However some children continue to suck their thumb well after they start primary school. The recommended age to stop is at 3 years old, and even earlier is better if possible.

Some strategies to help kick the habit

Depending on the age and developmental stage of the child, different methods can be used to help stop their habit.

*In younger children who may not understand the reasoning of trying to stop their habit, substitution with another object to help them soothe with a blanket, stuffed toy can be effective.

*Removing any factors which may worry your child will help reduce their need to soothe (e.g. a nightlight if they are afraid of the dark)

*positive reinforcement is effective for older children, with rewards for observing behaviour you are encouraging. Having other family members or friends kindly remind the child when they slip up is also helpful.

*bitter tasting nail polish, mittens, shirts without arm sleeves for night time wear, and thumb guards can be used in combination with any other strategies.

If you feel your child needs a consultation for any potential jaw or teeth related issues, we at the Dental Surgery- St Marys would be delighted to see them. 

Call 9623 1756 to make an appointment.

Baby Teeth, What to Expect

Many new parents often have many questions regarding the dental development of their new baby. Much like any other milestone, it's important to know when to expect certain teeth to erupt and how to make the experience as comfortable as possible for the child.

Baby teeth start to erupt on average at 6 months. However it can occur from as early as 3 months, and as late as 12 months, with the entire range being considered 'normal'. The following is a chart which gives a general indication of when certain teeth can be expected to erupt.

What to look for and possible symptoms.

Depending on the baby, teething can come with it numerous symptoms, however it may occur with none at all. The severity of the symptoms also can vary greatly.

Things to look for include

1) Red gums, and blistering where the tooth is coming out 

2) Difficulty in eating due to painful gums

3) increased crying and irritability 

4) sleeping problems and disturbance from painful gums

5) increased drooling as teething causes increased saliva production

6) chewing objects and fingers. This helps ease the pressure and discomfort from teeth cutting through the gums

7) face rash as saliva which is left on the skin will cause it to dry out. 

How to help sooth your teething baby

Teething can be a tough time for parents and their baby, as it can be difficult to ease a baby's teething pain. Rest assured the pain is only temporary, and the following measures can help make things a little more comfortable.

1) teething rings/toys or mittens : Biting down on objects helps alleviate the pain in the gums. When giving a teething ring, chill in the fridge (do not freeze), as the cold will also help reduce the pain. 

2) teething gels : these are a topical anaesthetic that can provide temporary relief. Ensure, with your pharmacist, that any gel you wish to use is suitable for your child's age.

Now that my baby has teeth, how do I clean them? 

It is very important to brush your baby's teeth as soon as they erupt. 

Plaque and bacteria are present regardless of age and need to be removed. Brushing with a soft toothbrush and plain water is recommended up to 18 months. 

New partnership with smile.com.au

The Dental Surgery St Marys is happy to announce that we are now a part of the smile.com.au network of dental clinics!

Being a member of smile guarantees a minimum of 15% off all dental fees when visiting a smile provider, and we are pleased to be able to provide such a service to its members. This includes all dental work such as whitening, orthodontics, and veneers. 

Visit www.smile.com.au for more information on joining!

If you are already a member of Defence Health, Australian Unity, or Peoplecare, the good news is that your health fund has already arranged for you to receive the www.smile.com.au discount. 

#cosmeticdentist #whitening #invisalign #dentist #smile 

Wisdom Teeth

With age comes wisdom, but more specifically, wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, erupt from the gum between ages 17-21 typically. During this time they are a little uncomfortable, but as long as they come through without any problems, this is only temporary and you then have another set of teeth to aid in chewing.

However on many occasions, issues do arise as your wisdom teeth are coming through the gum. Some common problems are 

- inadequate room for the tooth to come through, causing damage to neighbouring teeth

-coming through into an incorrect position causing food to get stuck

-coming through only partially, causing difficulty in flossing and repeated gum infections. These infections tend to reoccur and can start to spread causing your jaws to feel painful, swollen and stiff.

- a tooth that has not come through can form a cyst under your gum/in the bone causing damage to the jawbone and neighbouring teeth.

Do you have to have your wisdom teeth removed?

Removal of wisdom teeth is done on a case by case basis. As with all forms of treatment your individual circumstances need to be considered and your dentist will be then be able to suggest if removal is required. 

If you are having any concerns with your wisdom teeth call us on (02) 9623 1756 and one of our dentists will be happy to assess them for you!.

Common Dental Related Complaints

Here at the Dental Surgery St Marys, we come across a multitude of patient concerns and symptoms. Listed below are a number of the common problems patients report and what could be causing them.

Sensitivity/Sharp Pain : One of the main concerns that patients present with, and can be caused by a number of different factors. A cavity in a tooth or multiple teeth, receded gums, and tooth grinding when sleeping are just some of the reasons you may be experiencing this. Generally speaking sharp and sensitive pain is easier to relieve compared to an aching pain (which is often a sign of a more serious condition).

Aching Pain: Aching pains are generally caused from more chronic conditions. Cavities involving nerve tissue, abscesses, and periodontal disease present as a continuous sensation that may arise spontaneously on its on with little relief felt from painkillers. 

Yellow or stained teeth : Some of us naturally have teeth that are darker and more yellow in appearance, in the same way some have darker hair or eyes. This is not a reflection of how healthy your mouth and teeth are, however this can be changed if so desired, and your dentist can help you achieve this. Stained teeth can be prevented, and is often associated with dietary habits, smoking, and inadequate oral hygiene. Once stained a professional scale and clean is often needed to remove them from your teeth. 

Loose teeth: Loose teeth that are moving can be very painful or at the very least very difficult to eat with. Often a sign of advanced gum disease or infection. A trip to the dentist is needed ASAP to try and retain these teeth.

Crooked teeth: Crooked teeth develop due a number of factors. Large teeth, smaller jaws, muscular dysfunction and habits like thumb sucking can all contribute to this issue. The causative agent will need to be identified as to ensure any orthodontic correction will remain. 

Sores: sores in the mouth such as ulcers and cuts can happen when eating certain foods, and as long as these heal quickly (after a day or two) are nothing to worry about. However if there are sores than look unusual, are especially painful, large bumps, bleed or remain for a long time, see your dentist to rule out any serious condition.

We pride our clinic on being an advocate for preventative dental care, and most (if not all) the problems listed above can be prevented with ongoing oral hygiene at home and routine visits to the dentist.

Dento-facial Aesthetics, Facial Injectables (e.g. Botox) and Dermal Fillers.

What is Dento-facial Aesthetics?

At the Dental Surgery- St Marys, we are able to use modern cosmetic dental techniques to achieve a traditional smile makeover. Your teeth will be whiter, brighter, and straighter. However, this is really just a ‘tooth makeover’.

As we age, there is a decrease in the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that gives support and volume to our skin. Wrinkles, lines, grooves, and depressions are the result. With facial aesthetic treatments, such as BTx-A (commonly referred to as Botox) and dermal fillers, our dentists can help smooth out the wrinkles and fill in the folds. 

By incorporating both together, your beautiful improved smile can be framed by a more youthful looking, but still age-appropriate, you.

This is dento-facial aesthetics and the definition of a true ‘smile makeover’ 

Why dentists are ideal for the job.

As a result of extensive university training, dentists graduate with a thorough understanding of facial structures and anatomy. Knowing the exact locations of nerves, blood vessels and muscles in the face is crucial to achieving the best results and avoiding complications.

As dentists we work every minute of everyday on the face. We focus on the principals and techniques that create balance and harmony between your teeth and facial structures to create a truly beautiful smile.

Using injectables to treat dental problems.

As well as aesthetic enhancement, we are also able to use injectable materials to help relax facial muscles to ease chronic jaw pain, facial pain and tooth grinding.

Gummy smiles were previously only treated with extensive gum surgery and crowns. With modern techniques we can now relax the top lip and achieve a quick, simple, less invasive and pain free improvement.

Areas we treat to reduce some signs of ageing.

-Crows Feet

-Forehead Lines

-Frown Lines 

-Reduce lines and grooves around the mouth

-creating fuller and more defined lips

Book an appointment with one of our dentists on (02) 9623 1756 to discuss all the options available to improve not only your teeth, but your entire smile. We look forward to seeing you!

Toothbrushes and Floss...Which should you and your family be using?

Toothbrushes and Floss….Which should you be using?

On the market these days are a number of different toothbrushes and flosses that try and differentiate themselves by features such as criss-cross bristles, flossing bristles, angled heads etc. which are all designed to help keep your teeth cleaner. The same can be said for floss, with variations including tape, waxed, and non waxed. So with all the different options, which one is truly the one to use?

Toothbrushes

The toothbrush is the staple to keeping your teeth clean, when used correctly it can remove a great deal of plaque and food debris from your teeth. Essentially the best toothbrush is the one you actually pick up and use regularly with the correct technique. The only criteria we recommend for picking your toothbrush is ensuring it is either a ‘soft’ or ‘extra soft’ bristled brush with the smallest brush head you can find. Anything that is more course than ‘soft’ is in actuality too hard for your teeth, and over the long term will cause you to brush your enamel away! A smaller brush head will enable to you reach your back molar teeth more easily to clean them.

Motorised/electric toothbrushes are also highly recommended. The small head and oscillating bristles ensure you can reach each tooth almost individually to ensure it is cleaned adequately.

Floss.

As with toothbrushes, the best type of floss is the one you actually pick up and use. Everyone will have their preference for which they find easier to use, and as such we recommend trying a few different types to see what you like and sticking to that. The ‘tape’ variety of floss tends to be easier to get between teeth that are very tightly placed together, and we do find that the waxed flosses do not tend to fray as quickly. 

Waterpiks are a new product on the market which use blasts of water sprayed between teeth to act as floss. In our opinion Waterpiks are useful for a handful of cases such as cleaning under bridgework and around braces, but does not have the efficacy of mechanical removal when using floss.

Tooth Whitening

One of the most common cosmetic procedures in recent years is tooth whitening. With a number of different systems on the market, lets discuss the differences and which one is right for you.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Tooth whitening products use a peroxide gel that penetrates into the enamel and dentine (outer and middle layers of the tooth). Peroxide is a reactive chemical that will look to react with the organic molecules in the enamel. These form simpler molecules in the enamel, and these reflect less light which results in a whiter appearance. 

HOW IS IT DONE?

Tooth whitening can be done either in the dental surgery or at home with custom made trays.

In office whitening is where your dentist will apply the gel for the patient and apply a U.V light to activate the gel further. This method of whitening is faster, more convenient and less error prone as the dentist is in control. However this method is also known to be more likely to cause sensitivity.  

Take home kits require the patient to apply the gel themselves at home, using custom made trays that are worn anywhere from 30mins to overnight. The difference in time is dependant on what concentration gel is being used, with low concentration gels requiring more time. This method is known and has been shown in studies to provide a greater amount of gel penetration into the tooth, resulting in a whiter end result that is more stable. It is also less prone to sensitivity for the patient. This method does however require continual use from the patient (non compliance will compromise the final result), will take longer (2 weeks in general), and can cause gum irritation if not used correctly.

WHICH ONE IS FOR YOU?

We recommend that if there are no time constraints that a take home kit is the ideal method to whiten your teeth. The combination of less sensitivity and a more stable result is ideal for this type of treatment. However if the patient requires the whitening for a certain event such as a birthday or wedding, then in office treatment is our suggestion, with a take home kit to use afterwards to further enhance the result.  Tooth whitening, whilst having minimal long term side effects if done correctly, should always be done under the guidance of your dentist. When applied to teeth with cavities or in the presence of gum disease, it can cause severe irritation and more serious complications.  

If you are interested in tooth whitening please give our friendly team a call on (02) 9623 1756.