Dental Blog - Garden View Dental Care

Everything you need to know about retainers

Many adults are now choosing to have their teeth moved with clear braces in Beaconsfield. There are a number of different stages that a member of the team at Garden View Dental can talk you through when you visit us.

You will need a consultation followed by the creation of your custom-made clear braces in Beaconsfield. Depending on the type of treatment you choose, you may or may not need a fitting appointment after this. Once your realignment is complete, your dentist will talk to you about wearing a retainer for a while afterwards.

What is a retainer?

A retainer is a dental device that you need to wear after your teeth straightening treatment is finished. It comes in two types:

Removeable – retainers often only need to be worn for part of the day. With a removable retainer, you can take out your dental device when you are not using it. At Garden View, we offer a one-day replacement service for retainers, so you don’t have to worry too much about how losing your retainer will affect the efficacy of your realignment treatment;
Fixed – if you have had severe misalignment that has taken a long time to fix, your dentist might recommend that, at first, you wear a retainer for 24 hours per day for a few months. If this is the case, you might choose to have a fixed retainer for convenience. You can just have it fitted and forget about it. Someone might also choose this option if they feel like they will lose their equipment often.

Why is a retainer necessary after clear braces in Beaconsfield?

Retainers are a necessary part of all teeth straightening treatments. During realignment, the teeth are moved to new positions. However, they do not immediately stabilise once they are there. They can move back to their old spots or into a new misalignment as a result of the forces of chewing. A retainer just helps to continuously remind the teeth where they need to be. In some cases, teeth can take up to twelve months to stabilise. Wearing a retainer for this period helps to prevent relapse which can erase months, or even years, of careful realignment.

Important oral health solutions

Your gums and teeth need professional attention to ensure they stay healthy and presentable. At Garden View, we offer our patients a wide variety of oral health treatments that keep their teeth in good condition. People seeking a dentist in Buckinghamshire will find a friendly team and a relaxing dental practice at Garden View.

Dentist in Buckinghamshire Preventing damage to the teeth and deterioration in the gums is a large part of our work. As a contemporary Buckinghamshire dentist, we’re also experienced in the provision of cosmetic improvements. We can brighten your smile and straighten your teeth with procedures that are speedy and comfortable.

Do I need to see the dentist in Buckinghamshire?

It’s important not to wait until you think something is wrong before you come to the dentist. Come and see us when you’re feeling fine, and we can make you feel even better by stopping the spread of tooth decay. The early indications of this common condition often remain hidden from you at home, even if you think you have pretty good toothbrushing skills.

If you have bad breath, we can professionally clean your mouth and take action to prevent gum disease from causing serious harm.

Securing a healthy future

If you want to repair any existing damage to your teeth, you need to visit the dentist in Buckinghamshire. Our customised fillings will help you to maintain dental function with a reduced risk of infection. We can even use tooth-coloured substances to preserve your natural dental appearance. Chipped teeth will benefit from our finely-shaped veneers, bonded to the front of your teeth’s surfaces with a powerful adhesive.

We can straighten your smile using aligners and braces that consider your feelings. These appliances use transparent materials to stay hidden, and meticulous treatment plans to get their work done in good time. Improving your dental positioning can also help you to maintain great oral hygiene. Even small adjustments to your front teeth can improve how you feel about the way you look.

Benefits and choices

Visiting the dentist in Buckinghamshire means giving yourself the chance to have teeth that look appealing and function properly. With our professional care, we aim to ensure you have a healthy oral future.

Dealing with dental pain

If you need to see an emergency dentist in Beaconsfield, you can call Garden View Dental straight away to see when we can get you an appointment. We aim to see patients on the day that they call. The earlier you get in touch, the more likely it is we will be able to see you before you need to go through another night with your dental emergency.

One of the most common reasons for someone to need an emergency dentist in Beaconsfield is because of dental pain. This might be due to an accident, a medical condition or the result of long term decay that has finally reached a tipping point and, for example, exposed a nerve. When you visit the emergency dentist in Beaconsfield at Garden View Dental, one of our first priorities will be to alleviate any strong sensations you are experiencing.

What can you do at home?

Even if we see you as quickly as possible, you may still have a small window of time between calling and getting our help. The trouble is that no period feels short when you are waiting to have dental pain addressed. So, what can you do at home to help yourself? A toothache is often deep inside your gums, so it can be hard to get direct relief. These are just a couple of suggestions that can offer temporary relief:

Salt water rinse – just a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is enough. It is best for the water to be at room temperature. This is because your tooth will not register extremes of hot and cold as anything but further pain. This works because it can draw fluids out of the affected area. This reduces irritation and pressure;
Painkillers – you can take over-the-counter analgesics for tooth pain. These days, you can get some strong codeine-based preparations. Always follow the supplier’s directions carefully with these types of medication.

These solutions are not designed to help you avoid a visit to the dentist. They only create the illusion of getting better and, if you already have dental pain, you are likely to have an issue that can only be addressed by a qualified professional.

Supporting your dental hygiene at the dentist in Buckinghamshire

Do you have the basics covered when it comes to your dental hygiene? At Garden View Dental, we offer a wide range of treatments to repair, restore and beautify your smile but we can usually only offer you these services if your basic standard of oral hygiene is good. One of the most important steps, for maintaining the health of your teeth, is regular visits to the dentist in Buckinghamshire.

Dentist in Buckinghamshire Your teeth are strong and durable biological tools. However, they need to be properly cared for in order to last you a lifetime. With modern eating habits, stress and busy lifestyles, the teeth can suffer quite a lot of punishment daily. That’s why there are even more tools for taking care of them than ever before. When you visit the dentist in Buckinghamshire, we can talk you through techniques to use any equipment that you are not familiar with. We can also suggest things that will address specific issues with your teeth once we have done a thorough examination.

These are just a few of the less well-known dental products you could be using to support your oral hygiene:

Interdental brushes – these are tiny brushes with handles that are designed to be gripped by the thumb and first finger. You feed the brush into the gaps between your teeth and then gently pull it back and forth to clean out the space. There are different sized brushes to choose from so you may need to experiment to see which one if perfect for your smile;
Tongue scraper – most people focus on the teeth when they think of oral hygiene. However, after you have brushed your teeth, they might be nice and clean but there could still be a layer of debris and bacteria on the surface of your tongue. You can get this off using a tongue scraper. These are usually plastic or metal. Some types of toothbrush now have a tongue scraper built into the handle;
Chewable toothbrush – these can be helpful when you are on the go and have a breath or freshness issue. A chewable toothbrush is basically a small ball of bristles that you chew and, as you do so, it cleanses the teeth.

Why adults should get braces

It’s a common misconception that braces are only for children or teenagers. This is simply not the case. Nowadays, many adults are opting for braces, particularly clear braces in Beaconsfield. We’ve put together a few reasons why adults may need braces.

Your smile is important

Yes, your smile is an important asset. A good smile can create a positive impact on the people you meet. If you are afraid to smile because you have crooked teeth, it can be a massive drain on your confidence and affect your social interactions. There is no need for your misaligned teeth to hold you back anymore. Options such as clear braces in Beaconsfield are effective and discreet which means you will be able to smile beautifully in no time at all.

Teeth are movable at any age

Teeth are naturally adaptable, even in the elderly. When you get braces, the pressure that they apply to the teeth triggers a reaction in your body which allows them to move gradually by stimulating jawbone growth and/or reduction. Although some health conditions can affect this process, the majority of people can uses braces to move their teeth at any age.

Avoid serious problems with your teeth and mouth by getting braces

Having misaligned teeth increases your chances of plaque and tartar build-up. This means that gum disease, tooth decay, fatigue and pain in jaw joints are also more likely. This can all lead to eventual gum and bone loss. Correcting crooked teeth issues reduces the risk of these related health issues.

There are other potential health issues to bear in mind with crooked teeth. These include headaches, earaches and gastrointestinal problems due to an inability to chew food effectively. There is even an increased risk of heart failure that can be linked to gum disease.

Today’s braces are better, more cost effective and discreet

Don’t worry – you have options besides traditional metal braces in Beaconsfield. Clear braces are discreet, removable, plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth. As you can remove your braces to eat and to clean your teeth, there are no food restrictions to worry about, and you can brush and floss your teeth as normal.

Basic oral hygiene and your dentist in Buckinghamshire

When you visit the dentist in Buckinghamshire at Garden View Dental Care, you will get more than just a physical check-up. We offer support for your home-based dental hygiene routine by talking to you about what you currently do and suggesting new things you could try.

Some people are reluctant to talk about their oral hygiene habits when they visit the dentist in Buckinghamshire. This is usually because they are embarrassed or feel like they aren’t following some of the ‘rules’ of good dental care. It’s important to remember that, at Garden View Dental, we aren’t here to judge. We understand that life is busy and that dental habits are formed in all sorts of ways – usually by childhood practices that you may not even remember.

Whatever you do has worked for you up until now but, if you want to, we can help you change so that your teeth are well looked after. This can prevent you needing extensive dental work in the future.

The most important foundation of an oral healthcare routine is brushing your teeth. It is recommended that you do this at least twice per day. If you have dental equipment, like braces, fitted, you may need to brush after every snack and/ or meal. This is not generally recommended though as you can overbrush your teeth. It’s also best to wait a little while after eating before you brush your teeth. This is because the act of chewing can soften the enamel on the teeth, which makes it more susceptible to erosion.

There are many different types of toothbrush that you can choose from including:

Standard plastic toothbrush – these come in different colours and shapes. You can choose one that you like but, for everyday use, a soft toothbrush is usually sufficient. You need to change your toothbrush at least every six months or if the bristles begin to splay out to the sides;
Electric toothbrush – some people find these more efficient. They are also helpful for children who may not be able to imitate all the motions required for a really thorough brushing.

If you are unsure which toothbrush is right for you, talk to your dentist in Buckinghamshire at Garden View Dental.

Quick! Get to the emergency dentist in Beaconsfield

The best thing you can do in any dental emergency is get into the dentist’s chair as soon as possible. In the case of a knocked-out tooth, it’s even more vital because it could mean the difference between saving your tooth and not. Bearing in mind that the cost of a dental implant to restore a lost tooth can come in at upwards of £1000, it’s really worth getting yourself to emergency dentist in Beaconsfield as quickly as you can.

If you can get to the emergency dentist in Beaconsfield in under two hours, there’s a good chance the tooth can be saved. There’s a couple of other pointers that could mean the difference between life and death for your lost tooth.

First, if possible, don’t panic. When you are in pain and there’s blood pouring out of your mouth, it’s a natural reaction to feel fear and overwhelm and you may even feel dizzy because of the blood loss. Sit down and breathe as slowly and deeply as you can. Have someone sit with you if there is anyone else around.

Next, look for your tooth. Hopefully it won’t have gone far, and you’ll be able to spot it on the ground nearby. What you do next is vitally important: pick your tooth up by the crown (the white visible part) only. Don’t ever touch a tooth root. It is living tissue and the debris and bacteria from our fingers can fatally damage it. If the tooth is dirty, give it a quick wash in saliva and pop it back in its socket. If this isn’t possible, put it in your cheek, or in a clean container and cover it with milk. Don’t ever expose a tooth root to the chemical blitz of tap water.

And finally, call the emergency dentist in Beaconsfield and ask for their next appointment. Explain to the reception staff what’s happened – they will be used to dealing with this scenario and will get you in to see the dentist as soon as they can.

Here at Garden View Dental Care in Beaconsfield, emergency dentist Dr Makhani is on hand and ready to help you keep your precious tooth.

Some facts about gum disease

A whopping 75% of people suffer from gum disease. Reassuringly, gum disease, or periodontal disease as it’s also known, is simple to take care of. However, this is only the case when you know the signs and symptoms of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to effective treatment. Your Garden View dentist in Buckinghamshire will be able to spot any signs of gum disease and help you with quick and effective treatment. If you have any concerns about your gums, it is good to make an appointment as soon as possible to check everything over.

Gum disease kills your energy levels

Gum disease is an infection, and your immune system has to work hard to deal with it. As a result you will feel tired and drained of energy, just as with any other infection you have in the body such as a cold or flu. Luckily, once you get the problem treated, your energy will return.

Gum disease causes bad breath

Gum disease, left untreated, will form into small pockets of puss creating an unpleasant smell and taste. A thorough clean from your dentist in Buckinghamshire and some antibiotics should effectively treat the problem. Alongside this should be a maintenance routine that you undertake at home to that prevent reoccurrence.

Gum disease and tooth loss

The next stage of gum disease is, sadly, tooth loss. In fact, this is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Leave your bad breath problem for too long and it is very likely that this is what you’ll face.

Gum disease during pregnancy

Research shows that gum disease during pregnancy can cause a number of serious issues and health problems for mothers and their babies. Occurrences of premature birth, low baby weight, and other complications are common in babies whose mothers have gum disease. In fact, it is also suggested that having gum disease can make it difficult to conceive. If you are trying to conceive or you are pregnant, it is important to have a full dental screening from your dentist in Buckinghamshire to ensure your health, potentially increase your fertility and protect your baby.

Why get clear braces in Buckinghamshire?

The benefits of having teeth straightened with braces are many:

Straighter teeth are healthier teeth because there are fewer nooks and crannies for bacteria to build up in and cause tooth decay and gum disease;
Straighter teeth are also easier to keep clean, as getting the brush and floss into the gaps between teeth isn’t as challenging;
If having straighter teeth means that you feel happier with your appearance, then your self-esteem will rise, creating an overall feeling of wellbeing;
If having straighter teeth means that you smile more, this can have huge implications for your wellbeing and your interactions with others. Smiling releases a cascade of happiness chemicals from your brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. Smiling when you are with others gives them the impression that you are open and trustworthy, meaning they are more likely to want to help you and be around you. This can open all kinds of doors personally and professionally.

Clear Braces in Buckinghamshire So, there’s no disputing that braces can have some very positive life benefits. So why do so many people approach teeth straightening treatment with fear and dread? Adults are particularly resistant to wearing fixed metal braces over their teeth and it’s understandable why – getting called ‘brace face’ when you are an awkward 16-year-old is bad enough, as a responsible 32-year-old it’s just downright embarrassing.

This is where clear braces in Buckinghamshire come in. Here at Garden View Dental Care, we offer teeth straightening treatment with discreet braces. Six Month Smiles are fixed braces that are attached to the front of the teeth but because the brackets are ceramic, and the wires are coated with a tooth-coloured material, they blend into your teeth, rather than stand out from them. They only work on the front six teeth – the social six that show when you smile – but it because of this that they also work so quickly. Treatment takes between 4-9 months.

You may also be suitable for clear, removable aligners that are even harder to spot, so you can go about your daily life as usual. Come into see us here at Garden View and find out which clear braces in Buckinghamshire are right for you.

Making the most of the digital age at the dentist in Buckinghamshire

Here at Garden View Dental Care, we take pride in being a technologically-advanced dentist in Buckinghamshire. We have some of the most up-to-date dental tech on offer in our modern clinic.

Dentist-in-Buckinghamshire The reason we are proud of our technology isn’t because we love to have new toys to play with, or we want to show other practices how up-to-date we are. It’s because we know how much it benefits our patients. This is the driving force behind everything we do. We don’t just get in shiny new equipment for the sake of it – we do it to make your visit to us as quick, easy and pain-free as possible.

Cerec restorations

Our Cerec machine cuts down on the number of appointments you need to have to restore your tooth. It creates durable crowns for you while you wait, so there is no need for you to come back for a follow-up appointment and go through the hassle of having anaesthetic again. Cerec can produce replacement crowns, veneers and onlays that are chemically bonded to your tooth, keeping as much natural tooth tissue as possible.

The Wand

This is a pain-free way of giving injections, which makes a huge difference to the many patients who experience a fear of needles and fear of dentist because of that.

The reason that having anaesthesia stings is because there is a rush of liquid into a confined area. The Wand is a pen-like device that is linked to a machine that controls the flow of anaesthetic, preventing the painful sting. It also allows our dentist in Buckinghamshire to precisely control where the anaesthetic goes, meaning you don’t walk away with half your face numb.

One day retainers

Once you have had your teeth straightened with braces, you need to wear a retainer for up to a year and maybe longer, to make sure that your teeth do not drift back into their old position. Most practices take a week to produce these custom-made retainers. We can do it in a day, saving you time and hassle and making sure that you can make the most of your newly straightened teeth.

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