Straight teeth can improve your oral health

Straight teeth can improve your oral health

by | Sep 1, 2018 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Conditions and Issues

People want straighter teeth for a number of reasons, including improving one’s cosmetic appearance and smile-confidence. But did you know that straighter teeth can improve your oral health?

The health benefits of straight teeth

Recent research shows that people who have straighter teeth and a properly aligned bite have better oral health, and a lower risk of periodontal disease (or gum disease) than those with crooked or crowded teeth. One major benefit of having straighter teeth is easier cleaning, which can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, loss of teeth and jaw issues. A properly aligned bite prevents uneven and excess wear to tooth enamel. You’re also going to be able to chew your food more effectively for better digestion, nutritional intake and better overall health.

Orthodontics – dental treatment to straighten teeth

The area of dentistry that specialises in correcting crooked or crowded teeth and overbites is called orthodontics or orthodontic treatment. And a dentist that provides orthodontic treatment is called an orthodontist. At Leeming Dental, Dr. Sonny Lee and Dr. Sashika Fernando are our resident orthodontists!

Orthodontic treatments – how to get straight teeth

Modern Orthodontics offers many kinds of braces for children, teens & adults, including:

  • Traditional braces/Metal braces – Getting metal braces is the traditional way to straighten teeth. They are quick and efficient, and utilise metal brackets and wire to reposition your teeth.
  • Ceramic braces /White braces – Ceramic braces utilise brackets and wires that are made of tooth-coloured or clear ceramics.
  • Invisible aligners – Invisalign consists of an 18 to 30 step treatment plan that utilises clear mouthguard-like aligners that are replaced fortnightly.
  • Lingual braces – Lingual braces are similar to metal braces, except they are attached to & pull in from the inside surfaces of the teeth.

Maintain your straighter teeth with RETAINERS

After your orthodontic treatment, it takes time for your teeth to learn their new positions, and to seat properly. Trouble is, they may start to drift back to their original positions, and get crooked or crowded again. That’s where retainers come in. Removable or fixed retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. Retainers are the best way to protect your investment in your teeth, and are typically worn 1 or 2 nights a week but everyone is different. You just need to follow your Leeming Dental orthodontist’s recommendation to ensure that your teeth stay straight and healthy for life!

Straight teeth can improve your oral health
Foods and drinks that stain your teeth

Foods and drinks that stain your teeth

by | May 4, 2018 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Hygiene Care, Prevention, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Brushing your teeth twice daily and seeing your dentist for a professional clean are two of the best ways to maintain a bright, healthy smile. However, no matter how clean and free of plaque your teeth may be, there is one thing that can prevent your teeth from being the brightest they can be – and that is food and drinks that stain your teeth.

How do foods and drinks stain your teeth?

Foods and drinks that contain coloured compounds called chromogens, have the ability to stain your teeth. Another substance called tannin can increase the staining potential of chromogens, especially when both are present in the same drink or food. For example, black tea or coffee. If acids are also present, the staining or discolouration is further enhanced because acids weaken your tooth enamel, making your teeth easier to stain. The most common teeth-staining foods and drinks

  • Black tea and coffee
  • Red wine
  • Soft drinks and sports drinks
  • Dark coloured fruit juices and drinks
  • Dark coloured berries
  • Tomato-based pasta sauce
  • Beetroots
  • Curries containing tumeric
  • Soy sauce
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Coloured candy
Foods and drinks that stain your teeth

Should all I avoid consuming all foods and drinks that stain or discolour my teeth? Certainly not. If a food or drink is naturally dark in colour, especially purple and red, they probably contain high levels of antioxidants which provide numerous health benefits. Just eat them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterwards to avoid their staining effect. On the other hand, food or drinks that are sweetened and artificially coloured are best avoided altogether since they also contribute to tooth decay.

What can I do to avoid tooth stains and discolouration?

  • Consume foods and drinks that stain or discolour teeth in moderation.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after consuming teeth-staining foods and drinks.
  • Balance off meals with foods high in fibre which can increase saliva and have a natural cleansing effect. For example, apples and celery.
  • Try using a straw when drinking teeth-staining beverages to bypass your teeth.
  • Chew Xylitol gum after eating for a saliva-boosting cleansing effect.
  • Brush and floss twice daily.
  • Attend regular checkups and cleans with your dentist.
CEREC crowns – one hour, one visit!

CEREC crowns – one hour, one visit!

by | Jun 26, 2017 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Treatment, New Dental Technology

In the busy 21st century, customer expectations have changed. Our spare time is precious. So we prefer to shop online, make instant payments, and have our purchases delivered straight to our door. Businesses that can promptly deliver quality goods and great customer service – for the best possible price – meet the needs and expectations of today’s customers. The same applies to modern dentistry. Dental patients nowadays want the best solutions for their oral health in minimal time. In order to meet the needs of today’s dental patients, more and more dental clinics are practising same-day dentistry. This is possible because of advances in dental technology which have made same-day dentistry a reality. Now, lengthy dental treatment can be performed in a fraction of the usual time.

CEREC dental technology

CEREC (CEramic REConstruction) is one such innovation. CEREC is a high-tech dental technology system that can design and produce high quality ceramic dental restorations (such as crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays) for patients, onsite at the dental clinic – in minutes.

Traditional crown treatment

Traditional crown treatments usually take a week or longer and involve two visits. The first visit involves taking manual dental impressions of your teeth which are sent away to a dental lab. While your permanent crown is being prepared there, you will need to wear a temporary crown. When you return for your second visit, it is replaced by your new crown, which is tested and cemented into place.

The benefits of CEREC crown treatment:

  • CEREC crown treatments are far quicker and easier (than traditional crown treatments), and only require one visit. They are actually easier to receive than dental filling treatments.
  • CEREC crowns provide amazing results. They are bio-safe, look natural and feel just like your other teeth. CEREC technology makes it possible to customise and create strong durable colour-matched crowns for your teeth.
  • CEREC restorations are less invasive for patients. When your dentist prepares your teeth for a CEREC crown, only the damaged, decayed or defective parts of the affected tooth are removed. More of your natural tooth is retained during a CEREC procedure, unlike traditional crown treatments which require further excavation – which can weaken your remaining natural tooth structure.

How does the CEREC crown treatment system work?

Once your dentist has finished preparing your tooth to receive a crown, a quick 3D scan of your oral cavity is taken with a small pen-shaped intraoral 3D camera, called the CEREC Omnicam. The 3D data captured by the camera is then viewed on a computer screen. You can watch as your dentist designs your crown with the CEREC 3D modelling software. The completed 3D file of your new crown is exported to the in-house CEREC milling machine, which proceeds to carve out your crown from a single ceramic block right before your eyes. It takes about 15 minutes, and you’re free to keep watching – or you can take a break! When ready, your new CEREC crown is permanently bonded to your tooth – and you are good to go!

CEREC tooth restorations are suitable for a number of tooth problems and issues including:

  • Heavily decayed teeth
  • Weakened, fractured or cracked teeth
  • Replacement of old metal or failing restorations

  However, if your other teeth are stained or discoloured, there may be other dental restorative materials that provide more aesthetic options, especially for front tooth restorations. CEREC is a life changer. If you are interested in finding out more about CEREC crowns, contact us on (08) 9310 3367 or book online to schedule a consultation. We are also happy to answer any of your questions over the phone.

Achieving a great smile with veneers, bonding and contouring

Achieving a great smile with veneers, bonding and contouring

by | May 18, 2017 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Treatment

Porcelain veneers, bonding and contouring are all cosmetic dental treatment options that are great ways to change the shape, size, colour and position of your teeth. These dental treatment options utilise specialised dental materials and techniques to remedy smile issues permanently. When deciding which treatment option is most suitable to enhance or repair your smile, you have two main considerations. Firstly, you have to consider the extent of the modifications you need to achieve your desired smile. For example, do you need a complete smile makeover, or are you just after a minor repair to a chipped front tooth? Secondly, you need to consider which of these cosmetic treatment options suits your budget. The cost of a full set of porcelain veneers can be far more expensive than a few minor modifications to some of your teeth.

It is also important to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for veneer, bonding or contour treatment. Your teeth need to be healthy and free of cavities and/or periodontal (gum) disease – before undergoing any cosmetic dental procedures. Your Leeming dentist can discuss your dental issues, and recommend a cosmetic dental treatment plan that can best improve and transform your smile. Here is a quick overview of porcelain veneers, bonding and contouring:

Veneers
  • Porcelain veneers are very thin, custom-shaped pieces of porcelain that are permanently bonded to the front of your teeth, and wrapped over their edges. They are ideal for complete smile makeovers which involve using up to ten veneers for each row of teeth. Veneers are great if you need to increase the size of your teeth, which makes them useful for replacing worn tooth edges and closing gaps. They can be used to straighten your teeth, and resurface discoloured teeth completely with your preferred shade of white – in order to create a naturally beautiful smile. 
  • Bonding involves the use of a tooth-coloured composite material. It is applied to your teeth, cured and then shaped to blend in with the surrounding tooth surfaces. Bonding adds material to your teeth which makes the technique suitable for filling in chips, gaps, imperfections or cavities, as well as levelling rough or uneven surfaces. Teeth whitening is often recommended before bonding, so that the colour of the new bond can be matched with your whitened teeth. If you whiten your teeth after bonding, you may have to replace the bonding in order to colour-match the new shade. 
  • Contouring is a reductive tooth-shaping dental technique. This means that natural tooth material is removed from your teeth. You are a suitable candidate for contouring if any of your teeth have a slightly uneven appearance. Your Leeming dentist reshapes your teeth by sanding and shaving away parts of your tooth enamel until the desired shape is achieved. Contouring is often used along with bonding so that the correct balance of give and take is maintained in order to achieve a beautiful natural smile.

For further information about the dental issues, techniques and costs involved with veneers, bonding and contouring, we recommend that you come in for a proper cosmetic dental consultation. To make a booking, call our friendly team at Leeming Dental on (08) 9310 3367 or book online.

Modern dentistry gears up for the digital age

Modern dentistry gears up for the digital age

by | Jul 5, 2016 | Cosmetic Dentistry, New Dental Technology, News and Research

Since the mid-90s, when advanced CAD (computer-aided design) systems were first used to help create crown materials, digital dentistry has developed rapidly. The latest digital dental hardware includes intra-oral scanning, dental sensor technology, robotics, CAD/CAM and 3D printing.

As a result, a lot of traditional manual dental processes have been, or are about to be, taken over by these emerging digital dental technologies, in the near future.

For example, the process of a traditional crowning procedure usually takes two appointments. It involves making moulds of your teeth, outsourcing manual crown fabrication to dental labs, and wearing a temporary crown in the meantime. Total time: approx. 2 weeks.

Now, there is the quicker option, of a single dental session, for a single crown restoration, utilising CAD and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing). How is this possible?

First, a digital scan of your mouth is imported directly into computer software that will generate the ideal 3D shape of your crown as a 3D file. This 3D file is then imported into a milling machine which carves the crown out of a ceramic block automatically. Then, all that your dentist needs to do, is – bond the newly fabricated crown to your prepared tooth. Total time: 2 hours.

And it doesn’t stop there. Scalpel, needles, use of anaesthetic, drills and sutures are gradually being replaced by lasers. Lasers result in less pain, discomfort and trauma during your dental procedure.

Digital dentistry will also assist your dentist. They won’t need to rely solely on steady hands and an eagle eye for dental procedures that have no margin for error.

Perhaps in the not too distant future, your check ups and dental treatment won’t even be performed by a human dentist, but by dental robots managed by dentists.

German researchers give thumbs up for Invisalign®…over braces!

German researchers give thumbs up for Invisalign®…over braces!

by | Nov 1, 2015 | Cosmetic Dentistry, New Dental Technology, News and Research

German researchers give thumbs up for Invisalign®…over braces! The Invisalign® aligner system (or invisible aligners) is an alternative to wearing wired metal braces to straighten your teeth. It offers a level of comfort and convenience unmatched by braces – which has seen this system become hugely popular in recent years. Braces are fixed while Invisalign® custom-made aligner trays are removable – for easier eating and teeth cleaning. However, Invisalign® has limitations in its capabilities, compared with braces. One major difference is that Invisalign® moves teeth with plastic versus metal/ceramics for braces. For more complicated dental treatments to rotate cylindrical teeth, upright root movements and correct extreme malocclusions – braces are the only effective option. So, it’s important to understand that your suitability for either Invisalign® or braces also depends on what teeth alignment issues you have. 

What methods did German researchers use to compare Invisalign® with braces? In February 2015, German researchers (from the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany) began an independent comparison study of 100 dental patients – who used either Invisalign® or braces. This test group was divided 50/50 between both treatments. All patients had teeth alignment issues for which Invisalign® and braces were both suitable dental solutions. The researchers then examined, assessed and documented the oral health, oral hygiene, dietary habits and treatment satisfaction of each patient – for a minimum 6 month period. The patients in the study followed the same oral hygiene habits. They used the same electric/manual toothbrushes, dental floss and method of brushing three times daily. 

Their test results? At the start of the study, their analysis didn’t show any notable differences in the oral health and hygiene of patients using either Invisalign® or braces. Though, as the study continued, the researchers found that gingival health, levels of dental plaque and overall well-being were better in patients using Invisalign®. Crucial to these results, was the removability of Invisalign® aligners for unrestricted eating and more thorough teeth cleaning. Other clinical and quality-of-life data collected from both test groups indicated that Invisalign® patients experienced less: • gingiva and mouth irritation • plaque accumulation • teeth brushing time • laughing inhibition and social anxiety • changes in their eating habits and daily life • speech impairment 

And the conclusions? With these study results, the German medical researchers concluded that patients treated with Invisalign® had better oral health and greater satisfaction than patients using braces. They confirmed that braces interfered with periodontal health, and complicated oral hygiene care. In their own words, “Invisalign® patients have significantly better gingival health.” and “Invisalign® is superior for quality of life of the patients.”*

German researchers give thumbs up for Invisalign®…over braces!

* Corresponding author: Azaripour, A., Research article: “Braces versus Invisalign®: gingival parameters and patients’ satisfaction during treatment: a cross-sectional study.”, Department of Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Augustusplatz 2, Mainz 55131, Germany.