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Services

Invisalign

Invisalign is the virtually invisible alternative to braces that lets you keep smiling during your treatment. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners that gradually move teeth toward the smile you've always wanted.

The invisalign system can be used to treat most orthodontic patients with increasingly complex malocclusions; from overly crowded teeth and underbites to jaw problems and tooth alignment.

Invisalign fits with your lifestyle to ensure your treatment doesn't hold you back. The removable nature of the alignment means you can take them out for special occasions, continue to eat your favourite foods and brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygeine. 

Invisalign is so discreet, most people won't even notice you're wearing them.

Gum Infections

Periodontal disease is the inflamation and infection of the gums. It is caused by plaque, a thick and sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth. Plaque can harden to become calculus, known also as tartar. Plaque and calculus are caused by poor oral hygeine; that is, the teeth have not been cleaned thoroughly or often enough. 

Early stage of gum disease: Bacteria in plaque and calculus can damage the gums and cause gingivitis, and inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can usually be treated successfully by removal of the plaque and calculus, followed by thorough but gentle cleaning (that is, flossing then brushing every day).

Advanced stage of gum disease: The advanced stageof gum disease is called periodontitis. It can cause serious damage to teeth and the gums, and bones that support the teeth.

Diagnosis of periodontal disease

Your dentist will check your oral health by examining your teeth and gums, and noting whether plaque and calculus are present. Your dentist will check for any change in size, shape, appearance and texture of the gums which may indicate disease. An X-ray examination may be needed to check whether the bony socket around each tooth is healthy.

Treatment of gum disease

The purpose of periodontal treatment is to stop or slow down the progression of gum disease. 

Benefits include having:

*a mouth that feels, looks and is healthier

*teeth that feel smooth and look clean

*a better chance of keeping your teeth for life

 

Root Canal Treatment

The aim of root canal treatment (also called "endodontic" treatment) is to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, disease or injury. Many millions of teeth each year are saved from extraction by having root canal treatment. Most people prefer to save their tooth because it generally will function better than an artificial tooth. Your own tooth is usually stronger and more efficient for biting and chewing. Cleaning and maintenance of a natural tooth are much easier. However good an artificial tooth can be, it will never be more than just a substitute for a real tooth. 

Root canal treatment is successful in most cases. If you take good care of the treated tooth, it may last for many years and possibly the rest of your life. Your tooth will not be treated unless treatment is likely to succeed. Root canal treatment may not be appropriate in some cases, and extraction may be the best, or only, option.

Infection or inflammation of the pulp

Infection or inflammation of the pulp can be caused by:

*breakdown of a filling or crown

*a deep cavity

*trauma

*gum disease

*crack or chip in the tooth

*extreme wear

*extensive dental work to the tooth

Symptoms may include pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discolouration, and swelling or soreness in the gums surrounding the tooth. To save the tooth, root canal treatment is needed when the pulp becomes severely inflamed or infected.

Bruxism

Bruxism is excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth that is not a part of normal chewing movements. It can lead to excessive wear on the teeth and may causde permanent damage to the teeth and the jaw joints.

Excessive clenching and grinding of the jaws are not healthy actions. In some adults and children, clenching and grinding may occur during the day or at night. During sleep, they have no conscious control over this excessive clenching and grinding.

The causes of bruxism are still being studied. A combination of physical and psychological factors are believed to contribute to bruxism:

* physical stress such as illness, nutritional deficiencies or dehydration, particularly in children

* psychological stress, anxiety and tension in adults and children

* studies have shown that night bruxism is a sleep disorder

* other abnormal anatomy of the teeth or jaws (including "high spots" on fillings) that can cause an improper occlusion (also called "bite") and lead to bruxism behaviour.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing natural teeth. Implants and their attached crowns closely mimic the look and function of real teeth. They can make an attractive alternative to dentures and bridges.

Dental implant techniques can replace one or several missing teeth. In some cases, an entire set of artificial teeth can be carried on dental implants. 

As shown in the illustration above, a dental implant is the metal "root" (implant) that is inserted into the jawbone. The artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the implant by use of an abutment. In some cases, instead of an artificial tooth, an implant can be fitted with special clips or attachments (similar to press-studs) to hold a denture. The studs will minimise movement of the denture.

Different types of implants are available. Most implants are made from materials such as titanium that are capable of forming a strong integration with the surrounding bone tissue.

In most cases, the procedure involves three separate treatment stages:

* insertion of the implant into the bone

* insertion of the abutment (or connector) on the implant

* attachment of the artificial tooth (crown) to the abutment

The process can take considerable time, perhaps from three to six months or more from surgical placement of the implant to the fitting of the crown.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns

The outside of each tooth is made of enamel, which is extremely hard. Although teeth are strong and difficult to break, trauma (such as a fall) may chip or break them.

Tooth decay may severely weaken a tooth, with a high risk that the tooth may fall apart. Root canal treatment, where the pulp of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels is removed, can also weaken a tooth, especially if it has large fillings. Teeth may wear down over time. 

An artificial crown is often the best way to save a tooth and strengthen it. It fits over the prepared existing tooth and replaces the natural crown.

Bridges

Bridges replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of an artificial tooth anchored to the adjacent natural teeth (see picture). If a tooth is lost through accident , or is too badly decayed to save with a crown, a bridge may be the treatment of choice. You should ask your dentist about implants, which are another way of replacing missing teeth. 

Cosmetic Dentistry

Changes in appearance of teeth can be due to:

*inherited traits- some people have a family history of dental irregularities such as gaps, misaligned teeth, spots or blemishes.

*staining that can result from certain foods or beverages, especially tea, coffee and cola

*smoking, which causes discolouration of the teeth

*the use of some antibiotics in children, which can lead to permanent colour changes in permanent teeth

*chips or cracks, which may be due to trauma such as sporting injuries or accidents

*broken-down restorations, and age

Procedures:

Veneers: These cover the front teeth and can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth and smile.

Bonding: Bonding can correct blemishes and irregularities of the front teeth without removing tooth structure.

Bleaching: This is a method used to whiten teeth.

Tooth-coloured composite fillings: These can be used as an alternative to amalgam fillings in many cases.

Inlays and onlays: These repair larger cracks or cavities in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, increasing their strength while maintaining their appearance.

 

Porcelain Veneers

These are thin, tooth-coloured porcelain (ceramic) shells carefully crafted to bond to and cover the front of unsightly teeth. They are a more conservative treatment than a crown and can often be used as an alternative if the underlying tooth is strong and healthy.

Veneers are excellent for treating chipped, discoloured, slightly misaligned or misshapen teeth or gaps between the teeth, especially if these defects affect the front teeth. A tooth that is too small or has irregularities can be successfully treated with a veneer.

Two or three visits to your dentist will usually be required to prepare the teeth and fit the veneers. Your dentist will discuss your needs with you and plan the treatment that suits you best.

 

Bonding

Bonding is useful for improving small irregularities but is less successful than veneers in the treatment of some problems. The tooth is prepared by etching its surface with a gel. The surface is then painted with a binding liquid that sets firmly when a special light is shone on it. A putty-like resin is moulded onto the tooth and shaped. The light is again used to harden it. Finally, the set resin is trimmed and polished.

 

Bleaching

For stained or discoloured teeth, bleaching can lighten teeth that have not responded sufficiently to professional cleaning. It is a safe procedure when done by a qualified dentist. Bleaching may not be appropriate in people who have oral symptoms of some diseases.

Your dentists will take an impression of your teeth so that a custom-made mouth tray can be made. This holds the bleaching gel close to your teeth. the gums do not normally come into contact with the bleach.

Wearing the tray for 30 minutes to 2 hours everyday will gradually lighten the teeth. The daily bleaching process can be continued until you are happy with the appearance of your teeth. 

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