Dental Blog - Queens Park Dental Team

Visiting the dentist when pregnant and with small children

Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is very important at every stage of life. However, at Queens Park Dental Team in Bournemouth we believe that during pregnancy it is more important than ever to look after your oral health. We also believe that bringing children in to see the dentist from a young age can help them establish good dental health for life.

Your teeth during pregnancy

Most pregnant women are aware that they should take extra care with what they eat and drink during pregnancy. However, not so many know that they should also make regular visits to the dentist.

Pregnancy increases the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the body, which can cause pregnancy gingivitis (gum disease) and increased tooth sensitivity. Some 50% of pregnant women in the UK are affected by pregnancy gingivitis, so it’s very important to take extra care of your teeth.

Dental health tips for pregnant women include:

Do not brush your teeth straight after being sick if you experience morning sickness. Instead, drink a glass of water while your nausea subsides, and wait about an hour to clean your teeth.
Be aware of signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums.
Visit your dentist if your teeth become extra-sensitive.

Children’s teeth

At our Bournemouth dental practice, we recommend seeing children from a young age. This will help them to establish good oral health habits and can set them up for having healthy teeth for life.

Attitudes towards the dentist are often formed in early childhood, and at Queens Park Dental Team in Bournemouth we believe that by providing child-focussed early-years dental care, we can help them to see the dentist as a friendly face and nothing to be scared of.

We also offer a wide range of preventative treatments, including fissure sealants and fluoride varnish.

Orthodontics in Bournemouth – It’s Not Just About Straight Teeth!

Besides choosing the type of braces you’d prefer to wear, finding the right orthodontist is one of the most important parts of the process. The person you choose to consult about orthodontics in Bournemouth, not only has to understand what you’d like to achieve from your treatment, but also how much you’re prepared and able to pay, and what concerns you may have about wearing braces in general. Most dental clinics offer a free initial consultation, so make the most of this and visit two or three until you find the one that you feel most comfortable with. Remember to take a list of questions with you, so that you don’t forget anything.

How to make your choice

orthodontics in Bournemouth Personal recommendations are always best so ask around amongst family and friends to see if they have any suggestions. Remember, a qualified orthodontist will have undergone additional training to dental school and will be fully trained in fitting braces as well as dealing with more advanced treatments. So be sure to find out what qualifications they hold.

Brand names

Another thing to be wary of is orthodontists who only offer certain braces such as invisalign or Damon. This is perfectly alright if that’s the type of braces that you’re after but don’t feel pressured into accepting a system if it doesn’t quite meet your needs. This is why it pays to visit several orthodontists in your area and find one that’s the best fit for you.

Location

Whether you’re considering invisible braces in Bournemouth or going down the more traditional route of metal braces, you’ll still need to attend regular visits to your dental clinic, so location is of importance. It can be very frustrating if your orthodontist is the other side of town and you’ve got to get through heavy traffic in the middle of your lunch break, for example.

Price

You may feel a little uncomfortable discussing money at your first consultation, but there can be significant differences between clinics for the same treatment. Make sure you get a price for the entire treatment from start to finish so that you can compare notes later. Many clinics offer payment options, so again find out what’s available.

Previous work

Finally, most orthodontists should be able to show you pictures of ‘before and after’ for patients that they’ve treated. This is a good indication of their expertise and you can ask whether you’re able to speak to any of the patients to find out first hand how they felt about their treatment and the results.

Armed with all of this information you should be able to make a decision to help you go ahead with tooth straightening. In Bournemouth there are plenty of clinics to choose from and if having whittled it down to one or two and not much to choose between them, then we’d say go with your gut instinct. Here at Queens Park Dental we have a small, friendly and skilled team and we make it our business to forge a relationship with each and every patient. We also welcome dental emergencies, why not contact us for a free consultation by dialling 01202 303322 or via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk.

Why It’s Best To Choose Professional Home Teeth Whitening

If you’re considering teeth whitening in Bournemouth then you’re certainly not alone. As a cosmetic dentist, tooth whitening is one of our most popular treatments as more and more people strive to achieve that celebrity white smile.

teeth whitening in Bournemouth Whitening your teeth can have a huge impact on your life, not only making your smile look brighter and more attractive, but filling you with confidence. In fact research has shown that for most people a healthy white smile is what they first look for in a partner. For others, they find that a white smile makes them more employable and furthers their career.

While there are numerous home whitening kits available in chemists and online, they can be tricky to use and don’t always deliver the results that you hoped for. For one thing, the bleaching tray that accompanies them is a ‘one size fits all’ type of tray that can cause the bleaching gel to leak out onto your gums or inside your mouth, burning and causing damage. For health and safety reasons, these kits can only contain a minimum amount of whitening agent, so don’t reach the desired level of whiteness that a celebrity smile has.

Consulting your dentist about home tooth whitening in Bournemouth offers the following benefits:

Your teeth will be assessed to ensure that you are indeed a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. Usually prior to tooth whitening we’d recommend a general clean to rid your teeth of any surface stains and plaque. In addition your mouth needs to be free of any gum disease. We can carry out any treatment needed prior to tooth whitening.

A custom tray will be fabricated to fit the contours of your teeth and gums to ensure no peroxide gel leaks out

If your teeth are sensitive then your dentist will be able to recommend a tooth whitening treatment for teeth and gums that are easily irritated

Professional teeth whitening kits are stronger than any you can buy over the counter and therefore will produce better results in a far quicker period of time. Lightly stained teeth will naturally whiten quicker but if you have dark stains, they will still whiten but it will take longer.

We use the White Dental Beauty system for our home trays which is proven to be safe and effective. Typically you wear the trays for just one hour a day which can be fitted into your schedule as you please. Some people wear them when watching their favourite Soap or while doing the dishes after dinner. If for any reason you can’t wear your trays on a particular day, then it will just take a little longer to see the desired results. How long the results last will depend on whether you revert back to the habits which caused the darkening and staining in the first place, such as drinking coffee or red wine or smoking.

If you’d like to know more about teeth whitening in Bournemouth and how we can help then why not get in touch with Queens Park Dental via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk or by dialling 01202 303322. We always welcome dental emergencies, please contact us for more information.

We look forward to meeting you.

Do I Really Need A Crown?

Perhaps your dentist has suggested that you need a crown and having gone home and considered the cost implications, you’re unsure about going ahead with treatment. As a busy dentist we regularly use crowns in Bournemouth patients to restore badly failing teeth, so we though we’d take this opportunity to discuss the whys and wherefores of crowns to shed a little more clarity on the treatment.

Reasons why a dental crown may be necessary

To reinforce a weak tooth which is badly decayed or fractured
To replace a previous large filling which is covering half of the width of the tooth or more
Following root canal treatment which has left the tooth hollow and susceptible to cracking
Fractures inside the tooth which are causing pain when you bite and chew
Excessive wear especially if you grind your teeth
To improve the appearance of an unsightly tooth
In conjunction with other treatments such as dental implants where a crown is placed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Alternatively missing teeth may be replaced with dental bridges that are composed of crowns fitted on the teeth either side of the gap and attached to false teeth in the middle.

Crowns in Bournemouth – your alternatives

If you’re having dental implants or a bridge fitted then there is no alternative to crowns. Quite simply they’re an essential part of both treatments. If, on the other hand, the crown is to protect a weakened tooth, then you have the following options:

Do absolutely nothing – If your tooth has been held together by a large filling and a small piece of tooth for several years then you may want to adopt the old adage of “if it ain’t broke then don’t fix it.” Sometimes removing a filling can create more problems than are solved and lead to other problems down the line such as needing a root canal and a crown. This could eventually happen anyway but that’s a chance you take.

An inlay or onlay – If the tooth is not quite at the point where it needs a crown but too badly damaged for a filling, then an inlay or onlay could be an option. This requires less preparation than for a crown and allows you to retain more of the tooth structure. An impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to the laboratory for a custom inlay or onlay to be made. Tooth coloured, it’s cemented into place and gives a seamless and natural appearance.

Extraction – If the long term prognosis for the tooth is not good, then you may decide to opt for a dental implant.

As you can see there are numerous reasons for crowns in Bournemouth and 9 times out of 10, if your dentist says you need a crown, then he’s right. If you feel you need a second opinion, then why not get in touch with Queens Park Dental by calling 01202 303322 or contact us via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk. We use the latest in technology and aim to meet your dental needs, including dental emergencies, now as well as in the future and together we can discuss your best options. We’re a Bournemouth dentist that really cares, so call us today.

Why Do I Need A Retainer After Braces?

As an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth one of the questions we’re often asked is why is there a need to wear a retainer once treatment is finished. Basically, the reason is to keep the teeth in their new position. Braces work by gradually easing teeth into a healthier position and a retainer needs to be worn while the bone and tissue settles down around your teeth, and the bite stabilises.

For how long do retainers need to be worn?

orthodontics in Bournemouth The risk of relapse is highest during the first month after treatment has ended and as your body is constantly changing so too can your teeth shift position. Relapse won’t occur over night, but if you stop wearing your retainer your teeth will eventually revert back to their original position. By wearing your retainer as suggested, you can help keep your teeth straighter for longer.

What do retainers look like?

Retainers are custom made to prevent your teeth from moving back to their old position and take the form of a fixed or a removable appliance.

Acrylic and wire or clear plastic fits against the front of the teeth to hold a removable retainer in place. Typically the clear plastic version looks nicer but wears out faster. This form of retainer is usually worn full time for about 6 months after which time it’s worn during the night for several years. A fixed retainer is held in place by wire bonded to the back of the front teeth. This is usually kept in place for around 5 years although it’s not uncommon for an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth to recommend that it’s worn for a lifetime.

Removable retainers need to be taken out for eating and when playing contact sports as well as for brushing your teeth. To clean the retainer brush it using toothpaste and rinse it with tap water and then brush and floss your teeth. If you have a fixed retainer then you’ll need to take more care when brushing the back of your teeth and around the wire so that plaque doesn’t form. Ask your dentist in Bournemouth to show you how to floss using a floss threader.

How does a retainer feel?

Like any appliance worn in the mouth, it will seem a little awkward at first and will take a few days to get used to it and to speak clearly. Don’t worry if you experience more saliva in your mouth than usual, that’s totally normal. Fixed retainers don’t affect speech but do be careful when biting down on particularly hard or crunchy food.

Many people find their teeth shift position at some stage of their lives and this is why realigning them with a speedy treatment like In-Line is such a good solution for orthodontics. In Bournemouth we have helped restore the smiles of lots of patients who didn’t want to wear a traditional metal brace. We encourage them to wear a removable retainer for longer at night, and a fixed retainer indefinitely, so that they can continue to enjoy their new smile. If you’re in need of orthodontics in Bournemouth or if you have an dental emergency, then why not get in touch with Queens Park Dental by calling us on 01202 303322 or get in touch via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk. We’ll soon have the smile back on your face.

What Are Dental Crowns In Bournemouth Made From?

A dental crown is often the choice of restoration for a tooth that has been badly damaged by decay or trauma where a filling just won’t do. It’s shaped to resemble a tooth and matched in colour and size to your other teeth to give a seamless appearance. More importantly, it’s a replacement for a tooth and as such needs to be strong and durable and fit for the purpose. Most people expect their crowns in Bournemouth or any other town or city, to last for at least 10 years; so what sort of materials are capable of lasting that long and work well?

Metal

crowns in Bournemouth Crowns used to be made exclusively from metals such as gold, nickel and palladium and as such metal is the ideal material for a crown. The reason being that not so much of the natural tooth has to be removed and because metal is so hard wearing, it lasts for a long time. The downside is that they don’t look particularly attractive.

Porcelain and metal

This is one of the most common choices for a dental crown, especially if it is to be used towards the back of the mouth, where you need strength, but you also want it to look good; well on the top at least. It wears more than an all metal crown but in a way it provides the best of both worlds, by looking good and being strong.

Resin

Just occasionally resin may be chosen as the material for a crown because it is cheaper. However, most people don’t choose this type of crown because the price reflects its quality and they are more prone to fractures and wear down quickly.

Porcelain/ceramic

From an aesthetic point of view these types of crown are the most visually appealing and are commonly used for front teeth. They look amazing since their translucent properties make them look very similar to real teeth, but because they don’t contain any metal they’re not that strong. Fortunately front teeth don’t involve too much pressure being put on the crown and this non-metal option gives teeth a lovely white colour without any tell-tale shadow from the metal.

Zirconia

These crowns are the newest additions to the dental industry and are usually constructed using digital techniques in a laboratory. Zirconia is exceptionally strong and offers good resilience to wear and tear. It also looks good with a translucence that makes for a very natural looking tooth. It’s bio-compatible and contains no metal, which makes it the very best choice if your Bournemouth dentist offers it and you can afford the price tag that accompanies it.

If you have a damaged tooth then we can help restore it. Why not contact Queens Park Dental on 01202 303322 to book a consultation or contact us via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk where we can take a look and discuss your best options. In a dental emergency, please contact us straight away. Besides crowns in Bournemouth we also offer other tooth restoration options including dental implants.

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth?

For most people their reason for choosing an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth is to achieve a more beautiful smile which they hope will get them noticed for all the right reasons. However, straight teeth are also beneficial to your dental health as well as your overall health. If your teeth are badly aligned or you have unsightly gaps and spaces between your teeth, then the friendly skilled dental team at Queen Park Dental can help.

invisible braces in Bournemouth The majority of adults think that a great smile can benefit them in the work place as well as being a great social asset. Straighter teeth give them the confidence to smile in all types of interaction and they don’t have to worry about making a bad impression because of crooked or misaligned teeth.

So aesthetics aside, let’s take a look at the benefits of teeth straightening in Bournemouth:

Ease of cleaning

Good oral hygiene entails brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day but if your teeth overlap or are crooked, then your hygiene routine may not be as effective as it should be. It can be difficult to get dental floss between and around crooked teeth. Overlapping teeth can obscure parts of a tooth’s surface making it difficult for you to reach with your toothbrush. Because you can’t clean your teeth properly when your teeth aren’t straight, your risk of tooth decay and gum disease is greatly increased. By straightening your teeth, it makes it easier for you to maintain a good level of oral health.

Risk of gum disease

Gums that are red and swollen may be the cause of teeth that are overcrowded or gapped. Gums don’t fit as well around teeth which are misaligned and this means that food and bacteria can get lodged in the gum tissue and cause infections which can lead to tooth loss. Gums hug straight teeth closely which helps to prevent this type of infection and in addition, because teeth are held in place more securely, people with straight teeth aren’t so vulnerable to tooth loss.

Better digestion

You probably wouldn’t visit your dentist with severe stomach cramps but if you’re experiencing digestive problems, then it could just be your teeth that are causing the problem. Crooked teeth and bad bites can make it harder for you to chew your food completely and as a result you may be swallowing large pieces of food or food which hasn’t been sufficiently broken down by the saliva in your mouth. With tooth straightening, Bournemouth dentists may be able to put an end to your stomach woes.

Orthodontics in Bournemouth is about so much more than improving your smile and can result in better oral and bodily health. With a wide range of invisible braces in Bournemouth which, in some cases, can deliver results in as little as six months there’s never been a better time to visit your dentist and get your teeth straightened once and for all. Why not come and speak with Hannah at Queens Park Dental to see how we can help you. Call us today on 01202 303322 or contact us via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk. Please also contact us for all dental emergencies.

Uncovering The 4 Top Myths About Tooth Whitening In Bournemouth

If you’ve noticed that your teeth are looking on a little on the dingy side, then you might want to consider tooth whitening. In Bournemouth, here at Queens Park Dental, tooth whitening is one of our most popular cosmetic treatments and many of our patients use it prior to a special occasion. Some people are put off from getting their teeth whitened because they’ve been misinformed or heard bad reports from others. We thought we’d use this blog to untangle the facts from the myths so you can make an informed decision. So here goes:

Tooth whitening is for anyone – Although tooth whitening in Bournemouth is a great option for many adults it’s not recommended for under 16’s. In addition it isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those who are breast feeding. Tooth whitening needs to be carried out on a healthy mouth, so if you’ve got gum disease, worn enamel, untreated fillings, exposed roots, or any other dental issues, then these will need to be addressed prior to tooth whitening.

Tooth whitening is painful – You may have heard that tooth whitening is painful but that’s certainly not the case. However, we would urge people to take the advice of their dentist before going ahead with over the counter tooth whitening products. Anyone with gum disease or any unknown dental issues, could experience heightened sensitivity which usually goes away once they stop using the products. Prior to teeth whitening, Bournemouth dentists will first carry out a full dental check to ensure that a patient has good oral health. Whitening can cause mild tooth sensitivity but usually this is short-lived. Many professional whitening products now use lower levels of hydrogen-peroxide (which can cause sensitivity) which still achieve excellent results.

Teeth whitening is permanent – Teeth naturally darken with age and this happens irrespective of whether you whiten your teeth or not. As a result, it will be necessary to repeat the tooth whitening procedure from time to time to achieve continual whiteness. How long tooth whitening lasts depends on whether the person reverts back to drinking such things as coffee and red wine, or continues to smoke, all of which cause teeth to become stained

Tooth whitening gives a Hollywood smile – Many people expect their teeth to appear whiter than white like a celebrity Hollywood smile. In reality, teeth are not bright white but more of a pale ivory shade. The take-home bleaching trays we give our patients will lighten their teeth by between 2-8 shades within a couple of weeks for a look which significantly improves their appearance and is reasonably easy to maintain.

If you’d like to learn more about teeth whitening in Bournemouth and find out if it’s suitable for you, then why not come and speak with Queens Park Dental, your friendly local dentist. You can call on 01202 303322 to book an appointment or contact us via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk. Besides cosmetic dentistry, we also cater for dental emergencies, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Get In Line For A Beautiful Smile

Some people are lucky enough to be born with a beautiful straight smile whereas others may have tooth defects which make them feel self conscious and uncomfortable about their appearance. The good news is that we can put the smile back on your face, quickly and discreetly, using modern orthodontics. In Bournemouth, here at Queens Park Dental, we employ a system known as In-Line which is able to correct teeth that are overcrowded or too far apart.

invisible braces in Bournemouth In-Line is one of the latest types of “invisible braces” Bournemouth dentists offer which consists of removable transparent plastic braces that gently move the teeth into their right position without the need for unsightly wires wound around the teeth. Suitable for patients over the age of 15, it can correct a variety of orthodontics issues such as crowded teeth or teeth that have gaps in between them, as well as open and cross bites, to name but a few.

How it works

In-Line is a remarkable way to improve your smile and actually consists of clear plastic trays which fit over your teeth and are virtually invisible. How can a thin plastic tray get the job done? Well, believe it or not, in the same way as traditional braces, by applying gentle pressure on the teeth and moving them gradually into their right position. X-rays and impressions of your teeth are done and a dental plan formulated, so that a series of aligners can be made specifically for you. You’ll start off by wearing your first tray for at least 20 hours a day for the first two weeks, only removing it to eat and brush and floss your teeth. Then it’s time to move on to the second tray to achieve the next gradual movement, and so on until the desired effect is achieved. Total treatment time varies from one patient to another but generally averages between 6-8 months.

Once your In-Line treatment is completed you’ll need to wear a retainer otherwise your teeth may slip back into their previous position and all of your hard work will have been done for nothing.

If you’d like to find out more about invisible braces in Bournemouth, and for all denal emergencies, then why not get in touch with Queens Park Dental. We’re an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth that has been using this method with great success for several years and have scores of delighted patients. Just think how confident you would feel with a brand new smile. Call us today on 01202 303322 or contact us via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk to book a consultation.

Instant Orthodontics With Porcelain Veneers

If you mention the word orthodontics to most people then there’s a strong chance that they’ll be thinking of traditional metal braces that many children and some adults wear. If they have some familiarity with more modern dental orthodontics then they might even consider invisible braces or In-Line In Bournemouth however, here at Queens Park Dental we can also fit people with a speedier alternative and that’s porcelain veneers.

porcelain veneers Obviously for those with more serious teeth problems your dentist will advise you of how they can correct crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth using more conventional orthodontic methods, but for those with milder orthodontic issues then veneers can be the perfect solution for restoring both the health and beauty of a patient’s smile.

So how do we do this?

Usually porcelain veneers are placed on the front surfaces of teeth in order to provide a better all-round cosmetic look, concealing chips, cracks, and flaws, but they can also be used in mild cases where patients for whatever reason don’t want to undergo long periods of corrective treatment. Because porcelain veneers are customised to suit each patient’s specific requirements they complement surrounding natural teeth, not only in terms of texture and colour but also in shape and size. This means that porcelain veneers have the ability to…

Lengthen teeth that are too short
Close any unsightly or unwanted gaps between teeth
Straighten teeth that are slightly crooked
Improve the contours of misshapen teeth
Add strength to teeth that are weakened or cracked
Widen teeth that are too narrow

When one or more of these tasks are accomplished veneers have the ability to improve bite and create a great looking, uniform smile just like invisible braces in Bournemouth would, but in a fraction of the time. Aside from this, porcelain veneers are strong and durable and can last up to 10 years. They’re also easy to replace should the need arise.

If you have a mild orthodontic problem but don’t fancy going through the process of traditional orthodontics in Bournemouth then don’t be surprised if your dentist suggests porcelain veneers as an instant alternative. To find out more, why not contact Queens Park Dental and book yourself a no-obligation consultation with Hannah. Here we’ll discuss your dental needs in a friendly, professional way and come up with a solution to suit you To make an appointment either visit our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk or contact us directly on 01202 303 322, especially in a dental emergency. Don’t let crooked teeth spoil your beautiful smile.

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