My dentist takes the time to talk through the best options for me
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Appearance – The top reason for most people is appearance, since straight white teeth are far more attractive than crooked or protruding yellowish teeth. Although, from a dentist’s point of view, straight teeth means an improved bite. Problems with your bite from underbite to overbite, can cause jaw joint pain, excessive wear on teeth, and even breathing problems. Crooked or crowded teeth, underbite or overbite can lead to gums that are sore, swollen, and bleeding because it’s really difficult to floss around them.
One of the great things about dental porcelain is that it’s white and semi-translucent so immediately it has that natural tooth look about it. This is perfect for bringing out your brightest smile.