Author: Aura Dental
Just had Invisalign fitted? A survival guide for those first few weeks
When you are learning to cope with something new, whatever it is, it can be a challenge; more so when it is the presence of something in your mouth.
While adult orthodontics has come leaps and bounds in recent years, there are still some aspects that cannot be removed entirely. In this instance, the presence of something new on your teeth (even if it is invisible to the naked eye), can be tough to get used to.
And as many invisible and clear aligners are removable, this can make it all the more tempting to simply remove and forget about. But as you may have guessed, if you fail to keep these remarkable braces in your mouth, you cannot receive the benefits that come from wearing them.
So, how do you adapt to having a brace like Invisalign in St John’s Wood in your mouth? Our team at Aura Dental can provide you with some helpful hints and tips when you come to us for your realignment as an adult, alongside providing you with orthodontic treatments which are second to none. We pride ourselves on our customer care, so if you are an adult who has a question about a recently fitted brace, simply call us and we will endeavour to answer you promptly.
But what are some of our tips for adapting to Invisalign in St John’s Wood?
Consistent wear
While a key advantage of Invisalign in St John’s Wood is that it is removable, in those early weeks of adapting to it, you may want to keep it in your mouth all the time.
This will help you get used to the feel of it against your tongue and cheeks, and will also help you to learn how to speak faster than if you were constantly removing it.
Vocal exercises
Our team at Aura Dental can advise you on oral exercises to help your tongue adapt to the presence of an invisible brace.
While it may sound odd, singing is a great way to get yourself used to a brace as it utilises more facial muscles than talking alone does, so download your favourite songs and get singing!
Same time removal
Once you are comfortable with removing the brace, try to do so at the same time each day; this will build a routine which will help you slot it into your daily life.
While it is out of your mouth, try to eat food and clean the brace as this will aid in the routine forming behaviours needed for this brace to be successful.
Keep it clean
If you do not clean this brace, it will feel uncomfortable in your mouth which will probably prompt you to remove it.
It is easy to clean; simply run it under a cold tap (never hot, as it will warp!), and brush off any debris with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Stay in touch!
Keep in regular contact with our team at Aura Dental about progress and any queries you may have.
Been told you need a root canal? 5 things our dentist wants you to know
Whether you have recently had a serious accident which has damaged your teeth or you are recovering from a dental infection, you will probably be told that you need a root canal.
One of the least popular of all the restorative procedures, a root canal involves a member of our team drilling into the pulp of your tooth, removing the infected material and then refilling the cavity with packing material. However, as straightforward as this process seems (and is for our team) many patients who are told that they need a root canal performed would rather opt for an extraction which can have some serious long-term consequences.
At Aura Dental, our dentist in St John’s Wood will always take the time to explain every treatment option to you, ensuring that you are fully informed to make the choice you feel is suitable for you. As our team has helped thousands of patients restore their smiles using root-canals, we know this process inside and out and can assure you that its unpopularity is not justified at all!
So, what is the consensus from our dentist in St John’s Wood about root canals?
They aren’t painful
Firstly, many patients worry that root canals will be painful, but this is untrue; in fact, having a root canal is more likely to alleviate discomfort than to cause it.
Our dentist in St John’s Wood will always ensure that your mouth is numbed before the process begins and once it is complete and will advise you on suitable aftercare, as there may be an initial feeling of bruising. But compared to the sensation of an abscess, that is certainly going to be an improvement!
It can save a fortune!
Many patients worry that a root canal is a costly procedure which will likely fail.
Compared to dental extraction, it can save you money as there it does not cause the same long-term issues with aesthetics or functionality that extraction does. Many adults who have had extractions required more extensive processes to restore their mouths functional and aesthetic appeal, such as dental implants which are more costly and time-consuming.
It can preserve your smile
A root canal is topped with a white filling or crown, thus preserving the aesthetic appeal of your smile which could be lost with an extraction.It also preserves functionality and hygiene which once again may be impacted with an extracted tooth.
It doesn’t kill the tooth
It is a myth that a root canal kills the tooth; it simply involves removing infected material from the pulp.Your tooth will still retain the required sensation for correct functioning, such as biting and chewing while also visually looking no different from any other tooth in your mouth.
It won’t cause your tooth to change colour
And finally, a tooth that has had a root canal does not turn black.
It stays the same shade as the surrounding teeth but may become slightly darkened over time, but can be corrected with whitening procedures. Fantastic!
Looking for a gorgeous smile as an adult? Braces we can offer you at Aura Dental
In years gone by, if you wanted to straighten your smile as an adult, you may have been told that the only suitable option was a metal appliance.
We are happy to say that while an orthodontic aligner will always have its place in dental care, it is no longer the only option for adults who want to improve their smiles. Recent advancements have seen an upsurge in the number of clear and invisible appliances across the UK and at Aura Dental. We are happy to have a myriad of different types to offer.
At Aura Dental, we believe that everyone should be happy with their smile, so whether you have a cosmetic alignment issue or have a more pressing issue such as an over or underbite, one of our braces in St John’s Wood can help. With many different brands to choose from, we will endeavour to find the perfect aligner to help you get that straighter, healthier smile as soon as possible.
But what are some of the different braces in St John’s Wood that we offer? Read on to find out!
Invisalign
Exceedingly popular with adults and teenagers alike, these braces in St John’s Wood are removable, invisible and can straighten your smile on average in 6 months.
Worn for 22 hours a day, they require changing every 2 weeks but do not need to be tightened, making the entire process more comfortable for you.
Damon
A fitted alternative, the Damon aligner does not need tightening; instead, it utilises a set of sliding brackets that adjust as your teeth are moved, making them more pleasant to wear.
Like Invisalign, these can correct an array of issues from overbites to overcrowding and can straighten your smile in as little as 6 months.
Lingual
When you think of a metal aligner, you probably envision a metal wire and brackets affixed to the front of the teeth.
While a Lingual appliance is composed of a metal wire and brackets, they are attached to the back of the teeth, making them invisible to the naked eye. They will need adjusting throughout the treatment but this allows them to treat more specific and complicated problems. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, you will need to wear them for an average of 12-18 months.
Six Month Smiles
As the name suggests, these aligners are typically worn for 6 months!
Unlike the other appliances in this list, these are used to treat purely cosmetic issues and are attached to the front 6 teeth in your mouth. They will require adjusting but can get you that straighter looking smile you want in as little as 12 weeks.
Inman Aligners
A mixture of Invisalign and a metal aligner, the Inman Aligner is a discrete way to straighten your front teeth while also being removable.
Using a set of titanium coils, this aligner moves the misaligned teeth into the correct position and requires a check-up with our team every 2-weeks so we can assess its progress.
Fed up with constant headaches? How our dentist can help to alleviate them
Do you frequently wake up with a stiff neck, a headache or the start of a migraine?
Does that new memory foam pillow not seem to be helping?
In the UK, many people suffer from headaches and, worryingly, there is a growing increase in the number of people who report having migraines. While your doctor can prescribe medications to alleviate these issues, this does not address or explore the potential root of the issue. Surprisingly, it is rarely in your head!
At Aura Dental, our team frequently sees patients who report suffering from chronic migraines and headaches, to which our dentist St John’s Wood can offer a simple solution. After an examination of your mouth, we can determine if your teeth or jaws are involved in your recurrent head pain and can begin designing a treatment plan to help you get a good night’s sleep and fewer headaches.
But which dental conditions can cause recurrent headaches? Our dentist St John’s Wood answers that question below.
Temporomandibular joint disorder
Also known as TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder causes inflammation and discomfort around your jaw joint and subsequently, can impact on your ability to open and close your mouth correctly.
Our dentist St John’s Wood will be able to spot indicators of TMJ, the most common one being a click when you open your mouth and will be able to offer you a dental splint and a series of oral exercises to perform before bed and in the morning, which will alleviate any associated headaches.
Bruxism and grinding
Commonly linked to medications, bruxism or grinding of your teeth often occurs while you sleep and can present many associated issues
The key one which causes those irritating morning headaches is the overuse of the muscles in the jaw which in turn leads to pain in the neck. This can cause migraines and headaches when you awake, and also disrupted sleep. Our team can once again offer a dental splint or mouthguard to prevent bruxing and help you get a refreshing 40 winks!
Molar misalignment
With a large surface area, misaligned molars can cause headaches as and when they are rubbed against each other, causing persistent neck pain and migraines.
Often an aftereffect of eating, headaches associated with misaligned molars can be alleviated with orthodontic treatments designed to help your molars fit together properly.
Missing or rotting teeth
It should come as no surprise that a tooth which has succumbed to decay can cause headaches via nerve pain, but missing teeth can also cause your upper and lower jaw to be misaligned, thus putting pressure on the surrounding muscles.
Our team will explore restorative options with you if your rotten tooth needs to be extracted or if you already have a missing tooth, which will prevent further headaches. Brilliant!
Wisdom teeth
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause head pain, neck pain and migraines and so, our team will endeavour to remove the offending teeth, resolving the pressure issues thus helping the uncomfortable sensations to reduce.
Can you eat while wearing Invisalign? Dos and don’ts of using this invisible brace
When you want to achieve straighter teeth as an adult, you will probably have spoken to at least one dental professional about adult braces.
While relatively commonplace, clear and invisible braces are new to many adults who want to get a straighter smile and as their names suggest, the discretion of these aligners makes them exceedingly popular.
At Aura Dental, our team are proud to be able to offer our suitable patients clear and invisible braces, and can even offer the infamous Invisalign in St Johns Wood. We will oversee every part of the fitting, treatment, and will advise you on how you can get this remarkable brace to work for you as an individual.
If you have been looking online at invisible braces, you may have read conflictual advice.
Our team at Aura Dental discusses some good habits to get into while using Invisalign in St Johns Wood.
Wear it for the allocated time
For Invisalign in St Johns Wood to work, you will need to wear it for at least 22 hours per day.
Failure to do so will result in a slower realignment of your teeth.
Carry its casing with you
When out and about, when you remove this brace, be sure to keep it in the casing it came with. This will keep it dent free and will also prevent bacteria accumulation.
Keep it clean!
It is easy to keep this plastic-based brace clean; simply run it under a cold tap and remove any debris with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Failing to keep the aligner clean may result in bacteria being pressed against your enamel, which could cause decay.
Invest in a small toothbrush
Carry a small toothbrush with you so that after you finish eating, you can give your teeth a quick brush before putting the brace back in.
And here are some tips on what not to do while wearing this invisible brace!
Wear it while eating
Wearing this brace while eating may damage it, which will prevent it from working effectively. Always be sure to remove it before eating meals or drinking anything besides water.
Clean it with hot water
As mentioned before, this brace is made from plastic and, like other items made from this material, it can warp and bend if exposed to hot temperatures.
It is important to avoid cleaning this brace with hot water. Avoid mouthwashes for cleaning this brace too, as they can cause discolouration.
Eat sticky or hard foods
Hard and sticky foods will inevitably damage the brace and, even if you remove the brace while eating sticky foods, it may lead to a film-forming on your teeth which will be hard to remove with your mini brush. And as no-one wants cavities, it is best to avoid these types of consumables altogether.
Avoid check-ups
Even though this brace comes with an app, it is important that you keep your check-ups with our team at Aura Dental, so we can assess if the brace is working correctly.
Why is my tooth pain so bad? 5 dental questions answered by our dentist at Aura Dental
When it comes to dental care, there is quite a lot for the average dental patient to learn.
And, while it can be tempting to simply look for information about cosmetic, restorative and orthodontic dentistry online, there is a lot of misinformation on the internet related to this area.
And of course, you run the risk of coming across articles disguised as advertisements, trying to sell you a dental product which is not as good as it appears to be!
Far from a popular area to research related to dentistry is one of the most important areas; general dental care and hygiene. As any dental team will tell you, before you can have any kind of cosmetic dental care performed, you need to have a solid basis to build it on.
At Aura Dental, our dentist in St Johns Wood takes general dentistry very seriously, and will always endeavour to keep your mouth healthy. Not only is good dental health important for that pearly white smile many people wish to obtain, but it is also key to having good physical health too.
So, in this article, our dentist in St John’s Wood answers some of the most commonly searched general dental questions of 2020. Enjoy!
Why does my tooth hurt so much?
Toothache can be caused by many factors but, if you have a toothache which worsens when drinking hot or cold liquids, then you may have a cavity.
Alternatively, you may have lost a filling or a crown, but regardless, any dental pain should be explored by our dentist in St Johns’ Wood.
Can I improve the appearance of my smile?
Yes, you can!
While basic hygiene is an important part of having a whiter smile, there are many options to make your teeth gleam that doesn’t require extensive cosmetic procedures.
A simple whitening procedure performed by our team at Aura Dental is likely to improve the appearance of your smile.
I have a gap between my two front teeth-are there ways to close it?
Yes, there are many ways.
A gap between the front teeth can be alleviated by either bonding the teeth or may require the placing of custom-fitted veneers. These options are more down the cosmetic line of treatments.
If you want to realign your teeth to close the gap, we may be able to offer you an adult aligner like Invisalign if you are suited.
How can I ensure my children have good teeth?
Firstly, aim to reduce all consumption of sugar-laden food and drinks.
Make the twice-daily brushing of teeth a game; create a song or purchase an interesting dental brush for your children to play with. You could even offer to get them small treats if they brush their teeth twice a day for a week, to create positive reinforcement.
Is it safe to have a filling while you are pregnant?
Yes, having a filling while pregnant is perfectly safe. If you are pregnant, talk to our team about prenatal dental care today!
Can I get braces at 25? Advantages of adult orthodontics
In the adult world, confidence is key to almost every area.
And if you were one of the children who outright refused to wear an aligner as a child, you may have grown to realise how important straight teeth are!
Not only do straighter teeth make daily interactions easier, but it has also been found that in the workplace, people who have straighter teeth have an improved chance of being listened to and are seen as more reliable by customers and other members of staff.
There are now ways to get straighter teeth as an adult without the use of traditional metal aligners. Clear and invisible aligners are helping thousands of adults across the globe get the straighter smile that they want, without concern about appearances.
At Aura Dental, our team is proud to be able to offer the most suitable patients Invisalign braces in St. Johns Wood. Discrete, removable and easy to care for, these braces can easily be fitted around a busy lifestyle, without needing to attend dental check-ups every few weeks. Personalised to fit over your teeth, Invisalign can help you get that straightened smile you
deserve in under a year. Fantastic!
But how else can Invisalign braces in St.Johns Wood improve your life?
Confidence
Having a straight smile is great, but being able to show off your teeth while wearing these braces in St. Johns Wood is what separates Invisalign from other braces.
It is made from a clear plastic, which gently pushes your teeth into their new locations, without the need for metal brackets or wires so no-one one will know you are wearing it!
Cleaning
Any dentist will tell you that straighter teeth are easier to clean.
One advantage of getting straighter teeth in your adult years is how easy it becomes to clean your teeth effectively.
And of course, cleaner teeth equates to a whiter smile and reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Health
As mentioned before, if your teeth are not aligned, it is easier for plaque and bacteria to stay in your mouth undetected.
There have been mountains of evidence which has highlighted the link between excess plaque in the mouth and secondary issues like heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.
So, getting your teeth realigned as an adult can significantly improve your long-term health and avoid the development of life-threatening diseases.
Functionality
With crooked or spaced teeth, it can be hard to not only bite into food in a single bite, but it can be tougher to grind food correctly.
And as this is what teeth are designed to do, it creates an issue with functionality.
Straighter teeth will allow you to bite into food and to chew it properly, without bits getting stuck in between your teeth!
Better sleep
Misaligned teeth can cause nocturnal grinding, which can lead to broken sleep, headaches and migraines.
Straightening your teeth can alleviate those morning headaches, reduce the occurrence of migraines and will help you get a good night’s sleep!
Can I remove a rotten tooth myself? Reasons why home dentistry can be dangerous
In 2020, there have been many challenges to face in relation to everyday health due to COVID-19.
And, unsurprisingly, there has been a decrease in patients who are willing or able to visit their dental surgeries due to concerns over contracting coronavirus. Unfortunately, these difficult circumstances have led to a worsening of dental issues for many people and due to the lack of
dental surgeries that have been open, it has led to a rather startling trend.
There has been a surge in patients attempting to remove teeth and treat abscess at home, as opposed to seeking medical advice. While it can be advisable to treat a mild toothache at home with medication, anything more serious requires the input of a dental team.
And our dentist in St John’s Wood is here to help. At Aura Dental, we are proud of our emergency dental service and can offer patients who are experiencing dental pain, abscesses or any other uncomfortable conditions an appointment within 24 hours. This will leave you free of discomfort, and able to go about your day during these tough times.
But why should you avoid trying to perform dentistry at home? Our dentist in St John’s Wood answers that question below.
Bleeding
If you were to have an extraction in the dental chair, our dentist in St John’s Wood would be able to stem the bleeding.
However, the ‘tying a piece of string to a door and then slamming it’ idea for removing a rotten tooth may not only damage the tooth but can also lead to extensive bleeding. And as you will not be able to control this bleed, you should always see our team if you have a toothache.
Worsening of issue
Another advantage of visiting a dental professional is that they will undoubtedly be able to improve the issue. On the other hand, whichever issue you are trying to treat at home may be worsened, resulting in you visiting an emergency team anyway. Skip the discomfort, and come straight to us!
Infection
Dental infections can be serious and, as mentioned before, if you are trying to pull a tooth at home, you run the risk of introducing an infection.
If you are worried that you need an extraction, contact our team at Aura Dental for advice and an emergency appointment.
Lack of sterile equipment
Our team only uses sterilised equipment, which has had all of the bacteria removed chemically.
If you try to do any kind of complex dental care at home, your tools simply won’t cut it, regardless of how clean you may think they are.
As your safety is our priority, come to our team for any dental procedures in one of our clean, sterile treatment rooms.
Experience!
And finally, even if you are trained as a dental professional, you still should not try at-home dental care!
Lacking experience when trying to perform dental procedures is likely to cause a lot of secondary damage, so contact our team for an emergency appointment immediately.
Not sure how to manage your new Invisalign brace? Your top 5 FAQs answered by Aura Dental
When you are researching invisible braces online, it is easy to discover what they are used for, what they are made from and even the most affordable options.
But what is often overlooked is the day-to-day bits and pieces that many people, who are new to wearing braces, may be unfamiliar with.
While most adult orthodontic options are removable and offer more discretion than traditional metal braces, once they are in place, few people actually know how to care for them correctly. Traditional braces come with regular check-ups to assess straightening, hygienist appointments for cleaning, while offering the physical ability to see if there is an error with a bracket detaching. Not so with invisible braces!
So, when you choose Aura Dental to undertake your invisible braces, we will aim to provide you with as many day to day tips to make the transition into wearing the brace as comfortable as possible. Indeed, we are specialists when it comes to invisible braces like Invisalign in St John’s Wood and are happy and able to answer any questions that you may have about this brace.
But what are some of the day-to-day concerns that our patients have about Invisalign in St Johns Wood? Read on to find out.
Can I take them out whenever I want?
As tempting as it is to take this brace out, it is not advisable.
Of course, you can remove it to eat food, drink tea or brush your teeth but apart from that, you should aim to keep it in for 20-22 hours each day, or as often as our dentist recommends.
To fully see the benefits of Invisalign in St Johns Wood, it may be initially advisable to keep the brace in your mouth except for when it is absolutely necessary.
They look stained; how can I clean them?
These clear braces are quite easy to clean; simply run them under a lukewarm tap to remove any surface stains.
If that doesn’t work, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to gently clean the area. Do not use hot water or mouthwash, as these can damage the plastic.
How long will I need to wear each aligner for?
This depends on how many aligners you have, the severity of your misalignment and how often our dentist recommends changing the aligners. You should expect to change the trays every 2 weeks but talk to our team for more personalised advice.
My tongue is sore- is it related to the brace?
If you are new to wearing this brace, you may develop some sore spots around your mouth.
Ask our team for some dental wax to soften the harsh edges of the aligner until they naturally soften.
When will I start to see results?
Again, this will vary. Many of our patients see a change in their dental alignment within the first 2 weeks of wearing invisible braces. If you have concerns about lack of movement, talk to our team.
How can a dentist prevent migraine headaches? A brief guide from Aura Dental
A condition that affects up to 1 million people per year in the UK, migraine headaches are anything but a minor health concern.
Characterised by visual auras, feelings of nausea followed by an intense headache, this neurological condition can be devastating to functioning adults. While there are many underlying causes associated with migraines such as low serotonin levels, mental health concerns and even genetic components, there are many environmental factors which can cause them to occur more frequently.
Why are migraines being discussed in a dental article? Because one of the leading causes of recurrent migraines is dental issues.
If you frequently suffer from migraine headaches with little to no relief from medication provided by your doctor, come and see our dentist in St Johns Wood for an assessment. We will examine whether your migraines are caused or exacerbated by your teeth and will offer you a solution, if we determine a link between the two. Perfect!
But what are some of the dental issues that can lead to migraines or even tension headaches? Read on to find out.
Grinding
Usually occurring at night, grinding typically occurs when there is a misalignment of the molars.
As you sleep, your jaw muscles relax and the lower jaw can fall back. If your teeth are not correctly aligned, this can cause you to grind your teeth together.
After a night of this, you may wake up with a stiff neck and shoulders which can cause a migraine to develop. If you regularly experience headaches in the morning, talk to our dentist in St Johns Wood about having a nightguard fitted in order to eliminate grinding.
Occlusion
Similar to grinding, occlusion occurs when your teeth do not ‘sit’ correctly when your mouth is closed.
This can lead to abnormal muscle movements when you are eating food or talking. Like grinding, this can cause your muscles to pull and become sore, putting you at a higher risk of developing a migraine. If you think you have an occlusion issue, contact our dentist in St Johns Wood to discuss potential orthodontic treatments.
Temporomandibular joint disorder
A disorder that impacts on the movement of muscles in your jaw, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) has been linked to recurrent migraines.
Our team at Aura Dental will assess the severity of TMJ by feeling the muscles in your jaw as you open and close your mouth. Depending on the severity, we may recommend exercises to relax the tense muscles or we may even suggest visiting a physical therapist.
Missing teeth
If you have recently had an extraction and are now experiencing migraines, this is once again caused by an issue with your bite alignment.
We can treat this by fitting a prosthetic such as a bridge, partial denture or dental implant.
Decay
Technically, this is known as referred pain.
If you have untreated tooth decay, this can cause pain to occur in your ears, head or neck. If you haven’t had a check-up in a while, contact our team for one today.