Using Porcelain Veneers and Crowns to Improve Your Smile

Porcelain crowns and veneers are a great way to enhance and perfect your smile. Ideally they should look so good that no one need to know you have any work done, just that your teeth have improved in some way. The modern restorative techniques used and get cosmetic dentistry in Leeds City Dentalcare can produce really good aesthetic results as today’s porcelains are able to mimic the natural tooth structure better than ever before. Dental crowns and veneers are two different techniques, and each is used for a particular situation.

Veneers

Dental veneers are very thin pieces of ceramic material that are fabricated to replace the tooth enamel. They are bonded onto the outer surface of the tooth and usually only replace the front or biting surface of the tooth. Veneers are not designed to cover the entire tooth. Most veneers are at least 0.5 mm thick, so it’s usually necessary for Dr David Brown or another of our dentists in Leeds to remove this amount of tooth material from your natural teeth. This is necessary as otherwise you’ll end up with a bulky looking veneer that won’t look natural.

Veneers can be used for a number of different situations and can cosmetically improve the appearance of teeth in a number of different ways. They can hide imperfections or stains that cannot be lifted by tooth whitening; they can change the colour of the tooth or even the contour or shape of the tooth. They are great for anyone whose teeth are slightly rotated or out of alignment and who doesn’t want to undergo orthodontic treatment to correct them. Alternatively they can be used after braces, and can add the finishing touch to a newly straightened smile.

Once they are bonded onto the tooth they provide a reasonably strong restoration, although they still need to be treated with the same sort of care you give to your natural teeth. Veneers generally last up to 10 years or even longer, provided of course that they are looked after properly. One thing to bear in mind about having your teeth veneered is that you cannot go back, and these teeth will always need veneering.

Crowns

Crowns are sometimes called caps and are designed to fit over the entire tooth. They replace much of the natural tooth structure right down to the gum level, fitting securely around the margin of the natural tooth so bacteria are unable to penetrate. Crowns are usually used to restore teeth that have large areas of decay that cannot be replaced by fillings or inlays, or teeth that have been damaged due to some sort of trauma.

Whereas the veneers are generally used for cosmetic purposes, crowns are far more restorative but can still create a cosmetic effect. The overall look of teeth can be improved with dental crowns, especially if the natural teeth were substantially worn down through tooth grinding or bruxism, or if they had suffered substantial amounts of enamel erosion.

When the tooth is crowned a considerable amount of tooth material needs to be removed to create sufficient room for the dental crown. The crown can be made to look substantially different from the natural tooth that is being restored. This can be great if crowns are being used to replace teeth that were previously rotated or which were a less-than-perfect shape or size.

Crowns and be used to cover up natural teeth, or they can be attached to dental implants whereas dental veneers can only be used to cover natural teeth. Leeds City Dentalcare can provide patients with all-ceramic crowns that don’t contain any metal, and which look wonderfully natural. Our dentist in Leeds can also place dental implants.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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What Are the Key Factors for Having a Successful Dental Implant?

Dental implant surgery is becoming far more commonplace and is regarded by many as being the gold standard for tooth replacement. When the procedure is properly carried out at a reputable dental surgery such as Leeds City Dental care, then the success rate is extremely high, typically 95% or even a little more. However there are certain factors that can influence whether or not a dental implant is successful and while some of these are down to your dentist in Leeds, others are the responsibility of the patient.

Proper Planning Is Essential

A conventional dental implant in Leeds needs to be surrounded by 2 to 3 mm of healthy bone. This is essential for a process called osseo integration to take place which is where the specially treated implant post will integrate with the surrounding bone, and new bone cells are encouraged to grow on and around the post. If there is insufficient bone then it might be necessary to have a bone augmentation or graft to create sufficient volume at the implant site.

Correct placement of the implant will allow it to function exactly like a natural tooth, and will ensure it looks completely natural. Without proper planning there is always the chance that the implant might be placed in the incorrect position, and this can affect the way it functions, and could make it awkward for a crown to be fabricated so it blends in with the surrounding teeth.

Good Oral and General Health Are Extremely Important

It’s extremely important that you are in good oral health and that you don’t have any existing dental issues that may affect your implant. Diseases such as gum disease and tooth decay must be treated before the implant can be placed. Being in good general health will help your implant to heal more quickly, ensuring the surgery is a success. Being in poor health means your body will lack nutrients that are essential to help healing.

If you smoke then it’s important to quit before surgery, and to refrain from smoking while your implant is healing, or preferably just to quit altogether. Smoking affects your gums and makes it much harder for them to heal through constricting the blood vessels in the gums. This prevents essential nutrients from reaching the gums, and slows down the removal of harmful toxins.

Care for Your Dental Implant

Your dental implant needs caring for in exactly the same way you would your natural teeth. It’s very important to floss thoroughly around the implant and to keep it as free as possible from plaque and calculus. You can still get gum disease around the site of an implant, and this will affect the bone levels and could lead to implant failure. This condition is called peri-implantitis and signs of this disease include noticing the gums around your implant bleed when brushed, or that there is a discharge from the gum, or that you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you notice any of these signs then it’s important to contact Dr David Brown or any of the dentists at Leeds City Dental care for advice and swift treatment.

You can help avoid this condition from developing through making sure you brush and floss thoroughly each day and by attending our Leeds surgery at regular intervals for check-ups and professional cleanings. Many people have had successful dental implants; with care they should last a very long time, and you won’t even know they’re there.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Replacing an Extracted Tooth

If you have recently had a tooth extracted by a dentist in Leeds then you’re probably contemplating the best way to replace it. It is important to replace an extracted tooth as otherwise the teeth adjacent and opposing the missing tooth will begin to move and shift out of position. This can create problems with your bite, and could lead to spaces forming in between other teeth. There are several different options for replacing missing teeth and these include:

Partial Denture

A partial denture is the most cost-effective way of replacing a missing tooth and is a removable appliance that will need to be cleaned thoroughly each day. It consists of a pink acrylic base that has the replacement teeth attached, and is held in place with clasps that fit around the remaining teeth. Partial dentures need replacing every 3 to 6 years. Many people will find partial dentures perfectly comfortable to wear, but some people do have problems. Another thing to consider about having a partial denture is that the metal clasps may require healthy teeth to be modified in order to provide sufficient retention to hold the partial denture firmly in place.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is fixed permanently in position and is attached to the adjacent teeth. There are several types of bridges that can be used. A conventional fixed bridge will be supported by two crowns attached to the adjacent teeth either side of the gap which are then attached to the replacement tooth, providing a stable and long-lasting restoration. Sometimes a cantilever bridge may be used which is where just a single tooth that has been crowned is used to support the replacement tooth.

The third alternative is called a Maryland bridge and is an adhesive or sticky bridge that has one or two wings that are bonded to the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. This last option is the most conservative as it requires little if any healthy tooth structure to be removed, but it’s also the least stable as Maryland bridges are not really designed to withstand any substantial biting forces.

Bridges are easy to care for and can look extremely good. One of the major disadvantages of having a bridge is that it does require healthy teeth to be crowned, and these teeth will need to be ground down to create sufficient room. A well cared for bridge can last for up to 10 years.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is considered by many people to be the best way of replacing a missing tooth which is partially due to the way it replicates the natural tooth root, and partially due to the excellent aesthetic results that can be provided. A dental implant will help keep the remaining teeth in their correct positions and will help ensure they remain more stable as it prevents bone loss in the jawbone. However this treatment does require a surgical procedure to insert the post into the jawbone, and the treatment time can be a little longer than having a partial denture or a bridge fitted. It’s worth taking into account the potential longevity of a dental implant, as it should last a very long time provided it’s looked after correctly with good home care and regular check-ups at Leeds City Dentalcare.

The treatment isn’t for everyone, as it is necessary not to have any uncontrolled diseases such as diabetes, to be a non-smoker, and to be in good oral health as otherwise there is the risk the implant could fail. It’s well worth making an appointment with Leeds City Dentalcare to discuss all these options with Dr David Brown to discover which would be best for you.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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When is it Necessary to Extract a Tooth?

All the dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare will do their best to help your natural teeth last as long as possible, but sometimes the tooth may be too badly damaged or infected to save. In this case extraction may be the only possible choice, and will be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.

Infected Teeth

A tooth can become infected if the pulp or central part of the tooth is exposed to bacteria through decay or damage. If not treated soon enough then the infection can spread out through the roots of the tooth and into the surrounding tissue and bone. This can cause a dental abscess, and is something that can be extremely painful. Infected teeth can often be saved through having prompt treatment, usually root canal therapy. This is a very conservative treatment and is usually successful, but occasionally it may fail or the tooth might fracture leaving little option but to extract it.

Problems with Wisdom Teeth

Tooth extraction may also be required if you have problems with your wisdom teeth. Many people simply don’t have sufficient room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to erupt normally, and they can often become impacted. If you are a regular patient at our Leeds surgery then Dr David Brown or whoever you see will have been keeping an eye on your wisdom teeth. They will let you know if your wisdom teeth require extraction. This wait-and-see approach ensures they will be extracted before they can affect the adjacent teeth. If you haven’t visited a dentist for a while, and think your wisdom teeth may be causing you problems then it’s best to make an appointment with our Leeds surgery.

What Happens during a Tooth Extraction?

You will be given a local anaesthetic before your tooth is removed to ensure you are kept comfortable. A diseased or damaged tooth is often loose and requires very little force to remove. Once the tooth is removed then the socket will bleed a little, and you’ll be given a gauze pad to bite down on to help stop the bleeding. After a short while a blood clot should begin to form in the socket, beginning the healing process.

Afterwards you may experience a little bit of discomfort, and it’s the best to avoid eating on that side of your mouth until the socket has settled down. You might notice a little swelling around the extraction site but this should soon subside. You still need to continue brushing your teeth but should avoid the extraction site for a day or two. You may want to use an antimicrobial mouthwash, or alternatively you could try rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water solution as this will help alleviate swelling and any pain.

Tooth extraction is far less scary than you might think, and most people have minimal discomfort afterwards. It is important to take care of the extraction site and to make sure it doesn’t get infected, or that you don’t dislodge the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket. Any problems are rare, but if you notice the extraction site is becoming more painful a few days after the tooth was removed then it’s best to contact a dentist in Leeds for advice. Very occasionally a condition called dry socket may develop which will require additional treatment.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Are You More at Risk of Tooth Decay?

Everyone’s risk of developing tooth decay will be slightly different and can depend on a number of factors. If you’re already a regular patient at Leeds City Dental care then it is likely to be something that Dr David Brown or another of our dentists has already identified and discussed with you. There are various signs they will be looking out for that may indicate you are at increased risk, and these include:

  • Having had a cavity within the last three years
  • Having decay that is visible to the naked eye
  • Having decay that can only be detected through dental x-rays
  • Having early signs of lesions in the contact areas between your teeth

Risk Factors associated with Tooth Decay

There are also quite a few risk factors associated with tooth decay. One is having visible signs of dental plaque. This is a biofilm that forms over the surface of the teeth, especially when they haven’t been cleaned properly for a while. If there’s sufficient plaque to be visible then it’s present in a large quantity, and as plaque bacteria produce acid, the mouth will be more acidic and more at risk of tooth decay as the acid attack the tooth enamel, softening it and making it more vulnerable.

Another well-known risk factor is having a dry mouth that is caused by inadequate saliva flow. Saliva is extremely helpful in helping to protect the teeth against tooth decay as it has the ability to neutralise acids and helps to wash away plaque bacteria and particles of leftover food. It’s something that can be caused by medications, or it may be due to another disease such as diabetes.

People who like to snack frequently, especially on acidic foods or foods that are high in sugars or refined carbohydrates are more at risk of tooth decay. This is because constant snacking lowers the pH levels in the mouth. This is due to the acids produced by plaque bacteria that use leftover food as an energy source.

Wearing dental appliances increases the risk of tooth decay as these devices tend to restrict the flow of saliva, hindering its ability to wash away food and plaque. Dental appliances can easily trap plaque and food debris.

Having deep pits and fissures in the chewing surfaces of your back teeth will also increase the risk of decay. This is one reason why Leeds City Dentalcare recommends that teenagers have their adult back teeth protected with dental sealants as soon as they erupt. Some of these fissures and grooves can be extremely deep and very difficult to clean.

Additional risk factors can include having anorexia or bulimia or having acid reflux, as all these conditions can increase acidity in the mouth.

Restoring the Odds in Your Favour

If you are at increased risk of tooth decay then there are lots of things you can do to help decrease the chances of cavities. Regular dental care and cosmetic dentistry in Leeds surgery is essential, as are professional teeth cleanings. These help to remove hardened plaque bacteria from your teeth so they cannot continue creating acidic conditions in your mouth. Regular dental care at home is also very important. Making sure you brush your teeth diligently and that you floss in between each tooth will help considerably, as the contact areas in between the teeth are particularly prone towards decay. Our dentist in Leeds will recommend additional fluoride treatments if necessary as these can help to harden the tooth enamel.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Is it Worth Using a Tongue Cleaner for Fresher Breath?

Most people are concerned about having bad breath, and tongue cleaners are marketed as a way of helping to freshen up breath through removing excess debris and bacteria that can build up on the tongue. But are they really necessary? Apparently some dental experts think they’re not, and are not convinced that using one will help improve breath.

What Is the Theory behind Using a Tongue Cleaner?

The tongue does have lots of tiny little ridges and bumps which can create the ideal environment for bacteria and leftover particles of food. Tongue cleaners are small plastic devices that can be dragged gently across the surface of the tongue to help remove much of this debris. However the same effects may be achieved through using a toothbrush once you have finished brushing your teeth. It is something that is down to personal preference, and using a tongue cleaner or scraper will not do any harm, provided of course you don’t use it too roughly, and may help your tongue look less furry. So what can you do if you think you may have bad breath?

If You Are Concerned About Bad Breath Then Visit Your Dentist in Leeds

If you are concerned your breath may be less than fresh then you may be overdue for a check-up, and it’s worth booking an appointment with our dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare to find out if your halitosis is due to a dental problem. There are a number of different things that can cause bad breath.

The most common reason is simply down to something you have eaten, and if this is the case then your bad breath will be fairly temporary. When you eat certain foods than they are absorbed into your bloodstream and are eventually exhaled through the lungs, causing halitosis. In this case there is simply nothing else to do but to wait it out and try to mask the effects through using sugar-free mints and chewing gum.

Bad breath can also be caused by poor oral hygiene. Failure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day will allow bacteria to congregate around your teeth and gums, and on your tongue. Small particles of food will remain trapped in between your teeth and will gradually begin to rot, and when combined with the bacteria will create sulphurous compounds that really don’t smell too good.

If your halitosis is caused by simple inattention to hygiene than it’s worth taking action to put it right. Having your teeth professionally cleaned at our cosmetic dentistry Leeds will help remove much of the bacteria, providing the foundation for good oral care at home. If you already brush your teeth regularly then ask our dental team or Dr David Brown for tips and advice on how to improve your technique. It’s all too easy to become complacent when you brush your teeth, and to miss out areas allowing the bacteria to begin building up. We know a lot of our patients hate flossing, but we can show you different ways to floss, or can advise you on different tools to try.

Failure to improve your oral health will put you at risk of developing far more serious conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay. It’s far easier and cheaper to look after the teeth you have than to have to pay to replace them.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Is it Necessary to Use Mouthwash?

Adverts for mouthwash are everywhere, promising fresher breath and a healthier smile. But do you really need to use mouthwash after brushing your teeth thoroughly or is it all simply hype? A recent ad for a famous brand of mouthwash was condemned by the Advertising Standards Agency for making a claim that could be considered misleading as the company involved couldn’t substantiate the claims made. However a recent clinical study found that mouthwash might slightly reduce the risk of developing gum disease, but dental experts are quite sceptical and think using mouthwash regularly will only reduce the risk of developing oral diseases by a very small amount, and that the most important thing is to brush twice a day and to floss once a day. Using mouthwash could also create complacency, as some people may believe that it is a replacement for brushing.

It is true that using mouthwash can help freshen up your breath, but the effects will only be temporary and could be helping to mask some underlying problem. Bad breath can be caused by dental decay or gum disease in Leeds so if you think you may be offending others then it’s probably time to make an appointment for a check-up at our Leeds surgery. Bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene, as failing to brush and floss thoroughly will allow small particles of food remaining in your mouth to gradually rot and decay, causing noxious odours. Occasionally halitosis may be due to some other medical reason, so it is important to visit dentist in Leeds to rule out any dental related cause.

Sometimes It May Be Beneficial to Use Mouthwash

If Dr David Brown or any of the dentists here at Leeds City Dentalcare believe you may benefit from using the mouthwash then we will definitely tell you. There are times when using a mouthwash may be beneficial, such as after oral surgery or if you are currently undergoing treatment for gum disease or other dental diseases. In this case we will probably recommend you use a good-quality antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash. It may also be beneficial to use a mouthwash containing fluoride if your teeth are particularly prone towards dental erosion. If you have any other diseases such as dry mouth then using mouthwash could make it more comfortable.

Mouthwash Isn’t a Modern Invention

Apparently we have been worrying about having bad breath for many years, as people have made rinses from a number of different substances including betel leaves and even from myrrh that has been rather unappealingly dissolved in white wine. In the 19th century the surgeon Sir Joseph Lister invented his famous mouthwash that was originally developed as an antiseptic for use during surgery.

Modern mouthwashes can contain a number of different ingredients, and most contain alcohol and artificial colourings and sweeteners. If you do want to use a mouthwash then it’s worth looking out for one that is alcohol free, especially if you have young children who could inadvertently think it’s something nice to drink. It’s also important to follow the instructions on the bottle and to refrain from swallowing it.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Diabetics More At Risk of Tooth Loss

The latest statistics show that three million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, and this equates to 4.6% of the population. There is no doubt that it is a serious condition that can affect the whole body. It is also well-known for its negative impact on oral health, and a recent US study has found that the rate of tooth loss is greater in people with diabetes. The results of the study showed that diabetics were twice as likely to lose all of their teeth compared to those without the condition. Some 28% of diabetics had lost all their teeth compared to 14% of people without diabetes.

Tooth loss can be a real problem for older people, and is frequently down to long-term gum disease and untreated tooth decay. These conditions can affect anyone, but the study found that diabetics who had lost some of their teeth had lost an average of ten, compared to non-diabetics who had lost an average of seven. So what can you do if you have diabetes? Does it automatically mean you will go on to lose all your teeth?

Ask Leeds City Dentalcare for Help and Advice

Living with diabetes does mean you need to take more care with your dental health, and Dr David Brown, or any of the dental staff at Leeds City Dentalcare will be more than willing to help and to offer advice on the best way to do this based on your personal situation and your current level of dental health.

Gum disease can be a particular problem, but preventative dental care can do a lot to help. You may need to come and see us more often for check-ups, and we may well recommend you visit the hygienist more frequently for a scale and polish. These are great preventative measures that will enable us to detect any sings of gum disease or tooth decay early on, when treatment can be far more effective and less invasive. If we do see any signs that you may be developing gum disease then we can act quickly to hopefully cure it or at least hold in in check.

Why is it Important to Avoid Gum Disease

Gum disease is the main reason teeth are lost, so avoiding this condition is important for everyone, but particularly for diabetics. There has been a lot of research into the connection between the two diseases, and although it isn’t fully understood just yet, it is thought to be due to the fact that both are inflammatory conditions.

Gum disease in Leeds creates inflammation in the gum tissues, which in turn causes the gums to begin bleeding, something that allows bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream the bacteria are able to create new sites of inflammation in the blood vessels that it is thought makes it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to higher levels of glucose in the saliva, which in turn provides food for the bacteria present in the mouth, allowing them to thrive and increasing the risk of infection and inflammation in the gum tissues. In addition diabetics are less able to heal, so it can be more difficult to treat gum disease effectively.

It is not really known if having gum disease increases the risk of diabetes, or vice versa, but it is clear that having good dental health is important for everyone, but especially for diabetics. If you are diabetic, or are at risk of developing diabetes then it is worth talking to dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare so we can put an appropriate treatment plan in place.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Common Myths about Dental Health

There are some interesting myths about dental care flying around, and we definitely hear about quite a few here at Leeds City Dentalcare so we just thought we put the record straight on a few of them.

White Teeth Are Healthier Than Discoloured Teeth

One really common myth is that white teeth are healthier than teeth that look yellow or discoloured. In fact tooth colour has nothing to do with their health, and teeth that are naturally yellow can be healthier than teeth that look naturally white. It’s all down to how well you look after your teeth, as regular dental care through check-ups with Dr David Brown or another of our dentists, combined with regular visits to our hygienist are essential. It’s also important to brush your teeth twice a day and to floss once a day.

Even so teeth naturally darken as you age, and although avoiding certain foods and drinks that are particularly highly coloured such as tea, coffee and red wine and curries or tomato-based sauces will help keep them whiter for longer, you may find you have perfectly healthy teeth that are darker than you’d like. Luckily a healthy mouth is likely to be the perfect candidate for teeth whitening, so if you’d prefer your teeth look whiter then why not ask Leeds City Dentalcare if this treatment will work well for you?

Avoiding Sweets, Cakes and Fizzy Drinks and Chocolate Will Keep My Teeth Healthy

While it’s true that these foods can be high in sugar, and if eaten in excess will be bad for your teeth and general health, there are also lots of other foods that are regarded as being healthy that can cause tooth decay. For instance dried fruit is considered to be very healthy, but it can be pretty high in sugar, and even worse has a tendency to stick to your teeth increasing the damage. Foods such as fruit juice and honey are high in natural sugars, and fruit juice can be quite acidic and may contribute towards tooth erosion. If you do want to enjoy any of these foods then it’s best to limit the amount you eat, to consume them as part of a meal and to make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day to remove any pieces that may be stuck in between your teeth.

There’s No Need to Brush Milk Teeth

Milk teeth may be replaced within a few short years but is still essential to look after them properly and to make sure they are brushed twice a day and flossed once a day. Milk teeth have several important functions as they help children learn to speak clearly and properly, and to eat a varied diet. They also ensure the adult teeth come through in the correct position so it’s important they aren’t lost too early. Getting children into the habit of cleaning their teeth properly early on in life will help set them on the path to look after their adult teeth properly, something that is vital if they are to enjoy lifelong oral health.

These are just a few of the common myths surrounding dental care. If you are ever unsure of any facts about oral health then please do ask our dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare for advice. No question is too small or too trivial!

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Could You Perfect Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers?

Dentistry has made huge advancements during the past few years, especially in the materials used and this has benefited certain dental treatments, in particular dental veneers. Veneers are able to improve the look of your teeth in several different ways.

Shade

They are often used to improve the colour or shade of teeth, and are something that Leeds City Dentalcare may recommend if your teeth are intrinsically or internally stained in a way that cannot be improved through having teeth whitening. This is something that can happen through over-exposure to fluoride prior to the age of seven when teeth are still developing, or it can be due to certain antibiotics such as tetracycline. They are also a good treatment for teeth that have become discoloured due to root canal treatment, as even though this is an extremely good way of preserving the tooth it can sometimes cause the tooth to darken,

Shape

Your teeth can change shape over the years and may become more worn along the biting edges, or perhaps you’ve never liked their shape and would like your smile to be redesigned. This is something that can be done by Dr David Brown or any of the dentists here at our Leeds surgery. A properly designed smile can make your teeth look more youthful while still maintaining your individuality. For instance smile design takes into account a number of different factors such as the shape of your face, your gender and your skin tone. Your smile is unique to you and that’s something that we always look to preserve even if it is significantly improved.

Size

It might be that your teeth are the wrong size as quite a few people have teeth that are simply too small for their smile. Some people have also lost tooth structure due to trauma, causing small chips or cracks that may be able to be repaired with veneers. This is a more conservative treatment than opting for crowns in Leeds as it helps to preserve the maximum amount of tooth structure, but this may not always be possible if your tooth has a significant amount of damage. Your dentist is the best person to advise you as to which treatment would be most beneficial.

Spaces and Alignment

Dental veneers can also be used to close up or to minimise gaps in between teeth, and are a really good way of correcting teeth that may only be a little bit crooked. While it is possible to correct minor cases of misalignment through having orthodontic treatment it may not always be worth the trouble, especially when dental veneers can correct the colour, shape and size at the same time. Our dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare would always recommend the course of treatment they feel best for your dental needs, so if they think you would benefit from orthodontic treatment as opposed to just using dental veneers then they’ll definitely tell you as your dental health is always the top priority.

As we mentioned earlier, the choice of materials available for dental veneers has changed and improved tremendously in the past few years. Even just a few years ago dental veneers only used to be made out of a type of material called feldspathic porcelain. This is powdered porcelain that is mixed up with a special liquid and which is built up in tiny increments to create the final veneer. The final result is a very beautiful veneer and it’s still a technique that is used today. However many veneers are now pressed or milled from a single block of ceramic material in a process that frequently involves CAD/CAM technology. These veneers are constructed to be very thin, and are still covered with traditional feldspathic porcelain to give lifelike restorations that are extremely strong.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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