White fillings
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental conditions, it is probably the dental condition most people associate with dentistry. Tooth decay is caused by a combination of factors. Certain microbes in the oral cavity use the sugar left in our mouths from meals to feed on and make their own energy and metabolites. As an end product of this process they secrete organic acids, which can damage the calcium content of the teeth due to entering into a chemical reaction with the calcium phosphate found in the teeth. While this is not a problem under healthy circumstances, in the case of poor oral hygiene this can lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay is treated by using fillings. There are numerous materials that can be used for fillings. Formerly, the most common materials were amalgams, however due to aesthetic and health issues these are increasingly replaced by white fillings. If you would like a dentist in Stevenage to provide you with white fillings, this is a simple procedure which will leave you with a pleasing, subtle finish.
Teeth whitening
The teeth are exposed to a diverse array of chemical and physical factors on a daily basis. This may lead to the eventual formation of stains, also known as tooth discolouration, which results in the loss of the youthful whiteness of the teeth. There are two main types of stains: extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains include every factor resulting in tooth discolouration, which reaches the body from the outside world. This includes for example smoking, or excessive coffee or tea consumption. The aforementioned beverages contain large amounts of a group of chemicals called tannins, which can contribute to the formation of tooth stains. Other extrinsic factors include bacterial plaque, and stains caused by mouthwashes. Even some antibiotic drugs are capable of causing tooth stains. Intrinsic factors include diseases, and even healthy ageing, meaning that processes in the body result in the discolouration of the teeth. Tooth discolouration is treated by teeth whitening. There are numerous different teeth whitening treatments on the market, which suit people’s differing individual needs. Some are performed at home with custom made bleaching trays, while some are performed in about an hour in the clinic. If you would like a dentist to provide you with teeth whitening treatments, contact them for more information on the different methods they can use.
Teeth straightening
The term orthodontics refers to a special type of dentistry, which is involved in the treatment and diagnosis of misaligned teeth, but also in some cases jaws. The main way of treating orthodontic conditions is by the use of braces. Metal braces with brackets were developed in the 1970s, with the introduction of dental adhesives. Ever since then, they have been a cost effective and broadly usable treatment option for orthodontists. Today there are numerous alternatives available, which aim at reducing the visibility, the metallic aftertaste and the discomfort associated with metal braces by some patients. These alternatives include lingual braces, invisible aligners such as Invisalign and invisible braces, which look similar to metal braces, but are made out of transparent and tooth coloured materials. If you are interested in getting your teeth straightened there are a myriad of different appliances available to you and your dentist will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your situation.
